The Value of Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Heritage Value

The genetic diversity of natural species from the past. It provides insight into the history of Earth.

Utility Value

Resources derived from our ecosystems such as products and services.

Examples - Utility Value

Products: Timber, water, medicine, food.

Services: Rainforests and coral reefs storing carbon.

Maintenance of Genetic Diversity

Important because diversity provides ecosystems with resilience to withstand changes through evolution.

Intrinsic Value

Non-economice values derived from ecosystem use and can include;

• Aboriginal Spirituality

• A reason to protect an ecosystem with no tangible benefit.

Need to allow natural change to proceed

Disruptions to natural ecosystems can cause evolution and adaptions to not take place, therefore leaving ecosystems vulnerable.

Importance of Ecosystem Management and Protection

DIversity and abundance provides the foundations for sustaining the geographical processes we depend on. This means that the management and protection of our ecosystems are essential for the future wellbeing of the planet and interactions with it.

IEMP examples

Biophysical interactions providing us with access to water, nutrients, oxygen and other key aspects necessary for the environment to function.

Reasons for Protecting and Managing Ecosystems

1. Maintenance of genetic diversity

2. Utility Value

3. Intrinsic Value

4. Heritage Value

5. The need to allow Natural change to occur