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Boundary of ecosystem services: A response to
Murray Gray1, Nathan Fox2, John E Gordon3
1School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London, London, E1 4NS, UK.
Journal of Environmental Management
|December 4, 2023
Summary
Defining ecosystem services requires careful consideration to avoid oversimplification. A holistic approach recognizing both biotic and abiotic contributions is essential for understanding nature's full benefits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecology
- Geoscience
Background:
- The definition of ecosystem services is debated, with proposals aiming to prevent an overly broad scope.
- Distinguishing between biotic and abiotic components in natural systems presents challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate proposals for defining ecosystem services.
- To highlight the significance of natural capital, ecosystems, geodiversity, and geosystem services.
- To advocate for a more integrated framework for understanding environmental benefits.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and conceptual analysis of existing definitions.
- Discussion of the complexities in separating biotic and abiotic contributions.
- Examination of the role of geodiversity in societal benefits.
Main Results:
- Current definitions may lead to an 'all-encompassing metaphor' for ecosystem services.
- Separating biotic from abiotic flows is complex and may not be the most effective approach.
- Geodiversity and geosystem services play a crucial role in delivering societal benefits.
Conclusions:
- A strict boundary for ecosystem services based on separating nature components may be problematic.
- Avoid equating 'nature' and 'biodiversity' as synonyms.
- Adopt a holistic approach to environmental services, fully recognizing the contributions of abiotic nature.
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