7.6 Ecosystem Services

7.6 Ecosystem Services

Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect contributions of ecosystems to human wellbeing, there are four main types; provisioning, regulating, supporting and cultural services.

Provisioning services are the products obtained from ecosystems such as food, fresh water, wood, fibre, genetic resources and medicines. Regulating services are defined as the benefits obtained from the regulation of ecosystem processes such as climate regulation, natural hazard regulation, water purification and waste management, pollination or pest control. Support services highlight the importance of ecosystems to provide habitat for migratory species and to maintain the viability of gene-pools. Cultural services include non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, recreation and aesthetic values48.

REGIONAL POLICY OBJECTIVES:

Ecosystem Services Approach

RPO 7.21: Local authorities shall promote an Ecosystem Services Approach49 in the preparation of statutory land use plans.

The incorporation and consideration of an ecosystem services approach can lead to significant enhancements in relation to planning policy as well as at project stages and is recommended to be used by local authorities in the preparation of development plans and other statutory landuse plans.

Figure from page 163

48 https://biodiversity.europa.eu/topics/ecosystem-services

49 See Appendix G Glossary for definition and sources

Figure from page 164

Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy