Just as the physical forms of ecosystems vary widely—from delicate coral reefs to arid deserts—so do the array of goods and services available to local communities. The benefits that humans obtain from ecosystems fall into four main categories (MA 2003:53-60):

Provisioning services comprise the production of basic goods such as crops and livestock, drinking and irrigation water, fodder, timber, biomass fuels, and fiber such as cotton and wool.

Regulating services are the benefits obtained as ecosystem processes affect the physical and biological world around them. These services include flood protection and coastal protection by mangroves and reefs; pollination; regulation of water and air quality; the modulation of disease vectors; the absorption of wastes; and the regulation of climate.

Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences. These provide the basis for cultural diversity, spiritual and religious values, as well as the more prosaic experience of tourism.

Supporting services are those that are necessary for the production of all other ecosystem services. Their impacts are indirect or extend over long time-scales. They include primary production of biomass through photosynthesis, soil formation, production of atmospheric oxygen, and nutrient cycling.