Explaining Global Patterns of International Aid for Linked Biodiversity Conservation and Development

There is little systematic knowledge about the nature, extent, and trends of international aid for projects that link biodiversity conservation and development goals. This study uses a new dataset to analyze spatial and temporal patterns of such aid globally over the past three decades. Results reveal significant donor selectivity in aid allocation, though linked conservation and development aid comprised more than two-thirds of all biodiversity-related assistance. Biodiversity aid generally was directed to biodiversity-rich, well-governed countries, but countries able to exert greater political leverage secured more linked aid than aid targeted to conservation without a stated development objective.

Funding: Research support from the MacArthur Foundation through the Advancing Conservation in a Social Context Research Initiative and the University of Michigan Social Sciences Annual Institute is gratefully acknowledged.