As global air travel expands, airports increasingly intersect with natural habitats, leading to heightened risks of wildlife strikes—particularly involving birds. These incidents pose significant safety concerns and economic costs. Conversely, airports often encompass vast tracts of land that can serve as refuges for various species. The keynote presentation explores strategies to harmonize aviation safety with wildlife conservation, emphasizing sustainable practices that mitigate wildlife hazards without compromising ecological integrity.

Drawing from his extensive experience, Phil Shaw, Managing Director of Avisure, has contributed to several key initiatives:

• Christchurch and Selwyn Panels (2016, 2021): Shaw provided expert advice on land use planning to minimize bird strike risks, advocating for habitat management and monitoring systems to detect and deter hazardous wildlife.
• Whenuapai Plan Change (2018): Representing the New Zealand Defence Force, Shaw addressed land use near RNZAF Base Whenuapai, ensuring that developments did not compromise airbase operations. Measures included designing stormwater systems and landscaping to avoid attracting birds, thereby reducing potential bird strike hazards.
• Dunedin Landfill (2022): In his evidence regarding the proposed Smooth Hill landfill near Dunedin Airport, Shaw highlighted the unacceptable risk of bird strikes without proper mitigation. He emphasized that, with effective management—such as diverting food waste and controlling gull populations—the overall risk to aviation could be reduced.

These case studies underscore the importance of integrating wildlife hazard management into broader safety and sustainability frameworks. By adopting structured approaches, airports can proactively identify potential risks and implement targeted interventions. Moreover, sustainable airport design principles, such as incorporating green infrastructure and minimizing attractants like open water bodies, play a crucial role in balancing operational needs with ecological considerations.

This presentation will use case studies to provide insights into best practices and collaborative efforts that harmonize aviation safety with wildlife conservation. By fostering a culture of sustainability and proactive management, airports can serve as models for integrating environmental stewardship into their core operations.

Phil Shaw is founder of two international consulting firms that collectively employ nearly 200 people. He is internationally recognized as one our industry’s leaders and is on the ICAO Wildlife Management Expert Group. He is or has been on numerous national and international wildlife hazard committees and has completed projects at more than 100 airports in Africa, Asia, North America, the Middle East, South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia.