New EU Nature Restoration Law. Key Exceptions for Farmers Following Brussels Protests
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The European Parliament has passed a landmark nature restoration law aiming to revive degraded habitats and ecosystems by 2050. It mandates improving 30% of habitats by 2030, with increasing targets for subsequent decades, focusing on agricultural and non-agricultural ecosystems alike. The law includes provisions for biodiversity enhancement, peatland restoration, and an “emergency brake” for food production protection. Highlighting a comprehensive restoration approach, it sets forth a significant step towards achieving the EU’s climate and biodiversity goals, backed by economic and environmental benefits.
By eEuropa
Brussels, 28 February 2024 – 5 MINUTES READ
On Tuesday 26 February, the European Parliament has adopted the controversial european law aimed at the ambitious restoration of 20% of the European Union’s land and sea areas by 2030, with a vision to restore all ecosystems in need by 2050. This landmark legislation marks the EU’s first dedicated effort to mend degraded ecosystems across its member states, aiming to meet crucial climate and biodiversity targets while enhancing food security. Read the draft legislative text here. Now it’s up to the EU Council to approve the text negotiated in November 2023 with the European Parliament.
A Commitment to Restoration
The law establishes ambitious milestones, requiring EU countries to elevate at least 30% of habitats from poor to good condition by 2030, with incremental targets reaching 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. Special emphasis is placed on prioritizing Natura 2000 areas, Europe’s network of protected sites, until the end of this decade. Moreover, the legislation mandates member states to devise and implement national restoration plans, outlining precise strategies to achieve these targets
Focus on Agricultural Ecosystems
In agricultural ecosystems, the law mandates progress in key biodiversity indicators, including the grassland butterfly index, the enhancement of high-diversity landscape features in agricultural lands, and the increase of organic carbon in cropland mineral soil. It also addresses the restoration of drained peatlands, a significant step towards reducing emissions in the agriculture sector, with a goal to restore and rewet a portion of these lands by 2050.
The legislation introduces an “emergency brake,” allowing the suspension of targets for agricultural ecosystems under exceptional circumstances, ensuring food production for EU consumption is not compromised.
Beyond Agriculture
The law extends its reach to other ecosystems, requiring a positive trend in forest biodiversity, the planting of an additional three billion trees, and the restoration of 25,000 km of rivers to free-flowing states. It also aims to prevent net loss in urban green spaces and tree canopy cover, underscoring a holistic approach to ecosystem restoration.
A Collaborative Effort
The passage of this law was celebrated by rapporteur César Luena (S&D, ES), who highlighted the importance of transitioning from conservation to restoration of nature. He emphasized the law’s role in fulfilling international environmental commitments and the significant economic benefits it promises, where each euro invested is expected to yield at least eight euros in returns.
Looking Ahead
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