The event brought together leading voices from research, policy, and practice to discuss how Europe can implement the new EU Nature Restoration Regulation in a way that maximises benefits for both biodiversity and society. As the first EU-wide legislation focused specifically on restoring degraded ecosystems, the regulation sets ambitious targets for nature recovery — demanding solutions that are environmentally effective, economically feasible, and socially inclusive.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Aveliina Helm, President of SER Europe, and Hilde Eggermont, Director of the Research Institute for Nature and Forest.
GEO contributed to discussions throughout the day, supporting REWRITE’s mission to develop and share integrated approaches to ecological restoration. Highlights of the programme included:
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A first session examining the rationale for “letting nature do the job”, with inputs from biodiversity, climate, and economics experts;
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A second session showcasing restoration success stories from across Europe, including a presentation on coastal restoration by REWRITE partner Iris Möller (Trinity College Dublin);
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A final session exploring the governance, legal, and financing tools needed to implement the regulation at scale.
The day concluded with a keynote by Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director for Biodiversity at DG Environment, who emphasised the importance of working together to make the most of this landmark policy.
With its rich blend of science, policy insight, and real-world
cases, “When Nature Can Do the Job” underscored that nature-based solutions are not only viable
— they are essential. As the EU enters a new chapter in its environmental policy, events like this help chart the path
toward a greener, more resilient future for all. Events like this are critical in aligning science, policy, and practice
to turn restoration goals into reality.
See the full summary of the event here.
