European Union countries have approved a flagship policy to restore damaged nature, after months of delay, making it the first green law to pass since European Parliament elections this month.
The nature restoration law is among the EU's biggest environmental policies, requiring member states to introduce measures restoring nature on a fifth of their land and sea by 2030.
EU countries' environment ministers backed the policy at a meeting in Luxembourg, meaning it can now pass into law.
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The vote was held after Austria's environment minister, Leonore Gewessler of the Greens, defied her conservative coalition partners by pledging to back the policy - giving it just enough support to pass.
"I know I will face opposition in Austria on this, but I am convinced that this is the time to adopt this law," Ms Gewessler told reporters.
The policy aims to reverse the decline of Europe's natural habitats - 81% of which are classed as being in poor health - and includes specific targets, for example to restore peat lands so they can absorb CO2 emissions.
Ireland played 'central role' - Ryan
Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan welcomed the policy's approval, saying that he is "proud of the central role Ireland played in getting this law over the line".
"We did so by arguing in recent weeks for it to come back for decision at this council today, when everyone else thought it was dead," he said.
"Restoring nature is in the interest of everyone. We will have no food security if our natural systems are destroyed.
"I believe the public overwhelmingly want to conserve rather than destroy the natural world which enriches us all."
Minister of State with responsibility for Nature, Malcolm Noonan, said it was an "historic day" for nature across Europe.
On incentivising farmers, he said any measures will be voluntary, and that already tens of thousands of farmers were already taking part in voluntary biodiversity programmes.
"We really want the IFA and other farm organisations to come with us, to get involved in the whole process. The national plan will determine the measures that we put in place.
He said that the impact assessment will happen in parallel with the plan with it being in place for 2026.
Farm groups say 'huge uncertainty' over new EU nature law
The move by Austria's minister angered Chancellor Karl Nehammer's conservative People's Party, which opposes the law. The OVP minister for EU affairs, Karoline Edtstadler, said Ms Gewessler's vote in favour would be unconstitutional.
Mr Nehammer said his government would file a complaint at the European Court of Justice against an "unlawful" vote.
"No one is above the law," the chancellor's office said in a statement, adding that it would file a separate criminal complaint against Ms Gewessler in Austria claiming "abuse of office".
"No one is above the law," the chancellor's office said in a statement, adding that it would file a separate criminal complaint against Gewessler in Austria claiming "abuse of office".
Earlier Belgium, which holds the EU's rotating presidency and chairs meetings of ministers, said the Austrian government dispute would not affect the legality of the EU ministers' vote.
EU countries and the European Parliament negotiated a deal on the law last year, but it has come under fire from some governments in recent months amid protests by farmers angry at costly EU regulations.
Finland, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Sweden voted against the law this morning. Belgium abstained.
EU countries had planned to approve the policy in March but called off the vote after Hungary unexpectedly withdrew its support, wiping out the slim majority in favour.
Countries including the Netherlands had raised concerns the policy would slow the expansion of wind farms and other economic activities, while Poland this morning said the policy lacked a plan for how nature protection would be funded.
Additional reporting: Dyane Connor
