Regional Programme for Libre Évolution (PRELE)

Project: Regional Programme for Libre Évolution (PRELE)

Region: Normandy

Type of project: Creating space for wilder nature, Magnification of rewilding impact and practices

Aim and vision: The aim of the PRELE is to develop a network of free evolving areas in Normandy, in conjunction with private landowners and managers of public natural areas. At the heart of the project is the free evolution of nature, enabling autonomous trajectories for dynamic ecological processes. Create quiet areas where fauna, flora and fongi can grow without human intervention.

It operates as a region-wide network of spontaneous rewilding sites, enabling private landowners to become involved in environmental protection by integrating their land into the network of free evolving areas. The program also focuses on changing the way people look at these spaces, and therefore includes a strong sociological aspect on the perception of nature.

Other activities: Community involved, Education, High-impact communications, Research

Results you aim to accomplish in 10 years from now on: Changing perceptions about rewilding spaces and developing a network of spontaneous rewilding spaces in Normandy,
Achieve 10% of Normandy's forests in free evolution,
Establish a coherent network of spaces in free evolution in Normandy as part of a strategy shared by all stakeholders involved in nature conservation in this region.

Inspirational value: Working on free evolving areas allows us to see the space we inhabit in a different light. This experience allows us to change our perspective, to step outside of anthropocentrism. It is a way to understand the resilience of other living species that inhabit and reclaim spaces that are unwelcoming to them, formerly exploited and polluted. Protecting areas that are only dedicated to the evolution of life, so that species can age and rest, without these areas being exploited for human economic purposes restores hope. This is a way of resisting the need to divide up, manage, exploit, know and develop every space. Free evolution: letting ecological dynamics take place, in a time frame that is not human time.

Experience you would like to share: Bringing PRELE's experience to other members of the network, sharing our knowledge of the ecology of our freely evolving sites, bringing the Rewilding Europe message to Normandy.

Experience you would like to gain: To be able to link up at European level with other initiatives dealing with similar issues, so as to be able to exchange and discuss the experiences of others. Get feedback and see the differences between rewilding initiatives in Europe.