Uploaded on 2016-04-03 by Raul_AJ

*Raw Materials:* Puerto Vallarta's natural surroundings provide the city with raw materials (such as sand, rock, wood, granite) needed for the building industry. *Fresh Water*: fresh water is obtained mainly from the underground, but this source is supplied by the multiple rivers that exist in the area, estuaries and the abundant vegetation in the mountains. *Food:* The valley found in the Banderas Bay area and the Ameca river provide an excellent region for agriculture, plus the native fruit trees (oil and water coconut palm trees, mango, papaya, guava, bananas, nanchi...) that grow throughout the city. Another important food source is the bay, which is rich in fish and marine species for human consumption. ![bay][1] The bay and valley provide food resources, while the mountains provide raw materials. The combination of these factors make fresh water access easily. **b) Regulating Services:** *Moderation of extreme events:* I think this is Puerto Vallarta's most precious ecosystem service. Mexico's west coast is prominent to hurricanes, specially the central zone (where the city is located), but the bay and the surrounding mountains provide a natural barrier against this type of natural hazard, recently proved with Hurricane Patricia, the most powerful hurricane ever, passed near the city, we expected the worse and nothing important happened in the city. *Waste-water treatment:* The multiple estuaries existing in the Banderas Bay area help to regulate and clean the water, as mangrove trees have this quality. *Biological control*: The *Lepidodactylus lugubris* or cuiza, as we called them, are little reptiles that help control mosquito plagues, spiders, scorpions and other venomous insects found in Puerto Vallarta. *Erosion prevention:* Buildings and houses can stay stable thanks to abundant vegetation found in the hills. *Air quality:* Puerto Vallarta enjoys a good air quality as a result of its geography and plentiful vegetation. ![mountains][2] The mountains and bay act as a natural barrier against hurricanes. ![hills][3] The vegetation makes possible to build in the hills without the problem of erosion and landslides. **c) Habitat or supporting species:** The Banderas Bay area provides the necessary means to live for plants, animals and human beings. The bay is a temporary home for the migrating Humpback whales that come from Alaska every winter. ![estuary][4] The estuaries are important homes for diverse species: from birds, to mammals, fish and reptiles, plants, etc. **d) Cultural services:** The natural environment of Puerto Vallarta serves as an inspiration for artists, national and international alike, and gives the city a relaxing and unique atmosphere for residents and tourists, so this turns the city into an international touristic hotspot, excellent for recreational and physical activities such as hiking, scuba diving, skydiving, horseback riding, surfing, among other sports and activities. ![bienetmal][5] *"El bien y el mal"* Regino Carrillo, oil on canvas. Agraz Joya family property. The natural environment of Puerto Vallarta is a breathtaking inspiration source for artists. This painting by Regino Carrillo portrays multiple natural symbols of the city (along with the urban) such as the mountains, the sea, marine animals, the humback whale, crocodiles,Los Arcos islands. ![humpback whale][6] The Humpback whales, which visit the city every Winter, have become an international symbol of Puerto Vallarta, portrayed in various paintings, statues, photographs and designs throughout the city. This is the Humpback whale statue in the entrance of the Marina Vallarta area. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14597047435653844.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1459704874669350.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1459704924793883.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14597051178591965.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14597055448876628.jpg [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14597058465232346.jpg