Degraded ecosystems aim to be restored across Europe as Nature Restoration Law enters into force

European Union legislation to restore habitats to their natural state entered into force on 11 August 2024. Under the legislation, Member States must implement measures to restore at least 20% of the EU's terrestrial and marine areas by 2030 and all degraded ecosystems by 2050.

The regulation sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, particularly those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. To ensure the continued provisions of ecosystem services to European citizens, the law requires Member States: to halt the loss of urban green and increase urban green space and urban tree canopy cover; to restore the natural connectivity of rivers and the natural functions of related floodplains; to halt and reverse pollinator decline; to restore and rewet peatlands under agricultural use; to put in place measures aiming to increase farmland bird populations and to achieve a positive trend in certain other key biodiversity indicators in agricultural ecosystems; to achieve a positive trend in a range of biodiversity indicators in forest ecosystems; and to contribute to the EU-level commitment of planting at least three billion additional trees by 2030.

The adoption of the legislation was preceded by heated debates and was ultimately passed by a narrow majority, with many fearing that the measures would put farmers in a difficult position. In response to this concern, the Commission stressed that it is up to the Member States to decide which specific measures they wish to introduce in their own areas. For this purpose, each Member State will develop a national restoration plan, setting out restoration needs and measures to fulfil the obligations and achieve the targets of the law adapted to the national context, taking into account the diversity of different regions and the financial resources needed. Member States can mobilise the necessary funds from public and private sources, including from EU funds (i.e. LIFE Programme, Horizon Europe, etc.). Member States must submit their draft plan to the Commission within two years from the date of entry into force.