Rewilding means more than recovering wildlife populations and restoring landscapes. People are an equally important and integral component of the rewilding dynamic too. From bison rangers in the Southern Carpathians and nature guides in the Oder Delta to volunteers in the Central Apennines and entrepreneurs in the Velebit Mountains, Rewilding Europe’s work continues to touch and transform people’s lives across the continent. Four interviews showcase the diversity of this impact.

Located on the edge of the Greater Côa Valley in northern Portugal, the Vale das Lobas Nature & Health Sanctuary is working to reconnect people with restored nature and stimulate the local economy. Its addition to the European Rewilding Network takes membership to 62 across 27 countries.

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.

Ongoing measures to reconnect Lake Kartal with neighbouring lakes and the River Danube are seeing wildlife populations rebound and driving the development of the local economy.

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.