EU adopts Nature Restoration Law
In an historic moment for wildlife, the European Union has voted to adopt the Nature Restoration Law.
After months of debate and disagreement, the law has finally been signed off by European Environment Ministers, marking a turning point for Europe's nature and its citizens.
On the morning of Monday 17 June, the law was discussed in the European Council. The majority of countries voted in favour of the law, with only six – Italy, Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden – voting against it.
The Nature Restoration Law requires member states to restore 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050 (John Wall).
Positive direction
Austria and Slovakia, countries that had previously voiced doubts about the legislation, changed their position ahead of the meeting, allowing the law to meet the threshold of support required for it to be passed.
The outcome is seen by conservation bodies as the first step towards a better future for Europe's nature, climate and citizens.
The Nature Restoration Law requires member states to restore 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems by 2050. Now that it has been formally approved, member states will be required to draft their national restoration plans and lay out in detail how they plan to reach the targets proposed.
Restore nature
The #RestoreNature coalition, consisting of BirdLife Europe, ClientEarth, EEB and WWF EU, said: "The vote is a massive victory for Europe's nature and citizens who have been long calling for immediate action to tackle nature's alarming decline. After years of intense campaigning and many ups and downs, we are jubilant that this law is now reality – this day will go down in history as a turning point for nature and society.
"Now, we need all hands on deck: Member States must properly implement this legislation without delay in their countries, in close collaboration with all involved stakeholders. At the end of the day, nature can rebound, for the benefit of our climate, biodiversity and people!"
Linda Lennon, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland, commented: "The passing of the Nature Restoration Law marks a historic moment, a symbol that European countries are committed to facing our climate, habitat and biodiversity crises as a collective that is committed to a science-based approach."
