Bonn, Germany – According to the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), a significant step forward in European environmental policy has been marked by 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, setting ambitious targets for member states to enhance biodiversity and combat the ongoing decline of natural habitats. The BfN has taken this occasion to present a series of recommendations to support the implementation of this regulation, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action to achieve long-term ecological recovery.
The EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is a cornerstone of the broader European Green Deal, which seeks to position Europe as a leader in environmental sustainability. Under the new regulation, member states are required to develop national restoration plans to meet binding targets for restoring ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands by 2030, with further goals extending to 2050. The BfN highlights that these measures are critical, as Europe has lost a significant portion of its natural landscapes due to urbanization, intensive agriculture, and climate change. The agency underscores the urgency of reversing this trend to protect vital ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and carbon sequestration, which are essential for human well-being and economic stability.
In its recommendations, the BfN stresses the need for integrating nature restoration into existing land-use planning and policy frameworks. This includes prioritizing areas with high biodiversity potential and ensuring that restoration efforts are supported by adequate funding and monitoring mechanisms. The agency also calls for active collaboration between governments, local communities, and scientific institutions to ensure that restoration projects are based on the best available data and tailored to regional ecological conditions. For instance, the BfN suggests focusing on the restoration of peatlands, which serve as significant carbon sinks and are crucial for mitigating climate change impacts in many European countries.
A key aspect of the BfN’s guidance is the emphasis on public engagement and awareness. The agency believes that successful implementation of the regulation will depend on fostering a shared understanding of the value of nature among citizens and stakeholders. To this end, the BfN is advocating for educational campaigns and participatory initiatives that encourage local communities to take an active role in restoration projects. This approach not only builds public support but also ensures that restoration efforts are sustainable over the long term by aligning with community needs and priorities.
In terms of specific data, the BfN references alarming figures from recent studies indicating that over 80% of European habitats are in poor condition, a statistic that underscores the urgency of the new regulation. This data, drawn from assessments under the EU Habitats Directive, highlights the scale of the challenge and the need for immediate, large-scale action. Additionally, the BfN points to a successful pilot project in Germany’s Black Forest region as an example of effective restoration. Here, collaborative efforts between local authorities and conservation groups have led to the recovery of native beech forest ecosystems, demonstrating how targeted interventions can yield measurable improvements in biodiversity and habitat health.
The BfN also addresses potential challenges in implementing the regulation, such as balancing restoration goals with economic and agricultural demands. The agency recommends adopting nature-friendly farming practices and providing incentives for landowners to participate in restoration programs. By aligning economic policies with conservation objectives, the BfN believes that member states can create win-win scenarios that benefit both nature and society. The agency’s expertise in landscape management and species conservation positions it as a key advisor in navigating these complex trade-offs.
The entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration represents a pivotal moment for environmental policy in Europe, and the BfN’s recommendations provide a roadmap for translating ambitious goals into tangible outcomes. As the agency continues to support national and international efforts in biodiversity, restoration, ecosystems, conservation, environment, sustainability, and wildlife, its role in shaping a greener future remains indispensable. For more information, visit Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).