The European Union Council has passed the Nature Restoration Regulation by a small majority. This new piece of legislation will be the first to set legally binding restoration targets for the long-term recovery of nature in Europe.
It aims to restore 30% of terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, and marine ecosystems to good condition by 2030. In forest and agricultural areas, Member States are required to put in place restoration measures to enhance several biodiversity indicators, and to restore and partially rewet 30% of drained agricultural peatlands, rewetting at least a quarter, by 2030. The EU NRL also includes targets an obligation to improve urban green spaces, contribute to free-flowing rivers by removing artificial barriers, increase pollinator populations and contribute to the target of 3 billion additional trees throughout the EU.
The document foresees the need for Member States to prepare Nature Restoration Plans, which will outline how Member States plan to deliver on the targets of obligations, taking their national context into account. While drafting these Nature Restoration Plans, Member States also need to consider socio-economic impacts and benefits, and estimate the financial needs for its implementation.
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