This paper provides an overview of the main trends in development finance with biodiversity-related
objectives for the period 2011 to 2020, using available OECD statistical data, from
various sources. The resources covered are: Official Development Assistance and non-concessional
development finance, both bilateral and multilateral, from members of the OECD Development
Assistance Committee (DAC) as well as non-members, including South-South and Triangular
Co-operation; private finance mobilised by public interventions; and private philanthropy.
In addition, this paper assesses financing provided by bilateral DAC members that
are Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, looking at how they fared
collectively against the Aichi Target 20 on development finance. The paper was prepared
by the DAC ENVIRONET Secretariat, with inputs from the OECD Environment Directorate,
and with guidance from a group of DAC members.
Published on December 05, 2022
In series:OECD Development Co-operation Working Papersview more titles
Over 2011-20, the 29 OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members that are Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity more than doubled their international financial flows to support biodiversity in developing countries, and collectively achieved their commitments on biodiversity-related development finance (Aichi Target 20).
This holds true for both analytical approaches used; the first covering 100% of flows tagged as principal and significant, and the second covering 100% of principal flows and 40% of significant (which is how most DAC members report to the CBD Secretariat). Under the second approach, biodiversity-related development finance increased from USD 2.46 billion per year over 2006-10 on average to 5.68 billion in 2015. DAC members maintained their funding over 2016-20 at an average USD 4.92 billion per year, i.e. twice the 2006-10 average.
Biodiversity loss ranks among the top perceived threats to humanity and is an urgent development issue. Biodiversity loss and climate change are inextricably linked, with both considered systemic risks and ‘twin crises’. Development finance plays an important role in supporting developing countries’ biodiversity conservation efforts, as well as in promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.