Groundbreaking Guidelines for Rewilding Launched at IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi
In a significant advancement for ecological restoration, the University of Cumbria has been instrumental in the formulation of groundbreaking international rewilding guidelines, which were officially presented at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress 2025, held in Abu Dhabi. Developed by the Rewilding Thematic Group of the IUCN’s Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM), these guidelines represent a well-researched, evidence-based framework aimed at restoring ecosystems across the globe.
Leading the charge in this ambitious endeavor is Professor Ian Convery, co-chair of the IUCN CEM Rewilding Thematic Group and a distinguished Professor of Environment and Society at the University of Cumbria. Professor Convery was instrumental in co-authoring the guidelines, collaborating with a diverse team of experts, which included Sally Hawkins, a former postgraduate researcher from the University who is now contributing her expertise in Australia.
The development of these guidelines has been highly collaborative, drawing insights from over 60 organizations and involving contributions from hundreds of practitioners, scientists, policymakers, and community representatives. Such a wide-ranging consultation underscores the urgent and collective need for effective strategies in ecosystem restoration, an issue that is growing increasingly significant as the globe wrestles with biodiversity loss and the repercussions of climate change.
“It has been a privilege to help shape global rewilding policy through the IUCN,” expressed Professor Convery. He characterizes rewilding as a “bold yet pragmatic approach to ecological restoration,” emphasizing that it seeks not only to rejuvenate habitats but also to foster a harmonious balance between human activities and natural ecosystems. “The work of the University of Cumbria, from the Back On Our Map (BOOM) project’s species restoration initiatives to our pine marten reintroduction efforts in South Cumbria, serves as a testament to how research, policy, and localized action can synergize. These new IUCN guidelines encapsulate that same spirit of collaboration, science-based reasoning, and optimism towards constructing vibrant landscapes where both humanity and nature can thrive.”
The University of Cumbria’s Institute of Science and Environment has played a pivotal role in evolving rewilding practices through various research and applied projects. The BOOM project, which concluded recently, aimed to restore locally extinct species in South Cumbria, reconnecting fragmented habitats and actively engaging community members in nature recovery efforts. Building on those successes, the South Cumbria Pine Marten Recovery Project aims to re-establish a self-sustaining pine marten population, thereby bolstering ecosystem functions while increasing local involvement in conservation initiatives.
Professor Robert (Bob) Montgomery, a respected figure in conservation science and the Director of both the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas and Research and Knowledge Exchange at the Institute, highlighted the importance of this international collaboration. “This partnership is yet another example of how the University of Cumbria is fostering global alliances aimed at safeguarding the integrity of both human and natural systems,” he noted, reflecting on the broader implications of the work.
The IUCN CEM guidelines on rewilding offer a comprehensive overview of various rewilding methodologies around the world, while articulating a shared vision for the future of rewilding efforts. They aim to ground ecological restoration practices in scientific research while also integrating insights from social sciences, thereby providing a flexible framework adaptable to different environmental, cultural, and governance contexts.
As the IUCN World Conservation Congress continues until October 15, it is anticipated that discussions surrounding these guidelines will further elevate the discourse on global conservation strategies. This congress, held every four years, assembles a diverse array of stakeholders, including thousands of organizations, scientists, policy experts, business leaders, and professionals, all uniting to shape the future agenda for nature conservation.
The newly published IUCN CEM rewilding guidelines serve not only to promote ecological awareness but also to inspire hopeful actions towards restoring and maintaining biodiversity. As the world grapples with ever-worsening environmental challenges, this collaborative initiative may serve as a beacon of hope for sustainable ecological practices that benefit both humanity and the planet’s intricate web of life.
For further exploration of the guidelines and their implications, access the document at IUCN Rewilding Guidelines.
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