© MEKUN / Martin Stock
MEKUN: Seabed meets horizon
How the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is protected and managed
The National Park Authority is the central nature conservation authority for the unique Wadden Sea National Park and ensures compliance with the National Park Act. It combines nature conservation with education, research and regional development. It is not only the guardian of a unique ecosystem, but also a mediator between man and nature - a task of outstanding importance.
Based in Tönning and with a team of around 90 employees, the National Park Authority is part of the Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Coastal Defence, National Park and Marine Protection (LKN.SH) and reports to the Ministry of the Environment. Since its foundation 40 years ago, it has developed into a successful mediator between nature conservation and human activities after initial resistance.
© MEKUN / Christian Wiedemann
More than just administration
The National Park Administration team works in four specialised areas:
• Environmental monitoring and planning
• Protection and development planning, supported by 17 national park rangers
• Communication and national park partners
• Education and the operation of the Multimar Wattforum National Park Centre
The national park administration reconciles the conservation goals of the national park with the interests of others. What was initially a conflict has now developed into co-operation. As the higher and lower nature conservation authority, it examines construction projects, issues licences and develops conservation concepts. At the same time, it organises environmental monitoring and carries out extensive public relations and educational work.
Co-operation with regional stakeholders is now exemplary. The employees are characterised by a high level of expertise, a great deal of passion for the Wadden Sea and a strong team spirit - there is more than just administration here!
The aim of the national park is to ‘let nature be nature’.
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Let nature be nature
The aim of the national park is to ‘let nature be nature’. This means that the natural processes in the Wadden Sea ecosystem should run as undisturbed as possible. At the same time, human activities must be organised sustainably.
The national park administration sees itself as a service provider that reconciles the protection of nature with the interests of locals and holidaymakers, agriculture and water sports, fishing, guided tours of the tidal flats, science and many others.
It coordinates and authorises studies, projects and necessary construction projects. Together with the other Wadden Sea countries, it organises extensive environmental monitoring programmes in which, for example, seals and birds are counted and biological phenomena are documented.
It informs the public with its national park rangers and information facilities such as the Multimar Wattforum National Park Information Centre and via the media. It offers schools and teachers attractive environmental education programmes.
Co-operation as the key to success
When making important decisions concerning the national park, it is advised by the North Friesland and Dithmarschen national park boards of trustees. The national park administration is also strongly supported by nature conservation organisations. They look after national park areas and information centres, support environmental monitoring and lead numerous excursions into the national park.
The national park administration works closely with research institutes and universities. These partnerships make it possible to incorporate scientific findings directly into conservation measures.
Since 2003, there has also been the National Park Partners programme, in which tourist businesses act as ambassadors for the national park - a successful combination of nature conservation and regional development.
© MEKUN / Martin Stock
Career opportunities for nature lovers
People with a passion for nature will find exciting fields of work in the national park administration - from research and nature conservation to public relations. A wide variety of job profiles are available, such as
• Scientists in biology, geography, landscape management, etc.
• Rangers
• Communication specialists
• Environmental educators and teachers
• Administrative specialists
A window to the Wadden Sea
The Multimar Wattforum National Park Centre in Tönning not only hosts an interactive exhibition with interesting facts about the Wadden Sea, National Park, World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, but is also a designated educational centre for sustainability. Come and experience highlights like the sperm whale skeleton, the 37 North Sea aquariums, the large aquarium with regular dip feeding and the otters in the natural outdoor area.
Film about the Wadden Sea National Park
The Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea National Park is one of 16 national parks in Germany and the largest between the North Cape and Sicily. This film shows the diversity and unspoilt nature of the landscape. Breathtaking aerial shots and unusual perspectives alternate with fascinating close-ups (german only).
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