Bonn, Germany – According to the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), a significant step forward in European environmental policy has been achieved with the official entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration on August 18, 2025. This landmark regulation aims to restore degraded ecosystems across Europe, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity and sustainable land use. The BfN has presented key recommendations to support the implementation of this regulation, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated action to address the ongoing loss of natural habitats. This development is a critical component of the broader European Green Deal, which seeks to place environmental recovery at the heart of policy-making.
The EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is designed to ensure that member states take measurable steps to rehabilitate ecosystems, ranging from forests and wetlands to agricultural lands and urban green spaces. The BfN underscores that restoring nature is not only about preserving biodiversity but also about enhancing ecosystem services that are vital for human well-being, such as clean water, pollination for crops, and climate regulation. The regulation sets ambitious targets, including the restoration of at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with specific milestones to track progress. The BfN’s recommendations focus on integrating nature restoration into national policies, ensuring that local and regional authorities have the tools and funding needed to meet these goals.
A key aspect of the BfN’s stance is the call for cross-border collaboration, recognizing that ecosystems do not adhere to political boundaries. For instance, the restoration of river systems and migratory bird habitats requires joint efforts among neighboring countries. The agency emphasizes that international cooperation is essential to address challenges like habitat fragmentation, which threatens countless species across Europe. By aligning with international frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, the BfN aims to ensure that Germany plays a leading role in driving conservation efforts that resonate globally. This approach also ties into protecting wildlife corridors, which are critical for species survival amid changing climates.
Moreover, the BfN highlights the importance of public engagement in the success of nature restoration. Community involvement in outdoor initiatives, such as tree planting and wetland rehabilitation projects, can foster a deeper connection to the environment. The agency advocates for educational programs that raise awareness about the benefits of healthy ecosystems, encouraging citizens to participate in local conservation activities. This aligns with the broader goal of the regulation to not only restore nature but also to rebuild society’s relationship with the natural world, making sustainability a shared responsibility.
To illustrate the potential impact of these efforts, the BfN points to the successful restoration of peatlands in certain German regions as a model for broader application. Peatlands, which store significant amounts of carbon, are crucial for mitigating climate change. Restoring just 5% of degraded peatlands in Germany could reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 3 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, according to BfN data. This specific example underscores the dual benefits of nature restoration for both habitat recovery and climate action, providing a tangible benchmark for other EU countries to follow.
Additionally, the BfN notes that funding will be a cornerstone of the regulation’s success. The agency estimates that the EU will need to allocate billions of euros over the next decade to support restoration projects, with a significant portion directed toward rural areas where agricultural practices must be adapted to prioritize ecological health. In Germany alone, the BfN suggests that an investment of approximately 1.2 billion euros annually could accelerate the recovery of priority ecosystems, including the rewilding of former industrial sites into green spaces that benefit both nature and local communities.
The entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration marks a pivotal moment for environmental policy in Europe, with the BfN positioned as a key advisor in shaping its implementation. The agency’s recommendations provide a roadmap for balancing ecological needs with economic and social considerations, ensuring that restoration efforts are both effective and inclusive. As Europe moves toward its 2030 targets, the BfN remains committed to fostering dialogue among stakeholders, from policymakers to farmers and conservationists, to build a resilient future for the continent’s natural landscapes.
For more information, visit Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).