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Abstract

As part of the French evaluation of ecosystems and ecosystem services (the national EFESE programme), “ecosystem goods and services” are defined as “socioeconomic advantages derived by humans from sustainable use of the ecological functions of ecosystems". As controversial as it may be, this name “ecosystem goods and services” and the proposed definition, evokes a true concept, in other words it designates a reality which can be perceived in at least two ways : firstly, it involves perceiving an ecosystem as providing practical advantages for people, which is easily conceivable; then, almost conversely, it involves perceiving humans as being capable of adding value to, or at least of preserving, an ecosystem, which is just as easy to understand.