Photo: Andreas BeckmannAlthough the concept of European wilderness has not been recognised so far, more and more people have become initiated to work and protect the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe. The wilderness movement is gaining momentum.

PAN Parks occupies a unique position in this process as it is the only European-wide organization focusing on the protection of these unique places. It is also special from a conservation perspective in its attempt to redefine and develop a concept of wilderness conservation in Europe, one of the most highly developed areas in the world.

The protection of wilderness areas is, however, only possible with the co-operation of local and international NGOs, protected area managers and also local communities. This also requires a change in people’s mindsets: broadening their views about approaches applied in wilderness protection and learning about the many benefits of wilderness areas.