Definition

The term “wilderness” is used to describe landscapes and seascapes that are biologically and ecologically largely intact, with a low human population density and that are mostly free of industrial infrastructure. The term wilderness is therefore not exclusive of people but, rather, of human uses resulting in significant biophysical disturbance. As a result, wilderness quality is often defined in terms of remoteness from urban settlements and modern infrastructure and the degree of ecological impacts from industrial activity. However, the term is not meant to suggest an area must be completely “pristine” or “untouched” as there are few places remaining on Earth that meet this standard. Further, it must be recognized that the terms “intactness” and “integrity” are measured on a continuum and are not binary.

IUCN (2017) ¹