Let's make the world wild again

What if the parks, rivers, and wild corners near your home could once again support the full range of species that once lived there, and what would it take to make that happen? This question cuts to the core of biodiversity preservation today, asking how rewilding might move from distant projects to practical local action.

Tompkins' Core Argument

Kristine Tompkins argues that humanity can actively reverse biodiversity loss by rewilding large landscapes. Her three decades of work in South America focused on creating and expanding national parks while reintroducing species to restore functioning ecosystems. She claims these efforts safeguard habitats and return natural balance, stating, "We have the opportunity to make the world wild again, to restore the balance of nature."

The reasoning rests on direct, large-scale protection rather than fragmented measures. By concentrating on vast connected areas, her approach allows ecosystems to recover as whole systems instead of isolated patches.

Intersection with the Biodiversity Crisis

The trending topic of biodiversity's last stand highlights the urgent need for innovative preservation methods. Tompkins' model intersects directly by demonstrating rewilding through national parks and species reintroduction as a concrete, scalable response. Rather than treating symptoms in small reserves, her South American projects show how restoring entire landscapes can protect multiple endangered species simultaneously and rebuild ecological processes.

This challenges narrower preservation tactics by emphasizing restoration over mere protection of remaining fragments.

Bringing Rewilding Home

Applying the same logic locally begins with identifying sizable public or private lands that could be linked into corridors. Communities could advocate for expanded park designations, support native species reintroductions where feasible, and remove barriers that prevent natural movement. The South American precedent suggests success depends on long-term commitment to scale and connectivity rather than short-term gestures.

• Map existing protected areas and gaps between them
• Prioritize native vegetation recovery on underused land
• Partner with local governments to secure park status for key zones

A Tension That Remains

While the opportunity to restore balance exists, the gap between proven large-scale efforts abroad and everyday local decisions continues to test whether rewilding can become a widespread practice before more species are lost.