5.3 – Conservation
Figure 6 - Average score for the policies selected for the Conservation axis.
The Conservation axis ran through all the analyzed policies, revealing high scores for most of them (Figure 6). Actually, PNCDECS, PNAPO and Forestry Code policies has already foreseen mechanisms and strategies that encourage conservationist farmers. These policies received higher scores because they stimulate the development and implementation of conservation practices in order to improve the quality of soil and water resources in productive areas. Most important, these policies expand compensation instruments such as payment for environmental services (Figure 6).
The Forest Code stands out, which has a clear relation with its objectives and instruments seeking for the protection of riparian forests and springs which protect water sources and promote the regeneration of soil organic matter. This driver makes it possible to associate instruments of incentive or compensation for the provision of environmental services, such as maintenance and enhancement of carbon stocks, landscape scenic beauty preservation and biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, and soil fertility restoration (AHRENS& AHRENS, 2015). However, for the effective regulation of this standard, complementary instruments are needed to evaluate and value ecosystem services.
PNAPO foreseen for the National Plan for Agroecology and Organic Production (PLANAPO) the inclusion of a system to indicate the state of soil and water conservation as well as incentive mechanisms to support agroecological transition, to, such as certification and differentiated market price.
The PNCDECS is aligned with the guidelines of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Mitigate Drought Effects (UNCCD) and includes State Action Plans to Combat Desertification and Mitigate Drought Effects, as well as plans for Drought Prevention and Control (Annex 1).
Therefore, the future PNMSA policy should complement and improve the existing compensation mechanisms in order to foster the development and implementation of low-cost practices to enhance the quality of soil and water resources in agricultural systems.
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