Produces goods and services for the most fundamental of our needs- clean air, fresh water, food, medicines and shelter, recreational, psychological, emotional and spiritual enjoyment. Twenty-four services which make direct contribution to human wellbeing (MEA, 2005).
- Protect biodiversity because it provides benefits
- Moral responsibility to protect biodiversity simply because all organisms have value
Direct Products
- Food- more than 90% of the calories consumed by people worldwide come from 80 plant species
- Medicines- 4.5 billion people (80%) of the world use plants as their primary source of medicines
- Plants and Animals- 30% of pharmaceuticals
- Fuel, Timber, Fiber and Other Resources
Inspiration and Cultural Attributes
- Ecosystem Services: Pollination, Air and Water Purification, Climate Modification, Drought and Flood Control, Cycling of Nutrients, Habitat, Economic Values- priceless (in billions)
Tags:
