Bridging the Policy and Investment Gap for Payment for Ecosystem Services: Learning from Costa Rican experience and roads ahead

This case study, Bridging the Policy and Investment Gap for Payment for Ecosystem Services: Learning from Costa Rican experience and roads ahead, based on an in-depth analysis drawn out of Costa Rican national Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) program, addresses the key enabling conditions for sustainable PES development and provides a step-by-step guide for policymakers wishing to install similar programs (on either a national or sub-national level). This report also addresses the conservation finance gap, describes the changing landscape of finance, and examines potential solutions, including strategies for attracting private sector investment.

Costa Rica's PES program is globally recognized as an innovative blend of economic and regulatory instruments. Its stories provide a valuable source of inspiration for other countries looking for effective ways to conserve and regenerate ecosystems, especially generating South-South learning potentials. Starting with a strong rationale for why valuing ecosystem services has significant implication in the economic, environmental, and social context, this analytical report unpacks the lessons learned from the Costa Rican PES experience.