Question

(1) Mention the various ecosystem services provided to us. (2) Should these services be priced? If yes, why?

Answer 1

(1) The products of ecosystem processes are termed as ecosystem services i.e., whatever we are getting through the environment in its natural form, free of cost, are examples of ecosystem services. For example, healthy forest ecosystems purify air and water, minimize floods and droughts, help in nutrient cycling, generate fertile soils, provide habitat to wildlife, maintain biodiversity, provide storage site for carbon and also provide spiritual and cultural values. So, these are the various ecosystem services provided to us.

(2)The value of such services provided to us is difficult to determine, though it seems reasonable to think that ecosystem should carry a bulk price tag. These should be priced because these services are largely taken for granted because they are free.