Based on biodiversity-related aid distribution patterns, this study explores the factors that affect aid eligibility and volume to determine whether biodiversity ODA is actually allocated to countries that require more conservation and biodiversity development. Compared to previous studies, this study investigates a longer period of 18 years, dividing the process into two criteria (eligibility and volume), while including countries that were previously excluded because of lacking data. Using a two-stage model, this study examines the relationship between ODA commitment and need for biodiversity, development, and governance in developing countries from 2002 to 2019. Consequently, developing countries with a higher number of threatened species are more likely to be selected as recipients and receive larger aids, when the principal objective of the ODA is biodiversity. In contrast, GDP per capita does not determine eligibility and the extent of biodiversity aid. Other developmental factors such as basic sanitation service was insignificant for both criteria, whereas total population and governance standards were found to significantly affect both
criteria. Our findings indicate that biodiversity aid does not account for developmental needs, particularly the recipient’s income, even though current international biodiversity initiatives emphasize integrating development and biodiversity goals.

[Key Words] Biodiversity, Aid Allocation, Development, Environmental Development, Official Development Assistance