Enablers and obstacles for implementing rewilding pathways in socio-ecological systems: Insights from the Oder Delta

Abstract

Rewilding gained attention as a transformative approach to restoring biodiversity and ecosystem functions in Europe’s multifunctional landscapes. Yet, its implementation in socio-ecological systems (SES) raises critical questions about the alignment of ecological goals with social values, cultural contexts, and economic realities. This article discusses enablers and obstacles for rewilding in human-shaped landscapes, drawing on a holistic, transdisciplinary analytical frame that integrates ecological, economic, and social dimensions. Using the Oder Delta as an illustrative case study, we discuss enablers and obstacles that shape rewilding pathways, including ecological factors but also inclusive processes, value pluralism, and institutional coordination. Based on the case-based results, our discussion offers insights on how rewilding could serve as a complementary strategy to established nature conservation. By situating rewilding within the complexity of SES, this article contributes to an emerging discourse on inclusive landscape restoration and the future of biodiversity governance, offering transferable insights for policy and practice.

Bibliographic Information