Issue: Utilisation and value of biodiversity - Contributions of biodiversity to ecological services
This is an issue under the Biodiversity theme of the Data Reporting System.
Why we need to know about this issue
Biodiversity contributes to global ecological services on which humans, as well as the all other living things, depend. By regulating the oxygen and carbon dioxide balance of the ocean and atmosphere and oxygen/carbon dioxide exchanges with the atmosphere, biodiversity helps maintain climate and global hydrology. It also provides food, either directly or indirectly, for billions of terrestrial, marine and freshwater organisms.
Environmental condition indicators in all theme reports are relevant indicators for ecological services provided by biodiversity, because it is the overall health of all spheres of the environment that collectively maintains and is maintained by the biodiversity’s capacity to contribute to these services.
Specific additional indicators for these contributions have therefore not been suggested.
Related issues
- Land - Contributions of land to human life - Ecological services (air, water, climate)
- Coasts and Oceans - Contributions of the coasts and oceans to human life - Ecological services (air, water, climate)
- Human Settlements - Services provided by the environment to human settlements - Ecological services
Key
Links to another web site
Links to data in the DRS
Opens a pop-up window
Before you download
Some documents are available as PDF files. You will need a PDF reader to view PDF files.
List of PDF readers
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.