Every euro invested in restoring natural ecosystems can generate a return up to twenty times greater in terms of biodiversity protection, climate protection, and valorization of inland resources. This, however, can only be achieved with the full involvement of those who actively manage the land, from farmers to hunters.
This is one of the insights that emerged from the first roundtable discussion promoted by Fondazione UNA – Uomo, Natura, Ambiente and AB – Agrivenatoria Biodiversitalia on the correct implementation of the Nature Restoration Law, the European regulation for the restoration of natural environments. The initiative was presented in the volume "Nature Restoration and Territorial Regeneration," previewed to institutions and experts in the field at Palazzo Rospigliosi in Rome.
The Nature Restoration Law, approved in June 2024, aims to contribute to the continuous and lasting recovery of biodiversity and nature's resilience across all terrestrial and marine areas of the European Union. The regulation establishes mandatory targets of restoring at least 20% of natural ecosystems by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of intervention by 2050, through the implementation of national restoration plans by Member States.
The implementation methods of the European regulation were thus placed at the center of a renewed focus by legal experts and institutional representatives, with the aim of initiating a constructive dialogue on this topic. The aim was to reveal the original nature of the nature protection legislation and, above all, to accurately and unbiasedly outline the newly conceived European project, defining, in a shared manner, the methodology to be implemented to achieve initial results.
"The restoration of natural environments cannot exist without a scientific and multidisciplinary approach that combines environmental protection needs with the needs of the local area and communities, " said Maurizio Zipponi, President of the UNA Foundation. " The Nature Restoration Law represents a significant opportunity to develop environmental management strategies that enhance the role of all stakeholders: from institutions to industry professionals, from researchers to citizens. Our goal is to help define an interpretative framework that fosters effective and shared application of the regulation. As always, we intend to promote constructive dialogue among all stakeholders, highlighting the importance of hunting, fully legitimized at the European and national levels, as an essential tool for managing natural balances. "
“The European Nature Restoration Law (NRL) marks a paradigm shift towards active nature restoration, extending beyond traditional protected areas“, declared Niccolò Sacchetti, President of AB. “GPrivate wildlife institutes are key players in this process, actively managing vast territories and possessing ecological expertise. Their recognition as OECMs (Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures) is crucial to valorizing their contribution to biodiversity and integrating their practices into national conservation plans, unlocking incentives and funding. These companies can significantly contribute to the restoration of agricultural and forest ecosystems, increasing environmental impact, and improving the quality of life.ollinoperators, wildlife management, and data monitoring. It is essential that institutions actively support this recognition and integrate wildlife farms into the planning and implementation of the NRL, through strategic collaboration between the public, private, and third sectors. I also want to emphasize the importance of providing not only for the restoration of degraded areas but also for measures that reward and incentivize the work of those who have been actively committed for decades to the management and maintenance of large swathes of land. ".
Building on the results achieved in recent years of dialogue with experts and institutions, the UNA Foundation and AB have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the dialogue adopted thus far, with the aim of consolidating, once again, a shared interpretation for the application of the Nature Restoration Law that takes into account the needs expressed at the European level, respecting the interests of the parties involved and promoting inclusive dialogue.
Ettore Prandini, National President of Coldiretti, also attended the event. He emphasized the importance of implementing the Nature Restoration Law without penalizing agriculture and national production capacity. " Nature restoration is a shared goal, " Prandini stated, " but it cannot translate into new green follies that jeopardize food sovereignty and the income of our farmers. Europe must recognize the irreplaceable role of farmers as true custodians of the land and biodiversity, not as an obstacle to environmental policies."
Prandini reiterated Coldiretti's position, which has long called for a change in European policies, often perceived as overly ideological and disconnected from the realities of the agricultural world. " We cannot afford to reduce Italian agricultural production with excessive constraints and bureaucracy ," continued the Coldiretti president. " Environmental protection must go hand in hand with ensuring healthy, high-quality food for European citizens. We need more funding and a strong CAP, with a dedicated budget that is not merged with other sectors, to support agriculture and allow it to continue fulfilling its environmental, social, and economic function."
Finally, the President emphasized the need for national recovery plans to take into account the specific characteristics of local areas and production chains, avoiding restrictions that could compromise the competitiveness of Italian agri-food products on international markets.
The event at Palazzo Rospigliosi is part of a broader project by the UNA Foundation and AB to ensure ongoing reflection and exploration of ways to reconcile humanity and the environment, a project launched last year with discussions on the reform of Article 9 of the Constitution on the protection of animals and biodiversity. ( UNA Foundation – Man, Nature, Environment and AB – Agrivenatoria Biodiversitalia)
Taken from Federcaccia.org
