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.
.