The tourism sector has been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s second European Rewilding Network webinar saw 44 participants come together to discuss ways to mitigate its impact on nature-based tourism, and to accelerate recovery.

A message from Rewilding Europe’s Managing Director Frans Schepers on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our relationship with nature.

Extensively grazed landscapes have a higher insect diversity, because of the many effects of natural grazing. Under the terms of the GrazeLIFE project, our partner ARK Nature is studying one of these effects more explicitly: the ecological value of clean manure.

Six European rewilding initiatives joined the European Rewilding Network in 2019. Their scale and diversity illustrate the recently refocused network’s potential for fostering collaboration and amplifying results.   

Professional photographer Bogdan Boev recently finished a photo mission in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding area. As he says: “Powerful photography is a critical tool when it comes to rewilding communications.”

Volunteers can make an invaluable contribution to rewilding efforts. The latest European Rewilding Network webinar saw members discuss the best ways to engage and support them, and the resources required to manage a volunteering programme.

Rewilding could be a global warming game changer, not only in Europe but also farther north. According to a recently published scientific article, Arctic rewilding with large herbivores has the potential to transform ecosystems and the global carbon budget.

Rewilding and wildlife comeback are raising the profile of the Oder Delta as a nature tourism destination. By equipping local nature guides with the right skills and tools, the South Baltic Nature Guide Network is improving livelihoods, enhancing the tourist experience and ensuring sustainability.

Thanks to ongoing rewilding efforts, the diverse wildlife of the Velebit Mountains in Croatia is making a gradual resurgence. With the European Safari Company now offering a fantastic range of local experiences, there’s never been a better time to witness the recovery first-hand.

The three-year GrazeLIFE project is currently evaluating the benefits of various land management models involving domesticated and wild/semi-wild herbivores. This blog by Rewilding Europe partner ARK Nature provides background and details the Dutch NGO’s pioneering project work in the Netherlands.