“Two countries and one Oder Delta”, a beautiful 16-minute documentary by Emmanuel Rondeau, tells the story of rewilding in the Oder Delta, which is shared between Germany and Poland. On March 22, at a well-attended event to celebrate World Rewilding Day in Goleniów, the premiere of the film inspired the audience.
Breathing new life into the Oder Delta
The Oder Delta, which is divided between Poland and Germany on the Baltic coast, is a unique region boasting a rich mosaic of terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems, strategically located on one of Europe’s ecological crossroads. Ongoing rewilding actions have seen wildlife begin to thrive in more natural densities here, with restored natural processes reshaping the landscape. Species such as elk, wolf, and beaver are at various stages of recolonisation – supported by measures to enhance human-wildlife co-existence on both the Polish and German side – while European bison and Eurasian lynx are gradually moving eastwards towards the delta from Poland.
The efforts of the Rewilding Oder Delta team, as well as the stunning natural beauty of the landscape and its iconic wildlife species, are showcased beautifully in “Two countries and one Oder Delta”, a new 16-minute documentary by award-winning French filmmaker Emmanuel Rondeau. The documentary premiered in the Polish town of Goleniów, located to the northeast of the rewilding landscape, on March 22, as part of an event to celebrate World Rewilding Day. It is the latest in a series of inspiring short films designed to showcase the work of Rewilding Europe, which are being produced with financial support from global law firm Hogan Lovells.
A portrayal of collaborative rewilding
Resonating well with the theme of this year’s World Rewilding Day – #RewildingTogether – Emmanuel Rondeau’s new documentary is an intimate portrayal of cross-border, collaborative efforts to rewild the Oder Delta, featuring interviews with both German and Polish members of the Rewilding Oder Delta team, as well as representatives of Rewilding Europe and landscape residents. It showcases a range of rewilding interventions in and around the landscape, such as the restoration of the Ina River, the rewetting of degraded wetlands, efforts to develop local nature-based economies, and the release of Eurasian lynx.
The documentary was well-received by the large and diverse audience at the World Rewilding Day event, which comprised forest and water administration authorities, local government representatives – including the mayor of Goleniów – entrepreneurs, farmers, volunteers, and residents.
“I was really inspired by this interesting and hopeful film,” says Radosław Wąs, Director of the Szczecinek Centre for Ecological Education and Lake Revitalisation. “I’m so glad that it will be available for public viewing soon, because I would really like to use it in our classes for young people.”
United for rewilding
The documentary premiere was followed by a panel discussion about different paths leading to a common goal. “Rewilding in four voices” as a conversation between four advocates of people and wildlife thriving together in a healthy, nature-rich Oder Delta landscape. Magdalena Tracz (West Pomeranian Nature Society), Marta Hapoń-Sobieraj (Foundation for Climate and Biodiversity), Piotr Nieznański (Rewilding Oder Delta), and Artur Furdyna (Society of Friends of the Ina and Gowienica Rivers), shared their life experiences with the audience and how they became involved with rewilding.
The discussion also received positive feedback from the audience.
“I was very moved and grateful that I could be here today with people who shared their passion,” says Aleksandra Ławrukiewicz, an educator and local activist. “Their way of thinking and experiences give me hope for the future of wild nature and people in the Oder Delta. I am leaving with my head full of inspiration for action.”
Invaluable support
Rewilding Europe’s work across our rewilding landscapes is supported by a wide range of highly valued partners. We would particularly like to acknowledge those providing core funding – notably the Ecological Restoration Fund, the Dutch Postcode Lottery, WWF-Netherlands, and Arcadia. Their longstanding support plays a critical role in enabling us to deliver and scale up rewilding impact.
Online premiere
“Two countries and one Oder Delta” will premiere online on April 3 at 1700 CET on the Rewilding Europe YouTube channel.
The partners of the World Rewilding Day event in Goleniów were: Rewilding Europe, Goleniów Municipality, the Goleniów Cultural Centre, the Society of Friends of the Ina and Gowienica Rivers, the West Pomeranian Nature Society, the Foundation for Climate and Biodiversity, and Komes Water.