“Getting restoration right together: A foundational digest on the Nature Restoration Regulation”
Published: September 2026
This report brings together an overview of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) with practical guidance on planning, implementing and monitoring ecosystem restoration. Developed by the Implementation Taskforce of the BiodivRestore Knowledge Hub, it combines scientific knowledge, restoration principles and examples from research and practice. It supports readers in understanding the Regulation and making informed decisions throughout the restoration process, from assessing baseline conditions to evaluating outcomes and adapting measures.
Who is this for?
The digest is designed for restoration practitioners, project managers and public authorities working at local, regional and national levels. It is also a resource for those preparing, implementing or reviewing National Restoration Plans, and for researchers, land managers and other stakeholders involved in restoration.
It covers:
- The NRR essentials: an introduction to the Regulation’s objectives, targets and requirements, and its relationship with existing environmental policies.
- A practical decision guide: a step-by-step overview of key considerations for implementation, including ecosystem condition, restoration needs, financing, stakeholder engagement and monitoring.
- Restoration do’s and don’ts: recommendations across five connected phases: assessment, planning and design, implementation, ongoing management, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Ecosystem-specific factsheets: guidance covering terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, marine, urban, agricultural and forest ecosystems, alongside river connectivity, pollinators and tree planting.
- Examples and further resources: research projects, restoration approaches and tools to support decisions in different contexts.
Key takeaways
- Establish the baseline and define success before starting. Assess ecological conditions, the causes of degradation and the local socio-economic context. Set measurable objectives to guide the choice of measures and evaluate their outcomes.
- Address pressures and restore ecosystem functions. Consider how hydrology, soils, species and ecological processes interact, and how restoration connects with the surrounding landscape.
- Plan for long-term recovery and a changing climate. Account for future conditions, ongoing management needs and opportunities to extend restoration beyond an individual site or project.
- Build participation and ecological expertise into the process. Involve stakeholders early, clarify responsibilities and ensure that procurement and implementation decisions support ecological outcomes.
- Make monitoring and adaptation part of the design. Plan all five restoration phases from the outset, including how evidence will inform adjustments. Monitoring should enable timely responses during the first years and support learning throughout the restoration process.
