UPSC CSE Prelims 2025
The European Union (EU) has enacted the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). This landmark legislation represents the EU's first continent-wide framework for the large-scale recovery of degraded ecosystems. The law, which entered into force in August 2024, establishes legally binding targets. These include restoring at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030, with a broader objective to restore all degraded ecosystems by 2050. Its scope encompasses various habitats such as forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban green spaces. Furthermore, it incorporates measures aimed at enhancing pollinator populations, mitigating biodiversity loss, and strengthening climate resilience across the Union.
The World Bank primarily functions as an international financial institution providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries for various projects, including environmental initiatives. It does not possess legislative authority to enact binding environmental laws for sovereign states or regional blocs.
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is an intergovernmental economic organization that provides a forum for governments to work together, share experiences, and seek solutions to common problems. It issues policy recommendations, analyses, and reports, but it lacks the legislative power to enact binding environmental laws on its member states.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to achieving food security for all. Its mandate focuses on sustainable agriculture, fisheries, and forestry practices. While it promotes sustainable resource management, it does not have the authority to legislate binding nature restoration laws for countries or regions.