The European Union has taken a historic step with the adoption of a pioneering Nature Restoration Law. This regulation sets ambitious targets to restore significant portions of EU land and sea areas by 2030, aiming to combat climate change impacts and fulfill international environmental commitments.
NATURE RESTORATION ; KEY OBJECTIVES OF THE REGULATION
The Nature Restoration Law mandates EU member states to restore at least 20% of both terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030. By 2050, all ecosystems in need of restoration must undergo rehabilitation efforts, ensuring biodiversity preservation and enhancing resilience against natural disasters.
NATURE RESTORATION ; DETAILED TARGETS AND IMPLEMENTATION
Under the new law, specific, legally binding targets are established for various ecosystems, including terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, forest, agricultural, and urban landscapes. Priority will be given to Natura 2000 sites for restoration measures until 2030, focusing on habitats in poor condition as outlined in the regulation.
NATURE RESTORATION ; PROTECTING POLLINATORS AND ENHANCING BIODIVERSITY
Recognizing the decline in wild pollinator populations, the regulation introduces measures to reverse this trend by 2030. Additionally, ecosystem-specific requirements aim to improve indicators such as grassland butterflies’ populations, organic carbon in cropland soils, and urban green spaces.
NATURE RESTORATION ; COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Member states are mandated to submit national restoration plans outlining strategies to achieve set targets and monitor progress using EU biodiversity indicators. Efforts will include restoring drained peatlands, planting three billion trees by 2030, and ensuring 25,000 kilometres of rivers become free-flowing.
NATURE RESTORATION ; FUTURE IMPLICATIONS AND REVIEW
The regulation will be published in the EU’s Official Journal, becoming enforceable across all member states. By 2033, the European Commission will assess the regulation’s impacts on agriculture, fisheries, forestry sectors, and broader socio-economic aspects, ensuring sustainable implementation.
The EU’s Nature Restoration Law marks a critical milestone in environmental governance, aiming not just to conserve but actively restore Europe’s natural habitats. By aligning with international biodiversity frameworks, the EU reaffirms its commitment to ecological sustainability and climate resilience.
Proposed under the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 and the European Green Deal, the regulation addresses the urgent need to reverse biodiversity decline across Europe. With a majority of European habitats in poor condition, the regulation represents a comprehensive effort to restore and safeguard natural ecosystems.