Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) —The Nature Restoration Law came into effect on August 18, marking a significant step towards reviving biodiversity across the European Union. This law is essential for halting biodiversity loss, achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and bolstering food security for EU citizens. Its implementation is also vital for fulfilling other European goals, such as enhancing water security.
This legislation is a crucial tool for the EU and its member states in meeting international biodiversity commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It initiates a continuous and sustained recovery process for ecosystems across both land and sea, fostering sustainable economic growth and agricultural practices while supporting the development of renewable energy.
The law sets ambitious targets, requiring member states to implement restoration measures on at least 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030. By 2050, these efforts should encompass all ecosystems needing restoration. The legislation mandates the restoration of key habitats and urban green spaces, including maintaining and expanding urban tree canopies.
A significant objective of the law is to restore at least 25,000 kilometers of rivers to their natural state by 2030. It also aims to reverse the decline in pollinator populations, enhance biodiversity in agricultural and forest ecosystems, and meet the EU commitment to plant an additional three billion trees by 2030.
National Restoration Plans
Each member state will create a national restoration plan tailored to its unique ecological context. These plans will outline restoration needs and the specific measures necessary to meet the law’s targets. They should include a timeline for implementation, financial requirements, and intended financing strategies, emphasizing the expected benefits for climate adaptation and mitigation.
Member states must submit draft plans to the European Commission within two years of the law’s enactment. These plans should set milestones for 2030, 2040, and 2050, developed through transparent public engagement. The Commission will review these drafts, providing feedback that member states must incorporate into their final plans. The European Environment Agency will regularly report on progress towards meeting these targets.
Member states can access funding from a variety of public and private sources, including EU funds like the Common Agricultural Policy, regional funds, the LIFE Programme, Horizon Europe, and the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund.
Specific Targets and Obligations
The regulation establishes quantified and time-sensitive restoration targets for various habitats, including forests, peatlands, grasslands, rivers, and lakes, as specified in the Habitats Directive. It also addresses habitats of protected species and essential marine habitats as covered by existing directives.
To ensure the continued provision of ecosystem services, the law requires member states to:
- Preserve and enhance urban green spaces and tree canopies.
- Restore the natural connectivity of rivers and their floodplains.
- Combat the decline of pollinators and restore peatlands used for agriculture.
- Promote measures to increase farmland bird populations and improve biodiversity indicators in agricultural systems.
- Foster positive trends in biodiversity within forest ecosystems.
- Support the EU goal of planting at least three billion additional trees by 2030.
This comprehensive approach underscores the EU’s commitment to restoring nature and promoting biodiversity while addressing climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for its citizens.
