In recent years, Europe has witnessed a radically different conservation movement: rewilding. This strategy, which involves restoring natural processes with minimal human intervention, is bringing wildlife back to landscapes that have been altered for decades. From the forests of Romania to the marshes of Spain, rewilding is proving that, when given space, nature can recover surprisingly quickly.
What exactly is rewilding?
Unlike traditional conservation (which often focuses on maintaining specific species), rewilding seeks to:
- Reintroduce keystone species (such as top predators) that regulate ecosystems.
- Connect fragmented natural areas to allow for migrations and gene flow.
- Reduce human management, allowing ecological processes (wildfires, floods) to occur freely.
Iconic example: In the Romanian Carpathians, the reintroduction of the European bison (extinct for centuries) has transformed the forests. Their grazing habits maintain clearings that benefit birds, insects, and plants.
Why is Europe embracing rewilding?
- Biodiversity crisis: 81% of European habitats are in poor condition (European Environment Agency).
- Rural abandonment: Marginal agricultural lands become opportunities for wildlife.
- Climate change: Restored ecosystems are more resilient (they store carbon and regulate water).
Star projects in Europe (2025)
1. Danube Delta (Romania/Ukraine)
- Action: Removal of dikes to restore natural flooding.
- Result: 5,000 hectares of wetlands recovered; return of the Dalmatian pelican and sturgeon.
2. Scottish Highlands
- Action: Reintroduction of the beaver after 400 years.
- Result: Its dams have reduced downstream flooding and created new habitats for otters and waterfowl.
3. Pyrenees Mountains (Spain/France)
- Action: Corridors for bears and wolves between reserves.
- Result: Decreased deer overpopulation, allowing forest regeneration.
4. Odiel Marshes (Spain)
- Action: Elimination of eucalyptus plantations to restore marshes.
- Result: 30% increase in flamingo and osprey populations.
Key Species Returning
- Iberian wolf: Now in 25% more of its historical range.
- Black vulture: From 200 pairs (1970) to 3,000 today.
- Boreal lynx: Reintroduced in Germany and Poland.
Benefits beyond Ecology
- Rewilding tourism: Generates €150 million annually in rural areas (e.g., bison viewing in Poland).
- Fire protection: Large herbivores (wild horses) reduce flammable biomass.
- Mental health: Accessible natural spaces reduce urban stress.
Controversies and Challenges
- Conflicts with livestock farmers: Wolves remain a contentious issue in Spain and Norway.
- Invasive species: Some (such as the American mink) hamper efforts.
- Lack of funding: Many projects depend on private donors.
The Future of Rewilding in Europe
By 2030, the European Rewilding Initiative plans to:
- Restore 1 million hectares.
- Reintroduce 10 key species (including the snow leopard in the Balkans).
- Connect 25 cross-border landscapes.
How to Support the Movement
- Travel with purpose: Choose operators that support local projects.
- Donations: To organizations like Rewilding Europe or WWF.
- Education: Share success stories (e.g., the osprey is now nesting in London after 150 years).
Conclusion: A New Pact with Nature
Rewilding isn’t just nostalgia for a wild past; it’s a commitment to a future where humans and wildlife coexist. By 2025, every wolf howling in the Alps or every bison grazing in the Netherlands reminds us that nature’s resilience is extraordinary… if we give it a chance.