This autumn, WWF Taskforce member Bianca Ștefănuț was part of a team helping to develop nature-based tourism in the Southern Carpathians rewilding area. Here she relates her memorable experience.

Rewilding Europe is delighted to welcome a new member from Portugal to the European Rewilding Network. Working to promote the nature-based economic development of the Serra da Estrela region, the Rewilding Geopark Estrela project takes the number of network members to 65 (including Rewilding Europe’s eight operational areas), distributed right across Europe.

One of the earliest showcases for rewilding, this pioneering site in the Netherlands has delivered huge ecological, economic and social benefits.

The release of European bison into the wild in both Southern Carpathian rewilding areas represents another milestone in the comeback of this magnificent and ecologically important animal.

Attracted to fish stranded in the Stettin Lagoon by August’s low water levels, the huge gathering of eagles drew crowds of photographers and nature lovers. The presence of so many of these majestic birds bodes well for rewilding efforts in the area.

Given a thumbs up by the local entrepreneurs who participated, the informative and inspirational event will hopefully boost rewilding-related nature-based tourism in the area.

Rewilding Europe is delighted to welcome a new member from Italy to the European Rewilding Network. Working to protect wolves in the Italian Alpine Arc region, the Return of the Wolf project takes the number of network members to 63, distributed right across Europe.

Rewilding isn’t only about nature – it’s about people too. The support, trust and passion of local communities will always be vital to the success of rewilding projects, regardless of scale and location. Gaining that support means ensuring that people can earn a fair living from the wild, and reaching out and building relationships through effective stakeholder communication.

By adding new Slovenia-based offerings to its growing portfolio, the European Safari Company will contribute to bear conservation and drive nature-based tourism development in the country’s Kočevje region.

This year’s second European Rewilding Network (ERN) webinar saw 13 participants from seven European countries come together online to discuss nature-based tourism.