Visualizing avian migration across Norway supporting sustainable coastal and offshore wind energy development
Informations
- Funding country
Norway- Acronym
- -
- URL
- -
- Start date
- 1/1/2023
- End date
- 12/31/2026
- Budget
- 1,722,369 EUR
Fundings
| Name | Role | Start | End | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENERGIX - Large-scale programme on energy | Grant | - | - | 1,722,369 EUR |
Abstract
Norway is committed to significant developments of wind energy to promote sustainable development of the energy system. One major potential cumulative conflict between coastal and offshore wind energy development and wildlife arises from the large numbers of migrating birds crossing the North Sea and flying along the elongated Norwegian coastline. This aspect is, however, neglected in (cumulative) environmental impact assessments due to a lack of knowledge on migration corridors. The main objective of VisAviS is to map corridors for bird migration in Norway (mainland and adjacent marine areas) to support (strategic) environmental impact assessments, and ensure optimal coastal and offshore wind-power plant siting with minimal environmental costs. VisAviS will utilize state-of-the-art radar technology combined with visual observations to map migration patterns, species-specific migration behaviour and differences in timing of migration. When and where bird migration takes place will be presented visually using a dynamic and interactive online tool. VisAviS will be developed with a strong involvement and an active participatory strategy from industry and authority partners, thereby ensuring that the tool will be used. VisAviS will result in new insights and approaches, and also ensure and enhance interaction with potential users by providing online tool for knowledge transfer. VisAviS’s activities will generate spatially explicit knowledge and innovative visualizations to reduce migration-related risks as a basis for policy design and facilitate sustainable utilization of wind energy resources. The project’s outcomes will thus help reduce environmental barriers, fostering practical solutions to such risks through innovative tools, and facilitating engagement in the transition to a low-emission society.