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The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a flexible economic initiative involving the United States and 13 other nations, organized around four pillars: connected, resilient, clean, and fair economies. Unlike traditional free trade agreements, IPEF avoids tariff liberalization, which has led to criticisms regarding the lack of U.S. concessions and concerns over the long-term commitment of partners like India. Early ministerial meetings have highlighted tensions over the adoption of high standards, with countries such as Malaysia and Japan requesting transition periods, while the U.S. focuses on digital standards and industrial decarbonization as key areas of influence.

The document examines how valuable minerals can finance violence, trigger local conflicts, and weaken state governance through corruption. It provides lessons learned for development interventions, such as empowering local communities, supporting artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and promoting corporate responsibility. The toolkit includes a survey instrument for risk assessment and lists USAID contracting mechanisms and international partners to address mineral-related conflict.

The report finds that over 60% of global coral reefs are threatened by local human activities, rising to 75% when heat stress is included. In the Coral Triangle, this figure exceeds 85%. The document highlights that while 28% of global reefs are in marine protected areas (MPAs), only 6% are effectively managed. It predicts that by 2050, nearly all reefs in the Coral Triangle will be threatened, with over 90% facing high to critical risks due to the combined effects of local pressures, ocean warming, and acidification.

The TPP partner countries are major global players in the trade of natural resources, accounting for 33% of the global marine catch and 34% of global timber and pulp production. WWF argues that without conservation measures, illegal and unsustainable trade undermines law-abiding businesses, drives corruption, and threatens biodiversity. Specifically, illegal fishing is estimated to cost between $10 billion and $23.5 billion annually, while illegal logging can depress global timber prices by up to 16%. The document recommends that the TPP prohibit trade in resources harvested in violation of national laws, enforce multilateral environmental agreements, and implement disciplines on subsidies that lead to overfishing.