Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) – The EU’s Nature Restoration Law, passed on July 12, represents a significant step forward in the EU’s commitment to biodiversity and climate resilience. As EU Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius emphasized at the plenary session in Strasbourg, this law is about creating a sustainable environment that can support present and future generations, ensuring that land and seas remain productive.
The Nature Restoration Law is a cornerstone of the EU’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, which highlights that climate action is about both reducing emissions and preserving ecosystems. Economic studies estimate that every euro spent on restoration yields between 8 and 38 euros in benefits. The law builds on the successful EU LIFE programme, which has supported nearly 6,000 environmental projects since 1992, aiming to reverse habitat degradation across Europe.
Europe’s biodiversity is at risk, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. The law focuses on restoring diverse ecosystems, from forests and rivers to marine areas, fostering sustainable use of natural resources.
Projects like Romania’s LIFE CARPATHIA in the Făgăraș Mountains show the law’s potential. Through the project, almost 900 hectares of diverse forests were planted, reintroducing the rare European bison and sparking local ecotourism growth. In Cyprus, the LIFE KEDROS project worked to conserve the endangered Cyprus cedar by restoring habitats, preventing soil degradation, and building artificial lakes.
This year, an additional €611 million has been allocated for LIFE conservation and climate initiatives. With the Nature Restoration Law, the EU aims to mobilize even more projects to restore ecosystems and strengthen community resilience, ensuring a future where European nature thrives alongside local economies.
For those interested in securing funding for conservation, the LIFE 2023 Calls for Proposals offer new opportunities for projects across Europe.
