Ecosystem services

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Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services (/ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/), also known as nature's services, are the many and varied benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems.

Etymology

The term "ecosystem services" is derived from the words "ecosystem", which refers to a community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment, and "services", which refers to the benefits or facilities provided by others.

Types of Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services can be categorized into four main types:

  1. Provisioning Services: These are the products obtained from ecosystems, such as food, fresh water, wood, fiber, genetic resources, and medicines.
  2. Regulating Services: These are the benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes, such as climate regulation, disease regulation, water purification, and pollination.
  3. Cultural Services: These are the non-material benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences.
  4. Supporting Services': These are the services that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services, such as nutrient cycling, soil formation, and primary production.

Importance of Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are crucial for human well-being and survival. They provide us with essential resources, regulate our environment, support our economies, and enrich our cultures. However, these services are often taken for granted and are not adequately accounted for in economic systems, leading to their degradation and loss.

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