Breeding Bird Action Plan update: Workshop on strengthening conservation efforts

On 26-27 January 2026, experts and stakeholders from across the Wadden Sea region held a trilateral workshop in Wilhelmshaven as part of the update process of the Breeding Bird Action Plan. Organised by the Common Wadden Sea Secretariat in collaboration with consultants from Bioconsult SH and members of the Expert Group Breeding Birds, the event addressed ongoing declines in breeding bird populations and identify priority actions for future conservation efforts.  

The Wadden Sea is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique ecological value and as a crucial habitat for millions of breeding and migratory birds each year. Long-term monitoring shows that many breeding bird species in the region have experienced significant declines, driven by factors such as low breeding success, predation, flooding risks linked to climate change and pressures on food resources.  

During the two-day workshop, 19 participants from the three Wadden Sea countries discussed key pressures affecting breeding birds across the Wadden Sea. The breakout sessions focussed on identifying management measures to improve breeding success, foraging availabilities and habitat quality, and on developing draft targets and indicators to be incorporated into the revised action plan. 

The workshop also served to strengthen cooperation among national and regional authorities, scientists and conservation practitioners, in line with the shared responsibility for biodiversity conservation in the trilateral Wadden Sea area. Decisions and recommendations from the meeting will feed directly into the update of Breeding Bird Action Plan, which is expected to be published at the Trilateral Governmental Conference in May 2026 and shall guide coordinated management measures.