GreenFuture / podpora-biodiverzity
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GreenFuture
Persistent Chemicals
A Responsible Approach
Nearly 390 bird species have been recorded in the Czech Republic, and more and more people are getting involved in so-called citizen science or the activities of conservation organisations such as the Czech Ornithological Society. The protection of biodiversity and species diversity is also one of Škoda Auto's key priorities.
Škoda Auto has long focused on creating a healthy and diverse environment around its plants. This involves not only large-scale strategic projects but also concrete steps that have a real impact. One such initiative is the installation of birdhouses across all production sites — in Mladá Boleslav, Kvasiny and Vrchlabí.
1,200 Trees
Škoda Auto cares for more than 1,200 trees on its premises, which are regularly inspected by dendrologists. For example, in the Three Emperors Park near Česana, there are three historic trees that are regularly tended to by arborists.
42 birdhouses
At the beginning of the year, students from the vocational school built three types of birdhouses, which volunteers from the PSU department placed in suitable locations at the Mladá Boleslav plant. They followed in the footsteps of their colleagues from Kvasiny, who in 2023 installed 20 birdhouses in the Orlické Mountains, at the Kvasiny plant and in the local castle park.
35 chicks
A pair of peregrine falcons has raised 35 chicks on the ŠKO‑ENERGO chimney. Observers spotted the first eggs of the year in early March, and the female eventually laid four. A year ago, the falcons had three chicks.
At the main plant in Mladá Boleslav alone, 22 birdhouses were hung this year, created through a collaboration between students from the Škoda Auto Vocational School and employees of the PSU – Environmental and Work Protection department. Similar activities are taking place, for example, in Kvasiny, where employees have previously installed a total of 20 birdhouses on the premises and in the surrounding countryside, or in Vrchlabí, where students and professional partners are involved in the production and installation.
GreenFuture demonstrates that even small measures can have a significant impact on the landscape, biodiversity and people's relationship with the environment in which they live and work.
Another specific example of bird conservation is the return of the endangered peregrine falcon to the chimney of the ŠKO-ENERGO heating plant. At a height of 168 metres, a pair of peregrine falcons has been nesting here in a box since 2015, having already raised over 35 chicks. They have nested here again this year, and you can watch them online.
These simple yet effective measures respond to changes in the landscape, where old trees with natural hollows are becoming scarce. The nesting boxes therefore provide birds with a safe place to nest while also contributing to the natural regulation of insects. The result is a more vibrant and healthier environment, not only around the production halls.
Support for biodiversity has a broader scope at Škoda Auto. In Mladá Boleslav, there are 46 species of trees and more than 70 species of shrubs on the premises and in the surrounding area, with a regular dendrological survey monitoring over 1,200 trees and hundreds of shrub groups. Added to this are more than 442,000 m² of grassy areas across all plants and over 5,800 m² of green roofs and facades, which help cool the environment and retain water.
Tip
Become a birdwatcher for a moment
Birdwatching is a simple way to relax while getting closer to nature. Just slow down and look around — often even near the plants or on your way to work. You might then discover that the saying "every Czech is an ornithologist" isn't just an exaggeration.
How to do it:
→ Head to parks, forests or green belts around cities.
→ Check out feeders or birdhouses — that's where the "traffic" is usually heaviest.
→ Get a modern feeder that will monitor the birds for you.
→ Use mobile apps to identify species and record your observations.
→ Get involved in citizen science projects, for example through the Czech Ornithological Society.