Life-Supporting Ecosystem Services
Ecosystems play a crucial role in maintaining environmental stability by providing essential services that sustain life.
Water Replenishment
Ecosystems help regulate and maintain water supplies through processes like:
- Forest Watersheds: Trees absorb and store rainwater, releasing it gradually to prevent floods and ensure steady river flow.
- Wetlands & Aquifers: Wetlands act as natural filters, replenishing groundwater and improving water quality.
The Amazon Rainforest generates rainfall for South America by transpiring large amounts of water into the atmosphere.
Flood & Erosion Protection
Natural ecosystems act as barriers against natural disasters:
- Mangroves & Coastal Wetlands: Reduce the impact of storm surges and tsunamis by absorbing wave energy.
- Forests & Grasslands: Prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the land with roots, reducing landslides and desertification.
In Bangladesh, mangroves help protect coastal communities from cyclones and sea-level rise.
Pollution Mitigation
Ecosystems act as natural filters, removing pollutants from water, air, and soil:
- Reed Beds & Wetlands: Remove excess nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) from agricultural runoff, preventing water pollution.
