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Regional impact dashboard

Facilitates integrated assessment for regional well-being and sustainability

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If it is not displayed properly, open on a larger screen for a better overview.

1.
Soil quality

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Climate

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Water quality

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Water quantity

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Biodiversity and nature

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Circular economies

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Landscape quality

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Food

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Animal welfare

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Economy

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11.
Air quality

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Culture and community

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How to use this tool

This tool offers a structured approach for integrated assessment of regions. Twelve key themes are presented. These are key topics of significance in the Netherlands, and they are likely to be relevant in other countries as well. These topics pertain to areas where policies have been established, where existing problems or anticipated challenges exist, and where multiple stakeholders in a region have influence or confront issues.  Moreover, this tool allows you to add a theme specific to your region or situation.

  • Select at least 8 relevant topics for your region.
  • If necessary, add your own topic if you think one is missing.
  • Click on the information icon for more explanation about the topic and its relationship with the soil.
  • Indicate in the thermometer for each topic what the state is in the region, using the dots on the left. For example, is a lot of work already being done on climate adaptation and is the region well prepared for the changing climate? Then click in green. If there is still a lot of work to be done, click lower in the red.
  • Click on the conversation clouds icon to view questions per topic to get the conversation started and assess the current situation.
  • Measures (e.g. new policy) to work on a specific goal or topic (e.g. soil quality) can also have an intended or unintended effect on other goals or topics.
  • The impact of measures can be assessed integrally by determining for each topic how they will influence the current status (positive or negative).
  • For each topic you can indicate what the consequences of the measure will be by clicking on the arrows to the right of the bar.

If necessary, add a brief explanation in the text box.

Click on the ‘Print’ button to save or print the overview.

Soil quality

Soils are the foundation for ecosystems and human activities. They facilitate plant growth, store nutrients, control water flow, and impact climate and food production.

A healthy soil provides various ecosystem services such as food production, water purification, and climate adaptation. Poor soil management leads to reduced soil fertility, nutrient leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and other detrimental effects.

Questions | Soil quality

  • Which soil properties are crucial for the desired ecosystem services in the region?
  • Are there existing issues related to soil degradation, erosion, or pollution?
  • How do agricultural or soil management practices in the region affect soil quality?
  • Are there identifiable soil contaminants in the region that require attention?
  • How does the overall soil health impact the biodiversity of the area?

Climate

Climate change has global consequences, affecting weather patterns, causing sea level rise, and leading to extreme events such as heavy rainfall and drought.

Soil plays a vital role in regulating the water cycle and storing carbon, contributing to climate mitigation. However, land degradation and deforestation result in carbon loss and a diminished capacity to capture carbon.

Questions | Climate

  • Which observable climate change trends are notable in the area?
  • What measures are currently being taken to adapt to climate change?
  • Are there known climate-related disasters or extreme events that have affected the area?
  • Which climate adaptation strategies are being considered to reduce the impact of climate change?

Water quality

Clean water is essential for human needs, ecosystems, and biodiversity.

Healthy soils absorb and release water, filtering and purifying it. Improper soil management can result in poor water quality due to nutrient and pesticide leaching, as well as sediment runoff from soil erosion.

Questions | Water quality

  • Which sources of pollution affect ground and surface water?
  • What measures are being taken to improve water quality?
  • What is the water quality of local drinking water supplies?
  • Is there already cooperation with neighboring regions or countries to improve water quality?

Water quantity

Healthy soils can absorb and retain more water, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. They also support crop growth during dry periods. Poor soil management, however, can result in erosion and a loss of the soil’s water retention capacity, contributing to both flooding and drought.

Questions | Water quantity

  • What are the availability and use of water resources in the area?
  • What strategies are applied to promote sustainable water management?
  • What water management plans or policies are in place to address water shortages or surpluses?

Biodiversity and nature

Biodiversity contributes to resilient ecosystems and the conservation of unique species.

Healthy soils are the habitat for a diverse range of microorganisms and provide homes for various plants and animals. Inaccurate soil management and changes in soil use can diminish biodiversity by eroding suitable habitats, depleting nutrients, or employing pesticides in agriculture.

Questions |
Biodiversity and nature

  • Is there a loss of biodiversity or are there endangered species?
  • What efforts are being made to preserve or restore biodiversity?
  • What are the main threats to biodiversity in the area and how can they be tackled?
  • Are there protected areas or nature reserves in the area?

Circular economies

Regional cycles, such as circular economies, ensure efficient use of raw materials, minimize waste, and reduce CO2 emissions from transport.

Soils play a vital role in nutrient cycles, such as through the decomposition of organic matter. Inadequate soil management can lead to the loss (leakage) of nutrients from the regional cycle. The import of nutrients can result in overfertilization and associated risks.

Questions |
Circular economies

  • ‘How are nutrients managed in the region, especially within agricultural systems?
  • How can nutrient cycling be improved to support soil and ecosystem services?
  • How is organic waste currently managed in the area?
  • Which circular economy initiatives are being undertaken to improve the cycle of materials?

Landscape quality

An appealing landscape positively influences human well-being and tourism.

Soils contribute to landscape formation, vegetation growth, and aesthetic value. Soil degradation indirectly leads to landscape damage, including erosion and impacts on plant growth.

 

Questions |
Landscape quality

  • What are the characteristics and functions of the landscape in the area?
  • Are there threats to the landscape, such as deforestation or urbanization?
  • What measures are under consideration to preserve or enhance the landscape?
  • Are there any plans for landscape restoration in the area?
  • How does policy incorporate the preservation of cultural heritage within the landscape?

Food

A secure food supply and safe food are vital for health and well-being.

Soils serve as the foundation for agricultural production and various food sources. Inadequate soil management jeopardizes food quality and safety.

Questions | Food

  • Are pesticides or other chemicals used in food production?
  • Are there initiatives to promote sustainable and healthy food production?
  • Are efforts being made to encourage sustainable food systems, such as local food networks?
  • How can food waste and losses be minimized in the area?
  • What role do consumers play in advancing sustainable food quality?

Animal welfare

Animal welfare is essential for both the social acceptance of the animal farming industry and the sustainability of the sector.

While soil itself does not directly impact animal welfare, evolving policies, such as regulations governing animal density per unit area, can indirectly affect soil quality. Moreover, soil plays a role in determining the quality and quantity of feed production, which can have implications for animal welfare.

Questions | Animal welfare

  • Are animals kept in the region, such as in the agricultural sector?
  • How is animal welfare evaluated? – What are the primary challenges concerning animal welfare in the region?
  • What actions are being implemented to enhance animal welfare in the region?

Economy

Sustainable practices directly influence economic stability and growth.

Soils supply economic materials, including food, animal feed, building materials, energy, and medicinal substances. Inadequate soil management that depletes these resources results in rising inputs and production costs. On the other hand, improved soil management may involve initial costs that do not immediately yield additional benefits.

Questions | Economy

  • Which economic activities are prominent in the area?
  • Are there economic incentives or barriers for sustainable soil management?
  • Are there economic initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability?
  • Are there specific sectoral strategies or incentives for sustainable soil management in the area?
  • How is the value of ecosystem services integrated into economic decision-making?

Air quality

Air quality directly affects the health and well-being of residents and natural ecosystems.

Soil has the capacity to absorb air pollutants, thereby contributing to cleaner air. However, erosion and greenhouse gas emissions from the soil can, in turn, contribute to diminished air quality.

Questions | Air quality

  • Which sources are responsible for air pollutant emissions?
  • What measures are currently being taken to reduce air pollution?
  • Are there specific industrial activities or sectors that contribute significantly to air pollution in the area?
  • Is there cooperation with surrounding regions or countries to tackle cross-border air pollution?
  • What measures are being taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the impact of climate change on air quality?

Culture and community

Social cohesion, cultural identity, and community involvement are key contributors to resilient societies.

Soils are intricately linked to traditions, land use, and cultural heritage. Land degradation can weaken the connection with the land and cultural practices.

Questions |
Culture and community

  • Are there local initiatives that promote the interaction between cultural activities and environmental education?
  • How is local culture and tradition integrated into the management of soil and natural resources?
  • What role does cultural heritage play in shaping sustainability in the region?
  • Are there traditional knowledge and practices that influence the use and preservation of soil?
  • How can communities participate in decision-making concerning soil and ecosystem management?
  • Are there collaborations between local communities and policymakers for sustainable soil management?