A different way of spending time in the Wadden region starts here. The Wadden Sea holds UNESCO World Heritage status: a recognition to be proud of, and one that comes with a clear responsibility. Because if we want the Wadden Sea to remain liveable and healthy, we need to make choices that strengthen nature, landscape and community. Regenerative recreation means leaving a place stronger than you found it; from how you travel and where you stay to what you eat and what you choose to do.
On this page, you can read about our plans and stories from practice, and find practical tips to get started yourself. You can also download the e-book: a clear guide with steps, examples and checklists for everyone who wants to get started with regenerative recreation.
Accept cookies to see this content.
How we keep building recreation that gives back
In 2026, Visit Wadden will continue to develop regenerative recreation step by step. We will do this in two phases.
In the first phase, the focus is on sharing our story. The vision is already in place. Now we are bringing it into the region. We will visit the area and keep the conversation going with nature managers, entrepreneurs, authorities and other partners. We will listen closely, gather stories from practice and sharpen our story where needed. Not to invent something new, but to show more clearly what is already happening. What works, what rubs and what needs adjusting. This way, a shared core message will grow: one that feels recognisable along the whole Wadden Coast and across the Wadden Islands. The goal is clear: to make sure we are moving in the same direction and keep moving together.
In the second phase, our focus shifts to visitors. We will prepare everything that helps make conscious choices easier. That starts with language. We are working on a new, accessible term that better shows what this is about and invites people to take part. We will also translate the vision into practical tools, examples and routes that show how recreation can give something back. This way, visitors do not just come to look around, but leave something behind that truly counts.
Sometimes regeneration does not begin with grand plans, but with a small gesture in your yard, in your kitchen or by the dike. In this list, you will find 60 examples that show how recreation can contribute to restoration: from salt marsh work to shared mobility, from storytelling evenings to food forests. Choose what fits you, and help build a stronger Wadden Sea step by step.
Working circularly helps you first bring your impact back to zero. Less waste, smarter use of materials and conscious choices in energy and purchasing help ensure you do not add harm to the area. From that stable foundation, it becomes easier to take the next step and add positive value instead. The free e-learning course on circular entrepreneurship shows you how to approach this in practice and guides you step by step.
The Biodiversity Desk is there for everyone who wants to get started with biodiversity themselves. Whether you are working from a neighbourhood, school, association, municipality or farm/business. Do you have questions, need direction or want to know what suits your place? The desk thinks along with you, gives advice and helps turn ideas into achievable steps for the area.
“
Make the world a better place, starting with yourself. That has always been our guiding principle.
”
Team Verbaarum
“
Regenerative recreation calls for a new way of thinking about recreation and tourism, with place and residents at the centre.
”
Shirley Nieuwland (Expert in regenerative tourism)
In conversation with Visit Wadden
Are you looking for a speaker for an inspiration session or keynote on regenerative recreation? Fay de Koning, Jannie Slot and Wendy Oude Veldhuis would be happy to share the Visit Wadden story on your stage or at your event. With examples from practice, sharp insights and room for conversation. Invite us and give the topic a place in your programme.
Did you know that small adjustments can often have a big impact? Regenerative entrepreneurship is about smart course corrections, step by step. Our enthusiastic product development team is ready to think along with you, spark ideas and help set a clear direction. Whether you have a first idea or want to sharpen a concrete plan, you will get practical tools to develop an offer that fits the Wadden region and gives something back.
Let us hear from you and take the first step together. Get in touch using the button below.
