The Wadden Sea in Transition: Scientists Meet in Groningen to Address Cumulative Pressures and Conservation Challenges
From Tuesday to Thursday, 28 to 30 October 2025, more than 200 scientists from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands gathered in Groningen for the 16th International Scientific Wadden Sea Symposium (ISWSS). Under the theme “The Wadden Sea in Transition: Cumulative Pressures and Conservation”, the symposium explored how natural and human-induced forces together interact with the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site.
The event aimed to contribute to a broader understanding of these cumulative influences and their implications for management and policy. Hereto, the most recent insights with respect to pillars of the Wadden Sea’s OUV and transition paths towards sustainability within the Wadden region were exchanged and discussed. The outcomes will directly feed into the Trilateral Governmental Conference to be held in May 2026 in Denmark.
Anne-Marie Rasmussen, as Chair of the Wadden Sea Board, and Arno Brok, as Chair of the Wadden Region Environmental Council, gave the opening speeches of the symposium. While the 60 presentations and 40 posters had a broad range of Wadden Sea subjects, the three keynotes focussed on the EU Nature Restoration Law, the method of Strategic Environmental Assessment and historical footprints of humans on the Wadden Sea area.
Sascha Klöpper (Executive Secretary Common Wadden Sea Secretariat): “IUCN recently changed the Wadden Sea’s World Heritage Outlook from ‘good’ to ‘good with some concerns’ it’s a reminder that our site remains under significant pressure and that our work is more important than ever. That is why the Symposium’s theme feels especially timely”. Katja Philippart (Director Waddenacademie): “The knowledge and discussions of all contributions in the symposium will be brought to the table of the Trilateral Governmental Conference 2026”.
The event was organised by the Waddenacademie and the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN).