News published: 18 February 2026, Updated 25 March 2026

On 25 March 2026 BGCI hosted a webinar looking at the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and how botanic gardens can support its implementation. Speakers for the session:

• Dr. Morgan Eleanor Harris, Researcher in European Union Environmental Law at the Department of Law of University of Roma Tre
• Dr. Marcello De Vitis, BGCI Conservation Officer
• Dr. Paul Smith, BGCI Secretary General

About the EU Nature Restoration Regulation

In August 2024, the EU Commission approved the Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR), which is currently being translated into National Restoration Plans by each Member State. Several articles of the Regulation involve objectives for restoring specific habitats and ecosystems that are degraded or have poor conservation status. These objectives are quite ambitious, and we expect a sharp increase in the demand for native plant materials to fulfil restoration goals for terrestrial habitats. Furthermore, when plant materials used in restoration are not genetically and ecologically appropriate, there is a high risk that projects will fail in the short term, or they compromise the resilience of ecosystems in the long-term. Botanic gardens hold the expertise needed to plan robust sourcing, processing and testing of native plant materials for ecosystem restoration projects. They also often have the skills to carry out educational and training activities around restoration, effectively monitor biodiversity, and assess restoration outcomes.

This webinar introduced the NRR and highlighted the expertise and competencies found in botanic gardens which could be fundamental to supporting a successful implementation of the NRR.

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