Research team
Expertise
Dr. Staes Jan has been working at the Ecosystem Management Research Group since 2002. In 2002-2004 he developed (and applied) a concept and methodology for the elaboration of river basin management plans. He quickly specialized in using geographical information systems (GIS) to develop spatial analysis tools and methods. To guide the application of the concept on two other basins, he was contracted for 6 months as a civil servant for the Flemish administration for environment, nature and energy. He returned to the university and became involved in the teaching and training program for the chair on Integrated Water Management (IMDO). This was combined with several research projects in the field of integrated water management. In 2006 he started Collaborative Research with the Department of Hydraulics (University of Leuven) on hydrological effects of ecosystem management and rewetting. This new expertise resulted in his involvement in the ADAPT project (2005-2009), funded by the Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO). The ADAPT project aimed to develop an integrated decision tool for adaptation measures, with a focus on adaptation to extreme floods. During the course of the project, Jan Staes applied for an interdisciplinary research network project, called SUDEM-CLI (2008-2010) “Impact of climate change on river hydrology and ecology: A case study for interdisciplinary policy oriented research”, which was also funded by BELSPO. In 2009, the Policy preparation division of the Flemish Administration for Environment, Nature and Energy of ecosystem services commissioned a project entitled “Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Services for Societal Cost Benefit Assessments” The project resulted in a manual and a web-based application called “Nature Value Explorer”. The development of the Nature Value Explorer has been a pivotal moment for further research on ES in the Flemish Region. Jan Staes was involved in the application and execution of many other ES- research projects such as BEES “BElgium Ecosystem Services: A vision for society–nature interactions”; ECOFRESH: “ECOsystem services of FRESHwater systems” and ESSENSE “Mapping regulating Ecosystem Services using remote SENSing imagery”, which were all funded by BELSPO. Jan Staes was the main researcher from ECOBE in the SBO project CcASPAR “climate change and changes in spatial structures in Flanders” (2009-2013). In this project, Jan Staes was able to research on the development of Ecosystem based Adaptation concepts, linking ecosystem services to spatial planning and climate adaptation. Since 2009, Jan Staes has also been a major force behind the application for a large ES-research project ECOPLAN “Planning for Ecosystem Services”. ECOPLAN developed spatially explicit information and tools for the assessment of ecosystem services and the evaluation of functional ecosystems as a cost-efficient and multi-purpose strategy to improve environmental quality. Jan Staes was in charge for the day-to-day coordination of the IWT-SBO project ECOPLAN “Planning for Ecosystem Services” from 2012-2016. ECOPLAN developed the Scenario-Evaluator, a GIS model that facilitates the integration and consideration of ES in (spatial) planning projects. His team developed a high resolution, spatial explicit tool (QGIS plug-in) to assess the effects of spatial scenarios on 18 ecosystem services. At the moment he is WP-leader for the Horizon 2020 project “LANDMARK”. WP4 develops an EU-scale scenario assessment framework for soil functions and services. He is also the scientific lead for the INTERREG 2 SEAS project PROWATER “PROTECTING AND RESTORING RAW WATER SOURCES THROUGH ACTIONS AT THE LANDSCAPE SCALE”. The overall objective is to build resilience against droughts (and extreme precipitation events) by enhancing infiltration and water retention capacity of landscapes in regions of strategic importance for drinking water production.
Support for economic aspects of measures and policy options regarding biodiversity
Abstract
This project support the Federal Government of Belgium with economic aspects, policy measures, policy instruments and policy options regarding biodiversity. In this contest, the economic valuation of ecosystem services can be of importance.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Van Passel Steven
- Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
- Co-promoter: Cools Jan
- Co-promoter: Staes Jan
- Co-promoter: Van Schoubroeck Sophie
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Protecting and restoring raw water sources through actions at the landscape scale (PROWATER).
Abstract
The cross-border project PROWATER stands for 'protecting and restoring raw water sources through actions at the landscape scale', and contributes to climate adaptation by restoring the water storage of the landscape via 'ecosystem-based adaptation measures'. Examples of this are forest conversion, natural water retention or restoration of soil compaction. These interventions increase resilience against droughts and floods and benefit water quality and biodiversity. During the next years project partners in Flanders, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will carry out various exemplary projects on site and will showcase them to the public. The benefits of the measures will be identified so that a 'Payment for Ecosystem Services' model can be developed. Based on this model, organizations that take measures to combat water scarcity can receive compensation. In return, they provide services to society by improving the quality of the living environment. Finally, the project wants to close the information gap with policy and the water user, by developing a vision to tackle water scarcity and drought risks in the long term.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Meire Patrick
- Co-promoter: Staes Jan
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Green roofs and walls as a source for ecosystem services in future cities (ECOCITIES).
Abstract
Green roofs and walls are considered to be important suppliers of ecosystem services and contribute to a healthier and more biodiverse environment. However, this has never been investigated in a comparative and integrated way for different types of green walls and roofs, which hampers an optimal implementation of these systems. In the framework of the EcoCities project we will perform exactly such an integrated and comparative study. EcoCities will develop and assess approaches for using green walls and roofs to (i) reduce urban pollution, (ii) optimize element cycles, (iii) mitigate water and climate extremes, (iv) enhance urban nature conservation and pollination and (v) improve both mental and physical health of citizens. It will provide a sound evidence base for urban green planning and implementation, exploring the potential for innovation in better linking environmental, social and economic ecosystem services (ES). The study entails an in-depth comparison for all ES listed above between different (regarding plant species and substrate composition) systems of both existing and experimental green walls and roofs. This will lead to an estimation of the relative value of each system in the framework of the ES it provides. For all systems, monetary benefits and costs will be calculated, also taking into account the spatial scale at which these systems are applied. In the second half of the project's duration, the (preliminary) results will already be applied in a number of different test cases in at least four Flemish cities. Ultimately, a scenario assessment tool will be developed by (UA ECOBE Jan Staes) and made publicly available, which can be used by stakeholders (local governments, companies, private persons) to deliberately choose the type of system required for the ecosystem service(s) they aim at in a particular area. The same tools will support policy makers in their decisions towards a sustainable and healthy development of urban areas.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Staes Jan
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Land Management: Assessment, Research, Knowledge base (LANDMARK).
Abstract
LANDMARK is a pan-European multi-actor consortium of leading academic and applied research institutes, chambers of agriculture and policy makers that will develop a coherent framework for soil management aimed at sustainable food production across Europe. The LANDMARK proposal builds on the concept that soils are a finite resource that provides a range of ecosystem services known as "soil functions". Functions relating to agriculture include: primary productivity, water regulation & purification, carbon-sequestration & regulation, habitat for biodiversity and nutrient provision & cycling. Trade-offs between these functions may occur: for example, management aimed at maximising primary production may inadvertently affect the 'water purification' or 'habitat' functions. This has led to conflicting management recommendations and policy initiatives. There is now an urgent need to develop a coherent scientific and practical framework for the sustainable management of soils. LANDMARK will uniquely respond to the breadth of this challenge.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Meire Patrick
- Co-promoter: Staes Jan
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project