Policy Brief Series #4: Restoration of Urban Ecosystems – A Walk in the Park?

Cities are often seen as places apart from nature, yet urban ecosystems play a vital role in supporting biodiversity, improving climate resilience and enhancing people's well-being. The fourth publication in our Policy Brief Series explores how the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) puts urban nature firmly on the restoration agenda for the first time.

The brief explains the Regulation's new targets for urban green spaces and tree canopy cover, highlighting their importance for biodiversity, climate adaptation and healthier cities. It also discusses the flexibility Member States have in implementing these targets while emphasizing the need to maximize ecological benefits through high-quality, connected urban green infrastructure.

Read the fourth policy brief in our series to discover why restoring nature in cities is about much more than creating attractive green spaces.