Pagamento por serviços ambientais hídricos no bioma Mata Atlântica: uma análise comparativa

Abstract

Implementing strategies for the sustainable management of water resources is essential to the social and economic development of a country. In search of solutions to ensure the restoration and conservation of springs in anthropized areas, the Payment for Environmental Services (PSA) programs are a strong ally in fostering sustainability. Therefore, studies of the application of these economic instruments are considered urgent. This work aimed to compile and review comprehensively and systematically the updated literature on water PSA in Brazil, within the territory of the Atlantic Forest biome, in which 9 projects were analyzed within the framework of the Produtor de Águas PSA scheme from the Agência Nacional de Águas - ANA. The analysis was based on extensive bibliographic survey. First, the main methodological characteristics are described and discussed quantitatively. Second, gaps have been identified that need to be filled in order to allow a more appropriate comparative analysis. Finally, we contrast PSA theory with the evidence reported in the projects. It has been observed that, despite their recent and intense expansion in Brazil, there is a certain mismatch between the way PSA schemes are presented in theory and how they are actually practiced or reported. This limitation is mainly related to the principles of the PSA, which include the concept of conditionality of the services udertaken, definition of the service and payment negotiation. The last is highly influenced by project implementation and maintenance costs. This study also shows that the determination of the best indicators and variables, either for valuing the ecosystem services of a locality or for the evaluation of projects, is based on the choice of actions that consider the structure of the physical environment, the socioeconomic conditions, region-specific cultural and socioeconomic conditions. Thus, it is not possible to determine a simple system for valuing, given the complexity of ecosystem services. Similarly, project appraisal should not follow a single model for PSA projects, which have unique characteristics and adopt local specific practices. Other bottlenecks in the way of Brazilian PSA programs are producers lack of awareness of their environmental obligations, the cost of long-term implementation and development, insufficient public policies or excess of bureaucracy in the contract management, and lack of any implemented monitoring system.