Which statement describes ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services refer to the essential ecological functions provided by ecosystems that contribute to human well-being, biodiversity, and the overall health of the planet. These services encompass a range of benefits, including provisioning services like food and water, regulating services like climate regulation and disease control, cultural services such as recreational and spiritual benefits, and supporting services like nutrient cycling and soil formation. By describing ecosystem services in this way, it emphasizes their critical role in sustaining life and supporting human activities.

The other options describe different aspects related to biodiversity and environmental management; however, they do not capture the core essence of ecosystem services. Economic costs associated with conservation only reflect the financial implications of preserving nature, legal frameworks pertain to structured policies for protecting biodiversity, and leisure activities in natural parks focus more on human enjoyment rather than the foundational ecological benefits provided by ecosystems.