Cumulative effects in the Wadden Sea Region: Quick Scan

The issue of cumulative effects on the nature of the Wadden Sea Region is important from both a scientific and policy perspective but is also complex. Scientific questions relate to topics such as the scope of the concept, whether or not effects of a different nature and magnitude can be added up, issues of cause and effect (causality), the phenomenon that effects can reinforce or limit each other and so on. These questions extend to the legal and policy framework, for example in discussions with Parliament about whether the Wadden ecosystem can cope with the multiplicity of human activities, in the process of drafting Natura 2000 management plans and in the assessment of permit applications under nature conservation and water legislation. This report is an English translation of a report previously published by the authors on behalf of the Waddenacademie. Based on existing literature, the report first provides an explanation of the concept of cumulative effects. It is then explained that getting a grip on cumulative effects is of great importance for ensuring adequate compliance with applicable legal frameworks, including the EU Natura 2000 regime.