The working for water programme: Evolution of a payments for ecosystem services mechanism that addresses both poverty and ecosystem service delivery in South Africa

South Africa's government-funded Working for Water (WfW) program is a payments for ecosystem services (PES) initiative to improve the biodiversity, land potential, and hydrologic function of mountain watersheds by invasive plant removal. The program is funded as a poverty-relief scheme, but is generating interest among water utilities and local governments as they see the hydrological benefits. This paper describes the development of WfW, its unique characteristics, and possibilities for future expansion and adaptation of the program.