The loss of biodiversity
The law on “Nature Restoration” was adopted today after the approval of the majority of Member States. The European Parliament and the Council had previously agreed on the text of the regulation during trilogue negotiations in November 2023. The regulation aims to restore at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. This is good news for European small game populations. European land use policy has been a major driver of biodiversity loss. To solve this problem, a European-wide solution is needed.
Funding and incentives
FACE has long advocated for a higher priority for habitat restoration; now, this has become a reality. Today's vote means that it is possible to design tailor-made restoration measures at a national level, while ensuring adequate funding and incentives for farmers and landowners. Looking to the future, the success of the Wildlife Restoration Act depends on strong political support and the active participation of all rural stakeholders. These include farmers, land managers, foresters, fishermen, and hunters, whose collective efforts can turn this law into tangible initiatives on the ground. Significant cash allocations are essential to ensure that financially attractive options can be made available to rural stakeholders through national recovery plans. Many Member States referred to this point before today's vote.
FACE-branded projects
FACE has collected hundreds of small-scale restoration projects run by local hunters in Europe in its Biodiversity Manifesto. It is vital to recognize the significant progress already achieved thanks to this dedicated work by hunters across Europe. The Wildlife Restoration Act represents a unique opportunity to amplify these actions with nationwide planning and dedicated resources, inspiring a new wave of habitat restoration efforts.
What to remember
Some points to keep in mind:
The successful implementation of this law will depend on Member States designing good “National Recovery Plans” proactively with stakeholders such as farmers, landowners, hunters, foresters and other key actors. This is essential to ensure that field initiatives are successful in the long term for wildlife including hunted wildlife.
Restoration operations do not involve the cessation of activities in restored ecosystems, including hunting.
Restoration should not be confused with the EU objectives for protected areas set out in the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, this is further explained in the European Commission Staff Working Document on Criteria and Guidance for the Designation of Protected Areas protected areas.
The measures deemed too burdensome for economic and agricultural needs were removed during the long negotiation process. The text is now the bare minimum to enable the restoration of nature.
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