The Nature Restoration Regulation is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind. It is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters.

Article 8 of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) focuses specifically on the restoration and protection of urban ecosystems.

https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/nature-restoration-regulation_en

Core Requirements of Article 8

• No Net Loss by 2030: By 31 December 2030, EU Member States must ensure there is no net loss in the total national area of urban green space and urban tree canopy cover in urban ecosystem areas compared to a 2024 baseline. [1]
• Exemption Threshold: Member States may exclude urban ecosystem areas where the existing share of urban green space in urban centers and clusters already exceeds 45%, and where urban tree canopy cover exceeds 10%. [1]
• Increasing Trend from 2031: From 1 January 2031 onwards, Member States are legally required to achieve a positive, increasing trend in the total national area of urban green space (including integrated green infrastructure such as green roofs and walls) until a satisfactory level is reached. [1]

Duilleog Consultancy with the benefit of 36 years of experience in Parks, Open Spaces & Trees in Urban areas is ideally placed to advise on all aspects of Urban Green Space & Urban Tree Canopy Cover.