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Are humans an ecosystem service?

07 Jul 26
Rosie

Could humans be considered an ecosystem service !?

The simple definition for Ecosystem Services is the direct and indirect benefits ecosystems offer to human wellbeing and quality of life. Services that are provisioning such as providing food, water, and raw matierals. Services that are regulating such as water purification, pest control and climate regulation. Services that are supporting such as nutrient regulation and soil formation. And finally, services that are cultural such as recreation, spiritual enrichment and cultural heritage.

Can some humans provide an ecosystem service to other humans?

  • Do natualists, conservation volunteers, ecologists, climate scientists indirectly provide supporting services to humans via there proffessional roles?
  • Do those people that support vulnerable people, work in hospitals and teach in schools help nurture humans back to health and learn life skills?
  • Do those people that work as gardeners, land managers, and in community gardens, which focus on supporting wildlife help support human wellbeing?

I think they do!