Description
In this payment for ecosystem service (PES) modality, the scheme is implemented as a partnership between the public and the private sector to foster innovation, open new markets, and achieve greater investment scales. Such partnerships are often operated as sustainable long-term instruments to promote private sector participation in biodiversity conservation and environmental benefits of global importance.
Instrument category
Payment for ecosystem services (PES)
Implementation status
Low - limited evidence available
Enabling conditions and success factors
- It has been found via European Union-funded research that the most successful PES schemes generally involve private organisations (including NGOs).
- The combination of livelihood improvement with the provision of a critical resource (such as forest, mangroves or water) is an important driver of a scheme’s success.
- A long timeframe of 10 to 30 years is more effective than shorter timeframes.
- Payment via non-monetary goods and services, such as building materials or education, is preferable to direct cash payments. Such alternative payments help to avoid corruption and unfair distribution of benefits.
Instrument benefits
- PES enables local communities to become stewards of critical environmental assets that can play both carbon sequestration and a resilience role.
- PES can stimulate local economic development and environmental protection, helping local inhabitants gain a regular income, which can be invested in other businesses or development needs such as education or improved housing.
Challenges and risks to implementation
- PES schemes which threaten existing power structures or land rights arrangements are often likely to fail.
