Eine Graslandschaft, im Hintergrund ein grüner Hügel. Eine Wildpferdeherde bewegt sich von links nach rechts durch den Bildausschnitt. An der Spitze des Zuges ein Mitarbeiter des Rewilding Rhodopes Teams.

Re:generate biodiversity

For a future worth living, both civil society initiatives and companies that work regeneratively whilst being committed to giving space to nature are needed. Regeneration – this idea connects the company Wildling Shoes and the non-profit initiative Rewilding Europe.

From 2020 to 2022, Wildling Shoes supported the work of Rewilding Europe, among other things, through its membership in the non-profit organization "1% for the Planet", which connects companies with high-impact non-profit partners. As Wildling Shoes is affected by the current global economic situation in various ways, we unfortunately have to stop direct financial support at the end of 2022 – but Wildling Shoes and Rewilding Europe will remain connected, both ideologically and in practice.

#PartOfTheRegeneration

Wildling minimal shoes can help to regenerate our bodies, to maintain the joy of natural movement and to connect with our environment. Wildling Shoes as a company is forging new paths towards regenerative business management, relying on cooperation to break up old systems and reimagine them. Fair production conditions, sustainable and innovative materials, nature restoration projects and New Work are the foundation for a regenerative effect on all levels.

Rewilding Europe is committed to restoring various European wildlands, bringing biodiversity back to them and exploring new ways in which people can earn a fair living in harmony with the wilderness.

An evening outdoor party, it is almost dark, a string of lights illuminates the scene. In the foreground, two people sit on wooden planks with their backs to the camera. In the background, a group of people sits in a meadow around a campfire.

Image: Ivo Danchev

 

On track to wilder Rhodope Mountains

The Rhodopes are located where Europe and Asia meet. Until the end of 2022, the partnership of Rewilding Europe and Wildling Shoes focused on this region with a holistic approach, focusing on nature conservation as well as ecological-social economy and education. All these areas should be reconciled with each other.

A sunlit grassy landscape; in the foreground, legs stretched out from knees to feet in Wildling sandals; a light gray wild horse sniffs its toes.

Image: Ivo Danchev

 

The blog posts provide moving insights into the Rewilding Rhodopes activities and the great motivation of the team on site: "If we let it, nature will recover by itself.“ and "the most valuable thing we have is freedom and a life in connection with nature.“

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the="" profusion="" of="" sounds="" images="" coming="" from="" the="" regenerating="" plant="" animal="" world="" bulgarian="" rhodope="" mountains="" beckons="" us="" to="" make="" time="" for="" our="" very="" own="" moments="" regeneration. this="" what="" inspired="" wildling="" team="" create="" "re:generative="" sounds<="">", a small virtual treasure chest for all those who seek and want to find regenerative moments in everyday life.

Screenshot of the website

Image: Wildling Shoes

 

Inspired by Rewilding

The design of the model Zora is inspired by the Rhodopes: The all-over print (on the outside for children's sizes, on the lining for adult sizes) tells the story of the foxes and deer, orchids and trees, mountains and lakes, which all together make up the healthy, biodiverse ecosystem that Rewilding Rhodopes wants to give space to.

Close-up of a child's foot in Wildling minimal shoe model Zora; out of focus in the background an autumnal, stony forest floor.

Image: Nora Tabel | Wildling Shoes

 

And the ideas keep on bubbling

Wildling Shoes and Rewilding Europe remain committed to each other because the common mission to promote regeneration on various levels has lost none of its urgency. For the year ahead we can look forward to ideas about very special Portuguese wool.

Rewilding Portugal focuses on the restoration of the Côa Valley in the north-eastern border region between Portugal and Spain. Within this framework, Rewilding Portugal works in partnership with shepherds and, for example, provides them with herd protection dogs. Wildling Shoes buys the wool of the shepherds in these programs at a price far above the market value.

From this wool, which comes from very different breeds of sheep, Wildling Shoes is currently developing a new yarn in which these diverse types of wool are spun together. What sounds simple is full of challenges: A robust yarn must be created from wool fibers of very different lengths and thicknesses, which can meet the high requirements for the longevity of Wildling minimal shoes. After all, we will conjure up very special models from this very special yarn.

Until then, we are working on further joint ventures. Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn followers of Wildling Shoes can already look forward to a reunion with Rewilding Europe. And for all those who would like to support Rewilding Europe individually, there are support options directly on the Rewilding Europe website.

Cover image: Ivo Danchev

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