Ecosystem services provided by the Baltic Sea ... - Naturvårdsverket

SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Report 5873 • Ecosystem services provided by the Baltic Sea and Skagerrak
Economic Marine Information
Introduction
The marine environment provides humanity with numerous benefits. Some of
these benefits are life-supporting; others create major economic opportunities
for vast numbers of people. Least recognised are those, not readily quantified,
which add to our sense of place, our health and our cultural identity. Many of
us do not even know about their existence, let alone their value or the extent to
which we use them. Yet, most of us contribute to their deterioration, unaware
what consequences this may bring about for our personal well-being as well as
for economic development in our respective region or country. The following
chapters present an overview of the so called ecosystem services provided by
the Baltic Sea (including the Belt and Kattegat) and Skagerrak. The importance
of these services will be illustrated and their current status will be summarized.
In Europe, approximately two thirds of the inhabitants prefer coastal holidays. In
Sweden, almost 90 % of the population live within 100 km of the coastline. 30 %
of all vacation homes are situated within 100 m of the coastline (1). The enjoyment
as well as the price tag on our seaside homes is directly dependent on the quality of
the water, and so are our holidays at sea. More than half of the Swedish population
regularly swim in the Baltic Sea (2) and more than one fourth regularly engage in
recreational boating activity (3). Sailing, swimming or living by the sea would not
be the same, were the sea a lifeless dump or a stinking soup of poisonous algae.
These benefits obtained by the sea all constitute examples of environmental or
ecosystem services. Before describing the various ecosystem services, some important
concepts of ecology and conservation will be introduced, and their effect on
ecosystem services discussed.
What are ecosystem services?
The term ecosystem describes a community of animals and plants interacting with
each other and with their physical environment. The ecosystem includes various
components such as soils, water, nutrients and living organisms. Organisms range
from bacteria to trees and large animals, including humans. Ecosystem services
are defined as the functions and processes through which ecosystems, and the species
that they support, sustain and fulfil human life. Healthy ecosystems perform a
multitude of essential functions. The use of these services goes back to the dawn of
mankind, though their definition is recent. Linnaeus repeatedly emphasized the use
and benefit of nature, but it is not until now, that this awareness is gaining ground
as an argument for conservation and sustainable management.
Ecosystem services are sometimes divided into goods, referring to items given
monetary value, and services, which are valued but rarely bought and sold. In the
discussion which is to follow, the term ecosystem service will cover both goods
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