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Ecosystem Services

Wetlands, rivers, mangroves and aquifers are vital to supply, purify and manage water. Well-functioning ecosystems have the potential to buffer the impacts of climate change and to provide multiple societal benefits, namely ecosystem services. However, mismanagement, urbanization and extreme events might undermine ecosystems’ natural ability to deliver freshwater services. Understanding the linkages between natural and socio-economic systems is vital to a more sustainable management of ecosystems.