Innovative Experiences with Environmental Services Adopted in Costa Rica: Reference for Adaptation and Replication in Brazil

Abstract

The opportunity to learn about other realities outside the country and successful experiences, especially related to Payment for Environmental Services - PSA, and agroecological practices such as Agroforestry Systems - SAF, recovery of forest cover, are important for the development of new projects aimed at production biodiversity and the generation of debates about Payment for Environmental Services in Brazil. With the main objective of understanding the Costa Rican experience, after several dialogues with people involved with the PSA, it was possible to understand the dynamics of the program and its importance for the local economy, for the reestablishment of green coverage, which transformed the country into a protagonist world in sustainability. The Agroforestry Systems visited are also a reference in terms of design and surplus gradients using different species to intercrop coffee and cacao with species that produce surplus and organic matter for the supply and protection of the soil. It was possibly understanding the payment policy for environmental services and long-term experiences with agroforestry systems during the exchange period.