Today, a coalition of more than 150 scientists from twenty countries has endorsed a letter supporting the European Union’s Nature Restoration Law, a proposal put forward by the European Commission. The letter notes that the bill has faced opposition from the European People’s Party and the Community Committee of Agricultural and Cooperative Organizations (Kupa-Cogeca). The signatories emphasize that safeguarding the natural world is the essential foundation for life and economic activity alike, warning that biodiversity across Europe and the broader planet has suffered due to industrial and economic pressures.
The core aim of the European Commission’s proposal is to guide negotiations among the Member States and the European Parliament toward restoring at least 20 percent of degraded land and sea areas by 2030. The plan also envisions a substantial cut in the use of chemical pesticides by the end of the decade, and a broader objective to rehabilitate all damaged ecosystems by 2050. These targets reflect a commitment to reinforce the resilience, productivity, and long-term health of Europe’s natural systems and, by extension, to support food security, jobs, climate mitigation, and a robust European economy.
The initiative has sparked a contentious chapter in European policy, with agricultural associations opposing what they view as a potential burden on farming communities and markets, while other European voices advocate for stronger action to safeguard ecosystems. The dialogue continues as the Commission, the Council, and Parliament weigh the best path forward for Europe’s lands and seas.
Twenty-four Spanish experts sign the letter
The scientist signatories include researchers from prominent institutions such as the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), the Canary Islands Oceanographic Center, Cap de Creus Natural Park, La Laguna, Murcia, Rovira i Virgili University, and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, among others. The group urges that the Community Manager respect and enforce the Restoration Law as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship. The letter was sponsored by Enric Sala, a marine biologist known for leading National Geographic’s Pristine Seas project, who underscores the imperative to halt biodiversity loss to preserve ecosystem benefits.
In the letter, the signatories stress that failure to restore degraded ecosystems will erode essential ecosystem services and trigger escalating negative consequences for humanity. They argue that restoring health, productivity, and resilience to Europe’s land and seas will help secure climate adaptation, protect livelihoods, and strengthen the region’s economy. The message is clear: approval and enforcement of the Nature Restoration Law are necessary to safeguard nature’s ongoing support for food systems, climate action, and economic vitality. The signatories also include scientists from France, the United States, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Australia, illustrating a broad, global perspective on ecological restoration.
Signatories contend that every euro invested in nature restoration yields significant economic value, ranging from eight to thirty-eight euros in ecosystem services. These services bolster food security, climate resilience, biodiversity, and human health, while underpinning sustainable development. The report highlights that investing in natural capital yields tangible returns and broad benefits across sectors.
Additionally, restoration efforts for marine life are projected to deliver favorable economic returns, with estimates suggesting ten dollars of value for every dollar spent when compared to maintaining the status quo. The signatories point to affiliations with universities and research centers in the United States, Europe, and other regions as evidence of a robust, cross-border scientific consensus on the benefits of restoration. The message also notes the role of biodiversity in farmland landscapes, where fences and hedgerows act as reservoirs for pollinators, pest controllers, and soil stabilizers, contributing to healthier soils, drought resilience, and better water retention. The authors emphasize that such nature-positive practices can coexist with renewable energy development and may complement it rather than hinder it.
They conclude that restoration is a practical pathway to mitigating climate impacts, given that ecosystems store substantial amounts of carbon. The letter argues that nature restoration and renewable energy initiatives should be pursued in tandem, not as competing priorities, to maximize overall societal gains.
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For further context, the environment department emphasizes ongoing work and coordination with scientific communities to advance these restoration goals. The public policy dialogue continues as policymakers assess how best to integrate ecological health with economic and social objectives.
The text presented here reflects a broad scientific consensus on the value of restoring degraded ecosystems and aligning policy with ecological realities. It draws on perspectives from researchers across Europe, North America, and beyond, who advocate for a proactive approach to conservation, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilience, while acknowledging the political and economic complexities involved in implementing comprehensive restoration measures.