Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate. EU countries are committed to restoring nature and preserving its biological diversity.

Have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes forces behind the vibrant array of plants that surround us? Or have you questioned the tangible but mysterious transformation of our nature over the centuries? Scientists from the renowned University of York have revealed the impact of man on biodiversity.

Our lead researcher on this time-hopping story is Jonathan Gordon, a postdoctoral fellow at the Leverhulme Center for Anthropocene Biodiversity at the University of York. (Sanjana Gajbhiye, more at earth.com)

On June 17, 2024, the ministers of the environment of the EU member states adopted a new regulation on the restoration of nature. This was preceded by a heated debate, during which in March the Netherlands withdrew its support based on a parliamentary proposal, as Dutch MPs considered the targets unachievable and wanted to meet existing commitments first. Nevertheless, the unexpected support of Austria enabled the approval of the regulation. What does this acceptance mean for practice?

The introduction of the regulation responds to the serious and continuous decline of nature in Europe. Assessments show that only 15 % habitats are in good status, while 45 %s have a moderately unfavorable and 36 %s a poor conservation status. The situation in the Netherlands is even worse: around 90 % habitat types and 75 % species show an unfavorable status, while only 21 % habitats and 14 % species show a positive trend.

Existing policies, including the Birds and Habitats Directives and the Water Framework Directive, already set out obligations to maintain and restore natural habitats, species and water quality. Member States must ensure that the quality of these natural resources does not deteriorate.

The new regulation clarifies these obligations, specifying specific places and dates where and when measures should be taken to improve the state of conservation. It sets out the dates and goals that they want to achieve by restoring at least 20 % of terrestrial and marine areas of the Union by 2030 and all necessary ecosystems by 2050. It also contains obligations to restore habitat types and prevent their deterioration if they reach a satisfactory state.

Within two years of the entry into force of the Regulation, Member States have to submit a draft national recovery plan to the Commission. This plan should contain an assessment of the state of ecosystems, a description of restoration measures, an implementation schedule, a monitoring and financing plan.

The Netherlands has estimated that meeting the objectives of the regulation will require investments of around €76 billion, while the societal costs of non-implementation are estimated to be at least €129 billion. As space is scarce in the Netherlands, the implementation of the law will require more precise decisions about the use of space, which may also affect existing activities. Interest in the restoration of nature will have a more central place in permitting. (Co2AI)

More than 70 % of marine litter is deposited on the Italian seabed and there is an average of 400 pieces of litter every 100 meters on the beaches. And this is only one of the dangers that threaten the Mediterranean Sea. "It is an almost closed sea surrounded by around 500 million people and numerous anthropic activities," explains Giordano Giorgi, head of the National Center for Environmental Characterization and Protection of the Coastal Zone, Marine Climatology and Operational Oceanography of ISPRA and responsible for the Pnrr MER project (Restoration marine ecosystem) - as a result, the contribution of land-based pollutants is one of the elements of concern, although compared to the 1970s and 1980s the situation in the Adriatic thanks to cleaning systems. are creating accumulations at sea that are still far from replicating the plastic islands in the Pacific from multiple sources such as domestic washing systems and plastic waste. present on the seabed, which we also find in the fish that reach our tables". (MARINA SANTINOVÁ, more at quotidiano.net)

Forests and meadows are real wonders for storing CO2. However, climate-related events such as extreme droughts or forest fires threaten them, and thus the environment for countless animal and plant species. To protect forests and meadows, scientists recommend the concept of biodiversity. Bernd Fuchs explains what this means in Climate Update. The most convenient way to support biodiversity is not to mow the lawn or lawn in the garden. When dandelions, daisies, clovers and sedges are allowed to bloom instead of being shaved, the insects are happy. On the other hand, a flawless English lawn that is mowed once a week is worthless to insects. The increase in insects means more food for birds, hedgehogs and other small animals in the garden. (More on wetter.de)

No matter what sector you operate in, the ripple effect of biodiversity loss can affect every aspect of your business – from resource procurement to consumer satisfaction and investor confidence. (viac…)