Rural Europe is changing rapidly: young people are moving to cities on a large scale and traditional farming is no longer lucrative in many areas. As a result, millions of hectares of land are no longer being used. A tragic development, but at the same time a historic opportunity to make more space for real wilderness. Rewilding Europe has been committed to this since 2011.
In ten areas of 100,000 hectares, nature is given free rein and disappearing species are brought back. For example, in the past ten years the number of European bison has increased from 2,500 to about 7,000. This will create nature reserves of international stature, Europe's own Yellowstone and Serengeti. One of the main building blocks of Rewilding Europe is the stimulation of enterprises that are grafted onto the sustainable use of this new wilderness landscape, so-called conservation enterprises. Such enterprises concretely demonstrate the economic value of wilderness nature in the form of employment and income. Wilderness tourism and sales of local services and products are potential sources of income. In short, a conversion from marginal, subsidized agriculture to a more sustainable and service-oriented wilderness economy.
The annual book LXRY List 2022 casts a glance into the distance, where new opportunities shine. Entrepreneurship with a view to a better world. For example, Rewilding Europe is committed to helping disappearing species by making space for true wild nature. And De Apostelhoeve is taking advantage of global warming by growing wine on the hills of Limburg and gaining international recognition for it. In addition to these burgeoning economies, there is also a focus on sustainable initiatives. Like Cartier's new Tank Must, a watch that runs on solar energy. And a lamp against light pollution. But the list also includes an over-the-top hotel stay at Château Versailles. Après nous, le déluge? No, but even in the new world there may be room to enjoy and experience.
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