The EU's law on nature restoration
Written by Bélinda Hermans (Impact Intern at Go Ocean)
Today, more than 80% of European habitats are in poor condition. In an unprecedented effort to restore and protect the fragile ecosystems of our planet, the European Union adopted a new law on nature restoration. This ambitious initiative aims to strengthen conservation efforts, protect biodiversity, and promote more sustainable use of natural resources across Europe. The European objective is to restore at least 20% of terrestrial and 20% of marine areas by 2030, and all ecosystems in need by 2050. This law will constitute a crucial step to prevent the collapse of ecosystems and mitigate the most severe effects of climate change and biodiversity loss.
What does this new law cover?
- Degraded terrestrial and marine habitats: This encompasses both land and marine habitats. The goal is to restore these habitats and promote connectivity between them to enable wildlife to move between them.
- Pollinators: Pollinators play a crucial role in ecosystems. Today, 10% of bees and butterflies are at risk of extinction. The objective here would be to reverse this trend and increase their population by 2030.
- Agricultural ecosystems: Currently, up to 73% of agricultural land in Europe is experiencing soil degradation, leading to limited productivity. The aim is to improve biodiversity in these ecosystems to increase productivity. Thanks to the new law, it would be possible to restore and increase the population of meadow butterflies and farmland birds, which are essential to our ecosystems. Along the same lines, new strict rules regarding the use of chemical pesticides will be implemented to preserve our agricultural soils and our health.
- Urban areas: Urban ecosystems represent 22% of the land surface of the European Union. These include parks, gardens, trees, and meadows, which are important habitats for plants, birds, and insects. With the new law, the aim is to have more green spaces in urban areas, cities, and suburbs.
- Rivers and floodplains: There are two types of rivers in Europe: those containing artificial obstacles (e.g., dams, spillways, and ramps), and free-flowing rivers. The latter allow the circulation of water, sediments, fish, and other organisms, making them essential for improving the state of European Union waters and enhancing biodiversity. The objective of the new law is to have 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030.
- Forests: Forests cover nearly 40% of the territory of the European Union and are essential for mitigating climate change as they serve as carbon sinks and harbour the majority of European biodiversity. The goal of the new law is to increase and strengthen biodiversity in forests and evolve forest connectivity.
The three main objectives of the new nature restoration law are, therefore, to restore degraded ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable land use.
The new law in practice
This new law on nature restoration will require European Union member countries to develop national restoration plans, as well as a timetable, covering a period up to 2050.
The nature restoration law includes several key measures to achieve its ambitious goals. Firstly, EU member states will be required to map and identify sites in need of restoration. Secondly, the law has provisions for funding and support mechanisms to assist member states in implementing restoration projects. Finally, stakeholders, including local communities, environmental NGOs, and businesses, are encouraged to participate and engage in the implementation of restoration projects.
This law will also have significant impacts on the environment and society. Indeed, it will enable ecosystem regeneration, biodiversity protection, and the creation of green jobs.
Shellfish reefs, such as oyster reefs, are vital components of healthy coastal ecosystems, providing ecological, economic, and social benefits to both marine life and human communities.
The criticisms
Some oppose it, others remain sceptical: the new European law for nature restoration is controversial! Voices are rising, claiming that it threatens agriculture and the economy, fearing a reduction in cultivable land and financial constraints. However, environmental advocates insist on its importance for biodiversity preservation and the interests of EU member states.
The new European law on nature restoration thus represents a firm commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity preservation. By adopting ambitious measures to restore degraded ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and promote more sustainable use of natural resources, the European Union will assert itself as a global leader in the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. This law will mark a crucial step towards a future where natural ecosystems thrive and future generations can continue to benefit from the essential services that nature provides.
The new European law for nature restoration, Go Ocean, and Go Forest
Go Ocean is dedicated to the restoration of marine ecosystems, such as seagrass beds, mangroves, and river woods, contributing to the preservation of Earth’s blue lung. Its goal is to slow down climate change and protect marine life, thus ensuring the survival of all species.
On the other hand, Go Forest’s tree planting initiative aligns perfectly with the objectives of the new European law for nature restoration. Through its reforestation, agroforestry, and mangrove planting projects, Go Forest plays a crucial role in restoring ecosystems and preserving biodiversity, while also creating green jobs in Europe and around the world!
Together, Go Ocean and Go Forest align with the new European law for nature restoration, and will actively contribute to the achievement of its ambitious goals. If you are inspired and want to take the lead for biodiversity and a healthy planet too, get in touch with us!
Healthy rivers, riverwoods, and wetlands play crucial roles in supporting biodiversity, maintaining water quality, mitigating floods, combating climate change, and providing valuable ecosystem services to humans and wildlife.
Sources:
Parlement européen; Loi sur la restauration de la nature : les députés concluent à un accord, (source).
Conseil de l’Union Européenne ; Restauration de la nature,(source).
Commission Européenne ; Pacte vert : des propositions inédites pour rétablir la nature en Europe d’ici à 2050 et réduire de moitié l’utilisation des pesticides d’ici à 2030, (source).
European Commission ; Nature restoration law, (source).
European Commission; Biodiversity strategy for 2030, (source).
European Commission; Nature needs you and we need nature too, (source).
European Commission; Natura 2000, the largest network of protected areas in the world, (source).
European Environment Agency; European grassland butterfly indicator, (source).
European Network for Rural Development; Landscape Features and Biodiversity, (source).
Les Verts/ALE au Parlement Européen; Ramener la nature : Pourquoi nous avons besoin d’une loi européenne ambitieuse sur la restauration de la nature, (source).
Toute l’Europe : comprendre l’Europe ; Une controversée législation de protection de la biodiversité entérinée par le Parlement Européen, (source).
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The EU’s new law on nature restoration
In an unprecedented effort to restore and protect the fragile ecosystems of our planet, the European Union has recently adopted a new law on nature restoration.
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