What are ecosystem services?
1 Answer
Feb 23, 2018
Ecosystem services are the benefits humans receive from natural, functioning ecosystems. Examples include pollination services from bees, clean drinking water, and so forth.
Explanation:
Ecosystem services are the benefits humans receive from natural, functioning ecosystems. Ecosystem services are varied and can be complex and often ignored. They are generally grouped into four categories:
- Provisioning services-These include food, timber production, energy such as from fossil fuels or geothermal energy,
- Regulating services-Services derived from ecosystems that we rely on for regulation include erosion prevention, flood protection, clean air and water, and climate regulation.
- Cultural services-These include spiritual health, recreational enjoyment, aesthetics, and so forth.
- Supporting services-Soil formation, nutrient cycling, primary production, and biodiversity.
You can read more about ecosystem services from the IUCN here.
