Biodiversity

Belgium: Flanders Consultation on Scoping for PlanMER Nature Restoration Plan (26 March–7 May 2026)

The Flemish government has launched a public consultation on the scoping of the PlanMER “Natuurherstelplan” (Nature Restoration Plan) from 26 March to 7 May 2026. This early-stage step signals upcoming biodiversity and land-use measures in Flanders, so affected operators should monitor the process and consider submitting input where restoration priorities could impact permitting and future projects.

10 Apr 2026, 15:26inspraak.omgeving.vlaanderen.beBelgium

Netherlands Senate Publishes Witteveen+Bos Nitrogen Deposition Assessment for Energy Infrastructure and Natura 2000 Habitats

In April 2026 the **Dutch Senate** published a **165‑page Witteveen+Bos assessment**, commissioned by the **Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate**, on nitrogen deposition from construction of energy infrastructure and subsequent industrial decarbonisation across **143 nitrogen‑sensitive habitat types in 35 Natura 2000 areas**.[^2^](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/blg-1242754.pdf) Using worst‑case AERIUS modelling and a habitat‑by‑habitat decision tree, the report finds that temporary construction contributions of **≤1 mol N/ha/year** are ecologically negligible for most habitats, that only a small, already‑vulnerable subset shows a non‑negligible risk of quality deterioration, and that the combined effect of construction plus decarbonisation is a **neutral to slightly positive nitrogen balance** with **no generic ecological barrier** to energy‑infrastructure projects.[^2^](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/blg-1242754.pdf) The study is intended as an evidence base for potential Dutch national nitrogen‑permitting routes for energy‑infrastructure and industrial sustainability projects, while underlining the need for better standardised ecological data and monitoring.[^2^](https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/blg-1242754.pdf)

10 Apr 2026, 13:28zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Netherlands Sets Out Wadden Sea Nature Policy Framework and 2028 Management Plan

In April 2026 the Dutch government confirmed that a Wadden Sea Nature Policy Framework and a new Natura 2000 management plan, planned to enter into force in 2028, will steer long‑term restoration of the Wadden Sea in line with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation and the Birds and Habitats Directives. This signals that concrete conditions and possible additional restrictions on fisheries, shipping and other activities in the Wadden Sea will crystallise through these instruments, so operators should track their development even though this letter itself does not change existing obligations.

10 Apr 2026, 13:13open.overheid.nlNetherlands

USFWS Initiates 5-Year ESA Status Reviews for Eskimo Curlew, Spectacled Eider, and Southwest Alaska Northern Sea Otter DPS

USFWS has opened 5‑year ESA status reviews for the Eskimo curlew, spectacled eider, and the Southwest Alaska northern sea otter DPS, with new information requested from stakeholders and a comment deadline of 8 June 2026.[^2^](https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-06746#dates#:~:text=Comments%20will%20be%20accepted%20on%20or%20before%20June%208%2C%202026.) These reviews will reassess extinction risk and recovery progress and may inform future ESA listing or recovery decisions that shape conservation expectations and land‑ and marine‑use planning in the species’ ranges.[^1^](https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2026-06746#summary#:~:text=We%2C%20the%20U.S.%20Fish%20and%20Wildlife%20Service%20are%20initiating%205-year%20status%20reviews)

10 Apr 2026, 13:08federalregister.govUnited States

EU Parliament ENVI Committee Tables Amendments 29–278 to CAP Support Conditions 2028–2034

ENVI committee members have tabled a large package of amendments (29–278) to the draft CAP support regulation for 2028–2034 that would tie more of the budget to climate, biodiversity, pollution control, protein crops and higher animal‑welfare standards. If carried into the final post‑2027 CAP, these changes would strengthen conditionality on harmful pesticides and other inputs, expand support for agroecological and regenerative systems, and increase the share of CAP funding linked to measurable environmental and One Health outcomes.

10 Apr 2026, 12:39europarl.europa.euEuropean Union

Environmental Standards Scotland Adopts 2026–2031 Strategy for Environmental Law Oversight

Environmental Standards Scotland has adopted a five‑year Strategy 2026–2031, clarifying how it will use its statutory powers to oversee the implementation and effectiveness of environmental law in Scotland. The plan signals that climate change, biodiversity, circular‑economy/resource efficiency and water quality will be the main lenses for ESS scrutiny and enforcement, increasing attention on public bodies and regulated operators whose activities drive impacts in these areas.

10 Apr 2026, 10:16environmentalstandards.scotUnited Kingdom

EU Commission Adopts Delegated Regulation on Fisheries Restrictions in Nordvästra Skånes Havsområde (Kattegat)

The European Commission has adopted new fisheries conservation measures for the Kattegat region, introducing year-round no-take zones and seasonal gear restrictions effective from April 2026. Operators must adapt to stricter gear requirements, including mandatory acoustic deterrents and electronic monitoring, as part of a broader EU push to align commercial fishing with biodiversity and marine protection targets.

9 Apr 2026, 17:48ec.europa.euEuropean UnionSweden

EU Court of Justice: Commission Brings Infringement Action Against Cyprus Over Habitats Directive Conservation Measures (Case C-112/26)

The European Commission has brought Cyprus before the EU Court of Justice for failing to implement mandatory conservation objectives and measures for protected Natura 2000 sites. Businesses operating in Cyprus should anticipate stricter environmental permitting and land-use constraints as the state moves to rectify these conservation gaps.

9 Apr 2026, 14:25eur-lex.europa.euEuropean UnionCyprus

Spain Publishes Updated Mapping for Ramsar Wetlands Laguna del Conde o El Salobral and Laguna de los Jarales

Spain has published updated digital mapping and technical data for the Laguna del Conde and Laguna de los Jarales Ramsar wetlands, effective April 2026. Businesses with operations or planned projects in Andalusia must update GIS screening tools and environmental impact assessments to ensure alignment with these refined protected area boundaries.

9 Apr 2026, 14:11boe.esSpain

Andalusia Adopts New Forest Law With Phytosanitary Duties and Carbon Sink Incentives

Andalusia's new Forest Law (Law 3/2026) entered into force on April 9, 2026, introducing mandatory phytosanitary duties and a framework for carbon absorption projects. Businesses with land assets or supply chains in the region must prepare for stricter land-use controls and mandatory pest management, while exploring new opportunities for certified carbon credits and ecosystem service incentives.

9 Apr 2026, 14:11boe.esSpain

Netherlands RIVM Maps Biocidal Active Substances in Livestock Manure

The Dutch RIVM has published an exploratory study identifying biocidal active substances in livestock manure and mapping their potential environmental exposure routes. This study signals increased regulatory scrutiny of agricultural biocide residues, likely leading to empirical monitoring and future risk-management measures for stable disinfectants and pest control products.

9 Apr 2026, 10:32rivm.nlNetherlands

US NOAA Seeks Comment on Management Plan Review for Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA has initiated a formal review of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary management plan, seeking public input through May 2026. This process will redefine the long-term conservation and operational framework for offshore activities, potentially impacting shipping, energy development, and commercial fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

6 Apr 2026, 20:02federalregister.govUnited States

Romania: Cluj Court of Appeal Annuls Neonicotinoid Derogation Authorisations

The Cluj Court of Appeal has annulled Romania's emergency authorizations for neonicotinoid seed treatments, effectively ending the country's long-standing practice of bypassing EU-wide bans. Agricultural operators must immediately transition to compliant alternatives as the ruling aligns national enforcement with CJEU precedents, significantly increasing litigation and regulatory risk for non-compliant pesticide use.

6 Apr 2026, 19:55pan-europe.infoRomania

Minnesota NGOs Challenge FSC Certification Of State DNR Forestry Program

Formal complaint filed to suspend Minnesota DNR’s FSC certification over alleged procedural failures and non-compliance with wildlife conservation standards. This challenge creates immediate reputational and supply chain risks for timber buyers, signaling a shift toward stricter oversight of third-party sustainability claims.

6 Apr 2026, 19:48peer.orgUnited States

Italy Approves Legislative Decree Implementing EU Regulation 2024/1991 on Nature Restoration

Italy has formally approved a legislative decree to align national law with the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (2024/1991). This move signals the start of stricter national biodiversity and land-use requirements, impacting long-term planning for energy infrastructure and large-scale industrial projects.

6 Apr 2026, 19:41governo.itItalyEuropean Union

US Endangered Species Committee Grants ESA Section 7(h) Exemption for Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities

The US Endangered Species Committee has granted an immediate ESA Section 7(h) exemption for oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America, bypassing standard "jeopardy" mandates and consultation requirements. This rare national security-based waiver streamlines project approvals and mitigates litigation risks for offshore energy operations, signaling a strategic prioritization of domestic energy production over environmental constraints.

6 Apr 2026, 19:35federalregister.govUnited States

New York Senate Bill S09741 Proposes Bird-Safe Design Requirements for State-Owned Buildings

New York has introduced legislation (S09741) to mandate bird-safe design and lighting practices for state-owned and leased buildings during construction or major renovation. This signals a growing regulatory focus on biodiversity in the built environment, potentially influencing future procurement standards and material specifications for glazing and lighting systems.

6 Apr 2026, 18:45assembly.state.ny.usUnited States

Minnesota Senate Committee Schedules Hearing on SF 3915 Wild-Rice Water Pesticide Protections

Minnesota is advancing SF 3915 to tighten pesticide controls near wild-rice waters, with a key committee hearing scheduled for April 2026. Operators should prepare for stricter environmental impact assessments and elevated enforcement risks for pesticide applications affecting sensitive aquatic ecosystems.

6 Apr 2026, 16:45revisor.mn.govUnited States

Japan Environment Ministry Launches Consultation on Draft Invasive Alien Species List

Japan has opened a public consultation on a revised list of invasive alien species, aligning national policy with its 2023-2030 Biodiversity Strategy. This update signals future shifts in biosecurity regulations and pathway management requirements that may impact trade and operational risk assessments.

6 Apr 2026, 16:39env.go.jpJapan

Uzbekistan Cabinet Adopts Regulation on National Natural Heritage Objects

Uzbekistan has implemented strict protection for national natural heritage sites, effective March 17, 2026, prohibiting industrial activities and chemical storage in designated zones. Companies operating in or near these regions must assess site proximity to avoid severe operational restrictions, including bans on chemical use, waste disposal, and new facility construction.

5 Apr 2026, 19:38lex.uzUzbekistan