💰 Economic incentives: PES, ecotourism, certifications
Big idea: Forests recover faster when people can earn money by keeping forests standing, not by clearing them.
1) Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES)
Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) = paying landowners to conserve or replant forest.
- Reduces deforestation by making conservation profitable
- Encourages reforestation/restoration
- Links to ecosystem services
2) Ecotourism
Ecotourism can fund parks and create jobs, so forests gain economic value alive.
- Income for communities → support conservation
- Revenue funds park management/enforcement
- Forests become an asset rather than land to clear
3) Certifications (bonus example)
Certification can reduce pressure to clear forests by rewarding sustainable practices.
- Incentive: access to higher-value markets
- Encourages sustainable forestry/agriculture
- Can reduce deforestation over time