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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.
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