Terrestrial ecosystems

Basis for biodiversity conservation

Terrestrial ecosystems provide us with raw materials, water, and oxygen. But, beyond supporting life on our planet, they regulate ecological processes such as climate regulation, air and water purification, or soil formation. They are fundamental amidst challenges such as climate change, and in the last few years their preservation has gained special importance. Do you want to know more about them? We tell you about their characteristics, why they are important, and some initiatives for their conservation.

0:00

What are terrestrial ecosystems?

Terrestrial ecosystems are, as their name indicates, systems made up of animals, plants, and microorganisms, located in natural areas present on the earth's surface that provide unique characteristics conducive to the life of these species. The flora, fauna, climate factors of that ecosystem, and conditions of that place, such as the temperature, humidity, and altitude, combine in a balance that allows the maintenance of life.

Terrestrial ecosystems range from forests, rainforests, or meadows to the tundra or the desert. For millions of years, organisms have adapted to the conditions of each natural environment to survive and give rise to the most disparate ecosystems, from the friendliest to the most extreme.

3_Ecosistema_Terrestre-2 en tamaño grande-3.jpeg

Characteristics and importance of terrestrial ecosystems

All terrestrial ecosystems have certain common characteristics that make them fundamental for the conservation of life on our planet. To start, they provide the necessary resources for the survival of different species, since they facilitate food, water, refuge, and essential conditions for the reproduction of flora and fauna. Moreover, there is a complex interaction and a balance between the different species that facilitate the preservation of the ecosystem and its biodiversity.

Beyond their own environment, ecosystems are responsible for ecological processes that are fundamental for the maintenance of life conditions on our planet. For example, wetlands help to purify water and reduce its contamination, by acting as filters. And forests absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), one of the main greenhouse gases, so they play a decisive role in removing pollution from the atmosphere and regulating the climate.

Examples of terrestrial ecosystems

Terrestrial ecosystems are as diverse as life on Earth. These are some of the main terrestrial ecosystems:

Forests.
Because of their role in the regulation of the climate, in the storage of large amounts of CO₂, and the very large amounts of biodiversity they are home to (millions of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, many of which aren't found in any other place in the world), forests are one of the most important terrestrial ecosystems on the planet. There are different types of forests depending on geographic, climate, and biological characteristics.
One of their key functions is to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, which contributes to regulating the temperature and improving air quality. But, moreover, they regulate the water cycle and flow of rivers, prevent soil erosion, and act as natural barriers to prevent flooding. Forests are, in short, one of the most important ecosystems for the health of our planet.
Meadows.
Meadows are very important ecosystems for agriculture and livestock, they help to prevent soil erosion and maintain soil balance. They are made up of pastures and herbaceous plants and are home to a large amount of biodiversity ranging from large herbivores to small mammals.
Terrestrial wetlands.
Swamps, marshlands, and peatlands are examples of terrestrial wetlands, some ecosystems that facilitate water purification. They are very rich in biodiversity and are the habitat of aquatic species and a multitude of migratory birds.
Deserts.
These terrestrial ecosystems with extreme climate are also home to species that have adapted to the low rainfall and extreme temperatures, such as reptiles and cacti.
Tundras.
The tundra, this terrestrial ecosystem with frozen soil (permafrost) and extremely low temperatures, is the habitat of species such as the caribou and arctic fox.

Repsol and terrestrial ecosystems

The need to preserve our terrestrial ecosystems is becoming increasingly important, both to ensure the preservation of biodiversity on our planet and because of the ecological processes they carry out. Through the Repsol Foundation, our company has been involved for years in the conservation and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems through initiatives focused on reforestation and the prevention of deforestation, which seek to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability and the recovery of degraded natural areas.

One of these initiatives is the Green Engine Project, aimed at the conservation and improvement of terrestrial ecosystems. This project aims to promote reforestation in different regions in Spain, by planting trees and recovering natural areas, thus not only improving air quality but contributing to carbon capture and the resulting CO₂ reduction.

Another initiative is the Repsol Wastelands and Forests Project whose aim is the protection of forested areas and wastelands where indiscriminate logging and deforestation threaten these important ecosystems. Through this project, we work on the preservation of biodiversity and the prevention of forest destruction, which are essential for the regulation of the climate and conservation of biodiversity. The initiative also includes the education of local communities on the importance of preserving forestry resources by promoting the reduction of illegal logging and promoting long-term sustainability.