Rewards for Ecosystem Services and Collective Land Tenure: Lessons from Ecuador and Indonesia

Abstract

In an attempt to help protect the environment and spur economic development, programs that provide rewards in exchange for ecosystem services offer theoretical advantages over past mechanisms but also pose challenges, including determining who should be rewarded and how incentives should be structured when the ecosystem services are state- or community-owned. Case studies from Ecuador and Indonesia highlight key land tenure issues to be mindful of when planning programs that offer rewards for ecosystem services.