Making ecosystem services approach operational: Experiences from Dhauladhar Range, Western Himalaya

Area of Science:

• Environmental Economics
• Natural Resource Management
• Ecosystem Services Valuation

Background:

• Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) offers a framework for participatory natural resource management and benefit sharing.
• Successful and replicable PES models are scarce, limiting widespread adoption.
• A specific PES project in the Dhauladhar Range, Western Himalaya, pays upstream communities for spring-shed maintenance supplying downstream townships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze an operational PES model in the Dhauladhar Range, Western Himalaya.
• To understand the flow of ecosystem services (ES), institutional mechanisms, and governance within the project.
• To identify factors affecting the PES model's smooth operation and propose improvements.

Main Methods:

• In-depth analysis of the existing PES project in the Dhauladhar Range.
• Examination of the flow of various ecosystem services (ES).
• Assessment of the institutional mechanism and governance structure.

Main Results:

• The study identified a lack of effective monitoring as a significant challenge.
• Weak governance structures were found to impede the smooth operation of the PES model.
• The current PES model faces operational challenges affecting its sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Revamping the PES model requires addressing monitoring and governance weaknesses.
• Future PES initiatives should prioritize stakeholder integration for enhanced effectiveness.
• Valuation of ecosystem services (ES) and capacity building for stakeholders are critical for successful PES implementation.