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malaysian palm oil - green gold or green wash?
This executive summary by Friends of the Earth International challenges the sustainability claims of the Malaysian palm oil lobby, specifically the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). The document argues that palm oil expansion, particularly in the state of Sarawak, is driving deforestation, violating indigenous land rights, and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through the drainage and burning of peatlands, often fueled by European and American demand for biofuels.
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Document type: Executive summary
Global Cotton and Textile Product Chains
This report analyzes the environmental and social impacts of China's role as a leading producer, importer, and exporter in the global cotton and textile supply chain. It examines the trade-offs between economic growth and environmental degradation, proposing a transition toward sustainable production practices and a strategic shift in sourcing toward rain-fed regions in Africa to reduce global environmental pressure.
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Document type: Report
agrocombustibleweb2
This report by Friends of the Earth International criticizes the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for financing large-scale, export-oriented biofuel projects in Latin America and the Caribbean. The document argues that these projects exacerbate social inequality, threaten biodiversity, and may increase greenhouse gas emissions due to land-use changes, while failing to alleviate rural poverty.
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Document type: Report
BIOFUELS SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA
This report, commissioned by the European Parliament, evaluates sustainability criteria for the proposed EU Directive on renewable energy, specifically focusing on liquid biofuels. It analyzes the potential for biofuel production globally and within Europe, the impacts of land-use change on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and the feasibility of using degraded lands for energy crops. The document provides technical critiques of GHG accounting methodologies and suggests harmonizing EU standards with international frameworks like the IPCC and UNFCCC to ensure environmental integrity and global equity.
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Document type: Report
Friends of the Earth International statement
Friends of the Earth International issued a statement rejecting the Roundtable on Responsible Soy (RTRS), arguing that its certification process provides a "façade of sustainability" for agribusinesses and energy companies while failing to address the systemic social and environmental damage caused by industrial-scale soy monocultures.
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Document type: Statement
Declaración de la Federación de Amigos de la Tierra Internacional
The International Federation of Friends of the Earth rejects the Round Table on Responsible Soy (RTRS), arguing that its certification process provides a 'greenwash' for multinational corporations and agribusinesses while ignoring the systemic social and environmental damage caused by industrial soy monocultures.
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Document type: Statement
PEOPLE OF LEÓN AND CHINANDEGA’S COMPLAINT REGARDING THE OPERATIONS OF NICARAGUA SUGAR ESTATES LIMITED S.A. INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION PROJECT 25331
A formal complaint submitted to the Office of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman on March 31, 2008, by community members and former employees regarding the operations of Nicaragua Sugar Estates Limited, S.A. (NSEL). The complainants allege that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) failed to comply with its own social and environmental sustainability policies when approving a $55 million loan (Project 25331) to NSEL for sugarcane production and ethanol plant construction.
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Document type: Report
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Wood and Wood Products Sector of the Lao PDR
This report examines the environmental impacts of trade liberalization in the wood and wood products sector of Lao PDR, highlighting the tension between high regional demand and the challenges of low-value exports, illegal logging, and inefficient processing infrastructure.
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Document type: Report
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Bio-diesel Sector of the Lao PDR
This report examines the environmental and social implications of trade liberalization within the bio-diesel sector of Lao PDR, highlighting the tension between energy security goals and potential ecological degradation.
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Document type: Report
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper examines the environmental and economic potential of the organic agriculture sector in Lao PDR, noting that while the industry is inherently environmentally friendly, significant growth could lead to negative impacts like deforestation and increased carbon emissions.
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Document type: Research paper
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Bio-diesel Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper examines the potential for biodiesel production in the Lao PDR as a means to reduce dependence on imported fuels amidst trade liberalization through ASEAN and the WTO. It evaluates various feedstock options, identifies significant environmental risks associated with land-use change, and recommends the creation of a cohesive national biofuels policy integrated with strategic environmental assessments.
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Document type: Research paper
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Organic Agriculture Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper analyzes the environmental impacts of trade liberalization on the organic agriculture sector in Lao PDR. It examines how increased market access to the EU, US, and ASEAN countries creates opportunities for 'organic by default' products but also poses risks such as deforestation and the potential shift toward intensive agriculture due to irregular supply and a lack of formal certification systems.
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Document type: Research paper
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Medicinal Plants & Spices Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper examines the environmental impacts of trade liberalization within the medicinal plants and spices sector of Lao PDR. It analyzes the tension between the economic goals of poverty reduction and export growth and the resulting pressures on biodiversity, specifically highlighting the risks of unsustainable wild harvesting versus the potential of cultivation and certification.
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Document type: Research paper
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Silk Handicrafts Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper examines the environmental implications of trade liberalization within the silk handicrafts sector of Lao PDR. While the sector is currently characterized by a low environmental footprint due to organic sericulture and natural dyeing, the author warns that scaling up production to meet growing international demand may lead to increased water pollution and land-use pressures. The paper suggests that maintaining 'green' credentials is essential for accessing premium niche markets and recommends the implementation of a National Export Strategy, improved wastewater treatment, and the establishment of a National Production Centre for sericulture.
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Document type: Research paper
ເອກະສານການ ຄົ້ນຄ້ວາ ທັນວາ 2007
This research paper, published in December 2007 by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), examines the potential for expanding the export of silk products from Laos. It analyzes the current state of the silk industry, the environmental risks associated with increased production, and the regulatory frameworks governing exports. The document suggests that while silk exports offer economic opportunities, they must be managed to prevent environmental degradation, particularly regarding the use of chemicals and the protection of forests.
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Document type: Research paper
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Tourism Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper examines the environmental impacts of trade liberalization and regional integration on the tourism sector in Lao PDR. It highlights the growth of the industry, the role of ecotourism in conservation, and the risks of unplanned development, while providing strategic policy recommendations to ensure sustainable growth.
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Document type: Research paper
Environmental Impacts of Trade Liberalization in the Wood and Wood Products Sector of the Lao PDR
This research paper examines the environmental impacts of trade liberalization on the wood and wood products sector in the Lao PDR. It analyzes how regional demand, particularly from China, and integration into trade agreements like ASEAN and AFTA influence forest decline, biodiversity loss, and the transition from low-value raw log exports to high-value processed wood products.
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Document type: Research paper
CACATAIBO INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN VOLUNTARY ISOLATION THREATENED BY OIL EXPLORATION
This briefing by the Center for International Environmental Law describes the threats posed to the Cacataibo indigenous peoples in voluntary isolation (Camanos) by the Peruvian government's August 2007 approval of oil and gas exploration in Block 107. The document details the failure of the Peruvian state to establish proposed territorial reserves and the deficiencies in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the 2D Seismic Project, which involves dynamite blasts in traditional territories.
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Document type: Briefing
Rapid Trade and Environment Assessment (RTEA) Thailand
This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) assesses the environmental impacts of trade liberalization on Thailand's fisheries sector. It highlights the depletion of marine fish stocks, the ecological damage caused by intensive aquaculture, and the challenges of implementing environmental certification standards in the face of strong market demand for shrimp exports.
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Document type: Report
Renewable Energy Fact Sheet
This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) provides an overview of photovoltaic (PV) technology, detailing its operational mechanics, environmental benefits, economic costs, and associated challenges as of May 2006.
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Document type: Fact sheet