What did nature do for Wageningen today?

Wageningen (NL): eyes4earth was on hand to pop “The Question” as thousands of people descended upon Wageningen today to join the annual “Bevrijdingsdag” (Liberation Day) festival.

Over 120 people of all ages and backgrounds got involved in helping to answer “What did nature do for you today” as well as four other questions related to the scientific concept of “Ecosystem Services” (i.e. the benefits humans obtain from natural ecosystems). Children joined the eyes4earth team in drawing their answers, youths took advantage of the “film me sofa” to enjoy a beer and adults of all ages gave insightful comments and feedback.

And the results? Well, they were pretty varied as you might expect – as everyone perceives their interaction with nature in their personal own way. But there were many similarities too. Some of the main outcomes will be released soon.

“What did nature do for you today?” is a research & outreach initiative aimed at understanding, communicating & visualising the importance of “ecosystem services” to human well-being. Ecosystem services are simply the range of benefits that humans obtain from nature ecosystems to support health & well-being.