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EU Environmental Council Adopts Nature Restoration Law
Context:
The European Union (EU) Environmental Council approved the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), marking a significant victory for the environment across the continent.
More on News:
- Member States fulfilled their commitments, resulting in the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law (NRL).
- The law received endorsement with a majority from 20 countries, representing 66.07% of the EU population.
- The regulation will soon be published in the EU’s Official Journal and will immediately apply across all member states.
- A review by the Commission in 2033 will assess the law’s impact on agriculture, fisheries, forestry sectors, and its broader socio-economic effects.
Nature Restoration Law (NRL)Adoption and Objectives:
- The EU Council formally adopted the NRL, aiming to restore 20% of EU land and sea by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050.
- Targets include legally binding measures for terrestrial, marine, freshwater, and urban ecosystems.
Specific Targets and Measures:
- At least 30% of listed habitats by 2030, increasing to 90% by 2050 for those in poor condition.
- Pollinator populations by reversing decline by 2030.
- Specific requirements for ecosystems like forests, urban spaces, and agricultural lands.
Implementation and Monitoring:
- National Restoration Plans required within two years of the law’s implementation.
- Regular monitoring and reporting on progress towards biodiversity and restoration targets.
Key Initiatives:
- Restoration of drained peatlands and planting three billion trees by 2030.
- Removing barriers to achieve at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030.
Impact and Future Assessments:
- Review by the Commission in 2033 to evaluate socio-economic impacts and effectiveness in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and forestry.
- Integral part of EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 under the European Green Deal.
Pollinator Protection and Other Measures:
- Addressing the decline in pollinator populations through dedicated measures.
- Enhancing biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security across Europe.
This concise overview highlights the NRL’s comprehensive approach to ecosystem restoration and its strategic goals for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development within the EU.
