Restoring degraded nature and improving biodiversity are important objectives that we welcome. The EU Nature Restoration Regulation was adopted in June 2024. SFIF urges the Swedish government to find a balance towards other societal goals in the implementation of the regulation. The legislation should not limit the use of forests, as we need renewable materials more than ever – for the climate and for energy security.
One key question is how to combine the objectives of this proposal with the need to transform our society in the face of climate change. For society to become less dependent on fossil fuels, we will need more renewable and recyclable raw materials and products from forests, for housing, packaging, personal hygiene, energy and more.
A key SFIF criticism has been that the legislation does not take sufficient account of differences between member states. Especially given that member states interpret the Habitats Directive differently and diverge in terms of historical land use and systems for preserving and promoting biodiversity.
When implementing the regulation, it will be essential that member states align their assessments of status of habitat types and the restoration needs. Member states would also benefit from a common understanding of how to select effective restoration measures in comparison to other policy objectives. This would enable nature restoration and the acceleration of the climate transition, while at the same time reducing negative effects on society.
The Nature Restoration Law is a comprehensive EU regulation defining legally binding EU nature restoration targets. The aim is to restore EU’s ecosystems and help to increase biodiversity, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and prevent and reduce the impacts of natural disasters.
