Abstract

DEL ANGEL PEREZ, Ana Lid; VILLAGOMEZ CORTES, José Alfredo  and  DIAZ PADILLA, Gabriel. Socioeconomic assessment of hydrologic environmental services in Veracruz (Coatepec and San Andrés Tuxtla). Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.6, pp.95-112. ISSN 2007-1132.

Some areas in San Andres Tuxtla and Coatepec, Veracruz State, Mexico, that have received payment for hydrological environmental services (PHES) since 2004 were studied. The objective was to analyze PES's socioeconomic impact through its effects on the local market for water, to grasp social perceptions about water value, and to assess the possible impact of implementing PES. Ethnographic, sociological, and contingent valuation analysis were used in a sample of 171 consumers from Coatepec, and 228 from San Andres, as well as a total number of 85 producers, 45 of whom come from Coatepec. Results showed that the public admits an economic value for landscapes where PES are paid. There is a strong potential to incorporate social recognition in the production of environmental services. Differences were found in the value of a cubic meter of water among stakeholders within and between areas, since producer and government stated values were higher in Coatepec. Future environmental conservation programs and public policies should consider the will of all stakeholders to be able to produce visible outcomes.

Keywords : Water; willingness; market; social perceptions; PHES; environmental services.

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