Thanks to the measures taken by the wind farms in

Thanks to the measures taken by the wind farms in the Kaliakra region and the implemented monitoring systems, the facilities do not pose a threat to the protection of nature and biodiversity in the area. This became clear after the case for the construction of wind farms in the region of Kaliakra and Balchik was terminated in Strasbourg. At the end of November, at its meeting, the Standing Committee of the Berne Convention unanimously decided to close the file on the " Kaliakra " case related to investments in RES in North-Eastern Bulgaria. The file was opened in 2004. In 2007 In 2007 the Standing Committee of the Convention issued a recommendation to Bulgaria containing a number of requirements. The committee reported the measures taken by the " St. Nikola " wind power plant as the largest wind farm in Bulgaria, as well as the other investors in wind farms in the region, the Ministry of Environment and Water and the other competent institutions. Already with the commissioning of the " St. Nikola " wind power plant, a system for monitoring and protecting birds has been operating in the wind farm. That is why the " St. Nikola " wind power plant is the basis of the Integrated Early Warning System for the protection of birds, created years ago, to which the other wind farms in the Kaliakra region are joined. The integrated system is fully compliant with European requirements for the protection of wild birds. It combines the monitoring of powerful radar systems and the field work of experienced ornithologists. The system minimizes the risk of birds colliding with the rotating parts of the wind generators, because ornithologists issue orders to stop single, groups of turbines or entire wind plants if necessary. This provides a safe corridor for the passage of migratory birds, because their protection and the preservation of biodiversity is a priority of AES Bulgaria. As a result of the implementation of the Integrated System, in the last more than 10 years, not a single incident with birds of the species of conservation importance has been registered. With its 156 MW. power, the wind farm " St. Nikola " provides about 20% of the total installed wind power in Bulgaria.