A unique situation is currently unfolding in Akarnanika Mountains: at the same time that the implementation of the National Action Plan for Vultures is being carried out in the area, with a significant number of Griffon Vultures gathering and starting their breeding activities, the highly destructive and illegal installation of wind turbines continues at an intense pace!
On Saturday, November 23, the annual Griffon Vulture census took place at their nesting sites, a task carried out simultaneously in several locations across mainland Greece, as well as in other Balkan countries, in order to estimate the Balkan population of the species. In Akarnanika Mountains, researchers and volunteers from the Hellenic ORNITHOLOGICAL Society recorded a total of 85 vultures, the highest number in the area for the last 5 years, since the census started as part of the LIFE IP 4 NATURA project. This means that more than half of the Griffon Vultures currently in mainland Greece are wintering in Akarnanika Mountains!
However, this does not stop the machines of the so-called "VOREAS" Energy Community from continuing the destructive and illegal construction of the "AMALIARI" Wind Farm. Aside from the fact that the licensing of the project (and all other projects in Akarnanika Mountains) has been proven to be arbitrary, the construction work is also illegal, as it is being carried out in violation of the very environmental terms of the project! In the environmental permit for the project (decision on inclusion in Standard Environmental Commitments), there is a clause stating: "The construction of the works should take place outside the nesting and breeding season of the birds, with particular attention to minimize the impact on the birdlife." However, as clearly stated in the Ministerial Decision approving the Vulture Action Plan, the breeding season of the Griffon Vulture starts as early as November! Therefore, any work carried out after mid-November is clearly illegal.
Progress of the Construction Works of the "AMALIARI" Wind Farm in Akarnanika Mountains (Sentinel Satellite)
The Hellenic ORNITHOLOGICAL Society informed all relevant authorities (Region, Decentralized Administration, Forestry Services, N.E.C.C.A., Ministry of Environment) with an urgent letter on November 16th regarding the violation of the environmental terms of the project. However, satellite images (from the Sentinel satellite) clearly show that over the past 10 days, the illegal works are continuing as usual, and the road to the wind farm installation site has now been cleared, with no action taken by any "responsible" party!
From our side, the only certainty is that, in the face of the complicity and indifference of the state authorities, which are condemning one of the most threatened bird species in Greece, we will continue to fight until the end "for the Griffon Vulture’s justice".
