Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science
Department
Environmental Studies
Advisor's Name
Pallab Mozumder
Advisor's Title
Committee Chair
Advisor's Name
David Bray
Advisor's Name
Joel Heinen
Keywords
payments for environmental services, community conservation, social capital
Date of Defense
4-1-2011
Abstract
Payments for Environmental Services (PES) is a method of attaching market value to environmental benefits which have typically not been valued in the marketplace. This thesis investigates the impact of the government hydrological services program in two communities in Oaxaca, Mexico. Using interviews, semi structured and household surveys, I investigate the effect the PSAH has had in alleviating poverty and increasing social capital in the communities as well as investigate willingness to accept (WTA) payment for additional PES programs. The PES payments put household incomes above national poverty lines. Social capital improved both within and between communities. WTA for additional PES depends on the use of the land in question. Overall, participation in the PSAH has had a positive impact in both communities.
Recommended Citation
Nieratka, Lindsey R., "Do Payments for Hydrological Services Reduce Poverty and Strengthen Social Capital? An Examination of Household Welfare and Collective Action in the Sierra Norte of Oaxaca, Mexico" (2011). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 405.
http://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/405