Nature Restoration Law - Benefit India’s Environment and Economy

India faces critical environmental challenges, with nearly 30% of its land area undergoing degradation. Addressing these issues effectively requires structured legislative support, drawing lessons from global initiatives. Recently, the European Union (EU) enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL) as a robust framework to combat ecosystem degradation and biodiversity loss across its member states. This model provides valuable insights into how India could adopt similar measures to restore its own ecosystems.

The following Q&A explores the essential components of the EU’s NRL, examines India’s environmental landscape, and considers the benefits and framework for a potential Nature Restoration Law tailored to India’s needs.

What is the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), and what are its key provisions?

The Nature Restoration Law (NRL), adopted by the European Union’s Environmental Council on June 17, 2024, is a comprehensive policy designed to restore ecosystems across Europe. As part of the EU’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Green Deal, the NRL sets ambitious targets to reverse biodiversity loss by mandating that 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas be restored by 2030, with a goal of full ecosystem restoration by 2050. It includes provisions for diverse ecosystems, focusing on both rural and urban areas.

Key elements include:

1. The restoration of 25,000 km of rivers to free-flowing conditions.

2. The planting of three billion trees by 2030.

3. Ecosystem-specific restoration targets for forests, wetlands, agricultural lands, and urban spaces.

What environmental challenges does India face that underscore the need for similar legislation?

India grapples with extensive environmental degradation, notably land desertification. According to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, approximately 29.7% of India’s land experienced degradation in 2018-19, up from previous years. States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, which make up 23.79% of the country’s desertified areas, are particularly affected, resulting in biodiversity loss, reduced agricultural productivity, and water scarcity.

What steps has India taken to address environmental degradation so far?

India has implemented various programs to counter environmental challenges, including

1. Green India Mission: Focuses on forest cover enhancement and ecosystem services improvement.

2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Promotes efficient water use, particularly in agriculture.

3. Integrated Watershed Management Programme: The world’s second-largest watershed program aims to conserve water and soil resources.

4. National Afforestation Programme: Supports forest conservation and reforestation.

5. These initiatives demonstrate India’s commitment to ecological sustainability; however, experts argue that a comprehensive legislative framework like the EU’s NRL would yield more impactful and sustained results.

What could a Nature Restoration Law in India look like?

Inspired by the EU’s model, a Nature Restoration Law in India could set legally binding targets for ecosystem restoration, specifically focusing on:

1. Restoration Targets: Aim to restore 20% of degraded lands by 2030, with a vision of achieving complete ecosystem restoration by 2050.

2. Wetlands Restoration: Focus on critical wetlands such as the Sundarbans and Chilika Lake, with a goal of restoring 30% by 2030.

3. Biodiversity in Agriculture: Encourage agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices to enhance biodiversity in farmland areas.

4. River Restoration: Target major rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna to address pollution and obstructions, restoring them to free-flowing conditions.

5. Urban Green Spaces: Implement policies to prevent net loss of urban green spaces, promoting initiatives like urban forests in cities affected by heat island effects and air quality decline.

What economic and social benefits could a Nature Restoration Law bring to India?

Implementing a Nature Restoration Law could offer numerous benefits:

Economic Gains: Restoration efforts could boost agricultural productivity, improve water security, and create jobs, especially in rural regions. The World Economic Forum projects that nature restoration could globally generate up to $10 trillion by 2030.

Social Advantages: Increased rural employment would improve living standards and reduce poverty.

Environmental Gains: Restoring ecosystems would help India achieve Sustainable Development Goal 15 (sustainable management of forests and combating desertification).

Climate Change Mitigation: Healthy ecosystems act as carbon sinks, helping India meet its Paris Agreement commitments and reduce global warming effects.

Conclusion

The EU’s Nature Restoration Law provides a guiding example for countries grappling with environmental challenges. India’s high levels of land degradation and biodiversity loss indicate a strong need for similar legislation. A dedicated law could support India’s environmental, economic, and climate goals, ensuring sustainable growth and ecological resilience. The urgency for action cannot be overstated; India must consider adopting such a policy framework to restore and protect its invaluable natural heritage.