Nongovernmental organizations, collective payments for ecosystem services programs, and forest loss: A cross-national analysis

Objective: We evaluate the debate concerning the impact of collective nongovernmental organization payment for ecosystem services on forest loss in low- and middle-income nations. Methods: We analyze data for a sample of 79 low- and middle-income nations using a two-stage least squares regression model to address endogeneity on the payment for ecosystem services variable. Results: We find that collective nongovernmental organization led payment for ecosystem services programs correspond to less forest loss in low- and middle-income nations. We also find that agricultural exports, agricultural land area, total population growth, rural population growth, and urban population growth are related to increased forest loss. Conclusion: We conclude that nongovernmental organizations can cooperate with Indigenous populations in low- and middle-income nations to protect forests by using payment for ecosystem services programs.