In a pivotal move set for February, the European Parliament is slated to vote on the inter-institutional agreement for the innovative EU Nature Restoration Law. Recognized as the world’s first legislation dedicated to restoring ecosystems, this law is positioned as a crucial step in combatting species extinction within Europe. Emphasizing the fundamental role of biodiversity as our survival insurance, proponents assert that without intact ecosystems, essential elements such as drinking water, clean air, and fertile soils would be jeopardized. The Nature Restoration Law, integral to the Green Deal, carries the potential to establish global standards in addressing the climate and biodiversity crisis. Advocates contend that this legislation could play a pivotal role in preventing species extinction and providing ecosystems the breathing room they desperately need.
Despite its significance, the current state of nature in Europe paints a dire picture. Reports indicate that over 81 percent of protected ecosystems across the continent are not in good condition. Disturbingly, 50 percent of breeding pairs of farmland birds have vanished since 1980, and the last three decades have witnessed a staggering 75 percent decline in insect biomass. Notable species such as bumblebees, skylarks, and wheatears are dwindling, rendering our meadows and fields increasingly silent. The few remaining intact ecosystems face gradual disintegration due to factors like infrastructure development and intensive farming practices. The importance of insects, particularly pollinators, is underscored, as they contribute to 12 percent of the EU agricultural sector’s average annual profit through services like pollination, crucial for 80 percent of food crops in Germany alone.
Last year, at the World Biodiversity Conference in Montreal, the EU committed to safeguarding 30 percent of land and sea areas and restoring 30 percent of degraded ecosystems. The forthcoming Nature Restoration Law is seen as a key instrument to fulfill these commitments. It proposes restoration measures for 20 percent of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with the additional stipulation that restored areas should not undergo further deterioration. Addressing another critical aspect, the law aims to eliminate unnecessary barriers in European rivers, setting a target for the removal of obsolete barriers along at least 25,000 kilometers of rivers by 2030. Member States are also urged to implement measures to halt the decline in pollinator diversity by 2030, with periodic monitoring and assessment until satisfactory levels are achieved.
Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized that 30 to 50 percent of carbon-rich ecosystems must be restored to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. Specific targets in the new EU Nature Restoration Law include the rewetting of peatlands by 2050 and the transition of tree plantations to thriving forests. Carbon-rich ecosystems, such as peatlands, are highlighted as natural allies in the fight against the climate crisis and are anticipated to contribute significantly to the EU’s climate goals.
However, it is crucial to note that while the Nature Restoration Law lays a foundation, its success depends on Member States’ commitment to implementation. The upcoming parliamentary vote is framed as a decision on livelihood, representing a pivotal moment for the EU’s environmental agenda.