Paysage

Qualitative assessment of the impact of the Nature Restoration Law on socio-economic activities in Wallonia

Stratec was commissioned by the Walloon Public Service (SPW) to assess the potential socio-economic impacts of the European Nature Restoration Regulation in Wallonia. Given ambitious objectives, the Walloon Region wished for economic stakeholders to be consulted before considering how to transpose the European regulation into Belgian and Walloon law.

Location: Walloon Region
Client: SPW-ARNE: DNF – DNEV
Date: 2024-2025

Context and Objectives

On August 18, 2024, the European Nature Restoration Regulation, a central element of the Green Deal and commitments made at COP 15, entered into force. It set ambitious objectives: to implement restoration measures on 20% of EU land and seas by 2030, and on all degraded ecosystems by 2050.

Member States must develop a Restoration Plan to be submitted in 2026, with objectives adapted to their territory. The Walloon Region thus wished to begin by consulting the various economic stakeholders concerned to identify the risks and opportunities of the new law in socio-economic terms.

The mission pursued three objectives:

  • To qualitatively assess the potential impacts of the regulation on socio-economic activities in Wallonia in the short and medium term
  • To gather and synthesise the concerns and perspectives of the various socio-economic stakeholders
  • To formulate recommendations for drafting the Restoration Plan
Paysage

Methodology and Results

The study was based on:

  • An analysis of the regulation and its legislative framework
  • An environmental diagnosis of the Walloon territory based on various indicators, identifying concerned zones and sectors, as well as a literature review on restoration
  • Consultation via semi-structured interviews with stakeholders
  • A synthesis leading to concrete recommendations.

The analysis highlighted potential long-term benefits, but also risks of constraints for agriculture, forestry, and certain other economic sectors. Economic activities in rural areas appeared more vulnerable, while urban areas can leverage economic opportunities and improvements in the quality of life.

The study recommended financial assistance, enhanced dialogue, and incentive-based approaches to ensure a sustainable balance between ecological restoration and socio-economic development.

Graphique services écosystémiques
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