Rewilding as a Multifaceted Concept and Emerging Approach: The Romanian Experience

Gabriel Gorghiu (), Mihai Bîzoi (), Laura Monica Gorghiu, Claudia Lavinia Buruleanu and Ana-Maria Suduc
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Gabriel Gorghiu: Teacher Training Department, Valahia University of Targoviste, 35 Lt. Stancu Ion Street, 130105 Targoviste, Romania
Mihai Bîzoi: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Information Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
Laura Monica Gorghiu: Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
Claudia Lavinia Buruleanu: Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Food Science, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
Ana-Maria Suduc: Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Information Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Sinaia Alley, 130004 Targoviste, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-25

Abstract: We conduct a review of the multifaceted rewilding concept and rewilding initiatives worldwide, focusing on specific features and outcomes of European rewilding issues and Romanian rewilding projects. In this review of the literature and case studies, we undertake the following: (a) identify the definitions and thorough meanings of the term rewilding worldwide, including its guiding principles aiming at rebuilding the natural ecosystems; (b) map the international and European treaties and policies referring to ecosystems’ restoration, biodiversity, environment, sustainability, and rewilding-related issues; (c) explore the benefits and criticisms associated with the rewilding activities, including from a social perspective; (d) structure an overview on the tools used for rewilding assessment; (e) identify the projects and initiatives developed and on-going in Romania on rewilding. Our findings reveal a great diversity of topics addressed within the rewilding umbrella and also a significant growth in this area, despite the numerous challenges faced by experts and locals (e.g., understanding the context of rewilding and identifying the most suitable modalities of operationalizing it) and questions (such as the following: is rewilding a real need? will it bring benefits to nature and people?) that remained to be answered. In Romania, a series of efforts are being undertaken both by the government and NGOs to restore self-sustaining ecosystems and to raise awareness of this topic among different stakeholders.

Keywords: conservation; biodiversity; ecosystems; restoration; sustainability; rewilding (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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