What would a global forest convention mean for tropical forests and for timber consumers?

A global forest convention has been advocated for about 15 years, but progress is slow and positions of advocates and opponents appear entrenched. We review several case studies and offer new empirical evidence relating to causes of and remedies for deforestation. We find no evidence to suggest that a forest convention will be effective in halting deforestation. Our data indicate that development assistance may be the most effective approach to save forests in developing countries. It appears that “money speaks louder than words.” We conclude that a global forest convention will be ineffective unless accompanied by substantial and well-directed development assistance.