Understanding the mutualism relationships between mankind and biodiversity

1)    Ecological and environmental benefits:

The biodiversity serves as the fundamental food and habitats for all plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms 

Supply clean and potable waters for drinking and other daily uses 

Source of air to breath for both plants and humans 

Responsible in biological recycling materials for fertile soils by the bacteria and micro-organisms 

As pollinators for insects and birds 

As the natural population control for parasites and predators 

Aid in the carbon sequestration of green plants to reduce global climate change 

Act as natural disaster barriers of coastal wetlands 

As the resource pool of genetic materials for natural selection 

As well as to provide the biological interaction of complex web of life among all living beings. 

 

2)    Economic values:

The biodiversity offers essential food supply (agricultural crops, livestocks and fisheries) 

As natural resources of fuel (source of energy) from timbers and coals 

Provide shelter and warmth by forestry products and natural fibers (for clothings) 

And also other beneficial medicinal goods (herbs and natural processed drugs) from the nature to mankind.

 

3)    Other non-material and indirect services:

The biodiversity provides the aesthetical, spiritual and religious values of the ecosystems 

Act as the valuable knowledge and educational learning of the nature 

Impart of the sense of peacefulness in mind of recreation 

As well as cater the needs of ecotourism and sports activities to humans.

Photo credit: www.cbd.int