Trilateral Wadden Sea Governmental Council Meeting. Ministerial Council Declaration

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1 13 th Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea Leeuwarden, Netherlands, 18 May 2018 Trilateral Wadden Sea Governmental Council Meeting Ministerial Council Declaration (Draft as of November 30, 2017) Note: general reservation on overall draft by Germany/Denmark/Netherlands

2 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 2 TRILATERAL WADDEN SEA GOVERNMENTAL COUNCIL LEEUWARDEN DECLARATION 18 May 2018 We, the Ministers responsible for the protection of the Danish, Dutch, German Wadden Sea, representing our respective Governments in the Trilateral Wadden Sea Governmental Council on the Protection of the Wadden Sea Welcoming with great appreciation the inscription of the entire Wadden Sea on the UNESCO World Heritage List, following the extension of the property to include the Danish and a further part of the German Wadden Sea in 2014, which is a milestone in the forty-year-long trilateral cooperation for the protection of the Wadden Sea that will encourage us to make use of its potential by further intensifying our trilateral cooperation on the protection of the Wadden Sea and contributing to regional sustainable development; Reaffirming that the key obligation arising from the World Heritage status is to jointly maintain the Outstanding Universal Value, including the integrity of the Wadden Sea World Heritage; Reaffirming the objective of the 2010 Joint Declaration and the Wadden Sea Plan 2010 to protect and manage the Wadden Sea as a single ecological entity shared by the three countries in accordance with the Guiding Principle, which is to achieve, as far as possible, a natural and sustainable ecosystem in which natural processes proceed in an undisturbed way ; Welcoming with appreciation the preparatory work for building a Wadden Sea World Heritage Partnership Centre in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, which will accommodate the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat, a Partnership Hub intended to work with envisaged partner organisations at the hub itself and in networks [and a possible future trilateral Wadden Sea World Heritage Foundation] 1 as a complementary set of institutional structures; Acknowledging with appreciation the work of local and regional authorities and partners engaged in the conservation of the Wadden Sea and contributing to the World Heritage and supporting the development of a Partnership Hub; Recalling the Wadden Sea s importance for global biodiversity, in particular as a staging area for migratory bird populations and concerned about the observed negative trends of several breeding and migratory bird populations, as well as declining fish populations in the Wadden Sea; 1 General reservation regarding Wadden Sea World Heritage Foundation

3 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 3 Aware that climate change has impacts on the Wadden Sea and that future changes can pose a threat to the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wadden Sea ecosystem, and determined to address the challenges of climate change adaptation and mitigation, including CO 2 reduction and the role of primary production in the food web; Reaffirming that the overall goal of climate change adaptation in the Wadden Sea Area is to safeguard and promote the quality and integrity of the area as a natural and sustainable ecosystem whilst ensuring the safety of its inhabitants and visitors; Conscious that coordinated monitoring, data handling and assessment of the quality status are crucial factors for the conservation and management of the Wadden Sea, also as a World Heritage Site; Acknowledging the problem of the presence of marine litter in the Wadden Sea ecosystem, and subscribing to the circular economy approach as a means of preventing its introduction; Aware of the potential of light emissions to impact on the Wadden Sea Area as well as the unique core quality and the importance of darkness for the ecosystem as well as for humankind; Underscoring the vital contribution of science and research to the further development of the protection and management of the Wadden Sea as an ecological entity and welcoming the efforts of the scientific community towards developing a Trilateral Research Agenda; Underscoring the importance of effective and comprehensive communication and awareness-raising regarding the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation and the Wadden Sea World Heritage, with a view to securing public support for the protection and management of the Wadden Sea as a shared entity; Welcoming with appreciation the work on education and involving the young generation carried out by the International Wadden Sea School network; Reaffirming our commitment to the effective implementation of the Wadden Sea Seals Agreement, concluded under the auspices of the United Nations Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species; Recalling the potential of alien species to negatively impact on the Wadden Sea ecosystem; Acknowledging the importance of estuaries for the Wadden Sea ecosystem [and the fact that many ports, as vital elements of living and sustainable use in the Wadden Sea Region, are located in those estuaries] 2 ; 2 Reservation Germany

4 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 4 Recalling the status of large parts of the Wadden Sea as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, designated by the International Maritime Organization and welcoming the work achieved by the DENGERNETH Maritime Administration Group on the Operational Plans, as provided for in the Tønder Declaration; Welcoming the statement of the cooperative initiative Trilateral Wadden Sea Ports, issued at the initiative s conference in Harlingen, Netherlands, on 17 May 2018, as an important encouragement for further dialogue on sustainable port operations [(see possible Annex) 6]; 3 Reaffirming the importance of international cooperation with partners beyond the Wadden Sea Region, such as the cooperation in the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Marine and Sustainable Tourism Programmes, with States along the African-Eurasian Flyway and in the context of the Memoranda of Understanding concluded with the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the Republic of Korea, and the Memorandum of Intent concluded with the Wash North Norfolk Coast, as well as the importance of cooperation with relevant international organizations; Acknowledging the Wadden Sea Region s shared landscape and cultural heritage; Noting with gratification the overall progress made in the implementation of the Ministerial Council Declaration of the 12 th Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea (Tønder Declaration) and recognizing the need to continue to act on specific items as indicated in this Declaration and in line with the financial framework to be agreed upon by the Parties; Determined to meet the challenges facing the Wadden Sea and the surrounding region, to continue to protect and manage the Wadden Sea for present and future generations in close cooperation with all partners engaged in its protection and with those who live, work and recreate in the Wadden Sea Region; have adopted the following Declaration: 3 Reservation Germany

5 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 5 WADDEN SEA WORLD HERITAGE The Ministers 1. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to develop trilateral Wadden Sea World Heritage partnership schemes, and to further activate the Wadden Sea World Heritage brand as a tool for creating synergies between nature conservation and sustainable development in the Wadden Sea Region; 2. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to further develop the Partnership Hub as a part of the future Partnership Centre together with the envisaged partner organisations and in partner networks across the Wadden Sea Region, and to conduct a pilot phase to be concluded by an evaluation by the end of 2018; 3. [Agree to establish a Wadden Sea World Heritage Foundation, as specified in Annex 5;] 4 4. Agree to develop a single integrated management plan for the entire transboundary World Heritage property to strengthen the effectiveness of implementation of coordinated management within the property in accordance with the request by the World Heritage Committee, according to the outline of the plan (at Annex 1); 5. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to oversee the implementation of the Sustainable Tourism Strategy as an important tool for strengthening the cooperation with a multitude of different partners, including by updating and implementing the related action plan; 6. Agree to continue and further consolidate the work on the Flyway Vision in the framework of the Wadden Sea Flyway Initiative with the relevant governmental and nongovernmental organisations and aim to extend the cooperation in the context of the Wadden Sea Flyway Initiative, especially with regard to the Arctic, to continue monitoring along the entire flyway, to continue specific capacity building and to increase the activation of partners; 7. Aim to enhance the awareness of the young generation of the Wadden Sea Region as a shared heritage through the development of appropriate educational activities and material as an integral part of World Heritage communication and education and endorse the Wadden Sea Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development and World Heritage Interpretation developed by the International Wadden Sea School network (at Annex 2); 8. Continue to support the work of the International Wadden Sea School as essential for the shared World Heritage Site, taking into account the results of the recent evaluation process; 9. Encourage partners of the World Heritage Education Network to further extend that network by establishing partnerships between information centres and educational institutions and developing and producing high-quality educational material; 4 General reservation regarding Wadden Sea World Heritage Foundation

6 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page Aim to efficiently implement the Wadden Sea World Heritage Strategy ( ) in close cooperation with relevant partners; 11. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to continue cooperation with the UNESCO Programmes on Marine World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism within a framework of defined targets; 12. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to review the Trilateral Communications Strategy and to prepare a communications programme for the period from ; NATURE CONSERVATION AND INTEGRATED ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT The Ministers 13. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to oversee the further implementation of the Action Plan for Breeding Birds and support an exchange of experiences of national and regional activities, including a potential further development, and to undertake an evaluation in 2022 if appropriate; 14. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to further develop and contribute to implementing a SWIMWAY Vision (at Annex 3) as an integrated approach to implementing the trilateral fish targets by investigating, monitoring, managing and communicating topics concerning the ecology of Wadden Sea fish; 15. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to work intensively on cooperation at the operational management level and to secure adequate wardening and management across the whole Wadden Sea Area, in order to strengthen the protection of the Wadden Sea World Heritage; 16. Adopt the updated Seal Management Plan and reconfirm the guidelines on the taking and releasing of seals according to Art. IV of the Wadden Sea Seals Agreement; 17. Agree to duly take account of the fact that harbour porpoises are increasingly being registered in parts of the Wadden Sea, thus addressing the conservation of the species; 18. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to undertake further steps towards an Alien Species Management and Action Plan [Annex 4, under preparation] 5, integrating a related monitoring programme, based on the national data underpinning the Trilateral Assessment and Monitoring Programme[, including the installation of the network platform at CWSS] 6 ; 5 Reservation by all three Parties regarding Annex 6 Reservation Denmark

7 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to oversee the further implementation of the Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Programme Strategy; 20. Agree to increase the value of the Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Programme to users and to a wider range of stakeholders, including the availability of data and presentation of information resulting from those data; 21. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to produce updates of the online Wadden Sea Quality Status Report and to deliver a comprehensive synthesis report in time for the next Trilateral Governmental Conference; 22. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to further develop steps for sustainable fisheries in the Wadden Sea Area on the trilateral level, in order to achieve the conservation objectives of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation as well as a level playing field (cf. Annex 3, Tønder Declaration) and in close cooperation with responsible authorities and relevant stakeholders and initiatives within the Framework for Sustainable Fisheries; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The Ministers 23. Strive to significantly reduce the amount of marine litter in the Wadden Sea by the year 2030; 24. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to make use of existing monitoring and action programmes, taking into account local and regional initiatives to gain and exchange adequate knowledge on the emissions and effects of marine litter on the Wadden Sea ecosystem in order to take appropriate measures; 25. Request the Wadden Sea Board to stimulate various initiatives aiming to reduce light emissions, such as the exchange of best practices, technological innovations or monitoring, for the benefit of the whole Wadden Sea Area; 26. Continue to support the global and national efforts to mitigate climate change at the regional level; 27. Request the Wadden Sea Board in cooperation with, amongst others, the Wadden Sea Forum to develop and support promising initiatives taken at the local and regional levels by authorities, companies and inhabitants, inter alia by exchanging information and best practices, linking various initiatives and stimulating pilot projects, including the CO 2 reduction ambition of the Wadden Sea Region; 28. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to continue implementing the Trilateral Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and update the priorities contained therein where needed; 29. Request the Wadden Sea Board to determine together with its scientific partners which investigations are needed to better understand the impacts of climate change on the Wadden Sea ecosystem, for example on primary production, and to be prepared to

8 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 8 enhance the level of adequate management to safeguard the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wadden Sea; 30. [Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to review and monitor the impacts of renewable energy production and energy transportation on the Wadden Sea ecosystem and to consider measures to avoid or mitigate possible negative impacts by looking for best environmental practices with the aim of developing, for example, a related common code of conduct on high-voltage power cables in the Wadden Sea Area in close consultation with the responsible bodies and stakeholders;] [Encourage ports and ferry companies working in the Wadden Sea Region to develop codes of conduct to demonstrate their willingness to act in accordance with the highest standards achievable;] [Request the Wadden Sea Board to consider the different approaches of the three countries in order to identify the most sustainable mode of transport for ensuring naturefriendly site-specific connections to the islands in the future; 33. Encourage the competent national shipping and nature conservation authorities to continue their dialogue in order to achieve an even higher level of safety and cooperation, inter alia by raising the general awareness and information level; 34. Encourage the further development and application of environmentally friendly port concepts through the joint organizations of ports, for example by exchange of best practices; 35. Encourage investigation and the sharing of knowledge and the exchange of best practices in the Wadden Sea Region on the relation between and the effect of demographic developments on sustainable development opportunities, specifically on sustainable tourism. COOPERATION The Ministers 36. Encourage discussions by the scientific community and policy-makers on the major policy issues and related knowledge as a basis for the further development of a Trilateral Research Agenda and a trilateral research platform; 37. Instruct the Wadden Sea Board to continue to strengthen its cooperation with the scientific community regarding issues relevant to the Wadden Sea World Heritage, taking into account the Trilateral Research Agenda and promoting pilot studies on nature restoration; 38. Continue to support the work of the Wadden Sea Forum as an independent trilateral stakeholder forum; 7 Reservation Denmark 8 Reservation Germany

9 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page Encourage the Wadden Sea Forum and other organisations to continue their work towards sustainable regional development and on integrated coastal zone management to deliver related stakeholder advice to the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation; 40. Encourage the Wadden Sea Forum together with the competent authorities to work on cultural landscapes and cultural identity as a related asset to nature conservation in the Wadden Sea Region. TRILATERAL WADDEN SEA COOPERATION The Ministers 41. Thank the Netherlands for having assumed the presidency of the Cooperation in the period from and for hosting the 13 th meeting of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Governmental Council; 42. Welcome the presidency of the Federal Republic of Germany for the period from ; 43. Intend to hold the next Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea and the 14 th Trilateral Wadden Sea Governmental Council meeting in 2022, at the invitation of the Government of Germany; 44. Intend to hold the 15 th International Scientific Wadden Sea Symposium in Germany prior to the 14 th Trilateral Wadden Sea Governmental Council at the invitation of the Government of Germany.

10 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 10 List of Annexes 1. Preparation of a single integrated management plan for the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site 2. Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow: Wadden Sea Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development and World Heritage Interpretation 3. Trilateral Wadden Sea Swimway Vision 4. [Alien Species Management and Action Plan (under preparation) ] 9 5. [Establishment of a trilateral Wadden Sea World Heritage Foundation] [Wadden Sea Port Statement] 11 9 Reservation by all three Parties regarding Annex 10 General reservation regarding Wadden Sea World Heritage Foundation 11 Reservation Germany

11 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 11 Annex 1 Preparation of a single integrated management plan for the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site 1. Introduction As reflected in the decisions of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) in 2009, 2011, and 2014, the Wadden Sea Plan 2010 is the overall framework and structure for integrated conservation and management of the property as a whole and coordination between all three States Parties. The WHC also concluded that comprehensive protection measures are in place within each State party. The World Heritage Committee 2014, requested the States parties to develop a single integrated management plan for the entire transboundary property and to consider the options to strengthen the effectiveness of implementation of coordinated management within the property. Since the inscription of the Wadden Sea World Heritage site in 2009 and the extension in 2014, much has been achieved to intensify the cooperation to protect and maintain the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) of the property. As a result of the World Heritage site designation, the agenda of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation (TWSC) has been broadened and there are now many new opportunities to strengthen nature conservation - the fundamental purpose of the cooperation and to increase civic pride, raise awareness, increase support and practical involvement, and achieve socio-economic benefits. In close cooperation with and support of many stakeholders, a wide variety of strategies and plans have been developed including, amongst others, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Strategy and the roadmap to involve strategic partners, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Brand Paper, the Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan, the Flyway Vision, the Framework for Sustainable Fisheries, the Framework for Alien Species (in development), the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area Wadden Sea Operational Plan, the Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Programme, the Seal Management Plan, and the Trilateral Communication Strategy, The development of a single integrated management plan, as requested by the World Heritage Committee, will help to further strengthen the ongoing efforts in harmonizing management of the Wadden Sea as one property in an integrated approach. The management plan shall provide a clear overarching framework that can be easily read and understood by stakeholders and the general public. This concerns especially the definition of roles and responsibilities of the TWSC, site managers and key stakeholders in implementation of plans and strategies. Thus, the single integrated management plan strengthens the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, enhances understanding of joint management, and creates ownership and commitment among stakeholders to protect and maintain the OUV.

12 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page Objectives The single integrated management plan for the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site provides umbrella to integrate existing trilateral strategies and plans without losing their commonly agreed content, while taking into account existing regional and national management systems, which can be easily read and understood by stakeholders. It also provides a clearer picture of resources needs and transparency how the management system functions. In this respect, it is of added value for the Trilateral Cooperation. The specific objectives are 1. Providing a coherent overview on how trilateral management is done jointly to strengthen the protection of OUV and integrity as shared responsibility. 2. Enhancing ownership and commitment of stakeholders in management of the property as one entity and supporting the countries in implementation of trilateral strategies and plans on the ground. 3. Striving towards a further harmonization of management on the ground and strengthen the effectiveness of implementation of coordinated management while taking into account the regional management systems and regional differences. 3. Content The single integrated management plan for the Wadden Sea World Heritage property will focus on overarching issues to be managed with priority and in a consistent way across the property to maintain the OUV and protect the area s natural values and integrity. The single integrated management plan is a rolling plan and will be evaluated regularly. Therefore, the contents will be adapted to management requirements of the TWSC with the support and participation of all key parties involved in implementing the plan. Criteria for the selection of the issues to be addressed 1. Main and prior management issues at trilateral level (identified in particular from the Wadden Sea Plan, recent Ministerial Conference Declarations, and existing strategies and action plans), 2. Urgency to enhance management effectiveness trilaterally, 3. Management and protection requirements with regard to maintain and protect the OUV (as reflected in the Statement of OUV, relevant Committee Decisions and in the Periodic Reporting). The starting point for the further development of the single integrated management plan will be a preliminary structure agreed by the Wadden Sea Board. The content will reflect the current priorities of the TWSC, but contents and priorities may be adapted during the process. A flexible approach is envisaged. The single integrated management plan will be a concise and short document (maximum of 40 pages) and contribute to make the complexity of World Heritage management operational. It should be easy to read in order to better connect to the people on the ground. It should in

13 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 13 general follow WHC and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) advice on World Heritage management plans. 4. Timeline The development is a trilateral, participative process with involvement of site managers and stakeholders from all Wadden Sea regions and the IUCN. The function of the single integrated of the management plan as a rolling plan reflecting the main priorities of the trilateral management has to be considered in its preparation. The aim is to develop the single integrated management plan in the period with a finalization and implementation in 2021 to deliver a proposal for final adoption at the 14 th Ministerial Council Meeting in 2022.

14 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 14 Annex 2 Shaping a Sustainable Tomorrow Wadden Sea Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development and World Heritage Interpretation We Engage in Wadden Sea World Heritage Education The Wadden Sea is the largest unbroken system of tidal flats and intertidal sands in the world, where natural processes run undisturbed throughout the area. It spans 500 km along the coastline of three countries Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands - and has an overall area of 14,000 km². In 2009, the Dutch-German Wadden Sea was inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage List in recognition of the Outstanding Universal Value of the area and the progress made in protecting and managing it for more than 30 years. In 2014, the site was extended to include the Danish part of the Wadden Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage status is the highest possible award for a natural site and recognises and acknowledges its outstanding global importance. Thus, the Wadden Sea is now ranked as highly as other World Heritage properties, for example, the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon. Outreach and education are an obligation that directly ensues from the World Heritage Convention and the inscription in the World Heritage List. In order to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the Wadden Sea it must be known, understood and respected. In other words: The communication and promotion of the Wadden Sea World Heritage are essential factors for a broad acceptance and support of the long-term protection of the Wadden Sea. At the 12 th Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea in Tønder (2014) the ministers agreed to enhance the awareness of the young generation of the Wadden Sea as a shared heritage through development of appropriate educational outreach and products as an integral part of the World Heritage communication and education, and therefore to stimulate and support the development of a trilaterally coordinated World Heritage education network, building upon the already existing International Wadden Sea School (IWSS) network including regional and local initiatives. The overall strategy for the Wadden Sea World Heritage, agreed upon by the Wadden Sea Board in 2015, further specifies the work field for the educational component. The World Heritage education and interpretation builds on many years of experience and a large variety of existing national and trilateral Wadden Sea education activities. Committed education professionals and motivated multipliers can jointly bring the OUV to life.

15 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 15 Aim & Status of the Strategy The Wadden Sea World Heritage Education and Interpretation Strategy (i.e. the education strategy from now) aims to provide a trans-boundary framework for environmental education and interpretation in the entire Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. It stands for ONE Wadden Sea and builds up on the local, regional and national strategies, concepts and individual activities - without replacing these - and provides an umbrella to promote the Wadden Sea s Outstanding Universal Value ( OUV from now) in an international and interdisciplinary approach. A Trilateral Work Programme for and onwards complements the strategy and concretises the joint activities. The strategy has been developed by the Trilateral Network Group Education with members representing Wadden Sea education and interpretation at national and regional levels, the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation and the International Wadden Sea School (IWSS). It is signed on the occasion of the 13 th Trilateral Governmental Conference on the Protection of the Wadden Sea in Leeuwarden in The strategy links and contributes to implementing the overall World Heritage Strategy (p. 24), the Strategy for Sustainable Tourism in the Wadden Sea World Heritage Destination (p. 24) and in a broader sense also to the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme (p. 25) and Education for Sustainable Development Goals (p. 25). To fill the strategy with life both on the national and trilateral level - is our common responsibility. On the national levels, the ongoing and future individual activities will be coordinated and financed by the respective national stakeholders. On the trilateral level, the trilateral Network Group Education will oversee the implementation of this strategy with the coordination of joint activities according to the Trilateral Work Programme provided by the IWSS in cooperation with the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat (CWSS). All Wadden Sea education stakeholders who commit to and support the protection of our ONE Wadden Sea, are invited to participate in the implementation of Wadden Sea World Heritage education and interpretation: by informing, engaging, and involving a large proportion of visitors and locals of all ages in the World Heritage, its protected areas and Outstanding Universal Value. [logos of all partners involved; regional representatives to approach and involve local partners] Facts & Figures [to be presented in an appealing way similar to page 6/7 of the tourism strategy] - 11,000 km 2 of protected areas such as National Parks make up the Wadden Sea World Heritage, stretching about 500 km along the North Sea shores of Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands

16 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 16 - More than 10 million migratory waterbirds pass through in autumn and spring every year and depend on the area as a major stepping stone on their flyway - About four million people live on the mainland adjacent to the Wadden Sea World Heritage and about 75,000 live on the islands surrounded by it - Every year about 10 million tourists with about 50 million overnight stays visit the region, and many more come for a day-trip - [100] Wadden Sea visitor centres of all sizes serve as gateways to Wadden Sea knowledge and experience - [60] rangers of the conservation authorities or management organisations and about [500] people active in the field as members, staff or volunteers of nature conservation associations or private guides provide information, guided tours and education programs - [2.5] million people make use of the different levels of Wadden Sea information, education and interpretation services every year - [xx] local schools/teachers use, benefit from and are actively involved in Wadden Sea education Visitor Information & Wadden Sea Education Today Where we are now [Map of the Wadden Sea World Heritage region and locations of centres] Visitor information, environmental education and offers for nature experience have evolved throughout the Wadden Sea Region for several decades, the first activities recorded more than a century ago. Ranging from personal communication, printed and digital information, signs, nature trails and educational offers, to information centres of different sizes, today a broad choice of Wadden Sea information and education offers is provided by various nature conservation bodies and their partners: public bodies from the local to state level, often in various public-private partnerships, bodies run by green non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations, and also bodies where small and medium sized businesses such as National Park Partners are taking an active role in the various forms of communication. About 100 visitor information facilities - from small info-points to large edutainment centres - along the entire coast and on the islands play an important role in presenting the values, attractions and global importance of the Wadden Sea to local inhabitants, stakeholders and tourists alike. A number of rangers, volunteers and private nature guides offer a broad choice of guided tours - from mudflat walks to boat trips and bird watching activities, providing first-hand experience, fascination and understanding of the irreplaceable nature. Regional education programs such as Waddenzeeschool in the Netherlands, Junior Ranger and National Park Schools in Germany and Mit Vadehav in Denmark provide

17 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 17 comprehensive learning opportunities for both local and tens of thousands of pupils that visit the Wadden Sea on class trips every year. The International Wadden Sea School (IWSS), founded by the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation in 2003, has - with the purpose of enhancing a trilateral perspective of Wadden Sea education and cross-border cooperation among multipliers - developed a wide range of information and educational products, which present the entire Wadden Sea as one ecological and preserved entity. The Wadden Sea s inscription as World Heritage Site in 2009 and its extension in 2014 is an obligation and provides the chance to extend the cooperation of stakeholders involved in education, contributing to the awareness, inspiration, and engagement with the worldwide importance and global connections of the Wadden Sea World Heritage property. Explaining the Outstanding Universal Value in a consistent and engaging way constitute the basis for a successful Wadden Sea World Heritage education and interpretation work. Wadden Sea World Heritage Education Tomorrow Where we want to be Our Vision for the Future It is our joint vision, that in the future People who visit, live or work in any part of the Wadden Sea World Heritage region are aware of and appreciate the Outstanding Universal Value and the unique landscape. They are committed to preserving these assets for the benefit of present and future generations. Environmental education and interpretation provide access to the understanding and appreciation of the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. High-quality information and nature, landscape and culture experiences ensure outstanding opportunities for all age groups to learn about, experience, enjoy and support to protect the Wadden Sea. Local, regional, and trans-boundary, as well as governmental and non-governmental offers complement each other, and committed partners actively cooperate on a national, trilateral and international level. All education and interpretation activities support the integral protection of the Wadden Sea as an ecological entity and the ecological requirements of its common World Heritage Status. Our Objectives & Measures How the Vision becomes Reality Three joint objectives and 13 measures on the national as well as on the trilateral level contribute to realising the vision in the long term. Objective 1

18 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 18 Objective 2 Objective 3 Competent multipliers: All stakeholders of Wadden Sea education have a transnational understanding and appreciation of the Wadden Sea World Heritage, its OUV and its protection in a trilateral and global context. High-quality information: A comprehensive holistic information and education offer provides consistent communication of the Outstanding Universal Value throughout the Wadden Sea World Heritage region and beyond. Outstanding person-to-person communication: Guided nature interpretation offers provide authentic experiences of the diversity, dynamics and beauty of the Wadden Sea World Heritage for everyone. Trilateral Measures Measures and activities on the trilateral level are further specified in a joint Trilateral Work Programme, facilitated by the International Wadden Sea School (IWSS) and financed by the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation. They are inspired by, complement and as far as possible - support the activities on the national level. Objective Measure Rationale Competent multipliers High-quality information Provision of trilateral network- and service activities focussing on World Heritage issues targeted at multipliers of Wadden Sea education and visitor information. Engagement in cooperation and exchange activities with Wadden Sea related (marine) World Heritage and protected sites on a global scale. Provision of trilateral information, education and edutainment resources with a focus on the joint World Heritage targeted primarily at nonformal and informal learning audiences. Trilateral networking activities such as workshops and service offers such as online platforms for multipliers facilitate learning and exchange opportunities among international colleagues for a profound understanding and consistent communication of World Heritage. Broadening the scope of cooperation to relevant sites outside the Wadden Sea facilitates mutual learning and contributes to high-quality wetland education around the world. Trilateral World Heritage resources complement the national information and education products. They are provided in Danish, German and Dutch, take into consideration the various national situations and meet the demand on a common denominator.

19 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 19 National Measures The implementation of existing and future measures and activities on the national level is subject to National Work Programmes which are set up, implemented and financed by public as well as private partners in the three Wadden Sea countries respectively different regions. National activities are inspired by, complemented and as far as possible - supported by the trilateral activities. Objectives Measures Rationale Competent multipliers High-quality information Provision of national networks and services targeted at multipliers of Wadden Sea education and visitor information. Provision of qualification systems and training programs for nature and culture guides and other non-formal audiences. Provision of visitor centres targeted at informal, non-formal and formal audiences. Provision of visitor information systems including self-guided trails targeted primarily at informal learning audiences. Provision of online resources and digital information for informal, nonformal and formal learning audiences. Provision of printed information (folders, brochures, etc.) targeted primarily at informal learning audiences. National networking activities and services for multipliers ensure a competent and coordinated Wadden Sea education and integration of World Heritage issues in national activities. Coordinated qualification schemes and regular training courses for nature guides, tourist organisation, business partners, etc. can ensure a high-quality standard of guided tours and visitor information in the entire Wadden Sea Region Visitor centres of all sizes serve as gateways to the Wadden Sea World Heritage. By means of signs, information panels, maps, flyers, etc. visitors can obtain accessible information about and orientation in the World Heritage Region as well as recommendations for naturefriendly behaviour. Websites, social media and apps provide access to Wadden Sea topics in and outside the Wadden Sea Region for visitors, locals, multipliers, etc. Printed media provide Wadden Sea information for visitors in and the general public outside the Wadden Sea Region. Provision of educational resources, programs and projects targeted at formal learning audiences. Educational resources, online platforms, and partnershipprograms for local schools, school classes and study groups visiting the area, and schools as well as other formal learning institutions outside the Wadden Sea Region provide didactic access and comprehensive learning opportunities.

20 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 20 Outstanding person-toperson communication Provision of educational resources, programs and projects targeted at young non-formal learning audiences. Provision of guided tours for formal, non-formal and informal learning audiences. Provision of class trip and study tour programs, seminars and workshops for formal learning audiences. Edutainment products and non-formal learning programs such as the (German) Junior Ranger program can raise awareness among and activate the (local) youth. Transnational exchange programs for youths can contribute to raise a next generation of the Wadden Sea Family supporting the commitment to the OUV and integrity of the Wadden Sea World Heritage. Guided tours by National Park Rangers, nature NGOs and institutional and private nature guides offer accessible, competent information and first-hand nature experience of mudflats, bird life, seals and other habitats and phenomena of the World Heritage. Extensive education and edutainment offers of several days duration comprising both indoor and outdoor activities offer intensive nature experience and comprehensive learning opportunities. Our Audiences [to be visualised with illustrations] Our approach to Wadden Sea education and interpretation from the local to the trilateral level addresses various target groups in the framework of formal, non-formal and informal learning. Schools of all kind ( Formal learning ) The audience for formal learning includes school classes, schools and other formal learning groups including schools of applied sciences and universities. They can be outside or inside the Wadden Sea Region as well as all such groups visiting it. Educational resources and activities offered for these audiences have to comply with the respective teaching curricula and take into consideration nationally different didactic approaches. Stakeholders ( Non-formal learning ) The main audience for non-formal learning (i.e. stakeholder learning) are multipliers of Wadden Sea World Heritage education and information:

21 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 21 - Visitor centre networks - Nature NGOs - Nature guide associations - Tourist organisations - Business and interest group partnership programs (such as National Park Partner) - Children & youth groups engaged in extracurricular learning activities (e.g. Junior Ranger programs, Kid s Wadden Academy) General Public ( Informal learning ) The main audience for informal learning is the general public i.e. guests (tourists on holidays, including day-trips) and local inhabitants. This audience includes all ages, i.e. children, youth and adults. It includes also special interest visitors such as birdwatchers and nature photographers. Our Principles Wadden Sea World Heritage education and interpretation on both the national and trilateral level shall convey the Wadden Sea s Outstanding Universal Value stress the entity as of ONE Wadden Sea, while respecting and highlighting the various, including cultural, characteristics of the three states, individual regions or islands. promote trans-boundary and trans-disciplinary cooperation among multipliers. build on a living network of committed local partners. provide multisensory, playful, intercultural and accessible learning experiences according to the principles of Education for Sustainable Development raise positive attitudes towards a sense of common World Heritage ownership based on pride, ownership, identification with and responsibility for the joint natural and cultural heritage. empower individuals to reflect on their own actions and role in the protection of the Wadden Sea World Heritage and of environmental and nature protection in general seek to realise all activities professionally, sustainably, and cost-effectively. contribute to the protection of the Wadden Sea and supports the legal conservation targets, as well as the guiding principle agreed upon by the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation to achieve, as far as possible, a natural and sustainable ecosystem in which natural processes proceed in an undisturbed way.

22 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 22 Working definitions The strategy for environmental education and interpretation in the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site tackles both disciplines of education and interpretation. The implementation considers the principles of education for sustainable development. Environmental education comprises formal and informal learning: - Formal learning education within schools at all levels as well as universities; facilitated or self-guided learning activities that are usually linked to a taught curriculum. E: e.g. school visit programs organised by visitor centres or resources provided for teachers to work with the topics related to the World Heritage - Non-formal learning education of organised groups outside the formal education system. E.g. Junior Ranger groups, National Park Partners - Informal learning education of the general public; facilitated or self-guided learning activities and resources which offer users choice and freedom, giving them ownership of the level of their engagement and allowing them to create their own learning experience. Interpretation is a part of education and defined as An educational activity which aims to reveal meanings and relationships through the use of original objects, by first-hand experience and by illustrative media, rather than simply to communicate factual information. (Freeman Tilden) Education for Sustainable Development aims at developing competencies that empower individuals to reflect on their own actions, taking into account their current and future social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts, from a local and a global perspective. Sources: English Heritage (2011): Stonehenge World Heritage Site A Strategy for Interpretation, Learning and Participation. Freeman Tilden et al. (2009): Interpreting Our Heritage - fourth edition, expanded & updated. Sarah Welton & Associates for Dorset County Council s Outdoor Education Service (without year): The Jurassic Textbook- a Strategy for Education for the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. UNESCO (2017): Education for Sustainable Development Goals. Implementation of the Strategy The implementation of Wadden Sea World Heritage education and interpretation is a shared responsibility and common task of the subscribers, including public authorities, NGOs, and other private stakeholders on the national and trilateral level, all the while being open to welcome more supporters.

23 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 23 National Level The implementation on the national level follows National Work Programmes - existing or future strategies of the three Wadden Sea countries respectively different regions - by public as well as private partners, i.e. National Park Administrations, NGOs, visitor centres, schools, etc. The programmes comprise regional networks, initiatives and activities as well as regional education products. The regions identify regional representatives to represent the regional Wadden Sea education sector in the Trilateral Work Programme Evaluation and monitoring activities are carried out according to the regional strategies and standards. Quantitative data on the number of visitors in centres and participants of guided tours - recorded on a local, regional and national level adds to this with a view to working towards a constant, harmonised and coordinated monitoring of education in and on the Wadden Sea World Heritage throughout the entire region contributing to the Trilateral Monitoring and Assessment Program and Quality Status Report. The national education programmes and products are financed on the national level by the various public and private bodies. The regional representatives contributions to the trilateral work program is either assigned as part of their job or compensated by national funding. Trilateral Level The implementation of World Heritage education on a trilateral level according to a Trilateral Work Programme is a core task of the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation, following the political decision taken during the Trilateral Governmental Conferences and with financial support and guidance provided by the Wadden Sea Board and the Task Group World Heritage. The Trilateral Work Programme further specified in a separate working plan with the status of a rolling document - builds on the existing structures of the International Wadden Sea School (IWSS) and comprises two key work fields: facilitation of network services and provision of trilateral education products. The IWSS coordinator (at present provided by WWF Germany) serves as a key facilitator of the Trilateral Work Programme and closely cooperates with the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat as well as with the regional representatives of Wadden Sea Education. Together, they constitute the Network Group Education (NGE) to link the trilateral and regional initiatives and to ensure that all trilaterally developed activities and products are suitable for the various national situations and meet the demand on a common denominator. [The Trilateral Work Programme also constitutes the educational component of the future Wadden Sea World Heritage Partnership Centre.] (to be decided) A qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Trilateral Work Programme is carried out prior to Trilateral Governmental Conferences. The programme will also be evaluated annually by the Network Group Education and amended if necessary. Feedback on the ongoing activities and services is continuously collected and discussed both with the Network Group Education and the annual partner workshops. The Trilateral Work Programme (IWSS) in its core is financed by the Trilateral Wadden Sea Cooperation. Additional resources from (private) partners - acquired through fundraising and

24 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 24 project funding- can add to the core budget and improve the possibilities to provide the necessary services. Credits Publisher Common Wadden Sea Secretariat Virchowstraße 1 D Wilhelmshaven info@waddensea-secretariat.org Editing Network Group Education: Leana Frisch, Nationalpark-Verwaltung Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer Ditte Dyrbo Hviid, Nationalpark Vadehavet (in collaboration with the Wadden Sea Interpreters Forum and the councils of Esbjerg, Fanø, Tønder and Varde) Peter Körber, Nationalpark-Verwaltung Hamburgisches Wattenmeer Gerd Meurs, LKN.SH / Nationalpark-Verwaltung Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer Jürgen Rahmel, Nationalparkverwaltung Niedersächsisches Wattenmeer Anja Szczesinski, WWF Germany Lian Zigterman, Waddenvereniging Coordination Harald Marencic and Anja Szczesinski Graphic Design Liebmann Feine Grafik

25 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 25

26 Leeuwarden Declaration, 18 May 2018 page 26 Annex 3 Trilateral Wadden Sea Swimway Vision PROPOSAL FOR A TRILATERAL WADDEN SEA SWIMWAY VISION Introduction The Wadden Sea is one of the world s largest coherent intertidal wetlands. With more than 150 fish species recorded to date, including 13 freshwater species, the fish community of the Wadden Sea is exceptionally diverse. The populations of many fish species in the Wadden Sea have steeply declined in recent decades, and causes of these declines are largely unknown. Basic understanding of essential processes and functional pathways is still missing, hampering effective and efficient fish conservation. For this reason, Danish, Dutch and German fish experts developed conservation objectives for fish the so called Trilateral Fish Targets, which were adopted as part of the Wadden Sea Plan at the Trilateral Governmental Conference in 2010: 1. Viable stocks of populations and a natural reproduction of typical Wadden Sea fish species; 2. Occurrence and abundance of fish species according to the natural dynamics in (a)biotic conditions; 3. Favourable living conditions for endangered fish species; 4. Maintenance of the diversity of natural habitats to provide substratum for spawning and nursery functions for juvenile fish; 5. Maintaining and restoring the possibilities for the passage of migrating fish between the Wadden Sea and inland waters. Based on the agreement at the Trilateral Governmental Conference in 2014 Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands decided to work on the further implementation of these Trilateral Fish Targets. It was decided to advance these targets by developing a Trilateral Wadden Sea Swimway Vision. The Vision was developed in 2017 by a trilateral coordination group with contributions of research institutes, nature management organizations and authorities with a view to obtaining a signed commitment of governments and stakeholders at the Trilateral Governmental Conference in Leeuwarden, Netherlands, in The Trilateral Wadden Sea Swimway Vision Implementing the Trilateral Fish Targets is the main goal of the Vision, and the aim is to provide an overarching Swimway approach an umbrella- for all kind of initiatives related to achieving the targets. The Vision is based on four pillars: research and monitoring; policy and management; stakeholder involvement, communication and education. Research and monitoring