In a context marked in Italy by a very serious drought, the European Commission has presented a series of proposals all dedicated to the restoration of nature and the protection of biodiversity. Among other things, the EU executive proposes to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by half by 2030. At the same time, confirming a particular attention to the environment, the EU executive suggests new measures with the aim of preserving the nature in the various ecosystems, maritime, agricultural and urban.
“There is no time to lose”
«The Europeans are clear – explained the Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius – they want the European Union to act in favor of nature. Scientists are equally clear: there is no time to waste. And the economic aspect is also clear: every euro spent on environmental renewal exploits an economic return of eight euros. The goal of this historic proposal is to restore biodiversity and ecosystems so that we can live and thrive together with nature ».
The European Commission has proposed binding targets at European and national level to reduce the use of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030 as well as the use of the most dangerous pesticides. The member countries will set their national targets within defined parameters to ensure the achievement of the objectives at EU level. The measures also include the obligation for farmers and other professional users to keep data relating to the use of these products.
The anti-pesticide measures
“The use of all pesticides – explains the European Commission in the documentation published yesterday – will be prohibited in places such as urban green areas, including parks or public gardens, playgrounds, schools, recreational or sports fields, public paths and other protected areas ». The anti-pesticide measures modify an old directive that will be transformed into a regulation so that it can be applied directly in the 27 member countries.
As for the renewal of nature and the protection of biodiversity, the European Commission yesterday proposed legally binding targets according to the different ecosystems, complementing the existing laws. The aim is to cover at least 20% of the land and sea areas of the European Union with nature restoration measures by 2030, and then extend the same measures to all ecosystems by 2050.