Bonn, Germany – According to the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), a significant step forward in international environmental policy was marked with the official entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration on August 18, 2025. This landmark regulation represents a critical advancement in the European Union’s commitment to combating biodiversity loss and restoring degraded ecosystems across the continent. The BfN has taken this occasion to present a series of recommendations aimed at supporting the effective implementation of this regulation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among member states to achieve its ambitious goals. Key areas of focus include the restoration of natural habitats, the protection of endangered species, and the integration of nature-based solutions into broader environmental strategies. The agency underscores that the success of this regulation will depend on robust monitoring mechanisms and sufficient funding to support restoration projects, particularly in regions most affected by habitat degradation.
The EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, aiming to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. This target is not just a numerical goal but a reflection of the urgent need to reverse decades of environmental decline caused by human activity, climate change, and unsustainable land use practices. The BfN highlights that wetlands, forests, and marine ecosystems are among the priority areas for restoration due to their critical role in supporting biodiversity, regulating climate, and providing essential services to communities. The regulation also mandates member states to develop national restoration plans, detailing specific actions to meet these targets. The BfN’s recommendations include the establishment of clear guidelines for these plans, ensuring they are tailored to local ecological conditions while aligning with broader EU objectives.
In addition to policy frameworks, the BfN stresses the importance of public engagement and stakeholder involvement in restoration efforts. By fostering partnerships with local communities, conservation organizations, and private sectors, the agency believes that restoration projects can gain wider support and achieve more sustainable outcomes. This approach is particularly vital in rural and coastal areas where economic activities such as agriculture and fishing often intersect with conservation needs. The BfN advocates for incentive programs that encourage landowners and businesses to adopt nature-friendly practices, thereby contributing to the restoration of habitats while maintaining livelihoods. This balance between environmental goals and socioeconomic realities is seen as a key factor in the long-term success of the regulation.
The agency also points to the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss, noting that restoration efforts must address both challenges simultaneously. For instance, restoring peatlands and wetlands can sequester significant amounts of carbon, contributing to climate mitigation while enhancing wildlife habitats. The BfN’s recommendations include prioritizing projects that offer such dual benefits, ensuring that resources are used efficiently to tackle these overlapping crises. Furthermore, the agency calls for enhanced data collection and research to better understand the impacts of restoration activities, providing a scientific basis for future policy decisions.
To illustrate the potential impact of the regulation, the BfN references a specific example of a wetland restoration project in Northern Europe, which has successfully revived populations of migratory birds and improved local water quality. Such projects serve as models for what can be achieved under the new regulation, demonstrating the tangible benefits of coordinated conservation efforts. Additionally, the agency cites a statistical insight from recent EU reports, indicating that over 60% of protected habitats in Europe are currently in poor condition, underscoring the urgency of the restoration targets set for 2030. These figures highlight the scale of the challenge ahead and the critical role of agencies like the BfN in guiding and supporting these efforts.
The entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is a pivotal moment for environmental policy in Europe, offering a framework for collective action to safeguard the continent’s natural heritage. The BfN’s proactive stance in providing actionable recommendations reflects its commitment to ensuring that this regulation translates into real-world impact. As member states begin to implement their national plans, the agency’s expertise and advocacy will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of large-scale restoration. This initiative not only addresses immediate ecological concerns but also sets a precedent for global cooperation in nature conservation, reinforcing the idea that protecting our planet requires unified, sustained effort across borders. For more information, visit Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).