WHO OWNS THE SOILS? : A MACRO LOOK TO AGRO-ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

Abstract

Ecosystem services are receiving increasing scientific interest due to their importance in sustainability. Ecosystem services are benefits to humans provided by the natural environment and ecosystems. These services are vulnerable to land use and land cover changes. Biodiversity has a positive and stabilizing effect on the delivery of ecosystem services. Agricultural expansion and intensification are major drivers of biodiversity loss. Diversification enhances biodiversity, pollination, pest control, nutrient cycling, soil fertility, and water regulation without compromising crop yields. Soils participate in the provision of numerous ecosystem services of great importance for the maintenance of ecosystems and human societies. Freshwater ecosystem services cover only a small area worldwide but harbour high levels of biodiversity