The Nature Restoration Law
The European Parliament has adopted a groundbreaking law aimed at restoring degraded ecosystems across the EU. This new legislation mandates the restoration of at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with a goal of restoring all ecosystems in need by 2050.
The law, agreed upon with member states, is a major step towards achieving the EU’s climate and biodiversity objectives, as well as enhancing food security.
Targets and timelines
To meet the overall EU targets, member states must restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. These habitats range from forests and grasslands to wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coral beds. Priority should be given to Natura 2000 areas until 2030.
Once habitats are restored to good condition, countries must ensure they do not significantly deteriorate. Each member state will adopt national restoration plans detailing how they intend to achieve these targets.
Focus on agricultural ecosystems
The law includes specific provisions for improving biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems. EU countries must show progress in at least two of the following indicators:
- The grassland butterfly index
- The share of agricultural land with high-diversity landscape features
- The stock of organic carbon in cropland mineral soil
Additionally, measures to increase the common farmland bird index are required, as birds are good indicators of overall biodiversity health. Restoring drained peatlands is highlighted as a cost-effective way to reduce emissions in the agricultural sector. By 2030, 30% of drained peatlands must be restored, with at least a quarter rewetted. These targets increase to 40% by 2040 and 50% by 2050, with a third rewetted. Rewetting remains voluntary for farmers and private landowners.
An emergency brake allows targets for agricultural ecosystems to be temporarily suspended under exceptional circumstances, ensuring that food production for EU consumption is not severely impacted.
Restoration of other ecosystems
The legislation sets positive trends for several indicators in forest ecosystems, including planting an additional three billion trees. It also mandates the restoration of at least 25,000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers and ensures no net loss in urban green space and tree canopy cover.
Significance and impact
Rapporteur César Luena (S&D, ES) highlighted the importance of this legislation, stating:
“Today is an important day for Europe, as we move from protecting and conserving nature to restoring it. The new law will also help us to fulfill many of our international environmental commitments.
The regulation will restore degraded ecosystems while respecting the agricultural sector by giving flexibility to member states. I would like to thank scientists for providing the scientific evidence and fighting climate denial and young people for reminding us that there is no planet B, nor plan B.”
Next steps
The agreement, adopted with 329 votes in favor, 275 against, and 24 abstentions, now awaits adoption by the Council. Following its adoption, the law will be published in the EU Official Journal and enter into force 20 days later.
Background
Over 80% of European habitats are currently in poor condition. The European Commission proposed this nature restoration law on 22 June 2022, aiming to contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU.
This law is part of the EU’s efforts to meet its climate and biodiversity objectives and international commitments, particularly under the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Commission estimates significant economic benefits from the law, projecting at least 8 euros in benefits for every euro invested.
This legislation responds to citizens’ expectations concerning the protection and restoration of biodiversity, landscape, and oceans, as expressed in the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.
FAQ
What is the Nature Restoration Law?
The Nature Restoration Law is a regulation adopted by the European Parliament to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with the goal of restoring all ecosystems in need by 2050. It aims to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and improve food security.
What does this law mean for European businesses?
For European businesses, the Nature Restoration Law may bring both challenges and opportunities. Companies may need to adapt their operations to comply with restoration targets and biodiversity measures.
However, the law also presents opportunities for businesses involved in sustainable practices, eco-friendly technologies, and green infrastructure projects. The economic benefits projected by the Commission suggest that investing in nature restoration could yield significant returns, potentially opening new markets and fostering innovation.
What are the main targets of this law?
The law requires member states to restore at least 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. This includes forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coral beds.
How does the law address agricultural ecosystems?
To improve biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, EU countries must progress in indicators such as the grassland butterfly index, agricultural land with high-diversity landscape features, and organic carbon in cropland mineral soil. They must also increase the common farmland bird index and restore drained peatlands.
What provisions are included for other ecosystems?
The law demands positive trends in forest ecosystem indicators, planting an additional three billion trees, restoring 25,000 km of rivers to free-flowing rivers, and ensuring no net loss of urban green space and tree canopy cover.
What is the significance of this law?
This law marks a shift from merely protecting and conserving nature to actively restoring it. It helps the EU meet international environmental commitments and contributes to long-term biodiversity and climate goals.
What steps are next for this law to take effect?
The agreement will be adopted by the Council, published in the EU Official Journal, and enter into force 20 days later.
