The EU Nature Restoration Law: Landmark legislation finally adopted

More than seven months after the original agreement of the European Parliament, Commission, and Council on the Nature Restoration Law, the Council finally gave the green light and officially adopted the law on 17 June 2024.

The delay was due to persistent resistance from several EU member states in the Council. The missing majority threatened to jeopardise the compromise that was reached by the EU institutions after lengthy trilogue negotiations on 9 November 2023. These negotiations had already resulted in numerous compromises and concessions.

Its adoption marks a great step forward for the protection of the environment and wildlife in Europe, with specific targets set for member states to protect and preserve their wild habitats.

Scope of the law

The Nature Restoration Law sets specific, legally binding targets and obligations for restoring a wide range of ecosystems, including terrestrial, marine, freshwater, and urban areas. Here are some of the key elements:

• Restoration targets: Member states are required to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with further goals set for 2040 and 2050.
• Ecosystem-specific measures: The law includes specific measures for different ecosystems. IFAW is pleased that noise pollution is listed as a form of marine pollution that needs to be reduced. With its Blue Speeds campaign, IFAW is advocating for the reduction of noise pollution through lowering vessel speeds, a measure that can help restore marine ecosystems and also reduce the risk of collisions with whales.
• Peatlands and rivers: Member states are tasked with restoring drained peatlands and removing man-made barriers to create 25,000 kilometres of free-flowing rivers by 2030.
  

Implementation and monitoring

The Nature Restoration Law will enter into force after its publication in the EU’s Official Journal and become directly applicable across all member states. The next step is for member states to allocate the necessary budgets and resources to implement the law’s targets.

Member states must also develop and submit national restoration plans to the European Commission, detailing how they will achieve the targets. These plans will be subject to regular monitoring and reporting based on EU-wide biodiversity indicators. The European Commission will review the regulation’s application and its impact by 2033.

A major win for the environment

For IFAW, the adoption of the Nature Restoration Law is a significant victory for biodiversity and climate action in Europe. Ilaria di Silvestre, Head of EU Policy and Campaigns, stated: ‘Despite the compromises and concessions, the regulation is a major win for the European Union’s environment and climate goals. The law's successful implementation will not only restore ecosystems but also contribute to climate mitigation, enhance food security, and help the EU meet its international environmental commitments.’

Moving forward, the effective implementation of the Nature Restoration Law will be essential for achieving the ambitious restoration targets. This law is not just about preserving nature. It is about ensuring a sustainable future in which people and wildlife can thrive together.

Let’s work together to ensure the full implementation of the Nature Restoration Law by member states.