Duinen Ameland is a small Wadden Sea island characterised by intertidal marshes, dune slacks and polders. The Site was formerly part of Ramsar Site 1252 (Waddeneilanden, Noordzeekustzone, Breebaart) which was divided in six Sites following Natura 2000 borders in 2014. The Site is of international importance for endangered breeding birds such as bittern and red-backed shrike. The dunes form a natural coastal defence against the erosive forces of the North Sea and support rich flora and diverse lichen communities. The Site plays an important role in freshwater supply. Land use is dedicated to tourism, conservation and research, and there is a visitor’s centre in the village of Nes. Potential threats to the Site’s ecological character are posed by gas exploitation, recreation activities, groundwater extraction and drainage for agriculture.