Ecosystem Services

Ecosystems have value, intrinsically, environmentally, and economically

• Provissioning services (what supplies)

  • .

• Regulating services (regulates ecocsystem processes)

  • .

• Support Services

• Cultural Services

Provisioning:

• provides products (wood, coal, water)

Regulating:

• moderation of natural phenomena

• control natural processes to keep ecosystems balanced

• Money isn’t made directly, but it is saved

• climate regulation (carbon equestration regulation of water/water partitioning/cycle, air quality, erosion, pollination, flood protection, etc)

Cultural:

• Non-material benefits

• Intrinsic/instrumental values of ecocsystem

• think recreation, ecotourism, inspiration, sense of home, educational opportunities, aesthetics, ethical alues, heritage sites, spiritual

Supporting:

• most important of all services

• nutrient cycle, photosynthesis, soil formation, providing living space for plants & animals, primary production

• Support all other services

Disruption of Ecosystem Services:

• human activities can disrupt ecosystem services (anthropogenic)

• result in economic & ecological consequences

• e.g. agriculture, deforestation, overconsumption