Ornithologists in Brno are organizing cultural events highlighting the impact of the cable car on birds

Brno - Today in Brno begins a series of events that will remind of the significance of a valuable natural locality on the right bank of the Svratka River in Brno. This area, which is the largest roosting site for ravens and jackdaws in southern Moravia, is threatened by plans to build a cable car. Last year, conservationists managed to temporarily halt the project, but they fear that this is not a definitive end. The events are organized by the South Moravian branch of the Czech Ornithological Society (ČSO).

Part of the monthly series titled Raven's Nest includes lectures on birds in the vicinity of the Brno Riviera. They will focus on ravens, jackdaws, crows, rooks, and also water birds and birds of prey. There are also plans for an excursion along the Svratka. The Rozmarýnek venue in Jundrov and the Trojka café on Dominikánská Street will host screenings of thematic films.

The project will be concluded on February 21 with a benefit Bird Ball at the Anthropos Pavilion. The launch of the comic book "Cable Car in Brno?!" will take place there, along with the beginning of the photographic exhibition "Bird Wings Above the Riviera."

"The aim of the event is to show that we don’t have to go far to experience nature; it is enough to look around. The Čertík Valley above the Riviera is home to dozens of protected bird species and more. Many citizens of Brno come here to relax and enjoy nature," said Jan Sychra, chairman of the South Moravian branch of the ČSO.

The proposed cable car is supposed to connect Pisárky with the university campus in Bohunice. The Prague Municipal Court annulled the Ministry of Transport's April decision regarding the construction permit last September, as well as a previous decision by the Railway Authority from October 2022. The reason is that the authority did not sufficiently examine the impacts on nature and the landscape.

"We are negotiating with Brno, and it is evident that Brno wants to push this plan forward at all costs," Sychra told ČTK. City Hall spokesperson Filip Poňuchálek stated in response to ČTK's inquiry that Brno has received the written ruling and that the Brno Public Transport Company is currently completing a cost-benefit analysis to demonstrate the technical and economic viability of the cable car. Councilor Petr Kratochvíl (ODS) is also, according to the spokesperson, continuously in dialogue with representatives of ornithologists, Poňuchálek added.