I

impact evaluation

This study evaluates Ecuador’s Socio Bosque Program (PSB), a payments-for-ecosystem-services initiative, using satellite imagery, field inventories, and landowner surveys. We find that PSB reduced deforestation by 9% in enrolled Amazon Basin areas between 2008–2014 and significantly curbed forest degradation. Enrolled forests contained 1–2 more tree species per hectare, including species more likely to be commercially valuable and threatened. Results suggest that the program’s greatest ecological benefits may come from preventing forest degradation, not just deforestation.