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From spatial models to spatial evaluation in the analysis of wetland restoration in the Vecht river basin

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Abstract

Water tables are strictly controlled throughout much of the Netherlands. Higher water tables could permit the restoration of wetland ecosystems. Deriving benefits from this requires the spatial matching of physical planning, eco-hydrological processes, and economic activities. This paper reports on a study combining spatial analysis and disciplinary integration to assess management strategies for the Vecht river basin in the Netherlands.

The paper addresses two research questions. How can the information generated by spatial models be condensed into performance indicators for the evaluation of strategies? How can spatial information be retained in the evaluation, and does this lead to different rankings and/or insights? Procedures for the construction of performance indicators for three criteria – net present value, environmental quality and spatial equity – are presented. The evaluation concludes that recreation and higher water tables provide a means for restoration, recouping of costs, and stimulating regional incomes. Maintenance of spatial detail led to different insights, and in particular indicated uncertainty about this conclusion.

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Acknowledgements

This paper reports on part of the Vecht case study undertaken within the ECOWET project (Ecological-Economic Analysis Of Wetlands: Functions, Values And Dynamics), sponsored by DG-XII of the European Commission. The authors wish to thank Jeroen van den Bergh, Patricia Kandelaars and Bas Rabeling (Faculty of Economics, Vrije Universiteit), and Aat Barendregt and Peter van Horssen (Faculty of Geographical Sciences, University of Utrecht), who not only collaborated on this case study, but offered valuable criticisms and comments on our work. Comments and criticisms from the whole ECOWET team are gratefully acknowledged, as is the assistance of a number of colleagues closer to home. The following are due a special mention: Kerry Turner, Roy Brouwer, Ron Janssen, Pier Vellinga, Nico van Straalen and Wim Cofino. Finally we also wish to acknowledge the valuable comments made by the reviewers.

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  1. Institute for Environmental Studies, Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1115, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    Alison J. Gilbert, Marjan van Herwijnen & Carolin M. Lorenz

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  1. Alison J. Gilbert
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  2. Marjan van Herwijnen
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  3. Carolin M. Lorenz
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Correspondence to Alison J. Gilbert.

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Gilbert, A.J., van Herwijnen, M. & Lorenz, C.M. From spatial models to spatial evaluation in the analysis of wetland restoration in the Vecht river basin. Reg Environ Change 4, 118–131 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-004-0071-1

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