EDF Renewables North America is working with the National Audubon Society and Defenders of Wildlife to study the Swainson’s Hawk in the US state of California.
Eastern Kern county is home to important species and natural resources including the Swainson’s Hawk.
Audubon has identified Swainson’s Hawk as a priority species for conservation in California, and in partnership with Defenders, has been pursuing efforts to conserve the species in the Antelope Valley and Kern County since 2012.
The collaborative agreement, funded by EDF Renewables, will have multiple benefits.
They include updating scientific information concerning the Swainson’s Hawk nesting and foraging status and distribution in the Antelope Valley of Kern county.
It will also provide information needed to develop a Swainson’s Hawk conservation strategy for the region, and establish a Swainson’s Hawk Conservation Fund.
EDF Renewables has a long history in Eastern Kern county, where since 2004 it has developed over 1.3GW of wind and solar projects.
Its continued success is derived from developing renewable energy projects that are not only complementary to existing land use but also respect local natural resources through effective siting techniques and mitigation measures, the company said.
Defenders of Wildlife California program director Pamela Flick said: “Defenders is pleased to join with EDFR and Audubon in this collaborative effort to protect Swainson’s Hawk while facilitating the development of clean renewable energy.
“Our world is facing the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change and any efforts to address both issues is a win for wildlife and people.”
National Audubon Society clean energy initiative director Garry George said: “EDFR joins the list of responsible renewable energy developers who see the value of two outcomes of their projects – emissions reduction and conservation of species.
“Their contribution is not mitigation and is not required. EDFR is providing the funding because they care and are interested in conservation in the area they are developing.”
EDF Renewables North Americas director of solar development for the West Region Devon Muto said: “We are pleased to be partnering with Audubon and Defenders to advance the science on this important species and establish a Conservation Fund that can support immediate and lasting conservation actions in this region that will have co-benefits beyond the Swainson’s Hawk.”