| Conversion of forest cover to agricultural fields is currently considered the main cause of deforestation in the tropics. Despite the trends of tropical deforestation, certain areas are now presenting a turnaround in forest cover. This process of forest recovery has been called forest transition, and is based on the re-growth of trees in abandoned agricultural fields. The objective of this research is to analyze the changes in the landscape of the Rio Cuale watershed, an area where a compensatory mechanism called 'Payment for Ecosystem Services' (PES) was implemented in 2005 to avoid future forest loss.;In this case-study, we used satellite imagery to detect land-use changes over time at the regional level (Landsat MSS for 1979, TM for 1990 and ETM for 2002). In addition, we randomly sampled the two landholder communities and conducted a household survey to detect land use perceptions and suitability of PES.;Our results revealed, contrary to the national trends, that the watershed has been going through a forest recovery. Survey participants identified several factors of change that drove this forest recovery process, such as a decrease in land surface cropped and increase in parcels abandonment. These were caused by rural-to-urban migration, diversification of livelihood and local policies. The survey also revealed that despite the negative rates of forest loss, landholders willingly accept conservatory mechanisms that promote forest cover preservation.;Therefore, we conclude that the forest recovery trend is due to a change in economic demography in the watershed; however, this trend may be fostered by the PES program. |
