15th Trilateral Governmental Conference: Protection through Recognition

The 15th Trilateral Governmental Conference (TGC) will take place in Esbjerg, Denmark, from 27 to 29 May 2026. The conference titled "Protection through Recognition" will be hosted by the current Danish Presidency over the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation and organised by the Danish Agency for Green Landscape and Aquatic Environment, supported by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat. The event includes official sessions, side events for registered participants, and a Wadden Sea Marketplace open to the public, showcasing contributions to Wadden Sea protection.

Call for Side Events

Until 10 February, organisations and individuals engaged in conservation of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site or sustainable development of the Wadden Sea Region are invited to express their interest in organising a side event by filling out this form.

Side events are part of the conference and will be featured in the official TGC programme. A side event is an independently organised activity linked to the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. Formats may include workshops, presentations, films, performances, exhibitions, guided tours, marketplace stalls or posters. They should relate to the conference motto “Protection Through Recognition”, TWSC priorities and the conference theme blocks: 

• Theme 1. Safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wadden Sea
• Theme 2. Sustainable Use of the Wadden Sea – Responsible Human Activities
• Theme 3. Advancing Nature Based Climate Mitigation and Adaptation
• Theme 4. Strengthening Trilateral and International Cooperation for a Resilient Wadden Sea
• Theme 5. Engaging Partners and Communities to Shape the Future of the Wadden Sea

Background

Held every 3 to 4 years, the Trilateral Governmental Conference (TGC) brings together ministers from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands to review progress and set future priorities for protecting the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site.