Rewilding Apennines

What Rewilding Apennines does

Rewilding Apennines is an Italian nonprofit organization (Ente del Terzo Settore, founded 2019) headquartered in Gioia dei Marsi that restores ecosystems and keystone species across the Central Apennines. Operating as one of 11 landscapes in Rewilding Europe's continental network, the organization combines three programmatic pillars: (i) river restoration, anchored by the first-ever barrier removals in the Apennines — five weirs cleared from the Giovenco River (2024) under a €157,000 Open Rivers Programme grant and the Cesapresa weir removed from the Liri River (2025), together restoring approximately 12 km of free-flowing watercourse; (ii) native species reintroduction through a network of four crayfish breeding centers (Borrello, Pettorano sul Gizio, Morino, Monteferrante) that has released nearly 8,000 juvenile crayfish since 2021 and a Mediterranean trout program run jointly with the Zompo Lo Schioppo Regional Nature Reserve, which released roughly 4,000 trout in 2025; and (iii) human-wildlife coexistence under the EU LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative, a 12-partner coalition addressing conflict with the critically endangered Marsican brown bear across central Apennine corridors. The organization produces no commercial product; revenue is sourced from institutional grants (Open Rivers Programme, EU LIFE, Rewilding Europe core funding) and a distributed individual donor base giving through preset amounts of €10–€250 via Stripe, PayPal, SEPA Direct Debit, or wire transfer, with monthly recurring options. Its primary beneficiaries are rural communities in wildlife corridors (supported through electric fencing, bear-proof bins, and education), nature tourists engaged via Rewilding Experiences and channel partnerships with Exodus Travels and Wildlife Adventures, and protected-area authorities such as Abruzzo-Lazio-Molise, Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga, Sirente Velino, and Monte Genzana Alto Gizio. Operational scale is small (a named leadership team of three) and growth is project-driven, with expansion signals into new river basins (Pescara/Aterno for beaver monitoring) and a parallel cultural programming line (KinoAppennino film festival, Wild Tales literary competition) that builds public engagement.

Name

Rewilding Apennines

Legal name

Rewilding Apennines ETS

Website

https://rewilding-apennines.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Rewilding Apennines is an Italian nonprofit that restores Central Apennines ecosystems through river barrier removal, native crayfish and trout reintroduction, and Marsican brown bear coexistence programs, serving rural communities, protected-area authorities, and nature tourists as part of Rewilding Europe's 11-area network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Wildlife Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

akta.pro primary industry

Ecosystem Restoration & Rewilding Services (AFAMAMAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Biodiversity & Habitat Conservation (BPAGAGAA), Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI)

Keywords

• Ecosystem restoration services
• Wildlife conservation programs
• River barrier removal
• Native species reintroduction
• Human-wildlife coexistence

Headquarters

HQ city

Gioia Dei Marsi

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations through online payment platforms (Stripe, PayPal), wire transfers, and monthly recurring donation options. Donation amounts include preset options of €10, €25, €50, €100, €250 or custom amounts.
2. Grant funding: Project-based funding from institutional programs including Open Rivers Programme (€157,000 for Giovenco river barrier removal), EU LIFE program, and Rewilding Europe core funding support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Rewilding Apennines restores ecosystems and supports keystone species in Italy's Central Apennines through rewilding projects. Its core work centres on river barrier removal to restore free-flowing watercourses, breeding and reintroducing native crayfish and Mediterranean trout, and deploying the LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors framework for human-brown bear coexistence. The organisation also runs volunteer programmes, Rewilding Experiences, cultural initiatives, and a donation-funded Bear Fund to support Bear-Smart Communities.

Product overview

Rewilding Apennines is a conservation NGO operating in the Central Apennines as part of Rewilding Europe's network. Rather than a traditional technology product company, it offers a portfolio of rewilding programs and initiatives including: the LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative for brown bear conservation, a River Restoration Programme encompassing barrier removal and species restocking, Rewilding Experiences and Volunteering Programmes for public engagement, the Bear Fund for donations, cultural initiatives like KinoAppennino film festival and Wild Tales literary competition, and breeding centers for native crayfish and Mediterranean trout. These programs work together to restore ecosystems, promote human-wildlife coexistence, and engage communities in rewilding efforts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• GIOV & GO – A free-flowing Giovenco: River barrier removal initiative to restore free-flowing conditions on the Giovenco River by removing five weirs.
• Wild Lyric
• Wild Tales
• KinoAppennino
• LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors
• Bear Fund

Products and services

• LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors A coalition of 12 Italian and Greek partners enhancing brown bear populations through coexistence corridors and measures such as electric fences, bear-proof bins, community education, and bear intervention units. Targets communities in Marsican brown bear habitat across Central Italy and Greece.
• Rewilding Experiences Field-based programmes allowing participants to join rewilding actions in the Central Apennines, including one-day visits, one-week formats and customized two-day programs for organizations. Open to nature tourists, students and groups seeking hands-on conservation engagement.
• River Restoration Programme Large-scale river restoration programme comprising barrier removal, species restocking (crayfish and trout) and ecosystem connectivity enhancement across Central Apennine rivers including the Giovenco and Liri. Delivered in partnership with Open Rivers Programme, Rewilding Europe and protected-area authorities.
• Bear Fund Donation programme channeling supporter contributions to Bear-Smart Communities through electric fences, bear-proof waste bins and compensation measures to minimize bear-human conflict in the Central Apennines.
• KinoAppennino Kinokabaret-style filmmaking event held in Pettorano sul Gizio where professional and amateur filmmakers produce short films celebrating nature and rewilding themes over a week-long period. Open to film professionals and enthusiasts.
• Wild Tales International literary competition organized by Rewilding Apennines inviting short stories on rewilding and nature themes in Italian or English, with prizes up to €400, promoting a culture of coexistence.
• Volunteering Programme Volunteer placements engaging Italian and foreign students in hands-on rewilding and conservation work in the Central Apennines, co-managed with Salviamo l'Orso and other local partners.
• Native Crayfish Breeding Centres Four specialized centres in Borrello, Pettorano sul Gizio, Morino and Monteferrante breeding native crayfish (Austropotamobius italicus meridionalis) for reintroduction into local rivers. Operated in collaboration with regional nature reserves.
• Mediterranean Trout Restocking Programme for breeding, rearing and releasing Mediterranean trout in collaboration with the Zompo Lo Schioppo Regional Nature Reserve, supporting recolonisation of restored river sections.

Quantifiable outcome

• 11+ km of river restored to free-flowing condition
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Rewilding EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParent organization grouping rewilding initiatives across Europe. Provides scientific and operational support, sets benchmarks, develops communication guidelines, and supports funding activities. Rewilding Apennines is part of Rewilding Europe's network of 11 rewilding landscapes.
• Salviamo l'OrsocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading local sister organization coordinating bear interventions and co-managing the volunteer programme. Strong, long-standing collaboration based on practical approach and understanding of local context.
• Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National ParkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore area of the Marsican brown bear and one of Europe's oldest conservation institutions. Collaboration under memorandum of understanding for joint planning and implementation of initiatives.
• Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Regional Nature ReservecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partner crucial for Marsican brown bear expansion. Many rewilding initiatives take place here. Site of first Bear Smart Community.
• Raggruppamento Carabinieri Biodiversità Castel di SangromajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborates in co-managing monitoring of griffon vulture population and providing support to anti-poison dog units.
• Sirente Velino Regional ParkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerImportant corridor area for Marsican brown bear expansion and griffon vulture. Key partnership for LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative success.
• Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National ParkmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew frontier for Marsican brown bear expansion and largest national park in central Apennines. Joins LIFE Bear-Smart Corridors initiative.
• Exodus TravelsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBritish tour operator organizing itineraries in Apennines. Partnership offers trips providing innovative perspective on rewilding approach, revolutionizing how travellers perceive Italy as nature tourism destination.
• Wildlife AdventuresmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNature tourism company with strong, long-lasting relationship. Main partner for Rewilding Weeks and sustainable tourism strategy development.
• Valleluna cooperativemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrong and long-lasting relationship. Together organizes outreach initiatives, nature experiences and events in Pettorano sul Gizio.
• Hogan LovellssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational law firm supporting rewilding in Europe. Deepened knowledge of Rewilding Apennines work and wishes to extend commitment to rewilding in Italy, working together to create legal framework to regulate and promote rewilding.
• Agrarian University of Castel MadamasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgreement for management of 'Bosco della Selva': 360 ha area for applying rewilding practices, fauna and flora monitoring, combating environmental crimes, environmental awareness, and tourism promotion.
• Zompo lo Schioppo Nature ReservemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife monitoring activities and co-management of breeding centre for crayfish and native trout. Collaboration on Mediterranean trout restocking.
• Cascate del Verde ReservesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of breeding centres for native crayfish and engagement in dissemination initiatives.
• Dendrocopos CooperativesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommitted to habitat and ecosystem restoration actions alongside Rewilding Apennines.
• European Young RewildersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerItalian member of European Rewilding Network. Network of young students and professionals united by vision of future where nature's crucial role in society is recognized.
• Dam Removal EuropesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRewilding Europe is founding partner. Initiative supports European movement for free-flowing rivers.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Dam Removal Europe: Coalition of European NGOs working to remove obsolete river barriers and restore free-flowing rivers. Rewilding Europe is a founding partner. Directly comparable to Rewilding Apennines' river restoration programme but operating as a pan-European movement rather than a single regional nonprofit.
• Open Rivers Programme: European programme funding small dam removals to restore free-flowing rivers. Directly comparable work to Rewilding Apennines' river restoration but functions as a funder/movement rather than an implementing organization, having provided the €157,000 grant for the GIOV & GO project.
• Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise: Italian national park and core habitat of the Marsican brown bear, with active conservation, wildlife monitoring, and visitor programs. Partner of Rewilding Apennines under an MOU, but as a public authority managing a defined protected area rather than a free-standing rewilding nonprofit.
• European Wilderness Society: Austria-based nonprofit advocating for rewilding and wilderness protection across Europe. Shares the rewilding philosophy and conducts complementary research, education, and policy advocacy—comparable thematic scope with a European-wide focus rather than a single landscape.

Broad incumbents

• Fondazione WWF Italia: Italy's largest environmental NGO, working on species conservation, habitat protection, and policy advocacy nationwide. Operates at significantly broader scale than Rewilding Apennines but with overlapping species and habitat priorities including the Italian brown bear and Apennine ecosystems.
• LIPU - BirdLife Italia: Italy's leading bird and biodiversity conservation NGO and BirdLife International partner. Operates a national network of nature reserves and Oasi with comparable rewilding, community engagement, and species reintroduction activities, though focused primarily on avifauna.
• Legambiente: Italy's largest environmental association with active programs in protected areas, biodiversity monitoring, and environmental education across all Italian regions. Comparable in mission scope and nonprofit structure, with substantially larger membership and political influence.
• Rewilding Europe: Amsterdam-based umbrella coordinating 11 rewilding landscapes across Europe, including Rewilding Apennines. Provides scientific benchmarks, funding access, and communication standards—comparable mission at continental scale with broader geographic and operational scope.

Direct peers

• Rewilding Iberia: Sister rewilding landscape under Rewilding Europe's network operating in the Iberian Peninsula. Uses a near-identical operating model—ecosystem restoration, wildlife comeback, nature-based enterprises—making it the closest operational peer in another geography.
• Salviamo l'Orso: Italian nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of the Marsican brown bear in the Central Apennines. A direct operational partner of Rewilding Apennines, co-managing volunteer programs and bear interventions, with comparable mission focus on human-bear coexistence in overlapping geography.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rewilding-apennines

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rewilding Apennines