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Interdisciplinary insights on climate-smart rewilding: Lessons from pioneering Dutch river transformations
Tim de Kruiff1, Cecilia Fraccaroli2, Nacho Villar3
1Institute of Food and Economic Resources, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. tdk@ifro.ku.dk.
Ambio
|August 4, 2026
Summary
Rewilding can restore ecosystems and adapt to climate change. Key factors for successful rewilding include embracing uncertainty, supportive policies, champions, and innovative funding, as shown by the Gelderse Poort project.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Conservation Biology
- Environmental Management
Background:
- Climate and biodiversity crises necessitate integrated solutions.
- Rewilding presents a promising strategy for ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation.
- Implementation challenges include land-use conflicts, societal issues, and governance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss transformative thinking elements supporting rewilding implementation.
- To analyze lessons learned from 30 years of rewilding in Gelderse Poort, Netherlands.
- To inform European rewilding efforts for climate resilience and biodiversity.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of the Gelderse Poort rewilding project.
- Examination of factors contributing to project success over three decades.
- Qualitative assessment of transformative elements and socio-economic impacts.
Main Results:
- The Gelderse Poort transformed from dry agricultural land to a dynamic riverine landscape.
- Rewilding provided a broader range of socio-economic services in a populated region.
- Key success factors included embracing uncertainty, supportive policies, champions, and innovative funding.
Conclusions:
- Transformative thinking is crucial for overcoming rewilding implementation barriers.
- Lessons from Gelderse Poort offer a model for European rewilding initiatives.
- Successful rewilding can deliver significant climate resilience and biodiversity benefits.
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