IN RESPONSE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE CRISIS, THE EUROPEAN UNION HAS ADOPTED THE “NATURE RESTORATION LAW”, A LAW THAT AIMS TO REGENERATE DEGRADED ECOSYSTEMS. FORESTS, RIVERS, WETLANDS AND CITIES ARE AT THE CENTER OF AN INTEGRATED PROJECT TO PRESERVE BIODIVERSITY AND PROMOTE BALANCE BETWEEN HUMAN AND NATURE
Habitat restoration and “Nature Restoratrion Law”
The “Nature Restoration Law”which entered into force on 18 August 2024, represents a turning point in the environmental policies of theEuropean Union. The adoption of this law comes at a time of extreme urgency.
The climate and environmental crisis has accelerated the decline of biodiversity, compromising the resilience of ecosystems and their ability to provide essential services. The depletion of water resources, soil erosion, habitat fragmentation and the loss of plant and animal species are just some of the manifestations of a global phenomenon that threatens human and natural well-being.
Degraded habitats not only put the survival of numerous species at risk, but also undermine the quality of human life. Which highlights the need for a paradigm shift. The intervention of the European Union, through this legislation, aims to reverse the trend, placing biodiversity at the center of its policies. Specifically, this perspective translates into interventions that not only aim to restore nature, but which also intend to integrate environmental protection with sustainable development. But let’s delve deeper into the question.
Objectives of the regulation
The European regulation establishes rigorous and very precise goals. The law provides, for example, to focus efforts on key environments such as wetlands, forests, prairies, waterways and urban areas. The interventions aim to restore at least 30% of degraded habitats by 2030, with a progressive extension to 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. Furthermore, the legislation intends to address the dramatic decline in pollinator populations , an essential element for agriculture and for the maintenance of biodiversity. This objective includes targeted measures to ensure the protection and diversity of habitats essential for their survival.
Another priority aspect concerns urban areas, where anthropic pressure (caused by human action) has reduced green spaces and compromised the quality of air and living conditions. The law establishes the obligation to maintain and expand tree cover and natural spaces within cities, improving urban resilience to the effects of climate change. At the same time, great importance is given to river connectivity, with the aim of eliminating artificial barriers that hinder the flow of waterways and recovering at least 25 thousand kilometers of free-flowing rivers by 2030. But it doesn’t end there.
An integrated approach
The regulation provides that agricultural and forestry practices must evolve substantially to ensure full harmony with natural balances. This means adopting techniques that not only minimize the impact on the environment, but which actively promote the regeneration of ecosystems. For example, theregenerative agriculturebased on crop rotations, the maintenance of vegetation cover and the limited use of chemical substances, can restore soil fertility and promote biodiversity. Likewise, sustainable forest management involves interventions aimed at preserving the diversity of tree species, improving carbon absorption capacity and protecting the natural habitats of wild animals. This integrated approach is not only a response to environmental pressures, but also represents an opportunity to develop new production chains and encourage responsible economic practices.
The energy sector, for its part, plays a crucial role in this transformation. The promotion of innovative and less invasive technologies, such as distributed renewable energy, the use of environmentally friendly materials for infrastructure and territorial planning attentive to the conservation of habitats, represent fundamental steps towards a sustainable development model. The energy transition is therefore not just a technological challenge, but a complex process that must take into account the interconnection between the environment, economy and society.
Challenges and opportunities
Member States are required to submit National Recovery Plans within two years of the entry into force of the regulation, defining concrete strategies to achieve the set objectives. However, the “Nature Restoration Law” met with opposition from some countries, including Italy, which voted against it for reasons related to economic and sectoral concerns. The Italian government justified its position by arguing that the objectives imposed by the law could have a negative impact on some production sectors, in particular agriculture and forestry management, considered vulnerable to too stringent regulations. Furthermore, criticism has been raised regarding the financial costs necessary to implement the envisaged measures, considered too high compared to the resources available in the short term.
Despite these reservations, the “Nature Restoration Law” represents an unprecedented opportunity to promote environmental sustainability, increase climate resilience and improve the well-being of communities.
In short, the expected benefits far outweigh the difficulties. But let’s move on to the economic and social benefits.
Economic and social implications
According to estimates by European Commissionevery euro invested in nature restoration can generate an economic return of between 8 and 38 euros. This manifests itself through a series of essential ecosystem services, including water purification, climate regulation, improved air quality and the mitigation of natural disasters such as floods and droughts. These benefits translate into substantial economic savings for governments and local communities. Furthermore, they reduce the need for costly corrective interventions.
Another aspect of great importance concerns the creation of new jobs in sectors linked to the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. The restoration of ecosystems can stimulate the local economy through initiatives such as reforestation, the renaturalization of urban areas and the reclamation of degraded land. These projects not only generate direct employment, but also favor related industries, encouraging the creation of small and medium-sized sustainability-oriented businesses.
The role of citizens and local communities
A central element for the success of “Nature Restoration Law” finally, it is the involvement of citizens and local communities. Environmental education and raising awareness on the importance of biodiversity represent fundamental tools for promoting greater collective awareness and responsibility. Communities can actively participate in restoration projects, providing concrete contributions and developing a deeper connection with the territory. Furthermore, cooperation between local authorities, non-governmental organizations and the private sector can strengthen the effectiveness of initiatives, creating a widespread support network.