Motion 047

This motion addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy infrastructure development to support the global transition towards decarbonization. The anticipated increase in electrical infrastructure, including thousands of kilometers of new power lines, poses significant risks to biodiversity and ecosystems if not carefully planned. Existing IUCN resolutions, such as WCC 2016 Rec 098, have primarily focused on mitigating the impacts of electrocution and collision on avian species after infrastructure is built. However, this motion emphasizes preventive measures through strategic spatial planning, ecological sensitivity mapping, and the use of existing infrastructure corridors to avoid new impacts from the outset.

The motion promotes the modernization of outdated infrastructure to reduce environmental risks and meet growing energy demands without the need for additional power lines. It also advocates for the decentralization of renewable energy generation in urban, industrial, and built areas, such as parking lots and rail corridors, to minimize habitat fragmentation. The shared use of existing corridors for energy infrastructure will help reduce the environmental footprint while ensuring efficient energy distribution.

To ensure global alignment, the motion calls on IUCN to lead the development of international guidelines for sustainable electrical infrastructure planning. By fostering collaboration between multilateral financing institutions, governments, and energy companies, these guidelines will help standardize best practices and ensure that biodiversity conservation is integrated into infrastructure projects.

The financial and human resources required to implement this motion include the creation of expert working groups within IUCN and funding for developing international guidelines. Resources will also be needed to support member states in adopting ecological sensitivity mapping tools and conducting pilot projects to modernize infrastructure and test the shared-use corridor approach. Additionally, technical support will be necessary to assist countries with limited capacity in developing strategic spatial plans and integrating biodiversity safeguards into national energy policies.

A motion is necessary because the current framework lacks a comprehensive, proactive approach to minimize impacts from new energy infrastructure development. While collaboration with existing initiatives and stakeholders remains crucial, only a formal motion can establish a clear, unified directive for IUCN member states, commissions, and partners to adopt preventive and integrative planning measures at all levels. This ensures that biodiversity conservation is prioritized in energy infrastructure development in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Relevant references include BirdLife International’s sensitivity mapping guidelines and reports from the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) on the impacts of energy infrastructure on wildlife. These publications highlight the effectiveness of proactive planning in reducing ecological impacts. By adopting this motion, IUCN will play a pivotal role in balancing the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure with the urgent need to protect biodiversity and ecosystems, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.