The Steppe Forward Chair, promoted by the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) through its foundation (FUAM), the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia (CTFC), and the multi-energy company TotalEnergies, held its third Technical Day in Madrid. With more than 300 attendees, it has established itself as a leading event for knowledge transfer on the compatibility of photovoltaic solar projects with biodiversity conservation.
Under the topic “Key species in photovoltaic solar projects: Achievments and challenges and of the conservation Measures,” the conference focused on key bird species during the implementation of solar projects. Several experts presented specific case studies on the management, monitoring, and effectiveness of conservation measures for these species which are frequently addressed in environmental impact statements. These species include the Bonelli’s eagle, Montagu’s harrier, Dupont’s lark, Great bustard, Lesser kestrel, and Little bustard.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the “Guide for the Implementation of Artificial Nest Programmes as a Compensatory Measure for Photovoltaic Solar Projects,” created by Francisco Valera Hernández from EEZA-CSIC, Luís Bolonio from CEBIME and Radovan Václav from the Slovak Academy of Sciences. This guide is one of the outputs developed by the Chair. The Guide can be downloaded here (Spanish version).
Opening and Key Remarks
The event was opened by Iván Manzanares, Director of the Center for Innovation Support and Knowledge Transfer (CAITEC) at FUAM, who emphasized “the importance of generating and disseminating scientific knowledge so that decision-making is based not only on data but also on science.”
Next, Gerard Bota, researcher at the Forest Science and Technology Centre of Catalonia and representative of one of the Chair’s founding entities, remarked, “Through the Chair, we continue to promote initiatives that bring scientific knowledge closer to stakeholders through transfer and debate spaces like this annual conference, or applied technical products like the guide presented today.”
Jordi Torres, General Director of Development for TotalEnergies Renewables Spain, highlighted, “It is immensely satisfying to see the Chair becoming a benchmark initiative to help academia, the energy sector, and public administrations address the environmental challenges posed by renewable energy development. At TotalEnergies, it’s not enough to generate more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy—we must also hold ourselves to the highest standards and remain acutely aware of our environmental and social responsibilities.”
The institutional opening was concluded by Fernando Magdaleno, Deputy Director-General for Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity at the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITERD). He stated, “A fair, equitable, and inclusive ecological transition is an absolute necessity, requiring participation from all sector stakeholders. Collaboration among administrations, companies, and social organizations is fundamental. Scientific knowledge and the involvement of local communities are key to building trust in environmental policies and renewable projects, providing concrete tools that generate clear benefits for environmental and human health.”
Contributions from Academia and Industry
The conference also included participation from members of various universities, such as Santi Mañosa and Nicolás Ordax from the University of Barcelona, Julia Zurdo from the Autonomous University of Madrid, as well as members of CSIC, including Beatriz Arroyo and David Serrano, and representatives from the private sector like Laura Sánchez, Environmental Manager at Cobre Las Cruces, and Eladio García de la Morena from Biodiversity Node.
Closing Debate
The session concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Julia Gómez-Catasús from the Department of Ecology and CIBC-UAM, as well as a researcher for the Steppe Forward Chair. The panel featured the program’s speakers, who addressed questions from the audience.
