What is rewilding?
The regeneration of damaged ecosystems
Rewilding is an innovative concept from nature conservation and refers to the restoration of natural ecosystems. Depending on the situation, this also includes the reintroduction of once native species. But what exactly is behind this term and why is it so important for our future?
How does rewilding work?
In contrast to traditional nature conservation, which often focuses on preserving individual species or landscapes, rewilding aims to restore natural processes. Initially, for example, dams or weirs are removed, but later human intervention is to be reduced, as nature regulates itself best. Formerly man-made cultivated land is transformed into a ‘wild’ habitat where native animal and plant species can thrive.
Where appropriate, species that were once indigenous or back-bred from extinct wild forms are also colonised. This restores food chains and other relationships between species and promotes ecological processes. From now on, the land is changed and characterised by the animal and plant species. At this stage, human intervention should be limited to protection. However, this does not mean that humans are excluded. Rather, the aim is to create sustainable coexistence. For example, gentle ecotourism opens up new economic prospects for rural regions. Hiking trails through renaturalised areas or wildlife watching create awareness of the importance of intact ecosystems and at the same time offer sustainable sources of income.
Keystone species
Keystone species – i.e. species that are particularly important for the regeneration of ecosystems – can play a decisive role in rewilding projects. In particular, top predators and larger herbivores ensure adaptations in the landscape. Predators such as lynx and wolves change the behaviour of deer and roe deer. They start to roam around more often and do not always eat the young tree shoots in the same places. The pressure on the vegetation decreases, resulting in healthier forests that can protect us from landslides, floods and erosion. By focusing on diseased and old game, the health of game populations is also promoted.
Large herbivores, such as European bison or wild horses, promote the biodiversity of many plant and animal species. They prevent reforestation and create a mosaic of meadows, forests and water bodies. They also spread plant seeds in their fur and faeces and provide food and habitats for a number of insects, worms and birds. But not only that, they are also climate protectors, as they stimulate plant growth and thus store more carbon in the biomass. Their weight and movement patterns also ensure additional carbon uptake by the soil. With their hooves, they literally work plant biomass into the upper soil layers, where the carbon remains conserved.
Keystone species are important for a healthy balance of animals and plants. They restore and maintain important ecosystem services such as clean water and fertile soil.
Why is rewilding important?
Today’s landscape is heavily influenced by humans. Agriculture, urbanisation and infrastructure have not only reduced the habitat of many animals, but have also disrupted the functional processes in ecosystems. The consequences include the loss of biodiversity, soil acidification and water pollution. Functioning ecosystems, on the other hand, serve as carbon sinks, regulate the water balance and contribute to soil fertility. They can also act as resilient buffers against extreme weather events such as floods, forest fires or droughts. By giving nature space to heal itself, we are helping to preserve the diversity of life and ensure a future worth living for generations to come.
Rewilding in Switzerland
There are already some very successful rewilding projects in Europe, particularly in the UK and the Netherlands. There are also initiatives in Switzerland that promote rewilding. One well-known project is the reintroduction of the European bison in Thal in the canton of Jura. These animals help to maintain the natural landscape by keeping the vegetation in check and thus giving other species space to grow.
You can also marvel at European bisons in the Zurich Oberland – in the Sihlwald Wilderness Park.
rewild
rewild is a spin-off of Carbotech, which aims to regenerate damaged ecosystems in Switzerland. In partnership with nature conservation organisations, land is acquired and regenerated using the rewilding approach. rewild offers companies the opportunity to acquire shares in the projects, known as Nature Shares. One Nature Share corresponds to a regenerated area of 100 m2. From then on, the companies receive an annual report with transparent KPIs on the impact of their investments. This enables companies to strengthen their biodiversity strategy and commit to climate protection projects in Switzerland. Find out more here.
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