Exploring the possible setup and uses of natural capital accounts for the Dutch North Sea area: Final Report
Graveland, C.; Remme, R.; Schenau, S. (2017). Exploring the possible setup and uses of natural capital accounts for the Dutch North Sea area: Final Report. Statistics Netherlands (CBS): [s.l.]. 55 pp.
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| Auteurs | | Top |
- Graveland, C.
- Remme, R.
- Schenau, S.
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| Abstract |
Natural capital accounting (ecosystem accounting) is an approach to systematically measure and monitor ecosystem services and ecosystem condition over time for decision making and planning. In this study we have examined whether and how natural capital accounts could be compiled and implemented for the Dutch continental shelf (DCS). Marine and coastal ecosystems provide a range of ‘ecosystem services’, from fisheries to carbon storage and flood protection. Yet pollution, overfishing, climate change and habitat destruction cause adverse effects and may lead to degrading several of the ecosystems at the DCS, effecting the wealth of the country and sustainability of cities and communities, water quality and livelihoods. Natural capital accounting (NCA) can be used to monitor and analyse the locations, magnitude in area and condition of ecosystem and the benefits that are derived from ecosystems in a coherent and consistent way.Nationally and internationally there is much interest to test and implement Natural capital accounts. Focus thus far has been on the terrestrial environment and there is still little experience with the accounts compilation for the marine environment globally. Ecosystem accounts for marine areas such as the DCS are thus still very experimental, and much still has to be developed, tested and learned. The Netherlands is in an excellent position to start a pilot compilation of marine natural capital accounts. First, many different data source are available for the North Sea that are needed for the compilation of the accounts, in physical terms but also in economic terms. Second, Statistics Netherlands (and Wageningen University and Research, WUR) are currently doing a three year project to compile natural capital accounts for the terrestrial part of the Netherlands. This experience could be used for a first pilot compilation of marine natural capital accounts for the DCS. As a possible next step, it is recommended to initiate a pilot project with a small set of accounts which have also a limited scope with regard to the number of condition indicators and the number of ecosystem services. In addition it is recommended to make it a multi-year project in order to keep the process manageable with respect to budget and required capacity. |
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