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This report analyzes foreign investment in agricultural land and production within the MERCOSUR member states (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay). It examines three investment models: state-to-state cooperation agreements, direct land purchases by private investors, and foreign direct investment in agricultural production (primarily through contract farming). The document highlights a general lack of robust data on foreign land ownership, though it notes significant regional trends, such as the expansion of Argentine agricultural firms into Brazil and Paraguay, and the high percentage of foreign-owned land in Paraguay. It also details the varying legislative responses of these nations to restrict foreign land acquisition to protect national sovereignty and food security.

This case study examines the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) program of the Sao Paulo State Government, Brazil. It details the program's evolution from 2004, its legal foundations under Brazilian federal and state law, and the operational tools used to integrate socio-environmental criteria into the procurement of goods, services, and construction works. The document highlights the use of electronic systems, such as the Electronic Procurement Exchange (BEC/SP) and reverse auctions, to increase efficiency and transparency while promoting sustainable development.

This policy briefing examines the tropical timber trade from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to and through Uganda into the wider East African region. It highlights the challenges of regulating a trade characterized by informal operators and middlemen, and provides recommendations for improving regional coordination, domestic regulation in Uganda, and the use of existing platforms like the ICGLR and the Albertine Rift Strategic Planning Process to promote sustainable development.

The document introduces a framework for analyzing Sustainable Development – Policies and Measures (SD-PAMs), which are policy proposals designed to promote sustainable development with climate benefits as side effects, particularly within the context of Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs) by developing countries.

This research paper examines the evolving role of the BRICS grouping amidst a slowdown in China's economy. It argues that while the group was initially viewed through the lens of economic growth engines, its current value lies in political economy and its collective assertiveness in global economic governance, including efforts to reform the IMF and reduce reliance on the US dollar.

This research paper discusses the potential for integrating Social Protection (SP) policies and programs in Rwanda with Disaster Risk Management (DRM) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) to enhance household and community resilience.

This research paper outlines a study aimed at evaluating and costing climate change adaptation measures for coffee and banana farming systems in Rwanda, aligning with the Rwandan Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (2008-2012).

This briefing by Friends of the Earth International examines the influence of Shell and other corporate entities on the UN's Rio+20 process. It details how Shell utilizes a network of interlinked business associations and lobbying groups—including the ICC, WBCSD, and the UN Global Compact—to shape global sustainability standards and policy, often operating through 'BINGOs' (business-backed NGOs) to gain privileged access to UN decision-making.

This chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) report analyzes the increasing pressures on global land resources driven by population growth, economic development, and globalization, while discussing the necessity of improved governance and capacity building for sustainable land management.

This book chapter from the Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO-5) analyzes the environmental challenges and policy needs of the Asia and Pacific region, emphasizing its role as a global engine of economic growth and its critical impact on global climate goals.

This policy brief describes the South African Renewables Initiative (SARi), a government-led effort launched in December 2011 to establish financing arrangements for scaling up renewable energy. The initiative aims to achieve a target of 19 GW of renewable electricity by 2030 while managing the incremental costs compared to coal-fired power to avoid unacceptable economic burdens on the public.

This policy brief examines Viet Nam's efforts to design a benefit distribution system for the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) scheme. It draws on the country's history of decentralized forest management to identify design options, such as performance-based payments and dedicated national funds, while highlighting critical challenges regarding land tenure, carbon rights, and the legal status of village communities.

This briefing describes the proposed Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP), a legislative initiative designed to provide low-interest loans to rural homeowners for energy efficiency improvements via on-bill financing through the USDA's Rural Utilities Service.

This briefing describes the outcomes of the May 2012 Bonn Climate Change Conference, focusing on the initialization of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action (ADP) and ongoing tensions regarding the Kyoto Protocol's second commitment period and climate financing.

This policy briefing examines the rapid expansion of economic and political ties between Chad and China since 2006, centered primarily on oil investment and the Rônier project. It analyzes how President Idriss Déby has integrated Chinese assistance into his domestic political strategy and the resulting tensions over oil pricing and regional security.

This report is the first joint product of the Southern Voices capacity building programme, featuring contributions from over 20 climate networks and their member organisations regarding their experiences with climate change advocacy.

This discussion paper examines the intersection of sustainability and the rapid evolution of information and communications technologies (ICTs) and the Internet over the 20 years following the first Rio conference. It specifically questions how the information and communications revolution necessitates a change in the understanding of sustainability across the global economy, society, and environment.

A briefing by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network detailing Indonesia's 2011 two-year moratorium on new permits for primary natural forests and peatlands as a strategy to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

This research paper analyzes South Africa's voting patterns and foreign policy achievements during its first (2007-2008) and second (2011-2012) terms as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The author assesses the country's progress toward its 'African Agenda,' including goals of South-South and North-South cooperation and the pursuit of permanent African representation on the Council.

This research paper examines the politicization of rice in Southeast Asia and argues that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should strengthen existing information-sharing and reserve mechanisms to improve regional food security and market stability, rather than attempting full trade liberalization.