Giulia Testa – Rewilding
“Do we want species to exist only at the bare minimum, just above the threshold of being considered endangered, or do we want a thriving nature?” Giulia Testa’s (she/her) talk dives deep into the concept of shifting baseline syndrome—a gradual change in accepted norms that has led us to unknowingly accept the decline of wildlife populations as "normal." She challenges us to recognize how our reference points shape our understanding of the natural world and influence our conservation ambitions. Gulia advocates for a progressive approach to conservation: rewilding. By bringing back wildlife and restoring ecosystems to a state where they can take care of themselves, she argues that we can create a more balanced and sustainable environment. This includes acknowledging the crucial role of scavengers in keeping ecosystems clean, as well as the unique impact predators have on biotic systems—an influence we can't replicate through human management. Her talk is a powerful reminder that in order to truly conserve nature, we must learn to let go of control and allow the natural world the space to recover and flourish on its own terms.
