Opinions towards the water‐related Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes: The stakeholders' point of view. (1st March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paletto, Alessandro; Báliková, Klára; De Meo, Isabella
• Is Part Of: Water and environment journal. Volume 35:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 1051
• Page End: 1062
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01
• Subjects: Italy -- participatory water management -- public participation -- questionnaire survey -- stakeholders' involvement; Sewage -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Water-supply engineering -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Periodicals; 628.1
• DOI: 10.1111/wej.12697
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-6585

Abstract

Abstract: Sustainable forest management provides a wide range of water‐related ecosystem services (WES) fundamental for human well‐being such as groundwater recharge, runoff and water discharge to streams, soil erosion protection, and recreational opportunities. Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) promote sustainable forest management by reducing negative externalities. To implement PES schemes, many stakeholders with different interests and needs must be involved in the design and implementation process. The aim of this study is to investigate stakeholders' opinions on the relationships between forests and water resources and the water‐related PES schemes in Italy. A semi‐structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of stakeholders. The results show that the most important WES provided by forests are soil erosion reduction, provision of habitats for different species, surface runoff reduction. The respondents emphasize the importance of regulating and supporting services, while they minimize the importance of cultural services related to the water resource.