Defensive Rewilding: A Nature-Based Solution for National Security

Sam Jelliman, Brian Schmidt and Alan Chandler state the case for ‘defensive rewilding’ as a strategic land-use concept that merges large-scale ecosystem restoration with military defensive advantages. This dual approach strategically locates rewilding projects to create natural barriers that impede, delay or channel invading forces. At the same time, such projects deliver critical ecosystem services including flood control, carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement. The approach integrates ecology and security theory, offering a novel framework for national security and climate resilience.