Topics
250 words
Topic

Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human well-being, categorized into provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services that sustain life and economic activity.

Why it matters

  • They form the natural capital base essential for food security, water purification, and climate regulation.
  • Recognition of these services is critical for integrating environmental valuation into national accounting and sustainable development policy.
  • They provide cost-effective nature-based solutions for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

How it is asked

Focus on the classification of services (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework), the concept of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), and their role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.