Ecosystem Types and Components

Natural capital is separated into different ecosystem types and ecosystem components. Ecosystem components are specific elements within nature that provide the goods and services that the economy depends on.

Natural capital is separated into different ecosystem types and ecosystem components (the latter were previously called natural capital assets). The 15 ecosystem types are based on the biomes included in the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology 2.0. Together with eight ecosystem components, the ecosystem types provide more detail on the biodiversity-related elements of natural capital.

Ecosystem Types

  • Tropical-subtropical and Temperate-boreal forests and woodlands

  • Shrublands & shrubby woodlands, Savannas and grasslands

  • Desert and Semi-deserts

  • Polar-Alpine

  • Intensive Land Use Systems - Croplands, pastures and plantations

  • Intensive Land Use Systems - Urban and industrial ecosystems

  • Subterranean ecosystems (including Subterranean lithic systems, Subterranean freshwaters, Anthropogenic subterranean freshwaters and Subterranean tidal systems)

  • Palustrine Wetlands

  • Artificial fresh waters, Lakes, Rivers and streams

  • Semi-confined transitional waters

  • Marine shelfs

  • Pelagic ocean waters and Deep Sea floors

  • Anthropogenic marine systems

  • Shoreline systems (including Anthropogenic shorelines) and supralittoral coastal systems

  • Brackish tidal systems

Ecosystem Components
The ecosystem components are based on the natural capital asset classification developed by UNEP-WCMC, which draws on a previously developed scientific paper published in the journal Ecosystem Services.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere is the mass of air surrounding the earth. Its components (such as oxygen) and its processes (such as temperature regulation) support a number of essential ecosystem services.

Land geomorphology

Land geomorphology describes the structure of the land, such as mountains and valleys. Land geomorphology supports the provision of regulatory services, like erosion control.

Minerals

Minerals are naturally occuring compounds not produced by living beings. They can be metallic or non-metallic and play an important supporting role in the provision of services like soil quality.

Ocean geomorphology

Ocean geomorphology describes the structure of the marine environment such as shelfs and slopes. Ocean geomorphology supports the provision of regulatory services, like dilution by ecosystems.

Soils and sediments

Soils and sediments are the layers of the earth's surface that support life. They comprise top-soil, sub-soil and ocean sediments and support a number of regulatory services.

Species

Species includes plants, animals, fungi, algae and genetic resources, which can be wild or domestic/commercial, for example livestock. Like habitats, species underpin a wide range of ecosystem services.

Structural and biotic integrity

Structural and biotic integrity relates to the extent to which the physical structure and composition of an ecosystem falls within its natural range of variation. These structural characteristics, such as canopy height and vegetation density, underpin many of the ecosystem services provided by ecosystems.

Water

Water includes surface water, ground water, ocean water, fossil water and soil water. Water is essential for a wide range of ecosystem services.