For large-scale projects, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) legislation is applied rigorously. The most sensitive projects also include a tool to define the scope of the Environmental Impact Study, which is then opened to public debate. In all these projects, the biodiversity element is studied in depth and impact minimisation measures, monitoring plans and compensation mechanisms are defined.

For smaller-scale projects and/or those located outside areas classified as nature conservation areas, pre-assessment studies are carried out to determine the project’s compatibility with the surrounding environment, and these always take into account nature conservation.

 

In Portugal in 2003, we signed a cooperation agreement with Quercus, the Portuguese Society for the Study of Birds (SPEA) and the Portuguese Institute of Nature Conservation, with a view to reconciling power lines with the protection of avifauna. This agreement remains in force and by the end of 2007, with partial funding from European sources, had led to the correction of over 85km of power lines and the protection of their support pylons.