Photo credit: Collettivo Rewild Sicily – © Mathia Coco
Partner Organisation: Collettivo Rewild Sicily
Location: Italy
Imagine a Sicily where rivers run free, forests thrive, and communities live in harmony with nature. That’s the vision driving Collettivo Rewild Sicily, our newest Alliance Partner and a passionate group of rewilders, ecologists, and dreamers who are working to restore the island’s wildness. With a mix of science, creativity, and community spirit, this collective is proving that even in one of the most human-shaped landscapes in Europe, nature can bounce back – and people are part of the solution.
Photo credit: Collettivo Rewild Sicily
One of Collettivo Rewild Sicily’s standout projects is Mapping River Pollina.
The Pollina River, a lifeline for the region, has faced years of neglect and pollution. But the collective isn’t just sitting back – they’re rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. By mapping the river’s ecosystem, they’re identifying key areas for restoration starting with dam removals. It’s not just about cleaning up the river; it’s about bringing it back to life, creating a thriving habitat for fish – and specifically the European Eel -, birds, and other wildlife and bringing moisture to an arid landscape. And the best part? They’re involving local communities every step of the way, turning river restoration into a shared mission.
Photo Credit: Collettivo Rewild Sicily – © Mathia Coco
Now, let’s back track and zoom into the European Eel. We are maybe more familiar with the life span of Salmon, going from ocean to river and back in its life cycle. The European Eel has a similar saltwater to freshwater cycle but the distances it travels may surprise you. Adult Eels spawn in the Sargasso Sea in the Caribbean and their larvae migrate to European shores by following the Gulf Stream current.
It is hard to imagine the journey; how far they travel before they make it to the Sicilian shores and then make their way up the rivers. Classified as critically endangered, we understand the significance of restoring the flow of rivers for this keystone species.
Photo credit: Collettivo Rewild Sicily.
Then there’s Common Grounds, a project that’s all about reconnecting people with the land. Sicily’s countryside is dotted with abandoned fields and forgotten landscapes, but Collettivo Rewild Sicily sees potential where others see neglect.
Through Common Grounds, they’re inviting local communities to co-create a territorial plan focusing on preventing wildfires and promoting regenerative grazing. Think wildflower meadows, fruit orchards, and community gardens – places where nature and people can flourish together. It’s a beautiful reminder that rewilding isn’t just about letting nature take over; it’s about creating spaces where both humans and wildlife can thrive.
Photo Credits: Collettivo Rewild Sicily – © Mathia Coco
And Collettivo Rewild Sicily isn’t just focused on restoration – they’re also tackling one of Sicily’s biggest challenges: wildfires.
With summers getting hotter and drier, wildfires have become a growing threat to both nature and communities. The collective is working on innovative ways to prevent fires, like restoring natural firebreaks, planting fire-resistant vegetation, and educating locals about sustainable land management. Specifically, they’re understanding the history of the relationship between wildfires and Sicilian culture to use methods past for this present issue. It’s a proactive approach that not only protects the land but also builds resilience for the future.
Photo Credits: Collettivo Rewild Sicily – © Mathia Coco
What makes Collettivo Rewild Sicily so special is their hands-on, community-driven approach. They’re not just talking about rewilding – they’re out there doing it, whether it’s planting resilient trees, hosting workshops, or collaborating with local farmers, shepherds and hunters. Their work is as much about building relationships as it is about restoring ecosystems. By bringing people together around a shared love for their land, they’re creating a movement that’s as much about hope as it is about action.
Photo Credits: Collettivo Rewild Sicily – © Mathia Coco
Collettivo Rewild Sicily is proof that rewilding can happen anywhere, even on an island as storied and human-shaped as Sicily. Through projects like Mapping River Pollina, Common Grounds and wildfire prevention, they’re showing that when we work with nature, incredible things can happen. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of a wilder, greener future, Collettivo Rewild Sicily is here to remind you: it’s possible, and it starts with us.
Photo Credits: Collettivo Rewild Sicily – © Stefano Coco