Ecosystem services are those that benefit humans and are necessary for planetary health including oxygen production, water purification, pollination, soil formation and nutrient recycling. Ecosystem Services were categorised by the United Nations 2004 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a four-year study involving more than 1,300 scientists worldwide.
Their categories were:
- Provisioning - e.g., the production of food and water
- Regulating - e.g., the control of climate and disease
- Supporting - e.g., nutrient cycles and crop pollination
- Cultural - e.g., spiritual and recreational benefits
A tussock-clad reserve provides water for Dunedin City and recreational opportunities. Photo: Jesse BythellFor more information about ecosystem services see:
- Conservation and the delivery of ecosystem services by Kate McAlpine and Debra Wotton (DOC - Science for Conservation 2009)
- Ecosystem services (Wikipedia)
- Millennium Ecosystem Assessment