Ecosystem services are defined as the goods and services provided by ecosystems to humans. Per the 2006 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), ecosystem services are “the benefits people obtain from ecosystems”. They are grouped into four broad categories: provisioning, such as the production of food, water, and medicines; regulating, such as pollination, the control of climate, and disease; supporting, such as soil formation, nutrient cycles, and oxygen production; and cultural, such as artistic, spiritual, and recreational benefits.

Ecosystem services analysis provides a starting point for creating regenerative design that is measurable. This is important for the establishment of the credibility of regenerative design.  Furthermore, ecosystem services are at the core of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.