In a significant leap towards environmental preservation, the European Union has adopted a groundbreaking Nature Restoration Law, signalling a paradigm shift in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. This comprehensive law, the first of its kind across the continent, represents a core component of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and seeks to restore 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030, eventually encompassing all degraded ecosystems by 2050.
A baby Eurasian lynx jumping from a mossy tree trunk.
After months of fiery debates, the law narrowly passed, securing the protection of nature as a vital pillar of the European Green Deal. The law is designed to counter the rapid decline of nature driven by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources.
One of the law's key objectives is to enhance biodiversity, ensuring the recovery of ecosystems, habitats, and species across the EU. By reviving wetlands, forests, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and the species they host, the law aims to secure critical ecological services, such as water and air purification, crop pollination, and flood protection. Moreover, these restoration efforts will contribute to limiting global warming to the ambitious 1.5°C target, bolstering Europe's resilience against natural disasters and safeguarding food security. During the debates, scientists have presented evidence that restoring nature would improve food security, support fisheries, generate employment opportunities, and save costs.
Read more: 10 Vital ecosystem services: sustaining life on Earth
Europe's nature is in an alarming state, with over 80% of habitats suffering from poor conditions. The 50% decline in farmland birds in the last 40 years is a stark reminder of the urgency to act. The law's implementation will be challenging, but it sets ambitious and specific targets for restoration across various ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, rivers, urban areas, agriculture, and marine environments.
EU member states will be required to submit National Restoration Plans within two years of the law's enactment, detailing their strategies to achieve the targets. The European Environment Agency will monitor and report on progress regularly, ensuring accountability and transparency. This landmark legislation is a testament to the EU's commitment to addressing the ecological crisis and charting a sustainable path towards a greener future.
Achieve net zero with DGB
DGB Group's mission strongly aligns with the pressing need to protect the interconnectedness of life on Earth. By harnessing nature's power and developing nature-based solutions with many co-benefits, we contribute to conserving biodiversity and fostering a harmonious coexistence between humanity and the natural world. Together, with a shared commitment to safeguarding nature, we can build a tomorrow where the wonders of biodiversity thrive.
Learn more about biodiversity credits and their benefits
