Compensation For Environmental Services Research Articles

Diseño de un esquema de compensación por servicios ambientales para la cuenca del río Meléndez en el Municipio de Santiago de Cali, Colombia

La compensación por servicios ambientales –CSAH se utilizó como herramienta para solucionar o mitigar las variaciones de los caudales del río Meléndez, ocasionadas por el deterioro de la cobertura boscosa en la parte alta y media de la cuenca. El objetivo del estudio fue desarrollar una fórmula para definir el valor a compensar a los propietarios y poseedores de zonas de interés, en función de los atributos y características ambientales de los predios. Mediante la aplicación de una fórmula matemática se determinó el valor a compensar por los servicios ambientales por hectárea, a partir de la estimación de un precio base y en función de las condiciones ideales de los predios, para garantizar la regulación hídrica: a) presencia de quebradas, b) existencia de franja de protección, c) presencia de fuentes de agua, d) condiciones del suelo, e) sistemas productivos. El valor a compensar por año se encuentra entre un mínimo de $367.748 y un máximo de $735.496 (precios de 2015), que equivale al costo de oportunidad estimado en función de los cuatro principales cultivos en la parte alta y media de la cuenca. Estos resultados enfatizan la viabilidad de hacer de la compensación por servicios ambientales, un ejercicio que garantice la conservación de las cuencas que abastecen de agua a la población, aguas abajo.

Compensation for environmental services from artisanal fisheries in SE Brazil: Policy and technical strategies

Artisanal fisheries are of great importance in Brazil, as they are responsible for more than 50% of national fish production. This importance, associated with the necessity of conserving marine environments threatened by multiple competing uses, leads us to propose mechanisms for co-management of fisheries by users and public authorities. This proposal takes into account: a) local conflicts between artisanal and industrial fishers; b) local rules over the use of fishing areas established by artisanal fishers; c) the advent of protected areas that close access to some fishing areas used by artisanal fisheries; and d) co-management options being explored between government and fishers. This study suggests policy and technical alternatives under consideration to manage the artisanal fisheries of southeastern Brazil with a focus on Ilha Grande bay in Rio de Janeiro. In our case study, based on field research conducted in 2009, we show that artisanal fishers are squeezed into a marine space between protected areas and industrial fishing. We suggest that a combination of fishing agreements (FAs), based on experience in Amazonian fisheries and extractive reserves, and payment for environmental services (PES), based on forest and related water resource experience, could improve management and livelihoods for local artisanal fisheries by stimulating and rewarding fishers who participate in conservation efforts. The two instruments (FAs and PES) are the subject of considerable research and practical experience. Their integration in an instrument mix represents a contribution from transdisciplinary fields of human ecology and ecological economics.

Compensation for environmental services and intergovernmental fiscal transfers: The case of India

This paper studies mechanisms to compensate local government for the public provision of environmental services using the theory of optimal fiscal transfers in India. Especially, we analyzed the role of intergovernmental fiscal transfers in achieving the environmental goal. Simply assigning the functions at appropriate levels does not ensure optimal provision of environmental services. Optimality in resource allocation could be achieved by combining the assignment system with an appropriate compensation mechanism. Intergovernmental fiscal transfers would be a suitable mechanism for compensating the local governments and help in internalizing the spillover effects of providing environmental public goods. Illustrations are also provided for India.

Compensation for Environmental Services and Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers in India

The paper analyzes the role of intergovernmental fiscal transfers in achieving environmental sustainability. Generally, genesis of environmental degradation can be found in the incentive structure of governance in India. About 35 percent of total grants-in-aid recommended by the 12th Finance Commission are used for the provision of environmental services and are predominantly given for developing end-of-pipe infrastructure. Earmarked grants are better suited for environmental clean-up activities. Lump-sum transfers based on a predefined formula are good candidates for precautionary activities. Financial acknowledgements of the environmental services provide incentives for enhancing environmental services. The inclusion of environmental services in the allocation of fiscal transfers would also help in reducing poverty and regional disparities.

Compensation for environmental services and rural communities: lessons from the Americas

Compensation schemes for ecosystems or environmental services focused on poor rural communities can strengthen their livelihoods and improve ecosystem management. Various initiatives in the Americas provide lessons in this regard. Peasant and indigenous communities manage ecosystems to meet subsistence needs, earn income in markets and pursue new alternatives linked to the provision of environmental services. Compensation schemes should support the integration of these various levels and overcoming hurdles in each one. This requires a broad approach to compensation that avoids fixation with direct payments. A landscape perspective becomes important since environmental services are generated through a variety of land uses. Social capital is crucial for effective collective action in heterogeneous landscapes, to foster internal cohesion and positive external linkages. Expanding and defending communities´ rights to the resource base is a prerequisite, otherwise compensation schemes can sidestep or disenfranchise communities. Donors and intermediary oganisations should respect community’s perspectives and priorities. The State should guarantee the defence and expansion of communities´ rights, policies that revalue rural spaces, and rules for compensation schemes that favour communities.