Fig. 1.

Groups of ES according to the differences in the potential and actual flow. (a) Demand exceeds the ES potential flow and services is overused (e.g. when a resource is extracted above its regeneration rate or when pollutants are emitted above the ecosystem absorption rate). (b) Demand exceeds the ES potential but services cannot be overused (e.g. when people living in a country/region cannot enjoy a range of ES because there are no green spaces). (c) ES potential exceeds demand (e.g. when economic activities are not located where ES that could support them are provided).