Arche Wattenmeer
Region
Europe
Country
Germany
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Europe
About
Arche Wattenmeer of NSG Schutzstation Wattenmeer e.V.
We have 5 “stations” on Sylt and 20 along the west coast of “Schleswig-Holstein” (between Hamburg and Denmark). Protecting Mud flats, salt marshes, dunes, etc.; lots of migrant and local birds, harbor seals, porpoise, grey seals, and many more. Our exhibition is located in an old church, which in 2013 was converted to a National Park visitor centre; we have 15 different (mainly walking) tours on offer, and seasonal exhibits.
Overall aims of your centre
Education about the Nationalpark and World Heritage Site Waddensea and the Mud flats; gain understanding in nature and problems like plastic waste in the sea, fishery and many other issues.
Funding support
Donations, Educations Work, Local Government, Projects and other sources
Number of staff:
2 fulltime staff up to 35 volunteers on Sylt; overall the westcoast 30 fulltime staff up to 80 volunteers
Number of visitors per year
Figures for the island auf Sylt only: 15.000 in our main exhibition and up to 80.000 participants in our guided tours (not 2020)
Work Areas
What types of work are you doing around communication, education, participation and awareness-raising?
Local guides walks, exhibitions, presentations and workshops. Some press and media work.
What activities/projects have worked well and why?
Mud flat tours, boats tours to seals and exhibition and visitor centre.
Top three challenges
Not only talking about great nature, but also about global and local problems. Difficulties to get climate change (crises) in other people's heads.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials; Developing nature trails
Visitor centres
Managing / creating habitat; Running a visitor centre; Building / maintaining structures
Participation
Engaging young people; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Delivering adult education; Working with primary schools; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
PR and marketing; Running effective administration; Health and safety; Fund-raising; Project planning.
Contact
Website address: www.arche-wattenmeer.de and www.schutzstation-wattenmeer.de
Dennis Schaper, Rantumer Straße 33
25997 Hörnum / Sylt
email:d.schaper@schutzstation-wattenmeer.de
Tel: +49 4651 8862 227 or + 49 151 5810 2141 (mobile)
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