Joining forces for a wilder, healthier and more resilient planet

 

Through my former boss and colleague Magnus Sylvén, whom I worked with at WWF International and who is today Director Science – Policy – Practice, I recently learned more about the work of the Global Rewilding Alliance (GRA).

 

I immediately felt a strong connection between the Alliance’s mission and the philosophy behind VISION 52

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The Global Rewilding Alliance is a growing global movement bringing together organisations and initiatives that are working to restore healthy, functional ecosystems and give nature the space and conditions to recover. In 2026, the Alliance brings together more than 300 partners worldwide, is involved in 124 countries and continues to grow. Its mission is “to see rewilding mainstreamed in science, policy, and practice and bringing ecosystems around the world back into balance.”

 

For me, rewilding is not only about restoring individual species or habitats. It is about restoring ecological processes, connectivity and resilience – and demonstrating that nature can recover when we give it the opportunity to do so. The Alliance’s approach of connecting science, policy and practical action therefore resonates strongly with the work of VISION 52.

 

I have applied with VISION 52 to become a partner of the Global Rewilding Alliance. I hope that this will allow us to join forces and contribute our experience, networks and perspectives to this growing international movement.

 

One particular contribution I would like to bring is my long-standing work along the East Atlantic Flyway of coastal birds. The flyway connects ecosystems and people across continents, from Arctic breeding grounds to the African wintering areas. My current work on the second East Atlantic Flyway book is bringing together experiences and visions from many countries and from a wide network of conservationists, scientists and practitioners.

 

There are already many encouraging examples along the flyway and elsewhere where ecosystems are recovering, species are returning and people are finding new ways of living with nature. Sharing these positive experiences, learning from them and encouraging their replication could become an important part of the contribution VISION 52 makes to the Alliance.

 

The Global Rewilding Alliance itself emphasises the importance of sharing inspiring stories of nature’s comeback and its benefits for ecosystems, climate and human wellbeing.

 

I see this potential partnership as an opportunity to connect two complementary networks: the global rewilding movement and the international community working for the conservation and restoration of the East Atlantic Flyway.

 

Nature is showing us that recovery is possible. VISION 52 would like to help spread these stories – and turn successful examples into inspiration and action elsewhere.