The European Commission has appointed the European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA) as a member of the expert sub-group that will advise on implementing the Nature Restoration Regulation. This regulation, which took effect on August 18, 2024, is a pivotal step for advancing urban greening across Europe in the coming decades.
The Nature Restoration Regulation presents a groundbreaking opportunity for the landscape and gardening sector. For the first time, a structural approach to urban greening is legally mandated. This regulation sets ambitious goals, including maintaining “no net loss” of green spaces and tree canopy by 2030, and increasing green space and canopy coverage between 2030 and 2050 until satisfactory levels are achieved. The expert sub-group will help define what constitutes a “satisfactory level” and determine methods for monitoring and reporting progress. In addition, national governments and municipalities must draft urban restoration plans outlining their goals, with input from both national and local stakeholders. ELCA, representing landscape and gardening professionals, will advocate for the essential role these experts play in implementing appropriate green solutions tailored to local conditions.
ELCA President Henrik Bos shared his perspective on the appointment, stating:
“This appointment is a great honour for ELCA. It means that we are acknowledged as a relevant stakeholder and appreciated for the expertise we bring in on behalf of our members regarding the design, creation, and maintenance of greenery and nature-based solutions. We have been very active in the lobbying efforts for the urban chapter of the Nature Restoration Law and have supported the European Commission in bringing this law to fruition. Now that ELCA is part of the expert sub-group, we are directly involved in further shaping the law and able to bring forward our views.”
In conclusion, ELCA’s appointment to the expert sub-group on the Nature Restoration Regulation marks a significant milestone for the urban greening sector. This collaborative approach opens the door to creating healthier, more sustainable urban landscapes across Europe, with landscapers and gardeners bringing essential expertise in implementing nature-based solutions tailored to local needs. As cities and municipalities work on their urban restoration plans, ELCA’s involvement ensures that practical, impactful greening strategies will be part of future urban development. Through this engagement, ELCA continues its commitment to promoting sustainable green spaces that enhance urban living for future generations.
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