Ecosystem services of grasslands

Natural grasslands are undoubtedly beautiful – especially during the flowering season, when vibrant carpets of wildflowers attract insects, and their buzzing, together with the scent of plants, creates a rich and immersive experience of nature. This is the most immediate and visible benefit a grassland provides. Behind this beauty lies a wide range of additional benefits known as ecosystem services. A natural grassland provides food and habitat for pollinators, supports the growth of valuable medicinal plants, regulates water cycles and reduces flood risks, and – no less importantly – offers flowers for traditional Midsummer wreaths while preserving an important part of Latvia’s cultural and historical identity.

Discover the main ecosystem services provided by natural grasslands!

Hotspots for pollinators

Natural grasslands provide an essential home and foraging grounds for countless wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and other insects. Without these diverse habitats, we risk losing the pollinators that are directly responsible for the fertilization of our agricultural crops, fruits, and vegetables.

Natural pest control

A healthy, species-rich grassland acts as a massive breeding ground for the natural enemies of agricultural pests. Birds, beetles, spiders, and predatory insects that thrive in natural grasslands naturally regulate pest populations, reducing the need for chemical pesticides in nearby fields.

Soil formation and health

Below the surface lies an incredibly rich and diverse community of soil organisms. The dense, permanent root systems of natural grasslands prevent soil erosion, naturally build fertile topsoil, and keep the land healthy and productive for centuries without the use of artificial fertilizers.

Climate regulation and carbon storage

Natural grasslands are outstanding carbon sinks. Because they are never ploughed, their extensive root networks and stable soil structures trap and store massive amounts of carbon dioxide deep underground, playing a critical role in mitigating climate change.

Control of invasive species

Due to their massive native plant diversity — where up to 50 different species can coexist in just one square meter — natural grasslands form a highly resilient and tight-knit community. This dense biodiversity leaves no room or resources for aggressive invasive species to take over the landscape.

A pharmacy of medicinal plants

Natural grasslands are a living archive of biodiversity and future potential. They are rich in traditional medicinal herbs and wild plants, preserving genetic resources that are not only vital for our health and culture today but could also hold the key to future medical and scientific discoveries.