Potential values and services of a restored salt marsh in front of polder Stryp

In this paper the potential ecosystem services of a restored salt marsh in front of polder Stryp (Terschelling) are assessed in view of a changing climate. Similar to other locations along the Wadden Sea dike of Terschelling, remnants of salt marshes in front of polder Stryp are slowly eroding through hydrodynamic forces. Historically, these salt marshes outside the dike in the Wadden sea were used for cattle grazing and making hay. Since the 1970s salt marshes have been recognized for their importance in nature conservation and, forthcoming from the increased attention for the effects of climate change and the need to timely explore adaptation measures, also for flood protection and safeguarding the valuable Wadden habitats. These values have inspired the inhabitants of Terschelling to commit themselves to restore and to develop the salt marsh in front of polder Stryp. The ecosystem services concept is used to valuate and evaluate the potential effects on the services and benefits of the salt marsh restoration measures. Furthermore, the main views about, drivers of, and obstacles to salt marsh restoration are described on the basis of stakeholder interviews. The interviews made clear that a range of opinions exists concerning the desirability and possibilities of the salt marsh restoration under study. As main drivers were mentioned maintenance of cultural heritage, strengthening nature and landscape values, adaptation to effects of climate change, experiencing the Wadden area, contribution to water safety, and contribution to the knowledge base about climate change effects on salt marshes. The desirability of zero-intervention in natural processes and physical constraints were identified as obstacles. Matching the options and obstacles to the corresponding salt marsh ecosystem services leads to the conclusion that regulating habitat as well as cultural and amenity services are important. This case study illustrates that this ecosystem service concept is a promising method to systematically assess the ecological, socio-cultural and economic trade-offs of restored salt marshes, which can facilitate the complex planning and decision making process.