Written by Jamie Coles
Europe faces a critical environmental crisis: over 80% of its natural habitats are degraded, threatening wildlife, human well-being, economic stability, and the future of generations to come. Our societies and economies fundamentally rely on healthy ecosystems for services like clean air, water, food production, and climate regulation. The degradation of these ecosystems is not just an environmental issue—it directly endangers our livelihoods and economic prosperity. Recognising this urgency, the European Union has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), a groundbreaking piece of legislation that sets ambitious, legally binding targets to rejuvenate ecosystems across the region by 2030 and achieve substantial recovery by 2050. This law represents a decisive commitment to reverse environmental decline and underscores the necessity for collaborative action to restore Europe’s natural heritage.
The Nature Restoration Law: Ambitious targets for a healthier future
The Nature Restoration Law is a comprehensive regulation that impacts a wide range of ecosystems and requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. It mandates the restoration of at least 20% of the European Union’s land and sea areas by 2030, with the goal of extending restoration efforts to all ecosystems in need by 2050. Specific targets include halting the loss of urban green spaces and tree canopies by 2030, followed by a positive increase thereafter. The law also aims to restore at least 25,000 kilometres of rivers to free-flowing conditions by 2030 and reverse the decline of pollinator populations within the same timeframe. In agricultural ecosystems, the NRL focuses on enhancing biodiversity by improving indicators such as the grassland butterfly index and increasing organic carbon levels in soils. Additionally, it sets goals for restoring drained peatlands used in agriculture—aiming for 30% restoration by 2030, increasing to 50% by 2050.
To fulfil these ambitious objectives, member states are required to develop National Restoration Plans, submitting drafts by 2026 and finalising them by 2027. These plans are to detail how each country intends to achieve the restoration targets, considering their unique ecosystems and socio-economic contexts. Implementing the NRL necessitates broad consensus and collaboration among various sectors—including agriculture, forestry, urban planning, and fisheries—that often have differing priorities and interests. Balancing ecological restoration with economic activities demands careful negotiation and innovative solutions. Sectors may need to adapt significantly in terms of practices, policies, and resource allocation. Achieving consensus among stakeholders with diverse and sometimes opposing views is crucial for the successful realisation of the law’s goals.
Collaborative solutions: How Bax is powering ecosystem restoration
At Bax, we recognise that addressing such an urgent and complex challenge requires a holistic and integrated approach. Our commitment to powering societal change through innovative solutions for environmental sustainability is reflected in a suite of interconnected projects that span terrestrial habitats, urban environments, and marine ecosystems—all with societal well-being and economic vitality at their core.
We believe that meeting the ambitious goals of the Nature Restoration Law demands more than isolated efforts. Understanding that the health of one ecosystem often influences another, we integrate our initiatives across diverse environments—from vast peatlands and wetlands to bustling urban parks and underwater seagrass meadows. By doing so, we amplify the impact of restoration efforts and make meaningful contributions to the NRL’s overarching objectives.
Uniting the right actors can foster cooperation and develop innovative solutions. We coordinate multidisciplinary teams to tackle the complexities of restoration projects—addressing technical challenges, financial constraints, governance issues, policy development, and awareness-raising. By facilitating effective communication, we align stakeholders toward common goals.
Peatlands and wetlands are vital carbon sinks and biodiversity hubs, yet they have suffered extensive degradation. At Bax, we facilitate the restoration of these ecosystems by bringing together diverse stakeholders. Through the REWET Project, funded by Horizon Europe, we collaborate with 18 partners across nine countries, working to make wetland restoration both ecologically and economically viable. We have also supported initiatives like the European Peatlands Initiative (EPI), which, with over 150 stakeholders from 15 countries, fostered collaboration between governments, scientists, and landowners to drive peatland restoration.
Sustainable agriculture is another key focus area. The Smart Carbon Farming project, under the Interreg North West Europe program, involves multiple partners across five countries in promoting regenerative agriculture. By connecting farmers, researchers, and policymakers, we help facilitate carbon farming practices that benefit both the environment and agricultural communities.
In marine restoration, our work in the ARTEMIS project supports the recovery of Mediterranean seagrass meadows by engaging governments, economic actors, and local communities. Similarly, the Biodiverse Cities project enhances urban biodiversity through collaborative, nature-based solutions, bringing together city planners, communities, and various stakeholders to address urban climate challenges.
Our past success with Carbon Connects demonstrates our ability to create solutions that benefit nature, people, and economies. By facilitating collaborations between farmers and businesses, we helped adopt climate-friendly practices on peatlands, reducing carbon emissions and providing economic opportunities.
Restoring Europe’s ecosystems is complex and fraught with challenges. Political opposition, financial constraints, technical complexities, and the need for widespread engagement are significant hurdles. Our work addresses these obstacles through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to shared goals.
We believe that meaningful progress comes from collective effort. One of our core strengths at Bax is bringing together the right actors and creating an environment conducive to collaboration. We coordinate multidisciplinary teams of experts to tackle the complexities of restoration projects —addressing not only technical complexities but also financial constraints, governance issues, policy development, and the need for increased awareness. By facilitating effective communication, we ensure all stakeholders are aligned and working toward common goals.
Our commitment is to convene and unite diverse stakeholders and drive innovation in ecosystem restoration and smartly combine it with other goals such as agriculture, economy, and housing. Achieving the ambitious goals set by the Nature Restoration Law requires a collaborative approach, and we’re proud to facilitate the partnerships between actors on the ground, knowledge partners, local and national authorities, and private businesses that will create lasting environmental and economic benefits for Europe.
– Sebastiaan van Herk, CEO of Bax
The European Union’s Nature Restoration Law presents an opportunity to rejuvenate the continent’s natural landscapes. Achieving its ambitious targets requires a cohesive approach that recognises the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the people who depend on them.
It is a vision to which we are committed.
The journey ahead is challenging, but with a unified approach and shared commitment, we can restore Europe’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Learn more about our Nature projects
If you want to contribute to the restoration of Europe’s natural heritage, reach out to a member of our team.
