Project: VERBUND PV LA Solana
Location: Cáceres, Extremedura, Spain
Dates: Operational since 2022
Objectives: To reduce the negative impact generated by the construction and operation of the plant on local biodiversity throughout the life of the plant.
Measures undertaken: Natural vegetation control through livestock. Installation of 4 bird nests, 3 insect houses and 3 amphibian shelters. Creation of a flora reserve in the Sierra de Gredos Special Area of Conservation (SAC) containing endangered species of flora. Correction of water streams to minimise impacts on reptiles and amphibians. Reforestation and the installation of vegetation screens along the perimeter fence. Installation of passageways in the perimeter fence for the movement of small fauna.
Results: Maintenance of grassy areas through sheep grazing has been successful, as have the insect and amphibian refugia, with evident use of the structures.
Challenges:
- Deciding upon the location of the flora reserve, and creating the legal figure for its regulation and administration for conservation purposes, was a lengthy process; and
- High mortality rates in the vegetation screen due to the climatic condition during its summer installation.
Success factors:
- Ensuring the effectiveness of the measures through monitoring and adaptive management; and
- Sharing the lessons learnt.
Images copyright: VERBUND