This event will bring together those who wish to implement Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) mechanisms with those who have knowledge of ecosystem services and those who have implemented PES systems elsewhere. Experts, designers and implementers of successful PES mechanisms in Costa Rica and other countries will cover a range of distinct ecosystem services and circumstances.

The atelier will introduce participants to the theory of Payments for Ecosystem Services and present case studies on successful applications. Participants will also introduce real life problems they would like to solve using this approach. We will then apply theory and practice to developing solutions. We expect to address real life problems from Brazil, the Caribbean, the Pacific Northwest, and other locations.

The opening event plenary and panel sessions will cover:

What are Ecosystem Services?
Reveal the importance of ecosystem services to human survival and well-being.

What are Payments for Ecosystem Services?
Learn how environmentalists, economists, policy makers, and the business community have been working together to address the degradation of natural capital by creating payment schemes for the provision of ecosystem services.

The Costa Rican Experience
Uncover the keys to Costa Rica’s success. A panel of experts including Olman Segura, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, Alvaro Umaña and Ricardo Ulate will discuss the development and implementation of Costa Rica’s innovative PES program.

Experience Elsewhere
Explore PES programs around the world.

Technical Improvements
Discover ways to improve payment mechanisms, including how to better understand the linkages between ecosystem structure and the services it provides, how to identify who benefits from the services, how to improve upon valuation of ecosystem services, and how to reduce transaction costs.

Implementation and Governance
Discuss governing the commons, political obstacles, and the role of government in implementing PES.