Coalition Urged EU to Adopt Nature-Based Climate Policy
A group of 31 organizations has called for formal inclusion of ecological restoration in the upcoming EU climate framework.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Environmental
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Natural Mineral Waters Europe and 30 other organizations have formally requested that the European Commission integrate nature-based solutions into its Climate Resilience and Risk Management Framework. The coalition advocates for leveraging ecological systems alongside engineered infrastructure to mitigate climate-related threats.
Why it matters
Degraded landscapes and compromised water cycles exacerbate climate vulnerability across Europe, threatening food security and economic stability. By formalizing nature-based measures, policymakers seek to bolster resilience against the rising frequency of floods, droughts, and water scarcity.
The proposal calls for a hybrid strategy combining nature-based measures—ecosystem restoration projects—with traditional engineered infrastructure. Currently, 30 diverse organizations including NGOs and professional bodies are advocating for these standards to be integrated into official climate policy.
The players
Natural Mineral Waters Europe
An industry association representing the bottled water sector that tracks regional water usage and environmental policy.
Ursula von der Leyen
The President of the European Commission who oversees the drafting of the upcoming Climate Resilience and Risk Management Framework.
The Nature Conservancy
A global environmental organization focused on science-based land conservation and habitat restoration.
WWF
A worldwide non-governmental organization working on wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
The details
Nature-based solutions refer to the use of natural ecosystems to provide services that address climate hazards. The coalition proposes that member states receive legal and financial incentives to restore landscapes and stabilize water cycles, which are essential for maintaining food production and human health. This approach complements existing engineered infrastructure by using natural water retention and soil health to lower disaster risks.
Timeline
September 14, 2026: The coalition submitted a formal letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The Tech Race
This development marks a push to influence the scope of the European Commission's pending Climate Resilience and Risk Management Framework. It follows a pattern where industry and NGO coalitions attempt to prioritize ecological interventions alongside traditional engineering in national adaptation plans.
Future EU climate frameworks may mandate landscape restoration, potentially altering land management and water utility practices across member states. These changes aim to stabilize regional water security, which directly impacts the long-term feasibility of agricultural production and civil disaster resilience.
The takeaway
The coalition is attempting to codify natural climate defenses into European law to counteract systemic environmental degradation. Observers should track the release of the Commission's draft Framework to see which specific financial incentives for ecological infrastructure are included.
Further reading
For broader context on European ecological policies, see Environmental.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FoodBev Media.
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Should governments prioritize nature-based solutions for climate resilience over traditional engineered infrastructure?
