Improving the link between payments and the provision of ecosystem services in agri-environment schemes

Reed, M. S., Moxey, A., Prager, K., Hanley, N. , Skates, J., Bonn, A., Evans, C. D., Glenk, K. and Thomson, K. (2014) Improving the link between payments and the provision of ecosystem services in agri-environment schemes. Ecosystem Services, 9, pp. 44-53. (doi: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2014.06.008)

Abstract

This paper considers how agri-environment schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy could be adapted to derive a higher return of ecosystem services, by spatially targeting the services most valued by society and providing incentives for cross-boundary management of certain ecosystem services at catchment or wider spatial scales. The paper reviews evidence that spatially targeted, outcome-based payments may be more economically efficient than current approaches, but identifies a number of challenges, including: scientific uncertainty; pricing of ecosystem services; timing of payments; increased risk to land managers; compliance with World Trade Organisation regulations; and barriers to cross-boundary collaboration in the management of ecosystem services at habitat, catchment or landscape scales. Options are reviewed to overcome these challenges, including: the use of pressure–response functions and modelling approaches to establish causal links between management and ecosystem service delivery and reduce the costs of monitoring; non-market valuation techniques to set prices for ecosystem service delivery; insurance schemes; combining funding from public and private Payment for Ecosystem Service schemes; and options to facilitate cross-boundary management of ecosystem services. Using examples from UK peatlands and the Welsh Glastir agri-environment scheme, the paper suggests ways to link payments for management inputs more effectively to the provision of ecosystem services.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This research was funded by NERC's Valuing Nature Network and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's UK Peatland Programme.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hanley, Professor Nicholas
• Authors: Reed, M. S., Moxey, A., Prager, K., Hanley, N., Skates, J., Bonn, A., Evans, C. D., Glenk, K., and Thomson, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
• Journal Name: Ecosystem Services
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 2212-0416
• ISSN (Online): 2212-0416
• Published Online: 06 August 2014