Application of the Natural Capital Model to assess changes in ecosystem services from changes in green infrastructure in Amsterdam

This paper demonstrates the utility of local models for assessing ecosystem services to support urban planning. It does so by application of the NC-Model, a spatially-explicit set of models for assessing ecosystem services in the Netherlands, to assess changes in ecosystem services in the Municipality of Amsterdam given the implementation of strategies from the Green Quality Impulse. The Green Quality Impulse is a spatial plan that envisions the development of Amsterdam's green infrastructure by 2025 to support the needs of Amsterdam's growing population. The NC-Model was implemented to spatially quantify six ecosystem services within a ‘business-as-usual’ scenario (only residential and population expansion considered) and three scenarios that capture changes in green infrastructure from the implementation of strategies from the Green Quality Impulse. Incorporation of local knowledge and data enabled quantification of ecosystem services at a high spatial resolution and identification of key factors that influence ecosystem service delivery. Such an approach can support urban planners who wish to better-understand the mechanism by which green infrastructure generates value for urban dwellers, to develop scientifically-sound spatial strategies that optimize ecosystem service supply and use, and to further communicate this information to decision-makers, investors, and local inhabitants in an accessible manner.