Payments for Ecosystem Services: An Analysis of Cross Cutting Issues in 10 Case Studies- Spring

Team Members: Alexandra Varga, Judith Harwood, Maha Bahamdoun, Dana Coyle, Emmanuel Flamand, Myriame Gabay, Emmanuelle Humblet, Erika Leung, Nosisa Ndaba, Carlos Rymer, Ariani Wartenberg

This capstone project analyzes Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) as an emerging policy tool to incentivize conservation and sustainable resource management. Drawing on ten international case studies, the team evaluates how PES schemes are designed and implemented across different institutional and geographic contexts. The analysis categorizes PES models into private, market-based, and publicly funded systems, examining how factors such as land tenure, transaction costs, financing mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement influence project outcomes. The study also highlights the evolving nature of PES, noting that many initiatives remain in early stages of development and require further refinement.

Building on this comparative analysis, the report identifies a set of cross-cutting principles critical to the success of PES schemes. These include the need for clearly defined property rights, strong institutional frameworks, sustainable funding sources, and meaningful community participation. The project also explores the potential for PES to contribute to poverty alleviation, emphasizing the importance of aligning environmental and socio-economic objectives. By synthesizing lessons across diverse case studies, the report provides practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to design effective and equitable PES programs, while highlighting key challenges that must be addressed to ensure long-term viability and scalability.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Capstone Workshop.