Leonardo DiCaprio is our biggest fan – it’s time for Scotland to make natural history
SCOTLAND could become king of the world when it comes to nature thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s support of rewilding efforts.
The Hollywood star has thrown his weight behind a bold plan that would see 30 per cent of the country’s land and seas restored to their former natural glory.
DiCaprio, 49, turned national efforts into a global plea recently when he shared a post to his 62million Instagram followers backing the Scottish Rewilding Alliance.
The trailblazing group has called on the Scottish Government to declare itself “A Rewilding Nation” in a bid to tackle the nature and climate emergencies. If it goes ahead, it will be the first in the world.
Richard Bunting, from the Scottish Rewilding Alliance and Highlands-based rewilding charity Trees For Life, said: “If Scotland designated itself a rewilding nation, it would be a world-first, leading the way in nature recovery.
“The government is doing some good stuff, but they could be doing a lot more. We’re in a position where they can seize the opportunity to make a commitment to 30 per cent nature recovery.
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“It’s about nature and climate, but it also creates jobs, is good for people’s health and benefits communities. And it’s good for Scotland’s reputation on the global stage.
“There’s no reason to hold back. It’s a story of hope as we can turn the biodiversity crisis around.”
Figures recorded by the alliance suggest 2.1 per cent of Scotland’s land is currently rewilded. Rewilding — which means large-scale restoration of nature — is needed more now than ever due to a range of factors, according to the Alliance.
Intensive farming, building, deforestation and hunting have destroyed many landscapes, habitats and species.
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Just 18 per cent of Scotland’s land is protected and, according to the State Of Nature 2023 report, it ranks 28th from bottom out of more than 240 countries/territories for its remaining biodiversity.
Recovery efforts could include reintroducing wild species, restoring rivers, removing dams and setting aside areas for nature to evolve.
Richard added: “We don’t have to use productive farmland and it can work hand-in-hand with food production. No nature means no pollinating insects, no crops and damaged soil — and that’s all very bad for our food security.
“It’s relatively cheap compared to other conservation methods. It offers bang for your buck in terms of the impact you get when you work with rather than against nature.
“People often feel overwhelmed by the nature and climate crises. Rewilding offers hope and empowerment.”
The Alliance — a coalition of more than 20 organisations — is urging people to sign the Rewilding Nation Charter.
As more people offer support, it’s hoped the government will upscale recovery efforts. Currently, there are around 150 projects covering at least 160,000 hectares.
Meanwhile, the government has promised a £65million nature restoration fund, which has already committed nearly £40million since 2021.
But that isn’t enough to reach the ambitious target the alliance has set.
And there’s nothing like a celebrity endorsement to raise awareness.
DiCaprio wrote to his followers: “Scotland could be a world leader in rewilding its landscapes, ensuring clean air and water, storing carbon, restoring wildlife, and improving lives of locals.”
He then urged his followers to visit the link on his social media page to learn more.
This is not the first time DiCaprio has shown an interest in the Scottish environment, as he previously drew crowds at COP26 in Glasgow.
He visited the climate conference as a UN representative.
Richard hopes DiCaprio’s backing will help them reach people who wouldn’t otherwise know about their work.
He said: “This endorsement shows how Scotland’s rewilding journey is making waves internationally. And that’s because the Rewilding Nation call is a positive solution and a story of hope for tackling the emergencies we face, while bringing many other benefits.
“People are crying out for solutions to biodiversity loss and climate breakdown, and Scotland has a historic opportunity to lead the way globally.”
Richard added: “It’s so easy to sign our charter, and celebrities signing is gold dust as it gets the message across.
“We’re extending Leo an invitation to visit the Highlands to see rewilding in action, and we would love to host him at Trees For Life’s Dundreggan Rewilding Centre.”