Mahiyaria, Mahashweta

While various incentive-based mechanisms for nature conservation such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) have emerged as the most sought-after top-down mechanisms, these approaches often perpetuate existing power hierarchies by overlooking local governance structures and community participation. This paper investigates the implementation and outcomes of community-based PES schemes in Meghalaya, India, in relation to conservation of community forests. The study analyses outcomes when communities participate in resource management decisions, focusing on conservation results and benefit distribution patterns. Identifying several factors that influence programme implementation, including institutional structures, financial management systems and participation mechanisms, the case study explores the interactions between forest conservation, socio-economic development and cultural practices in the context of community-based PES. Drawing from these findings, the paper evaluates different approaches to PES implementation and presents policy considerations regarding community involvement in the stewardship of shared natural resources. The analysis examines both opportunities and challenges in current community-based PES initiatives, discussing factors that may affect their long-term viability and outcomes.

Keywords: Payment for Ecosystem Services, Community Conservation, Environmental Governance, Sustainable Development Goals, Traditional Ecological Knowledge, India