Companies support the European Union’s renaturation law
Vienna (OTS) – Almost 70 entrepreneurs and companies sent a signal in favor of biodiversity and the renaturation law and followed a call from the BILLA Foundation Blooming Austria.
Prosperity, economic performance and food production in Austria depend significantly on the sustainable use of natural resources, ecosystem services and healthy ecosystems. The renaturation law, the Nature Restoration Law, which has now been endorsed by the European Parliament and the EU Council of Environment Ministers, is technically undisputed. The law is an essential building block for the sustainable development of Europe and Austria. Almost 200 scientists from Austria communicated this in an appeal to you in April 2024. Blooming Austria – BILLA non-profit private foundation has therefore launched an economic initiative to support the implementation of the EU Renaturation Act.
Within just a few days, almost 70 companies based in Austria decided to join the call to support the renaturation law of Blühendes Österreich. These include companies from the construction, education, banking/finance, gastronomy, hotel, climate/environmental protection, agriculture, food/trade, tourism and economic initiatives sectors. The companies see the EU Renaturation Act as a crucial instrument for securing our natural resources in Europe and as a basis for future-oriented and sustainable location development.
“As grocers and companies, we are aware that the solutions to the biodiversity and climate crisis must be clearly addressed. Healthy food production in Austria requires biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. We therefore cooperate with BirdLife Austria and committed agricultural businesses through our BILLA Foundation. The Renaturation Act creates legal and planning security.”
, emphasizes Tanja Dietrich-Hübner, Board Member of Blühendes Österreich and Senior Adviser Sustainability at REWE Int. AG.
“oekostrom AG supports the Blühendes Österreich Foundation’s economic appeal for the renaturation law. “It is essential that we restore and protect our natural habitats to promote biodiversity and combat climate change.”
explains Ulrich Streibl, spokesman for the board of oekostrom AG.
Ronald Würflinger, Secretary General of Blühendes Österreich, would like to thank all supporting entrepreneurs and companies: “In addition to science, politics and the sectors of agriculture and nature conservation, the voice of business is just as important for the sustainable development of Austria.”
More than 1,400 companies worldwide with revenues of more than $7 trillion, through the Business for Nature coalition, have called on their governments to take action to reverse nature loss this decade. Austrian companies recognize this need. Over the next few years, Austria’s companies will provide massive amounts of capital and resources for the sustainable transformation of our economy and will actively help shape this transformation.
“As the largest independent multi-stakeholder platform to promote the circular economy, we see the Renaturation Act as the key to protecting natural resources, promoting biodiversity and ensuring long-term sustainable development – the basis for a circular bioeconomy and regenerative future.”
explains Elena Stelzig, board member, Circular Economy Forum Austria.
Blooming Austria also supported the Austria-wide petition by Wolfgang Suske and his volunteer support committee for the renaturation law. General Secretary Ronald Würflinger is a member of the support committee, www.renaturierungsgesetz.at. Wolfgang Suske emphasizes, “that the agreement from business and companies clearly shows that biodiversity is a cross-sector issue. For the most part, companies are a clearly underrepresented sector in the discussion on biodiversity and nature conservation. The 70 companies represent thousands of employees and, with their approval, show that the renaturation law is seen as an opportunity and a driver of transformation – as a strengthening for Austria and Europe as a business location.
In this transformation, the legislature and public administration have a leading role in strategic planning and the provision of an appropriate regulatory framework and must provide capital and resources accordingly. The Renaturation Act will bring legal certainty and clear framework conditions for biodiversity protection in Austria in the future – also for companies and agricultural operations. The list of companies can be found here: https://www.bluehendesoesterreich.at/node/11424
Questions & Contact:
Ronald Würflinger, Secretary General of Blooming Austria. wuerflinger@bluehendesoesterreich.at +43676702022