News: According to a study by the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), the annual economic value of ecosystem services provided by the Delhi zoo works out to be ₹422 crore.The study was commissioned by the Central Zoo Authority.
Facts:
- Ecosystem Services: These are the direct and indirect contributions of the ecosystems to humankind’s well-being.
- Classification: Ecosystem services can be categorized into four types:
- Provisioning services: Products obtained from ecosystems such as food, freshwater, fibre, genetic resources and medicines.
- Regulating services: Benefits obtained from regulation of ecosystem processes such as flood prevention, climate regulation, water purification and pollination
- Supporting services: Non-material benefits obtained from ecosystems (e.g. nutrient cycling, soil formation).
- Cultural services: Non-material benefits that people obtain from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, intellectual development, recreational activities and aesthetic values.
Additional Facts:
- Central Zoo Authority: It is a statutory body established in1992 under the Wildlife Protection Act,1972.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
- Objective: To regulate zoos across the country and to lay down guidelines under which animals may be transferred among zoos nationally and internationally.
- Composition: It is chaired by the Union Environment Minister with 10 members and member secretary.
