European Parliament passes ‘Nature Restoration Law’ to protect natural ecosystem

New Delhi: The European Parliament on Wednesday passed “Nature Restoration Law” for the restoration measures of natural ecosystem and biodiversity by 2030, covering at least 20% of its land and sea areas.

Following a debate, Parliament today adopted its position on the EU “nature restoration law” with 336 votes in favour, 300 against and 13 abstentions.

“A vote to reject the Commission’s proposal did not pass 312 votes to 324 and 12 abstentions,” said the official statement.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stressed that the EU must have restoration measures in place by 2030.

MEPs also underline that restoring the ecosystem is key to combating climate change and biodiversity loss, and reduces risks to food security.

They also stressed that the draft law does not impose the creation of new protected areas in the EU nor block new renewable energy infrastructure as they added a new article underlining that such installations are overwhelmingly in the public interest.

After passing this legislation, Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with the Council on the final shape of the legislation.

Parliament highlights that the new law must contribute to reaching the EU’s international commitments, in particular the UN Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework.

The statement said, “Within 12 months of this Regulation entering into force, the Commission would have to assess any gap between restoration financial needs and available EU funding and look into solutions to bridge such a gap, in particular through a dedicated EU instrument”.

Speaking after the vote, rapporteur César Luena (SD, ES), said: “The Nature Restoration Law is an essential piece of the European Green Deal and follows the scientific consensus and recommendations to restore Europe’s ecosystems. Farmers and fishers will benefit from it and it ensures habitable earth for future generations”

“Our position adopted today sends a clear message. Now we must continue the good work, defend our ground during the negotiations with member states and reach an agreement before the end of this Parliament’s mandate to pass the first regulation on nature restoration in the EU’s history” he added

BACKGROUND

Over 80% of European habitats are in poor shape. The Commission proposed on 22 June 2022 a regulation on nature restoration to contribute to the long-term recovery of damaged nature across the EU’s land and sea areas and to achieve EU climate and biodiversity objectives.

According to the Commission, the new law would bring significant economic benefits, as every euro invested would result in at least 8 euro in benefits.

This legislation is responding to citizens’ expectations concerning the protection and restoration of biodiversity, the landscape and oceans as expressed in proposals 2(1), 2(3), 2(4), and 2(5) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.