February 24, 2026 EOCA urges outdoor community to sign “Hands Off Nature” petition
European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) is calling on the outdoor industry to support the Hands Off Nature coalition as European environmental laws face review and potential revision under the EU’s simplification agenda.
Nature is in crisis. One million species are threatened with extinction, 75 percent of land is significantly altered, and wildlife populations have declined by an average of 73 percent in the past 50 years.
At the same time, European laws designed to safeguard nature are being revised under what is described as a simplification process.
EU simplification agenda and environmental safeguards
The EU’s simplification agenda is gaining momentum. The anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR) faces delays and could be softened before implementation. The Nature Restoration Law narrowly avoided being included in the latest Omnibus, and both the Water Framework Directive and the Birds and Habitats Directive are slated for review in 2026.
Those who spend time outdoors say they see these changes reflected in the places they value, from disappearing snowpack to polluted rivers. According to EOCA, the impacts extend beyond recreation to drinking water, food supply, and public health.
This is why EOCA is joining WWF, BirdLife, ClientEarth, and the European Environmental Bureau in calling on European leaders to maintain existing environmental protections. The organization is urging the outdoor community to support the Hands Off Nature coalition.
The coalition’s demands
- Keep current environmental safeguards fully intact. EOCA states that existing nature laws are delivering results and require full implementation and enforcement.
- Reject attempts to dilute environmental protections. The coalition says these regulations are intended to prevent irreversible damage and safeguard the public interest.
- Respect scientific evidence and the citizens’ voice. The coalition states that environmental laws are grounded in research and democratic processes, and that citizens are calling for stronger protection of nature.
EOCA is encouraging supporters to sign the petition and share it with their networks.
About EOCA
EOCA enables its membership from the outdoor sector to create a positive impact on nature, biodiversity and wild places. It provides a mechanism for companies to invest in conservation and restoration projects globally, and advocates for nature supporting legislation at an EU and UK level.
Lead image: EOCA
