Malcolm Noonan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)
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The Government welcomes the formal adoption of the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRL) by the European Parliament during its Plenary session on 27 February 2024 which paves the way for Member States to approve this position. Once the text is adopted by the Council, it will become law.

The Regulation sets out a framework for Member States to restore nature, with binding targets for a wide range of ecosystems including rivers, forests, oceans, urban areas and agricultural ecosystems, as well as protected habitats and species throughout the State. The NRL presents significant opportunities to support the achievement of nature, water and climate objectives, as well as substantial co-benefits in rural economies and communities.

In relation to the determination of the number of hectares and landowners who will be affected we note that it is up to each Member State to decide how it will achieve the obligations in the NRL by making a national Nature Restoration Plan (NRP). Work has started on a participatory stakeholder engagement process to develop the national NRP. Farmers, foresters, fishers and their representatives will be invited to get involved.

It is important to note that any restoration measures that landowners choose to participate in will be well incentivised and resourced.

The Government is clear that farmers and private landowners have nothing to fear as the legal obligation to achieve these targets is on the Member State, not the landowner. Landowner participation in the NRL is voluntary.