DELTARES, JANUARY 2014
13
A
n ‘earning model’ sounds very businesslike. It is
not something we tend to associate with a concept
like eco-engineering, where social values like flood
protection and ecology predominate. Even so, an
earning model for eco-engineering has proved necessary.
In some countries, eco-engineering projects got bogged
down after enthusiastic starts. Researchers found that eco-
engineering is bound to fail in some places unless the local
economic impact is taken into account.
Mangroves
An example is the restoration of mangrove forests, which
are disappearing rapidly in many countries. This represents
a major setback for the ecological system, but natural
coastal protection is also disappearing. As a result, there is
considerable enthusiasm worldwide, particularly among
environmental organisations, about restoring our mangrove
forests and a large number of projects have been launched.
However, these projects are unlikely to be successful if they
lack the support of the local population. For them, cutting
down mangrove forest is a source of income because
the prawn and fish ponds that replace the forests, or the
associated charcoal production, generate employment.
Restoring the forests can threaten their livelihoods. So
successful restoration depends on explaining how they can
exploit the mangrove forests sustainably and how restoration
can be reconciled with making money.
Economic viability
Maaike van Aalst, a researcher with Deltares: ‘Taking the
economic interests of the local population into account
makes it more likely that eco-engineering will be successful.
That is why it is so important to think in terms of earning
models. It allows you to identify the value of the concept,
who it helps, and what they can earn from it. Eco-engineering
is more likely to be successful when it is also economically
viable. That sounds very businesslike but it is actually about
defining the social relevance of a project.’
An earning model also makes it clear which private investors
will find the concept appealing, an important aspect now that
many governments are tightening the purse strings. This is
an interesting tool, particularly for companies who want to
make socially responsible investments. It gives them a better
picture of the return on their investment.
For more information:
maaike.vanaalst@deltares.nl
Earning models make
eco-engineering more successful
A lot of hard work is going into the development of a range of earning models for
eco-engineering. That will make it possible to decide, for a particular location, what value
the concept has, and for whom. This is a good way of generating support but it also
makes clear who will be prepared to invest in a concept.
BY CARMEN BOERSMA