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4 The business of rewilding

Many of the examples above show how non-profit organisations such as foundations or community interest groups can work with others to influence how land is managed. The for-profit sector also has an increasingly important role to play in rewilding.

Gravel bed restoration on the Ina River in the Oder Delta. Credit: Neil Aldridge / Rewilding Europe.

Rewilding aims to make the recovery of nature more profitable per hectare than more destructive forms of land use. This means there is an opportunity to make a financial profit from rewilding and for-profit businesses are starting to move into this space.

Some of the types of businesses involved in nature recovery and rewilding are:

1. Land agents, agriculture and forestry contractors who offer advice on land use and land sales.
2. Ecological consultants and contractors who assess and undertake work to help nature recovery, like removing dams or filling ditches.
3. Carbon and natural capital project developers who help create certified carbon credits and can advise on the different standards, codes and methodologies.
4. Real estate companies who buy land and may manage it for nature, creating a profit from carbon credits, forestry and rents.

If you are considering a career in rewilding these types of organisations can also be relevant places to look for opportunities.

If you already work in these sectors are there opportunities to raise or suggest rewilding ideas and initiatives in your workplace?