I have a quick question for the listserve for which I would be
interested in hearing people's opinions, and experiences.
The question is: Is biodiversity an ecosystem service?
Those of us that work in biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
studies typically regard biodiversity at the provider of services and
functions. Tilman's biodiversity and productiity, the biodiversity
and stability work, biodiversity and pollination (Klein),
biodiversity and pest control (Perfecto).
Meanwhile in much of the development and economics literature,
biodiversity itself is a unique service and function where it is not
uncommon to see people state that "we will work with farmers to
improve the capacity of coffee farms to provide critical ecosystem
services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity and water."
Are both correct or is it important to distinguish between
biodiversity serving as a function, and biodiversity as the provider
of services.
All comments are welcome on- or off the listserve.
Cheers,
Fabrice
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Fabrice De Clerck PhD
Landscape Ecologist/Ecologo de Paisaje
Dept. Agricultura y Agroforesteria
CATIE 7170, Turrialba, Costa Rica
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Phone: (506) 558-2596
Fax: (506) 558-2046
Web: www.catie.ac.cr
Adjunct Associate
Tropical Agriculture Program
The Earth Institute at Columbia University
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Skype: fadeclerck
Web:www.earthinstitute.columbia.edu/mvp/
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"Everything not given is lost"
