It will soon be possible to follow the movements of storks nesting in Ukraine online. DTEK has decided to fit the birds with trackers so that scientists can analyse their migration routes and use this data in biodiversity conservation efforts.
The energy company announced this environmental initiative.
As part of the ‘Stork Track’ initiative, special sensors have already been fitted to ten young birds. This will make it possible to track their migration to warmer climes. Their journey can be followed on an interactive map, which will go live in the second half of August.
The company says this will benefit more than just scientific research. The practical benefit of the initiative lies in the migration data, which must be taken into account when modernising and developing energy infrastructure to make it safer for nature.
“It is important for us that modern energy systems develop in harmony with nature. For many years, we have systematically worked on the protection of storks, and the new project will allow us to take another step forward – to help science gain new knowledge and use it to preserve biodiversity and develop the energy infrastructure with consideration for the needs of wildlife,” said DTEK Networks CEO Alina Bondarenko.
DTEK emphasized that for implementation of the “Stork Tracker” project, the company utilized its many years of experience in protecting birds. For over 10 years, DTEK has implemented the “Lelechenky” initiative, which involves installing special platforms on power poles to make nests safer for birds. Currently, more than 900 such platforms have been installed, which, according to environmentalists, help protect around 3,600 white storks annually.
EcoPolitic previously reported on how the war affects the birdlife of Ukraine.