The Wadden Sea – a natural heritage

The Wadden Sea near Cuxhaven

Not only is man-made heritage to be preserved for the future, but natural sites are too. Therefore, UNESCO also includes special nature spots on its official heritage list. One such place of global importance is the Wadden Sea in northern Germany.

The formation of the Wadden Sea

It was formed around 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. As the glaciers melted and the sea levels rose, the coastal areas were flooded and shallow seas were created. The constant flow of tides has shaped the area, creating mudflats, sandbanks, and tidal channels.

Usage and ecology

The Wadden Sea has been used for fishing and other land uses for thousands of years. In recent centuries, human influence has increased through the construction of dykes, land reclamation and the development of coastal infrastructure.

The Wadden Sea is a dynamic ecosystem influenced by tidal cycles. It provides an essential habitat for various species, including migratory birds, and supports marine life such as fish and invertebrates. Humans benefit from the area through fishing, tourism and 'mudflat healing'. In 2009, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.