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Climate change and biodiversity loss are two global challenges that significantly impact our lives. Addressing these problems requires action not only at the global or national scale, but also at the local and personal levels.

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Map of good practices - your gateway to discovering the best practices and real-life examples of urban ecology!

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The primary aim of EURECA Academy is to create urban ecology training with a focus on the learner, aiming to strengthen awareness of climate change and sustainability issues.

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2024-07-31

EU Nature Restoration Law approved

The European Union Nature Restoration Law (NRL) had its final approval in June, with the objectives of restoring ecosystems, habitats and species in decline. All EU countries will have to adopt a National Restoration Plan, with specific targets. By 2030, at least 30% of terrestrial, coastal, marine and freshwater habitats in an unfavorable state of conservation must be restored. By 2040 the percentage will increase to 60% and by 2050 to 90%. EU Member States will also have to ensure that no significant deterioration occurs in the areas subject to restoration. The NRL is an important part of the European Green Deal, providing for several important actions to achieve the nature recovery objectives: ● Habitat Restoration: Implementation of measures to restore degraded habitats, such as forests, wetlands, rivers and coastal areas. ● Species Reintroduction: Programs to reintroduce native species that have become extinct or are in danger of extinction. ● Pollution Reduction: Actions to reduce soil, water and air pollution, which negatively affect ecosystems. ● Sustainable Agriculture: Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices that protect biodiversity and natural resources. ● Protection of Marine Areas: Creation and expansion of protected marine areas to conserve marine life and coastal ecosystems. ● Monitoring and Reporting: Establishment of monitoring systems to track the progress of restoration actions and report results regularly. For bigger cities, the Nature Restoration Law foresees several actions, of which the following stand out: ● Creation of Green Spaces: Increase the quantity and quality of parks, gardens and urban green areas to provide habitats for local fauna and flora. ● Ecological Corridors: Establish ecological corridors that connect different green areas, allowing the safe movement of species and promoting biodiversity. ● Green Roofs and Walls: Encourage the installation of green roofs and walls on buildings to improve air quality, reduce urban temperatures and create new habitats. ● Rainwater Management: Implement sustainable rainwater management systems, such as rain gardens and retention basins, to reduce flood risk and improve water quality. ● River and Stream Rehabilitation: Restore urban waterways to improve water quality, create aquatic habitats and reduce flood risk. ● Promoting Urban Agriculture: Support the creation of community gardens and other forms of urban agriculture to increase food resilience and promote biodiversity. These actions to restore nature in cities will improve the quality of life of their inhabitants, providing leisure spaces, reducing pollution and mitigating the effects of climate change.

What is the European Green Deal

The European Green Deal (EGD) is a political and economic strategy that aims to make the European Union (EU) climate neutral by 2050, making the fight against climate change the new model of economic and social growth. The EGD was presented by the European Commission in December 2019 and since then the 27 EU Member States have been producing legislation, launching initiatives and setting objectives, such as, for example, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The EGD is a transversal strategy that covers several sectoral policies and a vast set of actions articulated in eight areas: 1. Increasing the EU's climate ambition (net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050) 2. Providing clean, affordable and safe energy 3. Mobilizing industry for a clean and circular economy 4. Building and renovating in an energy and resource efficient way 5. Zero pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment 6. Preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity 7. Ensuring a fair, healthy and ecological food system 8. Accelerating the shift to sustainable and smart mobility The implementation of measures in these eight areas calls upon an essential pillar of the EGD, which is Research and Innovation. Another pillar of the EGD is the Just Transition Mechanism, with the mobilization of 100 billion euros to finance the investment necessary for the transition without leaving anyone behind. Faced with the universal dimension of ecological problems and the climate threat, the EGD also aims to place Europe at the forefront of international negotiations on climate and biodiversity, through the so-called “green diplomacy” and providing financial support to countries on other continents. The European Green Deal is a complex and vast political, economic and social program, which faces challenges and implementation difficulties due to the contradictory interests that exist at the root of the problems it seeks to solve. Some important measures have been taken, at the end of long negotiations, such as the European Climate Law, in July 2021, and the Nature Restoration Law, in June 2024.