Addressing the Knowledge Gap for Inclusive Management of Natural Capital in the Wadden Sea

A better insight into the total value of nature of the Wadden region can help us to address numerous complex challenges facing the Wadden region. For example, estimating the importance of healthy ecosystems can be a good means of increasing the awareness of policymakers, citizens and entrepreneurs of the natural values that are now often undervalued.

An estimate of the value of nature also comes in handy when making investment decisions in which the monetised effects for nature can be explicitly included in economic assessments. Moreover, knowing the willingness to pay for nature conservation by citizens and tourists can provide a good insight into the feasibility of setting up a system of sustainable financing for nature management.  It is high time to estimate the “priceless value” of nature of the Wadden region. It is time we utilise the abundantly available information and expertise and convert it into impactful and actionable research outcomes.

This report provides an overview of the current knowledge base regarding ecosystem services in the Wadden Sea, as a first step in an effort to value the natural capital of the Wadden region.

Authors: Stijn Schep, Gerben IJntema, Pieter van Beukering

Report 2021-03

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