Valuing Nature

Valuing Nature

This exercise introduces different value systems and ecosystem services.

Introduction 

What is valuable to you? This exercise introduces different value systems and ecosystem services. Work alone or in small groups. 

Activity

Draw stars to grade the items below (5 stars for very valuable, 1 star for not at all valuable).

 

Item

Valuable to you?

Valuable to nature?

Ants

 

 

Owl

 

 

Hoopoe

 

 

Steppe grass and herbs

 

 

Fish

 

 

Dragonfly

 

 

Cow

 

 

Frog

 

 

Vegetables

 

 

Saiga

 

 

Horse

 

 

Your mother (or other person who cares for you)

 

 

Yourself

 

 

Your best friend

 

 

 

Discussion and Follow-Up

Discuss your grading's with the class.

  • Which items are most valuable and why?
  • Is everything equally valuable to nature?
  • Should we value some items more than we do at the moment?

Teacher's Note

After completing the exercise discuss the ecosystem services provided by each item.