The Experience of Costa Rica with the Payments for Environmental Services: 20 Years of Lessons Learned

Abstract

Twenty years ago, we broke traditional schemes to start recognizing the goods and services that forests provide to Costa Rican and world society. Thus, we demonstrated how the inhabitants of a small Central American country set out to reverse the processes of loss of forest cover. This was possible through a national commitment of not depending on external financial resources to achieve a change of mentality, in terms of development in harmony with nature that has a positive impact on the rural landscape. Today, 20 years after this "quixotic action", Costa Rica is the world reference for a scheme of financing the forest and of a consolidated institution that is an example in the management and administration of resources. This article takes a look at the main milestones and lessons learned from the perspective of the authors, who, despite being FONAFIFO officials, do not necessarily represent institutional opinions. Twenty years of contribution to the sustainable development of the country are outlined.