Final answer:
Protected areas (PAs) are regions designated for conservation and the prevention of deforestation. They can help control deforestation by providing a habitat for diverse species, promoting carbon sequestration, and offering alternative sources of income. An example of a successful PES program is implemented in Costa Rica.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protected areas (PAs) are regions designated for conservation and the prevention of deforestation. They can help control deforestation by providing a habitat for diverse species, promoting carbon sequestration, and helping to maintain the water cycle. PAs can also prevent deforestation by offering alternative sources of income and employment through sustainable activities such as ecotourism and non-timber forest products.
For example, Costa Rica has implemented a successful PES (Payment for Ecosystem Services) program. This program provides financial incentives to landowners who conserve their forests rather than clearing them for agricultural purposes. The landowners receive payments based on the ecosystem services provided by their forests, such as carbon sequestration, water purification, and biodiversity conservation.