Support for the national implementation of the objectives for nature restoration Lot 4

Globally, the richness of biotopes, along with animal and plant communities, is diminishing at an alarming rate. This trend is evident in the EU and Germany, where landscapes are becoming increasingly barren, characterised by monotonous monocultures in forests and fields. A biodiversity fact check highlights that 60% of the 93 identified habitat types across agricultural lands, forests, inland waters, floodplains, coastal areas, and urban spaces are in poor condition. Populations of insects, amphibians, and fish have dramatically declined, with many species facing extinction.

In response, the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration was introduced by the European Commission in 2022 as part of the European Green Deal. Following two years of rigorous negotiations, it was enacted on 18 August 2024. This regulation mandates member states to implement measures that promote the recovery of nature and bolster biodiversity and resilience. The regulation aims to restore at least 20% of the EU's land and marine areas, currently in poor condition, by 2030. By 2050, all ecosystems in need should be covered by restoration efforts.

To fulfil the regulation, member states are required to develop and submit national restoration plans to the European Commission. Engaging all relevant stakeholders and the general public in the planning process is not just a formal requirement but essential for the success and sustainability of ecological restoration efforts. Raising public awareness about the necessity and benefits of the regulation is crucial, as is involving interested parties in a constructive and solution-focused manner.

adelphi global, in collaboration with project partners, is supporting the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation in designing and implementing the participation process. This involves creating a comprehensive information base through the careful preparation, provision, and communication of all relevant details about the regulation's requirements. Additionally, fostering dialogue and active participation among key stakeholders and the public is vital to garner broad support and involvement in planning for nature restoration. Incorporating practical experiences and local knowledge is also essential to develop optimal solutions and establish a multifunctional, ecologically, and economically sustainable network of restoration initiatives.