Definitions

Ecosystem

An ecosystem is a dynamic interaction between plants, animals, microorganisms, and their non-living environment, functioning as a whole.

Ecosystem type

An ecosystem type represents a specific ecosystem, or a distinct group of abiotic and biotic components and their interactions.

Ecosystem condition

The condition of an ecosystem is its quality, measured in terms of its abiotic and biotic characteristics.

Ecosystem services

Ecosystem services are the benefits we derive from nature and use for economic and other human activities. Examples of ecosystem services include food provision, air purification, and crop pollination.

Ecosystem capital

The monetary social economic use value of ecosystems determined based on the expected future supply and use of ecosystem services within a certain period.

Natural capital

All natural resources used by humans, society, and the economy. This includes soil, water, and air, along with associated ecosystems such as forests, heathlands, and fields, and the plants and animals they contain.