Lesson 07

Ecological services by the ecosystems (Ecosystem Services)

Four Types of Ecosystem Services

1. Provisioning Services
 Provisioning services are characterised by the ability of humans to obtain products from
ecosystems.
 This type of ecosystem service includes food, water, medicines, and other resources
derived directly from nature. Ecosystems supply us with crops, clean water, natural
medicines, wood, and even biofuels. Furthermore, they create the conditions for these
resources to grow and prosper.
 E.g., Food, Water, Medicines, and Raw materials.

Provisioning Services
 Food: Fruits, vegetables, grains, and seafood harvested from ecosystems like forests,
croplands, and oceans.
 Water: Freshwater supply from rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources for drinking,
irrigation, and industrial use.
 Timber: Wood and timber products obtained from forests for construction, furniture,
and paper production.

2. Regulating Services
 Regulating services are categorised as any benefit obtained from the natural processes
and functioning of ecosystems.
 This type of ecosystem service focuses on preserving natural balance. For example,
trees help to clean and control the air we breathe, prevent soil erosion, and manage
greenhouse gas emissions. Birds, rats, and frogs all help in the natural control of pests
and diseases. Essentially, ecosystems serve as nature's regulators, ensuring that
everything is in balance.
 E.g., Air Quality Regulation, Climate Regulation, Natural Hazard Regulation, and Pest
Regulation.
Regulating Services
 Climate Regulation: Forests and oceans absorb carbon dioxide, helping mitigate
climate change by regulating the Earth's temperature.
 Water Purification: Wetlands and riparian zones filter pollutants and purify water,
improving water quality for aquatic ecosystems and human consumption.
 Pollination: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators facilitate the reproduction of
plants, ensuring agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

3. Cultural Services
 Cultural services include non-material benefits that people can obtain from ecosystems.
These include spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, recreation and aesthetic
values.
 Cultural services provided by ecosystems include recreation and tourism, offering a
gateway to nature's playground. Ecosystems, from pristine beaches to majestic
mountains and serene forests, provide opportunities for outdoor activities, relaxation,
and rejuvenation. Nature-based recreational activities such as hiking, camping, wildlife
watching, and water sports not only promote physical and mental wellbeing but also
foster a deep connection with the natural world.
 Many people find solace and peace in the beauty of nature . Studies have shown that
connecting with natural landscapes has a profound impact on our mental and
emotional wellbeing, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also
evoke feelings of awe, wonder, and tranquillity, providing a respite from the stresses
of daily life.
 Ecosystems and their services are extremely difficult to assess. Supporting services,
such as habitat provision and nutrient recycling, provide for more than half of total
ecosystem services, whereas the remaining services contribute much less, with each
accounting for less than 10%.
 For example, studies have shown that an ability to see or interact with nature, through
hospital windows or hospital gardens respectively, increases the speed of patient
recovery.
 E.g., Recreational Opportunities, Aesthetic Enjoyment, Cultural Heritage, and Spiritual
and Inspirational Value.

Cultural Services
 Recreation: Parks, forests, and natural landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor
activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, promoting physical and mental
well-being.
 Spiritual Enrichment: Natural environments offer spiritual and aesthetic experiences,
fostering a sense of connection to nature, tranquillity, and inspiration.
 Cultural Heritage: Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and practices associated with
ecosystems preserve cultural identity, heritage sites, and traditional ecological
knowledge.
4. Supporting Services
 Finally, supporting services are those which relate to habitat functioning themselves,
and therefore influence survival.
 Supporting services function similarly to the foundation of other services. They have
many living species and support a broad range of plants and animals,
recycle nutrients, and perform other processes that help to sustain life on Earth. They
serve as the basis upon which everything else grows.
 For example, photosynthesis, the water cycle and nutrient cycles are the basis of
ecosystems, which in turn allow us to support ourselves. E.g., Habitat Provision,
Biodiversity Maintenance, Nutrient Cycling, and Soil Formation.

Supporting Service
 Nutrient Cycling: Decomposers break down organic matter, recycling nutrients like
carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus essential for plant growth.
 Soil Formation: Erosion control and soil formation processes by vegetation,
microorganisms, and geological factors sustain fertile soils for agriculture and
ecosystem health.
 Biodiversity: Rich biodiversity supports ecosystem resilience, genetic diversity, and
evolutionary processes, enhancing ecosystem stability and productivity.
Conclusion - Ecosystem Services

To summarise, ecosystem services are crucial to supporting life on Earth. They provide us
with essential resources like food, water, and medicines while also regulating the climate,
treating ailments, and fostering biodiversity. Furthermore, these services offer cultural
and recreational benefits that enrich our lives and reconnect us with nature.
Understanding and safeguarding ecosystem services is important for human and
environmental health.