For the birds
STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
Identification and evaluation of key avifaunal impacts, associated with infrastructure development, at the earliest stage of the decision-making process.
SPECIALIST AVIFAUNAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
Identification and assessment of the impacts of infrastructure development on avifaunal communities, and the provision of recommendations for mitigation to minimize the negative impacts.
SPECIALIST AVIFAUNAL WALK-DOWNS
Assessment of the final footprint layout and/or route alignment and compilation of site-specific EMPr reports for both the construction and operational phases of the authorised development.
RISK ASSESSMENTS
Assessment of avifaunal interactions with existing infrastructure and the provision of recommendations for the management of these interactions.
BEST PRACTICE & GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT
Strategic guidance to energy industry through the development of best practice procedures and guidelines.
TRAINING
Provision of training courses related to avifauna and energy infrastructure interactions.
Megan Diamond
I have been involved in conservation for 20 years and have over a decade’s worth of experience in the field of bird interactions with various forms of infrastructure. During my tenure with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife & Energy Programme and the Programme’s primary project, the Eskom-EWT Strategic Partnership from 2006 to 2013, I was responsible for assisting the energy industry and the national utility in minimising the negative impacts, associated with the construction and operation of electrical infrastructure, on wildlife through the provision of strategic guidance, risk and impact assessments, training and research. I currently own and manage Feathers Environmental Services and I’m responsible for providing strategic guidance to industry through the development of best practice procedures and specialist studies for various developments including renewable energy facilities, power lines, power stations and substation infrastructure in addition to railway infrastructure and residential properties within South Africa and elsewhere within Africa. In addition, I have attended and presented at several conferences and facilitated workshops, as a subject expert, since 2007. I have chaired the Birds and Wind Energy Specialist Group in South Africa (2011/2012) and the IUCN/SSC Crane Specialist Group’s Crane and Powerline Network (2013-2015). I am also a member of the IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group.