The Lower Saxon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Programme (Chapter 19)

The Wadden Sea in Lower Saxony, designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 1993 and a World Heritage Site since 2009, faces challenges in balancing sustainable development with conservation due to its lack of permanent inhabitants. A proposed enlargement of the biosphere reserve landward of the dikes aims to address this by fostering voluntary cooperation among municipalities for sustainable regional growth, particularly in tourism, gastronomy, and accommodation. This participatory approach involves local stakeholders in identifying shared sustainability goals, aligning with trilateral strategies for responsible tourism. The study highlights the need for adaptive management to integrate conservation, education, and economic development effectively.

Südbeck, P., & Rahmel, J. (2018). 19 The Lower Saxon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Programme. Waddenland Outstanding, 283–292. https://doi.org/10.1515/9789048537884-020