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Protecting biodiversity: nature restoration targets

Environment

Biodiversity, on which we depend, is disappearing at an unprecedented rate. As one of the key measures announced in the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy, this initiative will propose legally binding nature restoration targets, subject to an impact assessment. The initiative will contribute to the goal of the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery.

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Public consultation

ID: 12596

Lobbying Activity

114 responses

Consultation response

European Environmental Bureau, 17 Aug 2022

The European Environmental Bureau strongly supports the proposal for a Regulation on nature restoration. We consider the proposal to be a huge opportunity to bring nature back to Europe, benefiting biodiversity, climate, and people alike. We therefore call on the European Parliament and the…

Environmental groups demand binding 15% restoration targets by 2030

European Environmental Bureau, 2 Dec 2020

The EEB supports legally binding restoration targets requiring Member States to restore 15% of EU land and sea by 2030, with additional targets for free-flowing rivers. They demand the law go beyond existing Directives, cover areas inside and outside Natura 2000, and require Member States to draft restoration plans with clear deadlines. The legislation should create an EU obligation to co-fund restoration and require Member States to match plans with investment from EU, national and private sources.
This would advance their mission to reverse biodiversity loss across Europe's ecosystems.
Industries relying on intensive land use face restrictions through changed management requirements.

Consultation response

WWF European Policy Programme, 4 Aug 2022

WWF European Policy Office supports the legal proposal for a Nature Restoration Law as it is a huge opportunity to bring nature back to Europe, benefiting biodiversity, climate, and people alike. It is an important milestone to reverse the tide of both biodiversity loss and climate change, with the…

Consultation response

WWF European Policy Programme, 1 Dec 2020

Habitat fragmentation, loss and degradation as a result of land and sea use change, through agricultural intensification, grey infrastructure developments, overfishing or intensified forestry is widespread. Further drivers of biodiversity loss, such as the over-exploitation of natural resources…

Consultation response

Climate Action Network Europe, 2 Dec 2020

Climate Action Network Europe strongly supports the establishment of legally binding nature restoration targets in the European Union. Two crises pose serious threats to life on earth: the climate change crisis and the biodiversity crisis. Major global intergovernmental assessments, including…

European farmers demand food security over unrealistic restoration targets

European farmers, 22 Aug 2022

The organization calls for realistic targets and a dedicated financial mechanism for restoration. They demand measures remain voluntary to respect property rights and prioritize food security.
Maintaining active production protects agricultural revenues and prevents rising land prices.
Environmental groups lose the swift, mandatory ecological recovery promised by the original regulation.

Consultation response

European farmers, 1 Dec 2020

COPA AND COGECA’S FEEDBACK ON THE ROADMAP - “Protecting biodiversity: nature restoration targets under EU Biodiversity strategy” (Inception impact assessment) For Copa and Cogeca, organization representing European farmers and agri-cooperatives, it is very important that any legislative initiative…

Consultation response

ClientEarth AISBL, 8 Aug 2022

ClientEarth strongly supports the Nature Restoration Regulation, as a comprehensive instrument aimed at tackling the twin biodiversity and climate crises, through restoring key habitats across the EU. This legal proposal comes at a critical time for the Union's biodiversity, which -according to the…

Consultation response

ClientEarth AISBL, 2 Dec 2020

ClientEarth welcomes the EU Nature Restoration Plan of the EU Biodiversity Strategy and fully endorses the development of ambitious legally binding nature restoration targets, as the only adequate policy response to the alarming results of the EEA’s State of Nature Report and the CBD’s Global…

Finnish Forest industry warns against costly EU nature restoration targets

Finnish Forest Industries Federation (Metsäteollisuus ry), 22 Aug 2022

Member states must control restoration targets to ensure cost-effectiveness and protect industry competitiveness. They advocate for voluntary measures instead of binding requirements outside the Natura 2000 network. Definitions must be clarified to protect national forest management competence.
This would lower implementation costs and maintain raw material availability for industry.
Environmental objectives are compromised if restoration is restricted to voluntary measures and networks.

Eurelectric calls for nature restoration to support renewable energy

Eurelectric aisbl, 22 Aug 2022

Eurelectric requests that National Restoration Plans align with "renewables go-to areas" to ensure energy projects are not blocked. They advocate for using existing water and habitat definitions to maintain regulatory consistency. They also propose focusing river restoration exclusively on obsolete barriers with no economic purpose.
The proposed alignment would prevent restoration targets from hindering renewable energy investments and existing hydropower operations.
Environmental groups may find it harder to restore rivers if more barriers are protected by economic labels.

Consultation response

Eurelectric aisbl, 2 Dec 2020

Eurelectric welcomes that the European Commission will propose a new regulation to impose legally binding nature restoration targets. Beside policies aiming to protect the local environment, we will further have to reduce the pressure on our global environment, by combating climate change. The…

Finnish farmers reject EU nature restoration law as threat to agriculture

Maa- ja metsätaloustuottajain Keskusliitto – Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, 19 Aug 2022

MTK demands the proposal be rejected or significantly amended. They argue restoration must remain voluntary, based on national decision-making rather than EU regulation. They want agricultural and forest land excluded from restoration obligations and flexible approaches respecting landowner rights.
This would protect their members' farmland and forestry operations from mandatory restoration requirements.
Biodiversity loses as voluntary approaches may fall short of halting species decline.

Finnish Forest Owners Urge Voluntary Measures Over Legally Binding Targets

Maa- ja metsätaloustuottajain Keskusliitto – Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, 1 Dec 2020

MTK calls for a shift toward voluntary, incentive-based measures rather than legally binding obligations. They stress that restoration planning must remain at the national level to ensure the rights of landowners are respected.
This approach allows their members to avoid mandatory restrictions and maintain control over their land assets.
EU environmental authorities would face difficulties achieving uniform biodiversity targets without standardized, legally binding regulations.

EDF Urges Priority Status for All Decarbonized Energy Sources

ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE, 4 Aug 2022

EDF wants all decarbonized energy sources labeled as an imperative reason of overriding public interest. They seek a unified definition for free-flowing rivers to ensure coherence with energy plans.
This status would help EDF overcome environmental restrictions for its power plant projects.
Environmental groups may see restoration goals compromised by prioritizing hydroelectric and nuclear energy.

Consultation response

Stichting BirdLife Europe, 1 Dec 2020

BirdLife welcomes the initiative for binding restoration targets and recommends the following: A. Aspects guiding the next steps 1. With this restoration initiative, the Commission should focus on binding nature restoration targets. 2. The also mentioned possibility of an EU wide methodology to…

Consultation response

Fern, 2 Dec 2020

“European forests are under pressure.” Two major reports released this year reinforce this statement: the European Environmental Agency’s (EEA) 5-year report on the state of the European environment, and the ecosystem assessment from the Joint Research Center (JRC) to support evaluation of the…

Austrian Economic Chamber opposes binding EU nature restoration targets

Wirtschaftskammer Österreich, 18 Aug 2022

The organization demands a careful balance between biodiversity protection and economic interests to ensure resources remain available for human life. They call for the proposal to be suspended until a full assessment of its economic and social consequences is conducted. They argue for voluntary measures and financial incentives instead of new mandatory legal obligations.
This would minimize administrative burdens and prevent restrictions on land and resource use for industries.
Environmental groups lose their ability to challenge restoration plans under proposed strict legal limitations.

French Business Federation Backs Nature Restoration but Warns Against Excessive Constraints

Mouvement des Entreprises de France, 28 Jul 2022

The organization requests clarification on what constitutes 'good condition' for ecosystems and prioritization of restoration actions. They argue measures that block projects of public interest would be excessive, noting some infrastructure serves both human needs and environmental protection.
This would prevent restoration requirements from blocking their members' infrastructure and development projects.
Environmental groups lose stronger protections as business interests gain flexibility to continue development activities.

Consultation response

Fortum Oyj, 1 Dec 2020

Fortum’s feedback on the Inception Impact Assessment for the EU nature restoration targets Fortum supports the EU Biodiversity Strategy and its aim to protect and restore species and habitats. Biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems are a severe global concern that has to be tackled.…

Paper Industry Warns Nature Law Threatens Raw Material Supply

Confederation of European Paper Industries, 22 Aug 2022

The organization requests proper impact assessment of effects on forest-based industrial ecosystem and raw material availability. They emphasize sustainable forest management should balance biodiversity with provision of renewable materials and energy. They question practical implementation requirements for proving continuous improvement in forest ecosystems.
This would preserve their access to European wood supplies for paper production.
Biodiversity protection loses if industrial forestry interests override restoration objectives.

Oceana demands binding targets to end destructive marine fishing

FUNDACION OCEANA, 18 Aug 2022

Oceana calls for passive restoration by leaving nature undisturbed to recover damaged marine habitats. They argue the law must force countries to implement fisheries restrictions and adopt a holistic whole-site management approach.
This would help the group achieve its core mission of restoring marine biodiversity.
The fishing industry would face new restrictions and potential bans in protected areas.

Consultation response

Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V., 2 Dec 2020

Die DUH unterstützt die Bestrebungen der EU-KOM, ein Rechtsinstrument vorzuschlagen, das verbindliche EU-Ziele für die Wiederherstellung der Natur festlegt. Angesichts des Nicht-Erreichens des bisherigen freiwilligen Ziels der Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen ist ein legislativer Ansatz…

Consultation response

International Association of Oil Gas Producers Europe, 2 Dec 2020

The International Association of Oil & Gas Producers' (IOGP) shares the global ambition to reduce and reverse biodiversity loss in the framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the 2030 Agenda of Sustainable Development and supports the objectives of the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for…

Consultation response

Swedish Forest Industries Federation, 2 Dec 2020

Swedish Forest Industry Federation, SFIF, welcomes a discussion of nature restoration, but more focus would be on nature conservation management activities. More effective conservation management in protected areas, will enable an effective and sustainable forest management in other areas, for…

Austrian Industry Demands Overhaul of Nature Restoration Rules

Vereinigung der österreichischen Industrie - Industriellenvereinigung, 22 Aug 2022

The organization demands a fundamental revision to avoid severe economic consequences. They argue for exemptions for projects critical to energy security.
This would prevent new administrative burdens and safeguard energy infrastructure projects.
Environmental groups lose as restoration goals are bypassed for industrial projects.

Seas At Risk Demands Binding Targets for Marine Restoration

Seas At Risk, 22 Aug 2022

The group demands binding deadlines, numerical targets, and an immediate ban on active bottom-contacting fishing gear. They also call for the strict protection of all seagrass meadows by 2030.
Healthy marine ecosystems would boost climate resilience and sequester millions of tons of carbon.
The commercial fishing industry would face significant operational restrictions and a phase-out of subsidies.

Consultation response

Seas At Risk, 6 Nov 2020

Policy context 1. The new restoration law must be targeted and result in urgent large-scale restoration across the EU. 2. The new law should be additional to the relevant EU Directives. 3. The restoration law should create synergies between the biodiversity and climate crisis agenda. Main…

Danish Farmers Warn Nature Rules Threaten Food Security

Landbrug Fødevarer - Danish Agriculture and Food Council, 18 Aug 2022

The DAFC requests a thorough analysis of economic impacts before adopting the regulation. They advocate for voluntary participation and full financial compensation for private landowners.
Full compensation and voluntary measures would protect farmers from the financial costs of restoration.
Biodiversity recovery may be hindered if restoration relies entirely on voluntary landowner participation.

Finnish forest cooperative warns nature restoration law undermines forestry competence

Metsäliitto Cooperative, 22 Aug 2022

The organization requests that Member States retain competence to choose restoration targets and measures. They want existing forest certification schemes and voluntary actions recognized as restoration measures. They argue the proposal unfairly penalizes countries that have already succeeded in conservation.
This would preserve their operational flexibility and avoid stricter restoration requirements in their forests.
Conservation advocates lose stronger EU-wide restoration standards and expanded habitat protection beyond current networks.

European Mining Industry Warns Nature Restoration Law Threatens Supply

European Association of Mining Industries, Metal Ores & Industrial Minerals, 22 Aug 2022

Euromines opposes mandatory targets and prefers a Directive to allow national flexibility. They demand that new mineral deposits remain exploitable inside protected areas and advocate for voluntary "temporary nature" measures.
This would ensure continued access to mineral deposits and avoid new land-use restrictions.
Environmental groups lose because industrial extraction would be permitted within sensitive habitats.

Consultation response

Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl, 2 Dec 2020

The German Steel Federation supports the overall goal of conserving biological diversity in order to enable sustainable economic activity. Stable ecosystems and their goods and services are important not only for ecological, but also for economic and social development. However, the specific…

Consultation response

Naturschutzbund Deutschland e.V., 1 Dec 2020

Dear EC! NABU welcomes the initiative for binding restoration targets and recommends the following: A. Aspects guiding the next steps 1. With this restoration initiative, the Commission should focus on binding nature restoration targets. 2. The also mentioned possibility of an EU wide methodology…

Consultation response

Veolia Environnement, 30 Nov 2020

Veolia strongly supports the EU Strategy on biodiversity and shares answers to the Inception impact assessment. The plan to increase and strengthen the EU network of protected areas needs measures and monitoring that are concrete and readily understood by all actors for swift implementation: we…

Stora Enso urges flexible national plans for nature restoration

Stora Enso Oyj, 19 Aug 2022

The company requests that restoration plans remain tailor-made to Member States to reflect diverse ecosystems. They argue economic activities, including wood supply, must continue within restored areas. They also propose extending the three-year monitoring cycle for slow-growing Nordic forests.
Flexible rules would protect the company's wood supply and prevent operational restrictions on commercial forests.
Conservationists lose if commercial logging is permitted to continue within areas targeted for ecological restoration.

Consultation response

Stora Enso Oyj, 1 Dec 2020

Stora Enso is one of the biggest private forest owners in the world. In the Nordics, we also cooperate with other private forest owners, providing them with comprehensive forest management services. We contribute to tackling climate change by managing our forests sustainably, ensuring we never…

Consultation response

Tetra Pak Group, 2 Dec 2020

Tetra Pak fully appreciates the importance of restoring degraded ecosystems and shares the objectives of the European Commission and its Green Deal. We welcome robust actions to restore degraded ecosystems whilst fostering a healthy circular bioeconomy. Biodiversity and climate change are…

European Landowners demand flexible, funded nature restoration targets

European Landowners' Organization asbl, 22 Aug 2022

They advocate for a bottom-up approach prioritizing qualitative improvements over strict quantitative targets. They call for simplified governance and meaningful involvement of landowners in restoration planning. Financial incentives and compensation are essential to secure long-term engagement from land managers.
Targeted funding and simplified administration would reduce the financial burden on private landowners.
Member States with poor environmental data face penalties regardless of their actual progress.

Consultation response

European Landowners' Organization asbl, 2 Dec 2020

1/ Properly access the implementation of a new binding nature restoration target: Evaluating ecosystem services is a delicate exercise. ELO has itself launched a survey and research on the evaluation of cultural ecosystem services (currently undervalued) and we are fully implicated in the MAES…

Boerenbond urges EU to rethink 'unacceptable' nature restoration law

Boerenbond vzw, 22 Aug 2022

The organization requests a thorough impact analysis and rejects binding targets for new habitats. They argue current rules already place unsustainable pressure on highly urbanized agricultural land.
Farmers would avoid losing productive land and escape stricter environmental permitting requirements.
Environmental groups lose the legal protections needed to reverse the unprecedented loss of biodiversity.

European forest owners urge voluntary approach to nature restoration

Conféderation Européenne des Propriétaires Forestiers, 1 Dec 2020

The organization insists that restoration projects must be voluntary and require the prior consent of forest owners. They also demand that any targets be accompanied by guaranteed financing and implemented at the national level.
This shifts conservation costs to the EU and preserves private property rights.
EU regulators lose the authority to mandate uniform conservation measures across all member states.

Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich urges reassessment of unrealistic nature restoration targets

Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich, 22 Aug 2022

The organization urges the Commission to reassess the targets and percentages for restoration goals. They insist that funding must be additional and sufficient while respecting fundamental property rights.
This would preserve the economic basis of production and protect agricultural income levels.
Environmental progress is hindered as restoration of degraded habitats is delayed or weakened.

Consultation response

Landwirtschaftskammer Österreich, 2 Dec 2020

Der Erhalt der Biodiversität ist wichtig für alle Lebensbereiche, so auch für die Land- und Forstwirtschaft. Wir verweisen auf die Anlage und möchten daraus noch folgenden Punkt hervorheben: Die Roadmap ist ungeeignet als Richtungsweiser Bereits die verwendete Terminologie wirft viele Fragen auf:…

European hunting federation supports binding EU nature restoration targets

Federation of Associations for Hunting & Conservation of the EU, 22 Aug 2022

FACE urges the inclusion of hunters and local authorities in planning. They request incentives for private landowners to ensure restoration projects succeed locally.
Restoring habitats would increase populations of huntable species and recognize hunters' contributions.
Sectors responsible for land degradation will face stricter requirements to restore ecosystems.

Consultation response

European Federation of National Associations of Water Services, 27 Nov 2020

Drinking water and waste water services have an essential mission: the protection of human health and the environment, so EurEau welcomes the opportunity to share its views on the inception impact assessment of the EU restoration targets. We welcome the fact that the initiative is based on the…

Consultation response

International Biocontrol Manufacturers' Association, 22 Aug 2022

IBMA, the International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association, welcomes this public consultation regarding the European Commission proposal for a Nature Restoration Regulation, a crucial matter for the future of the environment and the biodiversity, in line with EU objectives. As well underlined in…

Statkraft Urges Non-Binding Targets for EU Nature Restoration

Statkraft AS, 22 Aug 2022

Statkraft suggests using a less stringent directive without legally binding targets instead of a regulation. They propose incorporating socio-economic considerations and holistic cost-benefit assessments into national plans.
A less stringent tool would reduce administrative burdens and protect existing energy infrastructure.
Environmental organizations lose if the EU adopts weaker measures based on less alarming data.

Animal Welfare Fund Urges Ambitious EU Nature Restoration Targets

International Fund for Animal Welfare, 19 Aug 2022

The organization calls for higher restoration percentages and a faster timeline to reach 100% habitat recovery. They also recommend mandatory ship speed reductions to curb noise pollution and 'positive lists' to control exotic pet trading.
These measures would strengthen legal protections for marine species and habitats central to their conservation mission.
Shipping companies and exotic pet traders would face stricter operational limits and new commercial restrictions.

Consultation response

Statkraft AS, 2 Dec 2020

We welcome the Commission’s proposal of conducting a policy option assessment prior to considering the elaboration of binding nature restoration targets. At this early stage of the process, we’d like to highlight the importance of taking a holistic view, considering both positive and negative…

Glastuinbouw Nederland warns EU nature targets are unrealistic

Glastuinbouw Nederland, 20 Aug 2022

The organization demands realistic goals and a thorough assessment of the law's economic consequences. They insist that participation in restoration remain voluntary and that peat-free production is currently unfeasible. They also call for the protection of land property rights and financial support for growers.
Avoiding strict targets prevents land value depreciation and protects the sector's economic viability.
Environmental protection efforts are weakened if participation becomes voluntary rather than mandatory.

Sciaena urges binding targets for marine nature restoration

Sciaena - Ocean # Conservation # Awareness, 22 Aug 2022

Sciaena demands urgent action with numerical targets and clear deadlines to ensure the law's enforceability. They call for an immediate ban on active bottom-contacting gear in coastal zones and 100% protection for seagrass.
Stricter laws would directly fulfill the organization's core mission of marine conservation.
Industrial fishing fleets would face total bans on certain gear across EU waters.

Consultation response

The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance, 20 Nov 2020

Biodiversity supports healthy and resilient ecosystems, keeps the climate in balance, provides essential resources for communities and a stable supply of raw materials for our industry. ACE supports measures that promote the sustainable use of forest, agriculture, marine, freshwater and urban…

Consultation response

Jernkontoret, 2 Dec 2020

Jernkontoret – The Swedish Steel Producers´ Association - please see attached file

Austrian energy sector: restoration must not block renewables

Österreichs E-Wirtschaft, 22 Aug 2022

Restoration targets should go hand-in-hand with the urgently needed acceleration of the roll-out of renewables. The designation of renewables go-to areas should not exclude projects in protected areas. The EU should implement existing water legislation instead of defining additional obligations for freshwater ecosystems.
This protects hydropower plants from new operating restrictions and costly restoration requirements.
Freshwater ecosystems lose stronger protections that might have restricted intensive energy usage.

Water producers urge EU to prioritize groundwater in nature restoration

Natural Mineral Waters Europe aisbl, 19 Aug 2022

NMWE requests that groundwater ecosystems receive extensive and rigorous protection from pollutants. The group encourages multi-stakeholder approaches to manage agricultural lands and forest restoration sustainably. They seek an ambitious EU framework that supports voluntary industry actions for ecosystem preservation.
Stronger environmental standards help companies maintain the natural purity of their water products.
Agricultural operations near catchment areas must reduce chemical use to prevent runoff.

European State Forest Association Urges Flexible Nature Restoration Targets

European State Forest Association, 20 Jul 2022

The association requests extending forest monitoring cycles to at least five years. They reject assuming unknown habitats are in poor condition and demand verified field data.
This would reduce their administrative costs and prevent expenses for restoring forests that might be healthy.
Environmental groups lose because less frequent monitoring could allow forest degradation to go undetected.

Consultation response

European State Forest Association, 2 Dec 2020

EUSTAFOR, acting as a voice of European state forest management organizations at EU and pan-European levels, wishes to share the following contribution to this roadmap consultation: Restoration commitment requires properly defined objectives: From a forest manager’s perspective, the restoration…

Gypsum industry backs nature restoration with multi-stakeholder approach

Eurogypsum, 5 Aug 2022

The industry requests recognition of non-state actors' contribution to restoration targets and wants multi-stakeholder involvement formally included in National Restoration Plans. They emphasize that quarries provide refuge to endangered species and that extraction activities already integrate ecosystem management during operations.
This would formalize their existing biodiversity work and position them as key partners in restoration.

Consultation response

Suomen luonnonsuojeluliitto - The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, 2 Dec 2020

Suomen luonnonsuojeluliitto (The Finnish Association) is the oldest and biggest environmental non-governmental organisation in Finland. We have done restoration work in practice in our projects especially with traditional rural habitats and peatlands. We welcome the legal tool, because current…

Eurogypsum advocates for flexibility in EU nature restoration targets

Eurogypsum, 2 Dec 2020

The federation requests that targets account for regional differences and include all degraded ecosystems, regardless of carbon storage levels. They also propose market-based mechanisms like restoration certificates and trading.
This approach would leverage their existing quarry management activities and provide financial incentives for restoration.

Kemijoki Oy seeks hydropower exemptions from nature restoration rules

KEMIJOKI OY, 19 Aug 2022

Kemijoki Oy demands that artificial and heavily modified water bodies be excluded from restoration targets. They urge the Commission to limit barrier removal strictly to obsolete structures.
This prevents interference with hydropower operations and avoids the removal of functional energy infrastructure.
Aquatic species and dependent terrestrial ecosystems lose the chance to return to natural conditions.

Consultation response

Wetlands International - European Association, 22 Aug 2022

“Bringing nature back into our lives” is the main goal enshrined in the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. The proposed EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is a crucial piece of legislation to achieve this goal. Wetlands International Europe welcomes the proposal of the European Commission and calls…

Consultation response

Neova Oy, 22 Aug 2022

Neova Group welcomes the Commission’s efforts to set ambitious peatland and wetland restoration targets and supports the Commission in guaranteeing sustainable peatland management in Europe. Neova emphasises that any EU-wide legislation needs to take into account national specificities and minimize…

Consultation response

US Industrial Pellet Association, 2 Dec 2020

We welcome the urgent attention that the Commission is placing on restoring degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural and man-made disasters. As a trade association consisting of US manufacturers and…

Growing Media Europe offers expertise for EU nature restoration

Growing Media Europe, 17 Aug 2022

The organization positions its industry as an essential partner for urban greening and large-scale afforestation. They offer their practical expertise to help the EU meet ambitious peatland restoration targets.
The industry secures continued demand for its products by framing them as vital restoration tools.
Environmental groups may lose if this partnership facilitates the continued extraction of natural peat.

Consultation response

Growing Media Europe, 2 Dec 2020

Growing Media Europe AISBL (GME) is a non-profit association representing the producers of growing media and soil improvers on European level. Growing media are essential in society as they contribute (on a strongly increasing level) to growing food and to greening our living spaces (trees and…

EURACOAL urges voluntary nature targets and water rule changes

European Association for Coal and Lignite, 2 Dec 2020

EURACOAL advocates for a voluntary 'temporary nature' instrument instead of new legal frameworks. They also call for replacing the rigid 'one-out-all-out' water quality principle with more flexible reporting.
The industry would avoid new compliance burdens by relying on existing reclamation practices.
Ecological advocates lose strict legal protections against any localized deterioration in water quality.

Consultation response

ZERO - ASSOCIAÇÃO SISTEMA TERRESTRE SUSTENTÁVEL, 2 Dec 2020

ZERO would like to thank the Commission for the opportunity to give feedback on the Biodiversity Strategy. Attached go our comments.

Consultation response

Luonnonvarakeskus, 20 Nov 2020

We warmly welcome a new ambitious biodiversity strategy with numerous measures, such as ecosystem restoration, to combat the degradation of biodiversity in the European Union. We want to emphasise the following: 1) In order to overcome the challenges in implementation of the previous BD…

Consultation response

The Irish Natura And Hill Farmers Assocation, 2 Dec 2020

We need to ensure that agricultural activity is central to any policy decisions on the management of biodiverse lands. These are managed landscapes for generations and agricultural activity has been responsible for creating the biodiversity which now needs to be protected. Farmers are central to…

Consultation response

Federation of European Aquaculture Producers, 2 Dec 2020

The Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) warmly welcomes the new EU Biodiversity Strategy. The Federation sees this Strategy as an opportunity for the aquaculture sector to place sustainability in the centre of food legislation. The FEAP has proven over the years our commitment to…

Swedish miners demand flexible nature restoration targets

Swedish Association of Mines, Mineral and Metal Producers, 1 Dec 2020

Svemin advocates for a system based on the sustainable use of land and water rather than strict conservation. They urge the EU to adopt flexible instruments like ecological compensation and avoid setting restoration baselines as pristine nature.
This approach would reduce legal uncertainty for mining permits and lower administrative costs for operators.
Environmental groups lose strict legal safeguards if restoration targets are adapted to industrial land use.

Consultation response

Association Générale des Producteurs de Maïs, 19 Aug 2022

L’AGPM est convaincue du rôle joué par les maïsiculteurs dans la préservation de la nature, et du rôle qu’ils continueront à avoir dans sa restauration. Ainsi les maïsiculteurs français, conscients de l’importance de la préservation des milieux naturels, ont largement fait évoluer leurs pratiques…

Consultation response

Grand Port Fluvio-maritime de l'Axe Seine, 8 Aug 2022

The contribution by HAROPA PORT, the major river-sea port of the Seine axis, is attached (in French).

Consultation response

Oatly AB, 2 Dec 2020

Oatly is a Swedish food company offering oat-based dairy alternatives. We would like to comment on the proposed roadmap with a suggestion for ensuring that the scope includes agricultural land and a change in diets. The roadmap notes that “Biodiversity underpins healthy and nutritious diets and…

Consultation response

Confédération Européenne de la Production de Maïs, 19 Aug 2022

CEPM wants to thank the European Commission to have the opportunity to express its position on the adopted act on EU Nature Restoration. The following months are going to be very important on this dossier in a context of the Ukrainian crisis and its impacts. The maintain of a threshold of…

CDP Europe Urges Inclusion of Corporate Reporting in Nature Law

CDP Worldwide (Europe) gemeinnützige GmbH, 18 Aug 2022

CDP recommends including requirements for non-state actors and referencing European Sustainability Reporting Standards. They suggest that corporate data should inform and contribute to national restoration plans.
These rules would establish CDP as the primary platform for monitoring corporate environmental commitments.
Businesses would face new obligations to integrate biodiversity impacts into all financial decisions.

Consultation response

Assoziation ökologischer Lebensmittelherstellerinnen und -hersteller e.V., 12 Aug 2022

Die AöL begrüßt grundsätzlich, dass die EU sich mit dem Thema Biodiversität intensiv beschäftigt. Denn für uns und unsere Unternehmen in der Lebensmittelbranche stellt der Verlust der Biodiversität und der Rückgang der Artenvielfalt eine existenzielle Herausforderung dar. Daher begrüßen wir es,…

Cia-Agricoltori Italiani demands flexibility in nature restoration rules

Cia - Agricoltori italiani, 8 Aug 2022

The organization favors a directive over a binding regulation to allow for national flexibility. They oppose mandatory targets without accurate data and call for a dedicated fund to support the transition.
This would shield farmers from bureaucratic costs and protect their agricultural income.
Horticultural producers would suffer from the loss of peat as a growth medium.

Consultation response

Enviva, 2 Dec 2020

Enviva is a leading global energy company specializing in sustainable wood bioenergy. Our mission is to fight climate change by displacing coal and growing more trees. We do this by producing sustainable, renewable wood pellets and delivering them to customers around the world. We welcome the…

Born Free urges more ambitious EU nature restoration targets

The Born Free Foundation, 22 Aug 2022

The foundation calls for moving up achievement deadlines and covering all listed habitat types rather than just some. They also advocate for restricted lists for exotic pet trading and including a ban on harmful subsidies in the main law.
The stricter rules would help secure the survival of threatened wildlife species.
The exotic pet industry and businesses receiving harmful subsidies would face tougher restrictions.

Consultation response

Fundacja WWF Polska, 22 Aug 2022

WWF Poland finds the proposal of Nature Restoration Law as very needed initiative beneficial for biodiversity, climate and people. The reverse of biodiversity loss and climate change is crucial for maintenance of ecosystem services, may have a crucial role in reducing risk of heatwaves, droughts…

Consultation response

Sustainable Biomass Program, 22 Aug 2022

Introduction SBP is an independent, multi-stakeholder certification scheme designed for solid woody biomass used in large-scale energy production. The SBP certification system provides assurance that solid woody biomass is sourced from legal and sustainable sources and provides verified data along…

Consultation response

Arbeitsgemeinschaft Deutscher Waldbesitzerverbände e. V., 2 Dec 2020

AGDW-die Waldeigentümer erachtet folgende Punkte als wesentlich für die weitere Diskussion über die Ausarbeitung eines Vorschlags zu rechtsverbindlichen EU Zielen zur Wiederherstellung der Natur • Alle verwendeten Begriffe sollten vor weiteren Schritten klar definiert und im Konsens vereinbart…

Consultation response

Bioenergia ry - Bioenergy Association of Finland, 2 Dec 2020

The Bioenergy Association of Finland supports the aim of the EU to address biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems. The general objective of the proposed legislation is to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to…

Consultation response

Hnutí DUHA - Friends of the Earth Czech Republic, 1 Dec 2020

1 - Protection of existing ecosystems (particularly forest) is far more cost-effective than restoration. It is an obvious point, often overlooked. 2 - The need for clear definition-driven targets with 5 yearly progress assessments to 2050 and compulsory (legal) MS plans to develop these 3 -…

Consultation response

Industrieverband Agrar e.V., 22 Aug 2022

• Das im vorliegenden Vorschlag weitgehend verfolgte Prinzip der wissenschaftlichen Festlegung von Zielzuständen in Kombination mit (zu erstellenden) passgenauen Plänen für die jeweiligen Problemstellungen ist eindeutig positiv zu bewerten. Der IVA begrüßt grundsätzlich, dass die Wege zur…

Minerals Industry Urges Flexible Directive Over Binding Restoration Regulation

Industrial Minerals Association - Europe, 22 Aug 2022

The association requests the proposal be changed from a regulation to a directive, allowing member states flexibility to adapt restoration goals to local conditions. They want recognition that mining is temporary land use that can enhance biodiversity, and call for economic impact assessment before implementation.
This would let them continue extracting minerals while avoiding rigid restoration requirements.
Degraded ecosystems lose enforceable restoration timelines as flexible directives enable delays and exemptions.

Consultation response

Generation Climate Europe, 1 Dec 2020

The new restoration law must be targeted, to avoid past failures in reaching targets, and include concrete actions leading to large-scale restoration across the EU. It is important that it builds on existing definitions to ensure rapid adoption and implementation as well as coherence. The new law…

Industrial Minerals Association urges legal certainty for mining sites

Industrial Minerals Association - Europe, 30 Nov 2020

The organization calls for secured access to land and clear criteria for mineral deposits to resolve competing land uses. They emphasize that any 'no deterioration' commitments must be based on scientific considerations and transparent processes.
The sector would gain investment security and predictable access to critical mineral deposits.
Strict conservation efforts may be compromised by prioritizing economic extraction in protected areas.

Consultation response

FEDERATION NATIONALE BOVINE, 22 Aug 2022

La Fédération Nationale Bovine apporte son soutien à l’aspect global de la démarche initiée par la Commission Européenne pour la restauration de nature, notamment à la volonté d’harmonisation des cadres européens en matière de transition agroécologique, afin de limiter les distorsions de…

Consultation response

Butterfly Conservation Europe, 22 Aug 2022

Butterfly Conservation Europe (BCE) welcomes the proposed Nature Restoration Law and the introduction of legally binding targets for the restoration of ecosystems. The proposed regulation rightly recognises that biodiversity loss has not been halted by previous EU legislation such as the Habitats…

Slovenian power giant HSE seeks hydropower safeguards in restoration law

Holding Slovenske elektrarne d.o.o., 17 Aug 2022

HSE Group demands a balance between nature restoration and renewable energy expansion. They want river restoration rules restricted to obsolete barriers to protect existing power plants.
This would shield the company from asset removals and additional environmental compliance costs.
European biodiversity goals for free-flowing rivers may be harder to reach.

Consultation response

Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development, 8 Aug 2022

The Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) considers the new EU Nature Restoration Law as a very important time-bound step towards combating the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, all issues of…

Consultation response

Zemědělský svaz ČR, 1 Dec 2020

Zemědělství je obor, který má po staletí velmi úzkou vazbu na formování a údržbu krajiny, včetně rozvoje rozličných přírodních stanovišť a různých způsobů obhospodařování, které přispěly a přispívají k bohaté biodevirzitní zemědělské krajině. Je zcela nepochybné, že tento společenský benefit budou…

Consultation response

Michael Succow Stiftung, 22 Aug 2022

This is a year of important international moments for nature and climate, with the UNFCCC COP27, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP15 and Ramsar COP14 all taking place in 2022. The EU and its Member States can play a leading role in the international arena if they do things right at home.…

Consultation response

Fachverband der Chemischen Industrie Österreichs, 22 Aug 2022

FCIO Position EK-Vorschlag für eine Verordnung über die Wiederherstellung der Natur Der FCIO begrüßt den Vorschlag der Europäischen Kommission für eine Verordnung über die Wiederherstellung der Natur (COM(2022) 304 final). Die Vielfalt der Ökosysteme, Arten und Pflanzensorten ist wertvoll und muss…

Consultation response

Latvian Peat Association, 19 Aug 2022

Please find attached an opinion of Latvian Peat Association. A Regulation should not be adopted, but a Directive can be discussed. The geographical differences of the Member States should be taken into account. The restoration of ecosystems is a sensitive issue that affects the interests of many…

Consultation response

INSTITUT AGRÍCOLA CATALÀ DE SANT ISIDRE, 2 Dec 2020

En relación con la iniciativa planteada por la Comisión Europea a través de la hoja de ruta Protecting biodiversity: nature restoration targets under EU biodiversity strategy, el Institut Agrícola desea compartir consideraciones clave que deben tenerse en cuenta al preparar la propuesta anunciada…

Consultation response

Danube Sturgeon Task Force, 2 Dec 2020

Recent reports have demonstrated that EU is largely failing its ambition to protect European habitats and species and science is also clear that freshwater biodiversity is in particular need of restoration, with megafauna suffering the most. Also, the fate of the sturgeons is increasingly receiving…

Consultation response

Associazione Italiana per il WWF, 20 Nov 2020

La “Strategia dell’Unione Europea per la biodiversità entro il 2030” si pone l’ambizioso obiettivo di redigere un piano di ripristino della natura per “migliorare lo stato di salute delle zone protette esistenti e nuove e riportare una natura variegata e resiliente in tutti i paesaggi e gli…

Consultation response

Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust, 10 Nov 2020

We strongly welcome the proposal to set binding nature restoration targets. It is essential that they are focused on achieving positive outcomes for species and habitats across the EU. We would direct the EC to the work of the European Habitats Forum for general guidance on the approaches that…

Consultation response

Państwowe Gospodarstwo Leśne Lasy Państwowe, 22 Aug 2022

Opinia Lasów Państwowych do wniosku dotyczącego rozporządzenia Parlamentu Europejskiego i Rady w sprawie odbudowy zasobów przyrodniczych

Consultation response

Deutsche Säge- und Holzindustrie Bundesverband e.V. (DeSH), 22 Aug 2022

Die Wälder in Europa stehen vor spürbaren Herausforderungen im Klimawandel. Gleichzeitig bieten Wald und Holz erhebliche Lösungspotentiale, um die Folgen des Klimawandels zu mildern. Um diese Potentiale vor den Unsicherheiten des Klimawandels bestmöglich nutzen zu können, ist es von zentraler…

Consultation response

Branschföreningen Svensk Torv, 22 Aug 2022

Vår bransch har stor erfarenhet av att restaurera torvmarker, det är ett lagstadgat krav i Sverige att torvtäkter efterbehandlas. Det krävs mycket god lokal kännedom, samarbete och kunskap för att åstadkomma lyckade efterbehandlingar. Vi har många goda exempel som vi gärna dela med oss av. Idag…

Consultation response

, 22 Aug 2022

France Nature Environnement estime que, dans ces objectifs et sa construction, ce projet de règlement constitue l’avancée la plus importante depuis la directive Habitats et à ce titre, le soutient totalement. En optant pour une approche proactive de restauration de la nature garantie par des…

Consultation response

, 22 Aug 2022

Wir begrüßen die Initiative der EU-Kommission, sich für widerstandfähige und klimaresiliente Ökosysteme einzusetzen. In Anlehnung an den Bericht des regulatorischen Prüfungsausschusses sehen wir im Verordnungsentwurf dennoch Widersprüchlichkeiten. 1. Übergeordnetes Ziel und Wahl des…

Consultation response

EGU - European Geosciences Union eV, 21 Aug 2022

The EGU Biodiversity Task Force welcomes the ambitious targets outlined in the Nature Restoration Law that was presented by the European Commission on 22 June 2022. To ensure the Nature Restoration Law is successful, the EGU Biodiversity Task Force is recommending seven key points to be added,…

Consultation response

European Centre for River Restoration, 19 Aug 2022

River restoration is an integral part of sustainable water management encompassing a large variety of ecological, physical, spatial and management measures and practices. Structures in rivers act as a barrier for water flow, sediment transport and river habitat connectivity. Their removal is a…

Consultation response

European Forum on Nature Conservation and Pastoralism, 19 Aug 2022

We welcome this bold and ambitious initiative. However, coming from the perspective of High Nature Value farming systems as we do, we find the proposal to have a very significant blind spot. As written, it largely ignores or undervalues the key role of agricultural management, particularly as part…

Consultation response

Asociación Técnica y Empresarial del Yeso, 5 Aug 2022

Unos ecosistemas saludables aportan recursos sociales y económicos importantes, siendo de vital importancia para la supervivencia de nuestro planeta. La pérdida de biodiversidad y la degradación de la naturaleza son problemas alarmantes, a menudo eclipsados por otros grandes desafíos mundiales,…

Consultation response

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΗ ΟΡΝΙΘΟΛΟΓΙΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ, 30 Nov 2020

The Hellenic Ornithological Society welcomes the initiative for binding restoration targets and recommends the following: A. Aspects guiding the next steps 1. With this restoration initiative, the Commission should focus on binding nature restoration targets. 2. The, also mentioned, possibility of…

Consultation response

Fundacja EkoRozwoju, 27 Nov 2020

Trees in open landscapes, particularly avenues (trees along roads and waterways) should be restored as an important - yet threatened - green infrastructure, contributing to climate change adaptation and biodiversity in Europe’s rural areas. They constitute important ecological corridors and…

Consultation response

, 19 Nov 2020

les objectifs et les cibles que souhaite se donner la Commission dans le cadre de cette initiative sont louables mais assez décalés avec la réalité en ce qui concerne la forêt européenne. Cela pour deux raisons essentielles : - le développement de la forêt se fait sur un pas de temps long voir très…