The approval, today, of the Nature Restoration Law by the European Parliament is “a ray of hope for a better future,” said BirdLife Malta.

As part of BirdLife International – the world’s largest environmental partnership – BirdLife Malta said that it is “satisfied and relieved that the Nature Restoration Law was today approved by the European Parliament. Without nature there is no water, no air and no life to everyone’s detriment and to the detriment of human well-being.”

It noted that “this win for nature and people – following a long year of negotiations – came about despite last-minute efforts by far-right and conservative groups, and disinformation from anti-nature lobbies, to torpedo the law.”

However, it said that “MEPs listened to facts and science, and did not give in to populism and fearmongering.” BirdLife Malta added that it was “pleased to note that all the Maltese MEPs voted in favour of this law and whilst thanking them, we encourage them all to continue working to safeguard nature.”

“We now also urge EU Member States to follow suit and deliver this much-needed law to bring back nature in Europe when in March or April they are called to formally approve this law,” the NGO said.

It stressed that “this represents an historic opportunity to bring nature back to Europe. At a time when the region is ravaged by floods, droughts and fires, this law will help secure a safer and healthier future for Europeans.”

The #RestoreNature coalition, consisting of BirdLife Europe, ClientEarth, European Environmental Bureau (EEB), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) EU, stated, “the Nature Restoration Law has always been so much more than a law to bring back nature. It is a symbol that Europe can, and will, commit to fighting for the survival of our planet. We are relieved that MEPs listened to facts and science, and did not give in to populism and fearmongering. Now, we urge Member States to follow suit and deliver this much-needed law to bring back nature in Europe.”

BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana stated, “BirdLife Malta is pleased to note that all the Maltese MEPs voted in favour of this law and whilst thanking them, we encourage them all to continue working to safeguard nature. We congratulate the hard work of the policy teams within BirdLife Europe, ClientEarth, EBB and WWF EU, once again showing the true force of the voice of those that care for a better and healthier future.”

He added that “thanks to the #RestoreNature campaign, over one million citizens, businesses, scientists and NGOs have asked the European Parliament to pave the way for this law, a first of its kind, to become a reality.”

The final step in the process is for the agreement to receive the formal approval of EU Member States, which is expected to take place in March or April this year.

File photo: Gozo News/Alain Salvary

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