Synergy in Action: RECONECT and the New EU Nature Restoration Law
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, the European Union took significant steps towards restoring and conserving nature through its Horizon 2020 projects, including RECONECT, short for ‘Regenerating Ecosystems with Nature-based solutions for hydro-meteorological risk Reduction’. This ambitious initiative is now seamlessly aligned with the recent EU law on nature restoration, marking a pivotal moment in the EU’s commitment to preserving and rehabilitating ecosystems.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) found in its 2019 scientific review that our environment is degrading faster than ever before with devastating consequences for people and the planet. In Europe, where more than 80% of habitats are degraded, the nature restoration law was proposed in a bid to reverse this trend and increase climate resilience. The EU is also bound by global commitments with world leaders having agreed to protect 30% of the planet by 2030 at the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Summit last year. Today, just 17% of the world’s land and 10% of its seas are under protection.
The RECONECT project, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program, is a groundbreaking endeavor that focuses on reconnecting and restoring ecosystems. Launched in response to the escalating threats posed by climate change, loss of biodiversity, and habitat fragmentation, RECONECT develops innovative nature-based solutions for enhancing the resilience of ecosystems.
The project brings together a diverse consortium of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, fostering collaboration across disciplines and borders. RECONECT places a special emphasis on nature-based solutions, such as green infrastructure, sustainable land management, and the restoration of natural water courses, to address the complex challenges facing Europe’s landscapes.
Key Objectives of the RECONECT Project:
1. Ecosystem Resilience: RECONECT seeks to enhance the resilience of ecosystems to climate change and other environmental stressors. By implementing nature-based solutions, the project aims to create landscapes that can adapt and thrive in the face of evolving challenges.
2. Biodiversity Conservation: The project prioritizes the conservation of biodiversity by restoring natural habitats and creating interconnected landscapes. This approach supports the recovery of endangered species and promotes overall ecosystem health.
3. Community Engagement: RECONECT recognizes the importance of engaging local communities in nature restoration efforts. By involving citizens and stakeholders in the decision-making process, the project aims to create a sense of shared responsibility and ownership over the landscapes being restored.
In tandem with the RECONECT project, the EU’s recently adopted comprehensive law on nature restoration, part of the EU’s broader biodiversity strategy, sets binding targets for member states to restore degraded ecosystems and establish green infrastructure.
Key Elements of the EU Law on Nature Restoration:
1. Targeted Restoration: Member states are required to identify and prioritize areas in need of restoration, with a focus on degraded ecosystems, wetlands, and other critical habitats.
2. Green Infrastructure: The law promotes the development of green infrastructure to enhance connectivity between natural areas. This includes the restoration of rivers, forests, and coastal ecosystems.
3. Economic Incentives: To encourage private sector involvement, the law provides financial incentives and support for sustainable land management practices that contribute to nature restoration.
Protecting nature is a cost-effective way of keeping people safe from extreme weather events and safeguard biodiversity. The European Commission estimates that every euro invested in restoring land would offer a return of between €8 and €38.
The RECONECT project and the EU law on nature restoration share a symbiotic relationship. RECONECT’s innovative nature-based solutions and community engagement strategies provide practical insights and methodologies that can inform the implementation of the new law. Conversely, the legal framework reinforces and validates the importance of projects like RECONECT, creating a supportive environment for collaborative efforts aimed at nature restoration.
The convergence of the RECONECT project and the new law on nature restoration signifies a holistic and proactive approach to addressing the environmental challenges faced by the European Union. By combining innovative research with legislative action, the EU is poised to make significant strides in the restoration and conservation of its natural landscapes, promoting a more sustainable and resilient future for both ecosystems and communities.
