Thesis Abstract

Abstract

Payment for ecosystem services (PES) programs have emerged as an innovative approach for conserving natural areas and the ecosystem services they provide, such as water filtration, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and more. This project will explore the development and implementation of PES programs, using case studies from around the world. The objectives are to understand how PES programs work, identify the ecosystem services being compensated, examine their environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and provide recommendations for establishing an effective PES program. Lessons learned from existing programs will help inform the development of new market-based conservation strategies that benefit both people and nature.

Thesis Overview