The success of Payments for Environmental Services (PES) projects depends, in a large part, on the respect to the necessary conditions for implementing it. These preconditions are seldom studied in the literature and few authors exploit this subject. They are mostly concerned about analyzing if experiences fit the concept of PES or are successful, instead of understanding the reasons of this success. There are, thought, few authors concerned about the relevance on making ex ante analysis and looking at some preconditions, such as informational, economic, cultural, institutional, and competitive preconditions. This paper is concerned about a previous investigation of a project called Cotriguaçu Sempre Verde (CSV) in Mato Grosso and the extent to which it would be able to shelter a PES. All of these conditions were analyzed and sustained the decision taken by proponents of the initiative to not include a PES in the project. This analysis will contribute knowledge to stakeholders that are designing and implementing PES projects, and it should be part of the protocol for all PES initiatives. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.213138