The place for people in rewilding.

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Environmental Social Science

Background:

• Rewilding is proposed as a solution to the biodiversity crisis.
• The impact of restoring nonhuman autonomy on human-nature relationships remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conceptualize and empirically test human-nature relationships (HNRs) in rewilding contexts.
• To understand the diverse roles and perspectives of people within rewilding initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualized three HNRs: dichotomy, compromise, and mutualism.
• Conducted 51 interviews with actors in two British rewilding initiatives.
• Analyzed qualitative data to identify and categorize HNRs.

Main Results:

• Empirical data aligned with the three conceptualized HNRs.
• Human-nature relationships in rewilding are complex and often pluralistic.
• Individuals displayed multiple, sometimes conflicting, perspectives on rewilding.

Conclusions:

• A single, preferred human-nature relationship is not suitable for rewilding.
• Integrating a diversity of human interactions with nature is crucial for the global rewilding movement.