The European Union has made a big move to protect its natural areas. The new EU Nature Restoration Law aims to fix damaged water courses like rivers, streams, and wetlands¹. This law is a big part of the EU’s plan to tackle climate change and environmental damage.

The law has big goals for member states. They must restore 20% of the EU’s land and sea by 2030¹. The goal is to fix all damaged ecosystems by 2050¹. This will not only make water cleaner and biodiversity better but also help waterways deal with climate change.

Key Takeaways

• The EU Nature Restoration Law aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050.
• Member states must restore at least 30% of damaged habitats to a good condition by 2030, with targets increasing to 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050.
• The law requires the restoration of at least 25,000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers by 2030.
• Restoring degraded water courses will improve water quality, biodiversity, and the overall resilience of aquatic environments.
• The law is a key component of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy and efforts to address climate change and environmental degradation.

What is the EU Nature Restoration Law?

The EU Nature Restoration Law is a major agreement among member states. It aims to fix damaged ecosystems across the European Union². The goal is to meet the EU’s big climate and biodiversity goals by fixing nature’s decline².

Proposed Aims and Targets

The law wants the EU to restore 20% of its land and sea by 2030. By 2050, it aims to fix all damaged ecosystems². Member states must improve 30% of habitats to good condition by 2030, then 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050².

Relevance to Climate and Biodiversity Goals

The EU Nature Restoration Law is key to the EU’s Green Deal and biodiversity strategy³. It aims to boost natural carbon sinks, biodiversity, and environmental resilience².

Most people support the law, with 97% backing restoration targets². But, some countries like Hungary were hesitant at first²³.

Despite hurdles, the law is a big step for the EU’s natural environment. It’s vital for tackling climate change and biodiversity loss²³.

The Urgency of Restoring Degraded Ecosystems

Europe’s natural landscapes are in dire need of restoration, with over 80% of habitats in poor condition⁴. The current approach to protecting and conserving nature has been ineffective in halting the alarmingly high rates of biodiversity loss across the continent⁴. The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law is a crucial response to this pressing issue, aiming to repair damaged ecosystems and achieve the EU’s ambitious climate and biodiversity goals.

Restoring degraded environments is essential for mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. Healthy, resilient ecosystems provide invaluable services such as carbon sequestration, flood mitigation, and support for threatened species⁵. The global target set at the U.N.’s biodiversity conference calls for protecting 30 percent of degraded ecosystems by 2030⁵, while the COP27 and COP15 conferences have set goals to reach global carbon neutrality and protect 30 percent of the planet’s ecosystems by 2050⁵. The EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through comprehensive ecosystem restoration efforts⁵.

The proposed EU Nature Restoration Law marks a significant shift, as it mandates restoration in addition to existing protection measures, going beyond previous laws that have primarily focused on conservation⁵. This law would cover 1.6 million square miles across 27 member countries, from Scandinavia to the Iberian and Balkan peninsulas⁵. The law’s targets include accelerating the restoration of Europe’s rivers, which are currently in the most critical state⁵.

The urgency of restoring degraded ecosystems cannot be overstated. With the pressing need to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, and halt the alarming loss of biodiversity, the EU Nature Restoration Law offers a comprehensive and long-overdue solution to these critical environmental challenges.

Restoring Rivers and Waterways

The EU Nature Restoration Law is key to reviving Europe’s rivers and waterways. It aims to restore at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030⁷. This is a big step towards better water quality, as only half of Europe’s surface waters are in good shape⁷.

Targets for Free-Flowing Rivers

The law wants to remove dams and weirs that block rivers⁷. This will help rivers flow naturally again. It will improve water quality, support fish and plants, and help with floods⁷.

Removing Barriers and Restoring Floodplains

The law also focuses on fixing floodplains and wetlands⁷. These areas are key for water storage and cleaning. Sadly, over 85% of the world’s wetlands have vanished⁷. By fixing these areas, the EU can make its water systems stronger and more resilient.

The European Parliament and the Council are working together on this law⁷. They aim to meet the EU’s river restoration goals. This shows the EU’s dedication to protecting its freshwater and the services it offers⁷.

“The Nature Restoration Law proposal aims to restore 25,000 km of EU rivers and outlines the methods to do so.”⁷

Reviving Agricultural Ecosystems

The EU Nature Restoration Law aims to bring new life to agricultural ecosystems across Europe. It targets to improve at least 30% of habitats in various ecosystems by 2030⁸. This effort focuses on restoring degraded peatlands and wetlands.

Peatlands are key in fighting climate change, absorbing nearly twice as much carbon dioxide as forests⁸. Yet, over half of Europe’s peatlands are damaged, with Germany’s peatlands being 90% degraded⁸. The EU plans to rewet half of Europe’s former peatlands to combat climate change⁸.

Indicators for Biodiversity Improvement

The EU will use three indicators to track progress: the grassland butterfly index, the share of high-diversity landscapes, and organic carbon in cropland soil⁹. Restoring peatlands and adopting regenerative agriculture are key to these goals⁹.

The law also aims to boost the common farmland bird index, a key biodiversity indicator⁹. Supporting farmers in sustainable practices will help revive these ecosystems⁹.

Reviving agricultural ecosystems faces challenges, but the benefits are huge. The European Commission believes every euro invested in restoration could return eight times the economic value in the long run⁸. Land use changes are essential for the EU’s climate goals, as stated in the EU Nature Restoration Law⁸.

nature resturation law of damaged water courses law EU

The European Union has set a big goal with its Nature Restoration Law. It aims to fix damaged water courses and ecosystems in all member states¹⁰. The plan is to restore 20% of the EU’s land and sea by 2030, and all areas by 2050¹¹.

This law is key to meeting the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals. Healthy water environments are crucial for many species and services.

The law requires countries to improve 30% of habitats, like rivers and lakes, by 2030¹⁰. This goal will grow to 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050¹⁰. The EU also wants to restore 25,000 kilometers of rivers and plant 3 billion trees¹⁰.

But, some countries like Sweden and Poland are against the law¹⁰. The European Commission has offered new rules to help farmers and ease the law’s impact¹⁰.

Despite the hurdles, the EU Nature Restoration Law is a big step for nature¹¹. The European Union, Parliament, and Commission are working hard to make it happen¹¹.

The EU Nature Restoration Law is a bold move against biodiversity loss¹². It’s a beacon of hope in the face of climate change and environmental damage¹².

“The Nature Restoration Law is a critical step in safeguarding Europe’s natural heritage and ensuring a healthier future for its water courses and aquatic biodiversity.”

The EU’s Nature Restoration Law faces challenges, but it’s urgent to act¹². With the right support, it could be a game-changer for the environment and people¹²¹⁰¹¹.

Peatland Restoration and Rewetting

Peatlands are key in the fight against climate change. They cover about three percent of the land and hold 30 percent of the world’s carbon¹³. Yet, over 60 percent of Europe’s peatlands have been drained, leading to a lot of greenhouse gas emissions¹³. The EU Nature Restoration Law aims to restore and rewet these areas, seeing their huge potential in reducing emissions and storing carbon.

Restoring peatlands is a cost-effective way to fight climate change and protect biodiversity¹⁴. The law wants to restore at least 30 percent of drained peatlands by 2030, 40 percent by 2040, and 50 percent by 2050¹³. This goal is to use peatlands as a natural solution to climate change, cutting down on agricultural emissions and restoring important ecosystem services.

Peatlands are vital for keeping water clean, controlling floods, and supporting unique plants and animals¹³. But, their degradation has caused biodiversity loss and the extinction of many species¹³. The Nature Restoration Law aims to reverse this, valuing peatlands for their role in the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals.

Restoring and rewetting peatlands will need teamwork from governments, stakeholders, and local communities¹⁴. By switching to “paludiculture,” we can make the most of these ecosystems to store carbon, support biodiversity, and increase climate resilience¹⁴. With the right policies and financial support, peatland restoration can be a powerful tool against climate change and for preserving our natural heritage.

“For every €1 invested in nature restoration, it adds €8 to €38 in benefits to society.”

– European Union estimate¹⁵

Forest Ecosystems and Urban Green Spaces

The EU Nature Restoration Law focuses on fixing forest ecosystems and green spaces in cities¹⁶. It aims to boost biodiversity in forests, connect them better, and increase deadwood and organic carbon¹⁶. It also requires at least 10% tree cover in cities, towns, and suburbs¹⁶.

Increasing Tree Cover and Canopy

It’s key to grow more forests to help forest ecosystem restoration and improve urban green infrastructure¹⁶. The law wants to plant three billion more trees in the EU to grow tree planting and canopy cover¹⁶. This will make cities look better and help with air quality, temperature, and water management¹⁶.

The law also wants to keep urban green spaces the same by 2030, with a 5% increase by 2050¹⁶. This will protect the important role of urban green spaces in supporting life, health, and climate¹⁶.

“Restoring and protecting forests and urban green spaces is crucial for supporting biodiversity, regulating the climate, and improving the overall quality of life for EU citizens.”

National Restoration Plans and Monitoring

To make the EU nature restoration law work, countries must create national restoration plans. These plans will show how they plan to meet the law’s big goals¹⁷. The European Commission will check these plans and ask countries to update them often. There’s also a special “emergency brake” rule for when things get really tough, like if there’s not enough land for food.

The EU Nature Restoration Law was passed in June 2024. It says countries must restore 20% of EU land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050¹⁷. This law fits with the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The strategy wants to fix 25,000 km of rivers by 2030 and protect 30% of EU land and seas by 2030¹⁷.

The law also asks countries to make plans to fix all ecosystems by 2050. This includes creating a network of nature areas and protecting special forests and wetlands¹⁷. These plans are key to tracking progress towards the EU’s big goals for nature and the climate¹⁷.

“The EU Nature Restoration Law is a crucial step in our efforts to halt and reverse the alarming decline of biodiversity in Europe. By requiring member states to develop and implement comprehensive restoration plans, we can ensure that our natural ecosystems are protected and thriving for generations to come.”

With the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Nature Restoration Law, Europe is moving towards a greener future¹⁷. But, success depends on how well countries follow through and involve local people in the restoration work¹⁷.

The Economic Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration

Restoring degraded ecosystems supports biodiversity and climate goals. It also brings big economic gains. A study by the European Commission shows that restoring ecosystems like peatlands, forests, and lakes could add €1.86 trillion to the economy by 2050. This is more than the estimated €154 billion it will cost¹⁸.

The study found that the benefits of fighting climate change alone are worth more than the costs. This shows how valuable restoring ecosystems is.

Ecosystem restoration offers many economic benefits. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services that boost productivity and well-being. For instance, Europe’s Natura 2000 network of protected areas adds €200-300 billion to the economy each year¹⁸.

Also, about 4.4 million jobs in Europe depend on healthy ecosystems¹⁸.

The tourism sector also benefits a lot from restoring ecosystems. The EU’s tourism is the third-largest globally. The pandemic has shown how important green spaces are for recreation and well-being¹⁸.

Post-industrial areas can create jobs and attract tourists through nature restoration. The Emscher Landscape Park in Germany, for example, has created over 55,000 jobs¹⁸.

Restoring ecosystems also helps agriculture. In Europe, 84% of crops rely on animal pollination, worth around €10-15 billion annually¹⁸. But, pollinator decline threatens food security. Projects like the B-Lines in the UK aim to create habitats to reverse this decline, showing the economic value of natural ecosystems.

The data is clear: investing in ecosystem restoration is a smart move. It offers significant economic benefits that far exceed the costs. By following the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the new Nature Restoration Law, we can tap into the economic potential of healthy ecosystems. This will drive sustainable growth and prosperity across Europe¹⁹.

Challenges and Opposition Faced

The EU’s nature restoration law has hit some big hurdles, especially from farmers²⁰. The goal is to make 20% of the EU’s land and sea green again by 2030. This plan barely passed, with a slim majority of 55% of states and 65% of the EU’s people supporting it²⁰.

But this support was very thin, just 1.07 percentage points over the needed majority. Countries like Finland, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, and Sweden voted no²⁰.

Addressing Concerns from Agriculture Sector

Farmers are worried about the law²¹. It aims to cover 20% of each country’s land, which is a lot in Ireland²¹. Ireland has 670,000 hectares of protected habitats, but 620,000 hectares are now farmed²¹.

The law wants to restore these habitats, which could hurt family farms²¹. Making wetlands wet again is key, but it’s not good for farming²¹. Farmers fear losing money and face opposition from the farming world²⁰.

To ease worries, the law has a “emergency brake” for food needs²¹. It also lets countries decide how to meet the targets²¹. Changes were made to make the law less strict, but farmers still have to restore habitats²¹.

After 2030, the law will affect farmland, which could hurt family farms²¹. A plan is needed to protect farmers while saving nature²¹.

“The Nature Restoration Law could lead to increased costs and income losses for farmers, posing threats to their livelihoods.”

Even with changes, some lawmakers tried to stop the law at the last minute²⁰. The European Environment Agency says nature needs help, with 81% of habitats in bad shape²⁰.

Conclusion

The EU’s nature restoration law is a big step towards fixing damaged ecosystems. It aims to fight biodiversity loss and climate change across the continent. The law sets tough targets for restoring water, land, forests, and urban green spaces¹.

Some people have opposed the law, but its benefits are clear. It’s key to the EU’s plans for sustainability and fighting climate change. As countries start to act on their plans, the EU will watch and help²²²³.

The law’s main goal is to restore 20% of the EU’s land and sea by 2030. By 2050, it wants to fix all damaged ecosystems¹. This law is a big step in protecting Europe’s nature and people’s health.