This document is an analysis of the current status of forest financing in Guatemala. One has to realize that funding is needed in two separate areas: first, the efficient cash flow to cover ongoing maintenance and operational expenses and second revenue to invest in the sector. This separation is the key to assess the role of the government and international cooperation in the first area and the role of the financial system for the second one. A great deal of resources is needed to maintain efficient cash flows but without the recognition that Sustainable Forests Management (SFM) is profitable, the sector will not be sustainable.   The forestry sector is not isolated from the financial crisis that begun in 2008. As a result of a reduction in global financial resources, it has become more challenging to attract investment in this sector as a means to counter deforestation and help protect the planet. Guatemalan access to technology with high cellular and internet penetration can be used as a key tool to spread the message and educate people about the risk of deforestation and to send the message about the benefits of SFM and financing this sector.

Type of Case
Printed publication (book, sourcebook, journal article…)

Publisher
UN Forum on Forests Secretariat

Region
Americas

Biome
Tropical

Forest Type
All forest types (natural and planted)

Primary Designated Function
All