Paying for watershed services in Latin America: A review of current initiatives

This article assesses the current status of payment for watershed environmental services (PWS) schemes in Latin America. While the region has a greater abundance and more advanced initiatives than Africa or Asia, most do not meet all the criteria for true PES (Payments for Environmental Services), often lacking conditionality. The authors discuss challenges and barriers to PWS, with a focus on three case studies in Pimampiro, Ecuador; Quito, Ecuador; and Mexico.