Rewilding Beyond Pristine: Decolonizing the Wild for Multispecies Autonomy

Abstract

Rewilding, introduced in the 1990s by Reed Noss and Michael Soulé, aims to restore ecosystems on a large scale through the creation of ecological corridors, the reintroduction of apex predators, and the establishment of core protected areas – known as the “three Cs”. Initially focused on North America, it gained global recognition after the publication of Feral by George Monbiot (2014).

While rewilding has achieved significant successes, it faces criticism for its perceived anti-humanist tendencies, masculine wilderness ideals, and romanticized narratives. Additionally, as “rewilding” becomes a buzzword, it risks losing scientific rigor and political relevance. Dolly Jørgensen warns that rewilding has become “plastic”, diluting its policy impact and reinforcing exclusionary, ahistorical perspectives. Kyle Whyte critiques the concept of “wild” for disregarding Indigenous relationships with the land and perpetuating colonial frameworks.

This paper argues that for rewilding to serve as an effective ecological tool, it must embrace a nuanced, multispecies approach. Rewilding should integrate ecological, cultural, and ethical perspectives, prioritizing equity and Indigenous knowledge while rejecting superficial rewilding washing. It promotes a vision of the “wild” as multispecies autonomy, advocating for co-stewardship and a regenerative, anti-colonial approach to conservation.