IUCN and REDEIA join forces to promote nature-positive energy infrastructure in Spain and Latin America

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and REDEIA, formerly known as Red Eléctrica de España, today signed a new agreement to advance biodiversity assessments and conservation actions. The partnership will focus on promoting a positive impact on biodiversity and the natural surroundings of REDEIA facilities in Spain and Latin America. The agreement was signed during the 3^rd Edition of the IUCN Leader’s Forum held in Geneva from 8 to 10 October 2024.

“This partnership is one that is very valuable to IUCN, working with Redeia to transform the energy sector and work towards a nature-positive planet,” said IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar. “We appreciate Redeia’s continued commitment to advance conservation action, and we are committed to working closely with such private sector leaders to achieve our shared goal of protecting our planet.”

This agreement renews and expands a collaboration that began in 2018 with the IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, which focused on nature conservation in Spain. Under the new framework, the cooperation extends to IUCN’s South America office, laying the groundwork for future agreements tailored to regional needs and priorities.

IUCN

"Collaborating with Red Eléctrica has been a rewarding experience, and today’s agreement with REDEIA represents another step towards a future where nature and renewable energy can thrive together," said Maher Mahjoub, IUCN-Med’s director. "We are proud to strengthen this partnership and look forward to expanding our efforts across new regions."

IUCN supports businesses in the energy sector by providing knowledge, tools, and best practices to help them manage risks and opportunities related to biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the livelihoods that depend on natural resources. Key Biodiversity Areas are critical sites for the global conservation of biodiversity, spanning terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The partnership with REDEIA will enhance understanding of biodiversity in the company’s areas of influence and strengthen the capacity to assess and mitigate the impact of electrical infrastructures on wildlife.

The agreement was signed by the Director General of IUCN, Dr Grethel Aguilar, and the Corporate Director of Sustainability and Studies, Eva Pagán Díaz. This MoU will remain in force until December 2028. Redeia is a global operator of essential infrastructure, managing electricity transmission networks in Spain, Peru, Chile, and Brazil, as well as telecommunications networks (dark fiber and satellites).

IUCN - REDEIA agreement signed on 9 October 2024 

Main outcomes from previous collaboration with Redeia:

The conservation status of cetaceans in the Mediterranean Sea (2023)

Guidelines for preventing and mitigating wildlife mortality associated with electricity distribution networks (2022)

The conservation status and distribution of the breeding birds of prey of North Africa (2021)