Actions related to objective 7.5

Full text of the objective 7.5 "Improve our knowledge of the socio-economic benefits from biodiversity" from the National Strategy

Flanders:

Studies on cost-benefit analysis of nature reserves, evaluation of the recreational use of nature and forest areas by general public.

• MR430 Economische afwegingskaders ingang doen vinden in het milieubeleid: Reeds in verschillende milieubeleidsvelden vinden er gevalspecifieke studies met een milieueconomische invalshoek (kosten-batenanalyses, inschatting socio-economische effecten, kosten-effectiviteitsanalyses) plaats op initiatief van de thema's.

Brussels:

Should be analysed.

Federal:

Launch of a research project on socio-economical impacts of GMO's (FOD environment)
Several SSD research projects include human and economical disciplines (e.g. support to management of natura 2000 sites; sustainable management of ponds )

Future actions:

• Analyse of public awareness and perceptions, and consumers' attitudes and preferences with regard to biodiversity, and how both of these factors relate to behaviour and public policy;
• Increased knowledge of the values of biodiversity (not limited to pure economic value) is needed, for instance by improving methods for their valuation;
• Investigate the relationships between health (physical and mental well-being) and biodiversity;
• Dedicate more research to the link between changes in biodiversity and the rise in incidence of some already existing human and animal diseases or in the emergence of new ones.