Lichens have a range of benefits, including:

1. Environmental indicators: Lichens are sensitive to environmental changes and can be used as indicators of air quality, water quality, and climate change.
2. Soil formation: Lichens play a crucial role in soil formation by breaking down rocks and other materials, creating a substrate for other plants to grow.
3. Food source: Lichens are an important food source for many animals, including reindeer, caribou, and some species of birds.
4. Medicinal properties: Some lichens have been used in traditional medicine for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Natural dyes: Lichens have been used for centuries as a source of natural dyes for textiles and other materials.
6. Ecological restoration: Lichens can be used in ecological restoration efforts to help restore degraded habitats and improve biodiversity.
7. Bioindicators: Lichens are often used as bioindicators in environmental monitoring programs to assess the health of ecosystems and detect pollution.