Pieter van Beukering

Pieter van Beukering is an experienced Dutch economist specializing in environmental economics and sustainability science, accumulating three decades of valuable expertise in research and teaching. He embarked on his professional journey in 1993 at the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM) of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he developed his skills as an economic research associate. Since then, his passion for sustainability has led him to explore a diverse range of issues, including international trade, circular economy, poverty, ecosystem services, renewable energy, climate change, pro-environmental behaviour, and nature-based solutions. His research primarily adopts an interdisciplinary approach, with a prominent focus on environmental economics. Economic valuation, policy analysis, and integrated modelling are methods employed in his research endeavours. Throughout the earlier stage of his career, Pieter conducted research in more than 40 countries worldwide, showcasing his global reach and commitment to addressing sustainability challenges on an international scale. Pieter has a special interest for environmental challenges of small islands which he developed in various regions, including the Caribbean, the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Wadden Sea. In the latter half of his career, Pieter shifted his focus towards teaching, management, and valorisation, allowing him to make a lasting impact in these areas. Notably, he served as the director of the master’s program Environment and Resource Management (ERM) from 2015 to 2022, guiding and shaping the educational journey of approximately 200 students each year. Additionally, Pieter assumed leadership positions at IVM, first as the head of the economist group from 2015 to 2019, and subsequently as the institute’s director from 2019 to 2022. In 2023, was appointed as vice-dean of the Faculty of Science of the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam where he is, among others, responsible for 40 bachelor and master programmes hosting 10,000 students. Since early 2021, Pieter has taken on the role of Chief Economist at the Wadden Academy, a knowledge organization dedicated to establishing the scientific groundwork for an economically and ecologically responsible future in the Wadden Sea Region—a renowned World Heritage Site. In this capacity, he contributes his expertise to shaping sustainable strategies and fostering informed decision-making in the region. In summary, Pieter van Beukering’s career trajectory exemplifies his steady commitment to advancing environmental economics and sustainability science, both through ground-breaking research, engaging teaching and influential leadership roles.