Payment for Ecosystem Services: An Efficient Approach to Reduce Eutrophication?

Abstract

The CPES (Channel Payments for Ecosystem Services) project developed PES schemes remunerating farmers for their activities in improving water quality by reducing the emissions of nutrients (both nitrogen and phosphorus) or erosion from agricultural activities. Catchment-wide approaches were tested in six case studies, and ecology, hydrogeology, agroeconomy, law, and farming expertise was combined. Collaborations were established with farmers, their associations, chambers of agriculture, and local and regional stakeholders. One case study concerned Lac au Duc (Brittany), a reservoir suffering from recurrent cyanobacterial blooms. Curative actions to control cyanobacteria had limited success. The main sources of excess P entering the lake were of farming origin but varied between the sub-catchments according to hydrogeological characteristics and agricultural practices. Long-term prevention possibilities to ameliorate agricultural practices and their costs were developed with the farmers and included permanent cover or anti-erosive hedges. During the project, PESs were successfully applied for ground water protection by the water supply companies as drinking water protection has a strong business case to preserve this ecosystem service. For recreational or multi-purpose lakes and reservoirs, it remains difficult to find financing to meet the monetary requirements to address farmer’s transition to ameliorate land management.