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With 336 votes in favour, 300 against, and 13 abstentions, the European Parliament approved on July 12th the Nature Restoration Law, a historic legislation aiming to restore 20% of natural ecosystems by 2030. The long-term objective of the Nature Restoration Law is to restore degraded natural systems by 2050, with an immediate target of restoring at least 20% of ecosystems by 2030. This ambitious commitment requires concrete efforts from member countries. 

The law focuses on various intervention areas, including the enhancement of terrestrial and marine ecosystems of particular interest, restoration of urban ecosystems, and natural river connectivity. Additionally, it aims to improve agricultural ecosystems by promoting increased carbon stocks in soils and the conservation of species such as butterflies and birds.  

Specifically, the Nature Restoration Law includes: 

Restoration and improvement of the conservation status of terrestrial and marine ecosystems of particular interest, with progressive milestones. The goal is to restore 20% of these ecosystems by 2030 and achieve 100% by 2050. 

Restoration of urban ecosystems. The aim is to avoid net losses of urban green spaces and urban tree cover by 2030 compared to 2021, with a 5% increase by 2050. Additionally, a tree cover of 10% is targeted for all urban centers by 2050.  

Restoration of natural river connectivity. Member States must identify river connectivity barriers by 2030 and remove them, contributing to the EU's objective of restoring at least 25,000 km of free-flowing rivers by 2030.  

Improvement of agricultural ecosystems. The focus is on increasing carbon stocks in soils, conserving butterflies and birds typical of agroecosystems, and extending agricultural areas with landscape elements of high diversity.  

Development of a Restoration Plan with a time horizon until 2050. This plan will outline the quantification of areas to be restored, necessary measures to achieve objectives, and an implementation schedule.  

The Nature Restoration Law represents a significant step forward for the conservation and restoration of the natural environment. Now, the European Parliament will enter negotiations with the Council to define the final form of the legislation, during which further changes to the text may be made. 

The approval of this law sends a positive signal for biodiversity conservation and reflects the commitment of the European Union to preserve our ecosystems for future generations.  

Regarding the restoration objectives in Sardinia, where the current surface area of protected and safeguarded areas amounts to 19% of the territory, the Regional Sustainable Development Strategy has already set a more ambitious target of aiming for 30% of restored areas by 2030, including the restoration of currently degraded areas and habitats.