Payment for environmental services: production of water as a novel function of family farming in the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil

• Grant number: 12/13387-8
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Effective date (Start): February 01, 2013
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Eduardo Moruzzi Marques
• Grantee: Rafael Eduardo Chiodi
• Home Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The countryside is no longer perceived solely as an area for agricultural production, but as having multiple functions of general interest to society. Recognition of the social, environmental and cultural roles of agriculture has made rural populations the focus of new public policies. The multifunctionality emphasis of agriculture seeks to construct a theoretical apparatus to understand these functions and support the formulation and evaluation of these policies. Among these, Payment for Environmental Services-Conservation of Water Resources (Water-PSA) is notable for recognizing the protection of water resources as a function of the countryside. This project reflects on the debate of the multifunctionality of agriculture, presents the current state of Water-PSA projects implemented in the Atlantic Forest states of south-eastern Brazil and demonstrates the usefulness of these experiences in light of sustainable rural development. We propose herein a case study of Water-PSA projects in the region, evaluating the ways in which they promote the multifunctionality of the rural households involved. It is important to research the institutional arrangements and analyze how each project impacts these multiple functions. We believe that this research can clarify in a novel and consistent way the actual and potential economic, social, environmental and cultural results of Water-PSA on family farms.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

CHIODI, Rafael Eduardo. Payment for environmental services: water production as a new function of family farming in the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil. 2015. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz Piracicaba.