Which type of value refers to direct benefits derived from natural resources?

The type of value that refers to direct benefits derived from natural resources is known as direct value. This concept encompasses the tangible goods and services that can be obtained from ecosystems and natural environments, such as food, water, timber, and recreational opportunities. Direct value emphasizes the economic and practical benefits that individuals and society can acquire through the use of natural resources.

Understanding direct value is crucial in environmental studies since it helps highlight the importance of managing natural resources sustainably to ensure that these benefits are available for current and future generations. This type of value is often contrasted with indirect values, which relate to the ecosystem functions and services that support life but do not provide immediate, tangible benefits, as well as aesthetic and existence values, which pertain to the appreciation of nature's beauty and the intrinsic worth of biodiversity regardless of its utility to humans.