In a world of damming environmental news and the ever-looming threat of climate change, we could all do with a bit of hope. Host of the “Rewild” podcast, James Shooter, teams up with Rewilding Europe to shine a light on the passionate people and inspiring initiatives fighting back for nature. With monthly stories of nature recovery from Rewilding Europe’s pioneering Landscapes and European Rewilding Network, this summer the show covered the story of the Oder Delta.
Rewilding rivers
The revival of natural processes lies at the heart of rewilding, as it helps to create ecosystems that function as they should. Rewilding rivers means giving them the space and freedom to manage themselves, with dynamic, natural processes such as the free flow of water and flooding returning them to health.
Conservation in Action
During his visit, James Shooter interviewed Artur Furdyna – the hydrobiologist at Rewilding Oder Delta (ROD) and the coordinator of river restoration actions on Ina River tributaries near Goleniów (Poland). In the podcast episode, Artur demonstrates the current rewilding measures and shares how these actions help restore fish migration routes and create new spawning grounds, which are essential for increasing fish populations as well as water quality and the self-cleaning capacity of the river.
Artur Furdyna and James Shooter visit sites of river restoration measuresAgnieszka Soboń / Rewilding Oder Delta
Healthier rivers mean thriving communities
James’s visit was a great opportunity to showcase the engagement of the local community in the rewilding efforts carried out in the Oder Delta. The local team has been organizing tree-planting events and river cleanups that inspire collective action. Magdalena Urlich, Tourism and Education Officer at ROD shared how fostering a sense of stewardship and pride in the natural landscape, paves the way towards a more sustainable future. The key actors in this process are local entrepreneurs who are aware of the natural abundance around them and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.
Rewilding Oder Delta organizes various events to raise awareness about river restoration Rewilding Oder Delta
Join the rewilding journey
James Shooter’s exploration of the Oder Delta offers a compelling narrative of hope and renewal in the face of ecological challenges. His journey underscores the significance of rewilding as a means to restore nature’s balance and rekindle our connection to the natural world.
To hear more about his experiences tune in to the Rewild podcast. Discover the transformative power of rewilding and join the movement to protect and preserve our planet’s precious ecosystems.