Wadden Sea Day 2026: International experts discuss Role and Future of Wadden Sea Protected Areas
Under the theme “On the importance of area-based protection for the comprehensive conservation of the Wadden Sea: present and future role of protected areas,” more than 130 representatives from nature conservation, science, politics, and administration gathered on 28 August at the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Visitor Center in Wilhelmshaven. This year’s event, organised for the 20th time by the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park Authority and the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, focused on the importance of large-scale protected areas for the long-term conservation of the unique Wadden Sea ecosystem.
The Wadden Sea’s designation as a protected area in the neighbouring countries of Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands was a key prerequisite for its recognition as a transboundary World Heritage Site. The presentations and discussions pointed towards the differences in organisation and strategies for protecting the Wadden Sea in the respective countries. At the same time, this diversity of approaches was unanimously viewed as positive, as it has led to significant progress, as well as an opportunity to learn from one another and develop the best solutions for local conditions.
Luzette Kroon, Chair of the Wadden Sea Board: “Nature knows no national borders or jurisdictional boundaries. We humans, on the other hand, do. That is why I find it even more remarkable that the Wadden Sea has been understood as a single ecological unit for so many years and, wherever possible, is also treated as such. This is by no means a given in the world, but it is a prerequisite for effective nature conservation. That is why today’s reflection on our conservation efforts to date is so important. I am also looking forward to celebrating, in two years’ time, the 50th anniversary of the trilateral cooperation between Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands for the protection of the Wadden Sea.”
Peter Südbeck, Director of the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park Authority, added: “On the occasion of the anniversary of our national park, it becomes clear just how important a shared vision for the protection of the Wadden Sea is. Only by sharing our experiences, learning from one another, and acting together can we master the challenges of the future. Protected areas are not only refuge for nature, but also spaces where science and civil society, culture, and regional identity come together to support policy and management.”
As part of the diverse programme, experts highlighted current challenges and potential solutions for the protection of the Wadden Sea: William Sutherland from the University of Cambridge demonstrated how protected areas can be effectively designed. Jens Enemark, long-time director of the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, presented the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation as an exemplary system for cross-border management. Stefanie Nolte from the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park Authority explained how restoration measures can contribute to ecological improvement and nature-based climate protection. Hans-Ulrich Rösner from the Schutzstation Wattenmeer highlighted the importance of information and education as prerequisites for effective conservation, emphasising the central role of nongovernmental organizations and civil society. Anika Happe from the University of Oldenburg demonstrated that in the transboundary Wadden Sea changes in species composition in particular shape biodiversity trends.
The programme was complemented by a presentation of the results from the Wadden Sea World Heritage Summer School, where 15 aspiring scientists presented innovative approaches to addressing the ecological, cultural, and economic challenges posed by rising sea levels. For the third time now, the Summer School offered two weeks intensively examining various aspects of Wadden Sea management – this time at Lauwersmeer in the Netherlands. The students’ findings are presented each year at Wadden Sea Day.
In keeping with the theme, some participants of Wadden Sea Day also attended the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Trilateral Wadden Sea World Heritage Partnership Center. The new centre will serve as a central hub and networking platform for Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation.
The Wadden Sea Day has been organised annually since 2006 by the Lower Saxon Wadden Sea National Park Authority and the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat. The event promotes international exchange among experts and the development of joint strategies for the protection of the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Participation is free of charge for professionals in the field.