Gender and payments for environmental services: impacts of participation, benefit-sharing and conservation activities in Viet Nam

Abstract There has been a rapid expansion in the use of payments for environmental services (PES) as key conservation finance policy. However, there is insufficient understanding how gender can affect PES implementation and outcomes. We present results from case study Viet Nam, where national programme place decade. Through panel household survey data, focus groups interviews, we examined women have involved policies, what impacts on decision-making by men women, participation rates income over time, potential Our research confirms that resource varies between changes access rights fall disproportionately women. Participation lower female-headed households within male-headed households, although gradually more equitable evolved households. Female-headed reported expending yearly effort activities despite protecting less land, also increased their time they presumably became familiar with PES. Use showed differences male female-led likely to spend funds non-essential goods. Within initially decided money, become time. conclude some recommendations increase attention projects future improve