Payments for ecosystem services in an African protected area: exploring issues of legitimacy, fairness, equity and effectiveness

A payments for ecosystem services (PES) scheme around Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda, demonstrates that its effectiveness hinges on equitable distribution, community acceptance of the paid service, institutional legitimacy, and fairness. The study reveals a complex interplay between these factors, with PES showing potential to balance conservation and development goals when complemented by traditional enforcement methods. Researchers evaluated the scheme's impact through three key criteria: effectiveness, legitimacy/fairness, and equity, using annual contracts with performance indicators for participating communities.

Gross-Camp, N. D., Martin, A., McGuire, S., Kebede, B., & Munyarukaza, J. (2012). Payments for ecosystem services in an African protected area: exploring issues of legitimacy, fairness, equity and effectiveness. Oryx, 46(1), 24–33. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0030605311001372