Assessing the Potentials of Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) in Funding Community Based Afforestation Project
A Case Study of Lame/Burra Forest Reserve
Keywords:
Payment Ecosystem Services, PES, Funding Community, Afforestation Project, Potentials, Burra Forest ReserveAbstract
This study examines the feasibility of utilizing Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) as a financial mechanism to support community-based afforestation efforts in the Lame/Bura Forest Reserve, Bauchi State. PES is a market-based approach where beneficiaries of ecosystem services provide incentives to landowners and communities who manage and conserve these ecosystems. The research aims to assess the ecological, social, and economic benefits of PES in addressing deforestation and land degradation, while enhancing community livelihoods. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data from community surveys, stakeholder interviews, and analysis of existing PES schemes. It evaluates the perceptions of local stakeholders, identifies potential service buyers, and explores institutional and policy frameworks necessary for effective PES implementation. The research also assesses barriers such as community readiness, land tenure issues, and financial sustainability. Preliminary findings suggest that PES could provide a sustainable funding stream for afforestation projects, foster local participation, and improve ecosystem resilience. The study concludes with recommendations on designing and implementing a PES model tailored to the socio-economic and environmental context of Lame/Bura Forest Reserve, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration, capacity building, and policy support to achieve long-term success.