Katrien van der Biest
Katrien van der Biest is a doctoral student at the Research Group Ecosystem Management of the University of Antwerp, Belgium. She obtained her Master’s degree in Physical Geography at the University of Ghent and her Master’s degree in Oceanography at the University of Liège, both in Belgium. Her current research focusses on quantifying and mapping ecosystem services as a supportive tool in environmental management, both in terrestrial and in marine ecosystems
Articles By Katrien van der Biest
The Smartsediment tool: a QGIS plug-in for evaluating ecosystems services
Managing sediments, especially from dredging, is important for the management of estuaries and coastal areas. When implemented in the right way, a sediment management strategy can be qualified as a nature-based solution as it uses the physical processes of erosion and sedimentation to create added value. There is a need for an evaluation of sediment strategies and the habitats that are created for a wider range of objectives than only biodiversity and nature conservation. The concept of ecosystem services provides this broader framework.
Ecosystem services assessment of the Prins Hendrik Zanddijk
This study examines which and, if possible, how much more ecosystem services are provided by the most recent nature inspired coastal protection project Prins Hendrik Zanddijk, in comparison with a traditional concrete and asphalt construction.
Towards Sustainable Port Development
An ecosystem services assessment of Port Botany’s expansion identifies the project’s economic, environmental and socio-economic impacts for a universal stakeholder guide which ensures sustainable development.
Ecosystem Services: Towards Integrated Maritime Infrastructure Project Assessments
A case study of a tidal marsh restoration project at the Polders of Kruibeke in Belgium shows how an Ecosystem Services assessment can reveal otherwise hidden benefits.