Jessika Roswall, the EU environment commissioner, has proposed that countries can utilize rewilding as a strategic enhancement of their national security measures. By restoring natural landscapes, nations not only bolster biodiversity but also create formidable barriers against potential invasions. Roswall emphasizes that investing in nature offers a dual benefit, functioning both as a protective defense and contributing positively to environmental health.

Referring specifically to countries like Poland and Finland, which share borders with Russia, Roswall spotlighted their initiatives in rewilding adjacent areas. These countries have made significant strides by transforming their landscapes into more inhospitable terrains for any invading forces, featuring dense vegetation that complicates unauthorized crossings. She argues that such measures present a practical defense alternative, reflecting a shift in how countries might visualize the intersection between environmental policy and national defense.

Moreover, Roswall noted that restoring wetlands can serve as an effective natural barrier, particularly against heavy military equipment. This strategic coupling of environmental initiatives and security objectives positions nature as a critical asset in defense strategies, suggesting a progressive approach in which ecological concerns align with geopolitical stability.