Returning to the Wild to Save Humanity?
Rewilding is now seen as one of the most radical approaches to preventing the collapse of biodiversity. WWF figures show that global wildlife populations fell by 73% between 1970 and 2020. In Europe, 48 square metres of natural land are sealed every second, and 271 UNESCO-listed natural sites are deteriorating. Rewilding projects aim to set practical examples. Across large areas of Europe, the Americas and Asia, ecosystems are being rebuilt, helping plant and animal life recover while also improving living conditions for local populations. These initiatives are closely monitored to assess their impact on biodiversity, climate and society. The results are striking – and increasingly difficult for politics and finance to ignore.
The session will open with a short video message recorded especially for FIFDH by Kris Tompkins, former CEO of Patagonia and now leading one of the world’s largest rewilding initiatives, spanning Argentina and Chile.
The video screening will be followed by a conversation between Serge Michel and Fabrice Delaye, who will reflect on his two years of on-the-ground reporting dedicated to rewilding initiatives and biodiversity protection efforts.
This event is part of the Agora section.
Zafer Kızılkaya
Mediterranean Conservation Society
Marta Calix
Head of Ecological Restoration, Rewilding Portugal
Lionel Cavin
Curator, Department of Geology and Paleontology, at the Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Genève
Camila Chebez
Rewilding Argentina
Fabrice Delaye
Journalist of Heidi.news
Round table in English only
