Mirna Mazija
Patčev Elena
DOI: 10.35666/28310438.2014.3.622
UDC: 502[598.2/.9:621.245](497.5)
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the current state in prescribing mitigation measures from impact of wind farms on birds in Croatia. From the list of wind power projects introduced in the Register of renewable energy sources, available studies of the environmental impact, alongside with possible solutions, were investigated. Through analysis of legal measures of protection and comparison of practices in other world countries, it was concluded that Croatia uses a small percentage of protection measures in relation to the world trends. Monitoring of ornitofauna during wind farms' operational timespan is the only measure prescribed in all analyzed solutions. Coloring the wind turbines' propellers and associated cabling was prescribed in 58% of cases, avoiding construction in the sensitive period of the year (nesting period) in 50%, and the use of minimal lighting, as well as deterring birds from wind turbines by creating artificial feeding posts on remote locations in 42% rescripts. Selection of sites for the construction of wind turbines is based on regional plans that were drafted without an elaborate environmental component, which is one of the first steps in protection of ornitofauna in other world countries. Of the total of 20 recorded protection measures, only 13 of them are prescribed in Croatia.
Key words: wind farms, mitigation measures, effects on birds, ornithology.