Better RED than dead: paying the people for environmental services in Amazonia
2008

Better RED than dead: paying the people for environmental services in Amazonia

Sample size: 4200 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Anthony Hall

Primary Institution: London School of Economics and Political Science

Hypothesis

Can payments for environmental services (PES) effectively encourage small farmers in the Amazon to adopt sustainable practices and reduce deforestation?

Conclusion

Proambiente has shown potential for compensating small farmers for environmental services, but faces significant challenges in funding and implementation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Proambiente has enrolled 4200 families, with 42% receiving payments.
  • The program aims to reward small farmers for reducing deforestation and enhancing carbon sequestration.
  • Challenges include a lack of legal recognition for environmental services and insufficient funding.

Takeaway

This study looks at how paying farmers to take care of the Amazon rainforest can help save trees and keep the environment healthy.

Methodology

The study reviews Brazil's Proambiente PES program and its impact on small farmers in the Amazon.

Potential Biases

Political bias in selecting project areas may exclude non-unionized communities from participation.

Limitations

Funding bottlenecks and limited implementation capacity hinder the effectiveness of the Proambiente program.

Participant Demographics

Approximately 4200 families, primarily small farmers in the Amazon.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1098/rstb.2007.0034

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