Investigating the influence of tourism on the Wadden Sea using a multi-layer social-ecological network

A pioneering study using a multi-layer social-ecological network (SEN) reveals tourism as the most interconnected node in the Wadden Sea, with 37 direct and indirect relationships to ecological, socio-economic nodes, and other ecosystem services. This approach identified 12 potential feedback loops that could either enhance or threaten the site's natural value, highlighting the complex interplay between human activity and coastal ecosystems. The research underscores significant data gaps and the need for sustainable management strategies to mitigate negative impacts while preserving the Wadden Sea's ecological integrity for future generations.

Horn, S., Meunier, C. L., Krause, G., & Solé, L. (2025). Investigating the influence of tourism on the Wadden Sea using a multi-layer social-ecological network. Ocean & Coastal Management, 266, 107686. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107686