Samenvatting

The Netherlands is a densely populated and economically developed country. Coastal areas are important for aquaculture, agriculture, harbors, and urban development. Coastal habitats mainly exist on the south Delta coast and the north Wadden sea, hosting a great biological diversity. The Netherlands had a historic tradition of land reclamation and conversion but now they are attempting to manage coastal ecosystems in an ecofriendly and sustainable way. The Dutch coastal defense vision shifted from “Hold the line” to “Building with Nature”, which involves replacing the use of artificial hard hydraulic structures with natural resources to strengthen coastal protection. Yet, little attention is given to carbon sequestration by coastal ecosystems as a means for climate change mitigation.
Dutch coastal regions are extensively urbanized and industrialized. As a result, space is needed in coastal areas for carbon sequestration. In this study, management of carbon sinks in coastal environment, renowned as blue carbon management activities, were integrated into Building with Nature projects aimed at decreasing spatial demand. We aim to strongly recommend the Integrated Blue Carbon Management as a national climate change mitigation plan. Different departments and organizations should work together to strengthen implementation and reporting measures. Raising public awareness about the consequences of blue carbon loss to climate change and the incentives acquired by managing blue carbon will make the project easier to implement.
Based on a Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA) of Building with Nature projects, the most effective blue carbon management initiative is saltmarsh conservation. Saltmarshes are combined with oyster reef-building. The reefs reduce erosion and increase carbon (C) stocks in saltmarshes. Management strategies of saltmarshes-oyster reefs are presented in this study. In addition, a protocol for the measurement of greenhouse gases emissions with gas monitors is one of the major conclusion of this research. The present thesis could assist decision makers and conservation activists in implementing blue carbon management activities and prioritizing coastal ecosystems in climate change mitigation plans and policies.