Lichens provide several important ecosystem services: 1) Lichen-dominated biological soil crusts play a key role in soil formation, mineral cycling, and water retention by increasing infiltration and moisture retention. 2) Some lichens are used as a food source for humans and animals, provide nesting materials, and create habitat. 3) Lichens produce valuable secondary metabolites that have applications in medicine and human health. 4) Lichens are effective bioindicators of pollution and climate change due to their sensitivity, and can be used to monitor environmental conditions via changes in diversity.