Left to right: Peter Ngubu (Water Resources Management Authority - Kenya), Bernadette Neves (IFAD reviewer), Boro Gathuo (Green Water Credits) and Delia Catacutan (World Agroforestry Centre) during a stopover at the Thiba River catchment.

A reviewer from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) was in Kenya late July to find out exactly how payments for watershed services could work in such a programme.

Ms Bernadette Neves held exploratory discussions with the PRESA and Green Water Credits teams in Nairobi. She also met officers of the Mount Kenya East Pilot Programme for Natural Resource Management (MKEPP) in Embu.

During her trip, Ms Neves met Kenya government officials and visited local communities in various parts of the Upper Tana catchment.

The Tana is Kenya’s largest river. Apart from providing water to homes, small scale and large scale farms and industry, the Tana drives a series of state-owned hydro electric stations providing more than half of the country’s electricity needs. Therefore, the sustainable management of the watershed area is crucial for adequate, clean water supplies throughout the year.

PRESA, MKEPP and Green Water Credits are already working with communities in Mount Kenya East to conserve the watershed function of the land. These partner organizations are now interested in expanding from Mount Kenya East to cover Mount Kenya west, south and the Aberdare Mountains.

While in Nairobi, Ms Neves visited the Equity Bank headquarters, where she learnt that the bank can join a scheme in which it offers small loans to farmers that agree to implement specific land conservation measures. In the initial phase of such a project, the bank insists on a credit guarantee to shield itself from possible losses by loan defaulters. However, if the loans issued in the first phase are recovered, then a credit guarantee is no longer necessary in subsequent phases of the project.

Micro-credit is viewed as a sustainable means of paying for watershed protection compared to cash handouts, whose sources inevitably get exhausted.

During her week-long tour, Ms Neves was accompanied by Delia Catacutan of the World Agroforestry Centre and Dr. Boro Gakuo of Green Water Credits. Meetings with communities in the Tana catchment were organized by officials of the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) from the Embu and Kerugoya regional offices.

Group photo with members of the Mukengeria Water Resource Users Association and government officers. This was part of visits to community groups during the PRESA Mid-Term Review. The Reviewer, Ms Bernadette Neves, is at the centre of the photo.

Since inception, PRESA has conducted baseline analysis, socio-economic surveys and assessments of potential environmental services. The surveys were done with the help of site partners and student researchers. This article is a summary of the key findings of that work.

Uganda

Current and potential payment for environmental services schemes in three landscapes: Mobuku, Kalinzu Kasyoha–Kitomi and Budongo–Bugoma, Uganda

This report describes schemes / projects that undertake activities aimed at responsible and proportionate sharing of benefits from ecological systems. These include carbon offsetting, water resource management, collaborative forest management, collaborative wildlife conservation and benefit sharing and ecotourism initiatives.

View of a typical landscape in Western Uganda. (PHOTO: V. Meadu)

The study concluded that prospects for payments for environmental services (PES) ought to build on existing systems in watershed management, carbon trading and ecotourism. Bold steps have to be taken to move beyond voluntary payments through corporate social responsibility to transactions based on the true value of the ecosystem service.

Socio-economic baseline report focusing on the Mobuku, Kalinzu Kasyoha – Kitomi and Budongo Bugoma landscapes of Uganda.

The characteristics examined in this report include land ownership, current land use practices and how they impact on provision of the services as well as barriers and/or potential barriers to project participation by households. In addition, the project made an assessment of the perceived benefits for individual participation in the scheme.

The survey also identified some farming systems that can be built on using the experience of available payments for environmental services to establish more schemes. These farming systems include fruit trees and shade coffee.

Landholdings, literacy, availability of inputs, technical know-how, risk aversion and sale for the products (in this case timber) were identified as some of the barriers to participation in payments for environmental service schemes.

Baseline survey for Rushebeya-Kanyabaha wetland landscape and Wambabya riverline forests system of Uganda

Results indicate that Wambabya riverine forests system provides clear saleable environmental services – carbon sequestration, watershed and biodiversity services – which present high prospects for development of reward for environmental services schemes. Potential environmental service sellers (forest and land owners), service providers/intermediaries and buyers were as well identified.

There is relevant policy and environmental legislation in addition to a well-structured institutional framework that can potentially facilitate the development and design of a PES scheme for Wambabya riverine forest system, although there are no policies and institutions specifically developed for PES schemes in Uganda per se.

Socio-economic benefits in Plan Vivo projects: Trees for Global Benefits, Uganda

The Trees for Global Benefits project was found to have multiple benefits for participants while contributing to food and fuel security at the household level, and social capacity building. The payments themselves were found to have an impact on the lives of the participants and could be used as security for loans whose participants would have previously been ineligible to obtain.

Nyando and Yala River basins in Western Kenya

Tradeoffs among Ecosystem Services in the Lake Victoria Basin

Concepts and approaches from the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment were applied in a study of ecosystem service tradeoffs in two of the river basins that flow into Lake Victoria from Kenya (Yala and Nyando).

A water source in the upper parts of the Nyando and Yala river basins.

The results illustrate large year-to-year variation in food supply, non-food agricultural production, sediment yield and flood risk in the two basins. The results indicate both synergies and tradeoffs between provisioning and regulating services, with results from the Yala basin much more consistent than for the Nyando. Simulation results show that conservation agriculture has potential to enhance regulating services in synergy with provisioning services.

Sustaining the value of ecosystem services in Western Kenya: exploring the potential for payments for environmental services in the Lake Victoria basin.

An analysis of payments for environmental services (PES)-like initiatives has shown that all of the criteria and indicators for PES are not met by all the PES-like initiatives which were identified. Most of them are focused on meeting welfare goals and can only be sustained if these welfare goals are met.

Synthesis of Kenya’s environmental and poverty reduction policy framework and how it is likely to affect the adoption of integrated processes and the use of markets for ecosystem services in Nyando and Yala, has shown that different environmental policies and poverty reduction strategies negatively and positively affect integrated processes and adoption of PES.

PES therefore provides opportunities for integrated policy formulation and implementation at national and local levels.

Upper Tana

Assessing landholder preferences for alternative land management schemes and willingness to accept rewards for watershed services provision: the case of Kapingazi River basin, Mt. Kenya East

The two key objectives of this study were: (a) to understand landholder/user attitudes and preferences over various land management options, and (b) to estimate landholder/farmer willingness to accept rewards for the provision of required watershed services.

Esther Mbugua (right), a researcher in the Kapingazi survey, interviews a farming couple in October 2009. PHOTO/M. Makela

Results from the focus group indicate that inadequate water (quantity) for both domestic and irrigation and water pollution (quality) are the utmost environmental problems in the area. Further results show that respondents who have already been participating in agroforestry schemes show willingness to adopt land management contract at relatively lower compensation rewards compared to those who have not participated before.

Using GIS techniques to determine Rusle’s ‘R’ and ‘LS’ factors for Kapingazi River catchment

The purpose of this study was to use Geospatial Information Service (GIS) techniques to determine some of the soil erosion factors including rainfall runoff erosivity (R) and slope length/steepness factor (LS).

The results of the preliminary soil erosion assessment indicate that the average annual soil loss within the Kapingazi River catchment ranges from 0 to 449 tons per acre, with zero erosion occurring along the channels. On the other hand the highest soil loss was found to occur along the river banks with steep slopes. Further study be undertaken to establish suitable soil and water conservation measures that should be implemented in these areas as well as in the whole catchment.

Application of Geospatial Information Service (GIS) and Remote Sensing in the estimation of Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) K, C and P factors for Kapingazi Catchment Soil Erosion Assessment

This research study applied the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), remote sensing, and geographical information system (GIS) to the mapping of soil erosion risk at the South Eastern slopes of Mt. Kenya in Kapingazi Catchment.

The results indicate that most forested areas are in low erosion risk of less than 9.23 tons/acre compared with the bare soil areas to the lower parts of the catchment that have soil loss ranging from 113 to 336 tons per acre. Agroforestry and pasture show association with medium to moderately low erosion risk.

An analysis of the potential for rewards to stewards of ecosystem services in three projects in the Mount Kenya region.

The research was part of an initial scoping study done in Mount Kenya region to explore the existence of payments for environmental services (PES). The study also examined the scope of PES in alleviating poverty in the region.

None of the observed cases satisfied the definition of PES. The projects had little impact on the health of the environment and poverty levels of the community. The reasons could be attributed to such factors as the lack of tenure rights and inadequate policies.

Sasumua

A study on hydrological services in the Sasumua watershed

John Kimani Mwangi (left), from the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology with Thomas Yatich (World Agroforestry Centre) during a water sampling activity at the Sasumua watershed.

Results show that intensive horticultural and livestock farming, an upcoming processing industry, urban settlements and associated activities (markets, petrol stations, garages and shopping centres) are affecting the quality and quantity of water into the reservoir. Persistent grazing along the riparian reserve is causing increased runoff and high levels of sediment flow.

Another factor of concern in terms of hydrological behaviour is extensive compacted paths, tracks and roads, as well as expanding urban areas without adequate drainage or control of surface runoff, for example in Njabini town.

Spatially explicit assessment of tradeoffs and synergies amongst key ecosystem services in Sasumua watershed, Kenya.

Land use changes, especially driven by agricultural production, have hugely contributed to degradation of watershed functioning. Intervention is needed to maintain the ecosystem in Sasumua watershed to ensure agricultural production and to sustain the supply of water to Nairobi.

The results suggest that without effective mechanisms in place, the trend in land use changes will continue. Knowledge about Sasumua as an important biodiversity habitat is immensely lacking and so is the impact of land use change on biodiversity.

Further consultation with stakeholders, especially farm holders is the crucial next step towards successful intervention.

Where to get the full reports

To download and view the full reports please visit the following page on our website: http://presa.worldagroforestry.org/rewards-for-ecosystem-services/research-questions/research-outputs/

A deep gulley caused by erosion in the Nyando basin, Kenya.

The PRESA project is focusing on the Nyando and Yala river basins whose catchments are the cause of the problems mentioned above.

By using reward or transfer schemes for environmental services, PRESA partners intend to connect groups that depend on the lake with groups whose activities influence the lake’s health.

Activities

PRESA is currently building the case for a publicly funded reward for environmental services scheme for ecosystem restoration. This is based on a quick appraisal of rewards for environmental service mechanisms. Publicly-funded payments and markets for improved watershed management or ecosystem restoration would mean that farmers will potentially be rewarded for good land management and would therefore get an alternative income stream.

The PRESA project has provided scientific evidence to support decision making at the lake basin level; an assessment was undertaken in Nyando and Yala River basins to identify the sources of sediments as well as link those areas to land use changes and sediment yield. Ecosystem degradation was found to have a relationship with famine.

Environmental hotspots were identified, and will be the focus for government and stakeholder decisions on investments in ecosystem restoration.

Preliminary discussions on the establishment of a consortium were started with the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, Lake Victoria Institute for Research and Development (VIRED), Maseno University, Moi University, World Neighbours, government agencies, the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, parliamentarians and community based organizations.

The purpose of the consortium is to collaborate with like-minded institutions to make the case for a publicly funded reward for environmental services scheme.

Opportunities and remaining challenges

The review of rewards for environmental service initiatives has provided lessons and experiences that will inform design and implementation.

Partners

• Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI)
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Stakeholders

• Communities at the lower and upper Nyando and Yala Basins
• Local authorities
• Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA)
• Provincial Administration
• Kenya Forestry Service
• National Agriculture and Livestock Extension Programme (NALEP)

Western Kenya site map

View Larger Map

A homestead on the forest line at the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. (PHOTO: J. Jabbour)

Deforestation, poor land management practices and inadequate funds for watershed management pose a threat to the long term supply of quality water from the Usambaras to downstream communities. The direct adverse impacts are immediately seen in agricultural production, municipal water supply and hydropower generation.

The PRESA project is working with site partners to link upland farming communities with urban water utilities, hydro-power generators and downstream agricultural producers. This will result in greater co-operation for restoring and sustaining a healthy catchment ecosystem.

PRESA’s main partner in the Usambaras is the Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) working closely with the African Highlands Initiative (AHI).

Activities

In 2009, SARI carried out research to take stock of rewards for environmental service initiatives in the area. This included analysis of relevant institutional contexts specifically at the West Usambara Mountains, Lushoto and Korogwe Districts. A survey was conducted to generate information on the status of rewards for environmental services including a quick appraisal of existing mechanisms and how local institutional foundations can facilitate fair and workable reward schemes in Lushoto district.

The project was appreciated and seen to be promising, in terms of halting the escalation of environmental degradation. For example, River Soni has become a seasonal river due to destruction of the ecosystem around its source. Stakeholders emphasized the need for ‘sellers’ and ‘buyers’ to cooperate in ensuring sustainable flow of water and other environmental services.

The intention of the study was to draw attention to stakeholders, including farmers, on the different types of rewards for environmental services that may benefit them. Cash payments were discussed as well as the modes of payment, which are determined by the environmental stewards (in most cases communities) and the buyers through negotiations.

Opportunities and remaining challenges for PRESA

Conservation activities that can link to different types of reward systems were identified as follows:

Water conservation: The highlanders can be rewarded for their conservation efforts by downstream water users. Potential buyers are large scale water users particularly sisal processing factories in Mombo, Mkumbara, Mazinde, Kwembaguru and all other sisal plantations in Korogwe district. Other buyers are the Mombo irrigation scheme and the Tanzania Electric Supply Company Ltd (TANESCO). Government authorities could emerge as honest intermediaries to ensure fairness, equity, and maintain law and order.

Carbon sequestration: Where farmers have planted trees, measurement of carbon sequestered can be carried out. The amount of carbon per unit area can be aggregated to reach the tradeable volume. Government and other institutions like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund may be the potential buyers while farmers are sellers.

Soil conservation: Through the use of soil conservation technologies, farmers contribute towards enhanced water infiltration, increased soil carbon and fertility, increased food productivity and nature conservation.

Potential barriers to provision of ecosystem services

Most of the conservation activities are expensive, for instance, terracing which is key to soil conservation and water infiltration, is labour intensive and many farmers shy away from it. Tree planting requires buying of seedlings yet the majority of farmers are living below the poverty line of a dollar per day.

Land is a limiting factor due to increasing population and poor land productivity. This has resulted into individuals owning small land holdings scattered within or outside the village. The study by SARI found that 50% of the land is leased and the occupants may not be willing to invest conservation work on land that does not belong to them.

By-laws are necessary to enhance ecosystem conservation efforts. However, the lack of such by-laws was mentioned in some villages. This has contributed to failure in implementing measures that improve environmental services. For those villages with adequate by-laws, enforcement is a problem as the capabilities of law enforcers in the rural areas are limited. Besides, most penalties are too low to stop violators from repeating the same offense.

Communicating payments for ecosystems services should be done carefully, so as not to raise local expectations, possibly disorganize existing structures and negatively affect social norms.

Partners

• African Highlands Initiative (AHI)
• Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA)
• Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI)
• Selian Agricultural Research Institute (SARI)

Stakeholders

• Tanzania National Electric Supply Company (TANESCO)
• Pangani Water Basin Office (PWBO)
• Local farmer organizations
• Local planning and agriculture authorities

Location of the Usambara Mountains in Tanzania

View Larger Map

A meeting with a Fouta Djallon community. (PHOTO: S. Ngendakumana)

These rivers provide drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power to millions of people in Senegal, Mauritania, Gambia, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. They are critical for sustaining livelihood systems which are now affected by ecosystem degradation.

Policymakers across Fouta Djallon countries are interested in adopting reward schemes for environmental services. For instance, Sierra Leonean forestry authorities have highlighted the need to develop rewards-based initiatives as a strategy to better manage the country’s classified forests.

PRESA partners intend to build upon these regional initiatives to lay a social foundation for the design, piloting and scaling up of transfer schemes for environmental services.

Activities

In 2009, PRESA forged collaborative links with the Centre for Environmental studies (CÉRE) at the Conakry University. From this collaboration, a senior researcher was detailed to provide support to PRESA activities.

Using protocols developed in other sites, a scoping study was undertaken with CÉRE. It included taking an inventory of rewards for environmental service mechanisms. A description of existing technologies and land uses and identification of candidate land use options to be considered for greater promotion was integrated into the scoping study.

The study began with an engagement of public agencies through a workshop on environmental services which produced a draft report. Through this scoping study and from meetings with the Mano River Basin Authority, information on environmental service rewards has been provided to stakeholders.

The PRESA consortium has been involved alongside other key stakeholders to advocate for policy related issues for the past two years in the sub region. Scientists of the World Agroforestry Centre have participated in regional review processes where concepts in payments for environmental services were presented to specialized national services and natural resource practitioners from civil society and the private sector. The main outcome of these activities is the identification of policy constraints regarding the implementation of payments for environmental services in the Fouta Djallon sub-region of West Africa.

Two main questions emerged from high level policymakers during the debates in Guinea and Sierra Leone:

1. How do we interest communities in forest reserve conservation?
2. How do you address environmental risks such us conflicts between wildlife and humans?

Policy constraints were also identified after a series of meetings with grassroots communities, technocrats and policy makers as follows:

• The regulations governing the use of forest across boundaries are not clear while the management of landscapes that transcend national borders has not been defined.
• There is cross-sectoral interference in terms of mandate, leading to overlaps and conflicting interests.
• The sub region is prone to political instability making stakeholder collaboration very difficult.
• Forest edge communities have little or no knowledge of policies affecting their use of forest and related environmental resources.
• Little or no domestication of international conventions within national policies.

Next steps

PRESA and partners will conduct an in-depth scoping study on the needs of environmental service buyers and sellers. PRESA is completing the analysis of institutional architectures and planning a cost-benefit analysis of various rewards for environmental service options.

PRESA will strengthen dialogue and work towards implementing rewards for environmental service mechanisms in at least one location.

Partners

• Landscape Management for Integrated Livelihoods (LAMIL) Project
• Centre d’Étude et de Recherche en Environnement (CÉRE)

Stakeholders

• Communities living within the Fouta Djallon highlands;
• Governments where the Fouta Djallon highlands straddle borders, including the Republic of Guinea itself.

Climate change is expected to worsen the instances of flooding and drought. This picture was taken in Kenya when the country experienced a severe drought from 2007 to 2009.

Countries with economies rooted in climate sensitive sectors like agriculture, fisheries and forestry are expected to be especially hard hit. Targets defined in the Millennium Development Goals will be more difficult to reach.

In order to develop an understanding of climate change adaptation concepts, the Wageningen University in the Netherlands will host a course titled “Climate change adaptation in agriculture and natural resource management” from 28 February to 11 March 2010.

The course will enable participants to effectively and meaningfully contribute to debate on climate change adaptation, either in the policy process or in providing knowledge to the policy process. They will strengthen their positions in these processes on the basis of newly acquired concepts, skills and methodologies.

This course is developed through a partnership between Wageningen University and Research centre (Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation, Alterra and PRI), the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM), the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Please click here for details on course fees and how to apply.

On Thursday, May 20, 2010, environmental service sellers and buyers signed one of the very first environmental service contracts in Kenya. The aim is to secure livelihoods and habitats for biodiversity and economic development in the Lake Naivasha catchment.

Members of the Wanjohi Water Resource Users Association (left and centre) receive a cheque from Mr. Eugene Reeksting (right), Vice Chairman of the Lake Naivasha Water Users Association. PHOTO/Mukele Nyongesa Josephat

With support from the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and CARE- Kenya, the contract was signed after a careful process of stakeholder analysis and dialogue followed by identification of environmental service sellers and buyers, trust building, development of a memorandum of understanding and fine tuning seller – buyer negotiations.

The Lake Naivasha environmental services contract is part of a joint WWF and CARE- Kenya scheme known as Equitable Payment for Watershed Services (EPWS). This environmental services scheme is geared towards providing downstream water users with quality water as the environmental service. The water is needed for agriculture, horticulture, ecotourism, fisheries, geothermal power generation and for the timber industry.

EPWS is also designed to benefit all stakeholders to ensure equity and sustainability of the project in the long run. Stakeholders include the private and public sectors as well as the local population.

The scheme entails land use transformation by upstream farmers through rehabilitating and maintaining riparian zones, planting grass strips and terracing steep slopes. Participating farmers are expected to cut down on the use of fertilizers and pesticides as a means of pollution reduction. Tree planting is another key component of the scheme.

Over 40ha of land is under conservation, with 565 farmers having planted 50,000 agroforestry trees. They have also planted a combination of Rhodes grass and Cock’s foot grass and 60,000 canes of Napier grass (KK1 variety). Sixteen bulking sites of Rhodes have been established in pilot sites.

In Naivasha, EPWS combines compensating upstream environmental service stewards for opportunities foregone with collaborative investment between environmental service providers and beneficiaries for increased income through sustainable management of the environment. Apart from watershed services, EPWS also includes forest services, biodiversity and landscape beauty.

How it was done

The contract is between the Wanjohi Water Resource Users Association (WRUA), the Upper Turasha WRUA and the Lake Naivasha Water Resource Users Association (LANAWRUA). Wanjohi and Upper Turasha associations, both located in the upper catchment, are the sellers while LANAWRUA is the downstream buyer. The sellers engaged the services of a lawyer during contract development.

The two upstream water resource user associations signed contracts on behalf of the 565 farmers implementing the EPWS scheme. LANAWRUA signed on behalf of the environmental service buyers. LANAWRUA is composed of the Lake Naivasha Growers Group (LNGG) and the Lake Naivasha Riparian Association (LNRA). LNGG is mostly made up of commercial horticulture and floriculture farms while LNRA consists of land owners around the lake. All these organizations are established as legal entities.

WWF and Care played acted as intermediaries and implementers through the partial provision of funds to ensure project cost effectiveness. The funds also helped in building the capacity of sellers for efficient project implementation.

Other stakeholders in the EPWS scheme are the Naivasha Water Resource Management Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture.

How it works

To appreciate and encourage upstream land owners to continue with provision of environmental services, LANAWRUA awarded US$ 5,840 to Wanjohi WRUA and another US$ 4,160 to Upper Turasha WRUA. Vouchers worth US$ 17 will be printed and delivered to the two WRUAs which will subsequently distribute them to selected shops within communities at EPWS pilot sites. Each voucher represents the annual payment to each farmer.

Individual farmers will redeem their US$ 17 vouchers and use them to purchase farm inputs and other basic household goods. The farmers are rewarded equally to compensate for opportunity costs based on environmental service provision and contribution to positive social-economic impacts.

The contract establishes a conflict resolution committee composed of buyers, sellers, the Water Resources Management Authority and WWF/Care representatives. The contract will be revised and/or renewed after one year.

Other activities

As part of the EPWS scheme, socio-economic baseline survey was done and data analysis is in progress. Two progress review meetings have been held with respective water resource user associations. Also in progress are consultation meetings with other potential buyers. Four staff gauges have been installed along four rivers draining into Lake Naivasha while the two upstream water resource user associations have been issued with instruments to assess sediment levels in rivers.

An exchange visit to an EPWS site located in the Uluguru Mountains of Tanzania has already taken place. Meanwhile, a project monitoring plan for the upstream water resource user associations is under development.

Challenges

Challenges faced in the EPWS venture include unpredictable weather, which impacted negatively on conservation structures especially in 2009, and land fragmentation due to increasing population density.

EPWS officers say that engaging more buyers is another challenge.

About the Author

Nyongesa Mukele Josephat works as Project Natural Resource Economist with World Wide Fund for Nature-Eastern Africa Regional Programme Office (WWF-EARPO), Lake Naivasha – Malewa MFS Project.

Email addresses: nyongesajm@yahoo.com, nyongesan4@gmail.com, Jnyongesa@malewa.wwfearpo.org

Contacts

Fresh Water Programme Coordinator

Field Office

Location of Lake Naivasha and its watershed area

View Lake Naivasha and its watershed area in a larger map

“Communities around PRESA sites should begin receiving actual rewards for environmental services,” says Thomas Yatich, the acting PRESA coordinator.

The goal is to develop and test reward mechanisms with 100 farmers in at least three PRESA sites. The mechanisms will differ across selected sites because of site peculiarities. For example, some sites offer watershed services, while others have already developed a foundation for carbon payments.

This means that implementing reward mechanisms is the main objective for 2010. A table of scheduled activities for all seven sites, has already been published on the PRESA website.

In 2010, PRESA will continue to promote the sharing of lessons and experiences between sites, while supporting partner organizations working for the realization of practical environmental service agreements. Though actual reward mechanisms will initially be implemented in at least three PRESA sites this year, all sites will develop a business portfolio to be used in coming years.

PRESA will set up the project’s monitoring and evaluation system. This will be designed and informed by outcome mapping and will include a web-based reporting system. The system, currently in the design stage, will help monitor and evaluate the processes of establishing and implementing operational rewards for environmental service mechanisms in those PRESA sites where agreements are in place.

Indicators will be identified and used to monitor the knowledge and attitudes of key players and the participation of different groups of beneficiaries and stewards, particularly the poor. There will be need to check on the compliance and enforcement of new restrictions on land use. Other important attributes that need to be monitored include the intensity of use of new methods, individual and organizational capacity and the distribution of transaction costs.

Still on 2010 activities, PRESA and RUPES II core teams will finalize the suit of tools compiled to date, while sharing and building the capacity of site level teams to test and apply them. Finalization of the tools and best practices for scoping, negotiation support and prototype mechanisms will involve drawing upon experience from RUPES and partner projects, then disseminating for testing and application in all the PRESA sites.

PRESA and RUPES II core teams will continue taking the lead on finalizing the various tools with input from PRESA site teams, organizations like the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), Forest Trends, and Katoomba Group together with networks and organizations that form the PRESA community of practice.

For more on our 2010 activities, please visit this web page: http://presa.worldagroforestry.org/activities/

Ugandan fishermen near the point where the River Nile leaves Lake Victoria at Jinja. PHOTO/ Dan A'Vard/Flickr

The conference, which runs from 20th to 22nd October 2010 in Jinja (Uganda), aims at addressing the challenges faced in embracing payments for environmental services in Africa.

Conference discussions will focus on watershed management, carbon sequestration, and the institutional and policy issues necessary for implementing sustainable Payment for Environmental Services (PES) schemes.

Keynote speakers will discuss current and emerging environmental issues related to the East and Central African landscapes. They will also talk about the opportunities presented by PES schemes to local communities and for environmental conservation.

The themes for the October conference are:

• Institutional and policy requirements necessary for implementing PES
• The potential for forest-based carbon sequestration and REDD+ through PES markets
• Economic approaches and models for valuation of forest services
• Private sector and implementation of PES schemes across productive ecosystem landscapes
• PES and social welfare enhancement at community level
• PES and the natural resource management.

The gathering is specifically planned to foster debate and share innovations, best practices and experiences on implementation of PES among participants in the region. Questions in need of answers are:

1. whether there are robust approaches and tools for pricing environmental services in the landscapes, and
2. whether the current policy and institutional setups have adequate capacities to address challenges faced in implementing PES.

Prospective contributors should submit an abstract of 150 -250 words (in English) by 15th June 2010 to the Conference Secretariat. Case study presentations on implementation of PES are encouraged.

The conference is organized by the Project on Methods for Valuation, Attribution and Compensation for Environmental Services in Eastern and Central Africa sub-region, funded by the Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in East and Central Africa (ASARECA) under the Natural Resource Management and Biodiversity Programme (NRM&B).

For details on how to participate, please download the conference’s call for papers here: Call for papers by the International Conference on Payments for Ecosystem Services in Eastern and Central Africa sub-region [PDF, 69KB].

Map showing the location of Jinja

View Jinja Town in a larger map

“To guarantee long-term sustainability of a payment or reward for environmental service (ES) project, the principle of equity must be embedded in project design. If we want a system that pays people to look after the environment and we want to make sure that the system lasts, then fairness has to be built into the system from the start.”

Workshop participants interact with local communities in Kenya during a field trip. PHOTO/ RUPES

“As an added layer to transaction costs and contributing to effectiveness, equity should be contextualized and well aligned to the perception of fairness among communities where the project is ongoing. Though being fair might make the system a bit more expensive and complicated, the system will last longer if the communities who are doing the work feel they are being treated fairly.”

That was the conclusion from a three-day workshop organized by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and CARE in Nairobi, Kenya (14 -16 April 2010).

The workshop was aimed at sharing experiences about promoting a fairer payment system for “environmental services” (such as local communities being paid or rewarded in other ways for protecting or expanding forests) without making such a system more complicated or inefficient.

The participants agreed that there were gaps between theory and practice in managing the so-called “triple trade-offs” (equity-efficiency-effectiveness) in the field of payments or rewards for environmental services.

You can continue reading this story here: http://rupes.worldagroforestry.org/news/detail.327