A Historic Step in Tekirdağ for Endangered Imperial Eagles and Storks: TREDAŞ and DKMP Join Forces to Launch a Scientific Conservation Project

Report: Özge Zeki

Conservation Efforts Guided by Scientific Data

The 1st Regional Directorate of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (DKMP) and Trakya Electricity Distribution Inc. (TREDAŞ) have embarked on an exemplary collaboration to protect endangered species. In the first phase of the project, launched under the “Imperial Eagle and Stork Species Action Plan,” 100 stork chicks and 15 imperial eagle chicks were banded using scientific methods.

Important Statements from TREDAŞ General Manager Necati Ergin

In our exclusive interview, TREDAŞ General Manager Necati Ergin shared the details of the project:

“As a company operating in the region since 1995, we work intertwined with nature. We have over 300,000 poles, thousands of transformers, and enough line length to circle the globe. We have always known the importance of working in harmony with nature in such a vast area.”

Bird-Friendly Infrastructure Works

Ergin described TREDAŞ’s efforts for birds as follows:

“To date, we have installed nearly 1,000 stork platforms. This year, we will add another 250-300 platforms.”

“We have carried out insulation work on 28 kilometers of power lines.”

“To prevent bird electrocution, we have installed bird deterrents on 30,000-35,000 poles.”

“We have covered over 10,000 insulators with special protectors.”

The Importance of Storks for Turkey

Experts involved in the project highlighted the ecological value of storks:
“90% of the storks that breed in Europe pass through Istanbul during their migration. This makes the Thrace region one of the most important bird migration routes in the world. However, the biggest threat is power lines. TREDAŞ’s contribution to this project is crucial for the survival of the species.”

Innovative Solutions for Street Animals

Ergin also described TREDAŞ’s other social responsibility projects:
“We have converted lighting fixtures that have reached the end of their economic life into food and water bowls for street animals. We have made nearly 1,000 such conversions. This is both a sustainable and an environmentally friendly solution.”

Contribution to Society through Education and Sports

TREDAŞ’s community initiatives:

“We support young people with over 100 licensed athletes at the Tredaş Sports Club.”

“We provide energy-saving training in kindergartens. The children then share what they’ve learned with their families.”

The Scientific Monitoring Process

The next phases of the project:

The banded birds will be tracked with satellite transmitters.

Their migration routes and habitats will be recorded.

The data obtained will guide international conservation policies.

“It is Possible to Live in Harmony with Nature”

DKMP 1st Regional Director Fahrettin Ulu: “This project will not only protect the species but also spread nature conservation awareness to all segments of society.”

TREDAŞ General Manager Necati Ergin: “Our goal is to spread nature conservation awareness throughout Thrace, from its fields to its schools, from its cities to its villages. This project is just the beginning.”

Future Goals

Banding 500 storks and 100 imperial eagles.

GPS tracking for 15 imperial eagles and 5 storks.

Expanding public awareness campaigns.

This comprehensive project contributes both to the conservation of endangered species and to the building of a sustainable future.