Have the article read by OpenAI (Beta). Please note that AI translations may take some time to process.Brussels (dpa) – A much fought-over nature conservation law intended to restore habitats to their natural condition came into force on Sunday, August 17, as announced by the European Commission.
The conservation law sets a target for the European Union to restore at least 20 percent of the bloc’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050 by regrowing forests, re-wetting moors and returning rivers to their natural, free-flowing states.
The law had previously been the subject of long and heated debate. In the end, a narrow majority voted in favour of a watered-down version of the legal text. EU member states in the Council of the EU gave their final approval to the law in June.
The law is considered controversial particularly because of fears of heavy restrictions on farmers. In 2023 and 2024, farmers from across the EU protested against the law, including several intense demonstrations in Brussels.
The Commission said that EU member states would themselves decide which specific measures are to be implemented on their territory.
According to EU figures, around 80 percent of habitats are in poor condition. In addition, 10 percent of bee and butterfly species are threatened with extinction and 70 percent of soils are in an unhealthy state. (17 August)
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