Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from natural environments and healthy ecosystems. These services can be categorized into four main types: provisioning services, which include food, water, and raw materials; regulating services, such as climate regulation and flood control; cultural services, which encompass recreational and spiritual benefits; and supporting services, like nutrient cycling and soil formation.
Healthy ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and coral reefs, play a crucial role in providing these services. By maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance, these systems help sustain life on Earth and contribute to human well-being, making their protection essential for future generations.