Employees of DTEK Burshtyn TPP have been operating under special operating mode for more than three weeks, being at the station around the clock. They provide uninterrupted power supply to cities, hospitals and all social facilities on which life and health depend. To curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, DTEK energy specialists urge all Ukrainians to stay home and join online nature monitoring. The initiative is called #StayHomeWatchBirds.

Last year, DTEK, together with the Dutch company Silence TV Europe  and the Galician National Natural Park, installed four live cameras that broadcast the life of waterfowl on the Burshtyn Peninsula. These are the first, and thus far, the only cameras in Ukraine for birdwatching that are available to the public. For a year now, ornithologists have been using wild observation to study wild birds in the area. For today, up to 100 different species of birds have been recorded in the reservoir, 19 of which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine. 

“Since March 21, DTEK Burshtyn TPP has switched to special operating mode, which sees employees self-isolate completely from external contacts. We continue to work during this difficult time so that all Ukrainians have access to electricity and warmth at home. With DTEK Burshtyn TPP and the reservoir in close vicinity, this is a strong example of industry co-existing with wildlife. The closer all residents of Ukraine adhere to quarantine rules, the sooner our longest shift will end. While you are at home, watch birds online through our cameras. If you have children, this can be a good family hobby during quarantine”, says Director of DTEK Burshtynska TPP Valerii Khomiakov.

As part of the #StayHomeWatchBirds initiative, anyone can contribute to the preservation of the environment and the development of ornithology. To do this, leave information about the results of online bird watching on the project website. The data will help scientists conduct research on the migration of waterfowl and will be regularly transmitted to the West Ukrainian Ornithological Society.

“A pandemic negatively affects the economy of Ukraine, but each resident can contribute to the fight against COVID-19. Limiting social contacts and observing the rules of personal protection against the virus in order to minimize the risk of spreading the infection is fundamental. Through the joint efforts of society, business and the state, we will be successful and quarantine will end sooner. With this project, we also want to draw attention to the idea of ​​preserving biodiversity and developing ecotourism, the potential of which can have a significant impact on the economy of the region”, says DTEK Energy Director for Regional Policy Tatiana Overina.