The EU Nature Restoration Law has been officially approved by member states.
It will be enacted across the European Union after being passed by 20 countries – including Ireland – at the EU Environment Council this morning.
The law requires all member states to introduce measures to restore nature on at least a fifth of their land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050.
Speaking ahead of a meeting in Luxembourg this morning, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan says the move will protect people, as well as the environment: