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PROFOR

Financing of Sustainable Forest Management

Workshop Report London, United Kingdom 1999

In response to the Intergovernmental Forum on ForestŐs (IFF) request for additional information on the "need for financial resources", UNDP PROFOR conducted three forest financing related studies whose results were presented to the third session of the IFF in May 1999. Despite significant conceptual developments, the financing issues remain politically sensitive, and the operationalisation of financing mechanisms and strategies, technically complex. In order to facilitate negotiation and build consensus, UNDP PROFOR organised a workshop of experts to explore and discuss the IFF agenda on this programme element and other relevant developments on financing sustainable forest management (SFM). The primary objectives of the workshop was to (ii) develop a common understanding of strategies and mechanisms for financing SFM at international, national and project levels; and (ii) contribute to the work of the IFF in its Programme Element on financial resources

The workshop attended by 45 participants from governments (representing developing, developed and economies in transition), non-governmental and international organisations, private financing institutions, and research organisations addressed the following issues:

  • Is financing for SFM different from conventional forestry financing?
  • What are the potential approaches and mechanisms for SFM funding and the related constraints?
  • What can be done to facilitate and leverage investment in SFM?

This report presents a summary of the workshop on Financing of Sustainable Forest Management, organised in Croydon, United Kingdom from 11-13 October 1999. The report provides a brief summary of the findings of the workshop on the state of play of funding SFM, a description of the proceedings and a synthesis of emerging analysis.