12/09/2025 | Press Release

Kassel team develops guidelines for the EU Nature Conservation Regulation

How can Europe's agricultural landscapes be restored in a way that benefits both ecosystems and society? In a recent article in the journal Restoration Ecology, a research team from the University of Kassel shows that a stronger connection between people and their environment is central to the success of the new EU regulation on nature restoration. Led by Prof. Dr. Tobias Plieninger, head of the "Social-Ecological Interactions in Agricultural Systems" department at the Universities of Kassel and Göttingen, the team, together with doctoral student Abul Bashar Polas and international partners, formulates recommendations for a socially inclusive implementation.

The establishment of trees and shrubs on agricultural land (agroforestry), as can be seen here on the Werragut farm in Eschwege, offers the possibility of renaturalizing impoverished agricultural landscapes and at the same time continuing and diversifying agricultural production.

The regulation obliges all EU member states to restore 20% of degraded ecosystems such as forests, moors and agricultural landscapes by 2030. Scientifically, this is considered a decisive step in nature conservation, but socially and politically the project is met with reservations. In order to reduce these hurdles, the researchers have identified five socio-ecological dimensions that are crucial for acceptance and effectiveness: Using landscapes as places of learning; incorporating rural and agricultural cultural heritage; empowering land users to take responsibility for their own actions; supporting multifunctional land use and anchoring participatory, cooperative approaches. "Social trends such as structural change in agriculture, urbanization and digitalization have led to the loss of many connections between people and nature. However, diverse opportunities to experience nature are crucial for the successful and socially accepted restoration of biodiversity in our agricultural landscapes in the long term," explains lead author Abul Polas.

Using examples from Germany, the research team shows how socio-ecological approaches can improve the acceptance and implementation of restoration projects. For example, renaturation measures could be implemented through improved cooperation between agriculture, nature conservation, administration and research - for example via local restoration councils or landscape conservation associations. The multifunctionality of restored areas could be promoted by removing political hurdles for agroforestry systems or paludiculture. Culturally significant landscape elements (such as orchards), traditional land use practices (such as sheep farming) or regionally produced food could also be systematically protected, made visible and integrated into restoration programs.

"The EU regulation on nature restoration offers a great opportunity. For it to be a success in times of multiple ecological and social crises, social and ecological aspects must be considered together," emphasizes Plieninger.

To the policy article: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.70278

What does this mean in summary?

EU regulation: restore 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030 (forests, peatlands, agricultural landscapes).
Success depends on the connection between people and nature.
Five guidelines: Learning in landscapes, incorporating cultural heritage, empowering land users, promoting multifunctional use, ensuring participatory implementation.
Practical examples show: Cooperation, cultural elements and traditional use increase acceptance and impact.

Contact:
Prof. Dr. Tobias Plieninger
E-mail: plieninger[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

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