A Framework Payment for ecosystem services to reconstitute forest areas closed to grazing in the Ifrane National Park (Morocco).

Abstract

Abstract Overgrazing constitutes the major constraint threatening the sustainability of the forest ecosystems in the Ifrane National Park. The operations of regeneration and afforestation impose to close areas to grazing over one period exceeding ten years, generally lead to the opposition of the local population to the programs of reconstitution of the forest ecosystems. To solve these problems, a text of compensation for closed perimeters of afforestation or regeneration to the grazing was established in 2002. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the role of the compensation mechanism described as a payment tool for forest ecosystem restoration programs. For this purpose, an analysis of quantitative and qualitative indicators, based on individual and semi-structure interviews, before and after the introduction of the compensation mechanism is used. The GIS mapping approach is also used to visualize some results spatially. Based on results, this mechanism contributed to conserving the forest ecosystem and enhancing rural livelihoods at the level of Ifrane National Park, resulting in the regression of the forest infractions with a rate of 48%. On the socio-economic level, this mechanism contributed to initiate a climate of trust resulting in the collaboration of the population with the foresters and, to carry out many projects of community interest generated socio-economic benefits relevant for the users.