Ecosystem Service

Definition

Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from ecosystems. These services can be categorized into four types: provisioning (e.g., food, water), regulating (e.g., climate regulation, water purification), cultural (e.g., recreation, spiritual value), and supporting (e.g., nutrient cycling, soil formation).

Analogy

Imagine an ecosystem as a supermarket where you can find everything you need. Ecosystem services are like the products and services available in that supermarket that directly or indirectly support human well-being.

Related terms

Natural Capital: The stock of natural resources and ecosystems that provide goods and services to humans.

Pollination: The transfer of pollen from male to female plant parts, often facilitated by animals such as bees or butterflies. This ecosystem service is crucial for the reproduction of many plants.

Carbon Sequestration: The process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored in vegetation, soils, or oceans, helping to mitigate climate change.