- The NRL is a legislative measure enacted by the European Union to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
- It is the first comprehensive, continent-wide initiative of its kind and forms a critical part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which sets binding objectives for ecosystem restoration.
Key Features of the NRL:
- The law focuses on ecosystems with significant potential for carbon capture and storage and those that can reduce the impacts of natural disasters.
- It mandates that member states restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and marine areas by 2030, targeting diverse environments such as terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, forest, agricultural, and urban areas.
- By 2050, the aim is to extend restoration efforts to all ecosystems identified as needing restoration.
Obligations and Goals:
- The NRL requires enhancement of urban green spaces, restoration of free-flowing rivers by removing artificial barriers, increase in pollinator populations, and supports the EU’s goal of planting 3 billion additional trees.
- Member states must create “restoration plans” detailing strategies to achieve these targets and prevent significant deterioration of restored areas.
- These plans should also consider socio-economic impacts and benefits, and estimate the financial resources required for implementation.
Relevance to India:
- The NRL serves as a significant model for India to address similar environmental challenges, offering a structured approach to ecosystem restoration and sustainable development.