On June 22, the European Commission proposed the first draft of the Nature Restoration Law, aiming to restore all damaged European ecosystems by 2050. The Commission also proposed a 50% reduction in the use of chemical pesticides by 2030 and a complete ban on insecticides and pesticides in urban green spaces, such as parks and playgrounds.
80% of EU habitats in poor condition; Commission proposes full restoration by 2050
The Commission noted that the Nature Restoration Act will be the first EU law explicitly dedicated to restoring Europe's nature. Eighty percent of Europe's habitats are in poor condition. The Commission hopes the legislation will help restore these ecosystems, including forests, oceans, farmlands and streams, and urban parks.
The Nature Restoration Act aims to restore 20% of EU land and sea areas by 2030, and to extend this to all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050; to reverse the declining trend of pollinator populations to an upward trend by 2030; and to remove obstacles to 25,000 km of rivers by 2030, allowing them to resume their natural flow.
The proposal must be approved by the European Parliament and EU member states before it can take effect. The new law will establish legally binding targets for ecosystem restoration, applicable to all member states. Restoration will not be limited to the Habitats Directive or the Natura 2000 network of protected areas, but will encompass all ecosystems. Once adopted, the new law will receive EU funding. Under the EU's multiannual financial framework, approximately €100 billion is available for biodiversity projects and nature restoration.
Environmental groups expressed support for the proposal. Sabien Leemans, senior biodiversity policy officer at WWF Europe, said: "The Nature Restoration Act is a great opportunity to restore nature before the climate and biodiversity crises spiral out of control. Restoring ecosystems like peatlands, forests and seagrass beds will help reduce carbon emissions and sequester millions of tonnes of carbon each year."
Plans to halve pesticide use by 2030, banning them from parks and playgrounds
Another European Commission goal is to reduce the use and risks of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said the proposal will create a more sustainable and healthy food production system. This is also the first time the EU will ban pesticides in public gardens and playgrounds, reducing people's exposure to pesticides in daily life.
Source: Environmental Information Center (https://e-info.org.tw/node/234536)
