This Monday, June 17, the European Union finally approved the first regulation that obliges member states to protect and restore nature, the Nature Restoration Act. This new law is a historic milestone in the protection and recovery of European ecosystems.
This regulation, which had been previously negotiated and agreed between the Member States and the European Parliament, was approved after a vote that reflects both consensus and disagreement within the European Union (EU).
What is the Nature Restoration Law?
The Nature Restoration Act is a regulation aimed at regenerating degraded ecosystems and contributing to achieving climate and biodiversity objectives in Europe.
This law establishes binding targets for the restoration of diverse natural habitats and seeks to ensure that biodiversity and ecosystem services are preserved and enhanced. The regulations cover a wide range of areas, including forests, rivers, wetlands, grasslands, and other vital ecosystems.
Main objectives of the Nature Restoration Law
The law establishes several objectives and specific measures, such as:
- Ecosystem Restoration: Concrete targets are set to restore European ecosystems. It establishes the obligation to restore 20% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030 and to achieve complete restoration by 2050.
- Biodiversity: Taking into account the biodiversity agreement established at COP15, the law promotes the conservation of endangered species and the reintroduction of native species.
- Investment and financing: Specific funds are earmarked and investment in ecological restoration projects is encouraged.
What is the impact of the Law?
According to the European Environment Agency, it is estimated that more than 80% of European habitats are in poor condition due to pollution. The implementation of this law will have a significant impact on several aspects:
- Environmental: Habitat restoration and species conservation will help combat climate change and improve ecosystem resilience.
- Economic: The regulations will boost the green economy, creating jobs in sectors such as reforestation, water management, and ecotourism.
- Social: The improvement of natural ecosystems will have benefits for the health and well-being of the population, providing green spaces and vital ecosystem services.
Voting results
The adoption of the law was possible thanks to the favorable vote of several countries: Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Austria, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia. However, the law faced opposition from Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland and Sweden. Belgium opted to abstain.
Despite Austria’s favorable vote, the government led by the conservative Karl Nehammer has announced that it will lodge an appeal for annulment with the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). This decision is due to the discrepancy between the vote cast by the Austrian minister for the sector, Leonore Gewessler, of the Greens party, and the will of the head of government.
Conclusion
The adoption of the Nature Restoration Act represents a crucial step forward in the fight for sustainability and environmental conservation in Europe. Although it faces challenges and opposition, its implementation marks the beginning of an era in which the restoration and protection of biodiversity are essential priorities for the present and future well-being of European societies.
