Ecosystems can provide nuisances as well as benefits

Journal Watch Online 20 Oct 09;

We’ve all heard of ecosystem services, the benefits that humans receive from nature. But what about ecosystem disservices?

Ecosystems don’t just do good, researchers argue in Urban Forestry and Urban Greening. When added to cities, greenery can also provoke allergic reactions, reduce visibility around traffic intersections, and help conceal criminals, they say. Tree roots may rupture pavement, and some animals can transmit diseases. “High or increasing biodiversity does not necessarily mean only richness of goods and services, but also a richness of nuisances,” the authors write.

Cataloguing ecosystem disservices is important because the number of people living in cities is growing, the researchers say. To properly plan urban areas, they argue, managers will need to consider both the pros and cons of ecosystems. – Roberta Kwok

Source: Lyytimäki, J., & Sipilä, M. (2009). Hopping on one leg – The challenge of ecosystem disservices for urban green management Urban Forestry & Urban Greening DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2009.09.003