On the request of BirdLife International, the Standing Committee (StC) of the Bern Convention opened a so-called case file (Recommendation no. 117 (2005)) against the Government of Bulgaria concerning the construction of wind farms in the vicinity of Balchik and Kaliakra along the Black Sea coast.

Governments confronted with such case files are expected to fully implement the recommendations made by the StC and to inform the StC of the progress made. Bulgaria's report to the StC in 2006 raised serious concerns. The StC decided to send an appraisal mission consisting of representatives of the Bern Convention Secretariat and an independent expert. On behalf of the CMS Family, Bert Lenten, the Executive Secretary of AEWA, participated in this mission which took place from 20-22 June 2007.

The Executive Secretary expressed his concerns on these developments: "During this visit we had several meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Environment of Bulgaria, of Energy Companies and NGOs to discuss the possible impact of the planned wind farms on migratory birds and their habitats. Most of these wind farms will be located in the Via Pontica. The latter is a major flyway along the Black Sea Coast particularly for waterbirds and birds of prey". At the same time Bert Lenten made it quite clear that the CMS Family, as part of the United Nations supports the idea to increase the production and use of this renewable energy; however these developments should not have a detrimental impact on migratory species and their habitats.

Later this year the independent expert will report back to the Bureau of the Bern Convention about his findings. It is expected that the issue will be tabled again at the next StC meeting, taking place at end of this year.