Hosted by Frida Nilsson, the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform discussed involving local and regional authorities and stakeholders to reduce air, water, and soil pollution by 2050 until they cause no harm to human health and natural services.
As part of the EU soil strategy for 2023, the European Commission has proposed a new Soil Monitoring Law aimed at ensuring a high level of environmental and health protection. The proposed Soil Monitoring Law is critical for addressing soil degradation and achieving healthy soils in the EU. Simultaneously, the current economic environment demands cost-efficiency and flexibility. Taking into account that Local and Regional Authorities (LRAs) and other local and regional stakeholders are closest to the ‘field of action,’ the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform showcased perspectives from panelists and online participants.
Supporting the Platform as part of the Green Deal going Local activities in the European Committee of the Regions, Frida Nilsson said:
“The implementation of future soil monitoring and resilience laws will happen at the local and regional level, and the quality of implementation will decide whether the legislation will succeed or not.”
“Soil is key for agriculture – I know this as a farmer. At the same time with so much diversity, flexibility and subsidiarity is needed. Local and regional authorities are all convinced we must act, but to do so we need resources and availability of the resources offered by the EU. In mobilizing resources at the local level, we can deliver policies that don’t increase red tape. So when discussing the right governing structures, resources and capabilities, it’s not a question of if, but of how we need to act.”
More can be found on the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform website. The stakeholder Platform session took place on 7 November 2023.
