This document discusses ecosystem services and pollination as an example. It defines biodiversity and ecosystem services, which include supporting, regulating, provisioning, and cultural services that benefit human well-being. Pollination is highlighted as an important regulating service, with 85% of flowering plants relying on pollinators. The value of pollination in Ireland is estimated at €53-500 million annually. However, pollinator populations are in decline due to threats like habitat loss and pesticide use. Increased awareness and understanding of ecosystem services, including their economic value, can help conservation efforts.

1. Ecosystem Services : An example using pollination Dara Stanley PhD Researcher, Simbiosys Project School of Natural Sciences Trinity College Dublin [email_address] www.simbiosys.ie

2. Biodiversity = all life on earth Biological diversity the variability among living organisms from all sources, incl. terrestrial , marine , and other aquatic ecosystems & the ecological complexes of which they are part Bio diversity

3. Biodiversity & ecosystem services Biodiversity Within species (genetic) Among species Among habitats Ecosystem functions Human well-being Source: Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005 SUPPORTING SERVICES Primary production Provision of habitat Nutrient & water cycling Soil formation & retention Production of atmospheric O 2 REGULATING SERVICES Invasion resistance Herbivory, pollination Seed dispersal Climate regulation Pest & disease regulation Natural hazard protection Erosion regulation Water purification Ecosystem services PROVISIONING Food, fuel, fibre Genetic resources Biochemicals Fresh water CULTURAL Spiritual & religious values Knowledge systems Education and inspiration Recreation & aesthetic value Sense of peace

4. Supporting Services

5. Provisioning services www.irishdigest.com www.coillte.ie www.irishdigest.com www.wastercooler.ie

6. Regulating services www.nature.com www.plantandsoil.unl.edu www.stri.org www.waterlinkinternational.com

7. Cultural and Spiritual Services

8. Biodiversity & ecosystem services Biodiversity Within species (genetic) Among species Among habitats Ecosystem functions Human well-being Source: Millenium Ecosystem Assessment 2005 SUPPORTING SERVICES Primary production Provision of habitat Nutrient & water cycling Soil formation & retention Production of atmospheric O 2 REGULATING SERVICES Invasion resistance Herbivory, pollination Seed dispersal Climate regulation Pest & disease regulation Natural hazard protection Erosion regulation Water purification Ecosystem services PROVISIONING Food, fuel, fibre Genetic resources Biochemicals Fresh water CULTURAL Spiritual & religious values Knowledge systems Education and inspiration Recreation & aesthetic value Sense of peace

9. Value of Ecosystem services 17 ecosystem services in 16 biomes – Constanza et al. 1997 Valued at U$33 trillion per year Global GNP is about U$18 trillion

10. Pollination

11. 85% flowering plants 1 in 3 bites of food 39 of 57 leading crops Crops: Fruit, nut, vegetable, forage, Oils e.g. coffee, orange, mango, clover, bean, tea, olive, raspberry Improves - quality, quantity - seed production and viability - genetic diversity Why is pollination important?

12. Value of Pollination in Ireland € 53 million pa € 220-500 million pa Bullock et al., (2008) Bullock et al. 2008

13. 101 bee species 20% social 20 Bumblebee species 1 honeybee - Regionally extinct (RE) 3 - Critically Endangered (CR) 6 - Endangered (EN) 10 - Vulnerable (VU) 14 - Near threatened (NT) 12 180 Hoverflies 20 Butterfly species, 1350 moths Other flies, beetles Pollinators in Ireland

14. Sunday Times, Feb. 2009

15. Pollinator decline Butterflies – 9% Threatened Bees – 40% Threatened

16. Pollinator decline Reduced crop production Reduced seed set in wild plants Changes in natural plant communities Impacts on herbivores and seed predators Impacts on top predators and carnivores Changes in decomposer communities, soil structure/fertility, water & nutrient cycles, erosion etc Changes in climate, atmosphere, biogeochemical cycles etc

17. Threats to pollination Major threats include: - habitat fragmentation - changes in land use - agriculture and grazing - effects of herbicide and pesticide - introduction of non-native species 1:5000 1:5000

18. The future Awareness: public and political The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) - Global Economic benefits of biodiversity Cost of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation Expertees – practical actions Understanding www.teeb.org

19. Simbiosys Investigating sectoral impacts on biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in Ireland 3 key sectors Impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services www.simbiosys.ie Aquaculture Road landscaping Energy Crops Invasion Resistence Carbon Sequestration Pollination Biocontrol

20. Ecosystem services – crucial to human wellbeing Ecosystem services can be a way forward for conservation – re-emphasizes the links between nature and well-being [email_address] www.simbiosys.ie Conclusion