Integrated Management Plan (SIMP)

The SIMP Integrated Management Plan for One Wadden Sea World Heritage (short: Integrated Management Plan) acts as umbrella document for existing plans and policies and provides information on how these are implemented trilaterally for nature conservation management. Its main purpose is to support the continuous improvement of coordinated management for the conservation of the transboundary Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. The plan's focus is the protection and maintenance of the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV).

What was the creation process?

When accepting the extension of the Wadden Sea World Heritage property in 2014, the World Heritage Committee assigned the TWSC with the task to develop a single integrated management plan. Politically, the Cooperation committed to this task and set the frame for the development of The SIMP Integrated Management Plan for One Wadden Sea World Heritage (short: Integrated Management Plan) in the Leeuwarden Declaration in 2018.

The development process of the Integrated Management Plan involved site managers, policy makers, and experts within and beyond the TWSC’s working groups. A consultation phase with the advisory boards, policy council, the Wadden Sea Team and the Wadden Sea Forum (2002-2024) was the final input to refining the plan. The Integrated Management Plan was adopted with the signing of the Wilhelmshaven Declaration on 15 May 2023.

What is its status?

The Integrated Management Plan is a political agreement of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, meaning it is a legally non-binding document of common political interest. Existing policy documents and legally binding instruments at the trilateral, regional, national, or local level will not be altered or affected by this plan.

What is the relation to the Wadden Sea Plan?

The Integrated Management Plan does not alter existing national or trilateral plans or policies, thus it is complementary to the Wadden Sea Plan. The Integrated Management Plan acts as an umbrella for existing plans and policies and provides information on how these are implemented trilaterally for the main nature conservation management issues.

What are the key topics?

To maintain the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, there are aspects in the region due to its significant population and human use activities that require ongoing attention. These key topics are related to human activities that depend on ecosystem services and that take place within and adjacent to the World Heritage Site: Fisheries, tourism, shipping and ports, energy, and coastal protection. The Outstanding Universal Value is threatened by certain activities related to these topics. At the same time, sustainable practices in these fields can support the nature area’s conservation. Thus, addressing them at a trilateral level will amplify the opportunities.

The term "key topics" does not imply that other topics (i.e. related to nature conservation) are not important or less important. The selected key topics are the result of a process endorsed by the Wadden Sea Board, which included the selection criteria presented in Annex 1 of the Leeuwarden Declaration, the recommendations of the Wadden Sea Site Managers in 2019, the Statement of Outstanding Universal Value and the prioritisation by the World Heritage Task Group.

Fisheries

Fisheries and aquaculture are long-standing traditions in the Wadden Sea and the wider North Sea, supporting coastal economies while directly interacting with the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site and its Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). The trilaterally agreed objective is to promote sustainable fisheries that do not negatively impact the Wadden Sea’s OUV. Key tools include impact assessments, best practices, closed areas, monitoring, stock assessments, and applying the best available knowledge. The goal is to strengthen innovation and the knowledge base while maintaining or enhancing existing nature conservation standards.

Overview of fisheries regulations for environmental protection ordered in international, EU, national, and federal state levels. © CWSS.

Tourism

Tourism is a major economic driver in the Wadden Sea region, attracting millions of visitors each year to experience its unique tidal landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. While tourism supports local communities and the preservation of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, increased visitor numbers also bring challenges for conserving its Outstanding Universal Value. The trilaterally agreed objective is to continue to strengthen support for nature conservation among visitors, local communities, businesses, and tourism stakeholders by advancing the Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan. Key focus areas include tourism operations, World Heritage branding, transport, accommodation, environmental education, and capacity building, all through a collaborative approach.

Shipping and ports

The North Sea hosts some of the world’s busiest shipping routes, with major ports located along the Wadden Sea coast. As traffic grows, interactions between shipping and the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site are expected to increase. The trilaterally agreed objective is to continue to enhance shipping safety by building on strong prevention, preparedness, and emergency response measures. Further focus areas: Promote nature-friendly and climate-neutral operations, reduce environmental pressures from port activities, and strengthen awareness, education, and trilateral cooperation.

Energy

At the North Sea Summits in Esbjerg (2022) and Ostend (2023), countries committed to expanding renewable energy while safeguarding marine ecosystems. However, risks to the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site include habitat loss, disturbance of natural processes and migratory routes, collision risks, subsidence from resource extraction, and unknown impacts from emerging energy technologies. The trilaterally agreed objective is to apply common best practices, promote a nature-friendly energy transition, and ensure the highest environmental standards across all three countries in close cooperation with the energy sector.

Coastal Protection

Coastal protection is essential in the Wadden Sea, which is highly vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm surges. Dikes, tidal basins, and other defences safeguard coastal communities and habitats. But these structures also alter natural processes, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt sediment and salt dynamics. As sea levels rise, further strengthening of flood defences may increase habitat and species loss, while converting tide gates into pumping stations limits vital connectivity between the Wadden Sea and the mainland. The trilaterally agreed objective is to promote nature-based coastal protection and maintenance in collaboration with authorities, guided by the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.