Session 4: Investments and fiscal measures for the protection and improvement of biodiversity to promote green growth

Convener: United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)
Date: 4 October 2011
Time: 09:30 – 11:00
Place: Plenary Room

Speakers and panelists

• Overview of the session: Ms Elisa Tonda, Regional Officer, Division of Technology, Industry and Economics, UNEP - Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
• Discussion with panelists:
  Case 1. Kenya: Lake Naivasha's upper catchments. Ms. Batula Awale
  Case 2. Ecuador: FONAG - The Fund for the Protection of Water. Mr Pablo Lloret

Overview of the tool

This overview paper explains investments in the protection and improvement of biodiversity can act as a tool for change in supporting the transition to a green economy. It reflects on challenges faced, how the tool helps overcome the challenges, and lessons learnt from implementation.

Cases in the Plenary

• Case 1: Payment for Environmental Services pilot project in Lake Naivasha basin, Kenya
  This case introduces the pilot Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme which provides a financial mechanism for payments for watershed services in Lake Naivasha Basin, Kenya. This scheme is developed by WWF-Kenya and CARE-Kenya together with local partners. Lake Naivasha Water Resource Users Association – on behalf of ecosystem service beneficiaries – agreed to compensate small-scale landowners/farmers, to forego some potential income for managing their land to provide good quality water to downstream users. The first incentive rewarded 470 farmers and the second benefited 504 farmers.
• Case 2: FONAG – The Fund for the Protection of Water, Ecuador
  This case describes that the private trust provides a stable, long-term financial mechanism, using revenues (interest and investments) derived from its equity to co-finance activities aimed at maintaining the hydrographic basins that supply the water needs of Quito Metropolitan District and its surrounding area of influence. FONAG works to ensure the provision of a quality by supporting actions directed at protecting water resources, based on the principles of long-term natural sustainability. Maintenance of water quality and quantity in river and associated ecosystems improves conservation status of freshwater habitats and the species that depend on them.

Case studies table

This table includes cases presented during the conference as well as additional cases which illustrate successful implementation of the tool. These will contribute to the preparation of input for the Rio+20 conference.