São Paulo, Brazil

The time is ripe to invigorate discussions on ecosystems services in Tropical America. The Katoomba Network is designed to create an enabling environment for local actors to take critical steps towards the development and improvement of payments for ecosystem services (PES) initiatives and policies, which are critical for restoring and improving ecosystems. The 10th gathering of this network is being held in Brazil, a key actor in the international and regional discussion of evolving carbon markets and avoided deforestation. It is also a model country to develop and apply community-based schemes for ecosystem services sales and drive relationships with the private sector. 

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We were joined by a group of influential PES innovators and practitioners seeking to spur the growth of environmental markets throughout Tropical America. At this first regional meeting of the Tropical America Katoomba Group, we built on years of International Katoomba Group experiences and aimed to create a platform for active and direct learning about PES, all while stimulating efficient and equitable development of ecosystem service markets in the Amazon region and other ecosystems in Brazil. Through this conference, we emerged with a greater understanding of ecosystem service markets and our role in the growing network of people seeking to advance ecosystem services around the world. 

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The public conference introduced global experiences and advances on ecosystem services from leaders around the world. A panel in the afternoon with examples and speakers drawn from Brazilian federal and state PES initiatives highlighted lessons and opportunities in this growing field. A special Katoomba “Dialogue” was held with community members, NGO practitioners, the finance community, and academics to address the critical topic of carbon opportunities.