Italy Lags Behind EU Biodiversity Goals

Legambiente released a report detailing Italy’s slow progress toward European Union biodiversity targets. The organization identifies climate change, pollution, and human pressures as major threats to Italian ecosystems. They propose Nature-Based Solutions—interventions using natural processes—to improve ecological health and climate adaptation.

These solutions include restoring wetlands, reforesting degraded areas, and creating green roofs in urban spaces. Legambiente highlights several existing projects, such as the BUZZ LIFE initiative creating pollinator corridors in cities and the Po River restoration project investing 350 million euros. They emphasize the importance of inclusive governance involving local communities to ensure long-term success.

However, Legambiente notes that Italy risks failing to meet EU goals without a shift in approach. The report also points out that protecting key species like wolves and bears is vital for maintaining ecosystem health, and downgrading their protection could have negative consequences. Further work is needed to fully implement EU directives and update national laws.