T1.1 Project management
The project manager has the important task of providing support in the work and exercising supervision and coordination of the work of all project partners. DOPPS as the project manager has the task of planning and organizing the work, financial and technical support and problem solving. Each project partner is responsible for selecting a project coordinator within its work team, who will be responsible for coordinating the work between all project partners with other coordinators, coordinating the work within the tasks of the project partner and reporting to the project manager.
T1.2 Partner meetings
During the project, regular meetings of representatives of all project partners are planned for a smooth, efficient and productive workflow and consequently the completion of project tasks. During the project, at least four live meetings will be held and at least twice a year, an online meeting will be held, and if necessary, the meetings will be held more often.
T1.3 Meetings with stakeholders
Every project year, DOPPSA will organize a meeting with all stakeholders. Stakeholders include various representatives of investors, energy associations, local political associations, hunting families and the free flight association. The meetings will present the progress of the project and resolve any complications in the implementation of the tasks.
T1.4 Planning After-LIFE Care
At the end of the project, we will prepare a “post-project conservation plan” (in Slovenian and English, in printed and electronic form). This document will outline the continuation and development of activities initiated within the project, and ensure long-term management of the areas even after its completion.
The plan will contain the main objectives, envisaged activities with a time and financial plan, priorities and responsible organisations. It will be prepared by DOPPS and reviewed by all other beneficiaries, and if necessary, key stakeholders and competent authorities involved in its implementation.
T2.1 Study of migration and ecological corridors and identification of sensitive areas
In this study, we will collect all available data on target species in the ecological corridor, develop a statistical model and use it to investigate additional areas with potential bottlenecks. The study will serve as a basis for task T3.2. The sensitivity map will also present the most important areas to be included in the ecological corridor, as well as areas with wind farms and recreational use.
The study will form the basis for further inclusion of these areas in management plans (T3.2.1) and for the regulation of recreational airspace use (T3.2.3), and will also be used in communication and awareness-raising activities within work packages 4 and 7. This knowledge is crucial, as many new wind farms are planned in this area, and at the same time, recreational airspace use (hang gliding, parachuting) has recently become very popular. The potential impacts of recreational aviation on migratory birds therefore need to be examined. The study will be carried out by DOPPS.
T2.2 Study of the conservation status of the griffon vulture and food availability
This study will serve as a preparation for the implementation of the task T3.2 – Conservation of the ecological corridor. Food shortage is one of the main threats to the target species – the griffon vulture. Therefore, we will collect available data for all SPAs in the project. The study will cover all key feeding locations for this species, the amounts of naturally available carrion and an assessment of toxicological risks (poisoning due to veterinary pharmaceuticals or intentional poisoning).
The results of the study will be particularly relevant for subtasks T3.2.4 and T3.2.5. The study will also answer the question of whether feeding grounds are necessary in this area or not.
T2.3 Guidelines for monitoring collisions and electrocution fatalities
A detailed monitoring manual will be prepared, containing standardized procedures for monitoring electrocution with drones and dogs, both methods being significantly more effective than human search. As some areas are difficult to access (e.g. where power lines cross rocky areas), which are also important nesting areas for the great horned owl, a combination of both methods is crucial.
The manual will specify sample size, equipment handling, field techniques, data collection and analysis. It will be used in task T5.1 and will be prepared by DOPPS in collaboration with the EP.
T2.4 Task preparation T3.1 Preventing death from electric shock
In this task, we will identify areas that stand out as existing or potential ecological sinks for the target species in the project. The collected data will be included in the spatial model, namely data on electrocutions that were recorded randomly and data collected by electricity distribution companies. Based on this model, we will determine areas where infrastructure renovation is needed. The plan will be used in tasks T3.1.1 and T3.1.2 It will be prepared by DOPPS in cooperation with EP.
T3.1 Prevention of deaths from electric shock and collisions with power lines
T3.1.1 Rehabilitation of power lines
In the areas of SPA Kras, SPA Vipavski rob, SPA Snežnik – Pivka and SPA Banjšice, 1000 medium-voltage poles will be equipped with plastic insulating caps, and an additional 150 in the area of SPA Ljubljansko barje. This will prevent electrocution of target bird species, especially nesting great horned owls and migratory griffon vultures and red-footed boobies. The installation will follow the prescribed procedures (planned power outages, etc.).
All installed insulators will be recorded in a GIS database. The task will be carried out in SPA Kras by the company EP, and in SPA Ljubljansko barje by external contractors. DOPPS will act as a consultant to help determine suitable areas for the installation of insulators, based on the results of task T2.4
T3.1.2 Development of a safe medium-voltage power line
A safe medium voltage pole will be developed as a prototype, with 10 such poles to be installed in SPA Kras (T3.1.2) by the company EP. The reasons for this are the same as in task T3.1.1.
The development of these newly designed poles represents a long-term solution to the problem of electrocution. The prototype will serve as a model that can be used at both the local and regional levels.
T3.1.3 Marking of high-voltage power lines at the Ljubljansko barje SPA
As part of task T3.1.3, the most sensitive part of the Ljubljana Marshes SPA area, where the great shrike (Numenius arquata) nests and red-legged partridges (Falco vespertinus) migrate, will be marked with special markings that will prevent bird collisions with power lines.
A total of 3 km of the section will be marked. The markings will be placed using a drone, allowing the transmission line to remain fully operational during installation.
The signs will be freely rotating and have reflective surfaces of different colors.
T3.1.4 Adoption of mandatory guidelines to prevent deaths from electric shock
The Electricity Distribution Association of Slovenia (GIZ) will issue mandatory technical guidelines for the insulation and construction of safe transmission lines. This task will ensure mandatory standardization of solutions to prevent bird electrocution.
The guidelines will include insulation types and standardized new poles. This will ensure consistent use of appropriate poles and insulation at both local and regional levels. The task will be carried out by EP in cooperation with DOPPS. This is a long-term solution to the problem at the national level, as all new electricity networks and all renewals of transmission lines will have to follow these guidelines. The average lifespan of transmission lines is estimated at around 30 years, so they are periodically renewed, which means that over time all infrastructure will be adapted to these standards.
T3.2 Nature conservation in the ecological corridor
T3.2.1 Management plans in the Škocjan Caves Park and Triglav National Park
The inclusion of the ecological corridor in Special Protection Areas (SPAs) will be included in the management plans of the nature parks – Škocjan Caves Park and Triglav National Park. This will enable the adoption of appropriate measures both within the core parts of the parks and in the areas of influence outside the parks.
In Triglav National Park, the action plan for visitor management will include the regulation of parachuting and other aerial sports, while the Program for the Protection and Development of the Škocjan Caves Park will take into account the protective role of the ecological corridor. The tasks will be carried out by DOPPS in cooperation with Triglav National Park and the Škocjan Caves Park.
T3.2.2 Inclusion of data on sensitive areas in the strategic renewable energy plan
The project results (improved sensitivity map of identified bottlenecks and migration corridors) will be integrated into the existing sensitivity study and technical documentation and included in the map in the form of a “single point of contact”. The point will include a map with the most comparable areas for renewable energy sources, which will enable assistance to interested parties in administrative and other procedures for the installation and operation of renewable energy production facilities. Spatial data will further promote careful planning, installation and use of renewable energy sources at the municipal and national levels.
The inclusion of this data will be carried out through cabinet work and lobbying by DOPPS.
T3.2.3 Agreement with ZPLS (Free Flight Association)
After the completion of task T2.1, which concerns the study of migration in the ecological corridor and the assessment of sensitive areas, a workshop and field visit to critical points will be organized in cooperation with ZPLS – the Association for Free Flying. The aim of this subtask will be to reach an agreement with ZPLS to exempt from recreational use of airspace areas where gliding and flying disturb bird nesting and migration. This subtask will be implemented by DOPPS.
T3.2.4 Environmental Impact Assessment Manual within the Corridor
Long-term effects should be taken into account in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of the Habitats Directive and relevant national legislation, but are rarely used in environmental impact assessments (EIAs). The Slovenian Institute for Nature Protection is prepared to use the EIA manual (one of the project outputs), which prescribes the inclusion of long-term effects on Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and target species of this project. This sub-task will be carried out by DOPPS and will also be used within the framework of task T3.2.1.
T3.2.5 Recommendations for management within Natura 2000 areas
Recommendations for a management plan for Natura 2000 sites will be prepared. These recommendations will include appropriate management methods and areas where various harmful activities are not permitted in the project SPAs. This sub-task will be carried out by DOPPS.
T3.2.6 International Coordination Committee
The Coordination Committee for the Conservation of the Ecological Corridor will be responsible for coordinating all conservation activities along the ecological corridor for migratory birds. This will include activities in Italy (Lago di Cornino Reserve), Slovenia and Croatia, including coordination with the new LIFE project SUPport in Croatia. The committee members will be one representative from each partner (DOPPS, ZRVSN, Učka Park, BIOM, Lago di Cornino, JU Priroda). The tasks of the committee are to monitor the works on the corridor during the project, exchange data, ideas and good practices, and prepare a report and proposals for further activities after the project is completed. The activities of the committee will be organized by DOPPS.
T3.3. Establishment of a landscape park
T3.3.1Preparation
The preparatory phase for the establishment of a nature park includes the preparation of an expert proposal for protection. According to the law, this task will be carried out by the Slovenian Institute for Nature Conservation.
T3.3.2 Establishin
The act establishing the new nature park will be prepared, presented and widely discussed in the local community (as foreseen in T4.2). The act will be adopted by the end of the project. The new regional/nature park will cover a minimum of 40 km² (4000 hectares). The exact size and organisation of the park will be determined during the preparatory phase; the park will be either a “landscape park” or a “regional park” according to the law.
T4.1 Communication with the general public and schools
The task includes disseminating information about the project and its achievements, as well as raising public awareness of the issues and solutions. For this purpose, several information boards, a project website and a telemetry portal will be set up. Ten articles about the project results will be published in national newspapers through the media, two television shows, two articles in regional newspapers and five radio interviews will also be conducted. DOPPS will organize five lectures for the general public and two research camps for young people. Four workshops and two field workshops for schools will be held in the Škocjan Caves Park, as well as 3 student field workshops. Promotional material will also be produced, such as posters, promotional videos, brochures, T-shirts, caps, notebooks and thematic issues of the Svet ptic magazine, Acrocephalus and the Škocjan Caves Park magazine. The project will also organize five great horned owl censuses for the general public, and two live cameras will be installed on great horned owl nests.
T4.2 Communication about the new landscape park
The Municipality of IB will prepare a communication plan, in which we will define the main principles of communication on nature conservation, target groups, key messages and the type and number of communication activities that we will carry out, especially with local stakeholders. We will develop the name and visual identity of the park. To improve the level of knowledge and awareness of the importance of habitat and species conservation (Natura 2000), we will organize and implement 15 events – workshops for the general public, stakeholders and students from seven primary schools and one secondary school in the municipality. The Municipality of IB will organize two 4-day camps for students and two 3-day camps for primary and secondary school students. We will invite students from various disciplines to the camps, as we expect them to bring additional suggestions for more effective achievement of nature conservation goals. We will equip four entry points to the new park, located on the southern edge of the protected area, which will contribute to greater visibility of the project, education, awareness-raising and recognition of concrete direct benefits of the project for the local community. A documentary film and several thematic videos will be shot to promote the park, brochures and leaflets will be produced. Five supplements will be published in the municipal newspaper, and a photographic exhibition of the area will be set up in the city of Ilirska Bistrica.
T4.3 Inter-project networking
The project includes two visits and exchange of experiences with similar LIFE projects, which will be implemented by all partners. We plan to visit the following projects:
LIFEwithVulturesCY project and LIFE SafeLines4Birds project.
T5.1 Monitoring electrocution mortality with drones and dogs
As part of this task, we plan to conduct extensive electrocution monitoring using thermal imaging drones and dogs in the Kras SPA. We will conduct monitoring before and after the installation of insulating caps on poles. This will allow us to monitor the effectiveness of the insulation. In addition, we will also conduct monitoring with dogs and compare the results of the monitoring with drones. At the end of this task, we will prepare a report with the estimated effect of the insulation. The monitoring will be carried out by DOPPS, with EP providing assistance.
T5.2 Bird censuses in the ecological corridor
We will conduct these surveys at three locations, for 40 days over three project years. Observations will be made by observing and analyzing audio recordings. This task will be carried out by DOPPS with the help of volunteers who will carry out most of the observations.
T5.3 Telemetry of the Great Horned Goshawk, Goshawk and Griffon Goshawk
As part of this task, we will equip 6 great horned owls, 2 skuas and 10 griffon vultures with telemetry trackers to monitor their movements along migration routes and in SPA areas. This will allow us to precisely determine the location of the ecological corridor and monitor the movements of these species within this corridor. The hunting of griffon vultures will take place in the Lago di Cornino area, where we will focus on individuals with Croatian rings, which are more frequent users of the corridor. We will use entry traps for hunting. We will use GPS-GSM devices with solar panels and a leg-mounted system for tracking. The hunting of great horned owls and griffon vultures will be carried out in the area where protections on power lines will be installed, as we want to monitor the effectiveness of these measures to reduce the risk on power lines. Bal-chatri nets will be used for hunting both species, and a GPS-VHF transmitter for owls. This task will be carried out by DOPPS.
T5.4 Presentation of key performance indicators (KPIs)
Dynamic forms will be filled out directly in the funding and procurement portal along with the rest of the application.
T6.1 Sustainability, replicability and application strategy
To maximize the impact of our project, ensure the wide use of the project results and ensure the acceptance of the developed solution, we will prepare a detailed strategy for replication and transfer. A plan for further insulation of medium voltage power lines, a plan for further activities in the ecological corridor and a public relations plan will be prepared. The strategy will be prepared by all partners and coordinated by DOPPS.
T6.2 Manual for establishing measures in Kvarner and Učka Gora in Croatia
As a follow-up measure, the manual will also be adapted for use in Croatia in the area of the migration corridor addressed by the project and will be translated into Croatian. A workshop with stakeholders from Croatia will be held before the manual is finalized. The workshop will involve the participation of JU Natura, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and Biom (BirdLife Croatia).
T6.3 Identification of sensitive areas in Kvarner and Učka Gora in Croatia
We will collect all available data on the species covered by the project in the wider ecological corridor in Kvarner and Učka in Croatia and prepare a statistical model. We will create a sensitivity map of the area, showing the areas used for the ecological corridor and the areas intended for wind farms and recreation, along with a detailed assessment of these areas. This data is needed as many new wind farms are planned in the area and recreational use of airspace has recently become very popular. The study will be carried out by DOPPS. Before finalizing the manual, a workshop with stakeholders from Croatia will be held, involving JU Natura, the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and Biom (BirdLife Croatia).
T7.1 Dissemination at professional nature conservation events
The project results will be presented at at least two international conferences in the field of nature conservation, for example the EBCC (European Bird Life Council) and the EOU (European Ornithological Union) conferences. Representatives of DOPPS and Škocjan Caves will visit the conferences.
T7.2 Regional Conference on Electric Shock
DOPPS will organize a conference to replicate the project results in the Alps-Adriatic-Balkans region, with the presence of at least 20 participants from at least 5 countries in the region, mainly from the energy sector. At the conference, we will present in particular the technological solution for pole insulation and innovative new poles and transformers, as well as their impact on biodiversity in the area and electricity transmission. We will also present the process of mapping sensitive areas for biodiversity in relation to wind farms. The conference will last three days, one day of which will be dedicated to field visits. We will also present monitoring results and other project results. Other participants will contribute with experiences from their countries. DOPPS will publish the conference proceedings in the scientific journal Acrocephalus for further dissemination. The conference will serve as a space for the exchange of ideas and, above all, for the application of the main project results in other countries.
T7.3 Scientific articles
From the collected data and the obtained results, we will prepare at least two additional scientific papers, which will serve as a tool for disseminating knowledge and project results to the wider scientific community and among readers of scientific papers. DOPPS will prepare a paper on electrocution monitoring methodology, which has not yet been thoroughly discussed in the scientific literature. Target journals for publication are technical journals for electricity distribution. The second paper will focus on ecological modelling and data on migration corridors and bottlenecks. Target journals for publication are nature conservation journals. These papers will be an important tool for disseminating project results, as scientific papers are often the primary source of ideas and concepts for new projects.
T7.4 Workshop for electricity distributors
To disseminate the results, the design of safe medium voltage power lines and the presentation of technical guidelines, and solutions for an ecological corridor in connection with wind energy, we will organize a one-day workshop, including a field trip to SPA Kras. The workshop will take place at the DOPPS premises in Koper. We will invite all 5 electricity distributors in Slovenia and a representative of GIZ. All project partners will also participate in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop is to disseminate the project results throughout the country. At the workshop, we will also discuss the use of the project results and distribute the results.
T7.5 Presentation of results at the electricity distributors conference
DOPPS and EP will present the key findings of the task, in particular the development of safe medium voltage power lines and technical guidelines, at a strategic conference organised by GIZ. We will also present the results of the sensitivity map in relation to wind energy. DOPPS will give one plenary lecture at the conference, which will be published in the conference proceedings.
T7.6 Workshop for Government Organizations
DOPPS will organize a workshop for government organizations on migration corridor protection, where the project results will be presented. The workshop will be held with participants from the Slovenian Institute for Nature Conservation, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Ministry of the Environment and Spatial Planning.
