KMG International, through Rompetrol Rafinare and Rompetrol Downstream, supported the fifth edition of the Chituc Ringing Camp, a project organized in the protected area of the Danube Delta biosphere, from July to November, and meant to identify, monitor, research and protect the unique birds crossing Romania and nesting during summer.
“Environmental protection is one of the sustainable development goals that we are committed to support through our projects. We operate the most modern refinery of Romania on the shore of the Black Sea, close to Siutghiol Lake and the Danube Delta, and our care towards the environment is expressed not only through the technological investments meant to reduce emissions and water consumption in Petromidia, but also through community initiatives such as the one developed in partnership with Milvus Association” - Alexey Golovin - Vice President of KMG International.
The ringing camp aims to protect the avifaunal population of Grindul Chituc; during 3 months of activity, 10,292 specimens of 66 species were ringed (1286 on average per week). Among the species with the highest numbers of ringed specimens registered were: sedge warbler (2441 specimens), paddyfield warbler (1969 specimens), reed warbler (1954 specimens).
"The support of Rompetrol allows us to monitor the fluctuations of bird populations in a changing environment. Our camp is one of the few ringing camps on the East European route, so our involvement is important. Through the ringing of different bird species, we have raised awareness regarding the importance of regular monitoring of multiple bird species. This is the basis of bird protection and habitat conservation." - Atilla Marton, Milvus Association.
Bird ringing started is the oldest and most popular research method of migratory birds. Developed at the beginning of the 1900s, the method allows research to determine the number of specimens for different species and, the distribution of sexes, thus obtaining relevant demographic information.
Part of the educational component of this project, Rompetrol also organized a birdwatching camp at Vadu for nature-loving children. The group took part in a series of activities carried out by the Milvus Group's specialized staff, including the observation and ringing of bird species present at Vadu.
About KMG International
KMG International is a durable investor in the Romanian economy, being at the same time a corporate responsible citizen. Through the Group’s program “Together for each and everyone”, the company implemented 101 environmental and health protection project across the country. Among our strategic partnership with the civil society, we mention the support of SMURD, the Civil Society Gala, the George Enescu Festival and International Competition.
Owned by KazMunayGas Kazakhstan, KMG International conducts major operations in refining and petrochemicals, retail, trading, upstream and industrial services in 12 main markets. In Romania, the Group operates Petromidia Năvodari refinery, with a processing capacity of 5 million tons per year, Vega Ploiesti Refinery – the oldest unit of its kind in operation since 1905, but also a fuels distribution network of over 740 distribution points, 230 LPG supply stations, 9,000 distribution points for gas tanks and 3 LPG bottling stations, 7 warehouses.
The overall investments of KMG International in Romania amount to USD 4 billion, while the contributions paid to the state budget amount to over USD 15 billion, in the period 2007-2017.
About the Milvus Association
The Milvus Association was founded in 1991 as a nonprofit organization, dedicated to bird and nature protection, working in the field of conservation, education, research and consultancy. At present, around 250 professional and volunteer ornithologists handle the projects of the association.