A Case of Voluntary Collection for Environmental Services, Zapalinamé, Mexico

In Sierra de Zapaliname, Mexico, the NGO Profaunna raised funds from voluntary payments on water bills since 2002 for conservation activities  such as controlling forest fires, reforestation, environmental education. The monthly income is about 110,000 Mexican Pesos (approx USD 9.000).  In 2008, the Comision Nacional Forestal agreed to provide matching funds to the amount raised voluntarily for the next five years. This case shows that matching voluntary and government support can do wonders. However the sustainability of voluntary payments is an issues as it is not mandatory.