Periphery and Integrated Planning: Coping with Rural and Touristic Challenges across Scales in the German Wadden Sea Region

Rural landscapes face multiple challenges, but they can be attractive for developing nature-based tourism. Encouraging place-based participatory governance in local communities represents a relevant transdisciplinary landscape approach. In this study, we map (1) rural and touristic challenges (2) coping strategies peripheral–rural municipalities, (3) discuss the need integration of regional-level actions. Two island two mainland municipalities with different demographic profiles degrees specialization German Wadden Sea Region were selected as case studies. Through meetings interviews mapped perceived analyzed policies other strategies. We then at scales. Island more exposed to tourism development than municipalities. Securing public services welfare, sustainable conservation ecological green infrastructures particularly challenging. Applying approach was strategy level. However, there is activities level approaches regional planning complement each other. Combination concepts should encouraged support collaborative learning through evaluation.