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This report marks the 40th anniversary of Friends of the Earth International (FoEI), detailing its evolution from a small group of activists into a global federation of 76 member groups with over 2 million members. It outlines the organization's mission to achieve environmental and social justice by resisting neoliberal economic models and promoting sustainable alternatives such as food sovereignty and climate justice.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of safeguards and the pursuit of 'multiple benefits' within the REDD+ mechanism established by the Cancun Agreements. It explores how safeguard systems can move beyond a 'do no harm' approach to actively promote sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation. The document analyzes various international safeguard standards, reviews how developing countries are integrating these into their Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs), and discusses the institutional and financial challenges of creating a transparent information-sharing system for monitoring compliance.

This briefing paper examines the proliferation and nature of South-South Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs), analyzing whether agreements between developing countries differ from the traditional North-South templates. It concludes that while some developing nations are beginning to introduce bespoke provisions and policy exceptions, the majority of South-South BITs continue to mirror the European models established in the 1950s and 1960s.

This report documents the proceedings of the Fifth Annual Forum of Developing Country Investment Negotiators, held in Kampala, Uganda, from October 17–19, 2011. The event, co-organized by the Government of Uganda, the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), and the South Centre, brought together 79 participants from 40 countries to discuss how developing nations can align foreign direct investment (FDI) with sustainable development goals. The forum focused on the risks of existing bilateral investment treaties (BITs), the importance of regulatory space for host states, and regional cooperation in investment policy.

This briefing, published by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network in November 2010, analyzes the regional implications for Asia of the recommendations made by the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF). It examines Asia's climate exposure, emissions profile, and the financial requirements for mitigation and adaptation, while evaluating the opportunities and risks posed by proposed global climate finance mechanisms.

This policy brief defines 'climate compatible development' as an integrated approach that minimizes climate-related harm while maximizing human development opportunities through low-emissions and resilient growth. It argues that policy makers must move beyond the traditional separation of adaptation, mitigation, and development to achieve 'triple win' strategies that simultaneously promote development, build resilience, and reduce emissions.

This policy brief defines 'Climate Compatible Development' as a strategic approach that integrates climate change mitigation, adaptation, and social development to minimize risks and maximize opportunities in a low-emission, resilient future.

This position paper by Friends of the Earth International argues that tree plantations are monoculture agricultural systems, not forests, and that they cause significant biological, social, and cultural damage globally. The document criticizes the use of plantations as carbon sinks under the Kyoto Protocol and denounces the role of international organizations like the FAO in legitimizing these systems.

This case study examines the role of investment incentives in attracting foreign investment to Singapore's pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences (BMS) sectors and evaluates the resulting impacts on employment, economic diversification, and technology spillovers.

This report analyzes the sustainability of biofuel production in Malaysia, specifically comparing national economic goals for biodiesel development against the local-level socio-economic and environmental impacts of palm oil expansion.

This research paper, prepared by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) for the UN High Level Task Force (HLTF), examines the intersection of the right to development and climate change. It focuses specifically on the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol, evaluating whether its design and implementation align with human rights-based criteria for development. The author argues that while the CDM mobilizes private funds for mitigation, it suffers from governance gaps, inequitable geographical distribution of projects, and a lack of procedural safeguards for affected communities.

This policy brief examines the potential and limitations of using private sector finance to support climate change adaptation in developing countries. It argues that while private finance has historically focused on mitigation, there is an emerging market for adaptation-specific products like 'climate bonds'. The document highlights that debt is a more versatile instrument than equity for adaptation projects and suggests that public finance is essential to bridge gaps in project visibility and to ensure funds reach the poorest countries, which are often overlooked by private investors.

This research paper examines the decline of South Africa's clothing and textile sector following the end of the Multi Fibre Agreement (MFA) in 2004 and the subsequent rise of Chinese exports. It argues that while imports from China have caused significant job losses, the sector's primary failure is a lack of competitiveness due to high labour costs, low productivity, and rigid labour markets. The author suggests that further trade protection is unlikely to be effective and instead advocates for non-trade industrial policy tools, such as skills and capital upgrades, and a strategic shift toward high-end niche products.

This research paper evaluates the 'price-gap approach' for measuring fossil fuel subsidies, arguing that while it provides a useful global benchmark, it systematically understates the total magnitude of government support by ignoring transfers that do not affect end-user prices.

This report by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of international carbon market mechanisms within the context of negotiations for a post-2012 climate change agreement. It reviews the existing Kyoto Protocol instruments—International Emissions Trading (IET), Joint Implementation (JI), and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)—and explores potential expansions or new mechanisms, such as sectoral crediting and REDD, to enhance cost-effectiveness and engage developing countries in mitigation efforts.

This report examines the effectiveness of investment incentives in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting sustainable development in Southeast Asia, analyzing their impact on economic growth, employment, and technology transfer while considering the influence of competition with China and the role of ASEAN.

This policy briefing from the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the economic relationship between intellectual property rights (IPRs) and development in developing countries. It analyzes the trade-offs between providing incentives for innovators through temporary monopolies and ensuring public access to essential knowledge and medicines. The document reviews the impact of IPRs across various sectors, the role of international agreements like TRIPS, and the debate over whether strong IPR protection stimulates or hinders economic growth and technology transfer in developing nations.

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.

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.

This report by Friends of the Earth International presents testimonies from nine countries to illustrate the human impact of climate change. It emphasizes that Indigenous Peoples and communities in the global South are most vulnerable due to their reliance on land and water. The document argues for a global movement to achieve climate justice by challenging the economic systems driving unsustainable production and consumption.