Improving Markets for Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Panama contains some of the most productive and diverse ecosystems in the world, and receives many benefits from the natural services provided by those ecosystems. Yet formal markets for ecosystem services in Panama are poorly developed. We assume that functioning markets for ecosystem services would partially counter development pressures on Panama's natural forests and ecosystems, and propose a suite of policy alternatives that could help develop such markets with the expectation that revenues would fund conservation and restoration efforts. These recommendations fall into five broad categories: (1) increase conservation of existing forests; (2) promote reforestation; (3) strengthen institutional capacity; (4) lower transaction costs; and (5) build the Panama brand for environmental services. A variety of fiscal, legal, organizational, and information-based approaches are recommended. In addition, we recommend convening a national Ecosystem Services Task-Force to organize diverse stakeholders and implement policy alternatives deemed most appropriate for advancing market development. We emphasize policy alternatives that are consonant with political and economic conditions in the country, that leverage outside funding, that recognize political feasibility, and that build upon existing legal and institutional frameworks.     

Policy Alternatives for Improving Markets for Water Quality and Quantity in the Panama Canal Watershed

Summary

Markets for ecosystem services are receiving ever-increasing attention from the global environmental community as a mechanism to conserve and protect environmental resources. Formal markets for the selling and buying of ecosystem services emerge as institutions and regulatory frameworks are developed and legitimized. For a small country with relatively abundant natural resources, such as Panama, ecosystem service markets have significant potential to provide landowners with a sustainable stream of income while facilitating national environmental protection goals. This paper takes one ecosystem service in Panama-water supply-and assesses a host of policy alternatives to improve markets for water in Panama. The analysis suggests that secured long-term financing mechanisms and strengthened institutional roles are important elements in shaping stakeholder behavior and advancing water markets in Panama.     

哥斯达黎加森林生态服务补偿机制演进及启示

通过分析哥斯达黎加森林生态服务补偿机制演进历程,总结出其项目类型多样、参加者自主性强、项目合同规范高效、项目资金来源渠道丰富、补偿标准合理、从自愿的补偿向强制性支付转变等对我国有益的启示,并在此基础上提出改进我国森林生态效益补偿机制的建议。     

世界范围内流域服务市场发展现状及对策

目前,世界各地已经出现各种各样基于市场的流域服务补偿案例。文中总结了现有的流域服务市场的现状,揭示了市场发展存在的约束因素,以及目前存在的解决对策和潜在的解决对策,其中的经验教训对制订中国的流域补偿国家政策具有借鉴意义。     

森林环境服务市场研究现状与展望

在分析国内外森林环境服务市场产生的原因及意义的基础上,概述了森林环境服务市场的研究进展,并对4种森林环境服务市场的实践情况进行了回顾;通过分析目前在森林环境服务市场创建过程中面临的主要问题,对森林环境服务市场研究趋势进行了展望。