The Wadden Sea: A natural landscape outside the dikes (Chapter 5)

The Wadden Sea remains one of Western Europe's last natural landscapes, largely untouched by human transformation due to its strong natural forces. This resilience is central to its protection, as outlined in the 1991 guiding principle for the region, which prioritizes undisturbed natural processes and sustainability. The designation of the Wadden Sea as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009 reflects this commitment. While dikes often demarcate natural and cultural landscapes, both areas harbor significant ecological and cultural values. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced cooperation between nature and culture sectors to address challenges like climate change and renewable energy integration, which require adaptive measures to protect these values while accommodating rising sea levels.

Rösner, H.-U. (2018). 5 The Wadden Sea: A natural landscape outside the dikes. Waddenland Outstanding, 81–94. https://doi.org/10.1515/9789048537884-006