Wadden Sea in danger: UNESCO warns of interventions in the World Natural Heritage

Wadden Sea in danger: UNESCO warns of interventions in the World Natural Heritage

Neu-Delhi (dpa)-The latest decision by the UNESCO to criticize the activities in the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, throws an important shadow on the future of the ecosystem and the regional communities that depend on nature. This development can be seen as part of a larger trend in which environmental protection and economic interests are often conflict.

threat to the ecosystem

At the 46th meeting of the UNESCO responsible committee in New Delhi, a warning was pronounced on Thursday. This emphasizes that the degradation of raw materials such as oil, gas and salt harms not only the world's burial status of the Wadden Sea, but also to the entire ecosystem. This happens at the same time with a worrying decline in nature and an increase in sea level.

The connection of the community with nature

The Nature Conservation Association of Germany (NABU) has vigorously campaigned for the protection of the Wadden Sea after the committee followed the decision of a complaint by NABU and from other environmental organizations. NABU President Jörg-Andreas Krüger emphasizes how important an intact nature is for over ten million wad and water birds. This goes beyond mere nature conservation and directly affects the well -being of the coastal municipalities and their economy.

meaning of the world heritage

The Wadden Sea enjoys a particularly high priority after it has been recognized as a world natural heritage since June 26, 2009. This award places the Wadden Sea on one level with UNESCO sites such as the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. The NABU has set itself the goal of putting the interests of nature in the foreground and demands readjustment in the planning of infrastructure projects.

The challenge of the energy transition

The challenge is to take the necessary steps to the energy transition without endangering the sensitive ecosystems. Krüger warns that new gas bores and the associated terminal buildings are overbuing valuable coastal biotopes. Sustainable solutions have to be found that create a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.

The way to the future

The NABU is committed to ensuring that new cable routes for offshore current and pipelines of the entire UNESCO World Heritage area are avoided, wherever possible. Instead, these should primarily be integrated into existing shipping routes of the EMS, Weser and Elbe. The appeal is clear: the Wadden Sea must not become a loser on the way to a sustainable energy future.

The current events in the Wadden Sea reflect a central dilemma of our time: How can we cover our energy requirements without endangering our valuable natural resources? The dialogue between environmentalists, politicians and the economy will be crucial to develop a responsible and sustainable strategy.

- Nag