ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the dryland ecosystem services that people draw upon for their subsistence, for their livelihoods and to meet consumer demands from non-dryland areas. It outlines the key dryland ecosystem services and explores the main threats and types of degradation that are being experienced. The chapter explores the main challenges in measuring and monitoring dryland ecosystem service losses and unpacks them in relation to scale, methodological approaches and the types of knowledge and stakeholders involved in their assessment. Food is provided in drylands from wild game and birds, wild fruits, melons and nuts, as well as commercial game and livestock farming. Drylands have long been inhabited by humans, resulting in strong historical connections to the environment and important spiritual, heritage and inspirational benefits. Ecological processes such as soil formation take place very slowly, especially in drylands where rates of decay are limited by moisture.
