The EU has formally approved a law aimed at restoring 20% of its land and sea areas by 2030.
This regulation, a first of its kind, mandates specific targets and obligations for restoring ecosystems across terrestrial, marine, freshwater and urban landscapes.
It requires member states to implement measures focusing on various ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and marine habitats like seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Priority will be given to Natura 2000 sites for restoration efforts until 2030.
To achieve these goals, member states must submit national restoration plans outlining their strategies and progress, which will be monitored and reported based on EU biodiversity indicators.
The regulation also includes provisions to prevent further degradation of restored areas and to address declines in wild pollinator populations by 2030.
It sets out specific measures for agricultural land, forests and urban environments to promote biodiversity and sustainability.
Alain Maron, Minister for Climate Transition, Environment, Energy and Participatory Democracy of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region said: “There is no time for a break in protecting our environment.
“Today, the Council of the EU is choosing to restore nature in Europe, thereby protecting its biodiversity and the living environment of European citizens.
“It is our duty to respond to the urgency of the collapse of biodiversity in Europe, but also to enable the European Union to meet its international commitments.”
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