The Wadden Sea is a tidal lowland (the land flooded with seawater during high tides) in the southeastern part of the North Sea. The Wadden Sea stretches from Den Helder in northwestern The Netherlands through major German estuaries to its northern border in the Danish Blåvandshuk with a coastline of about 500km and a total area of about 10,000km2.
Located between the coast of northwestern continental Europe and a chain of islands in the Frisia archipelago, the Wadden Sea forms a shallow waters with muddy areas and flooded land. This is a place of high biodiversity and an important area for both breeding and migratory birds.
Considered one of the most important areas globally for migratory birds, it is estimated that flooded areas are visited by more than 10 million African-American birds every year and can contain up to 6.1 million at the same time!
On this day in 2009, parts of the Wadden Sea in Germany and the Netherlands were inscribed by UNESCO as a world heritage site and the expansion to Denmark was added in 2014.
UNESCO ranked the Wadden Sea as a world heritage to recognize its unmatched importance in ecology and geology as well as decades of efforts for marine conservation.
Created by storms in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Wadden Sea is a relatively young wetland environment that includes one of the last remaining unruptured inter- tidal ecosystems in the world. This beautiful stretch of sea and sand is home to many species of flora and fauna, including gray crab and harbour porpoise.
The Wadden Sea is a primeval habitat for wildlife, visitors can enjoy the scenery such as exploring alluvial plains during low tides or visiting barrier islands by boat. Many islands in this area are areas with famous coastal motels from the 19th century. Walking on mud - actually walking on comfortable sandbanks when the tide is low - has become popular in the Wadden Sea area. This is also a suitable place for sightseeing.
However, it is important for tourists to respect the essential role of this place in maintaining global biodiversity. Current conservation efforts are based on a strategic partnership between UNESCO, environmental organizations, the Wadden Sea Forum, Danish, German and Dutch governments so that future generations can enjoy this natural landscape.
