Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and Its Relevance for India

About the Nature Restoration Law (NRL)

• This law is part of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Green Deal.
• Key Features of the NRL
  • Restoration Targets: Restoration of at least 20% of land and sea areas by 2030.
    • Achieve full ecosystem restoration by 2050.
  • Broad Ecosystem Focus: The law covers diverse ecosystems, including forests, agricultural lands, rivers, and urban spaces.
  • Specific Measures:
    • Restoration of 25,000 km of rivers into free-flowing rivers.
    • Planting of 3 billion trees by 2030.
  • Biodiversity Focus: The law tackles biodiversity loss, with over 80% of Europe’s habitats currently in poor condition.

India’s Environmental Challenges and the Need for a Similar Law

• India faces severe environmental challenges, especially in terms of land degradation.
• According to ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, 7% of India’s total geographical area (approximately 97.85 million hectares) experienced degradation in 2018-19, up from 94.53 million hectares in 2003-05.
• Key states affected include Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, which together contribute79% of desertified land.

India has already implemented several environmental programs, such as:

• Green India Mission
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
• Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
• National Afforestation Programme

However, a more comprehensive Nature Restoration Law similar to the EU’s NRL could significantly bolster efforts to reverse environmental degradation in India.

Proposed Elements of a Nature Restoration Law for India:

• Restoration Targets: India could aim to restore 20% of degraded land by 2030, with a goal of restoring all ecosystems by 2050.
• Wetland Restoration: A focus on restoring 30% of degraded wetlands such as the Sundarbans and Chilika Lake by 2030.
• Biodiversity in Agriculture: Promote agroforestry and sustainable farming practices, using indicators like the butterfly or bird index to track progress.
• River Restoration: Focus on major rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, restoring their free-flowing nature and addressing pollution.
• Urban Green Spaces: Ensure no net loss of green spaces in cities like Bengaluru and Delhi, and promote urban forests to mitigate the effects of urban heat islands.

Economic and Social Benefits of Restoration

Implementing a Nature Restoration Law in India would not only help reverse ecosystem degradation but also deliver significant economic and social benefits:

• Economic Gains: Nature restoration could generate up to $10 trillion globally by 2030 (World Economic Forum), creating millions of jobs, particularly in rural areas, and enhancing agricultural productivity.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Restoring ecosystems would enhance carbon sinks, helping India meet its commitments under the Paris Agreement.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The law would support SDG Goal 15 on sustainable forest management and combating desertification.

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