Binding of carbon and carbon dioxide: Ecosystems regulate global climate by storing greenhouse gases. Green-blue structures, the ground … A city without ecosystem services is neither attractive nor alive. Every ecosystem provides habitats that can be critical for a species’ lifecycle. Urbanisation trends impact upon land use and therefore on the availability, accessibility and quality of ecosystem goods and services. And it is more than weather. The context limitation indicated that an ecosystem service could not be found in an urban context, and was an important limitation for several ecosystem services in urban areas. Urban ecosystem services (ES) affect the health and wellbeing of over 3.5 billion people who live in cities. Greenery can help to regulate microclimates, clean the air and reduce noise from traffic, at the same time as providing places for recreation with exposure to nature. These systems generate a range of ‘Ecosystem services’ refers to the benefits human populations derive from ecosystems. They are essential for mental health and important for children’s development. Ecological Economics, 29(2), 293-301. A good green space promotes children’s psychological, social, physical and motor development. What are benefits of restoring ecosystem services in urban areas? Ecosystem Services in Urban Areas ` For more information, Please see websites below: ` Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children http://scribd.com/d… Local air quality: Trees and other vegetation have a significant role in regulating air quality by absorb- ing air pollutants. Trees and vegetation can reduce noise. Ecosystem service is the key comprehensive indicator for measuring the ecological effects of urbanization. Green structures in cities play an important role in creating incentives for physical activity and reducing stress. Pathogens are removed and levels of nutrients and pollutants are reduced. This research supports efforts by states, communities, and municipalities to uncover and leverage the potential for urban soils to support good land management practices, including where to best apply green infrastructure practices for stormwater management. Deciduous trees are efficient at cleaning air. As cities are expected to grow at a rapid rate in the coming decades, it is important that the ecosystem services in urban areas and the ecosystems that provide them are understood and valued by city planners and political decision … A city without ecosystem services is neither attractive nor alive. In an effort to revitalize these areas, some communities are converting them into green spaces, such as parks, green infrastructure practices (e.g., rain gardens, permeable pavement), and to support urban agriculture. Importance of Urban Soils. While payment for ecosystem services is being attempted, it is still far from routine practice. Noise reduction: Noise in cities affects health, the ability of children to learn, and animal life. How do rural-urban relations affect our natural resources? I used to think if a specific area is man-made or urbanized, it is unnatural and therefore, it cannot be an ecosystem. Cities however depend on nature and the ecosystem services it provides to sustain life, health, security, social relations and to Production of ecosystem services can be a useful indicator for sustainability work. Adaptive exchange of capitals in urban water resources management: an approach to sustainability? Seven different urban ecosystems have been identified: street trees; lawns:parks; urban forests; cultivated land; wetlands; lakes:sea; and streams. Urban planners increasingly value such urban ecosystem services (ES), and effective methods for deciding among alternative planting regimes using urban ES criteria are under active development. Microclimate: Trees and green areas in cities lower the temperature, and forests affect precipitation and local and regional water supply. Valuing ecosystem services in urban areas - URBES Factsheet #3 The values of biodiversity and ecosystem services need to be integrated into urban decision making in order to enhance urban resilience, health and quality of life while reducing the ecological footprint of cities and saving costs. Spending a lot of time in green areas positively affects the ability of children to concentrate, they spend more time doing physical activity and are healthier. Recreation, mental and physical health: Walking, sports and other physical activities provide exercise and relaxation. 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