RESTORE (BIODIV-06)

Rationale:

RESTORE (Revitalize Ecosystems through Sustainable Techniques and Organized Restoration Efforts) addresses a critical environmental challenge in the European Union, where more than 80% of habitats are currently in poor condition[1].

 This initiative aligns with the EU's groundbreaking Nature Restoration Law, which mandates member states to restore 20% of their lands and waters by 20301. RESTORE’s significance is underscored by the EU's commitment to restore 30% of habitats in poor condition by 2030, increasing to 60% by 2040, and reaching 90% by 20501.

 The urgency of RESTORE is emphasized by the comprehensive scope of restoration needs, including the rewetting of peatlands, reversing pollinator decline, and restoring over 15,000 miles of rivers to free-flowing status1. RESTORE will contribute to the EU's ambitious goal of planting three billion additional trees while ensuring no net loss of urban green space1. These targets are particularly crucial given that nature and biodiversity in the EU continue to decline due to land use changes, overexploitation, harmful forestry practices, pollution, and climate change[2].

 RESTORE's approach acknowledges the need for transparent and inclusive processes in adopting national restoration plans1. RESTORE will incorporate emergency brake provisions for agricultural ecosystems and balance ecological goals with local population needs. By setting aside sectoral divides and fostering synergies across society, RESTORE positions ecosystem restoration as a strategic investment in sustainable development[3]. This comprehensive initiative will support the EU's broader biodiversity strategy, which aims to ensure ecosystems are healthy, climate-resilient, and capable of providing essential services while protecting nature and reversing ecosystem degradation[4].

 We seek experiences in the following areas:

 -       Development of integrated assessment framework combining economic activities and non-market benefits

 -       Implementation of financial tracking and analysis system

 -       Creation of comprehensive ecosystem services valuation model

 -       Integration of cross-disciplinary expertise through stakeholder platform

 -       Creation of advanced modelling system building on existing frameworks

 -       Development of holistic assessment framework incorporating multiple impact dimensions

 From our part, we offer expertise in:

 -       Human-centered and community-anchored perspective to environmental and rural transformation agendas.

 -       Social experimentation, behavioural insights, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, supporting the design and implementation of inclusive solutions to complex societal challenges.

 -       Ensuring that green and digital transitions are socially just, locally accepted, and responsive to diverse needs, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

 Our work supports the uptake of bioeconomy and circular economy practices, the resilience of food systems, and the adaptation of vulnerable communities to climate impacts. We help develop and test models of inclusive governance, promote community-driven innovation, and facilitate cross-sectoral policy dialogue bridging environmental goals with social impact.

 With strong outreach capacity and deep ties to local actors in Greece, the Balkans, and Belgium, we are well-positioned to lead or support activities related to engagement strategies, social readiness, capacity-building, and impact pathways in multi-actor, transdisciplinary projects.

[1] https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/11/eu-nature-restoration-law-ecosystem-2030/

[2] https://caneurope.org/nature-restoration-law-essential-progress-in-biodiversity-and-climate-action-implementation-will-be-key/

[3] https://www.thenatureofcities.com/2025/01/16/the-eu-nature-restoration-law-is-here-do-we-have-what-it-takes-to-make-it-work/

[4] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/biodiversity-strategy-2030_en