– Success for the good of the planet: EU says YES to the Nature Restoration Law
Vienna (OTS) – The law contains painful compromises and some loopholes
“Despite the painful compromises, we are pleased that the appeals of science and conservationists have had an effect: an agreement was reached in the trialogue last night for the EU law on nature restoration – a groundbreaking decision,” he said Francisco Maier, President of the environmental umbrella organization. EU countries must therefore restore at least 20% of land and seas by 2030. To achieve this goal, Member States must bring into good condition at least 30% of the habitat types covered by the new law – 60% by 2040 and 90% by 2050. By 2030, measures should be prioritized in Natura 2000 areas. “We particularly welcome the fact that specific requirements have been included in the agreement to improve nature on farmland and restore drained heathlands and peatlands – to reduce emissions from the agricultural sector and to protect and preserve biodiversity”, he emphasized. Maier. Furthermore, by the end of 2030, positive development must be achieved in two of the following indicators on farmland: meadow butterfly populations must be increased, hedgerows must be planted on farmland, and carbon storage must be promoted in soils. A system of indicators for the forest is also planned – another benefit for biodiversity!
Loopholes leave a bitter taste
One of the points that could be massively used as a loophole is the so-called “emergency brake”, according to which regulations for agricultural ecosystems can be temporarily suspended in “exceptional” circumstances. During the war in Ukraine, fallow areas created for nature conservation were (temporarily) abandoned for food security reasons. However, it was ultimately discovered that only some of these areas were used for additional cereal production. “We must ensure that important areas of biodiversity are not abandoned under the guise of food production. It is now up to the federal states to finally abandon the lockdown policy and constructively prepare for the implementation of the law”, he emphasized. Maier.
The agreement reached must now be approved by the Member States and then go through decisive votes in the Environment Committee and in the plenary session of the European Parliament. The new law will then be published in the EU Official Journal and will come into force 20 days later.
Questions and contact:
Environmental Umbrella Organization
Tina Leonhard
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