The European Parliament has adopted an innovative law to restore 20% of the European Union’s land and sea, aiming to rejuvenate degraded ecosystems, achieve climate and biodiversity goals, and bolster food security.
The legislation agreed upon with member states, marks a crucial step towards a sustainable and resilient future.
To attain the overarching EU objectives, member states are mandated to restore a minimum of 30% of habitats, encompassing forests, grasslands, wetlands, rivers, lakes, and coral beds, from poor to good condition by 2030.
This target is set to increase to 60% by 2040 and a remarkable 90% by 2050. The priority for restoration until 2030 lies with Natura 2000 areas, crucial for preserving Europe’s rich biodiversity.
Once a habitat achieves a good condition, member states are obligated to ensure it does not significantly deteriorate. National restoration plans must be adopted, outlining strategies to meet these ambitious targets.
Agriculture Ecosystems
In a bid to enhance biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems, EU countries must make progress in at least two out of three indicators: the grassland butterfly index, the share of agricultural land with high-diversity landscape features, and the stock of organic carbon in cropland mineral soil.
Additionally, measures to boost the common farmland bird index, a key biodiversity indicator, must be implemented.
Recognising the significance of restoring drained peatlands in reducing emissions, EU countries are required to restore at least 30% of drained peatlands by 2030, with a quarter being rewetted.
The targets increase to 40% by 2040 and 50% by 2050, with at least one-third being rewetted. Rewetting, however, remains voluntary for farmers and private landowners.
The law includes an emergency brake mechanism, allowing for the suspension of targets under exceptional circumstances threatening food production.
Diverse Ecosystems Restoration
The legislation also addresses diverse ecosystems, including forest ecosystems, where a positive trend in several indicators and the planting of an additional three billion trees are mandated.
Member states are required to restore at least 25,000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers and ensure no net loss in the total national area of urban green space and urban tree canopy cover.
EU Parliament
After the law was officially accepted, spokesperson César Luena highlighted how important this moment was. He expressed that today marks a crucial day for Europe because we are shifting our focus from just safeguarding and preserving nature to actively working on restoring it.
The new law will also help us to fulfil many of our international environmental commitments.” Luena expressed gratitude to scientists for providing the necessary evidence and to the younger generation for their advocacy, stressing that there is no alternative to protecting our planet.
Next Steps
The adopted agreement with member states received 329 votes in favour, 275 against, and 24 abstentions. The next steps involve adoption by the Council, publication in the EU Official Journal, and entering into force 20 days later.
Background information highlights that over 80% of European habitats are currently in poor condition.
The nature restoration law, proposed by the Commission on June 22, 2022, aligns with the EU’s commitment to the long-term recovery of damaged nature, meeting climate and biodiversity goals, and fulfilling international commitments, such as the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework.
The Commission estimates that the law’s economic benefits would be substantial, with every euro invested resulting in at least 8 euros in benefits.
This legislation addresses the expectations of citizens, echoing proposals from the Conference on the Future of Europe concerning the protection and restoration of biodiversity, landscapes, and oceans.
It signifies a proactive step towards ensuring a sustainable and thriving future for the European Union.
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