| Record number | 486404 |
|---|---|
| Title | Integrating ecosystem services into the tropical commodity value chain : cocoa, soy and palm oil |
| Author(s) | Berg, J. van den; Ingram, V.J.; Judge, L.O.; Arets, E.J.M.M. |
| Source | Wageningen : Statutory Research Tasks Unit for Nature & the Environment (WOT Natuur & Milieu) (WOt-technical report 6) - 101 |
| Department(s) |
Green Economy and Landuse LEI International Markets and Chains Vegetation, Forest and Landscape Ecology WOT Natuur & Milieu |
| Publication type | Research report |
| Publication year | 2014 |
| Keyword(s) | ecosysteemdiensten - theobroma cacao - cacao - glycine soja - palmoliën - waardeketenanalyse - basisproducten - duurzaamheid (sustainability) - tropen - innovaties - ecosystem services - cocoa - palm oils - value chain analysis - commodities - sustainability - tropics - innovations |
| Categories | Environmental Management (General) / Public Administration (General) |
| Abstract | This technical report explores the governance options available to the Dutch government to promote the sustainable use and maintenance of ecosystem services in tropical commodity value chains with Dutch links. It examines how ecosystem services can be given a more explicit role in public and market mechanisms, using the cocoa, soy, palm oil and timber chains as case studies. The document presents a discourse analysis of the way Dutch policies and practice address ecosystem services, updating the report of a forerunner study on the timber chain (Van den Berg et al. 2013). The discourse analysis indicates that the term ecosystem services still lacks a clear definition in Dutch policy, with ecosystem services largely being seen as an economic issue, which can be solved by market drive, voluntary and multi-actor value chain based solutions. The report presents results of a detailed examination of specific cases of innovation in sustainability initiatives and payments for ecosystem services projects in the cocoa chain, the Round Table for Responsible Soy (RTRS) and the Round Table for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). Lessons learnt from the analysis of these cases include the need to simplify what is meant by ecosystem services – for example using the term natural capital - to make it more appealing and intuitive, particularly for business. More evidence is needed on the impact of certification and how it maintains or enhances ecosystem services. Internationally agreed impact indicators are also recommended. The array of available certification schemes could be harmonised. A mix of policy instruments appears to offer more scope for the government, using market based ‘carrots’ and incentive-based ‘sticks’ (such as tax incentives and pilot projects) to stimulate new partnerships and initiatives. Challenges include giving ecosystem services an explicit role in policysupported innovations, and engaging with all value chain stakeholders, particularly community and consumer organisations. |
| Comments |
Staff Publications
Staff Publications
- external user (warning
) -
Log in as
-
About
'Staff publications' is the digital repository of Wageningen University & Research
'Staff publications' contains references to publications authored by Wageningen University staff from 1976 onward.
Publications authored by the staff of the Research Institutes are available from 1995 onwards.
Full text documents are added when available. The database is updated daily and currently holds about 240,000 items, of which 72,000 in open access.
We have a manual that explains all the features