For much of the modern era, conservation focused on protecting what remained of nature from further damage. Increasingly, a different idea is gaining influence: rewilding.
Rather than preserving ecosystems in their current state, rewilding aims to restore natural processes, species interactions and ecological resilience. This can include reintroducing animals, reconnecting rivers or allowing landscapes to recover with less human intervention.
Supporters argue that rewilding offers a more ambitious response to biodiversity loss and habitat degradation.
Projects across Europe and elsewhere have explored the return of species such as wolves, bison and wild horses, as well as the restoration of wetlands and forests.
The ecological benefits can be significant. More complex ecosystems may store carbon, reduce flood risk and support greater biodiversity.
However, rewilding is not without controversy. Farmers, landowners and local communities sometimes worry about land use, livestock safety or economic impacts.
Experts say successful projects usually depend on balancing ecological goals with social realities.
The future of conservation may therefore involve not only protecting nature, but allowing it to become wilder again.
