Natural Capital Accounts

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) is collaborating with Wageningen University and Research Centre (WUR) on ‘natural capital accounts’ for the government. Natural capital is a broad concept – for these accounts it will be mainly considered to be ecosystems (the forest, the heath, salt water, fresh water), but will also include the built environment (see: Value of forest, heath and built-up areas mapped out). The new statistics mean that it will soon be possible to monitor the status of natural capital in the Netherlands and see how the health of the different systems is tied together. <-->

How usable are the natural capital accounts for companies?

The question is, will the CBS/WUR calculations be useful to companies, and if so, how? How can they use maps of CO2 capture by trees, recreation patterns or pollination of flowers and plants? A session covering this topic will be held on 5 February 2019, organized by CREM, CBS and WUR on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality. The session will show how certain ecosystem services are provided in two areas: the area covered by the water company Dunea, and the area where agricultural environmental management is practiced by members of the Noardlike Fryske Wâlden (an association in North Friesland with almost 800 members (farmers and local people)). It will also touch on how this relates to other areas of the Netherlands. Through these examples and others, companies can get better insights into the relationship between their activities and the natural environment.

Discussion

The session will close with a discussion about the data, how the results shown could be used (for policy, strategy, communication, or…?), what steps could be taken to further develop this approach and any other relevant questions raised by participants.

Are you interested in attending the session or receiving more information? Contact Jolanda van Schaick