Rewilding the planet

https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-023-01370-w/index.html

By Aisling Irwin

Marker Wadden is a fascinating ecological experiment in the Netherlands. Built since 2016, this man-made archipelago in the Markermeer Lake was created from dredged sand and mud. Though it may look like a natural paradise, Marker Wadden is entirely engineered to revive a dead lake. Its seven islands, surrounded by dunes and beaches, are now home to diverse plants, birds, and other wildlife. Scientists see it as a “living laboratory,” offering valuable insights into ecological restoration and rewilding. However, the project faces challenges, including the islands slowly sinking into the lake. Despite this, Marker Wadden remains a unique blend of nature and human ingenuity, serving as a model for future environmental restoration efforts.