Program Open Space (POS)

      Category:  Ecosystem Restoration & Protection; Price-Based Instruments; Environmental Outreach & Education
      Policy Type:  Land Purchases; Subsidies, Grants & Incentive Payments; Technical Assistance
      Sector:  Mixed
      Region:  North America
      Country:  United States
      Description: Program Open Space (POS) is a nationally recognized program in the United States with two components: a local grant component often called Localside POS and a component that funds acquisition and recreation facility development by the State. The local component provides financial and technical assistance to local subdivisions for the planning, acquisition, and/or development of recreation land or open space areas.
      Outcome:  The open space policy aims to create and maintain "green infrastructure" in urban settings, which reduces nutrient runoff.

      Reference:  Program Open Space (U.S.)

      Quota Management System (QMS) for Bluff Oyster

      Category:  Regulatory Approaches; Market-Based Instruments
      Policy Type:  Environmental Caps & Limits; Regulatory Environmental Markets
      Sector:  Fisheries
      Region:  Oceania
      Country:  New Zealand
      Description: The Bluff oyster fishery was added to the Quota Management System (QMS) in 1998. The QMS monitors stocks and catches, allowing the government to set Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits (including customary and recreational catch allowances) for oysters. Under the QMS, rights to fish Bluff oysters can be traded.
      Outcome:  Oysters provide a valuable ecosystem service by consuming algae and other waterborne nutrients. The Quota Management System directly controls harvest levels for Bluff oysters to ensure the sustainable utilization of the resources.

      Reference:  Quota Management System (QMS) for Bluff Oyster (New Zealand)

      Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program

      Category:  Price-Based Instruments
      Policy Type:  Tax Credits & Rebates
      Sector:  Agriculture
      Region:  North America
      Country:  United States
      Description: The Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program in Pennsylvania (United States) allows farmers and businesses to earn state tax credits in exchange for implementing best management practices (BMP) on agricultural operations. Except for the applicants who work with sponsors, REAP applicants must cover all up-front costs of installation of the practice or purchase of eligible equipment. The state tax credits will be awarded after the project is complete. The State Conservation Commission approves eligible projects and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue awards the tax credits. The amount of tax credit available to a recipient is dependent on the type of BMP implemented. Eligible applicants may receive either 50% or 75% of project costs as state tax credits for up to $150,000 per agricultural operation. State or federal cost-share portions of a project are ineligible for REAP tax credits. REAP tax credits can be used by the farmer for up to fifteen years. They are transferable, and can be sold to other taxpayers who wish to reduce their tax liability by purchasing tax credits.
      Outcome:  Pennsylvania's REAP program provides farmers with necessary resources to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff from their farms.It Increases farm productivity and reduce costs, and generates significant private investment.

      Reference:  Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Program

      Revised Water Usage and Classification / Water Quality Criteria

      Category:  Regulatory Approaches
      Policy Type:  Environmental Standards
      Sector:  Mixed
      Region:  Asia
      Country:  Philippines
      Description: The Philippine Water Usage and Classification / Water Quality Criteria serves as a guideline for the water management. In section 69, it identifies the different parameters and criteria for water quality required for each type of classification, including the acceptable levels of nitrogen and phosporus for fresh waters (rivers, lakes, reservoirs, etc.).
      Outcome:  The Criteria restrict nutrient pollution to protect the water sources.

      Reference:  DENR Administrative Order No. 90-34, Revised Water Usage and Classification / Water Quality Criteria (Philippines)

      Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Program

      Category:  Ecosystem Restoration & Protection
      Policy Type:  Ecosystem Restoration
      Sector:  Mixed
      Region:  Oceania
      Country:  New Zealand
      Description: The New Zealand's Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Program aims to restore four priority lakes – Rotorua, Rotoiti, Ōkāreka and Rotoehu – and includes multiple measures to address sources of nutrients entering the lakes. It is a partnership with Rotorua District Council, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. To implement the program, Central Government contributed $72 million, half the total cost of $144 million. The rest is being funded jointly by the Rotorua District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
      Outcome:  The Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Program will reduce the nitrogen load in lake Rotorua by an estimated 50 tonnes a year.

      Reference:  Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Program (New Zealand)