INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Rewilding in a European Context

BY FRANS SCHEPERS and PAUL JEPSON

ewilding is a powerful new term in conser- vation. Tis may be because it combines a sense of passion and feeling for wilder nature with Radvances in ecological science. In Europe, rewilding is gathering momentum as a young and vibrant movement of conservationists and citizens seeking a counterweight to our increasingly regulated lives, society, landscapes, and nature. It signifes a desire to rediscover the values of freedom, spontaneity, resilience, and wonder embodied in Europe’s natural heritage, and to revitalize conservation as a positive, future-oriented force. Rewilding is now widely reported in the European Frans Schepers Paul Jepson media. It is exciting, engaging, and challenging, and it promotes healthy debate and deliberation on what is nat- opportunity and indeed an imperative for larger rewilding ural and the natures we collectively wish to conserve and projects to link the restoration of natural processes with shape. In the context of Europe’s dynamic multicultural the modern economy and society. societies and landscapes, a distinct approach to rewild- Second, there has been an interesting resurgence of ing is unfolding – one that is shaped by our conservation iconic wildlife species in Europe over the last 40 to 50 heritage but that resets expectations of what is possible in years, both in mammals and birds. Wolf populations are European biodiversity conservation policy. In this article, rebuilding themselves in regions of Europe due to legal we present the latest thinking and developments on rewil- protection and processes of rural depopulation rather ding in Europe, with a focus on the eforts of Rewilding than active management. At the same time in large parts Europe and its many partners across the continent. of the continent, biodiversity is still decreasing due to the ongoing intensifcation of agriculture, forestry, and fsher- Rewilding in the European Context ies. Tus, the comeback of large carnivores is remarkable In Europe, just as in the United States, rewilding is and shows Europe has found ways of coexisteningwith developing in relation to the cultural and institutional such species, albeit not without challenges (Chapron et context of conservation. In the United States this context al. 2014). is infuenced by the wilderness ethic and the ability to Finally, the baseline for conservation policy in conserve functional ecosystems at a large scale. In Europe many European nations has been preindustrial agricul- there are some key diferences that afect the development ture, which requires the protection and maintenance of of rewilding. First, European ideas of the wild are wildlife-rich patches of cultural landscapes through active infuenced by long traditions of scientifc, recreational, scientifc management. Tis conservation approach, and cultural engagement with rugged landscapes. National which has been compared to restoring a painting that parks in regions such as the Alps and Pyrenees are much then needs curating, is at odds with the process-oriented more lived in and more developed in terms of recreational ethos of rewilding and the uncertain ecological and con- infrastructure than their US counterparts. Tis creates an servation dynamics this entails.

AUGUST 2016 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 2 International Journal of Wilderness 25 In the context of Europe, of nature conservation among Euro- • Reconnecting policy with a grass- rewilding is not synonymous with pean society. As such, rewilding in roots conservation sentiment and wilderness. It is about moving up the a European context is much broader a recognition that conservation scale of wildness within the constraints than “species reintroductions.” Te is a culturally dynamic as well as of what is possible. Rewilding is seen following principles are coming to a scientifc and technical pursuit as a process rather than a state, it is characterize and guide rewilding in (Jepson and Schepers 2016). about giving ecosystems a functional Europe as a distinct approach to con- “upgrade,” whatever their nature, servation. A Short History of Rewilding scale, or location. On a hypothetical • Restoring natural processes and Europe rewilding scale of 1–10, wilderness ecological dynamics, including A prominent factor in the emergence areas would already be at 9–10 and both those that are abiotic, such of European rewilding is the rise of restricting rewilding to this upper as river fows, and those that are functional ecology, which has exposed end would limit both its geographical biotic, such as the ecological web the extent to which in Europe we have scope and transformative potential. and food chain through reassem- come to accept degraded ecosystems bling lost guilds of animals in and introduced a new focus on A Working Definition for dynamic landscapes. restoring ecological functions. Also, European Rewilding • A gradated and situated approach, large-scale land abandonment and a Te scientifc literature presents a where the goal is to move up in substantial wildlife revival in regions number of defnitions of rewilding, the scale of wildness within the of Europe (Deinet et al. 2013) were but none fully captures the specifcs constraints of what is possible, identifed as a historic opportunity of Europe’s history, culture, landscape and interacting with local cul- for nature conservation and to build conditions, and the element of tural identities. new rural economies on wild values. coexistence, which are so relevant for • Taking inspiration from the past As a result, the number of popular conservation in Europe. In response, but not replicating it by develop- articles and books that connect Rewilding Europe published the ing new natural heritage and rewilding with public demand for following “working defnition” of values that evoke the past but more exciting engagements with rewilding in 2015 and is encouraging shape the future – with the point nature has increased rapidly during other organizations and initiatives to of reference in the future, not in the last few years. adopt it: the past. In 2008, conservationists in the Rewilding ensures that natural • Creating self-sustaining, robust eco- Netherlands, the United Kingdom, processes and wild species play systems (including reconnecting and Sweden began to explore the con- a much more prominent role in habitats and species populations servation opportunities presented by the land- and seascapes, meaning within wider landscapes) that these trends. Te group was particu- that after initial support, nature is provide resilience to external larly interested in engaging with the allowed to take more care of itself. threats and pressures, including dynamics of large-scale land abandon- Rewilding helps landscapes become the impact of climate change. ment of rural areas in Europe. Tey wilder, whilst also providing • Working toward the ideal of pas- were concerned that spontaneous opportunities for modern society to sive management, where once reforestation and declines in grazing reconnect with such wilder places restored, humans step back and associated with land abandonment for the beneft of all life. allow dynamic natural processes would result in a loss of the rich bio- to shape conservation outcomes. diversity, and that the exodus of skills, As such, rewilding is a multi- • Creating new natural assets that experience, and energy from rural faceted concept with three broad connect with modern society areas would undermine opportunities dimensions that interact with each and economy and promote to “steer” these landscapes towards other: (1) restoring and giving space innovation and enterprise in and a rewilded future where restored to natural processes, (2) reconnect- around natural areas, leading to ecological systems supported new ing wild(er) nature with the modern new nature-inspired economies nature-based economies. economy, and (3) responding to and that conversely also contribute Tis group was the founding shaping cosmopolitan perceptions to rewilding. inspiration for Rewilding Europe.

26 International Journal of Wilderness AUGUST 2016 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 2 Tey set an agenda by asking if we heritage and an essential element of a Rewilding Europe central team. could develop and launch a new but modern, prosperous, and healthy Euro- Beyond developing these 10 complementary vision and approach pean society in the 21st century.” rewilding areas as showcases for its to conservation in Europe that would Rewilding Europe has devel- vision, Rewilding Europe is work- address such opportunities and chal- oped an ambitious strategy to put ing with the wider conservation lenges, and if we could pioneer and this vision into reality through fve community to create a supportive develop these new ideas in practice 10-year objectives (Figure 1). Tese environment for rewilding to take in areas across Europe, providing objectives are being pursued by root. An important step was made new perspectives for both nature and creating 10 rewilding areas in dif- thanks to eforts of Te WILD Foun- people. ferent geographical regions and in dation prior to and during WILD10 After three years of prepara- diferent socioeconomic settings in October 2013 in Salamanca tions and fund-raising, Rewilding across Europe. Areas have been (Spain), where “A Vision for a Wilder Europe was created in 2011 with chosen where rewilding is possible Europe” was presented and signed by support from the World Wide Fund at a scale of least 100,000 hectares 10 European conservation organiza- for Nature (Netherlands), Wild (247,105 acres) within a wider land- tions (Sylvén and Widstrand 2015). Wonders of Europe, Conservation scape setting. By early 2016, nine Tis vision was a landmark publica- Capital, and ARK Nature. It pursues of these are operational and are run tion, for the frst time addressing a vision in which “wild nature is rec- and owned by local partner organiza- 10 key actions to promote a wilder ognised as an important and inherent tions that receive technical, fnancial, Europe, many of which are now aspect of Europe’s natural and cultural and promotional support from the being taken forward by the various

Figure 1 – Rewilding Europe’s five main 10-year objectives

AUGUST 2016 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 2 International Journal of Wilderness 27 signatory organizations. WILD10 sages rewilding proponents convey to and establishing natural grazing pilots also marked the frst specifc seminar the wider European audiences and to with a variety of large herbivores. on rewilding in Europe, involving key stakeholder groups, such as policy To support nature-based economic many diferent speakers and positions makers, scientists, and practitioners. activities, local rewilding businesses on this topic, further elaborating and In such activities Rewilding Europe and wildlife-watching experiences are sharing views and experiences. adopts a bottom-up approach, recog- supported – to name a few. Since 2011, dozens of rewild- nizing the fact that conservation is a ing initiatives have been launched culturally dynamic as well as a scien- New, Innovative Conservation independent to those of Rewilding tifc and technical pursuit. Tools Europe. An important recent devel- Rewilding Europe has developed opment is the launch of Rewilding Supporting 10 Showcases three novel and innovative tools to Britain in June 2015, which is open- across Europe support the on-the-ground work in ing up the conservation debate in the Rewilding Europe’s aim is to rewild these rewilding areas: (1) European UK and providing the inspiration for at least 1 million hectares (2,471,053 Rewilding Network, (2) Rewilding pioneering rewilding projects there. acres) of land by 2022 through the Europe Capital, and (3) the European Rewilding Europe liaises closely with creation of 10 wildlife and wild areas Wildlife Bank. Te European Rewilding Britain and other rewild- of international quality that will serve Rewilding Network (ERN) is a ing groups across Europe to promote as inspirational examples of what can growing network of larger and smaller alignment of rewilding approaches, be achieved elsewhere (Figure 2). areas in Europe where rewilding is taking into account the national In these areas, where the rewilding a key target and takes place in line context in which each is working. vision is pioneered in practice, with the philosophy of Rewilding For instance, land ownership is difer- natural processes will be allowed to Europe. Te network promotes ent in many European countries; in play a vital role in shaping landscapes sharing expertise and lessons, some, land is mostly privately owned and ecosystems. Among such natural creating a rewilding movement and (e.g., Spain), in others, large tracts are processes are fooding (including network across Europe. Since the state owned (e.g., Poland), and in still erosion and sedimentation), weather launch at WILD10 in Salamanca, others conservation NGOs own large conditions (including storms, the ERN now counts 48 members, properties and have great rewilding avalanches, and wind-shaped sand representing 22 European countries possibilities (e.g., UK, Netherlands, dunes), and natural calamities (such and a total surface of 2.5 million Germany). But it is not only land as natural fres and disease). hectares (6,177,635 acres) (Figure 3). tenure that is a key factor determin- Te nine areas selected so far Rewilding Europe Capital (REC) ing rewilding possibilities –user rights were identifed on the basis of more is Europe’s frst conservation fnance (hunting, grazing, fshing, logging, than 30 nominations from across facility; it is a revolving fund sup- management) of public, communal, Europe and detailed feasibility ported by a mix of philanthropic and and state land also provide ample studies on opportunities for rewild- investment capital. Since 2013, REC rewilding possibilities through engag- ing. Rewilding Europe is working has provided loans to 16 enterprises in ing with local stakeholders. with local partner organizations to 5 rewilding areas in order to leverage Te rise of rewilding projects develop rewilding pilots in priority carefully defned rewilding outputs as across Europe shows that nature areas within these larger landscapes. part of a pioneer phase. During the conservation is opening up to new Current activities include reinstating next phase, from 2016 to 2018, REC approaches in which the restoration natural processes such as restoring is expected to grow further. Con- of ecosystems becomes a priority river dynamics and fooding of former nected to this upscaling, REC will alongside traditional concerns of pres- polders and foodplains; supporting also extend its working sphere, not ervation of species and habitats. It is wildlife revitalization through the only including the Rewilding Europe important to promote exchange of reintroduction of species; reducing areas but also the ERN member areas. knowledge, expertise, and experience human-wildlife confict and devel- Te European Wildlife Bank to promote alignment and coordina- oping new business models with (EWB) is a live asset-lending model tion in rewilding approaches and hunting associations (including wild- designed to reintroduce and expand defnitions. Tis extends to the mes- life breeding and no-hunting zones); naturally grazing wild herbivore

28 International Journal of Wilderness AUGUST 2016 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 2 Figure 2 – Areas where Rewilding Europe is working Figure 3 – European Rewilding Network, April 2016 status populations across Europe. Land own- while 15 natural grazing projects Rewilding Europe’s approach. Tis ers receive herds of large herbivores in started in 9 diferent rewilding areas. requires the development of businesses a custodianship agreement and must that have a positive relationship with give back half of the herd after a fve- Building Nature-Bases Economies wild nature and wildlife – and whose year period, while keeping the founder Rewilding Europe operates in a commercial success is carefully linked herd. As an average, a well-managed challenging context for rural societies in to those natural values. We are work- herd doubles in size in fve years Europe. In regions where agriculture ing to demonstrate that rewilding can – if the grazing area extends, the land- is marginal, land abandonment generate new business opportunities, owner keeps the herd and enters a new is resulting in an exodus of skills, jobs, and income for society, thereby fve-year custodianship agreement, experience, and energy from areas creating an alternative and competi- and so on. In this way natural grazing with a corresponding negative impact tive form of land use for local people, and extension of naturally grazed land on local and regional economies. landowners, and communities. is being promoted, where the return While Rewilding Europe is primarily on investment is in animals. concerned with nature conservation, Rewilding in European Policies By April 2016, the European social and economic goals are also at Rewilding needs a supportive, Wildlife Bank hosted 580 animals, the heart of its strategy. We recognize enabling environment. Natural value consisting of 50 European bison, 300 that in order for conservation is under pressure across Europe due to wild-living horses, and 230 tauros,* objectives to be achieved, we need to economic and development pressures. secure the positive engagement of local In 2015, the European Commission *“Tauros” is the name of a bovine breed people in Europe’s rural areas as well embarked on a “ftness check” of its that resembles the original auroch (Europe’s as government policy makers at local, nature legislation. Tis move resulted original wild bovine), which is being national, and international levels. in a campaign, supported by a bred-back from old cattle breeds in Europe Te creation of nature-based petition with half a million signatories that are genetically close to the auroch. See https://www.rewildingeurope.com/tauros- economies in and around rewilding of European citizens, to maintain the programme/. areas is therefore a key component of legislation in its current form and

AUGUST 2016 • VOLUME 22, NUMBER 2 International Journal of Wilderness 29 focus on better implementation. level and published a policy brief that As a new conservation policy positions rewilding in the context “A challenge for vision, rewilding represents an of European conservation policy. European policy makers exciting opportunity to refashion We are encouraged by the willing- is how to find spaces in conservation for the 21st century, and ness to engage with rewilding ideas with this attract new investment and and think creatively about where nature legislation and generate signifcant social, ecological, supportive spaces can be developed policy that will simulta- and economic returns for the next few within the constraints of law and neously protect the gains decades. However, any new approach politics. In support of this process of the past and provide also involves risk and uncertainty, and we are forming a European-wide development pressures on Europe’s task force of experts to spearhead the flexibility to allow the protected areas (called Natura 2000 thinking in this area. Te emerging rewilding movement to sites), particularly in western Europe, message from citizens, scientists, and innovate and develop.” have resulted in a strict interpretation conservation practitioners is that of nature laws. we want to safeguard what we have A challenge for European policy achieved in protecting existing natu- References makers is how to fnd spaces in nature ral value, but we also want to reset Chapron, G., et al. 2014. Recovery of large carnivores in human-dominated landscapes. legislation and policy that will simul- expectations about what is possible Science 346(6216): 1517–1519. taneously protect the gains of the past from nature conservation policy. Deinet, S., et al. 2013. Wildlife Comeback in and provide the fexibility to allow In summary, rewilding repre- Europe: The Recovery of Selected Mammal the rewilding movement to innovate sents an opportunity for conservation and Bird Species. Final report to Rewilding and develop. Our assessment is that policy to shift gears – from a focus Europe by ZSL, BirdLife International, and spaces for innovation exist not only in on protecting and designating to a European Bird Census Council. London. Jepson, P., and F. Schepers. 2016. Making Space medium and larger Natura 2000 sites focus on restoration that “upgrades” for Rewilding: Creating an Enabling Policy across Europe, they can also exist by ecosystems, improves network con- Environment in Europe. London, Nijmegen: framing rewilding as a conservation nectivity, and creates new values for Rewilding Europe. agenda for the wider European coun- people in Europe. Sylvén, M., and S. Widstrand. 2015. A tryside, including smaller and even For more information about Vision for a Wilder Europe: Saving Our urban areas where ecological pro- Rewilding Europe, visit www.rewil- Wilderness, Rewilding Nature, and Letting Wildlife Come Back … for the Benefit cesses can be improved. Te strength dingeurope.com and www.facebook/ of All. Retrieved from https://www. of rewilding is its fexibility, which rewildingeurope, or download our rewildingeurope.com/publications/vision- derives from its focus on “upgrading” latest Annual Review. for-a-wilder-europe/. ecosystems processes, using the past as a source of insight and inspiration Note: Tis article is largely based FRANS SCHEPERS is cofounder and rather than a template for restoration, on a paper prepared by both managing director of Rewilding Europe; and willingness to mix nature, society, authors called “Making space for email: fransschepers@rewildingeurope. com. and a nature-based economy. Rewilding – creating an enabling We have recently initiated a policy environment in Europe” and PAUL JEPSON is faculty at the University dialogue with policy makers, practi- “Rewilding Europe’s Annual Review of Oxford, School of Geography and the tioners, and scientists at the European 2015” – both to be published in 2016. Environment.

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