The third EUROPARC progress report on the National Natural Landscapes of Germany clearly shows the successful development of the German protected area system. Recognition of Swabian Alb and Bliesgau as UNESCO biosphere reserves, extension of the biosphere reserve Berchtesgardener Land to include the whole district of that name and the inscription of the Wadden Sea on UNESCO’s World Natural Heritage list were special highlights of a positive development in all of the around 130 National Natural Landscapes.