Beyond payments for ecosystem services: considerations of trust, livelihoods and tenure security in community-based conservation projects

This study argues for the importance of tenure and livelihood security and relations of trust, communication and respect

Abstract

In the search for successful community-based conservation models there has been a substantial focus on payment for ecosystem services. Such payments are measurable inputs that are often associated with conservation success. A closer look suggests a more complex, historically and culturally contingent picture. The authors argue that a focus on payment for ecosystem services as a defining factor for success in community conservation risks overlooking other, more significant processes. In particular, they argue for the importance of (1) tenure and livelihood security and (2) relations of trust, communication and respect. They draw on case studies from East Africa, but the findings are relevant for global community-based conservation endeavours.

This works arises from the Zoonoses and Emerging Livestock Systems (ZELS) programme.

Citation

Davis A, Goldman M (2017). Beyond payments for ecosystem services: considerations of trust, livelihoods and tenure security in community-based conservation projects. Oryx, 1-6. doi:10.1017/S0030605317000898

Beyond payments for ecosystem services: considerations of trust, livelihoods and tenure security in community-based conservation projects

Updates to this page

Published 15 August 2017