Additionality, Efficiency, and Spatial Targeting for Ecosystem Services Auctions. Systematic review, expert consultation, and application to European case studies.
Logan Bingham. 2020. Additionality, Efficiency, and Spatial Targeting for Ecosystem Services Auctions. Systematic review, expert consultation, and application to European case studies. Master Thesis. The University of Lisbon - School of Agriculture.
Supervisors:
Abstract
Background: Auction methods have attracted growing interest as a means of overcoming information asymmetries to efficiently allocate contracts involving payments for ecosystem services (PES). However, evidence-based practical information is scarce and research priorities are unclear.
Objective: Through four studies, this thesis synthesizes current knowledge on ES auctions, applies it to case studies drawn from two international European research projects (NOBEL and SINCERE), and proposes several possibilities for a novel mechanism based on the ECOSEL approach developed by Tóth et al. (2010).
Summary: Study 1 consists of a systematic review of the ES auction literature published in the last decade. Study 2 uses these results to design and implement a consultation with 35 international experts using the Delphi method. Study 3 applies these lessons to three NOBEL and SINCERE auction cases, highlighting key design innovations. Study 4 presents a theoretical critique of the ECOSEL approach, identifying several important limitations in the mechanism and suggesting modifications (primarily drawn from choice modelling and voting methods theory) to address them.
Conclusion: Theoretical integration and empirical testing of the suggested ECOSEL modifications is a reasonable next step. Generally, the potential for innovative allocation mechanisms to improve PES efficiency is highlighted, but risks should be carefully considered. Further scholarly attention—particularly relating to practical guidance, ethics, and legitimacy issues—is strongly indicated.
Keywords: payments for ecosystem services; auctions; Pareto methods; efficiency; additionality; spatial targeting
