Markets and Incentives for Livelihoods and Landscapes Series

The main objective of this work is to provide an introduction and sense of direction (i.e. a “Gateway”) into the complicated world of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). It by no means intends to serve as a comprehensive overview of this vast field. It provides one entry point for engaging in PES, and was designed to fit into the broader Livelihoods and Landscapes (LLS) strategy, as developed by IUCN’s Forest Conservation Programme.

The main objective of this work is to provide an introduction and sense of direction into the complicated world of Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). It by no means intends to serve as a comprehensive overview of this vast field. It provides one entry point for engaging in PES, and was designed to fit into the broader Livelihoods and Landscapes (LLS) strategy, as developed by IUCN’s Forest Conservation Programme.

The Livelihoods and Landscapes Strategy (LLS) seeks to influence the ways in which forests are managed and used. It intends to leverage real and meaningful improvements in the livelihoods of the rural poor, enhance biodiversity conservation, and ensure the sustainable supply of forest goods and services. These goals are founded on a strong recognition of the close relationship between people’s economic wellbeing, and the status and integrity of forests. As described in this publication, economic factors have an extremely important influence on forest livelihoods and landscapes.