Welcome to the Wadden Sea World Heritage
 The Dutch
and German Wadden Sea is now on the same footing as other world famous natural
wonders on the World Heritage List like the Grand Canyon in the USA and the
Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
On xyxx June 2009, the Dutch-German Wadden Sea has been inscribed on the
UNESCO World Heritage List by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee at its meeting
in Seville.
On behalf of the State Parties of the Netherlands and Germany, Jens Enemark
of the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat expressed his gratitude to the Committee
for this decision. “We are proud to be part of the global community of World
Heritage sites, but at the same time we are aware of the responsibility that is
placed upon us to protect and sustainably manage its outstanding universal
values, now and for generations to come” he said.
The Wadden Sea World Heritage Site encompasses the Dutch and German parts of
the Wadden Sea. It covers an area of almost 10,000 square kilometres along a
coastal strip about 400 kilometres long. The Wadden Sea has had a protected
status for more than 20 years, in Germany, as national parks and in the
Netherlands, as nature reserves. The fact that the area has now become a World
Heritage Site is largely due to the support over many years of local
inhabitants, many organisations and government authorities.
The Wadden Sea has had a protected status for more than 20 years, in Germany,
as national parks and in the Netherlands, as nature reserves. The fact that the
area has now become a World Heritage Site is largely due to the support over
many years of local inhabitants, many organisations and government
authorities.
“By focusing on the many day-to-day pressures we sometimes overlook the sheer
scale and beauty of this majestic landscape” Jens Enemark concluded his speech
at the Committee meeting “Walking across the Wadden Sea tidal flats, where just
a few hours before it was covered by meters of water, surrounded by an endless
sky that meets the sea in a distant horizon, is an unforgettable experience. It
is a truly magical place – come and enjoy with us a life-changing experience of
nature. Watch the world take shape!”
More information about the Wadden Sea World Heritage and download of
publications at the central webportal (in German, Dutch and English):
www.waddensea-worldheritage.org
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