Spotlight
Ecological Goods and Services
Ecological Goods and Services (EG&S) are benefits that we receive from our ecosystems, and are essential for healthy, functioning, and sustainable agricultural landscapes. Natural areas provide trillions of dollars in ecological good and services globally through carbon sequestration, water purification, reduced soil erosion, and foraging and habitat provision for insects and wildlife, as well as cultural services that support spiritual, mental, and physical well-being, recreation, and other community benefits. This report explores these concepts and discusses the programs needed to support and incentivize farmers, land managers and other stakeholders, to protect, restore and establish ecological goods and services in the landscape.
Download the ReportScientific Leads
What goods and services are provided?
- Carbon sequestration
- Groundwater recharge
- Nutrient retention
- Erosion control
- Increased aquatic ecosystem health
- Pollinator habitat
Special Thanks
We would like to extend special thanks to Wilton Consulting, Alice Raine, Elizabeth Shantz, Maggie McCormick, Garth Laidlaw and the University of Guelph for administrative support.
The Spotlight projects have been developed with the Research Innovation Office at the University of Guelph.
Featured Video
Advancing Canadian Agriculture by Supporting Ecological Goods and Services
Leah Blechschmidt gives an overview of ecological goods and services, and discusses the programs needed to support them.