A Look into the EU Nature Restoration Law

After two years in the making, on June 17th the EU Council adopted the Nature Restoration Law as part of its biodiversity strategy for 2030.

What is the EU Nature Restoration Law?

The Nature Restoration Law aims to restore the degraded ecosystems found across Europe, a concerning issue given that currently 80% of the EU's ecosystems, both on land and in the sea, are in poor condition. This law focuses on four main goals to fulfill its objective:

1. Improve Biodiversity: Enhance biodiversity across the EU, thereby promoting the good health of water systems and restoring urban, marine, agricultural, and forest ecosystems.
2. Restore and Protect Nature’s Potential: Enhance the services provided by nature, such as natural water sanitation, carbon capture potential, and pollinating insects.
3. Build Climate Resilience: Safeguard nature to protect EU countries, their citizens, and economies from climate change threats.
4. Maintain Global Warming at 1.5 Degrees Celsius: A critical threshold for mitigating the impacts of climate change.

It's worth noting that this isn't just an environmental initiative; it's also a sound economic decision.?

According to the European Commission, for every euro invested in restoring nature, one can expect a return on investment of 4 to 38 euros, which demonstrates the economic potential of this initiative. Such returns can be allocated to diminished costs associated with climate risks as well as business opportunities tied to nature’s healthy ecosystem.

How will this law be implemented?

Each country within the EU will be responsible for drafting and implementing a national strategy that aligns with the Nature Restoration Law. These strategies are expected to be ready by mid-2026, providing a clear timeline for action.

These national strategies are expected to consider the following factors:

• Integration and compliance with ongoing conservation measures for land and marine ecosystems.
• Alignment with air pollution and climate adaptation policies.
• Socio-economic and cultural considerations.
• Public participation and stakeholder engagement.
• Cooperation across borders.
• Use of scientific evidence and monitoring.
• Focus on specific ecosystems and species in need of restoration and/or under high destruction threat.

How will this affect businesses?

As part of the national strategy to align with the EU Nature Restoration Law, businesses should expect incentives to engage in restoration activities that align with national and EU objectives. Additionally, businesses involved in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and energy may receive guidance and support to adjust their operations to comply with restoration targets, ensuring their activities contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem services. Finally, businesses owning land will likely be encouraged to participate in conservation measures through incentives that make biodiversity-enhancing practices financially attractive.

A further note on carbon

Aside from the crucial role that nature’s ecosystem plays in our food, water, and weather systems, it is important to note that nature also has the potential to offset, if not reverse, some of our carbon emissions.?

Take, for example, the potential for carbon capture of bison and kelp.

In 2014, extinct for 200 years, European Bisons were reintroduced in Romania. Now, the 170 bisons effectively cancel out the emissions of 43,000 cars. Kelp, stretching from the northern coast of Spain to the Baltic coast, grows up to 60 cm per day and absorbs CO2 when they photosynthesize. The current European kelp forest captures 3.8 million metric tons of CO2 per year, with the potential to double that number. It is important to note that the preservation and growth of such carbon capture organisms also directly benefits the ecosystem by restoring natural habitats and biodiversity – A positive impact that often remains unmeasured in carbon capture reports.?

As bio and climate tech innovations grow exponentially to tackle climate change risks, it is crucial to acknowledge that many of these innovations come from mimicking nature’s rich ecosystem and survival tactics. Preserving and restoring nature’s knowledge is crucial in solving today’s climate challenges and preparing for tomorrow's climate threats.

Such efforts are amplified by regulation such as the EU Nature Restoration Law, integrating environmental restoration with economic incentives with the larger aim to create a sustainable future by leveraging the regenerative power of nature and our climate change resilience.

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About the author:

Impact driven entrepreneur with 8+ years of professional experience in start-ups combining innovation and design thinking with digital transformation, Kim Siew has been part of the founding team for startups in the education, design and food sector. Previous design consulting firm founder (Lakaz d’Art) designed to empower the local artist community of 80+ artists and highlight the importance of Art in our society. Previous restaurant owner, sustainability delivered 1500+ healthy meals in reusable containers. Recent MBA graduate focused on Sustainability. Kim believes in a sustainable future by design. Away from emails and brainstorming sessions, he's a writer and passionate home cook.