Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

RemovedRecital 15: (15) Securing biodiverse ecosystems and tackling climate change are intrinsically linked. Nature and nature-based solutions and ecosystems-based approaches including natural carbon stocks and sinks, are fundamental for fighting the climate crisis. At the same time, the climate crisis is already a driver of terrestrial and marine ecosystem change, and the Union must prepare for the increasing intensity, frequency and pervasiveness of its effects. The Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)55 on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C pointed out that some impacts may be long-lasting or irreversible. The Sixth IPCC Assessment Report56 states that restoring ecosystems will be fundamental in helping to combat climate change and also in reducing risks to food security. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in its 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services57 considered climate change a key driver of change in nature, and it expected its impacts to increase over the coming decades, in some cases surpassing the impact of other drivers of ecosystem change such as changed land and sea use.

RemovedRecital 18: (18) Union climate policy is being revised in order to follow the pathway proposed in Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 to reduce net emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990. In particular, the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EU) 2018/841 and (EU) 2018/199961 aims to strengthen the contribution of the land sector to the overall climate ambition for 2030 and aligns the objectives as regards accounting of emissions and removals from the land use, land use change and forestry (‘LULUCF’) sector with related policy initiatives on biodiversity. That proposal emphasises the need for the protection and enhancement of nature-based carbon removals, for the improvement of the resilience of ecosystems to climate change, for the restoration of degraded land and ecosystems, and for rewetting peatlands. It further aims to improve the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals from land subject to protection and restoration. In this context, it is important that ecosystems in all land categories, including forests, grasslands, croplands and wetlands, are in good condition in order to be able to effectively capture and store carbon.

RemovedRecital 22: (22) Soils are an integral part of terrestrial ecosystems. The Commission’s 2021 Communication ‘EU Soil Strategy for 2030’64 outlines the need to restore degraded soils and enhance soil biodiversity. The Commission has also confirmed its commitment to prepare a legislative proposal for a Soil Health Law. At international level, the Union and its Member States have committed to achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 in the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development64a and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) 2018-2030 strategic framework64b. / 64a The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted in 25September2015 by Heads of State and Government at a special United Nations summit / 64bUNCCD 2018-2030 strategic framework https://www.unccd.int/sites/default/files/inline-files/ICCD_COP%2813%29_L.18-1716078E_0.pdf

RemovedRecital 24: (24) A framework and guidance67 already exist to determine good condition of habitat types protected under Directive 92/43/EEC and to determine sufficient quality and quantity of the habitats of species falling within the scope of that Directive. Restoration targets for those habitat types and habitats of species can be set based on that framework and guidance. However, such restoration will not be enough to reverse biodiversity loss and recover all ecosystems. Therefore, additional obligations should be established based on specific indicators in order to enhance biodiversity at the scale of wider ecosystems. Moreover, once common methods for assessing the good condition of the Union’s ecosystems are developed, additional targets based on these common methods may be established by way of amendment to this Regulation.

RemovedRecital 25: (25) Building on Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC and in order to support the achievement of the objectives set out in those Directives, Member States should put in place restoration measures, complementary to measures adopted under Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, to ensure the recovery of protected habitats and species, including wild birds, across Union areas, also in areas that fall outside Natura 2000.

RemovedRecital 33: (33) It is important to ensure a gradual increase of the areas covered by habitat types that fall within the scope of Directive 92/43/EEC that are in good condition across the territory of Member States and of the Union as a whole, until the favourable reference area for each habitat type is reached and 100 % at Member State level of that area is in good condition, so as to allow those habitat types in the Union to achieve favourable conservation status.

RemovedThe 90% is the minimum to reach good condition, according to the document ‘Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive: Explanatory notes and guidelines for the period 2013-2018’. A higher target of 100% can therefore be set up.

RemovedRecital 35: (35) It is important that the areas covered by habitat types falling within the scope of this Regulation do not deteriorate as compared to the current situation, considering the current restoration needs and the necessity not to further increase the restoration needs in the future. It is, however, appropriate to consider the possibility of force majeure causing natural disasters, which may result in the deterioration of areas covered by those habitat types, as well as unavoidable habitat transformations which are directly caused by scientifically proven impacts of climate change, or as a result of a plan or project of overriding public interest, for which no less damaging alternative solutions are available, to be determined on a case by case basis, outside Natura 2000 sites, or of a plan or project authorised in accordance with Article 6(4) of Directive 92/43/EEC for Natura 2000 sites.

RemovedRecital 38: (38) Where the protection of coastal and marine habitats requires that fishing or aquaculture activities are regulated, the common fisheries policy applies. Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council68 provides, in particular, that the common fisheries policy is to implement the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management so as to ensure that negative impacts of fishing activities on the marine ecosystem are minimised. That Regulation also provides that that policy is to endeavour to ensure that aquaculture and fisheries activities avoid the degradation of the marine environment.

RemovedRecital 39: (39) In order to achieve the objective of continuous, long-term and sustained recovery of biodiverse and resilient nature, Member States should make full use of the possibilities provided under the common fisheries policy. Within the scope of the exclusive competence of the Union with regard to conservation of marine biological resources, Member States have the possibility to take non-discriminatory measures for the conservation and management of fish stocks and the maintenance or improvement of the conservation status of marine ecosystems within the limit of 12 nautical miles. In addition, Member States that have a direct management interest have the possibility to agree to submit joint recommendations for conservation measures necessary for compliance with obligations under Union law on the environment. Such measures will be assessed and adopted according to the rules and procedures provided for under the common fisheries policy and this Regulation.

RemovedAccording to the Court of Auditors' "Special Report 26/2020: Marine environment: EU protection is wide but not deep", the joint recommendation procedure of Article 11 of the CFP has been poorly implemented and largely failed to meet its objectives. In this framework, some safeguards are added when coming to the restoration measures under this regulation.

RemovedRecital 39 a (new): (39a) Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 provides that the common fisheries policy is to be coherent with the Union environmental legislation, in particular with the objective of achieving a good environmental status in the marine environment by 2020 as set out in Article 1(1) of Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as with other Union policies.

RemovedRecital 40: (40) The distribution range of marine ecosystems extends beyond the waters under the sovereignty of any one Member State. Directive 92/43/EEC provides for shared responsibility of Member States for the implementation of that Directive. Moreover, Article 6 of Directive 2008/56/EC requires Member States to cooperate bilaterally and within regional and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms, including through regional sea conventions69 , as well as, where fisheries measures are concerned, in the context of the regional groups established under the common fisheries policy.

RemovedRecital 42: (42) To support the restoration and non-deterioration of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine habitats, Member States should ensure the continuous, long-term and sustained effects of restoration measures, including by designating, where appropriate, additional areas as ‘protected areas’ or ‘strictly protected areas’, implementing other effective area-based conservation measures, and promoting private land conservation measures. Given their priceless value for climate and environment, when restoration measures apply to primary and old-growth forests, Member States should strictly protect them.

RemovedRecital 43: (43) Urban ecosystems represent around 22 % of the land surface of the Union, and constitute the area in which a majority of the citizens of the Union live. Urban green spaces include urban forests, parks and gardens, urban farms, tree-lined streets, urban meadows and urban hedges, and vegetated rooftops and walls, and provide important habitats for biodiversity, in particular plants, birds and insects, including pollinators. They also provide vital ecosystem services, such as provisioning services (e.g. the provision of food, fibre and fuel by way of gardens, allotments and community orchards and woodlands), regulating services (e.g. natural disaster risk reduction and control, climate change mitigation and adaptation, cooling, water and air filtration and flood prevention), cultural services (e.g. benefits for recreation, tourism, urban landscape and visual amenity) and resulting impacts on physical and mental health and wellbeing.

RemovedVegetated rooftops and walls, often referred to as “green roofs” and “green walls”, are recognized as part of the urban green space, including in EU policies and the Urban Greening Plan draft guidance developed by the Commission. Green roofs and walls can greatly contribute to restoring urban biodiversity by providing a habitat for pollinators, insects and birds in cities, towns and suburbs, and are key to provide ecosystem services, therefore they should be integrated in the recital. The further additions seek to complete the text with services as detailed in the impact assessment.

RemovedRecital 45: (45) The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 requires greater efforts to restore freshwater ecosystems and the natural functions of rivers. The restoration of freshwater ecosystems should include efforts to restore the natural longitudinal, lateral, vertical and temporal connectivity of rivers as well as their riparian areas and floodplains, including through the removal of barriers with a view to supporting the achievement of favourable conservation status for rivers, lakes and alluvial habitats and species living in those habitats protected by Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, and the achievement of one of the key objectives of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, namely, the restoration of at least 25 000 km of free-flowing rivers. When removing barriers, Member States should primarily address obsolete barriers, which are those that are no longer needed for renewable energy generation, inland navigation, water supply or other uses, and barriers with a high ecological impact.

RemovedAdding vertical and temporal connectivity will increase the flexibility for Member States to choose the barriers and will cover all dimensions of connectivity. Regarding "high ecological", this is a term used in the framework of the Water Framework Directive.

RemovedRecital 45 a (new): (45a) The restoration of smaller water units of ecological importance is essential for ecosystem connectivity, especially lateral connectivity, and can be an effective way to achieve other targets. In view of the aim of the Commission to set targets for small water units and for the Member States to implement restoration actions after 2030, an exercise of mapping out these units by 2030 should be undertaken. Data is already available through the Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (Water Framework Directive)1a, Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC and Copernicus, and can be complemented by additional data from Member States. / 1a Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1).

RemovedThe smaller water units are covered by the impact assessment and are very important in terms of connectivity.

RemovedRecital 48: (48) The proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the sustainable use of plant protection products and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/211575a aims to regulate one of the drivers of pollinator decline by prohibiting the use of pesticides in ecologically sensitive areas, many of which are covered by this Regulation, for example areas sustaining pollinator species which the European Red Lists76 classify as being threatened with extinction. / 75a Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the sustainable use of plant protection products and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 (COM(2022)305)

RemovedRecital 49: (49) Sustainable, resilient and biodiverse agricultural ecosystems are needed to provide safe, sustainable, nutritious and affordable food. Biodiversity-rich agricultural ecosystems also increase agriculture’s resilience to climate change and environmental risks, while ensuring food safety and security and creating new jobs in rural areas, in particular jobs linked to organic farming as well as rural tourism and recreation. Therefore, the Union needs to improve the biodiversity in its agricultural lands, through a variety of existing practices beneficial to or compatible with the biodiversity enhancement, including extensive agriculture. Extensive agriculture is vital for the maintenance of many species and habitats in biodiversity rich areas. There are many extensive agricultural practices when conducted in a biodiversity-friendly manner which can have multiple and significant benefits on the protection of biodiversity, ecosystem services and landscape features such as organic farming, agro-ecology, agroforestry such as dehesa agroforestry systems, low intensity management of permanent grassland, and under some conditions, precision farming.

RemovedRecital 50: (50) Restoration measures need to be put in place to enhance the biodiversity of agricultural ecosystems across the Union, including in the areas not covered by habitat types that fall within the scope of Directive 92/43/EEC. Until a common method for assessing the condition of agricultural ecosystems is developed and until, on this basis, additional restoration targets for agricultural ecosystems are potentially proposed, it is appropriate to set a general obligation to improve biodiversity in agricultural ecosystems and measure the fulfilment of that obligation on the basis of existing indicators.

RemovedRecital 52: (52) High-diversity landscape features on agricultural land, including buffer strips, rotational or non-rotational fallow land, hedgerows, individual or groups of trees, tree rows, field margins, patches, ditches, streams, small wetlands, terraces, cairns, stonewalls, small ponds and cultural features, provide space for wild plants and animals, including pollinators, enhance carbon sequestration, prevent soil erosion and depletion, filter air and water, support climate change mitigation and adaptation and agricultural productivity of pollination-dependent crops. Productive trees that are part of arable land agroforestry systems and productive elements in non-productive hedges can also be considerd as high biodiversity landscape features provided that they do not receive fertilizers or pesticide treatment and if harvest takes place only at moments where it would not compromise high biodiversity levels. Therefore, a requirement to ensure an increasing trend for high-diversity landscape features on agricultural land should be set out. Such a requirement would enable the Union to achieve one of the other key commitments of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, namely, to cover at least 10 % of agricultural area with high-diversity landscape features. Increasing trends should also be achieved for other existing indicators, such as the grassland butterfly index and the stock of organic carbon in cropland mineral soils.

RemovedRecital 55: (55) In order to reap the full biodiversity benefits, restoration and rewetting of areas of drained peatland should extend beyond the areas of wetlands habitat types listed in Annex I of Directive 92/43/EEC that are to be restored and re-established. Data about the extent of organic soils as well as their greenhouse gas emissions and removals are monitored and made available by LULUCF sector reporting in national greenhouse gas inventories by Member States, submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Restored and rewetted peatlands can continue to be used productively in alternative ways. For example, paludiculture, the practice of farming on wet peatlands, can include cultivation of various types of reeds, certain forms of timber, blueberry and cranberry cultivation, sphagnum farming, and grazing with water buffaloes. Such practices should be based on the principles of sustainable management and aimed at enhancing biodiversity so that they can have a high value both financially and ecologically. Paludiculture can also be beneficial to several species which are endangered in the Union and can also facilitate the connectivity of wetland areas and of associated species populations in the Union. Funding for measures to restore and rewet drained peatlands and to compensate possible losses of income can come from a wide range of sources, including expenditure under the Union budget and Union financing programmes.

RemovedRecital 56: (56) The new EU Forest Strategy for 203081 outlined the need to restore forest biodiversity. Forests and other wooded land cover over 43,5 % of the EU’s land space. Forest ecosystems that host rich biodiversity are vulnerable to climate change but are also a natural ally in adapting to and fighting climate change and climate-related risks, including through their carbon-stock and carbon-sink functions, and provide many other vital ecosystem services and benefits, such as the provision of timber and wood, food and other non-wood products, climate regulation, soil stabilisation and erosion control and the purification of air and water. Forests have also proven positive effects on physical and mental health and well-being.

RemovedRecital 57: (57) Restoration measures need to be put in place to enhance the biodiversity of forest ecosystems across the Union, including in the areas not covered by habitat types falling within the scope of Directive 92/43/EEC. Until a common method for assessing the condition of forest ecosystems is developed and until, on this basis, additional restoration targets for forest ecosystems are potentially proposed, it is appropriate to set a general obligation to improve biodiversity, the natural processes, the ecological integrity and the resilience of forest ecosystems and measure the fulfilment of that obligation on the basis of existing indicators, such as standing and lying deadwood, the share of forests with uneven-aged structure, forest connectivity, the common forest bird index82, the stock of organic carbon and the native tree species composition. Given the ever increasing risk of forest fires due to climate change, Member States should ensure that the measures put in place to achieve the objectives of increasing deadwood, the share of forests with uneven-aged structure and forests connectivity take into account the risk of forest fires and include relevant provisions in their national disaster prevention strategies.

RemovedReferring to forest ecosystems, it is important to highlight that it is not only about biodiversity but also their ecological integrity and, with it, their performance for climate change mitigation and adaptation, fire prevention, and other ecosystem services that good-quality forests provide. The rest of the amendment is linked to the amendment to Article 10 and to Annex VI.

RemovedRecital 57 a (new): (57a) The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets outs the objective to plant at least three billion additional trees by 2030 in full respect of ecological principles. This objective should be fully integrated in this Regulation. That initiative will act against the ongoing trend of a declining net increase of forest areas in the Union and will contribute to some of the restoration targets set out under this Regulation. Over time, it will also contribute to increasing forest cover in the Union and, with that, the land carbon sink and stock. The new EU Forest Strategy for 2030 includes a roadmap for the implementation of this objective, based on the overall principle of planting and growing the right tree in the right place and for the right purpose.

RemovedRecital 59: (59) To ensure synergies between the different measures that have been, and are to be put in place to protect, conserve and restore nature in the Union, Member States should take into account, when preparing their national restoration plans: the conservation measures established for Natura 2000 sites and the prioritised action frameworks prepared in accordance with Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC; the protection measures of the species of birds adopted in accordance with Directive 2009/147/EC; measures for achieving good ecological and chemical status of water bodies included in river basin management plans prepared in accordance with Directive 2000/60/EC; marine strategies for achieving good environmental status for all Union marine regions prepared in accordance with Directive 2008/56/EC; national air pollution control programmes prepared under Directive (EU) 2016/2284; national biodiversity strategies and action plans developed in accordance with Article 6 of the Convention on Biological Diversity; marine spatial plans adopted under Directive 2014/89/EU82a; flood risk management plans in line with Directive 2007/60/EC82b; as well as conservation measures adopted in accordance with Regulation 1380/2013 and technical measures adopted in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council 83. / 82a Directive 2014/89/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 establishing a framework for maritime spatial planning (…

RemovedRecital 61: (61) Considering the importance of addressing consistently the dual challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, the deployment of renewable energy should take into account the restoration of biodiversity and vice versa. The Communication on REPowerEU: Joint European Action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy87 states that Member States should swiftly map, assess and ensure suitable land and sea areas that are available for renewable energy projects, commensurate with their national energy and climate plans, the contributions towards the revised 2030 renewable energy target and other factors such as the availability of resources, grid infrastructure and the targets of the EU Biodiversity Strategy. The Commission proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources, Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings and Directive 2012/27/EU on energy efficiency88 and the Commission recommendation on accelerating permitting for renewable energy projects and facilitating Power Purchase Agreements89, both adopted on 18 May 2022, also provide for the identification of renewables go-to areas. Those are specific locations, whether on land or sea, particularly suitable for the installation of plants for the production of energy from renewable sources, other than biomass combustion plants, where the deployment of a specific type of renewable e…

RemovedRecital 65: (65) The European Environment Agency (the ‘EEA’) should support Member States in preparing the national restoration plans, as well as in monitoring progress towards meeting the restoration targets and obligations. The Commission should assess whether the national restoration plans are adequate for achieving those targets and obligations and Member States should take due account of the recommendations of the Commission.

RemovedRecital 66: (66) The Commission’s State of Nature Report from 2020 has shown that a substantial share of the information reported by Member States in accordance with Article 17 of Council Directive 92/43/EEC90 and Article 12 of Directive 2009/147/EC, in particular on the conservation status and trends of the habitats and species they protect, comes from partial surveys or is based only on expert judgment. That Report also showed that the status of several habitat types and species protected under Directive 92/43/EEC is still unknown. Filling in those knowledge gaps and investing in monitoring and surveillance are necessary in order to underpin robust and science-based national restoration plans. In order to increase the timeliness, effectiveness and coherence of various monitoring methods, the monitoring and surveillance should make best possible use of the results of Union-funded research and innovation projects, new technologies, such as in-situ monitoring and remote sensing using space data and services delivered under the Union’s Space programme (EGNOS/Galileo and Copernicus). Other publicly or privately available sources may be also used, where appropriate. The EU missions ‘Restore Our Ocean and Waters’, ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’, and ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ will support the implementation of the restoration targets91 .

RemovedRecital 67: (67) In order to monitor the progress in implementing the national restoration plans, the restoration measures put in place, the areas subject to restoration measures, and the data on the inventory of barriers to river continuity, a system should be introduced requiring Member States to set up, keep up-to-date and make accessible relevant data on results from such monitoring. The electronic reporting of data to the Commission should make use of EEA’s Reportnet system and should aim to keep the administrative burden on all entities as limited as possible. To ensure an appropriate infrastructure for public access, reporting and data-sharing between public authorities, Member States should, where relevant, base the data specifications on those referred to in Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council92 , Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council93 and Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council94 . For monitoring the progress of the planting of three billion additional trees, the ‘Roadmap for planting at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030, in full respect of ecological principles’ accompanying EU Forest Strategy for 2030 should be used.

RemovedRecital 69: (69) The Commission should report on the progress made by Member States towards meeting the restoration targets and obligations of this Regulation on the basis of reporting conducted by Member States and of Union-wide progress reports drawn up by the EEA as well as other analysis and reports made available by Member States in relevant policy areas such as nature, marine and water policy.

RemovedRecital 70: (70) To ensure the achievement of the targets and obligations set out in this Regulation, it is of utmost importance that adequate private and public investments are made in restoration. For this, Member States should integrate expenditure for biodiversity objectives, including in relation to opportunity and transition costs resulting from the implementation of the national restoration plans, in their national budgets and reflect how Union funding is used. Regarding the Union funding, expenditure under the Union budget and Union financing programmes, such as the Programme for the Environment and Climate Action (LIFE)96 , the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)97 , the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD)98 , the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Cohesion Fund99 and the Just Transition Fund100 , as well as the Union framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe101 , contributes to biodiversity objectives with the ambition to dedicate 7,5 % in 2024, and 10 % in 2026 and in 2027 of annual spending under the 2021-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework102 to biodiversity objectives. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF)103 is a further source of funding for the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems. With reference to the LIFE Programme, special attention should be given to the appropriate use of the Strategic Nature Projects (SNaPs) as a s…

RemovedRecital 70 a (new): (70a) Notwithstanding the current expenditure under the Union budget and Union financing programmes, in view of the revision of the multiannual financial framework and the preparation of a multiannual financial framework for the next programming period, and in view of facilitating the implementation of this Regulation, the Commission should assess new budgetary options such as the reallocation of funds and the establishment of a permanent dedicated nature restoration fund.

RemovedRecital 72: (72) Broad public and stakeholder support for and ownership of restoration measures are necessary conditions to ensure the successful implementation of this Regulation. Member States should therefore promote a fair, open, transparent, inclusive, effective and cross-society approach in the preparation, review and implementation of their national restoration plans, by including processes for participation of the public and by considering the needs of local communities and stakeholders. Member States should also actively promote awareness of the importance of biodiversity and nature restoration and engage with young people through programmes and concrete projects and through education and general information.

RemovedRecital 73: (73) Pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council106 , CAP Strategic Plans are meant to contribute to the achievement of, and be consistent with, the long-term national targets set out in, or deriving from, the legislative acts listed in Annex XIII to that Regulation. This Regulation on nature restoration should be added to that list when, in accordance with Article 159 of Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, the Commission reviews, by 31 December 2025, the list set out in Annex XIII to that Regulation.

RemovedRecital 74: (74) In line with the commitment in the 8th Environment Action Programme to 2030107 , Member States should phase out environmentally harmful subsidies at national level and make the best use of environmental taxation, market-based instruments and green budgeting and financing tools, including those required to ensure a socially fair transition, and supporting businesses and other stakeholders in developing and applying standardised natural capital accounting practices .

RemovedAmendment in line with the text of the Decision on 8th Environmental Action Plan.

RemovedRecital 75: (75) In order to ensure the necessary adaptation of this Regulation, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission in respect of amending Annexes I to VII to adapt the group of habitats, to update the information on the common farmland bird index, as well as to adapt the list of biodiversity indicators for agricultural ecosystems, the list of biodiversity indicators for forest ecosystems and the list of marine species to the latest scientific evidence and the examples of restoration measures. In addition, the power to adopt acts in accordance with Article 290 TFEU should be delegated to the Commission to specify the method for monitoring pollinators, to specify the methods for monitoring the indicators for agricultural ecosystems listed in Annex IV and the indicators for forest ecosystems listed in Annex VI, and to develop a framework for setting the satisfactory levels of pollinators, the satisfactory levels of indicators for agricultural ecosystems listed in Annex IV and the satisfactory levels of indicators for forest ecosystems listed in Annex VI. It is of particular importance that the Commission carries out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work, including at expert level, and that those consultations be conducted in accordance with the principles laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement of 13 April 2016 on Better Law-Making52. In particular, to ensure equal participation in the preparation of deleg…

RemovedRecital 76: (76) In order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this Regulation, implementing powers should be conferred on the Commission in order to to set out a uniform format for the national restoration plans, to set out the format, structure and detailed arrangements for reporting data and information electronically to the Commission, to establish a method to provide Member States with a standardised format to identify and assess barriers, and to specify the conduct and methods of the monitoring referred to in this Regulation. Those powers should be exercised in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and the Council 108 .

RemovedRecital 77: (77) The Commission should carry out an evaluation of this Regulation. Pursuant to paragraph 22 of the Interinstitutional Agreement on Better Law-Making, that evaluation should be based on the criteria of efficiency, effectiveness, relevance, coherence and EU value added and should provide the basis for impact assessments of possible further measures. In addition, the Commission should assess the need to establish additional restoration targets and corresponding timelines, based on common methods for assessing the condition of ecosystems not covered by Articles 4 and 5, taking into account the most recent scientific evidence.

RemovedRecital 78 a (new): (78a) This Regulation respects the fundamental rights and observes the principles recognised by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in particular Article 37 thereof which seeks to promote the integration into the policies of the Union of a high level of environmental protection and the improvement of the quality of the environment in accordance with the principle of sustainable development.

RemovedArticle 1 – title: Subject matter and overarching Union objectives

RemovedThe Commission's proposal contains overarching objectives to 2030 and 2050 but without explicitly calling it that way. While stating that the proposal sets binding restoration targets and obligations across a broad range of ecosystems to achieve the 2030 objective it does not provide for a process by which this overarching objective would be taken into account by Member States and subsequently monitored. It is important to link it in a legally sound manner with the rest of provisions of this Regulation which is why it is proposed to refer to it in subsequent relevant articles.

RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 1: deleted / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted)

RemovedTo make this Article more coherent and to follow the structure of other pieces of legislation, paragraph 1 becomes paragraph 2 and paragraph 2 becomes paragraph 1.

RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 1 a (new): 1a. This Regulation establishes a framework within which Member States shall put in place, without delay, effective and area-based restoration measures which shall cover, by 2030, at least 30 % of the Union’s land and sea areas and, by 2050, all ecosystems in need of restoration.

RemovedTo make this Article more coherent and to follow the structure of other pieces of legislation, paragraph 1 becomes paragraph 2 and paragraph 2 becomes paragraph 1. To align the overarching objective to 2030 with the European Parliament position as set out in the report on the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the rapporteur increases it to 30%.

RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 2: 2. For that purpose, this Regulation lays down rules which contribute to: / (a) the continuous, long-term and sustained recovery of biodiverse and resilient nature across the Union’s land and sea areas through the restoration of ecosystems, their natural ecological processes and their ecological connectivity; / (b) achieving the Union’s overarching objectives concerning climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation; / (c) meeting the Union’s international commitments.

RemovedTo make this Article more coherent and to follow the structure of other pieces of legislation, paragraph 1 becomes paragraph 2 and paragraph 2 becomes paragraph 1.

RemovedArticle 1 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. The overarching Union objectives for ecosystems restoration set out in paragraph 1 shall be taken into account in all policies and measures with a likely impact on achieving them.

RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 3 a (new): (3a) ‘passive restoration’ means a holistic process which allows the long-term natural recovery or re-establishment of whole ecosystems with their underlying ecological processes, where natural processes are left undisturbed from pressure and threats to the area’s overall ecological structure and functioning;

RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 13: (13) ‘urban green space’ means all green urban areas; broad-leaved forests; coniferous forests; mixed forests; natural grasslands; moors and heathlands; transitional woodland-shrubs; sparsely vegetated areas; green roofs and green walls - as found within cities or towns and suburbs calculated on the basis of data provided by the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service as established by Regulation (EU) 2021/696 of the European Parliament and of the Council110 ;

RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15 a (new): (15a) ‘restoration of the natural connectivity of rivers and natural functions of the related floodplains’ means: / (i) the removal of artificial structures affecting the free-flowing character of water, sediment, nutrients, matter and organisms along river systems; / (ii) the rehabilitation of hydrological, morphological and biological connectivity between wetlands, floodplains and their river channels; and / (iii) the recovery of fluvial processes in general, which are necessary to support a healthy freshwater ecosystem.

RemovedA definition of this term which is used in Article 7 of the Regulation is necessary to provide clarity. The proposed definition is based on the EU Guidance on barrier removal for river restoration published in December 2021, which states that “the Commission considers that the concept of free-flowing rivers – to be achieved through barrier removal and the restoration of floodplains and wetlands – translates into a complete absence of artificial barriers and the reinstatement of the natural, multidimensional connectivity of a river” (page 14).

RemovedArticle 3 – paragraph 1 – point 15 b (new): (15b) ‘rewetting’ means all deliberate actions that aim to bring the water table of a drained peatland, i.e the position relative to the surface, back to that of the original, peatforming peatland’.

RemovedThe definition has been extracted from the Ramsar Convention’s “Global guidelines for peatland rewetting and restoration”.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall put in place the restoration measures that are necessary to improve to good condition areas of habitat types listed in Annex I which are not in good condition. Such measures shall be in place on at least 30 % of the area of each group of habitat types listed in Annex I that is not in good condition, as quantified in the national restoration plan referred to in Article 12, by 2030, on at least 65 % by 2040, and on 100 % by 2050.

RemovedThe 90% is the minimum to reach good condition, according to the document ‘Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive: Explanatory notes and guidelines for the period 2013-2018’. A higher target of 100% can therefore be set up.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 3: 3. Member States shall put in place the restoration measures for the terrestrial, coastal and freshwater habitats of the species listed in Annexes II, IV and V to Directive 92/43/EEC and of the diadromous species listed in Annex III to this Regulation and of the terrestrial, coastal and freshwater habitats of wild birds covered by Directive 2009/147/EC that are necessary to improve the quality and quantity of those habitats, including by re-establishing them, and to enhance connectivity, until sufficient quality and quantity of those habitats is achieved.

RemovedAmendment linked to amendments to Annex III.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 5: 5. When deciding on and implementing the restoration measures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States shall ensure improved connectivity between existing protected areas and the connectivity between the habitat types listed in Annex I and take into account the ecological requirements of the species referred to in paragraph 3 that occur in those habitat types. If necessary, Member States shall adopt appropriate and effective complementary measures.

RemovedIn addition to the restoration measures adopted under Articles 4(1), 4(2) and 4(3), measures enhancing connectivity among restoration areas, and also between restoration areas and other protected areas, including Natura 2000, should be envisaged. This will increase the effectiveness of the measures adopted, contribute to the non-deterioration of restored areas, to meeting climate adaptation objectives, and is in line with relevant provisions of the Habitats Directive. The initial formulation should be strengthened to establish a clear obligation to improve connectivity.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 6: 6. Member States shall ensure that the areas that are subject to restoration measures in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 show a continuous improvement in the condition of the habitat types listed in Annex I until good condition is reached, and a continuous improvement of the quality of the habitats of the species referred to in paragraph 3, until the sufficient quality of those habitats is reached. Member States shall adopt appropriate and effective measures to ensure that areas in which good condition has been reached, and in which the sufficient quality of the habitats of the species has been reached, do not deteriorate, fully respecting their ecological requirements.

RemovedMember States’ significant financial investments in restoration will only bear returns (in both economic terms and in the form of ecosystem services), if restored areas remain in good condition over a prolonged period of time, without degrading again. The choice of what measures should be adopted to comply with this obligation should be science-based. By doing so, Member States can - in parallel- also contribute their fair share to the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s Union-wide target of a total of 30% protected areas on land and at sea, 10% of which shall be strictly protected.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 8 – introductory part: 8. Outside Natura 2000 sites, the non-fulfilment of the obligations set out in paragraphs 6 and 7 may only be justified if Member States provide compelling evidence that it is caused by:

RemovedThe potential use of the derogation set out in this paragraph should be made clearer.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 8 – point a: (a) force majeure causing natural disasters;

RemovedThe potential use of the derogations set out in this paragraph should be made clearer.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 8 – point b: (b) unavoidable habitat transformations which are directly caused by scientifically proven impacts of climate change, provided that the Member State concerned adopted adequate mitigation measures; or

RemovedThis derogation is too open-ended, since habitat deterioration is one of the most usual effects of climate change and it is often exacerbated by insufficient collective climate change mitigation efforts, making it extremely difficult to establish whether the transformation is “unavoidable” or not.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 8 – point c: (c) a project of overriding public interest for which no less damaging alternative solutions are available, to be determined on a case by case basis, provided that the Member State concerned has adopted adequate compensatory measures.

RemovedThis amendment follows the wording of Article 6(4) of Directive 92/43/EEC.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1 a (new): Areas for which the derogations referred to in this paragraph are used shall not count towards the fulfilment of the objectives set in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article. The use of any of those derogations shall entail the updating of the quantification of the areas to be restored under Article 12(2), point (a), and in accordance with Article 15.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 9: 9. For Natura 2000 sites, the non-fulfilment of the obligations set out in paragraphs 6 and 7, may only be justified if it is caused by a plan or project authorised in accordance with Article 6(4) of the Directive 92/43/EEC, for a maximum of 5% of the areas covered by the targets in Article 4(1), (2) and (3). / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted)

RemovedThe Habitats Directive, and notably its Article 6(4), already provides which exemptions may apply inside Natura 2000 areas. Any attempt at expanding the list of derogations to the Member States’ obligations deriving from Article 6 of the Habitats Directive should be removed. Invoking this derogation should also be limited to a certain percentage of the Natura 2000 areas.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 a (new): Areas for which the derogation referred to in this paragraph is used shall not count towards the fulfilment of the objectives set in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article. The use of this derogation shall entail the updating of the quantification of the areas to be restored under Article 12(2), point (a), and in accordance with Article 15, and the returning of any public funds received for the restoration measures.

RemovedThe areas that are in fact not covered by restoration measures should not count towards the achievement of the target. If public funding was received, but at the end no restoration measure was effectively taken, funding should be returned.

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 10 – point a: (a) an increase of habitat area in good condition for habitat types listed in Annex I until 100 % by 2050 is in good condition and until the favourable reference area for each habitat type in each biogeographic region of their territory is reached;

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 10 – point b: (b) an increasing trend towards the sufficient quality and quantity of the terrestrial, coastal and freshwater habitats of the diadromous species listed in Annex III, of the species referred to in Annexes II, IV and V to Directive 92/43/EEC and of the species covered by Directive 2009/147/EC;

RemovedArticle 4 – paragraph 10 – point b a (new): (ba) an increased connectivity between the existing protected areas and between habitat types listed in Annex I.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall put in place the restoration measures that are necessary to improve to good condition areas of habitat types listed in Annex II which are not in good condition. Such measures shall be in place on at least 30 % of the area of each group of habitat types listed in Annex II that is not in good condition, as quantified in the national restoration plan referred to in Article 12, by 2030, on at least 65 % by 2040, and on 100 % by 2050.

RemovedThe 90% is the minimum to reach good condition, according to the document ‘Reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive: Explanatory notes and guidelines for the period 2013-2018’. A higher target of 100% can therefore be set up. The Annex II scope for marine habitats is limited to a few marine habitats types, which only cover a small proportion of Union seas (4.5%). The degraded portion of these habitats represents less than 4% of the Union sea area (3.78%, data from the impact assessment) and represents only a small portion of the overarching restoration objective in Article 1.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 5: 5. When deciding on and implementing the restoration measures referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2, Member States shall ensure improved connectivity between existing protected areas and the connectivity between the habitat types listed in Annex II and take into account the ecological requirements of the species referred to in paragraph 3 that occur in those habitat types. If necessary, Member States shall adopt appropriate and effective complementary measures.

RemovedIn addition to the restoration measures adopted under Articles 4(1), 4(2) and 4(3), measures enhancing connectivity among restoration areas, and also between restoration areas and other protected areas, including Natura 2000, should be envisaged. This will increase the effectiveness of the measures adopted, contribute to the non-deterioration of restored areas, to meeting climate adaptation objectives, and is in line with relevant provisions of the Habitats Directive. The initial formulation should be strengthened to establish a clear obligation to improve connectivity.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 6: 6. Member States shall ensure that the areas that are subject to restoration measures in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 show a continuous improvement in the condition of the habitat types listed in Annex II until good condition is reached, and a continuous improvement of the quality of the habitats of the species referred to in paragraph 3 until the sufficient quality of those habitats is reached. Member States shall adopt appropriate and effective measures to ensure that areas in which good condition has been reached and in which the sufficient quality of the habitats of the species has been reached do not deteriorate, fully respecting their ecological requirements.

RemovedMember States’ significant financial investments in restoration will only bear returns (in both economic terms and in the form of ecosystem services), if restored areas remain in good condition over a prolonged period of time, without degrading again. The choice of what measures should be adopted to comply with this obligation should be science-based. By doing so, Member States can - in parallel- also contribute their fair share to the EU Biodiversity Strategy’s Union-wide target of a total of 30% protected areas on land and at sea, 10% of which shall be strictly protected.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 8 – introductory part: 8. Outside Natura 2000 sites, the non-fulfilment of the obligations set out in paragraphs 6 and 7 may only be justified if Member States provide compelling evidence that caused by:

RemovedThe potential use of the derogations set out in this paragraph should be made clearer.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 8 – point a: (a) force majeure causing natural disasters;

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 8 – point b: (b) unavoidable habitat transformations which are directly caused by scientifically proven impacts of climate change, provided that the Member State concerned adopted adequate mitigation measures; or

RemovedThis derogation is too open-ended, since habitat deterioration is one of the most usual effects of climate change and it is often exacerbated by insufficient collective climate change mitigation efforts, making it extremely difficult to establish whether the transformation is “unavoidable” or not.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 8 – point c: (c) a project of overriding public interest for which no less damaging alternative solutions are available, to be determined on a case by case basis, provided that the Member State concerned has adopted adequate compensatory measures.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 8 – subparagraph 1 a (new): Areas for which the derogations referred to in this paragraph are used shall not count towards the fulfilment of the objectives set in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article. The use of any of these derogations shall entail the updating of the quantification of the areas to be restored under Article 12(2), point (a), and in accordance with Article 15.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 9 – introductory part: 9. For Natura 2000 sites, the non-fulfilment of the obligations set out in paragraphs 6 and 7, may only be justified if it is caused by a plan or project authorised in accordance with Article 6(4) of the Directive 92/43/EEC, for a maximum of 5% of the areas covered by the targets in Article 5(1), (2) and (3). / (deleted) / (deleted) / (deleted)

RemovedThe Habitats Directive, and notably its Article 6(4), already provides which exemptions may apply inside Natura 2000 areas. Any attempt at expanding the list of derogations to the Member States’ obligations deriving from Article 6 of the Habitats Directive should be removed. Invoking this derogation should also be limited to a certain percentage of the Natura 2000 areas.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 a (new): Areas for which the derogation referred to in this paragraph is used shall not count towards the fulfilment of the objectives set in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article. The use of this derogation shall entail the updating of the quantification of the areas to be restored under Article 12(2), point (a), and in accordance with Article 15, and the returning of any public funds received for the restoration measures.

RemovedThe areas that are not covered by restoration measures should not count towards the achievement of the target. If public funding was received, but at the end no restoration measure was effectively taken, funding should be returned.

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 10 – point a: (a) an increase of habitat area in good condition for habitat types listed in Annex II until 100 % by 2050 is in good condition and until the favourable reference area for each habitat type in each biogeographic region of their territory is reached;

RemovedArticle 5 – paragraph 10 – point b a (new): (ba) an increased connectivity between the existing protected areas and between habitat types listed in Annex II.

RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 2 – introductory part: 2. Member States shall ensure that there is an increase in the total national area of urban green space in cities and in towns and suburbs of at least 4 % of the total area of cities and of towns and suburbs in 2021, by 2040, and at least 6 % by 2050. In addition Member States shall ensure:

RemovedLinked to the increase of the objective in point (a) of this paragraph.

RemovedArticle 6 – paragraph 2 – point a: (a) a minimum of 15 % urban tree canopy cover in all cities and in towns and suburbs by 2050; and

RemovedThe mean urban tree cover in European cities was in 2018 28.5% (EEA39), 30.2% (EEA38) of the city area and 34.7% (EEA39), 35.8% (EEA38) of the Functional Urban Area.https://www.eea.europa.eu/data-and-maps/dashboards/urban-tree-coverhttps://www.eea.europa.eu/highlights/how-green-are-european-cities

RemovedArticle 7 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall make an inventory of barriers to longitudinal, lateral, vertical and temporal connectivity of surface waters and identify the barriers that need to be removed to contribute to the achievement of the restoration targets set out in Article 4 of this Regulation and to the achievement of the Union objective of restoring at least 25 000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers in the Union by 2030.

RemovedIn order to provide a sound basis for action, the inventory of barriers needs to include all the dimensions of connectivity. Regarding the deleted provisions, there is no need to mention them as they continue to apply.

RemovedArticle 7 – paragraph 2: 2. Member States shall remove the barriers to longitudinal, lateral, vertical and temporal connectivity of surface waters identified under paragraph 1 of this Article, in accordance with the plan for their removal referred to in Article 12(2), point (e). When removing barriers, Member States shall primarily address obsolete barriers, which are those that are no longer needed for renewable energy generation, inland navigation, water supply or other uses, and barriers whose removal has a high ecological impact, including impact on connectivity between marine and freshwater ecosystems and on migration corridors.

RemovedArticle 7 – paragraph 3 a (new): 3a. The Commission may, in order to facilitate the fulfilment of the obligation referred to in paragraph 1, adopt implementing acts to establish a method to provide Member States with a standardised format to identify and assess barriers. / Those implementing acts shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in Article 21(2).

RemovedThere are different barrier assessment protocols in Europe, the SNIFFER, ICE and ICF protocols being the most well developed. Results in the identification and assessment of barriers can vary depending on the protocol used. It is desirable to have a harmonized procedure.https://amber.international/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/D1.1-Guidance-on-Stream-Barrier-Surveying-and-Reporting.pdf

RemovedArticle 7 – paragraph 3 b (new): 3b. Member States shall map out small water units by 2030, with a view to identifying their restoration and recreation potential and assessing their contribution to improving connectivity between habitats. On the basis of the information collected and reported by Member States, the Commission shall assess the situation of small water units in the Union in order to set restoration targets for small water units, with the aim for Member States to implement restoration actions after 2030.

RemovedSmall water units are already covered by the impact assessment.

RemovedArticle 8 – paragraph 2: 2. The Commission is empowered to adopt, by [3 months after the entry into force of this Regulation], delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to establish a method for monitoring pollinator populations.

RemovedThere is some work already done on this subject. JRC proposal on this method: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC122225

RemovedArticle 8 – paragraph 3: 3. The method referred to in the paragraph 2 shall provide guidance on the definition of satisfactory levels for pollinator populations and a standardised approach for collecting annual data on the abundance and diversity of pollinator species, for assessing pollinator population trends and the effectiveness of restoration measures adopted by Member States in accordance with paragraph 1.

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 2 – point c: (c) share of agricultural land with high-diversity landscape features, with the view to achieving the 2030 objective of covering at least 10% of the Union’s agricultural area with high-diversity landscape features;

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new): (ca) percentage of species and habitats listed in the annexes to Directive 92/43/EEC related to agricultural ecosystems with stable or increasing trends of their conservation status, until 100% is reached at the latest by 2050.

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 3 – point b: (b) 105 by 2030, 110 by 2040 and 115 by 2050, for Member States listed in Annex V with historically less depleted populations of farmland birds.

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point a: (a) 30 % of such areas by 2030, of which at least half shall be rewetted;

RemovedThe rewetting is the most effective restoration measure, and should be increased.

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point b: (b) 50 % of such areas by 2040, of which at least two thirds shall be rewetted;

RemovedThe rewetting is the most effective restoration measure, and should be increased.

RemovedArticle 9 – paragraph 4 – subparagraph 1 – point c: (c) 70 % of such areas by 2050, of which at least two thirds shall be rewetted

RemovedThe rewetting is the most effective restoration measure, and should be increased.

RemovedArticle 10 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall put in place the restoration measures necessary to enhance biodiversity, the natural processes, the ecological integrity and the resilience of forest ecosystems, in addition to the areas that are subject to restoration measures pursuant to Article 4(1), (2) and (3).

RemovedIt is important to highlight that it is not only about biodiversity but also their ecological integrity and, with it, their performance for climate change mitigation and adaptation, fire prevention, and other ecosystem services that good-quality forests provide.

RemovedArticle 10 – paragraph 2 – point f a (new): (fa) native tree species composition.

RemovedArticle 10 a (new): Article 10a / Planting of three billion additional trees / 1. When identifying and implementing the restoration measures to meet the objectives and obligations set out in Articles 4, 6 and 10, Member States shall contribute to the achievement of the Union objective of planting at least three billion additional trees by 2030. / 2. Member States shall ensure that the objective set out in paragraph 1 is achieved in full respect of ecological principles, ensuring species diversity, prioritising native tree species and avoiding the use of non-native species.

RemovedArticle 10 b (new): Article 10b / Preservation of the effects of restoration measures / 1. Member States shall ensure the continuous, long-term and sustained effects of the restoration measures referred to in Articles 4 to 10a, in accordance with Article 12(2), point (i), through effective means, including, when applicable, by the designation of protected areas, by the implementation of other effective area-based conservation measures, or by promoting private land conservation measures, taking into account the ecological requirements of the restored areas. / 2. When restoration measures apply to primary and old-growth forests, Member States shall strictly protect them.

RemovedAccording to Art 12(2)(i), Member States will include in their Restoration Plans a list of measures ensuring the continued, long-term and sustained effects of the restoration measures adopted to deliver the targets listed in Articles 4 to 10a.Otherwise, Member States risk reversing all the positive outcomes deriving from their restoration activities which would mean both failure to secure the provision of the desired ecosystem services, but also a significant waste of the financial resources invested in such activities.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall prepare national restoration plans and carry out the preparatory monitoring and research needed to identify the restoration measures that are necessary to meet the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a as well as the Union’s overarching objectives set out in Article 1, taking into account the latest scientific evidence.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 2 a (new): 2a. For the restoration measures required under Article 5, Member States shall communicate the information referred to in Article 11(2) of this Regulation and any information relevant and sufficient for the purpose of Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 to Member States having a direct management interest in the fishery that would be affected by such measures by the first day of the month following 12 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

RemovedAccording to the Court of Auditors' "Special Report 26/2020: Marine environment: EU protection is wide but not deep", the joint recommendation procedure of Article 11 of the CFP has been poorly implemented and largely failed to meet its objectives. In this framework, some safeguards (deadlines) are added when coming to the restoration measures under this regulation.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 3: 3. Member States shall set satisfactory levels for each of the indicators referred to in Articles 8(1), 9(2) and 10(2), through an open and effective process and assessment, based on the latest scientific evidence and the framework referred to in Article 17(9), point (c). Member States shall set the satisfactory levels within two years of the adoption of that framework.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 4: 4. Member States shall identify and map the agricultural and forest areas in need of restoration, in particular the areas that, due to intensification or other management factors, are in need of enhanced connectivity and landscape diversity in terms of biodiversity.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 5 – introductory part: 5. Member States shall identify synergies with climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation and disaster prevention and prioritise restoration measures accordingly, including the restoration of lands burned by forest fires and of ecosystems devastated by other natural phenomena. Member States shall also take into account:

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 6: 6. Member States shall coordinate the development of national restoration plans with the designation of the renewables go-to areas, ensuring that both processes are mutually supportive and do not undermine the achievement of their respective objectives. During the preparation of the nature restoration plans, Member States shall ensure synergies with the already designated renewables go-to areas and ensure that the functioning of the renewables go-to areas, including the permitting procedures applicable in the renewables go-to areas foreseen by Directive (EU) 2018/2001 remain unchanged. Likewise, when designating new renewables go-to areas, Member States shall ensure synergies with the national restoration plans.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 7 – introductory part: 7. When preparing their national restoration plans, Member States shall ensure coherence with the following measures and instruments:

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 7 – point a: (a) the conservation measures established for Natura 2000 sites in accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/EC;

RemovedThe Natura 2000 sites are established both in accordance with the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43/EEC) as well as the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC). Consequently, both directives should be mentioned here.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 7 – point a a (new): (aa) the protection measures of the species of birds adopted in accordance with Directive 2009/147/EC;

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 7 – point d: (d) marine strategies and measures for achieving good environmental status for all Union marine regions adopted in accordance with Directive 2008/56/EC;

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 7 – point f a (new): (fa) marine spatial plans adopted under Directive 2014/89/EU;

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 7 – point f b (new): (fb) flood risk management plans in accordance with Directive 2007/60/EC;

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 8: 8. Member States shall, when preparing the national restoration plans, make use of the different examples of restoration measures listed in Annex VII, depending on specific national, regional and local conditions, and the latest scientific evidence.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 10: 10. Member States shall, where possible, foster synergies with the national restoration plans of other Member States, in particular for ecosystems that span across borders. In the case of marine ecosystems, Member States shall take into account the processes set out in Directive 2014/89/EU.

RemovedSeas are cross-border. The Maritime Spatial Planning process would be an appropriate instrument already in place to find synergies between Member States.

RemovedArticle 11 – paragraph 11: 11. Member States shall ensure that the preparation of the restoration plan is open, transparent, inclusive and effective and that the public is given early and effective opportunities to participate in its elaboration. Consultations shall comply with the requirements set out in Articles 4 to 10 of Directive 2001/42/EC.

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 1: 1. The national restoration plan shall cover the period up to 2050, with intermediate deadlines corresponding to the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a as well as the Union’s overarching objectives referred to in Article 1.

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point a: (a) the quantification of the areas to be restored to reach the restoration targets set out in Articles 4 to10a based on the preparatory work undertaken in accordance with Article 11 and geographically referenced maps of those areas;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point b: (b) a description of the restoration measures planned, or put in place, for achieving the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a and a specification regarding which of those restoration measures are planned, or put in place, within the Natura 2000 network established in accordance with Directive 92/43/EEC and a description of how these measures complement measures adopted in accordance with Article 6 of Directive 92/43/EEC;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point c: (c) a description of the measures to ensure that the areas covered by the habitat types listed in Annexes I and II do not deteriorate in the areas in which good condition has been reached and that the habitats of the species referred to in Articles 4(3) and 5(3) do not deteriorate in the areas in which the sufficient quality of the habitats of the species has been reached, in accordance with Articles 4(6) and 5(6);

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point c a (new): (ca) a description, when necessary, of the restoration measures to ensure improved connectivity between existing protected areas and connectivity between the habitat types listed in Annex I and II, in accordance with Articles 4(5) and 5(5) .

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point d: (d) a description of the measures to ensure that the areas covered by habitat types listed in Annexes I and II do not deteriorate, in accordance with Article 4(7) and Article 5(7);

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point e: (e) the inventory of barriers and the barriers identified for removal in accordance with Article 7(1), indicating their location, type and characteristics, the plan for their removal in accordance with Article 7(2) and an estimate of the length of free-flowing rivers to be achieved by the removal of those barriers by 2030 and by 2050, and any other measures to re-establish the natural functions of floodplains in accordance with Article 7(3);

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point f: (f) the timing for putting in place the restoration measures in accordance with Articles 4 to 10a;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point h: (h) the monitoring of the areas subject to restoration in accordance with Articles 4 and 5, the process for assessing the effectiveness of the restoration measures put in place in accordance with Articles 4 to 10a and for revising those measures where needed to ensure that the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a are met;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point i: (i) a description of the provisions for ensuring the continuous, long-term and sustained effects of the restoration measures referred to in Articles 4 to 10a, including, when applicable, the designation of protected areas and strict protected areas, the implementation of other effective area-based conservation measures, and the promotion of private land conservation measures;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point k – point i: (i) the climate change scenarios for the planning of the type and location of restoration measures;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point k – point iii: (iii) the national adaptation strategies or plans and national disaster risk assessment reports, including forest fire prevention and management;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point l: (l) the estimated financing needs for the implementation of the restoration measures, which shall include the estimated staff capacity for the implementation, monitoring and management of restoration measures, the description of the support to stakeholders affected by restoration measures or other new obligations arising from this Regulation, and the means of intended financing, public or private, including (co-) financing with Union funding instruments;

RemovedA decisive factor for the successful implementation of restoration plans is the identification of staffing needs (both in terms of number and in terms of capacities/expertise). The same applies to adequate staff capacity for ensuring the long-term, continuous and sustained maintenance of restoration outcomes and the monitoring of progress.

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point m: (m) a description of the subsidies which negatively affect the achievement of the targets and the fulfilment of the obligations set out in this Regulation;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point o: (o) a dedicated section indicating how recommendations from the Commission on the draft national restoration plan referred to in Article 14(4) have been taken into account in accordance with Article 14(5). If the Member State concerned does not address a recommendation from the Commission or a substantial part thereof, that Member State shall provide its reasons.

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point o a (new): (oa) when applicable, the detailed reasons to invoke Articles 4(8), 4(9), 5(8) and 5(9), with an indication of the planned or implemented mitigation measures.

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 2 – point o b (new): (ob) a description of the contribution of the restoration measures to the Union’s overarching objectives referred to in Article 1;

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 3: 3. The national restoration plans shall, where applicable, include the conservation measures submitted under the common fisheries policy, including conservation measures in joint recommendations that a Member State intends to initiate in accordance with the procedure set out in Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, and any relevant information on those measures.

RemovedArticle 12 – paragraph 3 a (new): 3a. Where no joint recommendations have been submitted within six months of the provision of sufficient information as provided for in Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, Member States having a direct management interest shall be deemed, pursuant to the principle of sincere cooperation of Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union, to have agreed to the measures proposed by the initiating Member State for the purposes of agreeing joint recommendations under Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013. The initiating Member State may directly submit its proposed Joint Recommendations for restoration purposes to the Commission for adoption under Article 11(3) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013.

RemovedAccording to the Court of Auditors' "Special Report 26/2020: Marine environment: EU protection is wide but not deep", the joint recommendation procedure of Article 11 of the CFP has been poorly implemented and largely failed to meet its objectives. In this framework, some safeguards (deadlines) are added when coming to the restoration measures under this regulation.

RemovedArticle 13 – paragraph 1: Member States shall submit a draft of the national restoration plan referred to in Articles 11 and 12 to the Commission by… [OP please insert the date = the first day of the month following 18 months after the date of entry into force of this Regulation].

RemovedArticle 14 – paragraph 1: 1. The Commission shall assess the draft national restoration plans within four months of the date of receipt. When carrying out that assessment, the Commission shall act in close cooperation with the Member State concerned.

RemovedArticle 14 – paragraph 2: 2. When assessing the draft national restoration plan, the Commission shall evaluate its compliance with Article 12, as well as its adequacy for meeting the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a, as well as the Union’s overarching objectives referred to in Article 1, the specific objective referred to in Article 7(1) to restore at least 25 000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers in the Union by 2030, the 2030 objective of covering at least 10% of the Union’s agricultural area with high-diversity landscape features and the objective referred to in Article 10a of planting at least three billion additional trees in the Union by 2030.

RemovedArticle 14 – paragraph 3: 3. For the purpose of the assessment of the draft national restoration plans, the Commission shall be assisted by experts and the EEA.

RemovedArticle 14 – paragraph 4: 4. The Commission may address recommendations to Member States within four months of the date of receipt of the draft national restoration plan.

RemovedArticle 14 – paragraph 5: 5. Member States shall take due account of any recommendations from the Commission in its final national restoration plan and, where necessary, amend their restoration plans accordingly.

RemovedArticle 14 – paragraph 6: 6. Member States shall finalise, publish and submit to the Commission the national restoration plan within four months from the date of receipt of recommendations from the Commission.

RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 1: 1. Member States shall regularly review their national restoration plan and at least once every eight years, in accordance with Articles 11 and 12, taking into account progress made in the implementation of the plans and the achievement of the targets set out in this Regulation, the best available scientific evidence as well as available knowledge of changes or expected changes in environmental conditions due to climate change. At least every four years, Member States shall formally assess whether the national restoration plans are to be revised in accordance with paragraph 2.

RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 2: 2. When it becomes apparent that the measures set out in the national restoration plan will not be sufficient to comply with the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a, based on the monitoring in accordance with Article 17, Member States shall revise the national restoration plan and include supplementary measures.

RemovedArticle 15 – paragraph 3: 3. Based on the information referred to in Article 18(1) and (2) and the assessment referred to in Article 18(4) and (5), if the Commission considers that the progress made by a Member State is insufficient to comply with the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a, the Commission shall request the Member State concerned to submit an updated draft national restoration plan with supplementary measures. That updated national restoration plan with supplementary measures shall be published and submitted within four months from the date of receipt of the request from the Commission.

RemovedWhen progress of a Member State is not sufficient, there should be an obligation on the Commission to act.

RemovedArticle 16 – paragraph 3: 3. Review procedures referred to in paragraph 1 shall be fair, equitable, timely and free of charge, and shall provide adequate and effective remedies, including injunctive relief where necessary.

RemovedArticle 16 – paragraph 4: 4. In order to further the effectiveness of this Article, Member States shall ensure that practical information is made available to the public on access to the administrative and judicial review procedures referred to in this Article.

RemovedArticle 16 a (new): Article 16a / Public participation, access to public information and public awareness / 1. Without prejudice to any other Union law requirements, Member States shall ensure that the public is given early and effective opportunities to participate in the preparation, review and implementation of national restoration plans. / 2. Member States shall ensure that the public is fully and comprehensively informed. Member States shall set and communicate reasonable and clear timeframes allowing sufficient time for the public to be informed, to participate and express its views, including on the possibility to submit observations. To that end, Member States shall set up a dedicated website in which they publish in a timely manner the draft national restoration plan referred to in Article 14, the recommendations of the Commission referred to in Article 14(4), the final restoration plan referred to in Article 14(6), any updates and revisions of national restoration plans referred to in Article 15(2) and (3), the data generated by the monitoring referred to Article 17(7), as well as the data, information, technical overviews and reports referred to in Article 18(1), (2), (4), (5) and (6). / 3. The Commission and Member States shall put in place the necessary measures to engage local authorities, civil society organisations, business community, academia, farmers, fishermen, foresters and landowners associations, investors and other relevant stakeholders and the general public, and to fost…

RemovedArticle 16 b (new): Article 16b / Exchange of information and sharing of best practices among Member States / 1. The Commission shall organise a regular exchange of information and sharing of best practices among Member States, including, where appropriate, with regional and local authorities, on the implementation of this Regulation. / 2. The Commission shall evaluate and, where appropriate, promote the development of standards of practice or certification schemes that can promote best practices and improve the quality of restoration actions. Where Member States have such standards of practice or certification schemes in place, they shall share the relevant information with the Commission.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – point b a (new): (ba) the removed barriers to longitudinal, lateral, vertical and temporal connectivity of surface waters and the measures necessary to improve the natural functions of the related floodplains referred to in Article 7;

RemovedNo requirement as regards rivers is included in this Article although this is mentioned in recital 67.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – point g: (g) the area and condition of the areas covered by the habitat types listed in Annexes I and II, across their territory and marine area;

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – point h: (h) the area and the quality of the habitat of the species referred to in Article 4(3), and Article 5(3), across their territory and marine area;

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – point h a (new): (ha) the percentage of organic soils in agricultural use constituting drained peatlands that has been restored and rewetted, referred to in Article 9.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 1 – point h b (new): (hb) the progress towards the planting of three billion additional trees referred to in Article 10a.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 2: 2. The monitoring in accordance with paragraph 1, points (a), (ba), (ha) and (hb) shall start as soon as the restoration measures are put in place.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 5: 5. The monitoring in accordance with paragraph 1, points (a), (b) and (c), of this Article, concerning the stock of organic carbon in cropland mineral soils and the share of agricultural land with high-diversity landscape features, and (e) concerning the standing deadwood, the lying deadwood, the share of forests with uneven-aged structure, the forest connectivity,the stock of organic carbon and the native tree species composition, shall be carried out at least every three years, and, where possible, every year. The monitoring in accordance with that paragraph, point (c) concerning the grassland butterfly index, that paragraph, points (d) and (e) concerning the common forest bird index, and that paragraph, point (f) concerning pollinator species shall be carried out every year. The monitoring in accordance with that paragraph, point (c) concerning the percentage of species and habitats listed in the annexes to Directive 92/43/EEC related to agricultural ecosystems, and that paragraph, points (g) and (h), shall be carried out at least every six years and shall be coordinated with the reporting cycle under Article 17 of Directive 92/43/EEC and Article 12 of Directive 2009/147/CE.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 7: 7. Member States shall make public the data generated by the monitoring carried out under this Article, in accordance with Directive 2007/2/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council112, with Directive 2003/4/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, with Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council and in accordance with the monitoring frequencies set out in paragraphs 2, 3, 4 and 5.

RemovedAlignment with recital 67.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 8: 8. Member State monitoring systems shall operate on the basis of electronic databases and geographic information systems, and shall maximise the access and use of data and services from remote sensing technologies, earth observation (Copernicus services and other publicly or privately available resources, where appropriate), in-situ sensors and devices, or citizen science data, leveraging the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence, advanced data analysis and processing.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 8 a (new): 8a. The Commission may adopt implementing acts to specify the conduct and methods of the monitoring referred to in Article 12(2), point (h).

RemovedIt is important that the overall monitoring by Member States takes place in an as uniform way as possible.

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 – introductory part: The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to:

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 a (new): The Commission shall adopt such delegated acts by [two years after the entry into force of this Regulation].

RemovedArticle 17 – paragraph 9 – subparagraph 1 b (new): The methods and frameworks shall not preclude Member States from taking into account their particular physiographic and environmental characteristics.

RemovedArticle 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point a: (a) the progress in implementing the national restoration plan, in putting in place the restoration measures and progress in achieving the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a;

RemovedArticle 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 1 – point e: (e) information on the progress accomplished towards meeting financing needs, in accordance with Article 12(2)(l) and Article 18a, including a review of actual investment against initial investment assumptions.

RemovedArticle 18 – paragraph 2 – subparagraph 2: The first reports shall be submitted in June 2029, covering the period up to that date.

RemovedArticle 18 – paragraph 5: 5. The EEA shall provide to the Commission a Union-wide technical report on the progress towards the achievement of the targets and obligations set out in this Regulation on the basis of the data made available by Member States in accordance with paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 of this Article. It may also use information reported under Article 17 of Directive 92/43/EEC, Article 15 of Directive 2000/60/EC, Article 12 of Directive 2009/147/EC, and Article 18 of Directive 2008/56/EC. The report shall be provided by June 2030 and subsequent reports shall be provided every three years thereafter. The report shall be made publicly available.

RemovedArticle 18 – paragraph 6: 6. The Commission shall, as from 2029, report to the European Parliament and to the Council every three years on the implementation of this Regulation. That report shall include, inter alia, information as to the progress towards attaining the targets and obligations set out in Articles 4 to 10a as well as the Union’s overarching objectives referred to in Article 1.

RemovedChapter IV a (new): CHAPTER IVa / FUNDING / Article 18a / Funding / 1. When implementing the obligations set out in this Regulation, Member States shall make use of local, regional and national funds, and available Union funds, to finance restoration actions. / 2. In view of the revision of the multiannual financial Ffamework and of the preparation of a multiannual financial framework for the next programming period, the Commission shall carry out an assessment of the gap between restoration funding needs and the available Union funding necessary for supporting Member States in the implementation of the obligations set out in this Regulation. Based on that assessment, the Commission shall evaluate and identify potential solutions to bridge this gap in the Union budget, such as a reallocation of funds from other Union funds or the establishment of a permanent dedicated nature restoration fund. / 3. Member States, the Commission and the European Investment Bank shall improve enabling conditions and facilitate the use of innovative financing mechanisms and promote the mobilisation of private capital for restoration actions.

RemovedArticle 19 – paragraph 1: 1. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to amend Annex I in order to adapt the groups of habitat types in accordance with the latest scientific evidence.

RemovedArticle 19 – paragraph 2: 2. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to amend Annex II in order to adapt the list of habitat types and the groups of habitat types in accordance with the latest scientific evidence.

RemovedArticle 19 – paragraph 3: 3. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to amend Annex III in order to adapt the list of marine species referred to in Article 5 and of the diadromous species referred to in Article 4 in accordance with the latest scientific evidence.

RemovedArticle 19 – paragraph 5: 5. The Commission is empowered to adopt delegated acts in accordance with Article 20 to amend Annex V in order to update the list of species used for the common farmland bird index in the Member States in accordance with the latest scientific evidence.

RemovedArticle 20 – paragraph 2: 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 8(2), Article 17(9), points (a), (b) and (c) and Article 19 shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of 5 years from [OP please insert the date of entry into force of this Regulation]. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period.

RemovedArticle 20 – paragraph 3: 3. The delegation of power referred to in Article 8(2), Article 17(9), points (a), (b) and (c) and Article 19 may be revoked at any time by the European Parliament or by the Council. A decision to revoke shall put an end to the delegation of the power specified in that decision. It shall take effect the day following the publication of the decision in the Official Journal of the European Union or at a later date specified therein. It shall not affect the validity of any delegated acts already in force.

RemovedArticle 20 – paragraph 6: 6. A delegated act adopted pursuant to Article 8(2), Article 17(9), points (a), (b) and (c) and Article 19 shall enter into force only if no objection has been expressed either by the European Parliament or by the Council within a period of 2 months of notification of that act to the European Parliament and to the Council or if, before the expiry of that period, the European Parliament and the Council have both informed the Commission that they will not object. That period shall be extended by two months at the initiative of the European Parliament or of the Council.

RemovedArticle 22 – paragraph 1: 1. The Commission shall evaluate the application of this Regulation by [8 years after the entry into force of this Regulation]. The evaluation shall include an assessment of the degree to which the objectives set out in this Regulation are being attained and of the need to establish additional targets, in particular for ecosystems not covered by Articles 4 and 5.

RemovedArticle 22 – paragraph 2: 2. The Commission shall present a report on the main findings of the evaluation to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of Regions. Where the Commission finds it appropriate, the report shall be accompanied by a legislative proposal for amendment of relevant provisions of this Regulation, taking into account the need to establish additional restoration targets, including on updated targets for 2040, based on common methods for assessing the condition of ecosystems not covered by Articles 4 and 5, and the most recent scientific evidence.

RemovedAnnex III – title: MARINE SPECIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 5(3) AND DIADROMOUS SPECIES REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 4(3)

RemovedAnnex III – point 25 a (new): (25a) European eel (Anguilla anguilla);

RemovedLIST OF BIODIVERSITY INDICATORS FOR AGRICULTURAL ECOSYSTEMS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 9(2)

RemovedLIST OF BIODIVERSITY INDICATORS FOR AGRICULTURAL ECOSYSTEMS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 9(2)

RemovedLIST OF BIODIVERSITY INDICATORS FOR FOREST ECOSYSTEMS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 10(2)

RemovedLIST OF BIODIVERSITY INDICATORS FOR FOREST ECOSYSTEMS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 10(2)

RemovedAnnex VII – point 14 a (new): (14a) Reduce forest vulnerability by means of landscape-scale interventions (e.g. by reducing tree density, ensuring presence of forest openings and gaps and favouring heterogeneous forest structure).

RemovedAnnex VII – point 22 a (new): (22a) Promote integrated landscape restoration as a long-term planning tool linking bottom-up methods involving stakeholders with top-down strategies that considers the timescale and required commitment.

RemovedAnnex VII – point 22 b (new): (22 b) Buffer sensitive ecosystems against eutrophication, desiccation and other pressures.

RemovedAnnex VII – point 27 a (new): (27a) Implement passive and assisted natural regeneration of marine areas where possible, with appropriate buffer zones with low-impact activities.

RemovedAnnex VII – point 28: (28) Reduce various forms of marine pollution, such as nutrient loading, plastic waste and underwater noise pollution , both impulsive and continuous.

RemovedAnnex VII – point 28 a (new): (28a) Reduce continuous underwater noise pollution from shipping by mandating reduced vessel speeds, and prevent or reduce impulsive noise pollution through effective mitigation measures that minimise sound levels at source.

RemovedAnnex VII – point 28 b (new): (28b) Restore marine ecosystems damaged by industrial activities, such as hydrocarbon exploration, including seismic acquisition, and exploitation activities.

RemovedI. Background

RemovedHealthy ecosystems provide us with numerous ecosystem services essential to our long-term survival, well-being, prosperity and security. They provide us with clean food, water and air, act as carbon sinks contributing to the regulation of our planet’s temperature and combat climate change, protect us against the increasing risks of natural disasters and prevent the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. They are also a vital element of our cultural heritage, treasured for their recreational, educational and aesthetic values.

RemovedThe EU and the world as a whole are facing environmental challenges of unprecedented urgency and magnitude. Numerous studies such as the IPBES report, IPCC reports, the Global Biodiversity Outlook or the report on the state of the environment in Europe show that, despite efforts, biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation continue at an alarming rate in the EU and around the world.

RemovedAs set out in the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the EU has legal frameworks, strategies and action plans to protect nature and restore habitats and species, but under existing frameworks, protection has been incomplete, restoration has been on a small-scale and the implementation of the legislation has been insufficient.

RemovedII. Position of the rapporteur

RemovedThe rapporteur welcomes the proposal for a regulation on nature restoration and its design, containing an overarching restoration objective as well as specific objectives by ecosystems, habitats and species, such as specific targets for forests, agricultural ecosystems, urban ecosystems, peatlands, pollinators, free-flowing rivers, as well as for terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems and marine ecosystems, as requested by this Parliament.

RemovedWhile fully supporting the proposal, the rapporteur considers that biodiversity loss has such disastrous consequences for our society, economy and human health and well-being, that the proposal should be strengthened while maintaining a realistic approach. To ensure a successful implementation, the rapporteur considers it essential to strengthen the provisions regarding transparency and information, the participation of the public and the sectors concerned, the exchange of best practice and financing.

RemovedObjectives

RemovedWith regard to the objectives, the rapporteur considers it appropriate to support the position previously adopted by this Parliament in relation to the general restoration objective, to ensure that at least 30 % of the EU’s land and seas are restored by 2030. In addition, the rapporteur proposes to increase some of the specific objectives, such as the restoration of terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems in Article 4, the restoration of marine ecosystems in Article 5, the objectives of restoring urban ecosystems and the objective of rewetting drained peatlands under agricultural use. In the case of terrestrial, coastal and freshwater ecosystems and of marine ecosystems the target of 90 % of the Commission proposal is the minimum required to achieve good status for these ecosystems, according to the guidelines on reporting under Article 17 of the Habitats Directive. This does not mean that the EU should not aim for 100 % by 2050, given the urgency of the situation and the need for action.

RemovedAs regards urban ecosystems, according to data from the EEA, most European cities already have more than 10 % urban tree cover, so the rapporteur sees it feasible to increase this target and the Member States’ objectives of increasing the total national area of urban green spaces.

RemovedAs regards the peatlands targets, the rapporteur welcomes the inclusion of a specific peatland target as requested by this Parliament, and supports the objectives for the restoration of organic soil for agricultural use that constitute drained peatlands. Given that the impact assessment accompanying the proposal stipulates that there is insufficient data to set a target for forestry uses, and since returning only 3 % of EU agricultural peatlands to their wet state would reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture by up to 25 %, the rapporteur prefers to focus on the restoration of agricultural peatlands and not extend the target to drained peatlands under forestry use. The rapporteur considers that the restoration of peatlands under other uses should be addressed when the Commission assesses the implementation of this regulation and has more data on it. However, as the most effective solution for peatlands restoration and climate mitigation and adaptation is peatlands rewetting, the rapporteur proposes to increase the objectives of rewetting of peatlands under agricultural use. In the EU, drained and degraded peatlands account for approximately 5 % of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions, so their restoration is key on our path to climate neutrality.

RemovedIn relation to the provisions that allow derogating from the restoration objectives of Articles 4 and 5, certain adjustments are proposed by the rapporteur to make them more precise and avoid their inappropriate use. In particular, in the case of Natura 2000 areas, derogations should be limited to what is already set out in Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive, which remains applicable. Otherwise, a “de facto” amendment of the Habitats Directive would be made via this regulation. The rapporteur also limits the possible use of this derogation to a maximum of 5 % of the areas covered by the objectives of Articles 4(1), 4(2), 4(3) and 5(1), 5(2), 5(3), to prevent Member States from continually using projects of overriding public interest as a reason for not complying with the provisions of this regulation.

RemovedFurthermore, the rapporteur proposes new indicators to measure the biodiversity of agricultural and forest ecosystems. In the case of agricultural ecosystems, the rapporteur includes the objective already contained in the Biodiversity Strategy of reaching 10 % of high diversity landscape elements by 2030 and adds the percentage of species and habitats listed in the Annexes to Directive 92/43/EEC related to agricultural ecosystems. In the case of forest ecosystems, the rapporteur proposes to add the indicator of native tree species composition, and adjusts some indicators in Annex VI to address the problem of forest fires and phytosanitary risks.

RemovedAs regards free-flowing rivers, the rapporteur considers not only lateral and longitudinal but also vertical and temporal barriers, to include all dimensions of connectivity in the inventories and to give Member States greater flexibility in their choice of barriers that should be dismantled. The rapporteur also addresses not only obsolete barriers but also those whose removal has a high ecological impact, including the impact on connectivity between marine and freshwater ecosystems and migration corridors.

RemovedPlanting 3 billion trees

RemovedThe EU’s 2030 Biodiversity and Forest Strategies set out the objective of planting at least 3 billion additional trees in the EU by 2030, while fully respecting ecological principles. The rapporteur has decided to include this objective in his amendments given the enormous importance of it for the restoration of terrestrial, urban or forest ecosystems in Articles 4, 6 and 10.

RemovedPrinciple of non-deterioration

RemovedThe rapporteur strengthens the principle of non-deterioration by creating a specific article on the continuity of the effects of restoration measures through the designation of protected areas, the implementation of other effective area-based conservation measures, or the promotion of private land conservation measures. It will be up to Member States to decide whether and how to extend their network of protected areas. Notwithstanding the foregoing, when restoration measures applies to primary and old growth forests, the rapporteur proposes that Member States strictly protect them.

RemovedFinancing

RemovedThe availability of public and private financial resources is key to the proper implementation of this regulation. Public funding for restoration should be secured at European, national and regional levels. At European level, there is funding available for the restoration of our biodiversity and ecosystems, but it is not sufficient and is currently dispersed in various instruments and funds, which may render it less effective. Therefore, the rapporteur proposes an article addressing the future need for a dedicated permanent financial instrument for restoration, which would entail coherent financial planning of all EU legal instruments and strategies that improve biodiversity over the next decade and beyond.

RemovedSpeeding up deadlines

RemovedGiven the urgent need for restoration measures to have an impact in this decade, the rapporteur proposes to shorten the deadlines for the submission of national nature restoration plans, for their revision, for the submission of the first reports and for the Commission’s assessment of the implementation of this regulation. The rapporteur believes that we are at a critical time if we want to be able to reverse the loss of biodiversity and therefore proposes to speed up the whole process set out in this regulation.

RemovedDelegated acts

RemovedThe rapporteur considers that certain topics in the Commission proposal that are to be specified in secondary legislation should clearly be subject to delegated acts, instead of implementing acts as proposed by the Commission, given the considerable margin of discretion left. This concerns, for example, the establishment of a method for monitoring pollinator populations or the framework for setting satisfactory levels.

RemovedPublic participation, access to public information and public awareness

RemovedSupport of the public and stakeholders for the foreseen restoration measures is crucial to ensure the successful implementation of this regulation. The rapporteur therefore proposes to create a specific article on public participation, access to public information and public awareness, to ensure there is an open, inclusive and cross-cutting approach in the preparation, review and implementation of national restoration plans. The rapporteur also considers it essential that young people are made aware of the importance of biodiversity and nature restoration and are engaged through programmes and concrete projects and through education and general information.

RemovedFinally, in order to continue the restoration actions of this regulation, the rapporteur lays the foundations for the Commission to present new restoration targets from 2030 onwards, such as for small water units or ecosystems not covered by Articles 4 and 5 as well as intermediate targets by 2040.