Ecosystem types

The entire area of the Netherlands is categorised into a number of ecosystem types. Examples of ecosystem types are forests, but also agricultural and built-up areas. This approach makes it possible to monitor changes in land-use and vegetation in time. For example: to what extent is a decrease in the area of meadowland related to new housing development, to the creation of new nature areas, or to other forms of land development? The Natural Capital Accounts use - among other things - these ecosystem types to illustrate which ecosystem services they supply.