EU Passes Controversial Nature Restoration Act Amidst Farmers' Protests
In a contentious decision that has sparked significant debate, the European Union has passed the Nature Restoration Act aimed at restoring degraded natural habitats by 2030. The regulation, which was confirmed on June 17th in Luxembourg, mandates EU member states to take active measures to revive at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas. This piece of legislation is viewed as a crucial element of the EU’s biodiversity strategy and aligns with the international commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Agreement.
The Nature Restoration Act, initially proposed almost two years ago by the EU Commission, seeks to alleviate the grim state of European ecosystems, with 80% of habitats currently in poor condition. However, the law has faced staunch opposition, particularly from farmers and some EU member states. To address these concerns, the regulation has been softened during negotiations to minimize the potential impact on the agricultural sector. Specifically, farmers will not be obligated to dedicate a certain percentage of their land for environmental measures, but they may need to adjust their farming practices.
Despite these concessions, farming associations and some political factions continue to view the act as detrimental. The German Farmers' Association, for instance, has labelled the legislation as a 'step backwards', arguing it places undue regulatory burdens on farmers. On the other hand, scientists and environmental experts argue that the act is essential for ensuring long-term food security, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. Professor Michael Norton of the European Science Academies (EASAC) emphasized that the law would not harm food security but instead promote it.
The passage of the act was made possible by a pivotal shift in Austria's stance, although this decision has triggered a political crisis within the Austrian government. Austrian Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler’s vote in favor of the regulation has prompted the Austrian People's Party (ÖVP) to announce an appeal against the decision, arguing she acted illegally against regional interests.
Italy, along with Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, and Sweden, voted against the regulation. Italian Deputy Minister for the Environment Vannia Gava underscored that, despite acknowledging the importance of ecosystem restoration, the act imposes excessive administrative and economic burdens on the agricultural sector, which they find unacceptable.
The Nature Restoration Act includes a 2033 review clause to evaluate its impact on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, with an 'emergency brake' provision allowing the EU Commission to temporarily halt its implementation to address community-level food security concerns. As the EU heads into the World Biodiversity Conference in Brazil, it does so armed with this landmark legislation, signaling its commitment to addressing climate change and habitat degradation.
- The Nature Restoration Act not only aims to restore degraded ecosystems but also to meet ambitious targets: 30% ecosystem restoration by 2030, 60% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. This three-stage roadmap requires member states to develop and report on national recovery plans regularly. The act also includes mechanisms to protect natural habitats such as peatlands, which play a crucial role in absorbing CO₂ emissions.
- The contentious nature of the law and the contrasting views underscore the complex interplay between environmental conservation and agricultural practices. Political dynamics, as evidenced by Austria's internal crisis, further complicate its implementation. The act is a significant step in the European Green Deal, aiming to balance ecological sustainability with socio-economic realities.
