Compensation for Environmental Services and Rural Communities: Lessons from the Americas and Key Issues for Strengthening Community Strategies

This book synthesizes the lessons learned from the implementation of payment schemes for ecosystem services (PES) in the Americas, where equity is a central concern. The authors reflect upon the questions that emerged at every step of the process: from the conceptual PES framework itself; the differing motives and justifications behind PES schemes; the instruments for implementation; the dilemma of valuation for environmental services; and the debate surrounding how to reward the service providers (compensation, payment, subsidy, etc.). In each case, they reveal the importance of the nature of the participation of the actors involved, be they the state, private sector or communities living from the land.