Waddenland: Concoction or reality? (Chapter 2)

The Waddenland, though not a recognized political or administrative unit and absent from maps, emerges as a concept rooted in shared socio-cultural traits and physical-geographical criteria. This study reveals that the Wadden Sea's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 and 2014 has been driven primarily by ecological significance, with its identity shaped more by natural than political boundaries. The research highlights the need for local population engagement to leverage this designation effectively. It argues that acknowledging the Waddenland as both a man-made and natural landscape is crucial for fostering awareness and collective identity in the region.

Schroor, M. (2018). 2 Waddenland: Concoction or reality? Waddenland Outstanding, 31–44. https://doi.org/10.1515/9789048537884-003