Faith leaders join scientists and major businesses in support of the EU’s Nature Restoration Law

Posted on July, 10 2023

Representatives from major religions release appeal urging MEPs to vote in favour of the law on nature as ‘a moral obligation’.

In a collective call to the Members of the European Parliament, leaders from diverse faiths and spiritualities (including Rev Henrik Grape of the World Council of Churches, Robert Innes of the Diocese in Europe, Laura Morosini of the Laudato Si movement, Kamran Shezad of the Bahu Trust and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg of the New North London Synagogue) have united to urge MEPs to vote in favour of the EU’s Nature Restoration Law. This plea comes ahead of the final parliamentary vote, set to take place on the 12th of July.

In their joint appeal, the leaders say “As stewards of the natural environment, we have a calling to protect it for future generations, and a moral obligation to assist in the planet's restoration. We must envision a sustainable future for all of humanity, and this moment demands transformative action. [...] The upcoming vote on the Nature Restoration Law represents an opportunity to demonstrate a commitment to this shared responsibility,” calling it “a crucial step towards safeguarding our shared home and the myriad lifeforms it sustains.”

Their intervention follows those by major corporations, scientists and civil society organisations, as well as the backing of the law by EU Member States.

The upcoming plenary vote on 12 July is the last chance for the European Parliament to rise above politics and vote with its conscience - in favour of the Nature Restoration Law. The plea for MEPs to “demonstrate unity, courage and cooperation in supporting the Nature Restoration Law” comes as the law faces strong opposition from the conservative European People's Party (EPP) together with the far-right groups in the European Parliament.

At a vote in late June, the Parliament’s leading Environment Committee was split in half and thus formally rejected the law, which led to the original Commission proposal to be sent to the final vote.

This now presents a chance for all MEPs to follow science and their conscience, for the sake of Europe’s nature, climate, and long-term economic resilience by backing the law.

Wetland restoration in Person Island, Bulgaria.

© BirdLife.