Vittel As A Model Case In Pes Discourse: Review And Critical Perspective

The Vittel case serves as a salient reference point in academic and policy discussions related to user-financed payments for ecosystem services (PES), but critical views are scarce. Part I introduces Vittel and outlines how discourses about model cases may shape PES theory and practice. Part II presents a review and analysis of 72 recent PES articles referencing Vittel, finding that just six mention any limitations, while 91% rely exclusively on a single, largely favorable report. Part III revisits the broader Vittel literature to challenge the dominant framing of the scheme as ideal in terms of its process, structure, or outcomes. It emphasizes how well-resourced actors can exert non-obvious influences over the terms of negotiations and suggests potential limitations for Coasean bargaining in the presence of large power differentials between parties. The paper concludes with a call for increased scrutiny of this famous case and greater integration between the English-and French-language literatures surrounding it.