Ecosystem Services from Agriculture and Agroforestry. Measurement and Payment. 2011. illus. XXXIV, 414 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

Second hand copy with dedication. Good state.

This book nicely combines theory and practice to show how ecosystem services can form the basis for sustainable management of landscapes. Central America's rich biodiversity and valuation of natural resources provide fascinating examples and inspiration for the future.'
Louise E. Jackson, University of California

Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) is rapidly gaining attention as a potential mechanism to integrate protection of natural resources in production landscapes. However, we are at a critical crossroads: PES has captured the imagination of conservationists, economists and landowners alike, yet there is little documented evidence that PES either ensures the delivery of the service that is being paid for or that it improves the livelihood of landowners. Furthermore, it is important that this growing attention to PES does not hinder the development and use of other means to secure the provision of ecosystem services.

This book reviews what has been learnt regarding PES schemes that have evolved in the tropical zone of the American continent over the past 20 years. The authors present case studies that demonstrate the successes as well as the limits of PES in the hope that, by learning from these examples, future PES schemes will be strengthened both in their capacity to ensure environmental sustainability in managed landscapes and in their capacity to become an important component of local, regional and global economies.

The first two sections of the book present methodological issues related to the quantification and marketing of ecosystem services from agriculture, including agroforestry. The third and final section presents case studies of practical payments for ecosystem services and experiences in Central and South America, and draws conclusions about effective and sustainable development of ecosystem services compensation mechanisms.