The PES program run by FONAFIFO solicits small and medium-sized landowners who voluntarily agree to not cut their existing primary and mature secondary forest lands in exchange for an annual payment. Contracts with landowners are for five years, renewable for another five. The services thus supplied are of four types. 1) scenic beauty (tourism economy), 2) flood control and watershed protection (80+% of power is hydroelectric), 3) biodiversity preservation and 4) carbon sequestration.

The PES program has been largely responsibile for re-forestation of a quarter of Costa Rica's land area. Originally funded by a carbon tax on all oil imports and a small water surcharge, the program has reached a domestic funding limit. Hence, the Pax Natura Project will expand the program through international sales.

Pax Natura carbon credits will also include the other three services - water, scenic beuaty and biodiversity protection.

The PES program run by FONAFIFO solicits small and medium-sized landowners who voluntarily agree to not cut their existing primary and mature secondary forest lands in exchange for an annual payment. Contracts with landowners are for five years, renewable for another five. The services thus supplied are of four types. 1) scenic beauty (tourism economy), 2) flood control and watershed protection (80+% of power is hydroelectric), 3) biodiversity preservation and 4) carbon sequestration.

The PES program has been largely responsibile for re-forestation of a quarter of Costa Rica's land area. Originally funded by a carbon tax on all oil imports and a small water surcharge, the program has reached a domestic funding limit. Hence, the Pax Natura Project will expand the program through international sales.

Pax Natura carbon credits will also include the other three services - water, scenic beuaty and biodiversity protection.