Output details

Examining equity: a multidimensional framework for assessing equity in payments for ecosystem services

Significance of output:

Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) are a new approach to conservation in which beneficiaries pay producers to modify their land use to produce a desired service such as carbon sequestration, clean water or biodiversity. However, there is concern that PES schemes may inadvertently disadvantage certain societal groups. This paper presents the first framework to help project implementers and policy-makers assess how their initiative affects different aspects of equity, from involvement of relevant stakeholders in decision-making to equitable sharing of costs and benefits. Application of the framework could make a significant contribution to achieving fairer and more sustainable natural resource management.