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Noardeast-Frysl, Netherlands Motion for special legal status of the Wadden Sea

Netherlands
Noardeast-Fryslân
Approved in 2019
Declaration
Personhood, Rights Of Nature
Wadden Sea
Marine Ecosystem
Municipal Council of Noardeast-Frysl
Government

Summary

In 2019, the council of the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân passed a motion that recognized the Wadden Sea as a special legal entity, stating “this gives the Wadden Sea its own legal place and identity in our society, just like a municipality, water board or company” (Page 2). The council also recognized that the Wadden Sea is “a unique nature reserve in the Netherlands and the world, which deserves and justifies unique protection.” The motion also urges “the independent Wadden Sea Management Authority to be established will have a board with its own power and resources, consisting of people from the various interest groups
such as island residents, nature conservationists, (local) authorities, entrepreneurs, Wadden coast residents and Wadden fishermen”

The council said the vulnerability of the Wadden Sea has been clearly demonstrated after a MSC Zoe container ship lost 345 containers in a storm. Toxic chemicals and litter covered the coastline of the sea. The council urged the cabinet to create an independent managing authority made up of various interest groups like island residents, nature conservationists, local authorities, entrepreneurs, coastline residents, and fishermen with its own power and resources.

To see the original legal document(s) for this initiative, click the links below:

Special rights UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea [PDF]

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