Erämaantumista

Erämaantumista, often translated as "wildernessization" or "wilding," is a concept related to the process of natural landscapes becoming wilder and less managed by human intervention. It signifies a shift away from intensive agriculture, forestry, or other forms of human land use towards a more natural state. This can involve the rewilding of abandoned farmland, the natural regeneration of forests, or the protection of existing wild areas from development.

The term encompasses various ecological and social dimensions. Ecologically, it refers to the return of native species, the restoration of natural processes like water cycles and nutrient flows, and the increase in biodiversity. Socially, it can involve changes in land ownership, the development of new forms of land management, and the creation of opportunities for people to experience and benefit from wilder environments.

Erämaantumista can occur spontaneously through neglect or abandonment of human activities, or it can be intentionally facilitated through conservation and rewilding projects. These projects often aim to restore ecological functions, increase resilience to climate change, and provide ecosystem services. While generally viewed positively for its ecological benefits, erämaantumista can also raise questions about land rights, traditional land use practices, and the potential for increased human-wildlife conflict. The specific outcomes and implications of erämaantumista are highly dependent on the context of the landscape and the surrounding human communities.