2.2 GEL Flashcards
why are urban neighbourhoods regarded as ecosystems?
Every aspect in ecosystem depends on one another, directly or indirectly. People are integral parts of ecosystem and dynamic interactions exist between people and other parts of the ecosystem. Activities carried out by people may indirectly and/or indirectly change the ecosystems in both positive and negative ways
example: A man-made concrete canal in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio was transformed into a naturalised river allowing more organisms to thrive in this aquatic ecosystem. This brought wildlife back into the park, enhancing the neighbourhood’s biodiversity.
what are ecosystem services?
refers to benefits brought about by nature to people. it is produced by living communities and non-living environment of ecosystems. These services are critical to our survival and their benefits are optimised when we have a healthy and thriving natural environment.
what are examples of ecosystem services?
provisioning services, regulating services, cultural services, supporting services
what are provisioning ecosystem services?
refers to tangible resources that people can get from ecosystem such as food, water and wood.
example: food is grown in urban community gardens focused on planting edibles on rooftops at Tampines’ HDB blocks.
what are regulating ecosystem services?
refers to the benefits obtained from the regulation of various ecosystem processes. This includes series such as climate regulation, disease outbreak regulation and flood regulation. These ecosystem processes work together to ensure that the ecosystems are functional, clean and sustainable and resilient to changes.
example:
regulating local climate:
trees in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park can lower surface and air temperatures by providing shade to residents.
Forests helps cool areas by generating rainfall
regulating water flows:
vegetation cover in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park can reduce surface runoff by retaining water in the soil.
regulating local air quality:
trees or other plants in park play important role in regulating air quality by removing pollutants from atmosphere.
what are cultural ecosystem services?
refers to intangible benefits people obtain from ecosystems. These can be activities that may improve people’s physical and mental health and foster social belonging and group identity, thus strengthening their sense of place.
example:
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a site for resident to engage in recreational activities such as hiking, as well as space which provides educational opportunities, such as when students engage in fieldwork
residents gain aesthetic experiences from natural objects in urban neighbourhoods such as heritage trees, sky rise greenery and community gardens
what are supporting ecosystem services?
refers to services that are necessary for the functioning of all other ecosystem services
example: soil formation ensures human activities such as agriculture can take place
