Forest ecosystem services are important for people and economies, but often overlooked in policy. A study in Kenya's Mau forest found that local communities value services like flood mitigation and clean water. People prefer conservation programs that improve forest cover and water quality, even if it means less wildlife. The study showed that communities are willing to pay for flood protection, showing they care about society's well-being. Overall, the findings suggest that forest adjacent communities support conservation efforts for both personal and societal benefits. This information can help create incentives like Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) and involve communities in forest management.