Identifying subsidies that are harmful to biodiversity

At an international level, the Netherlands has agreed to phase out subsidies that are harmful to nature. The first step is to identify these subsidies: which ones are they exactly? Naturalis is currently contributing to this research. This will ensure that government spending no longer harms biodiversity.

Download the report (Dutch): Beoordeling van de effecten van financiële en fiscale rijksmiddelen op biodiversiteit

To measure is to know:
the impact of subsidies on nature

In 2022, the Netherlands signed a major international agreement, the Global Biodiversity Framework, alongside 196 other countries. Through our research, we are making a direct contribution to achieving Action Target 18 of this treaty. This target consists of two steps. The first sub-target involves identifying government expenditure that has a harmful effect on biodiversity. The second step involves reforming or phasing out this expenditure, starting with the most harmful incentives and scaling up positive incentives.

To date, the impact of 102 financial flows on biodiversity has been examined in workshops with experts. The results have been documented in a comprehensive scientific report, the findings of which are striking: at least half of the financial flows examined are harmful to biodiversity, while only 19 per cent have a positive effect. To determine the precise impact of these schemes, we examined the five main ecological pressures that threaten nature worldwide. These are: land use change; climate change; pollution; overexploitation of natural resources; and the spread of invasive alien species. For each financial scheme, we carefully identified which of these five factors poses the greatest threat.

Nature restoration
pays for itself

By phasing out harmful subsidies and investing the money saved in nature restoration, the government reduces long-term costs and creates a resilient, healthy living environment. Healthy biodiversity provides better ecosystem services, such as water purification, pollination, and increased soil fertility. These natural functions are essential for people and businesses. This is essential for our society and economy, and therefore for our overall prosperity.