Back to: Environmental Biology 200 Level
Welcome to class!
Hello wonderful learner! Have you ever wondered why we need forests, rivers, or even the air we breathe? These natural resources provide life-supporting benefits that we sometimes take for granted. Today, we will learn about Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital — the valuable benefits nature gives us and why we must protect them.
Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital
What Are Ecosystem Services?
Ecosystem services are the benefits we get from nature that make life possible and enjoyable. For example, trees give us oxygen, rivers give us water, and bees help plants produce food. Without these services, life on Earth would not survive.
Types of Ecosystem Services
Provisioning Services: These are products we get directly from nature, such as food, fresh water, timber, and medicinal plants.
Regulating Services: These include natural processes like climate control, air purification, and flood prevention. For example, wetlands absorb excess rainwater to prevent flooding.
Cultural Services: These are non-material benefits like recreation, tourism, and spiritual inspiration. For instance, places like Erin-Ijesha Waterfalls or Obudu Cattle Ranch bring joy and tourism income.
Supporting Services: These are essential natural processes like soil formation, nutrient cycling, and pollination, which help other services work properly.
What is Natural Capital?
Natural capital refers to all the natural resources and ecosystems that provide these valuable services. It is like the “bank” of nature that supplies us with air, water, food, and raw materials. Examples include forests, rivers, soil, and wildlife.
Why Are Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital Important?
They provide the food we eat and water we drink.
They regulate weather and climate.
They offer raw materials for construction and industries.
They maintain soil health for agriculture.
They support tourism and cultural heritage.
Threats to Ecosystem Services and Natural Capital
Deforestation for urban development and farming.
Pollution of air, water, and soil.
Overfishing and destruction of marine habitats.
Climate change, which disrupts natural processes.
How Can We Protect Ecosystem Services?
Plant trees and protect forests.
Reduce pollution and waste.
Use natural resources sustainably, e.g., avoid overfishing.
Support renewable energy sources.
Educate communities about the value of nature.
Summary
- Ecosystem services are the benefits nature provides, such as food, clean air, and water.
- There are four types: provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.
- Natural capital is the stock of natural resources that supply these services.
- Protecting nature ensures that these benefits continue for future generations.
Evaluation
- What are ecosystem services?
- Mention the four types of ecosystem services.
- What is natural capital?
- State two ways we can protect ecosystem services.
You are doing amazingly well! By understanding ecosystem services and natural capital, you now know why nature is like a priceless treasure chest we must care for. Keep learning with Afrilearn — your knowledge is shaping a greener and better tomorrow.