Water Wheel March 2021: Ecological Environment

Abstract

Most people accept without question the need to have their cars serviced on a regular basis – or the common-sense of replacing leaking tap washers or clearing fallen leaves from roof gutters to avoid water waste or blockages. Because in the long run, it’s wise to spend a little bit of money on regular maintenance to avoid a heftier bill when things really break down due to neglect or lack of maintenance. In much the same way, the environment also needs to be maintained or repaired to ensure a reliable flow of environmental services such as clean water. Natural scientists have long understood the importance of protecting water security by safeguarding the multitude of free environmental services that are rarely appreciated or costed using conventional economic models. This is why the term ‘ecological infrastructure’ was coined in the early 1980s, to promote a broader appreciation of the bedrock role of nature in creating and sustaining economic benefits for humanity.

Categories