IUCN experts to provide guidance for biodiversity monitoring at Ecowende’s ecological wind farm

Tuesday 20 August 2024

IUCN (the International Union for Conservation of Nature) and Ecowende signed a partnership agreement with the aim to provide advice on the wind farm developer's extensive programme on nature preservation and reinforcement for the Hollandse Kust West wind farm in the North Sea.

Under the agreement IUCN will establish an independent scientific advisory team to provide guidance to Ecowende on the implementation of best practices in terms of biodiversity monitoring. The team will also give advice to Ecowende in meeting its commitments on mitigating negative impact of the wind farm and, where possible, stimulating the positive impact on the North Sea ecology.

The so-called “Ecowende Biodiversity Advisory Team” will consist of scientists and experts with experience in marine ecology in the North Sea region. These scientists and experts will focus on migratory birds, bats, North Sea fish populations, marine mammals, and marine species found on the seabed (the benthic communities).

Assessment of the environmental impact of offshore wind

Significant knowledge gaps exist in our global understanding of offshore wind’s effects on marine ecosystems, the effectiveness of certain mitigation measures, and the pursuit of net positive impact in offshore wind projects. The establishment of an independent advisory team will aid in the broader evaluation of offshore wind’s environmental impact on ecology and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge.

“IUCN recognises that offshore wind needs to play a greater role if we expect to meet our climate goals under the Paris Agreement. However, the green energy transition shouldn't come at the expense of the environment. That is why IUCN is pleased to partner with Ecowende. Together we can further understand the impact that offshore wind developments have on marine ecosystems and find solutions that benefit nature,” said IUCN Deputy Director General Stewart Maginnis.

A new ecological benchmark

Ecowende aims to establish a new ecological benchmark for developing and operating wind farms in the North Sea. The goal is to enable the construction of offshore wind farms in the future that have a net positive impact on nature. This is important, given the big ambitions for offshore wind. An acceleration in offshore wind development is needed in such a way that benefits nature both above and below the water.

Hermione van Zutphen, Manager of the Ecology Programme at Ecowende, said: “Together with our partners, we want to make a positive contribution to biodiversity and thus accelerate the large-scale roll-out of offshore wind in the Netherlands and beyond in a sustainable way. IUCN's extensive member network and long track-record in developing nature conservation policies and sustainable development provides us with an invaluable source of knowledge and expertise to ensure our ecology programme closes knowledge gaps and positively contributes to marine ecosystems.”