Bonn, Germany – According to the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN), a significant step forward in international nature conservation was marked by the entry into force of the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration on August 18, 2025. This landmark regulation, celebrated by the BfN, aims to restore ecosystems across Europe, addressing the urgent need to recover biodiversity and protect natural habitats. The agency has presented a series of recommendations to support the implementation of this regulation, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among EU member states to achieve these ambitious goals.
The EU Regulation on Nature Restoration is a pivotal component of the European Green Deal, which has driven environmental and climate policy momentum in recent years. The regulation sets binding targets for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, including wetlands, forests, and marine environments, with the goal of ensuring that at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas are under restoration measures by 2030. The BfN underscores that this framework not only addresses biodiversity loss but also enhances ecosystem services critical for human well-being, such as clean water, pollination, and climate regulation. The agency’s recommendations include prioritizing areas with the highest biodiversity value, integrating restoration into spatial planning, and fostering public-private partnerships to secure funding and expertise.
In its statement, the BfN highlighted the regulation’s potential to serve as a model for global conservation efforts. The agency noted that international cooperation is vital, as many ecosystems transcend national borders, requiring coordinated action to ensure their protection. For instance, the restoration of migratory bird habitats, which span multiple countries, is a key focus area under the new regulation. The BfN is also advocating for the alignment of national policies with EU targets, ensuring that Germany plays a leading role in this transformative initiative. This includes enhancing monitoring systems to track progress and adapting strategies based on scientific data and local conditions.
A significant aspect of the BfN’s recommendations is the emphasis on community engagement. The agency believes that involving local stakeholders—farmers, landowners, and indigenous groups—in restoration projects is crucial for long-term success. By providing training and incentives, the BfN aims to build a network of advocates for nature conservation at the grassroots level. This approach is expected to foster a sense of ownership and ensure that restoration efforts are sustainable beyond policy mandates. The agency also pointed out the economic benefits of restoration, such as job creation in green sectors and increased tourism in revitalized natural areas.
To illustrate the potential impact of these efforts, the BfN cited the example of wetland restoration projects in northern Germany. These initiatives, already underway, have shown promising results in reviving habitats for endangered species like the Eurasian curlew, a migratory wader whose population has declined significantly due to habitat loss. By expanding such projects under the new EU regulation, the BfN hopes to see a measurable recovery in biodiversity metrics over the next decade. Additionally, statistical data from the agency indicates that wetland restoration could contribute to sequestering up to 35 million tons of CO2 annually across Europe if scaled effectively, supporting climate goals alongside biodiversity targets.
The BfN’s involvement in international workshops further underscores its commitment to global conservation. A recent event hosted by the agency on October 8-9, 2025, focused on nature-friendly consumption as a complementary strategy to restoration. Discussions highlighted how consumer behavior can drive demand for sustainable products, reducing pressure on natural resources. This holistic approach—combining policy, community action, and economic incentives—positions the EU Regulation on Nature Restoration as a comprehensive tool for environmental recovery. Key areas of focus include protecting biodiversity, enhancing ecosystems, promoting sustainability, supporting wildlife, preserving habitats, advancing conservation, and fostering international cooperation.
The agency remains optimistic that with robust implementation, the regulation will pave the way for a healthier planet. As Europe embarks on this journey, the BfN stands ready to provide scientific guidance and practical solutions, ensuring that nature restoration becomes a shared priority across borders. For more information, visit Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (BfN).