Ecosystems services encompass the vital benefits that nature bestows upon us to sustain life on our planet. Diverse natural elements such as forests, wetlands, rivers, oceans, and the myriad of animal species inhabiting our world are all examples of how different ecosystems exist. During Aravinth’s enlightening mentoring session, you will have the opportunity to delve into the different roles in safeguarding these ecosystems for the well-being of our planet. To deepen our understanding of the intrinsic value that nature brings to human lives, we must incorporate practices that keep us accountable and acknowledge the true worth of natural resources within our maker practices.
Aravinth, an ardent social entrepreneur, dedicates his efforts to empowering underserved communities in war-affected regions of Sri Lanka. His work focuses on enabling these communities to address local socio-economic and environmental challenges effectively. As a co-founder of DreamSpace Academy, a non-profit social enterprise, Aravinth actively fosters positive change through various impactful initiatives. DreamSpace Academy operates on challenge-based learning, grassroots innovation, and impact venture building. Such innovative approaches allow individuals within the community to tackle pressing issues by fostering a collaborative environment where ideas and solutions can thrive. By empowering residents with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support, Aravinth and his team facilitate a process that leads to sustainable transformation.
We understand that to make things make sense, you need to share how you make, build for continuity design (thinking long term), integrate local knowledge, and lastly, as Aravinth discusses, we must not forget to include our ecosystem services. The importance of needing ecosystem services, as Aravinth states, is because they are “.being evaluated to draw equivalent comparisons to human-engineered infrastructure, goods and services. Understanding the value of nature to human well-being helps us make more informed decisions about managing and protecting natural ecosystems.” Moreover, we can promote responsible behavior and encourage sustainable practices by holding people accountable for their actions concerning ecosystem services. Recognizing the value of nature’s contributions to our well-being can drive individuals, businesses, and policymakers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices, protect biodiversity, and actively work towards conserving and restoring ecosystems.
There are three ecosystem services: Provisioning, where we have direct services (from nature), i.e., fresh water, food and nutrition. Cultural, which provides immense economic and personal services such as recreation, tourism, or spiritual and aesthetics. Lastly, Regulating and Maintenance are things we do not have to take care of; in other words, indirect work done by nature. Evaluating ecosystem services and understanding their value to human well-being helps us make more informed decisions about managing and protecting natural ecosystems. By holding people accountable for their actions and promoting responsible behaviour, we can strive towards a more sustainable future that balances human needs with preserving the natural world.
Here is an action list DreamSpace encompass Ecosystem services:
- BioFilter: Biofilter made from Syzygium cumini (java plum) seed extract to remove cadmium pollution in water
- BioComposite: A biocomposite material using mycelium as an alternative sustainable material
- BioPlastic: Biodegradable bioplastic made from Palmyrah Pulp from naturally grown Palmyrah trees on the coasts
- BioGas + BioFertiliser: Biogas digester and fertiliser pellets from cattle manure with the service of dung beetle
- OceanBiome: Prioritize ocean research to chart a course toward active involvement in Ocean Protection. By doing so, they aim to empower the next generation of leaders with oceanic knowledge and instill a sense of responsibility and a commitment to ocean literacy and stewardship. Ultimately, the aim is to nurture a generation of ocean ambassadors in Sri Lanka.
Makerspaces should promote ideas that allow short-term solutions that have been created by society and turn them into long-term projects and have it adapt to the different timely situations. To consider present resources and anticipate future outcomes. To preserve the environment, we must shift our perspective and view it as the ecosystems within which we exist.
Please take a moment to watch Aravinth’s makerspace mentoring video below.
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