Using habitat classification systems to assess impacts on ecosystems : validation of the ZES.1 for the Westerschelde

Human pressures on coastal, estaurine and marine environments are innumerable. However, it is of vital importance to maintain healthy and productive ecosystems in these areas, to preserve ecosystem services. For example, estauries play an important role in water management and safety of the population in delta areas largely depends on the proper functioning of an estaury for water storage.