56 In many cases nature is expected to benefit from salinization, but this will not necessarily enhance the recreational attractions of nature. As a consequence, nature’s income-generating power will not increase either. This is due to the fact that it is difficult, in economic terms, to make a distinction between a saline and a fresh water polder. Nature’s main economic value is recreation. People primarily turn to nature for tranquillity and space – and these qualities are offered by a fresh water and a saline polder in equal measure. The higher nature values will therefore not necessarily generate more recreational use. So the economic benefit of salinization is nil. Industry and the water supply sector will in many cases notice the consequences of salinization, but these can be resolved relatively easily by making adjustments to the business structure, by implementing existing innovations or by relocating operations. So the biggest obstacle to realizing a saline economy lies in the loss of income for agriculture, either with the same crops and/or after switching to saline crops. This is also the reason why the Water Boards have so far not decided to stop flushing the polders: the avoided costs simply do not weigh up against the farmer’s loss of income. Nevertheless, conditions in polders are set to become increasingly saline. More and more locations will no longer offer the quality that current crops require. Farmers will therefore be forced to adapt to more saline conditions. The extent to which they must adapt will vary, depending on local conditions; but in all cases changes to their farming methods and crops will be inevitable. Measures have been developed to facilitate this changeover to agriculture in saline conditions. To prevent salinization causing loss of income, we propose the following financial measures. Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA); Free depreciation of environmental investments (Vamil); Polder Fund; Soil improvement. We propose facilitating a changeover to crops with a higher chloride tolerance with the following three measures: Sustainable Entrepreneurs Allowance (DOA); Green investing; Compensation for investments in changed land use. These financial measures should be supplemented with simultaneous measures on the demand side of the product (the saline crops). The following measures are proposed for this purpose: Stimulating demand through marketing; Information to reinforce support and acceptance in society. The measures for agriculture as proposed above will help farmers change over to salt-tolerant crops (the most desirable option for achieving the objectives). If simultaneous efforts are undertaken to create a consumer market for saline products, we foresee that a step forwards can be made in resolving the Dutch salinization challenge. Pagina 63
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