What type of value refers to benefits obtained indirectly from ecosystems?

The correct answer is related to a specific category of ecosystem services that are not directly harvested or consumed but still provide significant benefits to humans and the environment. Indirect value includes the various benefits that ecosystems deliver through processes such as nutrient cycling, water filtration, and climate regulation.

For instance, forests help mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide and regulating temperature, while wetlands can filter pollutants from water, thus maintaining water quality. These services are essential for supporting life and human activities but are typically not quantified in monetary terms since they do not result in immediate products like timber or fish. Recognizing and valuing these indirect benefits is crucial for effective environmental management and conservation efforts since they highlight the importance of maintaining ecosystem health for sustained human well-being.

In contrast, existence value refers to the inherent worth of an ecosystem, regardless of its utility to humans, while ethical value focuses on moral principles that underscore the conservation of nature. Ecological value often emphasizes the functional role of ecosystems within natural processes rather than the benefits derived from them. Therefore, the concept of indirect value correctly captures the essence of those benefits gained from ecosystems that do not involve direct use.