Canudos Wind Power Plant faced the significant challenge of safeguarding the critically endangered endemic Lear’s macaw (Anodorhynchus leari) from potential collisions with wind turbines. To address this challenge and to ensure Canudos Wind Power Plant coexistence with Lear´s macaw conservation, Voltalia sought for BE expertise in biodiversity risk assessment.
A comprehensive science-based approach was implemented, including continuous monitoring of Lear´s macaw, modelling, mitigation planning and stakeholder engagement. More than a year of monitoring provided detailed data on the macaw’s behaviour and habitat, allowing to use Collision Risk Modelling to predict the likelihood of collisions and identify areas of concern. Next, Population Viability Analysis modelling was conducted, focusing on predicting the potential impacts of collisions on the long-term viability of Lear´s macaw´s population. This analysis revealed that the potential consequences of collisions would be negligible.
Mitigation planning significantly reduced the collision risk, bringing it close to zero. For that, BE developed the Lear’s Macaw Anti-Collision Protocol, which implemented an automated shutdown system trained to identify this species individuals and halt wind turbine operation in case of collision risk. This system also includes a sound alert to scare away the macaws and, if the collision risk persists, activate the turbine shutdown. Additionally, passive measures were introduced, such as painting one of the turbine blades to increase visual contrast and facilitate detection by macaws and other birds.
Stakeholder engagement was crucial as there was widespread concern about Lear’s macaw conservation among various stakeholders, including environmental agencies, state and federal prosecutors, and national and international NGOs. BE developed an integrated communication strategy to inform all stakeholders about the mitigation measures adopted as well as its results. This open communication ensured transparency and support to the mitigation actions, facilitating its implementation and continuous monitoring of Lear´s macaw at Canudos Wind Power Plant.
