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The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): State of the Art and Future Challenges for Italian Water Resources

Author

Listed:
  • Antonio Manzoni

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy
    Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy)

  • Manal Hamam

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Giulia Pastorelli

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Luigi Servadei

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Silvia Chiappini

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Alessandra Pesce

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Serena Tarangioli

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

  • Raffaella Pergamo

    (CREA PB—Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Agricultural Policies and Bioeconomy, 00187 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Among its various targets on restoring natural habitats and ecosystems in the EU, the recently adopted Nature Restoration Law (NRL) introduces ambitious targets for restoring surface water bodies (SWBs) as well. Simultaneously, the Italian CAP Strategic Plan for the implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 has been designed to enhance sustainable agricultural practices, including water resource management. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the synergies, gaps, and challenges between these two regulatory frameworks, focusing on sustainable water use in Italian agriculture. A two-level comparative matrix methodology is employed to evaluate the alignment between the NRL’s objectives for freshwater ecosystems and the measures taken by the Italian CAP Strategic Plan on water resources. The results highlight key areas of convergence, existing shortcomings, and necessary steps for aligning Italian agricultural policies with the EU’s water restoration goals. The findings offer insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders engaged in water governance, biodiversity conservation, and agricultural sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Manzoni & Manal Hamam & Giulia Pastorelli & Luigi Servadei & Silvia Chiappini & Alessandra Pesce & Serena Tarangioli & Raffaella Pergamo, 2025. "The EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): State of the Art and Future Challenges for Italian Water Resources," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:987-:d:1648602
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    References listed on IDEAS

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