Payment for Ecosystem Services as an Economic Instrument for Natural Resources Conservation

Natural resources provide some roles in the economic, social and environmental conditions. A reasonable planning coupled with management in the exploitation of these resources can be effective in the development of environmental sustainability. In this study, payment for ecosystem services (PES) as an economic tool for natural resources conservation were studied. Payments for ecosystem service are an innovative approach to conservation that has been applied increasingly often in both developed and developing countries. The basic principle behind PES is that resource users and communities that are in a position to provide environmental services should be compensated for the costs of their provision, and that those who benefit from these services should pay for them. PES, in the world, do not have unique description, but in general can be defined as "the benefits of nature to families, communities and economic systems" or simply "the good things that nature provides to us". Payments for environmental services are promoted as a sustainable alternative to reduce environmental degradation. The cooperation of stakeholders and local communities as well as increase in their income are advantages of this method.