Benefits of nature are often undervalued for us humans

Researchers show how diverse people benefit from nature

People are directly dependent on nature and benefit in many ways from the supply of natural resources. Medicine, and especially naturopaths, are taking advantage of this. Often, however, nature is claimed to be a service provider and supplier of natural resources, and the entire range of nature's benefits for humans remains underestimated, criticizes an international research team with the participation of scientists from Leuphana University Lüneburg.

"Sufficient food, clean water and clean air are among the most valuable and best-known achievements of nature for humans," explain the scientists. Therefore, nature is considered mainly as a source of services and raw materials. In the current technical article, 30 international experts are now calling for a better understanding of the benefits of nature. For only if the whole range of natural benefits is taken into account, can it be possible to achieve "an actual protection and a sustainable use of nature." The researchers have stated their positions in the renowned journal "Science".

The benefits that nature has for us are often underestimated and neglected in decisions. (Image: Christine Kuchem / fotolia.com)

All food comes from nature

Basically, the achievements of nature are of crucial importance to humans. This applies to rich as well as to poor countries, emphasize the scientists. A good example of the importance of meaning is the topic of food. In this way, all human beings receive their nourishment from nature and food safety is a central issue that affects politics and decision-makers worldwide, emphasize the researchers. So far, the focus is on things such as nutritional value, biological processes and economic issues, according to the experts. But the meaning of food actually goes much further. This also has effects on things like cultural identity, art or joie de vivre.

Consider non-material factors of nature

The consideration of the non-material factors of the use of nature distinguishes the new approach of the scientists from the previous procedure. For example, the environmental policy of the last decade has been dominated by the views of the natural sciences and economists. Although the study of the so-called ecosystem services, that is, the entire benefits of nature for humans, the idea of ​​sustainability have advanced, but insights and methods of the social sciences, the humanities and other ways of looking at the world have been neglected.

Culture is a link between man and nature

Researchers emphasize that policies and decision-makers need to be made more aware of the full range of nature's benefits for humans. For example, a broader assessment of the benefits of nature leads to the insight that culture is a key link between man and nature. Here too, the knowledge of local communities and indigenous peoples must receive much more attention, emphasizes the research team with the participation of Professor Dr. med. Berta Martin-Lopez from Leuphana University Lüneburg.

Effectiveness and legitimacy for political decisions

According to the researchers, for example, one possibility for implementation is the inclusion of the new perspective, taking into account the social, cultural, spiritual and religious significance of nature in large-scale expert reports. An approach that goes far beyond the methods previously used to identify ecosystem services. Experts hope that this "more effectiveness and legitimacy for political decisions about the handling of nature, because he creates a broader and more qualified information base." A better understanding of the full range of natural benefits is the prerequisite for protection and sustainable use the nature. (Fp)