Towards a system of Payments-for-Ecosystem Services in Namibia’s Communal Conservancies

In this study, we used a combination of behavioural, experimental and environmental economics research methods, namely framed field experiments and contingent valuation, as well as social survey methods to identify and evaluate the potential for introducing a Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme in Namibia's communal conservancies, and to inform the design of such a PES.   The experiment indicated that trust in community structures had been eroded and that communities were keen for external financial oversight (see these results in our published paper in World Development Would community conservation initiatives benefit from external financial oversight? A framed field experiment in Namibia’s communal conservancies - ScienceDirect).  The results also indicated that not only is the PES programme feasible from a willingness to accept perspective, but that the aggregate payments required under a PES programme are likely to be affordable. In addition, public willingness to pay for conservation is estimated to be higher than the aggregate level of payment required under the PES.   Download report at Reports | ResMob.