Ireland's State of the Environment Report 2024

177 Chapter 7: Nature Figure 7.20  Some of the key global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework CONSERVE AVOID Biodiversity-inclusive spatial planning, near-zero loss Effectively restore 30% of degraded nature Effectively conserve 30% of lands and seas Halve human induced interactions Stop unsustainable use of wild species Reduce alien species spread by at least 50% Reduce pollution risks, impacts by at least 50% Reduce climate change impacts Sustainably manage and use wild species Sustainable agri/agriculture, fisheries, forestry Restore and enhance nature's goods, services Increase area, quality of urban green blue spaces Fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources SAFEGUARD ACT Mainstream biodiversity into all policy, practice Businesses to monitor, disclose nature impacts Sustainable consumption, half food waste Phase-out ‘perverse’ subsidies, increase finance Strengthen capacity, participation, IPLC, women Ensure access to data and knowledge Four overarching goals A Halt loss, restore nature B Use lands and seas sustainably C Share benefits and services D Mobilise necessary resources 1 2 3 4 9 10 11 12 13 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 19 18 23 17 20 22 21 Source: Adapted from NPWS, 2024 The EU Biodiversity Strategy The European Green Deal, which aims to make the EU climate neutral by 2050, is supported by policies such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (EC, 2021), the new Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan (see Chapter 10) and nationally by the Climate Action Plan, among others (see Chapter 4). The EU Biodiversity Strategy sets out a comprehensive package of commitments and actions to put Europe’s biodiversity on the path to recovery by 2030. It addresses the five main drivers of biodiversity loss – changes in land and sea use, over-exploitation, climate change, pollution and invasive alien species – and aims to put in place an enhanced governance framework. As well as taking action to restore and protect biodiversity in Europe it commits to taking EU action to raise the level of ambition for biodiversity worldwide and reduce the impact of trade. In addition, a third river basin management plan cycle and new legislation for marine protected areas (MPAs) are currently in train. These developments are reflected throughout the new (fourth) National Biodiversity Action Plan (NPWS, 2024). EU Nature Restoration Law The EU Nature Restoration Law (Regulation (EU) 2024/1991) sets legally binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon, and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. The law will require all Member States to produce a national restoration plan. This work will be led by the NPWS and will include a public participation process, informed by robust ecological and socio-economic impact assessments (NPWS, 2024). The proposal contains the following specific targets: ■ based on existing legislation (for wetlands, forests, grasslands, rivers and lakes, heath and scrub, rocky habitats and dunes) – improving and re-establishing biodiverse habitats on a large scale and bringing back species populations by improving and enlarging their habitats