Economic valuation of a holistic rewilding approach in multifunctional landscapes: Evidence from the German Oder Delta

The academic discourse on rewilding has primarily focused on its ecological dimensions, yet rewilding initiatives also have the potential to combine ecological restoration with regional economic development and societal well-being. Using a discrete choice experiment, this study investigates public preferences and willingness to pay for rewilded landscapes in the Oder Delta and the underlying motivations that influence these preferences. The findings show a general willingness to support a holistic rewilding approach among the local population of Mecklenburg–West Pomerania. However, the results also highlight heterogeneous preferences with respect to different aspects of rewilding as well as underlying motivations. By providing insights into local preferences for rewilded landscapes, this research contributes to informing local rewilding initiatives and overarching conservation policies. It emphasises the importance of navigating trade-offs and conflicts inherent in rewilding projects and land use while emphasising the need for further research on the determinants of preferences and willingness to pay.