Reflections on the unknown potential of the payment for environmental services as an instrument for urban water resources management

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the potential of systems of payments for environmental services (PES) as an instrument for urban water resources management. The research methodology is based essentially on the outline of an ideal scenario with PES, seeking to observe at what moment this instrument can be applied in the process of urban expansion, in order to help the water source not to lose its essential function of supplying water in appropriate quantity and quality to the population. It is concluded that PES can be an instrument for the management of urban water resources, provided it is adopted in its "holistic" conception or in conjunction with other instruments that guarantee the provision of environmental services related to water resources.

payment for environmental services; urban water resources management; urban management; urban environmental management