The perceptions about payment schemes for ecosystem services: Study case of the San Miguel and Santo Tomás Ajusco community, Mexico

Abstract

In this work an exercise of evaluation of different effects of the payment schemes for ecosystem services (PES) is presented, based on the analysis of the social perception because of its integrative perspective. The objective was to understand the opinions of the actors directly involved in the functioning of the federal PES program in Mexico, referred to the National Forestry Commission (as users of ecosystem services) and the forest communities (as suppliers of the services). The analysis was performed using the study case of the San Miguel and Santo Tomás Ajusco community, located in the Conservation Land of the Federal District. Eight testimony (proof) interviews were conducted with authorities and 239 structured surveys were applied to community representatives. Each of these groups was divided into two sub-groups: I) those representing authorities of the central and state offices and II) environmental workers and community members with property title deeds. From this analysis, we identified divergences and convergences among them, using four analysis criteria: program design and implementation, social, environmental and economic effects. In general terms, the authority has a positive perception of the process of PES implementing (in operation and strategy), while the community perceives positive and negative effects, due to conflicts within and outside the community, low and temporary payment, lack of knowledge and dissemination, among others. Indeed, this program encourages direct and short-term benefits, but with positive and negative effects on the environment and society, and there is also lack of conceptual rethinking and effect monitoring.