Cultural Services
Spiritual
Spiritual ecosystem services encompass the ways in which natural environments contribute to spiritual experiences and practices. Many cultures and religions consider certain landscapes, such as mountains, forests, and rivers, to be sacred or spiritually significant. For instance, the Ganges River is revered in Hinduism as a goddess and a site for purification rituals. Indigenous peoples often have deep spiritual connections to the land, viewing it as a source of life and wisdom. These spiritual values foster a sense of reverence for nature, encourage conservation efforts, and enhance well-being.
Stats - There are no reliable ways to assess the degree to which humanity is spiritual or the benefits of a spiritual life. What is clear, is that time in natural systems is beneficial to all aspects of health and well-being.
Safe Space
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Safe Space 〰️
Boundary - The long-term availability of this ecosystem service hasn’t been assessed formally. It is thought to be a lower risk of loss.
Cost - Not measured.
Recreation
Recreation as an ecosystem service refers to natural environments' opportunities for leisure and recreational activities. Parks, forests, beaches, and mountains offer spaces for hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, and other outdoor activities. These recreational opportunities promote physical health, mental well-being, and social interaction. For example, national parks like Yellowstone in the United States attract millions of visitors annually, providing economic benefits to local communities and fostering a connection to nature.
Stats - There are over 600 different ways that recreation supports human health! Categorized as Psychological, Biological, Social, and Behavioural.
Safe Space
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Safe Space 〰️
Boundary - Equitable access to natural areas for recreation is at risk. As urban centers grow, the costs of getting out in nature also grow.
Cost - $1,549,000,000,000 USD annually.
Aesthetic
Aesthetic ecosystem services involve the appreciation of natural beauty and the enjoyment derived from landscapes, seascapes, and other natural features. Scenic vistas, vibrant autumn foliage, and tranquil beaches are examples of natural beauty that enhance the human experience and contribute to mental well-being. The aesthetic value of nature can inspire artistic expression, such as painting, photography, and literature. Furthermore, aesthetically pleasing environments can increase property values and attract tourism, providing economic benefits.
Stats - Connected to humanity’s deep sense of biophilia, aesthetic services increase happiness, well-being, and creativity.
Safe Space
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Safe Space 〰️
Boundary - Though the planet offers a myriad of beautiful places, these are becoming increasingly less accessible to all people.
Cost - Priceless.
Inspiration/Education
Ecosystems provide inspiration and educational opportunities by serving as living laboratories and sources of creativity. Natural environments inspire scientific research, technological innovation, and artistic endeavours. For instance, the study of ecosystems has led to advances in ecology, biology, and environmental science. Nature-inspired designs, such as biomimicry, draw on principles found in natural systems to solve human problems. Ecosystems offer educational experiences through nature reserves and environmental programs that teach about biodiversity, conservation, and sustainability.
Stats - Environmental education programs can increase participants' knowledge of ecosystems by up to 77%, fostering greater environmental stewardship and conservation efforts.
Increasing Risk
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Increasing Risk 〰️
Boundary - Environmental degradation is causing the loss of natural habitats that are crucial for ecosystem inspiration and education.
Cost - Not measured.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage ecosystem services refer to the ways in which natural environments are integral to communities' historical and cultural traditions. Many cultural practices, rituals, and stories are tied to specific landscapes and natural features. For example, the Maori people of New Zealand have cultural traditions connected to the land, rivers, and forests, which are central to their identity and heritage. Preserving these natural sites helps maintain cultural continuity and the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations.
Stats - As of 2019, there were 1121 recognized world heritage sites. This number is only a fraction of the actual number of culturally important places within the natural world.
Increasing Risk
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Increasing Risk 〰️
Boundary - The world is rapidly losing the natural systems contributing to our diverse cultural heritage.
Cost - $5,730,000,000,000 USD annually.
Cultural Identity
Cultural identity ecosystem services encompass the role of natural environments in shaping the identity and sense of belonging of individuals and communities. Landscapes, seascapes, and ecosystems are often central to cultural narratives and symbols that define a group's identity. For instance, the Great Plains in North America are deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Indigenous tribes such as the Lakota, who have historical and spiritual connections to the land. Natural environments also provide settings for community gatherings and traditional practices that reinforce cultural bonds.
Stats - Every human cultural identity is informed and, in most cases, defined by the natural world.
Increasing Risk
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Increasing Risk 〰️
Boundary - Roughly 90 percent of all existing languages are predicted to become extinct within the next 100 years. This is a proxy for cultural identity.
Cost - Not measured.