The importance of community perceptions and capacity building in payment for ecosystems services: A case study at Phu Kao, Thailand

Adcharaporn Pagdee and Jintana Kawasaki

Ecosystem Services, 2021, vol. 47, issue C

Abstract: Although payment for ecosystem services (PES) is a globally-recognized mechanism for effective forest protection (e.g., REDD+ for forest carbon), implementation can be challenging, especially on a local level. This study examined community perceptions of and willingness to participate in PES-project development for protection of a watershed forest at Phu Kao (PK) in northeast Thailand. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 404 household representatives from 10 villages in or near PK during 2018 and 2019. Although PES-project development is a new concept at PK, we received positive responses from the villagers. Estimated amounts of willingness to pay (WTP, n = 204) were smaller than willingness to accept (WTA, n = 200). Income constraint was the main factor limiting WTP, followed by perceptions that forest protection was the government's responsibility, and lack of understanding/trust on PES implementation. Meanwhile, benefit reduction, especially food sources and income generated from non-timber forest products, hindered WTA. PES-development, at least in the early stages, requires a proper balance of technical expertise, governmental intervention, and long-term commitment from relevant stakeholders. Project failure is likely without a good understanding of community perceptions and capacity building.

Keywords: Community perceptions; Payment for ecosystem services; Watershed forest; Phu Kao (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecoser:v:47:y:2021:i:c:s2212041620301662

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2020.101224

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