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This research paper examines South Africa's economic challenges within the BRICS context, focusing on its struggle to transition from an upper-middle-income to an upper-income country while facing de-industrialisation and deep-seated structural inequality inherited from the Apartheid era.

This research paper analyzes the Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) and the New Development Bank, focusing on the economic and political motivations of the BRICS nations in creating these institutions as alternatives to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

This document provides an overview of several reports and case studies concerning government subsidies and fiscal transitions in Russia and other BRICS nations, specifically focusing on upstream oil and gas projects in the Russian Arctic and coal subsidies.

This guide, published by Friends of the Earth International, warns forest communities about the risks associated with REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and other forest conservation projects. It argues that these market-based mechanisms often lead to 'deterritorialization,' loss of cultural identity, and the erosion of community sovereignty through restrictive, long-term contracts.

This guide, published by Friends of the Earth International in July 2014, warns forest communities against signing contracts related to REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and other forest conservation or environmental compensation projects. It argues that these market-based mechanisms often lead to the loss of land sovereignty, cultural erosion, and the displacement of indigenous peoples by imposing restrictive conditions and long-term legal obligations.

This prevention manual by Friends of the Earth International warns forest communities against signing REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and other forest conservation contracts. The guide argues that these market-based mechanisms often lead to 'deterritorialization,' loss of cultural identity, and the surrender of sovereignty to external corporations through deceptive contracts that restrict traditional land use for decades.

This precautionary guide by Friends of the Earth International warns forest communities against signing REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) and other forest conservation contracts. It argues that these market-based schemes often lead to deterritorialization, loss of sovereignty, and the erosion of traditional cultures by imposing restrictive conditions on land use and granting disproportionate power to external companies.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) activity plan for July 2014 to June 2015 outlines a transition to a tripartite institutional structure, the monitoring of CRN3 projects, the conclusion of a MacArthur Foundation project on Andean biodiversity, and the IAI's leadership role in the Latin American network of Future Earth.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative examines the underperformance of land rental markets in Brazil and argues that deregulation could improve agricultural productivity and environmental protection by enabling more efficient land use.

This research paper analyzes the impact of 'mega-regional' trade agreements on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the strategic position of South Africa. It argues that the rise of agreements like the TPP and TTIP, driven by the needs of global value chains, threatens the WTO's centrality and creates a risk of a multi-bloc trade world. The author suggests that South Africa must recalibrate its trade strategy, move beyond a blocking strategy in the WTO, and utilize regional negotiations to prepare for new global regulatory norms to avoid isolation.

This executive summary from the Climate Policy Initiative analyzes the underdeveloped state of land rental markets in Brazil. It argues that restrictive legislation and land tenure insecurity hinder the efficient use of land, which could otherwise increase agricultural productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by repurposing degraded pastures.

This report by Friends of the Earth International (ATI) documents violence and human rights violations against environmental defenders between November 2011 and October 2013. It argues that these attacks are a global trend driven by a neoliberal extractivist model and corporate dominance, which often results in the criminalization and physical persecution of activists, indigenous peoples, and local communities.

This report by Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) documents violence and human rights violations against environmental defenders between November 2011 and October 2013. It argues that these attacks are a global trend driven by a neoliberal extractive model that prioritizes corporate profit over the rights of nature and people. The document details various forms of repression—including criminalization, arbitrary detention, and targeted killings—and evaluates the effectiveness of international solidarity and legal strategies in protecting defenders.

This briefing paper examines the policy tools available to Eastern African states to foster 'national champions' in the mining sector and maximize sustainable development benefits from foreign direct investment. It analyzes the effectiveness of ownership and performance requirements and evaluates how international investment agreements, specifically Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), may restrict the policy space of host governments.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines agricultural cooperatives as a model for inclusive investment. It details the types of cooperatives, their benefits for smallholders, the role of foreign investment in reducing risk and improving skills, and the necessary government support and legal frameworks to ensure their success without undue state interference.

This report synthesizes regional perspectives from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean on the capacity-building needs required to integrate sustainable development (SD) principles into national and subnational planning. Based on workshops held in 2014, the document identifies gaps in multistakeholder participation, vertical and horizontal government coordination, cross-sectoral policy integration, and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (MER) systems to prepare countries for the post-2015 development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This research paper examines the transition of Russia toward a 'green economy,' analyzing the gap between official policy documents and practical implementation. It highlights Russia's immense natural capital and the critical need to reduce its economic dependence on hydrocarbon exports and improve energy efficiency to ensure long-term sustainable development.

This fact sheet from the World Resources Institute explains the sources, scale, and trends of global agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while highlighting the role of new Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidance in helping companies measure and manage their climate footprint.

This fact sheet by the World Resources Institute describes the launch of the GHG Protocol's first international guidelines for the agriculture and livestock sector, providing data on global emissions sources, trends, and mitigation opportunities.

This research paper details a large-scale field study on the impact of selective logging and forest fires on carbon stocks in the Amazon, concluding that forest degradation can result in carbon losses equivalent to 40% of those caused by deforestation.