Biodiversity
Biodiversity
VERBUND makes its contribution to environmental protection and takes measures to preserve and promote biodiversity.
The measures range from the renaturalisation of green spaces and river sections to the creation and maintenance of near-natural structures such as hedges or deadwood elements, as well as combating neophytes and promoting flower strips.
All of these measures and actions are based on common principles that have been summarised in the VERBUND biodiversity strategy. The biodiversity strategy comprises internal specifications, the mapping of the most important principles and practices according to which we plan and implement projects and measures with an impact on ecology. The key points are based on the biodiversity mitigation hierarchy with the stages of avoidance, minimisation, restoration and compensation of residual impacts. In addition to the mitigation hierarchy, we also consider our environmental impact, take scientific findings into account and implement nature-based solutions.
Environmental protection and nature conservation at VERBUND
VERBUND is actively committed to environmental protection and the promotion of biodiversity. A key objective is to restore the continuity of large rivers in accordance with the European Water Framework Directive. To this end, we are creating near-natural backwaters and fish migration aids that benefit not only fish, but all organisms in the aquatic habitat. Through targeted structuring measures, such as shallow water areas and additional side arms, we promote biodiversity and offer refuges for rare plants and animals.
Experts regularly carry out ornithological monitoring at our wind farms to analyse the impact on different bird species. Bird protection measures are implemented along power lines and species protection projects support endangered bird species such as the great bustard and saker falcon. Biotope conservation projects promote habitats in forests that provide refuges for numerous animal species and rare plants. In agricultural areas, we design areas under the masts so that they can serve as refuges for plants and animals.
