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This research paper examines the tension between centralism and decentralization in Mexico, focusing on the state of Oaxaca. It discusses how the diversity of local governments, particularly indigenous municipalities governed by traditional customs, must navigate the pressures of globalization and trade liberalization to achieve sustainable local development.

This research paper by Fernando Melo Farrera, presented at a World Resources Institute conference in 2002, examines the tension between globalization and local diversity in Mexico. It argues that for municipalities to move beyond being mere operators of federal policy and become promoters of sustainable local development, Mexico must transition from a history of presidential centralism toward genuine decentralization and federalism that respects local autonomy and indigenous governance systems.

A group of international anti-toxics organizations, including the International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), urged the Canadian government to resist a $100 million claim by the Crompton Corporation under NAFTA Chapter 11. The claim follows Crompton's voluntary surrender of its registration for lindane, a persistent organic pollutant used in canola seed treatment. The organizations argue that NAFTA's investor-state mechanism is being used to undermine legitimate public health and environmental regulations.

As of September 30, 2001, the IAI reported actual operating expenses of US$ 222,036, slightly below budget. However, the institute projected a cash deficit of US$ 24,284 for the 2001/2002 fiscal year due to a gap between expected contributions (US$ 750,000) and operating costs (US$ 800,000). Significant contribution arrears were noted, with US$ 777,838 unreceived as of June 2001. Programmatic funds remained for CRN (US$ 355,740), ISP III (US$ 187,726), and PESCA (US$ 89,000), though the CRN program faced potential funding delays from Argentina due to the country's economic crisis.

This report from the Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) provides an analysis of institutional, programmatic, and educational activities conducted between August 1 and October 31, 2001. It details membership updates, the status of scientific capacity programs, and the outcomes of training initiatives like the IAI/UM Summer Institute.

This report from the Executive Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) provides an analysis of institutional, programmatic, and educational activities conducted between August 1 and October 31, 2001. It details membership updates, the status of scientific programs such as the Initial Scientific Program (ISP) and the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN), and the outcomes of the IAI/University of Miami Summer Institute.

Minutes from the Twelfth Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Executive Council (EC), held December 4-5, 2000, in San José, Costa Rica. The meeting focused on institutional stability, financial deficits in the core budget, the status of scientific programs like the Collaborative Research Network (CRN), and the development of an external evaluation for the Institute.

This report documents the proceedings of the 12th Executive Council (EC) meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held from December 4-5, 2000, in San José, Costa Rica. The meeting focused on institutional governance, financial deficits, the progress of scientific programs such as the Initial Scientific Program (ISP) and Cooperative Research Networks (CRN), and the development of a data information system (IAI-DIS).

The document contains the minutes, action lists, and resolutions from the Seventh Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Conference of the Parties (CoP), held on July 27-28, 2000, in Merida, Mexico. The meeting focused on the IAI's financial status, the approval of its 2000/2001 annual program and core budget, the establishment of a future external review, and the election of new members to the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) and Executive Council (EC).

This document presents the proposed core budget for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) for the 2001/2002 fiscal year, including a review of the 2000/2001 expenditures and cash flow projections based on member country contributions.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) issued general guidelines for Phase II of its Science Grant Program (SGP-II). This open-call program provides one-time awards of up to US$ 30,000 to support research networks and activities across the Americas that address regional global change issues, with a specific priority on the human dimensions and policy applications of the IAI Science Agenda.

This report outlines the training and education (T&E) activities of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) as of June 2001. The IAI focuses on capacity building in Latin America through scholarships, fellowships, and interdisciplinary summer institutes designed to foster collaboration between natural and social scientists across the Americas.

The YCLSF Host Organization Guide, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) in 2001, provides operational instructions for organizations hosting interns under the Young Canadian Leaders for a Sustainable Future project. The project is part of the Government of Canada's Youth International Internship Program (YIIP), designed to provide unemployed or underemployed Canadian youth up to age 30 with their first paid international career experience in sustainable development.

The document is a participants list for the XII IAI Executive Council Meeting, which took place in San José, Costa Rica, from December 4 to 5, 2000.

An amended petition filed on October 13, 2000, by Communities for a Better Environment (CBE), the Bluewater Network of Earth Island Institute, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) requesting permission to participate as amici curiae in the NAFTA Chapter 11 arbitration between Methanex Corporation and the United States.

This research paper analyzes how trade and investment disciplines under NAFTA and the WTO impact the ability of governments to enact and implement environmental laws. The author argues that while there is no inherent conflict between trade rules and environmental protection, the cumulative and retroactive nature of these disciplines creates significant legal and capacity risks for governments, particularly regarding older measures and the expansive interpretations of investment protections in NAFTA Chapter 11.

This document records the eight resolutions adopted by the Conference of the Parties (CoP) during its seventh meeting held on July 27-28, 2000, in Merida, Mexico. The resolutions cover administrative approvals, financial provisions, ethical standards, and the nomination of associated institutions for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI).

This report details the decisions made during the Seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Merida, Mexico, on July 27-28, 2000. The meeting focused on administrative governance, financial approvals, the establishment of an external evaluation process, and the election of leadership for the IAI Executive Council and Scientific Advisory Committee.

This document is a list of actions and decisions from the Seventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), held in Mérida, Mexico, on July 27-28, 2000.

The minutes of the Tenth Meeting of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Executive Council, held in Caracas, Venezuela, on December 2-3, 1999, detail institutional governance, funding strategies, and the approval of scientific capacity-building projects. Key outcomes include the funding of 11 PESCA projects, the adoption of a new fund-raising strategy, and the planning of a future strategic plan for the institute's scientific development.