Every year, on March 20th, World Rewilding Day draws attention to one of the most important global movements of our time—rewilding. But what exactly does "rewilding" mean, and how can it shape the future of our planet? In this post, we’ll explore the significance of World Rewilding Day and how tourism, often seen as a disruptive force, can actually become a powerful tool to educate and inspire people about rewilding efforts.
What is World Rewilding Day?
World Rewilding Day is a celebration of efforts to restore ecosystems to their natural state and reintroduce species that have been lost to habitat destruction, climate change, or human activities. It's a day to raise awareness about the vital importance of rewilding, which seeks to bring back the richness and diversity of life that once thrived in landscapes that have been degraded over time.
Rewilding projects—from restoring peatlands in the Scottish Highlands to reintroducing keystone species like European bison, wolves and lynx across Europe—are about more than purely conservation. They aim to create thriving, self-sustaining ecosystems that can recover naturally without heavy human intervention. These efforts not only benefit wildlife but also help mitigate climate change, protect biodiversity, and enhance local economies.
The role of tourism in rewilding education
We can all engage with and support rewilding efforts through nature positive tourism. The tourism industry, when thoughtfully managed, can be an incredibly effective means of spreading awareness, raising funds, and motivating people to get involved.
The benefits of combining rewilding and tourism include:
1. Bringing attention to rewilding areas
Tourism provides a platform to highlight areas that are actively engaged in rewilding efforts. Whether it’s through visiting rewilded parks, wildlife reserves, or protected landscapes, tourists can witness firsthand the positive effects of rewilding. For example, visitors to places like the Netherlands’ Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve can see the return of wild horses and bison, animals that are part of a broader rewilding project aimed at restoring ecological balance. These on-the-ground experiences make the concepts of rewilding tangible, memorable, and inspiring.
2. Raising awareness through immersive experiences
Rewilding-focused tourism often includes immersive components, such as guided tours, talks with conservationists, and interactive experiences that educate people about the significance of these projects. Learning about the critical role apex predators, like wolves and lynx, play in regulating ecosystems, or understanding the importance of restoring wetlands to mitigate flooding, can be eye-opening. By connecting these environmental principles to real-life examples, tourism can transform abstract ideas into concrete, impactful learning experiences.
Rewilding Apennines, one of MOYO’s key Nature Positive tourism training partners, is working with Rewilding Europe and other local organisations to develop “coexistence corridors” in the Central Apennines. Recognising the vital role that people play, Rewilding Apennines believes that the more they involve tourists, as well as local people, in their rewilding initiatives—through engagement in practical work on the ground—the more the initiatives can be accepted and successful.
“It’s important to align tourism practices and opportunities with rewilding goals and approaches, particularly when it comes to land management and wildlife conflicts.” - Valerio Reale, Rewilding Apennines - Enterprise Manager
3. Supporting local communities and conservation
Rewilding projects often create new economic opportunities for local communities, especially those in rural or remote areas. Tourism can provide a vital source of income that supports both rewilding efforts and sustainable development. By attracting visitors who are keen to experience and learn about rewilding, local businesses can thrive, creating jobs in areas like ecotourism, hospitality, and wildlife guiding. The funds generated from nature positive tourism can be reinvested into further conservation work, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both people and nature.
4. Inspiring action and advocacy
One of the most powerful aspects of tourism is its ability to inspire action. When people visit rewilding projects and witness the restoration of nature in action, it sparks a desire to be part of that change. Tourists return home with new knowledge and a sense of urgency, which they may carry into their communities. They may advocate for rewilding efforts, support policies that protect biodiversity, or even choose to support local and global environmental initiatives. The impact of these personal transformations can ripple out to others, amplifying the reach of rewilding movements.
Celebrating World Rewilding Day through action
As we celebrate World Rewilding Day this year, it's a perfect moment to reflect on the interconnectedness of all life and the role we play in preserving the natural world. Rewilding efforts are making a difference, but there’s still much work to be done. By embracing nature positive tourism, we can help spread the message of rewilding, inspire others to take action, and support the restoration of ecosystems that are vital to the health of our planet.
Find out more about our Nature Positive Tourism field training, in collaboration with Rewilding Apennines and Wildlife Adventures.
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