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Ecosystems Research

  • Ecosystem Services

    The benefits people derive from nature underpin almost every aspect of human well-being, including food, water, health, and the economy. 

    Learn About Ecosystem Services.

  • Searching for an EcoSystem Services Tool?

    EPA’s Ecosystem Services Tool Selection Portal helps communities choose the right tool to incorporate the benefits of their local ecosystems into their planning. 

  • Ecoregions

    EPA’s ecoregional maps provide a spatial framework for the research, assessment, and monitoring of North American ecosystems and ecosystem components.

    EPA’s ecoregional maps.

Exploring the benefits of ecosystems

Natural ecosystems play a critical role in providing benefits to people and other living things. EPA researchers are delivering tools, data, and information necessary to accurately account for ecosystem services in decisions, and to help advance healthy, sustainable, and more prosperous communities.    

  • Ecosystem Services

    Young boy holding a large fish at a lake.

    Developing a better understanding of the many life-sustaining benefits we receive from natural ecosystems. 

    Learn About Ecosystem Services
  • Ecosystems & Water Quality

    Waterway

    Exploring the links between ecosystems, human activities, and water quality to help protect and restore aquatic resources.

    Learn About Eco-Related Water Research
  • Ecosystems & Air Quality

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    Advancing our understanding of how air pollution can harm forests, lakes, and other ecosystems and the benefits they provide.

    Explore Ecosystems & Air Systems Research
  • Ecological Risk Assessment

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    Conducting assessments that evaluate environmental risks from chemicals, land-use change, disease, invasive species, and other stressors.

    Learn About Eco Risk Assessment
  • Tools & Resources

    Representation of current technology around the world.

    Decision Support Tools, Models & Databases, and Educational Resources.

    Access Ecosystem Tools & Resources
  • Ecosystem Publications

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    A diversity of publications, reports, and fact sheets presenting EPA ecosystem research results are available online.

    Explore EPA research publications

Key Links

  • Final Ecosystem Goods and Services Scoping Tool Analysis for Tillamook River Wetlands
  • Ecoregions
  • EnviroAtlas

Publications

  • Fact Sheets
  • EPA Science Inventory
  • Recent Publications
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on February 11, 2025
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