Social and Economic BenefitsA European Perspective

10 October 2013

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Eco system services

A waterways’ use today

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Provisioning

Service Products or services provided by the ecosystem

Sustainable transport

Freight transport, canal towpaths as cycling and walking routes

Water supply Canal water abstracted for use by industry for cooling and process purposes.

Renewable energy

Hydro power plants; use of canal water as a heat exchanger

Property premium value

Proximity to a pristine canal adds around 20% to residential values

Volunteering Volunteers delivering works and services on waterways reducing the call on public funds

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Regulating

Service Benefits from the regulation of ecosystem processes

Carbon savings

Carbon savings from transport and renewable energy compared with other transport modes and energy sources.

Drainage & flood

protection

Canals are part of a nation’s land drainage resource and in times of flood can help manage flow and dispersal of water.

Water regulation

The volume of water within canals helps dilute the effects of pollution and eutrophication.

Water quality Initiatives have taken place to improve the quality of water within canals.

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Cultural

Service The non-material benefits people obtain from the environment

Recreation & tourism (use

benefits)

The quality of life benefits people gain from participating in activities on or beside the waterways.

Non-use benefits

The quality of life benefits people gain from the existence of waterways, their heritage and landscapes, whether they visit or not.

Education Benefits delivered through the use of waterways as a learning resource e.g. as an outdoor classroom for schoolchildren

Health & well-being

Improvements in people’s physical health and mental well-being resulting from involvements with waterways.

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Smart, sustainable, inclusive growth

Innovation Union

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Youth on the Move

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Resource efficient Europe

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Industrial policy for global era

11

Agenda for new skills & jobs

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Platform against poverty

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Waterways & European Policy 2014 - 2020

Horizon 2020: The EU

Framework Programme for Research and Innovation

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Together for health:

A strategic approach for the EU 2008 – 2013

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Culture

European agenda for culture in a globalizing world

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In conclusion

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