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The Arctic Resilience Interim Report 2013 provides a framework for understanding the interdependence of Arctic social and ecological systems. It identifies biophysical thresholds—such as sea-ice loss and permafrost degradation—and social thresholds that threaten the well-being of indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. The report emphasizes that resilience is not merely the ability to maintain a state but includes the capacity for adaptation and transformation. It highlights the critical role of traditional knowledge and the need for adaptive governance to manage the cumulative impacts of climate change, industrial development, and geopolitical shifts.

The Orinoco River Basin in Colombia is experiencing rapid transformation due to increased public and private investment in oil extraction, industrial agriculture, and infrastructure. This development has led to significant ecosystem loss, including 32% of flooded savannahs over the last 20 years. To address these challenges, the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and the Alexander von Humboldt Institute (IavH) are proposing a "nexus" approach that analyzes the interdependencies between water, energy, food, and habitat security. This framework aims to replace fragmented planning with integrated decision-making to protect biodiversity and human systems. The proposed research will utilize participatory methods and software tools like LEAP and WEAP to inform national climate adaptation and biodiversity strategies.

The paper examines the intersection of WASH investments and disaster risk reduction, arguing that disconnected public and private investments often increase vulnerability, particularly in poor urban areas. It identifies four critical building blocks for resilience: access, siting, mitigation/adaptation, and sharing. The authors argue that social learning—the process of sharing knowledge across stakeholders—is essential to trigger strategic innovation and effective PPPs. The document highlights how structural flood protections can paradoxically increase risk and advocates for 'green infrastructure' and ecosystem-based assessments to ensure long-term sustainability.

Anglo American used the Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) for its greenfield Jacaré nickel project in São Félix do Xingú, Pará. The process identified critical dependencies on the São Sebastião River for water and the potential for replacing coal with wood biomass for energy. Key risks include water scarcity driven by climate change and regional economic growth, as well as legal uncertainties regarding land tenure for reforestation. Opportunities include reducing operational costs and carbon footprints through biomass, and improving community relations by investing in local sanitation and reforestation.

Danone Brasil used the five-step Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) methodology, in partnership with Instituto Ipê, to analyze its production plant in Poços de Caldas and its strawberry and milk supply chains. The process identified critical dependencies on freshwater, pollination, and soil quality, revealing risks such as declining pollinator populations and climate-driven crop losses. To mitigate these, Danone proposed strategies including improved water monitoring, sustainable pasture management, and reforestation to reduce heat stress in cattle and comply with the Brazilian Forest Code.

The Grupo André Maggi used the five-step Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) to analyze energy supply risks at its Itacoatiara plant. The process identified critical dependencies on biomass, fresh water, local climate, soil erosion regulation, and habitat health. The company found that while biomass is a low-carbon energy source, its supply is threatened by illegal logging, climate-induced droughts affecting river transport, and regulatory hurdles for reforestation. To mitigate these risks, the company is exploring internal reforestation projects and evaluating alternative biomass sources, while preparing for a partial transition to grid electricity by 2015 for power generation, though biomass will remain essential for grain drying.

Walmart Brasil used the five-step Corporate Ecosystem Services Review (ESR) to mitigate risks in its beef supply chain in the Amazon. The assessment identified critical dependencies on soil quality, water purification, climate stability, and freshwater provision. In São Félix do Xingu, the company found that deforestation—driven by poor pasture management and infrastructure-led demand—threatens these services. To meet its 2015 goal of zero-deforestation beef, Walmart Brasil is exploring strategies including a dedicated 'zero-deforestation' brand, investment in monitoring tools for land tenure and the Rural Environmental Registry (CAR), and collaborations with partners like The Nature Conservancy to promote sustainable intensification of cattle ranching.

The report examines Sweden's experience with wetland implementation, noting that the country achieved only 60% of its target to add 12,000 hectares of wetlands between 2000 and 2010. While the primary focus has been on nutrient reduction (nitrogen and phosphorus), the study argues for a 'multifunctional' approach that includes flood risk reduction, irrigation, biodiversity enhancement, and biomass production. Key barriers identified include complex water legislation, insufficient financial compensation for farmers' income loss, and a restrictive regulatory focus on nutrient retention. Conversely, successful large-scale projects are characterized by a river basin approach, strong local leadership, and comprehensive support systems.

The document assesses Sweden's progress in constructing wetlands to make agriculture more sustainable, noting that the country achieved only 60% of its 12,000-hectare target between 2000 and 2010. It argues for a shift from a narrow focus on nutrient retention toward a multifunctional approach that includes flood control, biodiversity, and irrigation. Key barriers identified include complex water legislation, insufficient financial compensation for farmers, and coordination challenges. Conversely, enabling factors include strong political priority, inter-institutional collaboration, and a robust knowledge base. The paper recommends adopting a water basin approach and involving local actors to foster long-term relationships with landowners.

The report estimates the annual value of improving Florida's water quality between $1.3 billion and $10.5 billion, highlighting the severe economic and ecological impacts of nutrient pollution and harmful algae outbreaks.

The study identifies significant community grievances in Central Kalimantan regarding water pollution and scarcity caused by oil palm plantations, including the release of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) and the degradation of peatlands. It argues that current governance is failing due to a lack of trusted water data, conflicting land-use maps, and weak enforcement of environmental laws. Furthermore, it critiques the EU Renewable Energy Directive (EU-RED) for its 'water blindness,' focusing almost exclusively on greenhouse gas emissions while delegating local environmental protections to voluntary standards like the RSPO, which the study finds are inconsistently implemented.

The briefing highlights that conventional conservation and economic growth models in Africa have often failed to protect ecosystems, which are vital for the livelihoods of the poor. It advocates for the use of market-based mechanisms, such as Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), to quantify the value of nature's services and incentivize sustainable management over destructive land use. The author notes that African countries have largely failed to utilize ecosystem markets due to governance gaps, lack of technical knowledge, and disputes over land tenure, urging regional organizations to lead the integration of ecosystem services into mainstream economic planning.

The paper argues that traditional top-down, uni-dimensional management of protected areas fails to capture the complexity of social-ecological systems. To address this, the authors develop a participatory integrated assessment approach that combines social multi-criteria evaluation (SMCE) with economic valuation via choice experiments and ecological valuation via bio-geographic assessment. Applying this to the Garate-Santa Barbara Natura 2000 site in the Basque Country, the study identifies a conflict between the conservation of cork oak forests and the expansion of txakoli vineyards. The results indicate that a management option increasing cork oak woodland combined with additional compensation schemes (Alternative A32) is the most globally valued and socially acceptable solution. The authors conclude that such an interdisciplinary, inclusive approach fosters social learning and creates the social capital necessary for sustainable land-use transitions.

The research develops a Composite Forest Biodiversity Indicator (CFBI) to measure the qualitative and quantitative changes in forest ecosystems across 17 European countries. Using a three-stage-least-squares (3SLS) regression model, the authors analyze how rising temperatures, socio-economic factors, and biodiversity loss impact the economic value of provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. The findings indicate that while warming generally reduces biodiversity, its effect on ecosystem service values varies by region and service type, suggesting that biodiversity management can mitigate some negative climate impacts.

The document argues that for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Fiji, REDD+ should be viewed through an adaptation lens rather than solely as a mitigation tool. It details Fiji's three-step approach to REDD+ readiness—policy and scoping, detailed planning, and implementation—and highlights the role of multi-stakeholder consultations and international support from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC). The brief emphasizes that forest conservation provides critical co-benefits for disaster risk reduction, water security, and coastal protection against sea-level rise.

The provided text is a list of academic references from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research. It catalogues research on tree-ring analysis (dendrochronology), glacier recession, and precipitation patterns in the Andes, the Canadian Rockies, and Mexico.

The statement contrasts the essential services provided by natural forests—such as food, water, and medicine—with the destructive impact of plantations, which are described as eliminating these resources and threatening community life.

Ecuador's Socio Bosque programme provides annual per-hectare payments to private and communal landholders who maintain forest cover. While not originally designed for REDD+, it supports Ecuador's climate strategy by reducing deforestation and increasing the resilience of the rural poor. After three years, the programme covered 881,933 hectares through 1,566 agreements, though it faces challenges regarding land titling and high monitoring costs.

The Socio Bosque programme in Ecuador provides annual per-hectare payments to private and communal forest landholders in exchange for maintaining forest cover. While not initially designed for climate mitigation, it has become a pillar of Ecuador's national REDD+ strategy. After three years, the programme signed 1,566 agreements covering 881,933 hectares with a total investment of US$14.4 million. Key challenges include the requirement for legal land titles, high monitoring costs due to satellite cloud interference, and risks of inequitable benefit sharing within communities. The government aims to diversify funding through green taxes and industry payments to reduce the current 40% administrative cost burden.

The report defines a green economy as one that improves human well-being and social equity while reducing environmental risks and pressures on natural resources. It traces the evolution of the concept from early 'steady-state' and 'degrowth' theories to modern 'green growth' strategies promoted by the OECD and EU. The document highlights that Estonia is among the most energy- and resource-intensive EU member states, characterized by high CO2 emissions per capita and a significant ecological footprint, despite having a higher share of renewable energy in its energy mix than the EU average. It argues that GDP is an insufficient measure of progress and advocates for indicators that account for natural, human, and social capital, such as the Happy Planet Index.