Supporting Services

Supporting services, unlike others, are the elements and natural processes that support the existence of all ecosystem products and services and make life possible on Earth. Other ecosystem services are formed over relatively shorter periods, allowing the effects of human activities on ecosystem services to be observed. However, the formation of supporting services requires very long periods. Therefore, determining the impact of human activities on supporting services is quite difficult (DKM, 2020). Supporting services are evaluated in two categories: nursery service (habitat provision) and gene pool protection. 

Nursery Service (Habitat Provision): Forests offer natural habitats for many living species. Forest ecosystems, in particular, function as a "nursery" for flora and fauna, allowing young plants and animals to develop. 

Gene Pool Protection: Forests play a critical role in conserving genetic diversity. The existence of various plant and animal species enables the protection of the gene pool. This diversity increases the resilience of ecosystems and supports the adaptation ability of species.