In its Biodiversity Strategy, the EU (with its member states) is committed to halt the loss of biodiversity and reverse the negative trend in biodiversity by 2030. The targets have been clarified in the Nature Restoration Law, now under drafting.
Concern has risen in Finland as to the Article 6, setting out rigid obligations to very different European cities and towns. The target of halting and reversing biodiversity loss is vital, and it is already implemented in many ways nationally, as well as locally.
In its current wording, the Article would significantly complicate sustainable growth in cities and towns and would in fact, on the contrary to its aim, lead to urban sprawl which is harmful for both nature and climate.
Proposals for corrections to Article 6
The biggest cities in Finland, most of the Regional Councils and the Association of Finnish Municipalities have expressed their common concern about the proposed article 6. The shared statement was published in May and the group of signatories expanded in June 2023.
We propose that the Article 6 will be modified according to the following principles:
- There should be more flexibility in the Article 6 for local circumstances to be taken into account.
- A threshold value should be set concerning the obligations to preserve and increase the amount of urban green space.
- Urban biodiversity and the use of green infrastructure in built environment must be increased in all Member States.
The cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa, along with the Regional Councils of Helsinki-Uusimaa, Päijät-Häme and Kymenlaakso have given a shared statement in January 2023.
- June 2022 the European Commission gave its proposal for a nature restoration law, aiming to improve the status and biodiversity of nature.
- 63 municipalities in Finland are covered in its Article 6, aimed at cities and towns.
- In the Helsinki-Uusimaa Region, the Article covers half of the municipalities: Hanko, Raasepori, Lohja, Karkkila, Espoo, Kauniainen, Helsinki, Vantaa, Kerava, Järvenpää, Tuusula, Hyvinkää and Porvoo.
- The process of the suggested nature restoration law continues now at the EU level. Finnish actors want to give their impact on the wording and contents of the Article during the year 2023.
Further information:
Ilona Mansikka
Manager, Regional Planning
ilona.mansikka@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Development of regional land use planning, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Land Use Plan 2050. Areas of responsibility in regional land use planning: Espoo, Helsinki, Kaunainen, Vantaa. Stand-in for Director of Regional Land Use Planning, Ms Paula Autioniemi
Silja Aalto
Adviser, Environment, Off Duty
silja.aalto@uudenmaanliitto.fi
Biodiversity and recreation, green structure and ecosystem services
Current
News
23.5.2023
Cities and regions demanding amendments to EU Nature Restoration Law
The largest cities in Finland, most of its Regional Councils and the Association of Finnish Municipalities have expressed their serious concern about Article 6 of the EU Nature Restoration Law, currently under preparation. A shared statement with a comprehensive list of signatories, with suggested amendments to the draft regulation, has been given to be used by the current government formation negotiators in our country. Advocacy work is also continuously carried out in Brussels.
News
27.1.2023
Threat of increasing urban sprawl by EU Nature Restoration Law
The larger cities and towns in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, along with the Regions of Southern Finland want to make an impact on the Article 6 in the suggested EU Nature Restoration Law by sharing their proposals for amendments. In its current wording, the Article would significantly complicate sustainable growth in Finnish cities and towns. It would in fact, on the contrary to its aim, lead to urban sprawl harmful for both nature and climate.
This page was last updated: 19.9.2023