On 12th July 2023 a vote took place at the European parliament which approved the EU Nature Restoration Law in a version less ambitious than the original proposal by European Commission. While CIPRA rejoices at the approval, it regrets that compromises had to be made especially regarding the restoration of farmland.  Science has demonstrated it over and over again: the biodiversity and climate crises must be tackled courageously without delays and nature restoration plays a key role in it. Why are some so blind to it? In the debate on this issue, the main argument against restoration of farmland was, it would undermine the livelihood of farmers.

Except, this is not what science tells us. On the contrary, science has proven that nature restoration measures would render farming more resilient and add value to local productions. Agriculture is the most widespread form of land use in Europe and absorbs the largest portion of the European budget. The European Farmland Bird Index (FBI) indicates irrefutably that farmland birds have consistently been declining. Agriculture is generally not resilient to extreme weather events and water scarcity. If one single sector can make the most significant contribution to reverse the biodiversity collapse and make our livelihoods and life more resilient, this is it. It is mindboggling to see how science can be downplayed in such a manner.

The same can be said about the Alps, how much they would benefit from nature restoration of farmland. CIPRA feels the utmost urgency to take far-sighted bold steps immediately, based on science. We rely on the national restoration plans, which Member States will have to draw, to ensure steadily progress on nature restoration ensuring both national flexibility and an unwavering compact commitment to results. We trust that Alpine states will coordinate their restoration plans for the benefit of our shared bountiful, outstanding region, as a contribution to fulfilling the Multiannual Action Programme of the Alpine Convention.