TEEB

The Challenge
Healthy ecosystems such as the forests on the hillsides of the Quill on St Eustatius and Saba’s Mt Scenery or the corals reefs of Bonaire are critical to the society of the Caribbean Netherlands. In the last decades, various local and global developments have resulted in serious threats to these fragile ecosystems, thereby jeopardizing the foundations of the islands’ economies. To make well-founded decisions that protect the natural environment on these beautiful tropical islands against the looming threats, it is crucial to understand how nature contributes to the economy and wellbeing in the Caribbean Netherlands. This study aims to determine the economic value and the societal importance of the main ecosystem services provided by the natural capital of Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba. The challenge of this project is to deliver insights that support decision-makers in the long-term management of the islands’ economies and natural environment. 

The Approach
By assigning economic values to the main ecosystem services of the Caribbean Netherlands, this research draws attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity
and highlights the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation.
From the onset of the study, stakeholders on each island actively participated in the research by providing information and valuable insights. This process of stakeholder engagement also created public support for the concept of ecosystem services among the target audiences. The studies address the most relevant ecosystems and ecosystem services for each of the three islands and apply a range of economic valuation and evaluation tools. By surveying more than thousand people on the three islands including tourists, local residents as well as interviewing around 1,700 Dutch residents in the continental Netherlands, this study estimates the willingness of individuals to pay for the protection of nature of the Caribbean Netherlands. Furthermore, scenario analyses are conducted to inform decision-makers about the most effective strategies to manage the ecosystems of the islands thereby supporting the economy and wellbeing of its residents.

The Results
The total economic value (TEV) of the ecosystem services provided by marine and terrestrial ecosystems represents an important part of the economy. The TEV of the natural environment of the Caribbean Netherlands amounts to $122 million per year. The TEV and its underlying components can be used to design a strategy for effective conservation measures and sustainable development. After extensively analysing different development scenarios for the value of future ecosystem services on Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, we can draw a number of clear and outstanding conclusions. For example, there are indeed ample opportunities to further develop the tourism industry, however, increasing the tourism sector beyond its capacity will cause pressures the local ecosystems cannot endure. Consequently, degradation of the natural environment will deter future tourists from coming to the Caribbean Netherlands. Furthermore, we clearly show that with the current pressure on ecosystem services of Saba, St Eustatius and Bonaire, the TEV of its natural environment will significantly decrease. Therefore, increased support for nature conservation proofs to be a profitable investment in the economy as well as the environment of the three islands. These and other lessons learned in this elaborate study are well documented in a series of extensive online reports and a number of easily accessible policy briefs communicating the outcomes of the study for each individual island. 

The Natural Capital of the Caribbean Netherlands

Ongoing developmental pressures in a context of global environmental change and economic liberalization challenge the physical and economic security of the islands of the Caribbean Netherlands. These challenges require an integrated, multi-scale research approach that supports the development of a strong green economy of the islands. In the period 2012-2014, The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity for the Netherlands (TEEB-NL) program supported multidisciplinary research in Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba to study the economics of nature in the Caribbean Netherlands. The research generates relevant information for supporting green economic development of the islands in different ways. 

The focus of the study is to value nature through the perspective of various stakeholders such as local residents, visitors, tourist industry and residents in the Netherlands’ mainland. More than 1,500 local individuals and 2,000 Dutch respondents were interviewed to learn about their relationship with nature and extract information about their willingness to pay for nature management on the islands. Among others, the study concludes that the benefits of nature in the Caribbean Netherlands are not only enjoyed by local stakeholders but also to a large extent by citizens in the mainland of the Netherlands. By summing up the worth of the range of valued ecosystem services, the annual TEV of the natural environment of the Caribbean Netherlands is estimated to be $122 million. This is close to $5.800 per capita of residents in the Caribbean Netherlands and clearly demonstrates that the economies of the three islands are highly dependent on natural assets.1

The valuation results were used to develop several tools that can be easily applied to raise awareness, support decision-making, develop sustainable financing mechanisms or to serve as input for spatial planning. The study can also be used to assess the economic loss if natural assets are damaged by, for example, ship groundings, oil spills or other types of destruction. However, damage assessment studies have not yet been developed in this project. The tools answer questions relating to current environmental management issues. Stakeholders and local experts provided input to determine the most relevant management issues to investigate in the study. By increasing the information and transparency on issues that that are related to the natural environment of the Caribbean Netherlands more equitable decisions can be made.

Policy Brief

The Challenge
The tourism industry is the most important source of income for Saba, which is marketed as “the Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean, referring to the pristine natural beauty and tranquillity on the island. The island offers a range of touristic activities that depend on the quality of the natural environment, such as diving and snorkelling and participating in land activities, especially hiking. The Saban Government published the Tourism Strategic Plan in 2011, in which the desire to double the tourism sector before 2020 is expressed. However, the economic value of the contribution of nature to tourism on Saba has not been quantified sufficiently. It is essential that the economic value of the ecosystem services to tourism as well as the impact of tourism on ecosystems is determined. This information creates understanding creates an understanding of the crucial interconnectivity of the economy and the environment and supports sustainable economic development on Saba.

The Approach
To determine the value of the ecosystems for the tourism industry, a survey among visitors was conducted on Saba. This study reveals the average expenditures of these visitors, as well as their Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) for protection of ecosystems and historical heritage. The result of this survey also elucidates tourists’ perceived value of different aspects of nature on Saba. The socio-economic value of the ecosystem services is combined with spatial data to determine the parts of the ecosystems that are most valuable with regards to tourism.

Results
The annual expenditures by tourists on Saba are found to be approximately $30 million. Around 70% of these spendings can be attributed to the natural environment. Marine ecosystems are found to be slightly more economically significant than terrestrial ecosystems on the island. A high WTP for nature management indicates that there is an opportunity to increase the nature fees on Saba. Tourists are also willing to pay for additional management of the island’s historical heritage. 

Policy Brief

The Challenge
Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reef patches and forests on the characteristic Mount Scenery are critical to the Island of Saba. Local people call Saba ‘The Unspoiled Queen’, showing how proud residents are of their cultural heritage and pristine nature. In the last decades, various local and global developments resulted in serious threats to these fragile ecosystems, thereby jeopardizing the foundations of the island’s economy. To address these threats in an effective manner, it is crucial to understand how nature contributes to the economy and wellbeing of this beautiful tropical island. This research aims to determine the economic value of the main ecosystem services that are provided by the natural resources of Saba and their overall importance to the island’s society. The challenge of this project is to deliver insight that supports decision-makers in the long-term management of the island’s economy and the natural environment.

The Approach
By assigning economic values to the main ecosystem services of Saba, this study draws attention to the economic benefits of biodiversity and highlights the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. From the onset of the study, stakeholders participated by facilitating data and simultaneously creating support for the concept of ecosystem services among the target audience. The study applies a range of economic valuation and evaluation tools. By surveying over a 1,000 people including tourists, local residents, and citizens of the Netherlands, this study estimates the willingness to pay of individuals for the protection of nature of Saba. Furthermore, scenario analysis is conducted to inform decision-makers about the most effective strategies to protect the ecosystems of Saba to improve the economy and wellbeing on the island. 

Policy Brief

The Challenge
Local people call Saba ‘The Unspoiled Queen’, showing how proud Saban residents are of their history and the ‘unspoiled’ nature of the Caribbean island. However, many human induced pressures such as construction, solid waste and invasive species threaten the resilience of the ecosystems of the island. It is important
to understand how the people of Saba benefit from nature in order to support decision-makers in sustainable development.

The Approach
By researching the Willingnes-To-Pay (WTP) for nature conservation by Saban residents, the benefit that local people derive from their natural resources is quantified. A survey was conducted to determine the value households attribute to the protection of nature on their island. Around 300 households on Saba participated in this valuation survey, and respondents reflected on various issues such as the main threats to nature, the benefits that the natural environment brings, and their usage of the local ecosystems.

Results & Recommendations
The WTP of the total population of 900 households to maintain the quality of marine and terrestrial ecosystems is estimated at around US$150,000 per year. Residents identified oil spills, solid waste and erosion as the most severe threats facing the natural environment on Saba. Results of the WTP analysis demonstrate that nature plays a crucial role for the residents; threats are seen as a communal problem, signalling the solidarity of the Saban community and its culture. People are willing to pay for improved management of the roaming goats for example. They have requested more communication on nature management policies. The study shows that improvement in nature management will benefit the community by contributing to the island’s economy and its cultural identity. 

his thesis is part of the project ‘What is Saba’s nature worth?’ a collaboration between the IVM, VU University Amsterdam and Wolfs Company. The aim of this study is to value the nature of Saba, a small Dutch Caribbean island. This small island faces a number of threats, which can harm the environment. Saba is home to unique ecosystems and its inhabitants have a strong link with their natural environment. The scope of this research is to determine the recreational and cultural value of this natural environment on the island to its residents with the use of economic valuation methods. Saban inhabitants were interviewed, during a household survey, on how much they are willing to pay for nature management on their island. The willingness to pay was determined by a choice experiment conducted as part of the household survey. With the choice experiment, the annual willingness to pay (WTP) per household for additional environmental management can be determined. The analysis shows that more than half of the respondents on Saba are prepared to pay for nature management on the island. The total WTP per year of all Saban residents for additional environmental management is 143,201 USD. This WTP is attributable to the different aspects that are considered in the experiment: the coastal waters, the natural landscape on the island, the Saba Bank and the management of free-roaming goats on the island. All aspects are valued positively by Saban households. The research furthermore creates insight in the perception of Saban residents on the natural environment on their island. 

Tourism is an important source of income for most Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Saba. This study aims to value the services provided by nature to the tourism industry on Saba. The natural landscape, the coastal waters, the tranquillity and friendly local people are highly appreciated by tourists that visit the island. Healthy ecosystems are therefore crucial to the island. Human activities like development in the tourism industry are relevant to facilitate development of the island, on the other hand, have an impact on the natural environment. In order to fully understand this paradoxical relationship, the economic value of the cultural and recreational ecosystem services to tourists and the economic contribution of nature to the tourism sector on Saba are determined. Transparency about these values and the beneficiaries of ecosystem services can support the local and national government and other stakeholders in decision-making processes.

These values are retrieved using a Choice Modelling method. During six weeks, a total of 390 visitors on Saba and Statia have been interviewed. 200 of these respondents were interviewed during their stay on Saba. With the use of a choice experiment, the willingness to pay (WTP) of tourists for the maintenance or improvement of nature and other island aspects is determined. The results also show the preferences of tourists concerning the different ecosystems and other island aspects. Characteristics, expenditures and perceptions about Saban nature of visitors are retrieved through the complementary survey.

This study also made clear that next to ecosystem-based activities, tourists highly appreciate other island aspects such as the tranquillity, the friendly local people and visiting archaeological heritage. These aspects are part of the attractiveness of the islands and should be taken into account when growth in the tourism sector is desired. The total revenue by the tourism industry of Saba is estimated to be almost 6 million USD per year. The results from the survey demonstrate that tourists are willing to pay an additional amount of 1.6 million USD for extra nature conservation efforts on the island. 

Policy Brief

The Challenge
Sint Eustatius, or as the local population calls it, Statia, has beautiful dive spots,
a rich historical and archaeological heritage and a national park with ecosystems that are used for local recreational and cultural value. However, the small size
and fragility of the islands ecosystems make it vulnerable to disturbances that are caused by human activities. In order to respond effectively to these threats and develop St Eustatius in an equitable and sustainable way, it is vital to determine the value of nature to its residents.

The Approach
By researching the Willingnes-To-Pay (WTP) of the residents of St Eustatius for nature conservation, the importance of nature for the population is quanti ed. A survey was conducted in order to determine the value that households attribute to the protection of speci c aspects of nature on their island. Around 400 households on St Eustatius participated in this valuation survey, and respondents re ected on various issues such as the main threats to nature, the bene ts that the natural environment brings, and their usage of the local ecosystems.

Results & Recommendations
The WTP by the 1,200 Statian households to maintain the quality of marine and terrestrial ecosystems is $200,000 per year. Approximately half of the households are in principle willing to pay for nature management. The management of free roaming livestock is strongly supported by the local population. Furthermore, residents identi ed oil spills, solid waste and car wrecks as the most important perceived threats. Strengthening the resilience of ecosystems will support economic development and the wellbeing of its residents in the long run. Raising awareness about threats to ecosystems is key in order to successfully implement nature management strategies on the island that will be supported by the local population. 

Policy Brief

The Challenge
Healthy ecosystems such as the corals reefs and the forests on the hillsides of Boven and the Quill are critical to the society of St Eustatius. The St Eustatius Strategic Development Plan also acknowledges the importance of natural attractions for the expansion of the tourism sector. In the last decades, various local and global developments have resulted in serious threats to these fragile ecosystems, thereby jeopardizing the foundations of the island’s economy. It is crucial to understand how nature contributes to the economy and wellbeing to make well-founded decisions that affect the natural environment on this beautiful tropical island. This research aims to determine the economic value of the main ecosystem services that are provided by the natural resources of St Eustatius and their overall importance to society. The challenge of this project is to deliver insight that supports decision-makers in the long-term management of the island’s economy and natural environment.

The Approach
By assigning economic values to the main ecosystem services of St Eustatius,
this research draws attention to the economic bene ts of biodiversity and highlights the growing costs of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. From the onset of the study, stakeholders participated by facilitating data and simultaneously creating support for the concept of ecosystem services. The study addresses the most relevant ecosystems and ecosystem services for St Eustatius and applies a range of economic valuation and evaluation tools. By surveying over a 1,000 people including tourists, local residents, and citizens of the Netherlands, this study estimated the willingness of individuals to pay for the protection of nature of St Eustatius. Furthermore, scenario analysis was conducted to inform decision-makers about the most effective strategies to protect the ecosystems of the island in order to improve the economy and wellbeing of its residents.

The Results
The total economic value (TEV) of the ecosystem services provided by the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of St Eustatius is calculated to be $25 million per year. After extensively analyzing different development scenarios for the value of future ecosystem services, it becomes very clear: Despite the ample opportunities to develop the tourism industry, increasing the tourism sector beyond its capacity
are likely to cause pressures which the local ecosystems cannot endure. This potential degradation of the natural environment will prevent future tourists from coming to St Eustatius. In other words, tourism can destroy the very environmental attractions that visitors come to experience on St Eustatius. Furthermore, increased support for nature conservation proofs to be a pro table investment. With the current pressure on ecosystem services on St Eustatius, the TEV of its natural environment, will decrease from $25 million today to around $18 million in 30 years. The project is well documented and provides several extensive online reports and three easily accessible policy briefs to communicate the results of the study. 

Policy Brief

The Challenge
The tourism industry is an important pillar of the economy of St Eustatius. This is recognized by the Strategic Development Plan commissioned by the Executive Council of St Eustatius in 2010, which advocates diversi cation of the economy of the island. Developing the tourism sector is an important part of the plan. The historical heritage and ecosystems of St Eustatius provide touristic activities that largely depend on the quality of the natural environment, such as diving, snorkelling, enjoying beaches,
and participating in land activities, especially hiking. The economic value of the contribution of nature to St Eustatius’ tourism has not suf ciently been quanti ed, nor have the most important aspects of nature for tourism been identi ed for the island. To assist policy-makers in understanding the relationship between nature and the economy, it is essential to determine the value of the ecosystem services to tourism as well as the impact of tourism on ecosystems of St Eustatius.

The Approach
To determine the value of the ecosystems of St Eustatius for the tourism industry,
a survey among visitors is conducted on St Eustatius. This study reveals the average expenditures of these visitors, as well as their Willingness-To-Pay (WTP) for protection of ecosystems and historical heritage. The result of this survey also elucidates tourists’ perceived value of different aspects of nature on St Eustatius. The tourism value of the ecosystem services is combined with spatial data to determine which ecosystem locations are the most economically valuable with regards to tourism.

Results
The annual expenditures by tourists on St Eustatius are approximately $14 million. Around 70% of these spendings can be attributed to the natural environment. Marine ecosystems are found to be more economically signi cant than terrestrial ecosystems on the island. A high WTP for nature management indicates that there is an opportunity to increase the nature fees on St Eustatius. In addition, a positive WTP is found for extra management of the island’s historical heritage