54 Ignace Schops (Re)connection Model Mission Hundreds of nature reserves in densely populated areas are threatened by a lack of public funding. Ignace understood their untapped potential and developed a model for Hoge Kempen National Park, to reconnect society with nature. This (Re) connection Model model aims to increase both the economic and environmental value of nature reserves at the same time. Impact & 4 returns Inspiration The (Re)connection Model was introduced in the Hoge Kempen National Park resulting in resilient natural ecosystems, increasing socio-economic benefits and a reconnected community. Social Capital The (Re)onnection Model translates the natural heritage values and proves that investing in biodiversity is of added value and equal to investing in an inclusive and socially just society. It is a kind of “green deal” for sustainable regional development. Natural Capital Financial Capital Due to the (Re)connection Model’s success, endangered species were better protected, and new species like the wolf returned. Subsequently, the region agreed to double the surface to 12.000 ha, increase natural habitats, and strengthen the partnership. This results in the model being twice as big, twice as beautiful, and twice as strong. The (Re)connection Model increases the return on investment. Based on ecosystem services, the annual turnover of the Hoge Kempen National Park (BE) is 191 million euros, with 5.000 jobs connected.
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