Another important recognition of our initiatives to protect biodiversity and the natural environment comes with the inclusion of two Principia projects in a new European publication by WindEurope.
WindEurope has featured the Agios Kyrillos Wind Farm in Crete and the Kafireas Wind Cluster in Southern Evia in its “Wind Energy & Biodiversity – Best Practice Booklet”, which brings together selected best practices from across Europe and demonstrates how wind energy development can go hand in hand with the protection and enhancement of biodiversity.
Principia is the only Greek company featured in the publication, with two distinct initiatives linking the operation of renewable energy projects with targeted actions to protect and restore the natural environment..
Agios Kyrillos: Protecting Birdlife in Crete
At Agios Kyrillos in Crete, we have developed a comprehensive programme to protect birds of prey in the area. In collaboration with the Natural History Museum of Crete and the University of Crete, bird flights and movement patterns across the wider area were studied to gain a better understanding of their behaviour and implement appropriate protection measures.
As part of this initiative, a Feeding Station Operation and Monitoring Programme for Birds of Prey is being implemented in the Asterousia–Kofinas and Southeastern Psiloritis areas. The programme includes the supply and monitoring of two existing feeding stations located away from the area's wind farms. The initiative also helps address the reduced availability of food for birds of prey, partly associated with the gradual decline of extensive livestock farming. From early 2019 to October 2022, approximately 12 tonnes of food were provided through the feeding stations for birds of prey.
Kafireas: Reviving Kastanologgos in Southern Evia
At Kafireas, WindEurope highlights Principia's long-term initiative for the protection and restoration of Kastanologgos, located on the slopes of Mount Ochi in Southern Evia. Kastanologgos is a particularly important wild chestnut forest ecosystem, part of the Natura 2000 network, with trees up to 450 years old. Since 2018, we have invested more than €1.5 million in the restoration of 660,000 square metres of forest land, through a comprehensive project carried out under the guidance of the local Forestry Authority and in cooperation with local authorities..
To restore the ecosystem, local seeds were collected and cultivated in a dedicated nursery, producing 30,000 new wild chestnut saplings. At the same time, 13,000 metres of fencing were installed to protect the young trees, along with more than 126,000 metres of water network to support their growth and survival. Today, as a result of this long-term effort, new chestnut trees are taking root and growing in Kastanologgos for the first time in approximately 150 years, contributing to the regeneration of a unique natural landmark in Southern Evia.
Wind Energy and Biodiversity Can Coexist
Their recognition in WindEurope's European publication highlights the importance of embedding nature protection into renewable energy development and operations, while providing further motivation for us to continue implementing initiatives that create a positive impact in the areas where we operate.
You can read WindEurope’s “Wind Energy & Biodiversity – Best Practice Booklet”
