APPLICABILITY OF PAYMENTS FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES MECHANISM IN WATER RESOURCES PROTECTION IN TURKEY

Water is a valuable and limited resource with indispensable importance for all creatures and especially humans to be able to maintain their lives. To obtain intended quantity and quality of water in a sustainable way, watersheds need to be protected. Watersheds are protected through legislative regulations, protection programs and financial incentives. In this study, it is aimed to determine and evaluate opportunities provided by payments for ecosystem services (PES) mechanisms, which is one of these financial instruments. Within this scope, PES initiatives samples aiming to protect and enhance watersheds around the world is analyzed and applicability potential of these mechanisms in Turkey is evaluated. It is determined that in Turkey, various PES programs are viable areas for watershed management.