ZERO calls for changes to nature restoration plan before EU deadline

Ahead of Portugal's submission of its National Nature Restoration Plan to the European Commission in September, environmental group ZERO says the draft has a solid scientific diagnosis but lacks interim targets, defined responsibilities, guaranteed funding and enforcement mechanisms. It notes over half of the 407 proposed measures lack geographic location, none names a responsible body or cost, and the first progress report is only due in 2032. ZERO warns Portugal risks repeating failures seen with Natura 2000, which led to an EU court conviction, and calls for annual reports, mapped measures, clear accountability and multiannual funding matching the announced €500 million a year.