EU Nature Restoration Law; EGU Response

The EGU Biodiversity Task Force welcomes the ambitious targets outlined in the Nature Restoration Law that was presented by the European Commission on 22 June 2022. To ensure the Nature Restoration Law is successful, the EGU Biodiversity Task Force is recommending seven key points to be added, amended, or strengthened throughout the document

GC insights: fostering transformative change for biodiversity restoration through transdisciplinary research

Despite being considered one of the most pressing global issues, biodiversity loss and the degradation of ecosystems is continuing at an alarming rate. In December 2022, COP15 saw the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, where four overarching international goals for biodiversity and 23 targets. While these targets are a positive step to address the drivers of biodiversity loss, we will not only need public and political will to reach the goals and targets outlined but also more effective methods to integrate and use scientific information. To facilitate this, scientists and research institutions need to establish new and innovative approaches to transform the way science is conducted, communicated, and integrated into the policymaking process. This will require the scientific community to become proficient at working in inter and transdisciplinary teams, establishing connectivity, and engaging in the policymaking process to ensure that the best available scientific evidence is not only comprehensible to decision makers, but also timely and relevant. Here, we detail how scientists can embrace transformative change within and outside of their own communities to increase the impact of their research and help reach global targets that benefit society.1 Introduction 2 Methods of promoting transdisciplinarity for transformative change 3 Embracing connectivity through a systems approach 4 More transdisciplinarity is needed for evidence informed policymakin

Restoring Forest Ecosystems: Evidence-Based Insights for Policymakers

Restoring forest ecosystems not only has the potential to enrich biodiversity, but also to mitigate climate change, support climate adaptation, mitigate the effects of droughts and floods, enhance water availability, improve water quality, reduce erosion, and lower avalanche induction. Given their wide range of ecosystem services, the EGU Biodiversity Task Force strongly supports the restoration of forest ecosystems going beyond Natura 2000 sites. To restore forest ecosystems effectively, a range of indicators needs be used in the Nature Restoration Law, including tree species diversity, and standing and lying deadwood. The complexity associated with forest ecosystem restoration means that expert consultation will be required to ensure the measures implemented are effective

Restoring Peatlands: Evidence-Based Insights for Policymakers

o Restoring peatlands not only has the potential to promote biodiverse ecosystems but also to mitigate climate change, improve soil health, increase the resilience of ecosystems to extreme weather events, and increase agricultural productivity. o Despite the extensive, empirically supported benefits, only 11% of peatlands are reported to be in good condition by EU member states. Given the scientifically substantiated benefits, establishing targets for their restoration presents a clear opportunity to support a multitude of policy targets previously set by the EU. o The EGU Biodiversity Task Force therefore believes that the restoration of peatlands should be prioritised, with specific targets included in the Nature Restoration Law. o During the restoration of peatlands, the responsibilities of different Member States, expert consultation, and ongoing monitoring and maintenance should be considered