Speaker:
Cristina Cipriano – CMCC
Moderator:
Elisa Furlan – CMCC
The EU legislative process for the Nature Restoration Law, rooted in the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, began with the European Commission’s 2022 proposal. This ambitious law aims to restore 20% of EU land and seas by 2030, progressively increasing targets to 2050. Despite facing opposition, particularly from agricultural and fisheries sectors concerned about economic impacts and food security, these claims were widely discredited by scientific evidence and ignored the substantial economic benefits of restoration. After rigorous debate and amendments, Parliament’s approval in July 2023, overcoming misinformation campaigns and a narrow vote margin, marked a significant step toward reversing Europe’s biodiversity loss. Overcoming a near-failure in the Council, the decisive vote in June 2024 by Austria’s environment minister secured the law’s adoption. The law mandates specific restoration targets for various ecosystems, including agroecosystems and urban areas, requiring Member States to develop and implement national restoration plans. The regulation not only focuses on biodiversity but also integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation measures. The Nature Restoration Law represents an important shift from protection to proactive restoration, setting a precedent in global environmental policy and promising significant long-term benefits, including improved ecosystem health and resilience against climate challenges.
