The value of the watershed protection service

ABSTRACT Conservation Units are Protected Areas that continuously provide environmental services to society. An example is the Public Water Supply Watershed Protection Service (SPM). As provided in art. 47, Law 9.985 of 2000 (BRASIL, 2004b), the National System of Conservation Units (SNUC): should contribute financially to the protection and implementation of the unit those users of water resources that benefit from the protection afforded by it. The payment for environmental services that the protected area deserves should be valued with the participation of all users, who should be aware of the value of the ecosystem services provided and the consequences of losing such services. Valuing this service is the goal of this work.