Despite its tranquil appearance, the Wadden Sea is the largest wilderness in Europe and a one of the main hotspots of biodiversity in the world. It sustains over 10,000 species of plants and animals. In addition, it plays an indispensable role well beyond its borders: the richness of local species is crucial for 10-12 million of migratory birds that make a stopover in the area on their journey to their wintering or summering grounds.

In this section, the status of the Wadden Sea's main groups of species stand in the focus.