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What is the ecosystems approach?

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What is an ecosystem approach?

An ecosystems approach would provide a framework for looking at whole ecosystems in decision making, and for valuing the ecosystem services they provide, to ensure that we can maintain a healthy and resilient natural environment now and for future generations.

Evidence based research

Defra has a small research programme which aims to collate and analyse the interdisciplinary evidence base relevant to an ecosystems approach, and demonstrate how an ecosystems approach can be applied in practical terms through a series of case studies.

How does an ecosystem approach work?

We are using the concept of an ecosystems approach as a way of linking together a number of cross-cutting environmental challengesinto a single, coherent framework.  The aim is to ensure that in future we are able to deal with cumulative pressures on the natural environment and capture the true value of ecosystem services, so that we can design our policies in a way which will enable us to live within environmental limits and mitigate and adapt to climate change and other pressures on the natural environment. 

Taking a broad view across ecosystems using these concepts would allow us to set ecological objectives for air, water, soil and biodiversity in a way which maintains healthy and resilient ecosystems.

What is an ecosystem?

We can define an ecosystem as a functioning interdependent grouping of living things existing in equilibrium with their physical environment.

In ecosystems (such as those in deserts, forests, wetlands, mountains, lakes, rivers, and agricultural landscapes), living creatures, including humans, form a community, interacting with one another and with the air, water, and soil around them. If one part is damaged or disappears, it can have an impact on everything else.

Why are ecosystems important?

Ecosystems provide valuable services for people – ‘ecosystem services’.  There is no single way of categorising ecosystem services, and they can be described in simple terms as providing:

  1. Resources for basic survival, such as clean air and water;
  2. A contribution to good physical and mental health, for example through access to green spaces, both urban and rural, and genetic resources for medicines;
  3. Natural processes, such as climate regulation and crop pollination;
  4. Support for a strong and healthy economy, through raw materials for industry and agriculture, or through tourism and recreation; and
  5. Social, cultural and educational benefits, and wellbeing and inspiration from interaction with nature.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment has set a widely recognised standard on the language around ecosystem services.  However, the exact terminology around ecosystems services is less important than the key point that ecosystems provide a wide range of benefits for people.

Defra will be examining the various MA reports as they are published and considering their recommendations as we develop our strategic approach for the conservation, enhancement and sustainable management of the natural environment.

Ecosystems - Key Facts

Within the United Kingdom;

  • UK air pollution causes around 24,000 premature deaths a year
  • Most rivers and lakes in England are at risk of failing to meet requirements of the Water Framework Directive
  • 39% of threatened habitats and 27% of threatened species are still in decline
  • Marine ecosystems continuing to deteriorate and many fish species in severe decline
  • Over a fifth of land in England at high risk of soil erosion, threatening health and viability of our land.

Globally;

  • 3.5 billion people depend on the oceans as their primary source of food
  • An area twice the size of China (1.9bn ha) on which more than 1 billion people depend for their livelihood is affected by soil degradation
  • 250 million people worldwide are directly affected by desertification
  • In those areas with healthy coral reefs and mangroves, the impacts of the 2004 Tsunami were significantly reduced
  • In Africa alone some 20,000 species are used in traditional medicine.

Page last modified: 23 October 2008
Page published: 23 October 2008