Payment Mechanism for Environmental Services of the Sabana Rubia Paramo, An experience towards Environmental Sustainability

Abstract

This research strives to know the feasibility of the payment for environmental services (PES) mechanism within the Rubia Páramo savannah páramo, located in the municipality of Manaure Balcón del Cesar, Colombia, with a particular approach that incorporates methods such as contingent valuation, the willingness of local communities to pay (DAP) using logistic model and MCO. The results revealed that 71.73% of respondents know the páramo and value its ecosystem services, highlighting that women with the highest level of education are 1.45 times more likely to pay than men. The projected financial value of the estimated DAP is COP$500 per individual, suggesting an annual total of COP$615,792,000 if comprehensive coverage is achieved. The research concludes that, despite the social challenges, the PES could be an effective tool for conservation, especially if institutional trust is strengthened and awareness strategies are implemented.