Ecosystem Services
The function of natural wetlands can be classified by their ecosystem benefits. The United Nations Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and Ramsar Convention found wetlands to be of biosphere significance and societal importance in the following areas:
• Flood control • Groundwater replenishment • Shoreline stabilisation and storm protection • Water purification • Reservoirs of biodiversity • Wetland products • Cultural values • Recreation and tourism • Climate change mitigation and adaptation
The economic worth of the ecosystem services provided to society by intact, naturally functioning wetlands is frequently much greater than the perceived benefits of converting them to ‘more valuable’ intensive land use – particularly as the profits from unsustainable use often go to relatively few individuals or corporations, rather than being shared by society as a whole.-Ramsar convention
Unless otherwise cited, Ecosystem services is based on the following series of references.
Read more about this topic: Wetland
Famous quotes containing the word services:
“The community and family networks which helped sustain earlier generations have become scarcer for growing numbers of young parents. Those who lack links to these traditional sources of support are hard-pressed to find other resources, given the emphasis in our society on providing treatment services, rather than preventive services and support for health maintenance and well-being.”
—Bernice Weissbourd (20th century)