Narrative :

Climate change and natural disasters increasingly threaten ecosystems and their services, calling for innovative risk assessment and management solutions. This project unifies the multi-hazard risk assessment with ecosystem services valuation, creating a comprehensive framework to address the dynamic interactions between hazard risks and ecosystems. A key element of this effort is enhancing NESEV (Network-based Ecosystem Service Valuation Tool), developed by HAEDES, which provides a monetized assessment of how risks and hazards impact ecosystem services and evaluates restoration strategies. 

Integrating hazard functions and ecosystem models will illustrate how disasters degrade services and how ecosystem restoration and adaptation measures alter risk profiles. These insights are essential for building more resilient communities capable of managing the dual threats of disaster and climate change. 

The project is funded through the Baekeland Mandaat, a VLAIO research funding program, and involves close collaboration with the Economics and Management of Natural Resources group at Ghent University, leveraging academic expertise to validate and refine the research outcomes. It also simulates real-world hazard scenarios, evaluates existing strategies, and explores effective measures for disaster mitigation. This innovative approach ensures that the project generates both scientific value and practical guidance for stakeholders, fostering a proactive, ecosystem-based approach to risk management.