DownloaD Graphic 2
Ecosystems in Peril
Ecosystems – whether they are in coastal regions
Unsustainable land use drives land degradation
or in fresh water areas, in tropical jungles or in
which, in the form of contamination and pollution,
mountain ranges – provide life-supporting services
soil erosion, nutrient depletion, water scarcity, salinity
to human beings. Yet the provision of such services
and disruption of biological cycles, is a fundamental
is under threat as the world’s terrestrial and aquatic
and persistent problem. Land degradation diminishes
ecosystems are modified and fragmented at an
productivity, biodiversity and other ecosystem serv-
unprecedented rate.
ices, and contributes to climate change.
Soil erosion is now widespread in Africa, affecting food production and food security.
Credit: Christian Lambrechts
ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT 29