ODA Trends in the Forest and Related Sectors

Estimating ODA trends in the forestry sector is problematic as consistent information is not readily available. An analysis by PROFOR (1999), covering the period 1986 to 1997, estimates that in the forest sector ODA bilateral and multilateral sources rose from US$ 784 million in 1986 to US$ 1,270 million in 1997.

Figure 1. Estimated ODA in the Forest Sector, 1986 - 1997

These figures suggest that there was a gradual rise in ODA flows to the forestry sector over the late 1980s peaking in 1991-92, then declining again, but not so low as the 1986 levels.

The information depicted in Figure 1. indicates that in the post-UNCED era ODA to the forest sector has actually been falling. Whilst this decline is of grave concern the effectiveness of ODA as a mechanism for development is now being brought into question and there is a disillusionment with what ODA can sustainably accomplish. However, the post-UNCED era has also been characterised by advances in the understanding of sustainable development and a level of agreement hitherto unknown on how the community of nations can progress towards sustainability together, within a framework of agreed commitments and mechanisms. How should ODA adapt to the new modus operandi? How can it be more effective and how can the capacity of countries to make the most of ODA be improved?