In 2023, we conducted a study for Water board De Dommel on transforming B- and C-class waterways into climate-resilient field margins. As a partner in the Delta Plan for Biodiversity Restoration, Water board De Dommel is actively contributing to biodiversity restoration and has expressed a concrete ambition to develop a blue-green network. In this study, we mapped out the costs and benefits associated with creating climate-resilient green-blue field margins and explored the available options for accounting and financial settlement.
What was the problem?
Water board De Dommel aims for a water system that can adapt to changing weather conditions and contribute to biodiversity. The creation of green-blue field margins is an intervention that can support both objectives: by transforming B- and C-class waterways and ditch edges on high ridges into green-blue field margins.
However, the exact costs and benefits of implementing green-blue field margins were not yet clear, both for the water board itself and for farmers and other stakeholders. This study aimed to clarify these aspects. Additionally, it explored the possibilities for financing the creation of green-blue field margins.
The central question of this research was therefore: What are the costs and benefits of green-blue field margins for farmers and Water board De Dommel, and how can these costs be distributed?
How did we approach this?
To address the central question effectively, we conducted the study based on a case area in North Brabant. This allowed us to concretely calculate biodiversity restoration. In addition to this case study, we also examined the broader costs and benefits of green-blue field margins and explored how this approach can be successfully implemented. The report systematically covers the following aspects:
- Various options were outlined, such as grassland and arable farming, and the effects of green-blue field margins were described.
- The costs and benefits for farmers were assessed, including the impact on crop yields.
- Insights were provided into the costs associated with the establishment and upkeep of green-blue field margins.
- Additional societal benefits of creating green-blue field margins were highlighted, and relevant societal stakeholders were identified.
- Possibilities for ANLb (Agricultural Nature and Landscape Management) packages and eco-schemes were demonstrated, along with other financing options and potential funding challenges.
- Conclusions and recommendations were made for the implementation of green-blue field margins for Water board De Dommel.
Conclusions
Transforming B- and C-class waterways into green-blue field margins (hereafter referred to as “the measure”) can contribute to water retention in the area and the creation of biodiversity value. However, given the current irrigation policy, this measure has limited financial value. Farmers do not experience negative effects from increasing drought on their crop yields. If the irrigation policy is adjusted, the value of the intervention will increase.
The measure will lead to a slight net decrease in farmers’ earning potential. Arable farmers will experience a greater reduction in earning potential compared to dairy farmers (grassland). This is because arable farmers will sacrifice a portion of their productive land for the creation of green-blue field margins. Dairy farmers can more easily integrate the green-blue field margin into their operations if it is planted with herb-rich grassland.
To make the measure more attractive to farmers, the decrease in net earning potential may need to be compensated. Several financing options exist, including the establishment of an ANLb package for farmers. Another possibility is the Landscape Stimulus Scheme. The water board might also consider setting up a different scheme.
The identified societal benefits include increased biodiversity, enhanced landscape experience value, and improved CO2 sequestration capacity. Biodiversity increases more rapidly as the green-blue field margin becomes wider and varies in vegetation height. It is anticipated that the main stakeholders interested in accounting for these societal benefits will be the province, municipalities, and the water board.
Finally, recommendations are provided regarding the possibilities for accounting, involving farmers, and realizing societal benefits. These recommendations, along with the rest of the report, can be downloaded via the button below.
