The Wadden Sea protection and management scheme-towards an integrated coastal management approach?

The Wadden Sea conservation and management scheme is based on an ecosystem approach which aims at preserving the integrity and functioning of the system and allows for a sustainable use of the area within that framework. It is perceived mainly as an environmental issue, whereas the social and economic developments in the coastal zone are equally a part of the sustainable development concept. Therefore, a stakeholder forum, the Wadden Sea Forum, has been established in an attempt to implement a sustainability concept to support the development of new social and economic perspectives for the region. This approach is also important with a view to maintain the support for a sound management of the coastal zone. Sustainable development is a key concept in a strategic approach to integrated coastal zone management.