Examples of effective activities that increase biodiversity in European countries

Published on: June 3, 2025

Across Europe, countries are stepping up with innovative and diverse approaches to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable ecosystems. From legislative reforms and digital tools to incentive-based programmes and participatory frameworks, these initiatives reflect a growing commitment to environmental stewardship. 

Whether it’s rewilding farmland, integrating green infrastructure into urban planning or mandating biodiversity net gain in development projects, governments are increasingly aligning policy with ecological priorities. This article highlights a range of effective biodiversity-enhancing activities across European nations, showcasing both localised and nationwide strategies that aim to restore habitats, protect species and ensure resilient nature-rich landscapes for future generations. 

Innovative approaches for enhancing biodiversity in Europe 

Norway’s digital mapping services for environmental data 

Norway has developed open-access digital mapping services through collaboration among governmental stakeholders. These platforms offer a wide range of map layers across various themes, including environmental data on habitats, land resources, species, geology, and landscapes, enhancing biodiversity efforts. 

UK’s biodiversity net gain approach in development projects 

The UK has implemented a pioneering approach in the biodiversity offsetting market by requiring a minimum 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for most developments requiring planning permission in England, promoting biodiversity. 

Netherlands’ nature-inclusive design for urban planning 

In the Netherlands, nature-inclusive design is mandatory in many municipalities. To secure building permits, development projects must earn sufficient nature points through measures such as green roofs, wildlife provisions, ponds, and flower-rich vegetation, contributing to biodiversity. 

Belgium’s participatory framework for urban nature projects 

In Belgium, the Flemish Agency for Nature and Forestry is piloting a new policy framework emphasising the government’s facilitating role in promoting participatory and democratic values, aiming to foster local ownership of urban nature projects, enhancing biodiversity. 

Finland’s environmental offsetting and nature credit system 

In Finland, the Nature Conservation Act allows for environmental offsetting. Efforts are underway to further develop and define a voluntary nature credit system and market, supporting biodiversity. 

Sweden’s ecosystem services in planning processes 

Swedish municipalities are being supported in integrating ecosystem services and green infrastructure into planning processes, guided by a national Guidance for Green Planning framework to create sustainable living environments and enhance biodiversity. 

Denmark’s green transition agreement for land conversion 

The Danish government has signed a green transition agreement aiming to convert approximately 400,000 hectares of farmland into wetlands and forests – equivalent to about 10% of Denmark’s total land area, boosting biodiversity. 

Germany’s updated national biodiversity strategy 

Germany updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in 2024 and has allocated €4 billion through 2026 to implement the plan, which includes restoring a broad range of ecosystems, promoting biodiversity.