The assessment of ecosystem services involves identifying, evaluating and – increasingly – monetising the benefits derived from natural processes that support environmental security, adaptation to climate change and residents’ quality of life.

On this page, you will find only the key aspects of the extremely broad topic of ecosystem services. It is worth taking a look at the work of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA), which provides a comprehensive scientific assessment of the state and trends of the world’s ecosystems and the services they provide, as well as the potential for restoring, conserving or enhancing their sustainable use.

Categories of ecosystem services:

Source: Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Synthesis. Island Press, Washington, DC

1) Supporting services

Supporting services (basic services) form the foundation for the provision of all other categories of ecosystem services. They encompass the key ecological processes and components of ecosystems that determine their ability to provide goods and regulate environmental processes over the long term.

Examples of supporting services:

• primary production (photosynthesis) as the basis of food chains,
• the cycle of biogenic elements (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus),
• soil formation and maintenance (soil-forming processes),
• processes that support biodiversity and the functioning of natural habitats,
• processes that ensure the stability and resilience of ecosystems to disturbances.

In research and development (R&D) projects and activities, support services are crucial for assessing the state of the environment, forecasting changes to it, and modelling the long-term effects of anthropogenic pressures. From a local government perspective, identifying these pressures enables a better understanding of the consequences of spatial and investment decisions that may lead to the permanent loss of ecosystem functions.

2) Provisioning services

Provisioning services encompass material goods obtained directly from ecosystems. They are vital to the food, raw material and water security of regions and form the basis of many sectors of the local and regional economy.

Examples of provisioning services:

• food production (agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, forestry products),
• the supply of drinking water and water for domestic use from surface and groundwater sources,
• sourcing renewable raw materials (wood, energy biomass),
• genetic resources used in breeding, biotechnology and medicine.

In R&D projects and local government strategic documents, an analysis of procurement services helps to determine the useful life of resources and the risks associated with their over-exploitation.

3) Regulating services

Regulating services refer to natural processes that stabilise environmental conditions and mitigate the effects of human activity. Their importance is growing in the context of climate change, urbanisation and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Examples of regulating services:

• climate regulation through carbon sequestration and storage in forests, soils and wetlands,
• water retention, infiltration and natural water purification,
• pollination of crops and wild plants,
• mitigating the effects of floods and droughts,
• protection against soil erosion,
• improvement of the microclimate,
• improving air quality, particularly in urban areas.

In spatial planning and climate change adaptation, ecosystem services form the basis for the implementation of nature-based solutions.

4) Cultural services

Cultural services encompass the intangible benefits derived from people’s relationship with nature. They play a vital role in shaping social capital, local identity, and the appeal of an area as a place to live and visit.

Examples of cultural services:

• recreation and tourism in areas of natural value,
• the landscape and aesthetic qualities of the area,
• the educational and scientific functions of ecosystems,
• natural and cultural heritage, as well as symbolic and historical values.

From a local government perspective, cultural services support local development, improve residents’ quality of life and help build a positive image of the region.

The importance of ecosystem services in public policy and R&D

Taking ecosystem services into account in research projects, development strategies and planning documents makes it possible to:

• a holistic assessment of the functioning of the environment,
• the integration of environmental, spatial and climate policies,
• reducing the social and environmental costs of investments,
• strengthening the resilience of cities and regions,
• making decisions based on data and spatial analysis.

This approach promotes long-term, sustainable development and the effective management of natural capital.