The Motagua-Polochic PES project

Abstract

This Payment for Environmental Service program will help ensure the protected area's financial self-sustainability by increasing participation among local resource users, particularly by engaging the private sector and municipalities in the conservation of their own natural resource base. At a broader level, beyond the protected area itself, the Water Fund is also intended to address water pollution problems affecting the Motagua and Polochic rivers and ultimately the Mesoamerican Reef, which stem from neighboring urban centers and agro-export activities. This conceptual model will be useful for reliability by other municipalities in Guatemala and as a tool for future policy development at a national level.