The European Parliament adopted the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration on 27 February 2024. According to Melinda Halassy, a restoration ecologist at the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research (HUN-REN CER) and a board member of the European Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration Europe (SER-Europe), the adoption of the regulation marks a crucial step in which Europe has committed itself to a better future. The HUN-REN CER is taking a leading role in the preparation of the national knowledge hub to provide advisory services for the implementation of the Regulation in Hungary.
Photo: Ábel Péter Molnár
Several professional organisations, including SER-Europe, a dynamic network of more than 500 scientific and expert practitioner members across Europe applauds the adoption of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration (Nature Restoration Law, NRL) by the European Parliament on 27 February 2024. This globally unique and forward-thinking law takes bold and proactive steps to tackle the challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and ecosystem degradation through ecosystem and ecological restoration. Bound by broad ambitions and legally binding targets enshrined in the law the Member States are poised to take significant steps forward in our collective commitment to mending our broken ties with nature.
According to Melinda Halassy, a restoration ecologist at HUN-REN CER and a board member of SER-Europe, the adoption of the regulation marks a crucial step. With this regulation, Europe has committed itself to a better future where human interests align with those of nature, as we are integral parts of the system and cannot live without the goods provided by nature. She added, "As ecologists, we strive to ensure that the implementation of the regulation in Hungary is based on the best professional foundations, seeking synergies with various sectors."
This EU Regulation is a significant milestone in the global effort to combat climate change and protect biodiversity. Nature restoration not only enhances the resilience of ecosystems but also contributes to the well-being of humanity and life on Earth.
The strengths of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation include:
1. Legally binding and measurable targets to restore 20% of land and marine ecosystems in the EU by 2030 and to restore all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050.
2. A holistic approach emphasising the importance of nature-based solutions to climate challenges, environmental degradation, and environmental risks (drought, extreme temperatures, wildfires, flooding), in an integrated way.
3. Active involvement and collaboration among societal actors who manage land and seas, including farmers, forest owners, local authorities, businesses, NGOs, and local communities. This inclusive approach is vital for the successful implementation of nature restoration initiatives that benefits both nature and people.
4. Financial support from public and private sources to facilitate the transition to more sustainable practices and achievement of restoration goals.
5. National Nature Restoration Plans will be adopted by the Member States within two years to start delivering systematically the required measures on their territory. These plans should be grounded on a participatory process for societal engagement, and be standards- and evidence-based to improve the likelihood of success.
Scientists, environmental organisations and more than 1 million concerned citizens had rallied behind the proposed regulation, calling for urgent, decisive action.
Jordi Cortina-Segarra, Chair of the Board of SER-Europe said, “Despite adopting a far less ambitious regulation than the original proposal by the European Commission and faced with a controversial opposition campaign, the EU legislators have understood the urgency for restoration as a solution for the climate and biodiversity crises. Many critics of the Regulation miss the point: nature restoration means taking care of the future of agriculture, access to clean water and liveable cities, not the opposite.”
As a dedicated advocate for environmental conservation and restoration, SER-Europe remains committed to supporting the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. They look forward to collaborating with like-minded organisations, governments, and communities to ensure the success of the Regulation's objectives.