News item | 01-03-2024 | 2:05 PM
Strengthening and broadening of the current policy is necessary to meet the objectives of the European nature restoration regulation. This is evident from a so-called impact assessment, an external independent advice in preparation for the implementation of the regulation. This is in line with what many other reports have already shown, namely that major steps are still needed in the Netherlands in the areas of nature, nitrogen, water and climate.
Partly overlap and partly complement
The reason for the nature restoration regulation is that nature in the European Union is rapidly deteriorating, despite current policy and regulations. The nature restoration regulation overlaps with and is a strengthening and broadening of a number of European and international rules that already apply, such as the Birds Directive, Habitats Directive, Water Framework Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
With its current policy, the Netherlands already contributes to the goals of the nature restoration regulation, especially in the first period up to 2030, including with the Nature Pact and the Nature Program. The government has also released an additional 24.3 billion euros for the National Rural Area Program and the associated Transition Fund for Rural Areas and Nature.
Consequences for the Netherlands
The impact assessment is a follow-up to the previously published official exploration and quick scan and paints a picture of what the nature restoration regulation means for the Netherlands and what approach and organization is required for this. Furthermore, the impact assessment provides a rough, indicative estimate of the magnitude of the social costs and benefits associated with the implementation of the nature restoration ordinance. These are emphatically estimates, because the exact policy task is still being further elaborated and choices about measures still have to be made.
The consequences for the Netherlands consist of a combination of two elements: the task arising from previously adopted European directives and regulations, but for which Dutch efforts have not been sufficient so far, and the new obligations under the nature restoration regulation.
A tough task, but it also yields a lot for us
The Netherlands was very critical from the start of the negotiations on the nature restoration regulation because of the major impact on the Netherlands and the need for a workable regulation. There has been considerable negotiation, with the result that – even against the wishes of the majority of European member states – points that are important for the Netherlands have been achieved. The Netherlands’ vote therefore also says a lot about confidence in the Netherlands in future negotiations.
Minister Van der Wal for Nature and Nitrogen: “We are doing this primarily to restore nature, because it is in bad shape. We have gained flexibility during the negotiations, among other things, but the task remains large and depends on smart choices. A good and coherent national nature restoration plan will lead to lower costs and greater benefits in the long term. And the benefits can be great, including for biodiversity, food security, (drinking) water, air quality and quality of life for future generations. By restoring nature, we will also create more space for new economic and social activities in the future.”
Follow-up
After approval in the European Parliament last week, the nature restoration regulation still needs to be approved by the European member states and is then expected to enter into force in April or May this year. European member states must submit a draft national nature recovery plan to the European Commission within two years after the nature restoration regulation comes into effect, with concrete measures for the period up to 2030 and with a look ahead to 2050. Principles include limiting legalization and making smart combinations. when using space. The Netherlands will also include an assessment of the condition of the ecosystems and an outline of the planning and financing of the restoration in the nature recovery plan.
The government, provinces, municipalities, water boards and other sectors are jointly responsible for the implementation of the nature restoration ordinance.