The European Parliament has adopted the Nature Restoration Law which aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s lands and seas by 2030. Photo: European Union
Nature restoration: Parliament adopts law to restore 20% of EU’s land and sea
The European Parliament has adopted a nature restoration law that mandates the restoration of at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and aims to rejuvenate all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
The law, agreed upon with member states, sets ambitious targets to address the critical state of European habitats, aligning with the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals.
Key Provisions of the Nature Restoration Law:
- Habitat Restoration Targets: Member states are required to restore a minimum of 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, escalating to 60% by 2040, and an ambitious 90% by 2050. Priority for restoration efforts will be given to Natura 2000 areas until 2030.
- National Restoration Plans: Each member state must adopt national restoration plans outlining specific strategies to achieve the prescribed targets. The plans will serve as a roadmap to guide the restoration
- National Restoration Plans: Each member state must adopt national restoration plans outlining specific strategies to achieve the prescribed targets. The plans will serve as a roadmap to guide the restoration process.
- Agricultural Ecosystems: To enhance biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, countries must make progress in key indicators, including the grassland butterfly index, share of agricultural land with high-diversity features, and the stock of organic carbon in cropland mineral soil. Measures to improve the common farmland bird index are also mandated.
- Peatland Restoration: Recognising the significance of drained peatlands in emission reduction, countries must restore 30% of drained peatlands by 2030, with at least a quarter to be rewetted. Targets increase to 40% by 2040 and 50% by 2050, with one-third to be rewetted.
- Emergency Brake: The law incorporates an emergency brake mechanism allowing the suspension of targets for agricultural ecosystems under exceptional circumstances, ensuring adequate land for food production if needed.
- Additional Ecosystem Measures: The legislation mandates positive trends in indicators for forest ecosystems, the planting of three billion trees, restoration of 25,000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers and maintaining urban green space and tree canopy cover.
Reaction and Next Steps:
Following the adoption of the law with 329 votes in favor, 275 against, and 24 abstentions, rapporteur César Luena emphasised the significance of moving from protection to restoration. The deal now awaits adoption by the Council, publication in the EU Official Journal, and enforcement 20 days later.
Background:
The European Commission proposed the nature restoration law on June 22, 2022, to contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU. Over 80% of European habitats are currently in poor condition, making the need for comprehensive restoration imperative. The law aligns with international commitments, including the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework, and is a response to citizens’ expectations for the protection and restoration of biodiversity, landscapes, and oceans, as expressed in the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe. The Commission estimates significant economic benefits, with every euro invested resulting in at least eight euros in benefits. (Source: Press Release).
eNGOs welcome EU Parliament Approves Nature Restoration Law for Seas
Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations, Seas At Risk and Oceana are celebrating the outcome of this morning’s European Parliament’s plenary, which has given its nod to the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) in an agreement with EU countries.
The NRL entails binding restoration targets for marine habitats, introducing a mechanism to curb “destructive fishing practices” and a timeline for the rejuvenation of crucial marine environments like seagrass meadows and reefs. This adoption represents a key step before the law becomes effective.
The new law mandates EU countries to restore a minimum of 30% of their degraded marine habitats by 2030 through the implementation of national restoration plans. It also incorporates provisions compelling EU countries to collaborate and adopt joint fisheries measures for marine restoration by mid-2028, especially when the harmful fishing practices of one country impact the restoration efforts of another.
Nicolas Fournier, Campaign Director for Marine Protection at Oceana in Europe, expressed optimism about making EU seas more biodiverse and resilient to climate change. He emphasised the law’s significance in the context of the EU Green Deal, considering it a flagship regulation. He stated:
“With the adoption today of the Nature Restoration Law, we are one step closer to making EU seas more biodiverse and resilient to climate change. Following months of campaigning in support of nature restoration by Oceana and our allies, and faced with fierce political opposition to green policies, the law will make legacy as one of the few flagship regulations of the EU Green Deal.”
Tatiana Nuño, Senior Marine Policy Officer at Seas At Risk, hailed the NRL as a critical step for ocean health. She emphasised the law’s ability to create a harmonious relationship between nature, food security, and sustainable jobs. Nuño stated that with the law’s passage, EU countries can start working on national plans to revive Europe’s seas.
Speaking after the vote, Ms Nuño said:
“The EU’s first ever legally binding biodiversity restoration law is an essential step forward for the health of the ocean. It is also proof that we can create laws that make nature, food security and sustainable jobs go hand-in-hand. With the passing of this law, EU countries can begin working on their national plans to bring life back to Europe’s seas.”
The NRL garnered widespread support from scientists, businesses, NGOs, and citizens, with over one million signatures and messages collected through the #RestoreNature campaign. The law, set to restore almost all degraded ecosystems by 2050, will contribute to habitat resilience, support fisheries, and align with EU climate and biodiversity targets.
The Council of the EU is expected to approve the law in the coming weeks, with it entering into force before the summer. Subsequently, EU countries will have two years to develop and submit national restoration plans to the European Commission for assessment. Advocates like Oceana and Seas At Risk are urging the European Commission to take decisive action on nature restoration to address the climate and biodiversity crises for the security of EU citizens. (Source: Press Release).