Legally binding targets proposed to 'bring nature back' amid biodiversity crisis

The aim is to cover at least 20% of the EU's land and sea areas by 2030 with nature restoration measures. File Picture

Irish environmental organisations have challenged the Government to follow through on recent promises to tackle the biodiversity crisis after the European Commission proposed comprehensive legally binding targets to restore nature.

The Commission said its proposal aims to "restore damaged ecosystems, bring nature back across Europe and reduce the use and risk of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030".