The preparation of an ecosystem oriented framework for the optimization of the water-level in the 'Uitkerkse' polder land.

Water level management in Flemish polder areas is under debate between nature conservation agencies and the agricultural industry. Mostly, current water level management follows an unnatural system with severe drainage during winter and stowing of water during summer. In ECOBE, we aim to broaden the scope of this debate by the quantification and modeling of the delivery of ecosystem services of Flemish polder areas in relation to alternative water level management regimes. This study will thus provide a much needed tool to assess ecosystem services under different water level management practices, allowing for a more extensive view on management by including objective and socially relevant arguments.

Keywords:MARSHY MEADOWS

Disciplines:Geology, Aquatic sciences, challenges and pollution