2025/01/09 by Virginia Hernanz, Sonia Quiroga, Cristina Suárez +1 · 1 voice
Environmental Science · #Coastal wetland ecosystem dynamics #Conservation, Biodiversity, and Resource Management #Land Use and Ecosystem Services
paper · doi:10.1016/j.indic.2025.100591
openalex publication_date 2025/01/09 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Rich in biodiversity, Tumaco is a key area for REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation) projects focused on reducing deforestation and promoting sustainable land use. Cacao farming plays a vital role in the local economy, offering an opportunity to align livelihoods with conservation. This study evaluates the impact of REDD+ carbon payments versus PNIS (Integral Program for the Substitution of Illicit Crops) direct payments in replacing illicit crops and supporting peacebuilding efforts. It also examines how farmers' awareness of environmental payment schemes, particularly carbon credits, relates to income levels, and how climate conditions, especially rainfall patterns, influence perceptions of these initiatives. Farmers' understanding of climate change strongly affects the success of REDD+, with increased awareness of carbon credits expected to improve income and climate resilience. However, around 20% of farmers below the poverty line lack knowledge of carbon credits, threatening REDD+ effectiveness. Current estimates suggest only a 5.76% likelihood of high awareness of carbon credits, rising to 19.43% under extreme climate conditions, stressing the need for targeted education efforts. • PNIS (direct payments) outshines REDD+ (green incentives) in curbing illicit crops, exposing awareness gaps. • Wealthy farmers grasp carbon credits better while poorer ones need more focused education. • Limited awareness among farmers about environmental payment schemes like REDD+ poses a challenge to realizing their intended benefits. • Rainfall patterns influence farmers' awareness and attitudes towards environmental incentives. • Targeted outreach is essential to ensure the success of environmental initiatives in post-conflict landscapes.