Ecosystems purify our air and water, help to control our climate and provide goods and services that are often impossible to replace. However, many ecosystems are under threat. As the world’s population continues to grow, consumption of food, water, and other materials increases and the ecosystems that provide for these needs are being over-burdened and in some cases destroyed.
The concept of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) - also refered to as Payments for Environmental Services - seeks to create positive economic incentives to change human behaviour in ways that increase or maintain environmental services such as watershed protection, the sequestration of carbon and the provision of habitat for endangered species.
Are Payments for Ecosystem Services necessary?
Payment schemes for ecosystem services can be a valuable tool to ensure their proper valuation and sustainable management. Although today’s technology and knowledge can contribute to minimising the human impact on ecosystems, their potential is unlikely to be deployed fully until ecosystem services cease to be perceived as free and limitless and their full value is taken into account
mpelementing Payments for Ecosystem Services
Both developed and developing countries have established markets for ecosystem services. Multi-million dollar markets in carbon, wetlands, biodiversity and water regulation have been developed. One common example of PES is direct payments, for example to farmers and other landowners, to encourage “conservation-oriented” land-use practices.
mpelementing Payments for Ecosystem Services
Both developed and developing countries have established markets for ecosystem services. Multi-million dollar markets in carbon, wetlands, biodiversity and water regulation have been developed. One common example of PES is direct payments, for example to farmers and other landowners, to encourage “conservation-oriented” land-use practices.
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