The case for a nature restoration law in India

• The urgent need for ecosystem restoration in India mirrors the global crisis of environmental degradation, with approximately 30% of the country's geographical area affected.
• The European Union's Nature Restoration Law (NRL), enacted in June 2024, serves as a significant model for India in its quest to combat similar challenges. Here’s an in-depth look at the implications of adopting a Nature Restoration Law in India, inspired by the NRL.

Background on the Nature Restoration Law (NRL):

• Objectives: The NRL aims to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, with an ultimate goal of restoring all ecosystems needing restoration by 2050. This law is part of the EU's broader Biodiversity Strategy and seeks to reverse biodiversity loss, addressing the alarming condition of over 80% of Europe’s habitats.
• Measures: The law includes initiatives such as restoring 25,000 kilometers of rivers to a free-flowing state and planting three billion trees by 2030, targeting various ecosystems, including forests, agricultural lands, and urban spaces.

India's Environmental Challenges:

• Extent of Land Degradation: According to ISRO’s Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas, around 97.85 million hectares (29.7%) of India's land suffered degradation by 2018-19. This is a concerning rise from previous years, particularly affecting states like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan.
• Existing Initiatives: India has initiated several programs, including the Green India Mission and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme, but these efforts require a more comprehensive, legally binding framework to effectively tackle the scale of the problem.

Proposed Nature Restoration Law for India:

• Restoration Targets: Establish legally binding targets to restore 20% of degraded land by 2030 and all degraded ecosystems by 2050, including diverse landscapes such as forests, wetlands, and urban green spaces.
• Wetland Restoration: Aim to restore 30% of degraded critical wetlands, like the Sundarbans and Chilika Lake, enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration efforts.
• Biodiversity in Agriculture: Promote agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices, using biodiversity indicators (e.g., butterfly or bird indices) to monitor progress and restore farmland health.
• River Restoration: Focus on restoring major rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna, improving their ecological health by addressing pollution and obstructions to natural flow.
• Urban Green Spaces: Implement measures to ensure no net loss of urban green spaces in cities facing challenges like heat islands and declining air quality, promoting the establishment of urban forests.

Economic and Social Benefits:

• Economic Returns: Nature restoration could generate substantial economic benefits globally, with estimates suggesting returns of up to $10 trillion annually by 2030. In India, restored ecosystems can lead to increased agricultural productivity, improved water security, and job creation, particularly in rural areas.
• Sustainable Development Goals: A Nature Restoration Law would align with India’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15, which emphasizes sustainable forest management and combating desertification.
• Climate Change Mitigation: By restoring ecosystems, India can enhance its carbon sinks, aiding in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to its goals under the Paris Agreement.

Conclusion:

• Adopting a Nature Restoration Law in India, modeled after the EU's NRL, is crucial for addressing the pressing environmental crises of land degradation and biodiversity loss. Such legislation would not only facilitate ecological restoration but also contribute to economic development and climate resilience.
• Given the urgency of the situation, timely action is essential to restore the health of India’s ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for the nation.