Lessons Learned from Mexico's PES Program for National-Level REDD+ Strategies

Abstract

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) strategies are currently being created in developing countries across the world as a means of mitigating climate change. REDD+ programs often include Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs, which provide financial incentives for landowners to conserve, as part of larger policy strategies to slow deforestation. PES programs have a relatively long history of implementation in countries around the world. Despite the value of considering experiences from established PES programs, existing literature fails to apply detailed knowledge on PES program design to a REDD+ framework. This study is based on a detailed policy analysis of Mexico’s national PES program and interviews conducted with individuals involved in program design, implementation, operation and evaluation. Results demonstrate the importance of clearly delineated program objectives, coordination of cooperation across scales, prioritization of environmental criteria in selecting participants and differentiated payment schemes adapted to the context of each region. By taking lessons learned from this well-established PES programs, these unprecedented REDD+ strategies can be more effectively designed in order to facilitate significant emissions reductions and socioeconomic development.