Why is it in the news?

• The European Union recently approved a comprehensive Nature Restoration Plan aiming to restore ecosystems across the continent.
• This initiative is a vital component of the EU’s 2030 biodiversity strategy and aligns with the overarching goals of the European Green Deal.

Some of the Key Inclusions

• The primary objectives of the new law are to facilitate the long-term recovery of diverse and resilient ecosystems, support the EU’s climate mitigation and adaptation targets, and fulfill international obligations.
• Currently, 81% of EU habitats are deemed to have a “poor” status, and a significant decline is observed in one out of every three bee and butterfly species.
• The legislation sets ambitious targets for ecosystem recovery, aiming to cover a minimum of 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and achieve restoration for all ecosystems by 2050.
• Emphasis will be placed on areas falling under the Natura 2000 network – a collection of 27,000 protected natural sites within the EU.
• Specific targets encompass various ecosystems such as urban, forest, marine, and agricultural landscapes, as well as goals related to pollinating insects and river connectivity.
• Notable objectives include reversing pollinator population decline by 2030, no net loss of urban green spaces, increasing organic carbon stocks, restoring drained peatlands, and rehabilitating habitats of marine species like dolphins and seabirds.

Key Issues and Challenges

• EU countries are required to submit National Restoration Plans to the European Commission by mid-2026 detailing how they intend to meet these targets. The estimated annual cost for restoring 30% of habitats by 2030 is approximately €8.2 billion.
• However, additional funding will be necessary to address marine and urban ecosystems, alongside areas not covered by the Habitats Directive.
• One of the primary challenges will be securing ample funding for the implementation of the plan. Similar to other conservation efforts globally, financial support is a critical barrier.
• The recent electoral setbacks faced by the European Greens, a political party advocating for environmental protection, may further complicate the task of fulfilling the plan’s objectives.