Ecosystem Services
Ecosystems are fundamental for sustaining human society through the provision of diverse and different benefits and services. These services can be divided into four main classes:
Provisioning Services
Provisioning services occur when ecosystems provide the conditions for growing food, or raw materials for construction and fuel, including wood, biofuels and plant oils.
Regulating Services
Regulating services act as regulators for local climate and air quality, for Carbon sequestration and storage, or for the moderations of extreme events such as flood and disease control.
Habitat Services
Habitat services are fundamental in the provision of diverse and varied habitats, essential for the maintenance of biodiversity.
Cultural Services
As for cultural services, these provide non-material benefits that are fundamental for our well-being, such as recreation and mental and physical health, tourism or spiritual experience and sense of place.
