Forestry and Canada's foreign aid program

Assistance in forestry has been provided to more than 100 developing countries across a span of more than a half-century. The delivery channels for this aid, through the Canadian International Development Agency, have remained relatively unchanged over the years. However, the level of funding as well as the nature and scope of the type of support provided continues to evolve. The emphasis in earlier years tended to focus on stand-alone projects aimed at forest industries development and economic expansion. More recently, despite budget cutbacks, priority has been given to improved governance in the sector through institutional strengthening and capacity building. Multi-sectoral approaches are favoured wherein trees and forests play a key role in sustaining the provision of a range of economic, environmental, social and cultural values. Examples of these types of projects in all parts of the world are described. The strong comparative advantage enjoyed by Canada in the sector positions CIDA to pursue with partners and other donors a number of new directions in addressing pressing forest management and conservation issues in the South.