Ecosystem stress threatens the survival and well–being of current and future generations by degrading the quantity, quality, and intergenerational sustainability of ecosystem services.
Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. These include supporting
services (such as soil formation), provisioning services (such as timber and food), regulating services (such as water purification and flood control), and cultural services (such as spiritual and recreational opportunities). Ecosystem services maintain conditions conducive to human life and values. Human values are the variety of experiences and opportunities (environmental, social, and personal) that matter to people. Common values include security, basic material for a good life, health, good social relations, and freedom of choice and action to pursue personal values and identity.
For example, coral reef disease and mortality degrade the quantity and diversity of available reef products such as fish, seaweed, crabs, sea cucumbers, and lime. Reduced flow of these valued ecological components can threaten the food security and livelihood stability of reef–dependent communities and increase conflict among reef stakeholders.
The United Nations Environment Programme’s Millennium Ecosystem Assessment: Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Human Well–Being assesses the status of global marine and coastal ecosystems, focusing on the services they provide and how changes in these services will impact human well–being.
