Since it was created in 1968, CIDA has recognized the importance of forestry to development. Forests cover almost one-third of the earth's land surface and play a major role in sustaining life.
Forests are also the principal habitats for the world's diverse plants and animals.
The world's tropical forests are disappearing at an alarming rate. It is estimated that the annual loss of forest area is a tragic 17 million hectares. The objective of CIDA's forestry program is to help developing countries manage this precious resource. In Canada, forestry is often equated with growing, harvesting, and transforming trees for industrial wood products like pulp and paper, lumber, and plywood. But forestry is much more, particularly in developing countries.