ECOSYSTEM ACCOUNTING
Knowledge-based conservation and management policies are necessary to preserve and improve the benefits that healthy ecosystems provide for our well-being. The value of ecosystems should not be based only on economic estimates and it should also include other aspects such as landscape and ecosystem integrity and functionality, biodiversity conservation, and cultural values.
Earth observations play a key role in ecosystem accounting.
About the image: The Lena River, some 2,800 miles (4,400 km) long, is one of the largest rivers in the world. The Lena Delta Reserve is the most extensive protected wilderness area in Russia. It is an important refuge and breeding grounds for many species of Siberian wildlife. via NASA Goddard