Assessment of a Payments for Environmental Services Pilot in the Dominican Republic and Implications for a National Program

The pilot project aimed to promote sustainable land use and conservation in the Yaque del Norte River Basin. The pilot project's financial management was assessed, revealing funding shortfalls and inefficiencies in payment disbursement. The project's efficiency and effectiveness were evaluated, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and evaluation systems. Equity and financial sustainability were also examined, with findings indicating that the project's benefits were not equally distributed among participants. The changing legal framework for PES in the Dominican Republic was also analyzed, with implications for a national program. The pilot project's outputs and results were evaluated, including the establishment of demonstration plots, farmer training programs, and market linkage facilitation. Interviews with current and former PES sellers provided insights into the project's impact and challenges. The assessment findings highlighted the need for improved public financial management, efficiency, and effectiveness in PES programs. Recommendations were made for the pilot project and national program, including the need for improved monitoring and evaluation systems, increased funding, and enhanced equity and financial sustainability.