Join RGI, TB Raab, and Elia group in Brussels from 15 to 17 October for 'Wingspan 2024: Partnerships for a bird-friendly energy transition'. This conference will be the first in a series of biennial conferences for conservationists, scientists, grid operators, renewable developers, and government representatives to share strategies and solutions for a nature-positive energy transition. Topics designed for an international audience will cover recent scientific knowledge, state-of-the-art conservation strategies, and nature-inclusive technological innovations.
The urgency of scaling up the deployment of renewable energy and grid infrastructure to deliver green, decarbonised energy to consumers cannot be overstated. However poorly planned and designed energy infrastructure can have a negative impact on biodiversity, with avian species particularly impacted. Moreover, international initiatives like the CMS Energy Task Force and agreements such as the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds emphasize integrating migratory species conservation into the energy sector and implementing protective measures. Furthermore, the success of the energy transition relies on effective prevention and mitigation measures of the environmental impacts, aligning with global commitments taken at COP28.
In this context, Wingspan 2024 will demonstrate that collaborative efforts among environmental organisations, the renewables industry, and grid operators can safeguard vulnerable avian species from potential impacts. Get your tickets for two full days (15 – 16 October) of expert presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and networking opportunities. For those wishing to fly further, we are offering several optional side activities with limited capacity – get your tickets early to secure your place:
- Evening networking dinner (14 October) for participants to get to know each other and engage with the conference topics in a relaxed and informal setting.
- Workshop (16 October) for grid operators and civil society to discuss advocacy principles for a bird-friendly electricity grid in Europe, endorsed by the conservation community.
- Field trip (17 October) to a site in Belgium where industry and civil society collaboratively implement best practices in bird protection
Get your tickets for Wingspan 2024 to sign up for any of these optional activities. Space is limited, so sign up today!
