The first European biodiversity law has come into force with the vote of twenty Member States, the abstention of Belgium and the rejection of Finland, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. The law aims to restore at least 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030, and all by 2050.
The European Union finally approved this on Monday the first regulation in its history that obliges Member States to restore natureand not just to protect it, to close, after a difficult procedure with surprises until the last moment, a file that almost overthrew Hungary and ultimately saved Austria.
The first European biodiversity law has been launched the vote in favor of twenty Member Statesthe abstention of Belgium and the rejection of Finland, Italy, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden, which have alleged the high expenditure and its possible impact on the agricultural sector.
The regulation had already been negotiated and agreed between the states themselves, and also with the European Parliament, which adopted the regulation at a plenary meeting last February.
“It is very good news for all Europeans, but for biodiversity as a whole also at a global level,” said Spanish Minister of Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera, who now added. “dialogue” and “guidance” will be necessaryin addition to “a commitment to the primary sector.”
What is the Nature Restoration Act?
In June 2022, the European Commission presented the Nature Restoration Act restore at least 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 and by mid-century all of them, including farmland.
The aim is to bring community legislation into line with United Nations agreements on biodiversity, but the text has become a standard symbol of ideological struggle around the green agenda, which is gaining intensity as the European elections of June 9 approach.
Comments
The law has been passed widely celebrated among supporters of the Brussels Green Dealas has been the case with the President of the Green Group in the European Parliament, Terry Reintke, who has welcomed the “end of the blockade” of a regulation that she considers “crucial” for the EU to achieve the Paris climate target.
Also the NGO Greenpeace has celebrated the news “despite the weakening of the law” as “this agreement offers a glimmer of hope for the nature of Europe, future generations and the livelihoods of rural communities.”
Source: EITB
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
