Wilderness areas, as defined in the National Strategy on Biological Diversity, are sufficiently large, (largely) unbroken areas that are not used for any purpose and serve to ensure that natural processes continue to occur without human influence.

In Germany, such areas currently exist mainly in the core zones of national parks, on areas of the "National Natural Heritage" and in some large nature reserves. Further areas suitable for wilderness development are to be identified. Public forests, moorlands, river floodplains, coastal areas, and high mountain regions are particularly suitable for this purpose. However, former military properties and post-mining landscapes can also become wilderness areas. 

Since the beginning of industrialization, and especially since the 1950s, natural dynamic processes in Central Europe have been systematically suppressed. Everything is subject to human purpose. This is particularly evident in man-made rivers and streams, diked coastlines, and forests used for forestry.

The wilderness movement in North America developed from experiences of the primeval landscapes of the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries as a counterpoint to the familiar cultural landscapes of Central Europe. In the second half of the 19th century, it led to the designation of the first national parks there. However, wilderness is not just a movement, but in many ways the basis of our existence:

• Endangered animals, plants, and microorganisms find important habitats and refuges in wilderness areas. The interconnection of such biotopes also increases the chances of survival for migratory species.
• Healthy forests, moors, and floodplains have a balancing effect on the extreme weather consequences of climate change and permanently reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere. They give living creatures space and time to adapt to new climatic conditions.
• Floods are often devastating for people, the economy, and infrastructure. In wild river floodplains, the water has enough space and inhabited areas are protected.
• Clean drinking water, oxygen to breathe, and plant pollination are just a few of the services provided by nature on which we are vitally dependent.
• The wilder nature is, the more many people like it. According to the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, 53 million people visit German national parks every year. Wilderness areas provide a counterbalance to heavily used cultural landscapes. They allow the body and soul to find peace. That is why wilderness areas are popular destinations for recreation and vacation worldwide.
• We draw our knowledge from the wilderness. This knowledge can be used to develop concepts that are essential for survival in agriculture and forestry, as well as for flood and climate protection.

Despite the good arguments, current estimates suggest that wilderness areas account for approximately 0.6% of Germany's land area. From a nature conservation perspective, this is too little, as described at the beginning. However, natural processes are particularly important for many species and habitats, and their protection or reintroduction is therefore an essential goal of nature conservation. In addition to protecting tropical rainforests and African savannas, undisturbed nature should also be given more space in Germany. This is because, in accordance with EU requirements for the protection of biological diversity, it has been agreed that 30 percent of the land area in Europe will be placed under protection by 2030.

You can find wilderness hotspots at the "Wilderness in Germany" initiative: The 19 nature conservation associations and foundations use their "Agenda for Wilderness" to show how we can create more wilderness areas in Germany. The website provides information on wilderness areas, goals, demands, recommendations for action, and opportunities for participation.

Experience wilderness in the vicinity of Mainz:

The Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park is home to the primeval forest of tomorrow. Located in the western Hunsrück, it covers an area of approximately 10,200 hectares across the highlands of the Hunsrück. The federal states of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate jointly founded the national park in spring 2015. The highest German mountain west of the Rhine, the Erbeskopf, is also the highest point in the national park at 816 meters above sea level.

The Rheingau-Taunus region is home to the largest contiguous forest area in Hesse, covering almost 22,000 hectares. The Wispertaunus natural forest is part of this and covers over 1,000 hectares. Since 2016, beech and oak trees have been allowed to grow crooked, become ancient, and eventually fall over. Then new life emerges. The wild forest with its natural streams, such as the Wisper, is a true treasure trove of biological diversity.

Wilderness Fund to promote wilderness development in Germany: To support the achievement of the two percent wilderness target, the German government has set up the Wilderness Fund. The current federal budget has allocated 20 million euros for this purpose to purchase suitable land or provide financial compensation for waiving use. Private individuals can also apply for funding.

Wilderness is also a topic at the German Nature Conservation Day from May 31 to June 2, 2021: Under the motto "CITY-COUNTRY-RIVER – what kind of nature do we want?", Germany's largest nature conservation congress is seeking answers to pressing questions arising from the rapid change in our cities and rural areas, as well as the climate, for nature conservation. Interested parties can participate in digital expert forums, side events, and a hybrid live event.

Further information on the topic and the tips mentioned can be found in the list of links below.