Monitoring socio-economic impact (SEIA) of large-scale nature restoration works in the context of Life Heroes

A socio-economic impact analysis (SEIA) is a collection of methods to map the changes that a nature restoration or development project entails for the local economy and society. In the context of the LIFE HEROES project, socio-economic indicators must be monitored so that the commissioning board can report on this to Europe. For this purpose, measurements should be carried out at the beginning of the LIFE project, and measurements at the end of the project, to clearly demonstrate the effect of the LIFE project. Because this is a demonstration project, it is very important to emphasize the added value of ecosystem restoration and the social benefits that result from it, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Life Heroes program Swamps are among the most endangered ecosystems and the most important carbon stocks in the world. In addition to their unique biodiversity, they provide various ecosystem services, such as water supply, water purification, flood protection, carbon sequestration, climate regulation, production of raw materials and food, tourism and recreation. They also have an important aesthetic and cultural value. In the context of the European Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the new EU nature restoration law, LIFE HEROES focuses on restoring and expanding nutrient-poor wetlands in Flanders. Eutrophication, acidification, dehydration, overgrowth and invasive alien species pose the greatest threats to the decline of the unique fauna and flora (dragonflies, butterflies, amphibians and plants) and the damage to the most important underground carbon reservoirs in Flanders. LIFE HEROES focuses on ecosystem restoration to address the current biodiversity and climate crisis and restore ecosystem services of nutrient-poor wetlands. The project provides a first-ever implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Act by prioritizing restoration efforts