Exploration of the use of ecosystem services within Dutch water challenges

Managing water has always played a central role in spatial planning in the Netherlands. Climate change is putting increasing pressure on the functioning of water systems, with more frequent and severe droughts, extreme rainfall and floods creating risks for infrastructure and ecological systems. Nature can provide essential ecosystem services which can help address these challenges. This study explores how ecosystem services have been applied within 29 Dutch case studies addressing the water challenges of freshwater availability, flood safety, water quality and pluvial flooding.