Safeguarding the natural sedimentary processes in the Wadden Sea for biodiversity and people

The natural interplay between water, sediment and landscape-building species such as mussels, seagrasses and salt marsh plants is vital for maintaining natural functions and their associated ecosystem services in the Wadden Sea. Human perturbations, however, increasingly interfere these natural dynamics. Warranting the future conservation of essential functions and services will require (1) better integration of the interactions between sediment dynamics and landscape-building species, and (2) a shared trilateral perception of what a natural Wadden Sea encompasses. Using a socio-ecological approach, SedWay will deliver a co-designed Decision Support System for rapid identification of threats and restoration opportunities.