Luonnonsuojeluliiton kirje komissaarille ennallistamisasetuksesta

A letter from The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation

Do not undermine the Nature Restoration Regulation through the environmental omnibus proposal

Dear Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis,

In connection with the upcoming simplification of environmental legislation, or so-called Environment Omnibus, concerns have been raised that the Nature Restoration Regulation might be included into it. This would be detrimental, as the implementation of the national restoration plan is already progressing well in Finland.

Finland is a frontrunner in nature restoration. A number of programmes supported by the EU and national funding are underway to restore, rehabilitate and manage a wide range of habitat types. Restoration measures are carried out on a voluntary basis and in broad cooperation with multiple stakeholders. Restoration work also provides employment and income for rural communities.

In addition to public funding, several initiatives are channeling private investments into ecosystem restoration. A Foundation operating under the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation has launched a project that generates additional nature value through restoration for interested companies. Similar projects are being implemented, for example, by the Finnish Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners and a regional Forest Management Association.

A recent encouraging example is the joint initiative of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Defence to restore peatlands along Finland’s eastern border. Restored peatlands would also prevent enemy armoured vehicles from passing over them.

Cost-effective action to halt biodiversity loss requires not only improving the condition of ecosystems but also preventing further deterioration. Maintaining a strong no-deterioration obligation within the Nature Restoration Regulation is therefore crucial for safeguarding and improving the state of nature.

The Finnish Association for Nature Conservation urges you to ensure that the well-advancing implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation is not undermined by including it in the omnibus proposal.

We remain at your disposal for any further information.

Hanna Halmeenpää Chair

Tapani Veistola
 Executive Director