Policy Brief Series #5: Real World Restoration – Adaptive Planning under Uncertainty

Ecological restoration rarely follows a predictable path. Climate change, invasive species, pollution and other external pressures mean that restoration must be planned with uncertainty in mind. The final publication in our Policy Brief Series examines how the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) supports adaptive, science-based restoration planning.

The brief argues that successful restoration depends on continuous monitoring, regular revision of restoration plans and the ability to adapt measures as environmental conditions change. Rather than treating uncertainty as an obstacle, it presents adaptive planning as a prerequisite for achieving durable restoration outcomes under real-world conditions.

With this final brief, we conclude our series highlighting key aspects of the Nature Restoration Regulation and hope it has offered useful insights into the opportunities and challenges of restoring nature across Europe.