Declining ecosystem health threatens communities' access to vital resources
In this research, scientists studied the health of ecosystems in Gorgan Township, Iran, to help manage and protect them. They looked at how different types of land use affect ecosystem health and the services they provide to humans. The study found that between 1987 and 2005, there was a slight decrease in overall ecosystem health in the area, mostly due to urban growth and expanding farmlands replacing natural areas. Factors like ecosystem resilience and vigour played big roles in determining the health of the ecosystems. The study shows that the relationships between different land uses, ecosystem health, and services are complex, highlighting the importance of understanding these connections for effective natural resource management and ecosystem protection.