Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding Riverine Nitrogen Impacts and Primary Productivity for Effective Nutrient Management
Published on: July 14, 2023
Ecosystem Functions Connecting Contributions from Ecosystem Services to Human Wellbeing in a Mangrove System in
Hwey-Lian Hsieh1, Hsing-Juh Lin2,3, Shang-Shu Shih4
1Biodiversity Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan. zohl@gate.sinica.edu.tw.
Abstract:
The present study examined a mangrove ecosystem in northern Taiwan to determine how the various components of ecosystem function, ecosystem services and human wellbeing are connected. The overall contributions of mangrove services to specific components of human wellbeing were also assessed. A network was developed and evaluated by an expert panel consisting of hydrologists, ecologists, and experts in the field of culture, landscape or architecture. The results showed that supporting habitats was the most important function to human wellbeing, while water quality, habitable climate, air quality, recreational opportunities, and knowledge systems were services that were strongly linked to human welfare. Security of continuous supply of services appeared to be the key to a comfortable life. From a bottom-up and top-down perspective, knowledge systems (a service) were most supported by ecosystem functions, while the security of continuous supply of services (wellbeing) had affected the most services. In addition, the overall benefits of mangrove services to human prosperity concentrated on mental health, security of continuous supply of services, and physical health.
Related Concept Videos
What is an Ecosystem?
Keystone Species
Biodiversity and Human Values
Microbial Interactions: Mutualism
The Soil Ecosystem
Symbiosis

