Ecosystem services and the potential role for markets

Published August 2011. Reviewed September 2015. Please look for up-to-date information in the OSU Extension Catalog: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalogEncouraged by successes such as pollution trading and fishery catch-shares, “markets for ecosystem services” (MES) are being promoted to foster conservation. In many cases, however, conditions do not exist for successful use of MES, and costly taxpayer-funded payment schemes could deplete fiscal resources and compete with schools and public safety