Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands reaffirm their commitment to protecting the Wadden Sea
In recognition of the Wadden Sea’s global importance as largest unbroken tidal flats system in the world, the 15th Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea was held in Esbjerg, Denmark, this week. More than 200 representatives from national, regional and local authorities, nature conservation, environmental and user organisations, science and youth organisations and other stakeholders exchanged insights on key findings, ongoing efforts and future ambitions. In a joint statement, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands renewed their shared commitment to protecting the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage through coordinated policy and action.
The Trilateral Governmental Conference is held every four years and brings together the members of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation (TWSC) to discuss priorities for the years ahead. Hosted this year by the Danish Ministry of Green Transition, the Conference focused on safeguarding the area’s Outstanding Universal Value, sustainable use, natural resilience against climate change, and efficient cross-border and cross-sector collaboration. The discussions highlighted how collective, science-based and cross-border cooperation is essential to sustainably conserving the Wadden Sea in the face of increasing pressures. The national delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to the now 48-year-old Trilateral Cooperation on the Protection of the Wadden Sea in a joint statement.
Under the motto “Protection Through Recognition”, the Conference also provided a space to strengthen networks, learn from one another and recognise progress made – affirming that protecting the Wadden Sea is both a shared obligation and a collective achievement. The Wadden Sea countries further welcomed guests from South Korea, with whom the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation holds long-standing international partnerships on wetland conservation.
With the conclusion of the Conference, the presidency of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation was handed over to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Over the next four years, they will focus on protecting the Outstanding Universal Value of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, work with stakeholder and youth participation for the region to remain liveable and habitable for future generations, and work on further developing Wadden Sea knowledge. The newly appointed Chair of the Wadden Sea Board is Luzette Kroon. As independent chair, she will dedicate herself to further shaping and strengthening trilateral cooperation. The outgoing Chair Anne‑Marie Vægter Rasmussen was thanked for her dedicated leadership and contribution to advancing trilateral cooperation over the past four years. An extensive joint declaration will be signed after a new Danish government has been settled.