Green Basic Income: Evaluating the Bolsa Verde Project in the Brazilian Amazon

Area of Science:

• Environmental social science
• Development economics
• Public policy analysis

Background:

• The Bolsa Verde Program in Brazil was designed as a hybrid Payment for Environmental Services (PES) initiative.
• It operated within the unique socio-ecological context of the Brazilian Amazon.
• This study examines its potential as an early, large-scale Green Basic Income (GBI) program.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the Bolsa Verde Program as a potential pioneering Green Basic Income initiative.
• To evaluate the environmental and socio-economic implications of Basic Income in a large-scale context.
• To assess the program's impact on poverty, deforestation, and community institutions.

Main Methods:

• Socially-embedded analysis of the Bolsa Verde Program.
• Qualitative data collection from program beneficiaries, community leaders, evaluators, and managers.
• Examination of the program's *de facto* operation versus its design as a hybrid PES initiative.

Main Results:

• The Bolsa Verde Program functioned as a *de facto* Green Basic Income program.
• Evidence suggests success in reducing both deforestation and poverty.
• These positive outcomes were achieved without negatively impacting collective community institutions.

Conclusions:

• The Bolsa Verde Program demonstrates the potential of Basic Income initiatives for environmental and poverty alleviation goals.
• Its hybrid design and socially embedded operation offer valuable lessons for future Green Basic Income programs.
• The program highlights the importance of considering community institutions in policy design.