The EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) has created unprecedented momentum for ecosystem restoration. As the first National Restoration Plans are being finalised and implementation gets underway across Europe, a new challenge is emerging: translating ambitious restoration targets into action on the ground.

From Restoration Targets to Restoration Landscapes

The authors argue that the successful implementation of the NRR requires a shift from project-based restoration towards spatially coordinated restoration landscapes. Ecological processes do not follow administrative boundaries, and isolated restoration measures often fail to deliver their full ecological potential. Rivers, peatlands, forests and agricultural landscapes are functionally interconnected, requiring restoration efforts to be coordinated across entire landscapes. Such an approach can enhance ecological effectiveness while helping to reconcile competing land uses, including agriculture, water management, biodiversity conservation and infrastructure development.

Governance, Long-Term Financing and Societal Legitimacy

According to the authors, achieving restoration at a landscape scale requires effective coordination across administrative levels, stable long-term financing mechanisms, and broad societal support. Because many restoration measures take place on privately owned land and deliver benefits over decades, successful implementation depends on the active participation of landowners, public authorities and other stakeholders. The authors therefore emphasise that durable governance structures, financial credibility and societal legitimacy are essential prerequisites for large-scale restoration.

The Decisive Phase of Restoration Policy

Europe is now entering the decisive phase of restoration policy. The coming years will determine whether ambitious commitments can be translated into measurable ecological recovery. According to the authors, success will depend on the ability to move beyond restoration targets and establish restoration landscapes that deliver lasting benefits for biodiversity, climate and society.

The publication builds on the authors' long-standing work on ecosystem restoration and the Nature Restoration Regulation, including scientific research and policy support at both the European and national levels.