Supply of ecosystem services: physical and monetary, region

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Ecosystemtypes In physical terms Provisioning Services Provision of arable & horticulture crops (x1000 tons) In physical terms Provisioning Services Provision of forage plants (x1000 tons) In physical terms Provisioning Services Wood provision (x1000 m3) In physical terms Regulating Services Water purification (mln m3) In physical terms Regulating Services Air filtration (tons) In physical terms Regulating Services Carbon sequestration (x1000 tons) In physical terms Regulating Services Pollination (x1000 tons) In physical terms Regulating Services Regulation of rainwater (mm) In physical terms Regulating Services Coastal protection (ha) In physical terms Regulating Services Reduction of urban heat islands (degrees Celsius) In physical terms Cultural Services Nature-based recreation (walking) (mln hours) In physical terms Cultural Services Nature tourism (x1000  overnight stays) In monetary terms Total ecosystem services (mln euro) In monetary terms Provisioning Services Provision of arable & horticulture crops (mln euro) In monetary terms Provisioning Services Provision of forage plants (mln euro) In monetary terms Provisioning Services Wood provision (mln euro) In monetary terms Regulating Services Water purification (mln euro) In monetary terms Regulating Services Air filtration (mln euro) In monetary terms Regulating Services Carbon sequestration (mln euro) In monetary terms Regulating Services Pollination (mln euro) In monetary terms Regulating Services Coastal protection (mln euro) In monetary terms Cultural Services Nature-based recreation (walking) (mln euro) In monetary terms Cultural Services Nature-based recreation (other) (mln euro) In monetary terms Cultural Services Nature tourism (mln euro) In monetary terms Cultural Services Amenity services (mln euro)
Total 19,044 11,551 1,682 432 14,357 811 293 23 6,180 1.1 1,009 71,365 11,510 762 697 95 200 159 188 290 192 615 1,772 5,408 1,133
Total settlements, other artificial area . 124 11 5 18 1.0 151 . 141 . 3 3 4 92 . . 39
Total urban greenspace, recreation sites . 661 54 12 40 1.8 51 . 521 . 42 12 11 31 304 . 120
Total cropland 19,044 4,093 . 1,857 72 30 23 0.3 90 375 1,392 762 260 . 16 17 30 55 197 32 24
Total grassland 7,458 . 1,396 191 169 23 1.6 162 16,509 2,495 437 . 25 44 151 99 298 1,195 245
Total forest and woodland 1,682 . 9,808 445 68 67 1.2 374 27,472 3,507 95 . 70 103 80 228 449 2,250 232
Total heathland and inland sand areas . 65 9 4 56 0.9 24 3,724 391 . 0 2 7 14 20 329 18
Total inland wetlands . 43 8 3 17 0.9 20 3,050 298 . 0 2 3 12 30 246 4
Total rivers and canals . . 0 0.4 16 1,803 500 . . 10 145 141 204
Total lakes and reservoirs . . 0 0.4 20 3,092 593 . . 12 158 297 126
Total coastal beaches, dunes, wetlands . 403 21 3 48 6,180 1.2 52 14,226 1,291 . 3 5 2 192 32 161 834 63
Total marine, estuaries and tidal areas . . 0 0.2 49 1,115 181 . . 30 10 84 56
Source: CBS.
Explanation of symbols

Table explanation


The data in this table represent various ecosystem services in the Netherlands, grouped into three categories: provisioning, regulating, and cultural services. These services are provided by ecosystems and demonstrate the economic use of nature. The ecosystem services are in most cases expressed in both physical and monetary terms, highlighting their value in both tangible and financial aspects.

The Natural Capital Accounts aim to map the relationship between nature, the economy, and human activities in a clear and internationally comparable way. CBS collaborates with Wageningen University (WUR) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LVVN) to develop models, data, and maps that provide a spatial and as complete as possible picture of the current state of natural capital in the Netherlands. Ecosystem services form the foundation of this accounting system, representing the contributions of ecosystems to our economy and other human activities.

Data available from: 2016

Status of the figures:
The figures are provisional.
To ensure consistent time series, the entire time series is recalculated each year if necessary, incorporating the latest insights and sources.

When will new figures be available?
New figures are published annually in November.

Changes as of February 16th:
None, this English version of the ecosystem services table is new.

Description topics

In physical terms
Ecosysteem services expressed in physical units
Provisioning Services
Provisioning ecosystem services are the direct material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as food production, timber extraction, and other tangible resources that come directly from natural environments. The harvest serves as a proxy for the contribution of ecosystem functions to crop growth.
Provision of arable & horticulture crops
The harvest of arable and horticultural crops, including ornamental plants. Ecosystem functions contribute to the growth of these crops, which are harvested for consumption or decorative use.
Provision of forage plants
The harvest of crops specifically intended for livestock feed production (e.g. silage maize) and grass that is directly grazed by livestock. Ecosystem functions contribute to the growth of these crops, which are used as feed for livestock.
Wood provision
Contribution of ecosystems to the growth of trees and other woody biomass, which is harvested for timber production or energy purposes.
Regulating Services
Regulating ecosystem services are the contributions of ecosystems to the regulation of climate, water, and biogeochemical cycles, contributing to favorable conditions for humans and society.
Water purification
Natural purification of water by the soil, where this groundwater is then extracted and further purified into drinking water.
Air filtration
The capture of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) by vegetation. Ecosystems capture fine particles, thereby reducing fine particulate concentrations in the atmosphere.
Carbon sequestration
The contribution of ecosystems to reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere through carbon uptake by vegetation.
Pollination
Avoided productivity loss in crops due to pollination. Ecosystems contribute to pollination by wild pollinators, such as wild bees and bumblebees (excluding honeybees managed by beekeepers), which is essential for the production of many crops.
Regulation of rainwater
The average absorption of rainwater into the soil, measured in millimeters in the first hour, demonstrating how ecosystems contribute to the infiltration process. Soil type and vegetation play a crucial role and contribute to the regulation of rainwater infiltration.
Coastal protection
Ecosystems along the coast reduce the impact of sea-level rise, tidal flooding, and storms by contributing to the protection of coastlines. Dunes provide natural protection against flood risks.
Reduction of urban heat islands
The average reduction in temperature in urban areas due to cooling by vegetation. Ecosystems contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect (UHI).
Cultural Services
Cultural ecosystem services contribute to well-being and cultural identity. They provide both tangible and intangible value through recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and cultural enrichment.
Nature-based recreation (walking)
The contribution of ecosystems to creating an attractive natural environment that encourages recreation. Walking recreation refers to the use of natural ecosystems for walking activities, where the overall well-being of individuals is promoted through contact with nature.
Nature tourism
Ecosystems provide opportunities for various forms of nature tourism, where the ecosystem service of nature tourism includes activities related to nature that involve at least one overnight stay.
In monetary terms
Ecosystem services expressed in monetary units (euro)
Total ecosystem services
The sum of all ecosystem types in this table.
Provisioning Services
Provisioning ecosystem services are the direct material benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as food production, timber extraction, and other tangible resources that come directly from natural environments. The harvest serves as a proxy for the contribution of ecosystem functions to crop growth.
Provision of arable & horticulture crops
The harvest of arable and horticultural crops, including ornamental plants. Ecosystem functions contribute to the growth of these crops, which are harvested for consumption or decorative use.
Provision of forage plants
The harvest of crops specifically intended for livestock feed production (e.g. silage maize) and grass that is directly grazed by livestock. Ecosystem functions contribute to the growth of these crops, which are used as feed for livestock.
Wood provision
Contribution of ecosystems to the growth of trees and other woody biomass, which is harvested for timber production or energy purposes.
Regulating Services
Regulating ecosystem services are the contributions of ecosystems to the regulation of climate, water, and biogeochemical cycles, contributing to favorable conditions for humans and society.
Water purification
Natural purification of water by soil, where groundwater is subsequently extracted and further purified to become potable water.
Air filtration
The capture of fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) by vegetation. Ecosystems capture fine particles, thereby reducing fine particulate concentrations in the atmosphere.
Carbon sequestration
The contribution of ecosystems to reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere through carbon uptake by vegetation.
Pollination
Avoided productivity loss in crops due to pollination. Ecosystems contribute to pollination by wild pollinators, such as wild bees and bumblebees (excluding honeybees managed by beekeepers), which is essential for the production of many crops.
Coastal protection
Ecosystems along the coast reduce the impact of sea-level rise, tidal flooding, and storms by contributing to the protection of coastlines. Dunes provide natural protection against flood risks.
Cultural Services
Cultural ecosystem services contribute to well-being and cultural identity. They provide both tangible and intangible value through recreation, aesthetic enjoyment, and cultural enrichment.
Nature-based recreation (walking)
The contribution of ecosystems to creating an attractive natural environment that encourages recreation. Walking recreation refers to the use of natural ecosystems for walking activities, where the overall well-being of individuals is promoted through contact with nature.
Nature-based recreation (other)
The contribution of ecosystems to creating an attractive natural environment that encourages recreation. Other nature-based recreation refers to the use of natural ecosystems for leisure activities, where the overall well-being of individuals is promoted through contact with nature. This service excludes walking recreation.
Nature tourism
Ecosystems provide opportunities for various forms of nature tourism, where the ecosystem service of nature tourism includes activities related to nature that involve at least one overnight stay.
Amenity services
The portion of housing value related to nature in the immediate surroundings. Ecosystems contribute to the quality of life and attractiveness of residential areas.