Governments, power companies, financial institutions and other stakeholders must ensure that existing and planned infrastructure which is harmful to birds is identified and is subject to urgent remediation.
How to prevent avian electrocution
Learn about mitigation of existing power infrastructure
Quick Guidance for Preventing Electrocution Impacts on Birds
The Convention of the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) passed a resolution on the electrocution of migratory birds in 2002, and in 2004 the EU Bern Convention produced recommendations on minimizing the adverse effects of power lines on birds.
A regional initiative in the Rift Valley-Red Sea flyway to assist in the implementation of guidelines relating to bird electrocution is incorporated within the UNDP/GEF Migratory Soaring Birds Project led by BirdLife International.
There are a number of countries around the world where this problem is being addressed effectively.
In the USA, the Avian Power Line Interaction Committee (APLIC) includes over 50 electric utilities and has developed guidance documents identifying causes and minimization methods for avian electrocutions in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Procedures exist that can identify high-risk power lines and assist governments, power companies and other stakeholders in the prioritization of infrastructure requiring remediation.
In South Africa, the electricity supply utility Eskom has formed a partnership with one of the largest conservation NGOs in the country, the Endangered Wildlife Trust. There is an enthusiasm to assist falconers and provide advice on mitigation in response to electrocution incidents.