AFTER months of deliberations, the 27 countries of the EU have agreed the world's first Nature Restoration Law. This landmark decision signifies a unified commitment to restoring our natural world, which is critical for both nature and people, and concludes a long process of uncertainty and intense negotiations. Ultimately, commonsense, and respect for science and the democratic process prevailed.

The new law aims to restore at least 20 per cent of the EU's land and seas, with specific targets including reversing the decline of pollinators and restoring 25,000 kilometres of rivers to free-flowing conditions. This target is essential to align EU policy with global commitments made by almost 200 countries (including the UK) to restore and protect at least 30 per cent of our planet’s degraded ecosystems by 2030. The legislation solidifies Europe's leadership in global biodiversity restoration and protection efforts and sets a powerful example for the rest of the world.

Noor Yafai, Europe director for global policy and institutional partnerships, said: “Today is a momentous day for nature… The EU has delivered a vital boost to efforts to implement international climate and biodiversity targets.”

Andras Krolopp, Europe head of biodiversity policies at the Nature Conservancy, called this law “a beacon of hope”. He continued: “The council's approval of this law strengthens the EU's commitment to biodiversity and sends a positive signal to the rest of the world... The global community must build on this momentum to combat biodiversity loss, mitigate climate change and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.”

This significant decision by our nearest neighbours presents a challenge to our new Government. Already the UK is known as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world; we have dirty rivers and a dirty sea. If we are to meet the commitments we made at COP26, the government needs not only to pass similar legislation but also to make sure that it provides the framework for it to happen. But do they have the will to do this?