On August 18, 2024, a significant milestone for environmental efforts was reached with the official adoption of the Nature Restoration Law. This groundbreaking legislation sets ambitious targets, including the restoration of at least 20 percent of Europe's marine and terrestrial land by 2030, and the recovery of all endangered habitats by 2050. These goals represent a renewed focus on the critical importance of restoring Europe's biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable future for our ecosystems.
As a key actor in the Mediterranean, GENMEDA members have a long-standing history of active engagement in both ex-situ and in-situ plant conservation. Their experience is invaluable in helping Europe meet the targets set by the Nature Restoration Law.
GENMEDA is already linked to key European thematic networks, such as the Society for Ecological Restoration Europe (SERE) and the Biodiversa+ BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub. SERE is dedicated to advancing the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration throughout Europe, while the BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub, part of Biodiversa+, supports knowledge exchange and collaboration for biodiversity restoration projects across Europe. Several GENMEDA members, such as the CIEF, Sapienza University of Rome, and other institutions, are already engaged in these networks. Recently, Gianni Bacchetta, President of GENMEDA, participated in the 14th European Conference on Ecological Restoration: Bridging Science, Practice, and Policy of Nature Restoration, held in Tartu, Estonia. His involvement reflects the commitment of GENMEDA to actively engage in leading restoration events across Europe. Vito Emanuele Cambria, leader of our WG Seed Force International, is the co-chair of the BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub.
It is vital that the entire network strengthens its involvement in these initiatives. The BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub and SERE provide essential platforms for advancing restoration efforts and sharing research and ecological restoration strategies. Increased engagement from GENMEDA members will not only enhance our collective contributions to restoring biodiversity but also position the network as a leader in European restoration projects.
We encourage all GENMEDA members to participate actively in these efforts and explore opportunities for collaboration within these networks. Together, we can play a decisive role in restoring Europe's natural heritage.
Links:
Nature Restoration Law Full Text (PDF): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1991/oj
Biodiversa+ BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub: https://www.biodiversa.eu/engagement/biodivrestore-knowledge-hub/
SERE Official Website: https://www.ser-europe.org/