Key terms & definitions

Restrictions imposed on a country to put pressure on its government, such as bans on trade.

The ability of a product to be made and sold at a cost and price that make it financially workable.

A shortage caused by insufficient investment or infrastructure to make available water accessible to people.

People’s ability to earn income and meet material needs, supported by employment and productive economic activity.

Reductions in average unit cost that can result as a business increases its scale of production.

The production, distribution and consumption of goods and services, including employment, trade and money.

The production, buying and selling of goods and services in an area.

The organisation of the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services.

A reduction in average cost per unit that results from a business increasing its scale of production.

A reduction in the cost per product associated with producing or purchasing in large quantities.

A system in which living organisms interact with one another and with their non-living environment.

A community of living organisms interacting with the non-living parts of their environment.

A community of organisms interacting with one another and with the non-living conditions of their environment.

A condition in which interactions between organisms and their environment keep the ecosystem broadly stable and sustainable over time.

The processes through which an ecosystem operates, such as plant growth, reproduction and nutrient cycling.

The processes through which an ecosystem operates, including nutrient cycling, water cycling and energy transfer.

A physical product obtained from an ecosystem, such as timber or fuelwood.

Tangible products obtained from an ecosystem, such as timber, food, water and medicines.

A benefit provided by an ecosystem, such as opportunities for recreation or the protection of wildlife.

A benefit people obtain from natural ecosystems, such as pollination, clean water or protection against soil erosion.

Benefits provided by the functioning of an ecosystem, such as climate regulation, nutrient recycling and protection against soil erosion.

The benefits that natural ecosystems provide for human wellbeing and quality of life, such as pollination and the supply of useful materials.

Pressure caused by environmental changes that disrupt organisms and the relationships within an ecosystem.

The physical organisation of an ecosystem, including its vegetation layers and the distribution of trees and habitats.

Tourism focused on natural environments that aims to minimise environmental damage, support local communities and contribute to conservation.

Tourism based on experiencing the natural environment that can support conservation and local communities when it is managed sustainably.

Tourism managed to conserve the natural environment and benefit local people while visitors experience wildlife and habitats.

A body type characterised by a thin, lean frame, usually tall, with narrow shoulders and hips, long limbs and little fat or muscle.

Concerned with cooperation and unity between different Christian Churches or denominations.

A worldwide gathering of Catholic bishops with the Pope to consider matters affecting the whole Church.