Payments for Ecosystem Services
Studies note that the poorest populations in the poorest countries are most susceptible to the impacts of climate change. This is due to their geographic location, insecure livelihoods and dependence on natural resources. (IPCC, 2007)
In the absence of economic incentives that make conservation of natural habitat worthwhile, such as those provided by payments for ecosystem services (PES), communities are unwilling, and often unable, to maintain forest cover.
By converting natural forests and woodland to alternative uses such as agriculture, households and communities benefit from subsistence yields and direct income upon which they depend. Maintaining natural habitat for the sake of sequestering carbon and protecting biodiversity is a luxury that many populations in countries with high deforestation rates cannot afford. PES serves to rebalance the equation in favor of conservation.
These payments are made in exchange for responsible stewardship and sustainable management of natural habitat that result in credible emissions reductions. Carbon Tanzania facilitates the transfer of revenue from the sale of offset credits in the voluntary carbon market directly to the producers of the emissions reductions. These funds diversify livelihoods, increase stability and promote local development goals.
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