From Research and Educating to Action: Transforming Energy Policies to Conserve the Steppe Eagles of Kazakhstan

This ACBK–RSPB initiative builds on earlier UK Aid support to reduce key threats driving Steppe Eagle declines in Kazakhstan—especially mortality on hazardous power infrastructure—while strengthening national capacity and policy action. The project combines targeted research (including nesting surveys and satellite tracking), large-scale powerline risk assessments, and evidence-based recommendations for technical improvements and legislative refinement. It also supports engagement with energy operators and relevant government bodies to enable scalable solutions that benefit both biodiversity and electricity infrastructure. A strong education component helps build broader public support, including development of new materials for children. By integrating field evidence, stakeholder coordination, and policy inputs, the project aims to catalyse long-term improvements in powerline safety, monitoring practice, and conservation outcomes for Steppe Eagles and other migratory raptors along the Central Asian Flyway. ## Key facts - **Target species/group:** Raptors (focus on Steppe Eagle) - **Activity type:** Conservation; Research; Capacity building; Outreach - **Themes:** Satellite tagging; Habitat monitoring; Raptors; Education & outreach - **Implementing organization:** ACBK; RSPB - **Timeline:** Jul 2024 – Feb 2025 - **Donor / Budget:** GBP 65,000; UK Aid / FCDO (UK Embassy) ## Key outcomes / expected outputs - Surveyed 109 Steppe Eagle nesting structures; tagged 5 chicks with GSM-GPS trackers; tracking data uploaded to Movebank - Surveyed powerlines and documented hazardous segments; mortality recorded up to 44 birds per 10 km in certain areas - Produced GIS layers and a map of transmission infrastructure and priority areas for protection - Delivered stakeholder trainings and built a database of major powerline owners/operators to support technical improvements - Supported integration of flyway/bird measures into draft NBSAP work; updated Steppe Eagle monitoring guidance - Developed and printed an illustrated children’s book (1,000 Kazakh copies; 500 Russian copies) and held a public launch event - Convened international/national expert consultation to support development of an International Species Action Plan and national priorities input