What are "Ecosystem Services"?
Created By RISC | 1 year ago
Last modified date : 1 year ago
Economic growth will inevitably cause cities to expand, which could threaten green space. Designers and architects are meanwhile focused on adding urban green space.
Increasing urban green space can take many forms, including the creation of a landscape area, an artificial forest, a vertical garden, or even a green roof. Their benefits to people can be measured in a variety of ways including "ecosystem services".
You might wonder how an ecosystem can provide services.
Ecosystem services are the benefits we receive from ecosystems, directly or indirectly, in 4 categories.
1. Provisioning services, raw materials for production and consumption such as food or herbs
2. Regulating services, natural phenomena and ecosystem process control such as air quality, water resources, or pest control
3. Cultural services, social and cultural benefits including education, such as religious and spiritual values or cultural diversity
4. Supporting services, which support other services such as plant photosynthesis or nutrient cycling
RISC collaborated with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, led by Asst. Prof. Pongchai Dumrongrojwatthana, and Asia Lekkul, Intern from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, to study the ecosystem services at The Forestias from October 2021 to April 2022. The study divided the area into 3 major ecosystems: simulated forest ecosystem, water ecosystems, and green roof ecosystems and using these 4 aspects.
Simulated forest ecosystems had a relatively good level of ecological services. Many different types of plant in the green roof ecosystem of the Forest Pavilion had moderate services. The extensive green roof has a shallow soil level and cannot host large trees. But it will be outstanding for biodiversity and help reduce heat from the sun. Because the project is still in its early stages, water ecosystems aren’t yet fully operational. Once the construction is completed, the project will have a clear area management plan in place to improve the quality of all ecosystem services.
The study's data can be used to help develop sustainable ecosystems in green areas of other real estate developments, promoting the creation of green areas while expanding the city.
Story by Thanawat Jinjaruk, Senior Researcher, Environment Division, RISC, and Asia Lekkul, Intern from Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University .
References:
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