Guideline framework for effective targeting of payments for watershed services

Abstract

Payments for Watershed Services (PWS) have become popular for the conservation of environmental services. As effectiveness is influenced by PWS design and the local contexts in which they are implemented, deficiencies in the process of targeting providers can affect the success of PWS schemes in achieving their goals. This article presents a framework based on data obtained from systematic reviews of worldwide Payments for Environmental Services (PES) schemes and the scientific literature to guide the process of targeting PWS schemes, especially in rural private areas in fragmented landscapes. The framework comprises four sets of operational guidelines for the targeting process based on the scientific literature. A table explaining the data extracted from the literature and PES schemes is provided, comprising the targeting criteria of benefits, risk, cost, socioeconomic issues, and readiness. The framework supplements current approaches that focus on biophysical criteria and is the first initiative to incorporate multidimensional aspects of PES in targeting guidelines. As it gathers empirical and scientific knowledge to promote an effective scheme design, the framework can contribute to the achievement of PWS goals.