[ECO]European Rewilding Conservation Study Identifies Vast Potential for Rewilding

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A major ********* rewilding conservation study identifies 117 million hectares of land suitable for rewilding across Europe.

A comprehensive ********* rewilding conservation study published in

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reveals that rewilding could be crucial in helping ********* countries expand their protected areas. Researchers have identified approximately 117 million hectares of land across Europe suitable for rewilding efforts, accounting for nearly a quarter of the continent’s total land area.

The research comes as ********* nations strive to meet the ambitious conservation targets of the

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for 2030. The strategy aims to protect 30% of land and sea areas, with 10% under strict protection. Rewilding, an approach focused on restoring trophic interactions and fostering self-regulating ecosystems, emerges as a promising strategy to achieve these objectives.

To map suitable rewilding areas, researchers developed criteria identifying large tracts of land with minimal human disturbances and the presence of key mammal species. They categorized potential rewilding sites into three size classes: meso-rewilding ecosystems (10,000-50,000 hectares), macro-rewilding ecosystems (50,000-100,000 hectares), and mega-rewilding ecosystems (over 100,000 hectares).

The ********* rewilding conservation study found that 70% of potential rewilding areas are located in cooler climates, with significant opportunities in Scandinavia, Scotland, and the Iberian Peninsula. These regions offer the most extensive rewilding potential and contain mega-rewilding ecosystems where key herbivore and carnivore populations already exist.

Passive rewilding opportunities focused on managing existing wilderness were identified in the Baltic states, Ireland’s west coast, and mountainous regions of eastern and southeastern Europe. Active rewilding, requiring the reintroduction of absent species, could be implemented in areas such as Corsica, Sardinia, southern France, the Netherlands, southern Denmark, southern Sweden, and southwestern Norway.

The research revealed that nearly three-quarters of potential rewilding areas exist outside currently protected zones, highlighting significant opportunities for ********* countries to meet post-2020 conservation targets. Eleven nations, including Estonia, Finland, France, Latvia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, and the ******* Kingdom, could potentially achieve the 30% conservation target by leveraging these rewilding opportunities.

However, the ********* rewilding conservation study also found that 17 countries, particularly in central Europe, England, Wales, and Italy, may need to focus on regions with heavier human disturbance to meet their conservation goals. These nations might require alternative conservation strategies, such as creating micro-reserve networks or managing traditional multi-use systems sustainably.

The researchers emphasize that while scientific mapping of rewilding opportunities is crucial, implementation will face challenges due to Europe’s complex tapestry of historical, political, and socio-economic narratives. Engaging stakeholders, using participatory planning methods, fostering dialogue, and proposing compensatory measures will be essential for developing sustainable, socially accepted solutions.

The ********* rewilding conservation study highlights several successful projects across Europe to illustrate the potential of rewilding. One notable example is the Oder Delta rewilding area, which spans Poland and Germany. This project has seen the return of numerous species, including white-tailed eagles, ********* bison, and grey wolves. Another successful initiative is the Côa Valley in Portugal, where reintroducing

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has helped restore

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grazing patterns and increase biodiversity.

The ********* rewilding conservation study also explores the implications of rewilding efforts in the context of climate change. Researchers note that large-scale ecosystem restoration through rewilding can contribute

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by enhancing carbon sequestration. For instance, the restoration of peatlands in Scotland’s Cairngorms Connect project not only provides habitat for rare species but also helps store substantial amounts of

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. Additionally, rewilded areas can improve ecosystem resilience to climate-related disturbances, such as floods and wildfires, by

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water cycles and promoting diverse, *****-resistant vegetation.

The ********* rewilding conservation study’s authors suggest that scientists should transition from being prescriptive to acting as “honest brokers,” presenting various scenarios, highlighting potential trade-offs, and evaluating the implications of different conservation choices. This approach aims to bolster accountability in pursuing the ambitious targets set by the ********* Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

As Europe observes decreasing cropland area and debates alternative land uses, rewilding offers a promising avenue for expanding protected areas and restoring ecosystems. However, the researchers stress that rewilding efforts must be tailored to local contexts and balanced with other conservation strategies to meet the diverse needs of ********* landscapes and communities.

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