We are heading towards a mass biodiversity extinction and climate breakdown, threatening the very basis of life as we know it. The science is very clear on this. Efforts so far have been largely inadequate to address these crises and to restore our relationship with nature.

On any given day, marine life in the Baltic Sea has to navigate increasingly acidic waters, while also dodging trawling nets and abandoned fishing gear, sea bed disturbances and extraction activities, noisy and heavily polluting ships, marine infrastructure, invasive species, overfishing, eutrophication, construction, tourism, and hazardous substances including plastics.

On top of this, the Baltic Sea is dealing with new challenges linked to human-induced climate change and extreme weather.

Nature is essential to our survival. To prevent the increasing fires across the continent. To resist the floods destroying European homes and livelihoods. To generate healthy ecosystems to produce food in the long-term. Nature is our biggest ally in the fight against the climate crisis. And we need nature for our mental well-being and health.

Luckily, all hope is not lost!

The EU Nature Restoration Regulation is the unique opportunity of this decade to change the pathway from continuous deterioration to regeneration. What makes this opportunity unique is that this law will legally oblige EU countries to restore a set amount of nature. If they fail, they can be held accountable, and taken to court.