1. Introduction

Question 1

Provide an example of provisoning services

Answer 1

Products obtained from ecosystems.

Food, wood, medicine, energy, fibres

Question 1

Define and provide an example of regulating services

Answer 1

Benefits obtained from regulation of ecosystem processes.

Water filtration, waste decomposition, crop pollination, climate regulation, disease control

Question 2

Provide an example of cultural services

Answer 2

Nonmaterial benefits obtained from ecosystems.

Aesthetic, spiritual, personal growth, leisure and fun

Question 3

What is the main problem with policymaking surrounding ecosystem services and what is the suggested solution from this course?

Answer 3

The main problem is that the true value often only becomes clear after what we valued is gone.

A suggested solution is to put a (monetary) value on ecosystems and their services before decisions or policies are taken.

Question 4

Ecosystem valuation is a complex discipline as economists and ecologists often hold contradictionary views, though they need each other. Explain why.

Answer 4

Classically, ecologists have needed the economy to protect nature, while economist have needed ecology as the scarcity of nature creates value.

Question 5

Name two critiques of the ESS concept, with a counter-argument

Answer 5

1. It is too anthropocentric
   Counter-argument: the ES concept includes valid ecocentric arguments.
2. It promotes of an exploitative human-nature relationship
   Counter-argument: nonmaterial values can be covered in the cultural ES domain.
3. It distracts from conservation
   Counter-argument: biodiversity underpins ecosystem services
4. It uses economic valuation
   Counter-argument: using economic valuation does not necessarily involve monetization
5. It commodifies nature
   Counter-argument: ES does not necessarily use market instruments
6. It has vague definitions
   Counter-argument: the vagueness fosters creativity and refinement and encourage transdisciplinary research
7. It is too optimistic about normative aims
   Counter-argument: total value freedom is impossible, and optimism is a reflection of the optimistic intention of researchers

Question 6

Describe and provide an example of supporting services

Answer 6

Services necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services.

Soil formation, nutrient cycling, primary production