Ecosystem services and human well-being

Abstract

While humans rely on the services provided by ecosystems, they are also affected by ecosystem disservices: the functions of ecosystems that are perceived as negative for human well-being, However, different individuals in any region or community will have contrasting views on the benefits that they derive from any given ecosystem function. Equally the expression and experience of well-being vary across scales and are situation- and context-dependent. Variations in the perceived character of well-being across socially diverse populations and community groups stem from all the dimensions (distributional, procedural, contextual, and recognitional) of equity. The way these contrasts work can be explored by comparing the differences between tropical rainforest ecosystems and urban ecosystems and the ecosystem services and disservices affecting human well-being. In tropical rain forests plants dominate, while in urban ecosystems the buildings, traffic, infrastructure people dominate. Traditional people have long been reliant on local ecosystem services while urban people use globally sourced services and have global impacts on ecosystems. While ways of increasing ecosystem sustainability and improving human well-being exist, the application of that knowledge depends on the influence of decision-makers and pressure groups on how to achieve a high quality of life for all, with greater equity and responsibility for the state of the planet. Without this, there can be unrealized expectations and unresolved conflict, and for many of the world's people human well-being will continue to appear unattainable.