Studies on ecosystem services
Ecosystem services, also known as environmental services, are the benefits we receive from our ecosystems either naturally or through management.
It is said that these services provide intangible benefits (those we know exist but are difficult to quantify and value). However even though we do not always perceive their benefits directly, these services influence significantly our ability to maintain life and generate well-being for individuals and communities.
Ecosystem services, unlike environmental goods or products (such as timber, fruits and medicinal plants from which we benefit directly); are not "used" or "exploited" directly, but the benefits such as enjoying good climate, clean air, or simply a beautiful landscape are invaluable.
What a population considers an environmental service may vary from region to region; perception of ecosystem services is closely related to history, culture, and local livelihoods. Therefore, knowing what they are and how the ecosystem services are valued in a particular place is meticulous work to understand how people perceive their environment and what it provides for them.
One way to make the connection less abstract and more practical is through the implementation of green technologies that incorporate and transform ecosystem services such as firewood-saving stoves, solar lighting systems or water disinfection systems.
From 2009 to 2010 Cantaro Azul conducted an assessment of ecosystem services through the project
"The Sustainable Ranch in the Sierra La Laguna Biosphere Reserve." We believe this experience allowed us to demonstrate our ability to design tools for the analysis and evaluation of ecosystem services.
This study gave us the opportunity to observe the perceptions, attitudes and behaviors of the population of this protected natural area and to connect the findings with organizations and institutions to promote the valuation of ecosystem services as a strategy for environmental conservation through adoption of green technologies in the transition to sustainability.