Ecosystem Services
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly functioning ecosystems. These services include, for example, pollination of crops, climate regulation, and purification of air and water.
These services contribute significantly to human well-being, providing resources necessary for survival such as food, water, and breathable air. Moreover, healthy ecosystems often help safeguard against natural disasters and contribute to mental and physical well-being.
Types of Ecosystem Services
- Provisioning Services: These are products obtained from ecosystems, including fruits, vegetables, and even the medicinal resources derived from plants.
- Regulating Services: These include processes such as pollination, decomposition, and purification of water, which help maintain ecosystem health.
- Cultural Services: Ecosystems provide aesthetic inspiration, cultural identity, and spiritual value.
- Supporting Services: These are necessary for the production of other ecosystem services including soil formation, photosynthesis, and nutrient cycling.
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