People and rewilding
Introduction
In Module 1, you learned about what rewilding is and what it means in a European context. You also learned about the principles of rewilding, and that people are a fundamental part of the rewilding process.
This message was carried into Module 2, where you learned about the return of wilder nature in Europe and how we are learning to learn to live alongside it again. Engaging people is a key component of rewilding. We are starting to see a fundamental change in how nature is understood and appreciated in Europe. As rewilders, we can accelerate this shift. To do that we need to build support for rewilding and the recovery of nature, but who should we engage with and what are the most effective ways of communicating?
In this module you will dive deeper into these questions and learn what it means to build engagement, communicate rewilding's positive message, and provide new perspectives, all with the aim of scaling up nature recovery and amplifying its beneficial impact.
Learning outcomes
After completing this module, you should be able to:
- Explain the numerous benefits that nature provides to people and describe how fostering a connection with the natural world inspires efforts to protect and enhance it.
- Analyse the impact of urbanisation and rural depopulation on land abandonment and evaluate how rewilding can revitalise rural areas and create economic opportunities through nature-based tourism.
- Identify key local stakeholders in rewilding efforts and different contexts, including land managers, residents, and businesses, and assess their roles in the success of rewilding initiatives.
- Develop inclusive communication strategies that build trust and partnerships with local communities, ensuring their needs and perspectives are respected in rewilding projects.
- Communicate the importance of hopeful messaging in rewilding, highlighting its role in addressing misinformation, inspiring positive engagement and fostering long-term commitment to conservation efforts.