December 23, 2024
2024 wins: the Nature Restoration Law
BY: Arin Owoturo
Topics: Nature Restoration Law
As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on transformative moments for the ocean this year, one of them being the adoption of the EU Nature Restoration Law in June. This historic legislation, which Oceana and our NGO partners campaigned for long and hard, is setting the foundation for a healthier, more resilient Europe on land and at sea.
A long fight for change
The path to the passing of this law was challenging. For months, opposition and disinformation from conservative political groups centred on fears that restoring nature would harm businesses and cost jobs. These claims underestimated the benefits of thriving ecosystems, including marine ones, which support biodiversity, combat climate change, and ensure the long-term economic sustainability of many coastal activities, like those of fishers.
Thanks to overwhelming public support, scientific evidence, and lobbying by Oceana and other NGOs, we were able to make the Nature Restoration Law a reality. Together with our allies, we worked with the media to amplify the urgent need for its adoption, lobbied policymakers to secure support, and helped mobilise demonstrators to show public demand for action.
It was a collective effort, and the law gained momentum thanks to:
- 1 million citizens who signed in support
- 6,000 scientists who provided counter-arguments based on science, and
- Over 100 businesses, such as clothing retailer Patagonia, who recognized the value of restoration also for businesses.
Finally, after months of hard work, the law was adopted on 17 June 2024, a pivotal moment for Europe’s natural ecosystems and marine life.
What are its goals?
The Nature Restoration Law is set to drive change to build the frameworks needed to meet its ambitious goals:
- 20% of EU seas will have restoration measures in place by 2030, and 90% by 2050: Member States are beginning to map out and implement restoration plans to revive degraded marine habitats.
- Tackling destructive fishing practices in future marine restoration areas: One major milestone is that the law mandates EU countries to find joint solutions to eliminate harmful fishing practices like bottom trawling in areas they will designate for restoration, with binding deadlines to use processes from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy.
- Restoring ecosystems to build climate resilience: By prioritising the restoration of habitats with high carbon-storage potential – such as seagrass beds, the law is part of the solution to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and meet EU climate goals.
These measures align with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, which aims to restore Europe’s biodiversity for the benefit of people, the planet, and the economy.
Oceana’s role
At Oceana, we are proud to have played a role in this achievement. From advocating for the law, to campaigning to introduce and defend strong fisheries and marine provisions, we worked to ensure marine ecosystems were at the heart of the restoration agenda.
Restoring hope for the future
The Nature Restoration Law is a monumental step forward, but it’s just the beginning. Implementing its ambitious targets will require countries’ ongoing commitment and accountability. Oceana remains steadfast in our mission to ensure these goals become a reality and that Europe’s seas and ecosystems are restored for future generations.
This year has shown what we can achieve when people, science, and organizations come together for a common purpose. As we look ahead to 2025, we are inspired to continue the fight for the ocean and the world.
