Second large group of 13 cinereous vultures were released the Rhodope Mountains rewilding landscape in Bulgaria as part in a long-term programme to re-establish as a breeding species run by our local Rewilding Rhodopes team and their partners from the Bulgarian society for the protection of birds (BSPB). It is expected that they will join the eight black vultures released last in the Eastern Rhodopes and Sakar Mountains, forming a colony together, as this keystone species gradually re-establishes itself within the local ecosystem.

A record number of 90 griffon vulture chicks have hatched in the Rhodope Mountains rewilding landscape this year – 15 more compared to 2022. The good news marks milestone success for the local rewilding team as this record-breaking result represents another positive step forward in the Balkan-based comeback of these magnificent birds.

Rewilding as a concept is primarily associated with natural processes, however, it also has a very important economic side. In a world in which we need to allow nature to take the lead, it is necessary to identify creative and sustainable economic approaches in developing nature-based economies. The following article presents some insights from the rewilding areas in Italy and Portugal on how to capitalise on local assets and support rural development