The Case for Coexistence: Why Integrating Science into Rewilding and Ecological Recovery Strategies is Key.

In the realm of conservation and rewilding initiatives, a scientific approach is paramount to ensure the success and sustainability of efforts aimed at restoring ecological balance. Wild Legacy is dedicated to integrating scientific rigour into rewilding strategies for ecological integrity.

In October 2024, a frankly impressive group of females, joined together to defend the wolf after the BERN Convention proposing to downgrade the Grey Wolf (Canus lupus) protected status. This proposal disregarded the science in favour of politicised voting fueled by fear. In the absence of any action being taken by NGO's and conservation organsiations, the group produced two scientific statements and circulated them widely for support. Nearly 700 Scientists signed the statements, acknowleding the validity of the science and the the real story behind the BERN Convention Decision.

You can read these Statements below (Letter from 700 Scientists highglighting the lack of science used in conservation decision making).

Is the EU letting politics decide over science when it comes to conservation policy.pdf

Download PDF • 479KB

The letters emphasised that not only was coexistence possible, but that it is also more effective than lethal killing for managing wolves around Iivestock.

Additionally, the natural behaviour of wolves and the needs of rewilding go hand in hand. Living with predators and other wildlife is a necesary step if we are to effectively restore more of our degraded landscape and so the idea of coexistence is something we should embrace in our efforts to restore the natural equilibrium needed for resilience. Ecological should not be a choice, it is imperative.

Despite best efforts and a clearly flawed approach, the decision to delist has gone ahead.

On the 19th February 2025 the legal appeal process before the General Court of the EU was accepted. Five Associations have requested the legal annulment of the EU Council Decision. Lets see if justice prevails.