Rewilding: Where Wild Things Are – But Not Without Challenges :

Imagine a very beautiful nature! The road through valleys, a bright sunny day.
Forests bursting with life, whispering in the wind, not dusty lands anymore. This
isn't a dream; it's called rewilding, where we give nature its keys back.

But rewilding isn't all rainbows and sunshine. We might have neighbors like wolves
howling at the moon. And sometimes, we have big questions to answer, like who
really owns this land and how do we share it with wild things?

This blog is an adventure through rewilding's twists and turns. We'll see amazing
places come back to life, meet people helping nature fight back, and figure out how
humans and wild things can be friends.

Nature's Comeback:
When we rewild, it helps the Earth in many ways. For one, it fights climate change
by letting trees grow, which takes carbon dioxide out of the air. It also helps protect
animals that are in danger of disappearing and makes places that used to be dead
come back to life. Think of it like planting a garden and watching it grow!

But rewilding isn't always easy. It costs a lot of money to buy land, bring back
animals, and take care of everything. And sometimes, wild animals like wolves can
hurt people's animals or even people themselves. This can make people who live
near where we're rewilding upset.
Also, some people wonder if we should really be giving up control of nature like
this. Can we still have wild places and people living nearby? These are tough
questions, and we need to talk to each other and listen to everyone's concerns to
figure out the best way to do things.

Even though rewilding can be hard, it's still really important. It's our chance to fix
the damage we've done to the Earth and make it a healthier place for everyone. We
can all help by supporting rewilding projects, talking to our friends and family about
it, and learning more about how nature works.

Every action we take, no matter how small, has an impact that adds up over time.
When we come together, we have the power to transform the world into a more
vibrant and lively place! Rewilding isn't just about making nature more natural; it's
also about reconnecting with our own untamed nature and understanding that
we're all interconnected within something much larger than just us.
Why Rewilding?
Thinking a way that each seed planted, every tree nurtured, and every green space
preserved contributes to restoring the balance of our environment. Whether it's
setting up a bird feeder in your backyard, participating in community clean-ups, or
supporting local conservation efforts, these simple acts foster a healthier planet for
all living beings.

Moreover, rewilding isn't confined to remote wilderness areas; it extends to our

daily lives. It's about embracing our connection with nature, tapping into our wild
instincts, and appreciating the beauty and importance of biodiversity even in urban
areas.
By fostering this understanding, we rediscover our place in the natural world. We
realize that protecting wildlife habitats, safeguarding ecosystems, and promoting
biodiversity aren't just responsibilities; they're essential for our well-being too.

Together, through collective and even small but honest efforts and individual
commitments, we can create a world where nature thrives, where wild spaces
flourish, and where our own wild spirit finds its home amidst the grandeur of the
Earth. It's about embracing the wild within us and recognizing that by caring for
nature, we're nurturing ourselves and future generations.

IIT Bombay and Rewilding:

IIT Bombay is also getting involved in rewilding! The institute has a Center for
Environmental Science and Engineering that studies how to protect and restore
ecosystems through the involvement of engineering and technology. IIT Bombay is
lucky to have such a lovely campus and natural surroundings, with lots of animals
like cows, dogs, cats, snakes, and mosquitoes to make the students attracted to
know more about them and the other fauna in India. The Wildlife Club works
towards the same ideal.
Also in 2019, IIT Bombay partnered with the Maharashtra Forest Department to
create a wildlife corridor for leopards. The corridor will help the leopards move
between different parts of their territory and find food & shelter.
IIT Bombay is also working on restoring a degraded forest near the campus. Our
department NSS Green Campus is planting trees and native plants and working to
control invasive species.
These are just a few examples of how our college is also helping to rewild India in a
small way. By working together, and adding these small efforts we can make a
really big difference for the whole planet!

Sources:
The Wildlife Club of IIT-B:
https://www.iitb.ac.in/en/activities/student-clubs#:~:text=THE%20Wildlife%20Club,t
he%20other%20fauna%20in%20India
Rewilding Network:
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/why-rewild/what-is-rewilding
7 Problems With Rewilding:
[https://embercombe.org/rewilding-and-messy-landscapes-why-we-need-messines
s-in-nature/](https://embercombe.org/rewilding-and-messy-landscapes-why-we-ne
ed-messiness-in-nature/)
Image sources:
https://nssiitbblog.wordpress.com/2021/07/02/trees-our-selfless-friends-the-more-t
he-merrier/
https://www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/why-rewild/what-is-rewilding