Smart Net-Zero

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) | Source | Report |

This WWF report introduces a science-based framework to guide EU Member States in implementing marine and coastal restoration under the 2024 Nature Restoration Law (NRL). As over 40% of the EU population lives in coastal areas, and with marine ecosystems facing rapid degradation from climate change, overfishing, and pollution, urgent and strategic restoration is essential. The publication outlines 10 key principles drawn from peer-reviewed research and case studies, emphasizing baseline ecosystem assessment, identification of degradation drivers, stakeholder engagement, adaptive management, and long-term resilience.

Key recommendations include prioritizing passive over active restoration when feasible, ensuring transboundary cooperation, integrating restoration targets into existing EU directives, and avoiding “paper parks” through robust policy alignment and monitoring. The report serves as a practical checklist for developing National Restoration Plans, and aims to support the EU’s goals to restore 20% of degraded marine areas by 2030 and all such areas by 2050.