What is wilderness?
Q: What is wilderness?
A: Wilderness is a natural environment on Earth which has not been much disturbed by humans. It is typically characterized as an area that has not been developed with roads, pipelines or other industrial infrastructure and can be found in reserves, estates, farms, conservation areas, ranches, National Forests, National Parks and even in urban areas along rivers, gulches or any undeveloped areas.
Q: What are the benefits of wilderness?
A: Wilderness areas are important for the survival of species, biodiversity, ecology, conservation, solitude and recreation. They may also preserve historic genetic traits and provide habitat for wild flora and fauna that may be difficult to recreate in zoos or gardens. Additionally they are deeply valued for cultural spiritual moral and aesthetic reasons. Some nature writers believe wilderness areas are vital for the human spirit and creativity.
Q: Are there any places on earth completely untouched by humanity?
A: Probably no place on earth is completely untouched by humanity due to past occupation by indigenous people or through global processes such as climate change. Activities on the margins of specific wilderness areas such as fire suppression can also affect them.
Q: How do countries protect their wilderness?
A: Many nations have designated wilderness including Australia Canada New Zealand South Africa and the United States through legal protection from development activities. There are also organizations dedicated to preserving these wild places such as The WILD Foundation who advocate for legally protected biologically intact wildernesses at two levels - Ia (Strict Nature Preserves) and Ib (Wilderness Areas).
Q: What does it mean when an area is considered "wild"?
A: When an area is considered "wild" it means that natural processes operate without human interference although this does not necessarily disqualify an area from being "wild" if it has been inhabited or influenced by activities of people in some way.
Q: Who advocates for protecting these wild places?
A: Organizations like The WILD Foundation advocate for legally protected biologically intact wildernesses at two levels - Ia (Strict Nature Preserves) and Ib (Wilderness Areas). Dedicated individuals around the globe also work towards ensuring that these spaces remain preserved so that future generations can enjoy them too.
