Today we're virtually at the @RewildingEurope #RewildingSymposium and will be bringing you updates throughout the day on the latest science from european landscapes #rewilding
Paul Jepson of ecosulis the first speaker of the day, stating that #rewilding presents a new narrative in conservation fit for the 21st century. There are many actors shaping it, but in particlar its an opportunity for young people to shape and define their future environment
He says the science behind current laws in particular Natura2000 are based on science which is 50 years out of date. We need to redesign laws across Europe based on a new narrative and incorporating modern scientific thinking on rewilding
Next we move onto Frans Schepers - Rewilding European Landscapes. Who starts by highlighting the development and debates in rewilding science and the 'skyrocketing' numbers of publications. However he says most are based on opinion more than practice
Using the example of the Netherlands he points out that what is now called rewilding. Began as 'Nature Development' in the 1980's with projects such as OSV, Plan Stork and Living Rivers. They moved from defensive to offensive approach to nature conservation