Join us for an inspiring journey into the heart of nature recovery. The Rewilding Our World conference brings together leading voices, practitioners, and communities from around the globe to explore bold, innovative pathways for restoring ecosystems and reimagining our relationship with the natural world.

Day 1: 20 September 2025

9.30

Welcome & Opening Remarks Opening ceremony by
Chair: Michele Robson
1. Video messages
2. Introduction of the Global Rewilding Manifesto

9.45

Opening act and warm-up by stand-up comedian Rogier Bak

10.00

Community-Centred Conservation and Rewilding   Dr. Purnima Devi Barman UN Champion of the Earth, Hargila Army, Assam, India & Director of Species Restoration & Community Climate Education, Rewilding Academy
Purnima Devi Barman, a wildlife biologist from Assam, India, founded the Hargila Army, mobilizing 20,000+ women to protect the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork. A Whitley Gold Award winner, she has quadrupled the stork population in Assam and earned global acclaim, including the UN Champions of the Earth Award, is one of Times Women of the year 2025, is a TEDx speaker and was featured by National Geographic.

10.30

Legacy of Conservation and Rewilding
Sir Humphry Wakefield
2nd Baronet, FRGS Wilderness Pioneer & Heritage Rewilder
Sir Humphry Wakefield, custodian of Chillingham Castle and its iconic wild cattle, has long championed conservation and rewilding. He co-founded the Wilderness Foundation with Dr. Ian Player and Laurens van der Post, later leading land restoration initiatives in North Africa. A trustee of the Chillingham Wild Cattle Association and director of the Tree of Life Foundation, he integrates heritage, forestry, and philanthropy with global conservation leadership, reflecting a lifelong commitment to restoring wild nature and ecological resilience.

11.00

 Coffee & Tea Break

11.20

Oostvaardersplassen en the role of loss of aversion   Dr. Frans Vera Biologist and Conservation Specialist, Pioneer in rewilding in the Netherlands   Frans Vera is a Dutch biologist and founding father of rewilding in the Netherlands, known for the “wood-pasture hypothesis,” which challenges traditional views of European primeval landscapes. His influential work at Oostvaardersplassen and key publications shaped rewilding strategies and conservation practices. Vera has also led the restoration of rivers and floodplains through the Stork Plan (Plan Ooievaar), reintroducing natural dynamics to restore biodiversity and enhance ecological resilience in Dutch river landscapes.

11:50

Awards Ceremony

12.05

Rewilding & Reintroduction   Derek Gow Conservationist, farmer, and author, Devon, United Kingdom   Derek Gow is a British conservationist, farmer, and author, renowned for his work in species reintroduction and rewilding. He has successfully restored species like beavers, white storks, and wildcats to the UK, turning his Devon farm into a model for rewilding with native species. Gow has authored Bringing Back the Beaver and Hunt for the Shadow Wolf, advocating for the reintroduction of apex predators like wolves. His pioneering work in conservation aims to reverse biodiversity loss and reshape Britain’s natural landscapes through bold, transformative projects.

12.50

Q&A session, moderation by
Conference Chair:
Michele Robson

Speakers: Purnima Devi Barman, Sir Humphyry Wakefield, Frans Vera, Derek Gow

13.00

Buffet & Networking Lunch

14.00

Wildlife Rescue and Rewilding   Dr. Sulaiman Tameer Wildlife Veterinarian & Rescue Specialist, Kurdistan Organisation for Animal Rights Protection, Iraq   Sulaiman Tameer, an award-winning wildlife veterinarian from Kurdistan, Iraq, is a pioneer in animal rights and conservation. Founder of the Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection, he authored Iraq’s first animal rights law and leads wildlife rescue and rehab efforts, inspiring regional action for animal welfare and conservation. Featured in many documentaries, Sulaiman was also host to an episode of the famous Dutch tv-series “Floortje gaat mee”, with Floortje Dessing and photographer Jasper Doest.

14.30

From past to future: Unlocking the potential of the palaeoecological record for nature restoration challenges

 Prof. Danielle Schreve Palaeoecologist and Biogeographer, University of Bristol   With a background in physical geography, palaeontology, and archaeology, Danielle Schreve has developed a model for understanding climate and environmental changes in north-west Europe over the last 500,000 years, widely adopted in various scientific fields. Fossil faunal and floral collections have traditionally been used for diverse purposes, from reconstructing past environments and dating geological sequences to the interpretation of early human diet. However, one area of investigation that has been so far less commonly exploited concerns the information that these collections can shed on past climate change and biodiversity for future conservation purposes. Data from Quaternary palaeoecological studies (last 2.6 million years) are increasingly applied to modern conservation challenges via the emerging field of conservation palaeobiology, a new integrative approach that draws on fossil and historical records to inform the conservation, management and restoration of species, communities and ecosystems beyond the limited time frame of direct human observations. This information can contribute not only to the identification of populations and species of conservation concern but also to the design and management of protected areas, to the regeneration of whole landscapes and the reintroduction of individual species or proxies. Drawing on examples from recent and current research, this presentation will illustrate the potential of fossil collections and historical archives to provide critical new information for guiding nature restoration.

15.00

Social acceptance of rewilding with large herbivores   Dr. ir. Susanne Vogel Interdisciplinary Conservation Scientist, Open University
Susanne Vogel is an assistant professor in socio-ecological modeling at the Open University, specialising in human-wildlife interactions. She integrates ecology and social science to study coexistence between people and large herbivores, particularly African elephants, and works with NGOs and communities on conflict mitigation and coexistence strategies.

The importance of large herbivores for biodiversity conservation   Szymon Czyżewski M.Sc. Ecologist   Szymon Czyżewski is a PhD researcher at Aarhus University’s Center for Novel Ecosystem Dynamics. His work explores the role of large herbivores in shaping vegetation and biodiversity, aiming to define a pre-Homo sapiens baseline for European forests. He promotes trophic rewilding in Poland and supports local NGOs in creating rewilding reserves.

15.40

Refuel & Refresh – Tea & Refreshments Break

16:00

Rewilding, a Climate Strategy

Reinier van den Berg
Meteorologist, climate change expert, former RTL4 weather host, the Netherlands

 Reinier van den Berg is a Dutch meteorologist, environmental advocate, and former RTL4 weather presenter. Passionate about nature and sustainability, van den Berg has actively engaged in climate research, including expeditions to Greenland. As Rewilding Academy’s ambassador, he promotes rewilding as a powerful, nature-based solution to climate challenges, fostering resilience for people and the planet.

16.30

The European Wildcat in Germany   Stefanie Huck Wildlife keeper and Chief Animal Caretaker
Stefanie Huck is Chief Animal Caretaker at Retscheider Hof e.V., specialising in the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of polecats and wildcats. Alongside her hands-on conservation work, she leads nationwide monitoring and research to support the long-term survival of these carnivores.

17.00

Wild Horses, Wild Landscapes

 Lucy Rees Ethologist, Pioneer of Equine Ethology and Rewilding
Lucy Rees, Welsh ethologist and horse trainer, is renowned for her pioneering studies of wild and feral horses. Through the Pottokas en Piornal project in Spain, she demonstrates how free-roaming ponies shape landscapes and social bonds, advancing understanding of equine behavior while contributing to conservation, rewilding, and ecosystem restoration.

17.30

Panel Discussion   Trailblazers in Rewilding, From Vision to Action
Panel: Purnima Devi Barman, Derek Gow, Danielle Schreve, Frans Vera, Leo Linnartz Meet the pioneers pushing the boundaries of nature recovery. This panel brings together leading voices in rewilding to share bold ideas, practical lessons, and fresh visions for restoring ecosystems and reconnecting people with the wild.

20.00

Film Screening: Kees’ Backyard – A Year on the Veluwe through the Eyes of a Naturalist  

Q&A:
Kees Ravensbergen, Filmmaker Marcel Everts  

In this film, viewers follow Kees Ravensbergen through the ‘backyard’ of the Netherlands—the Veluwe. Filmmaker Marcel Everts, inspired by Kees’ lifetime of unique wildlife footage, creates a journey through the seasons, capturing everything from large game to returning species and intimate natural moments across this remarkable landscape.

Day 2: 21 September 2025

9.00

Day 2 – Welcome & Opening Remarks
Chair: Michele Robson

9:10

Rewilding human dominated landscapes   Prof. Liesbeth Bakker
Professor in Rewilding Ecology
Liesbeth Bakker a wetland and wildlife ecologist studying how wildlife shapes biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and landscapes under global change. She is a senior scientist at NIOO-KNAW and the first professor of Rewilding Ecology at Wageningen University. Her work bridges science and practice to advance rewilding and restoration ecology.

9:40

Global rewilding as a beacon of hope   Alister Scott Executive director of the Global Rewilding Alliance
Alister Scott is the Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, a worldwide organisation dedicatedto mainstreaming rewilding in science, policy, and practice globally by 2030. It serves as an umbrella body, supporting over 250 partner organizations across every continent that are actively restoring ecosystems and reintroducing species

10.00

Megafauna and rewilding   Leo Linnartz Ecologist and Conservation Specialist   Leo Linnartz is a Dutch ecologist specialising in landscape restoration, biodiversity conservation, and rewilding. He has led and contributed to numerous European habitat restoration projects, combining ecological research with practical land management. His work focuses on large herbivores and their role in ecosystem resilience, while promoting the integration of ecological science into policy and global nature recovery efforts.

10:25

Leo Linnartz presents the inaugural copy of his new book Natuurlijke processen in Nederland — a beautifully written, deeply grounded guide to the natural processes that shape Dutch ecosystems and how we can support them through rewilding. First copies handed to Frans Vera, Liesbeth Bakker and Patrick Jansen.

10.30

Morning Coffee / Tea Break

10.45

Rewilding the implementation of Conservation policy: experiences from the Netherlands.   Prof. Dr. Ir. Raoul Beunen Environmental Governance Expert

Prof. Raoul Beunen, professor of Environmental Governance at the Open University, specializes in sustainability transitions and biodiversity policy. Natura 2000 is the cornerstone of conservation policy in Europe. Legal protection of species and their habitats and ecological restoration have been highly succesful. Despite these achievements, the implementation of Natura 2000 still faces considerable challenges and needs to be improved. In his presentation professor Beunen will reflect on the implementation of Natura 2000 in the Netherland, highlighighing key obstacles and discussing how rewilding ideas can be harnassed to enhance the effectiveness of conservation policy.

11.15

Agriwilding: Food forests & Agroforestry   Wouter van Eck Food forest pioneer, farmer, expert
Wouter van Eck is a pioneer of the Dutch food forest movement and co-founder of Food Forest Ketelbroek, the country’s best-known example. As chair of Stichting Voedselbosbouw Nederland, he helps farmers shift to regenerative practices, combining deep botanical knowledge with decades of activism.   Dr. Euridice Leyequien Professor Forested Landscapes   Eurídice Leyequién is a researcher and advisor with over 20 years of experience in agroforestry and climate-smart ecosystem management. She bridges science, policy, and practice to promote sustainable livelihoods and nature restoration in forested and delta landscapes.  

12:15

Q&A session, moderation by
Conference Chair:
Michele Robson
Speakers:  Liesbeth Bakker, Alister Scot, Leo Linnartz, Raoul Beunen, Wouter van Eck, Euridice Leyequien  

12.30

Buffet & Networking Lunch

13.30

Rewilding from a butterfly perspective   Prof. Dr. Michiel Wallis de Vries Insect Conservation Expert
Prof. Dr. Michiel Wallis de Vries is an emeritus professor in Insect Ecology at Wageningen University and has worked for over 25 years in butterfly conservation at De Vlinderstichting. His research focuses on biodiversity impacts of global change and land management, with rewilding emerging as a promising strategy for insect recovery.

14.00

Brown Bears and Rewilding   Bernd Nonnenmacher General Manager Foundation For Bears
Bernd Nonnenmacher, Managing Director of the Alternative Bear Park Worbis, transitioned from international business consultancy to wildlife conservation, driven by a lifelong passion for bears, wolves, and lynxes. He has overseen the rescue of 16 bears, 16 wolves, and 6 lynxes, advocating for animal welfare and ecosystem restoration. Bernd believes in cross-border collaboration to create lasting change for both wildlife and people.

14.30

Chemical Pollution and Rewilding   Walter Schrader Physician, General Practitioner
Walter Schrader’s talk explores how chemical pollution hinders rewilding efforts. Half a century after Europe’s first major conservation campaign, new threats loom: PFAS and other chemicals accumulate through food chains, harming species from great tits to blue whales. These “forever chemicals” endanger top predators, undermining rewilding efforts and linking ecosystem health directly to human health.

15:00

Presentation of the Global Manifesto for Rewilding (Rewilding Manifesto) by Frans Vera

Launch of the Global Rewilding Manifesto, uniting scientists, Indigenous peoples, policymakers, and communities. Explore how recognizing the Rights of Nature, restoring ecosystems, and rewilding landscapes can foster biodiversity, climate resilience, ecological justice, and intergenerational responsibility, guiding humanity toward coexistence with the living Earth.

15:20

The Ultimate Global View: Delivering Local Action

Rob Spurrett CEO Lacuna Space
Rob Spurrett MBE FREng is a space engineer and entrepreneur with over 40 years’ experience in technology and business development for the space sector. He co-founded Lacuna Space, headquartered in Harwell (UK) with offices in the Netherlands, which delivers low-power, direct-to-orbit IoT connectivity via a growing satellite constellation. Their work supports smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, wildlife tracking, and other off-grid applications.

15.40

Refuel & Refresh – Tea & Refreshments Break

15.55

The Role of Scavengers in Rewilding   Hans Pohlmann President of the Vulture Conservation Foundation
Hans Pohlmann is president of the Vulture Conservation Foundation (VCF), where he leads efforts to restore Europe’s vulture species, including the Bearded Vulture’s return to the Alps. He is also Director of Conservation at Stichting Landschap Overijssel, managing 64 nature reserves. With a background in Spatial Planning, consultancy, and a passion for birding, he brings wide-ranging expertise to landscape and wildlife conservation.

16.15

Panel Discussion   From Crisis to Regeneration – Nature-Based Solutions for a Shared Future   Panel: Leo Linnartz, Raoul Beunen, Wouter van Eck, Liesbeth Bakker, Alister Scott? This panel addresses the urgent overlap of the biodiversity, climate, and nitrogen crises in the Netherlands. Through rewilding, agriwilding, and systemic change, the discussion will explore practical, nature-based solutions that restore ecosystems, support rural livelihoods, and foster long-term resilience.

16.45

A predator is back in Holland

Marc Wilbers Forest Ranger & Education Director, Rewilding Academy   Marc Wilbers is a forest ranger and dedicated naturalist specializing in wolf behaviour and bison reintroduction. With a lifelong passion for nature, he has a deep understanding of ecosystem interactions. Marc has played a key role in awareness raising after the wolf’s return to the Netherlands, organizing lectures, tours, and media contributions to educate the public on wildlife conservation.  

17:30

Rewilding our World: Closing Remarks
Marc Wilbers, Michele Robson, Purnima Devi Barman Forest Ranger & Education Director, Rewilding Academy