A total of 377 scientists from all over Spain have joined their voices in the 'Manifesto for the protection of biodiversity and the responsible deployment of renewable energies in the territory', which has been promoted by the SEO/BirdLife Scientific Committee.
The professionals, who belong to more than a hundred research centers or universities, have signed this manifesto with one objective in mind: to present a series of urgent demands related to renewable energy projects in our country.
This document emphasizes the need for a responsible energy transition to preserve natural heritage using clean and sustainable energy sources, as reported by the environmental organization this week.
“From the SEO/BirdLife Scientific Committee we have been working for some time to defend responsible renewables in line with energy needs and, always, respectful of the necessary conservation of biodiversity,” said Beatriz Arroyo, president of the SEO/BirdLife Scientific Committee.
According to the president of the Committee, renewable energies are only responsible if they generate a minimum environmental impact and a maximum social benefit: "To this end, the political and management decisions that are developed in the territory should be based on the best scientific-technical information available" sentence.
"There is currently enough data to determine where renewable energy projects should not be installed, and there are several research projects underway that will soon provide more information on where they could be optimally installed," says Arroyo, while emphasizing political decisions. taken by the government, which could have irreversible consequences.
Faced with the effects of climate change, our country has increased its efforts to combat it through renewable energy projects. However, science shows some concern about the impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
As the scientists highlight in the manifesto, it is extremely necessary to balance the expansion of renewable energy with the protection of Spain's unique biodiversity. To do this, the best option is to identify the best areas for its installation.
Likewise, the organization has made available to the public an updated cartography with all the information available on species, with the aim of facilitating a “responsible” deployment of renewable energies that considers areas not compatible with these projects.
“Having the scientific community is essential to take firm and safe steps towards a future in which we can continue to cover our energy needs without losing natural heritage,” said Asunción Ruiz, the executive director of SEO/BirdLife, who stated: “Renewable energies Yes, but only if they are responsible with biodiversity and the territory.”
With this manuscript, scientists demand that public administrations “in a binding manner” use the most up-to-date scientific information to identify suitable areas for the implementation of projects in areas of low environmental sensitivity.
They ask the promoting companies to propose projects in areas of low sensitivity, they demand that the Ministry for the Ecological Transition keep the environmental zoning maps updated for wind and photovoltaic energy, and finally they demand evaluations with a focus on biodiversity.
