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, addressing the urgent need to recover biodiversity and ensure sustainable landscapes for future generations. The BfN has actively contributed to the discourse surrounding this regulation by presenting a set of comprehensive recommendations to guide its implementation, emphasizing the importance of coordinated international efforts to achieve these ambitious goals.
The EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is a cornerstone of the broader European Green Deal, which seeks to position Europe as a global leader in climate action and environmental protection. The regulation sets binding targets for member states to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with a long-term vision of full ecosystem recovery by 2050. This includes specific measures for habitats such as wetlands, forests, and marine environments, which have been severely impacted by human activity and climate change. The BfN underscores that such restoration efforts are not only vital for biodiversity but also for mitigating climate risks and enhancing ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and flood prevention.
In its recommendations, the BfN highlights the need for robust monitoring systems to track progress and ensure accountability across member states. The agency advocates for the integration of nature restoration into national policies, urging governments to align their strategies with EU objectives. Furthermore, the BfN emphasizes the role of public awareness and stakeholder engagement in the success of these initiatives. By fostering a deeper understanding of the benefits of healthy ecosystems, the agency believes that communities can become active participants in conservation efforts, thereby amplifying the impact of policy measures on the ground.
The BfN’s involvement in this process reflects its broader mission to support sustainability and protect wildlife habitats at both national and international levels. The agency has drawn on its extensive scientific expertise to provide actionable insights, including the prioritization of areas with the highest ecological value for restoration. For instance, the BfN has identified key wetland areas in Germany as critical targets due to their role in supporting migratory bird populations and maintaining water quality. This specific example illustrates the practical application of the agency’s recommendations, ensuring that efforts are tailored to address local and regional challenges within the larger European framework.
Additionally, the BfN points to the importance of securing adequate funding to meet these restoration targets. According to recent data shared by the agency, an estimated 100 billion euros will be required across the EU to achieve the 2030 goals, with contributions expected from both public and private sectors. This financial commitment underscores the scale of the challenge and the necessity of innovative funding mechanisms to support long-term projects. The BfN suggests leveraging partnerships with international agencies to pool resources and expertise, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder progress in critical areas of conservation.
The entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration also coincides with ongoing discussions about the future of the European Green Deal, which has brought significant momentum to environmental policy in recent years. The BfN hosted a workshop on October 8-9, 2025, to explore how nature-friendly consumption can further bolster biodiversity goals, linking consumer behavior to broader ecological outcomes. This event, attended by international experts, reinforced the agency’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration on pressing environmental issues, ensuring that policies like the Nature Restoration Regulation are underpinned by diverse perspectives and innovative solutions.
As Europe embarks on this transformative journey, the BfN remains a pivotal player in shaping the trajectory of nature restoration. Its recommendations provide a roadmap for balancing ecological imperatives with socio-economic realities, ensuring that restoration efforts are both ambitious and achievable. The agency’s focus on cross-border cooperation also highlights the interconnected nature of environmental challenges, advocating for a unified approach to safeguard the continent’s natural heritage. Through its scientific rigor and policy advocacy, the BfN continues to champion the cause of ecosystem recovery, setting a precedent for how national agencies can drive international progress in nature conservation.
For more information, visit Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).