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Informe de la Dirección Ejecutiva del IAI
The IAI report details the successful implementation of the CRN-II program and the closure of CRN-I, alongside new funding from the NSF for human dimensions research. It highlights expanded institutional cooperation with entities like RIOCC, CYTED, and IICA, and the organization of several workshops on climate-land use interfaces and disaster risk management. Administratively, the IAI appointed a new Financial and Administrative Officer and is transitioning its Data and Information System to open-source software. Financially, as of November 2006, only 6% of approved member contributions had been collected, though the institute expects to reach 90% for the 2006/2007 period.
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Document type: Report
The WHO Intellectual Property in Bilateral Free Trade Agreements
The document asserts that the World Health Organization (WHO) has a mandate to engage in trade policy discussions because the availability and affordability of pharmaceuticals are central to public health. It warns that the progress made by the Doha Declaration is being undermined by a surge in bilateral and regional free trade agreements (FTAs), particularly those between industrialized economies and developing nations, which impose extensive intellectual property provisions that restrict access to low-cost medicines.
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Document type: Report
Governance Structures for National Sustainable Development Strategies Study of Good Practice Examples
The study evaluates twenty-one jurisdictions on six governance elements: strategy coordination, placement of responsibility, legislative underpinning, integration with budgeting, stakeholder involvement, and local linkages. While most jurisdictions pursue top-down strategies and use advisory councils, the report finds significant weaknesses in legislative mandates and integration with national planning and budgeting processes. Norway is highlighted as a leading example of integrating SD into national budgets, while Sweden is noted for creating a dedicated Ministry of Sustainable Development. The authors argue that the most effective governance occurs when NSDS are seamlessly integrated into government accountability systems managed by finance departments.
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Document type: Research paper
Biofuels – At What Cost?
The report analyzes the extensive network of U.S. government subsidies for liquid biofuels, finding that support is pervasive across the entire supply chain. It estimates that annualized subsidies for ethanol range between $6.3 and $8.7 billion, while biodiesel support ranges from $1.7 to $2.3 billion. The author argues that these subsidies are often inefficient, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas mitigation and fossil fuel displacement, and warns that the rapid growth of the industry—driven by these incentives—may be unsustainable.
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Document type: Report
Addressing Land Ownership after Natural Disasters
The report examines the critical role of land ownership in community resilience and post-disaster reconstruction. Survey results indicate that while land issues are seen as less urgent during the immediate relief phase, they are paramount for long-term recovery. The document highlights challenges such as the destruction of land records, the risk of 'land grabs' by governments or private entities, and the tension between formal legal systems and customary land tenure. It advocates for a coordinated approach where governments lead the restoration of land administration, supported by development agencies providing technical mapping and adjudication tools, and civil society ensuring the rights of vulnerable groups.
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Document type: Report
22nd Meeting of the IAI Executive Council Action List
The 22nd Meeting of the IAI Executive Council, held in Porlamar, Venezuela, on May 22-23, 2006, focused on administrative appointments, the development of a Strategic Plan, and the resolution of project compliance issues.
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Document type: Report
Report of the SAC-XXIII - Toronto
The 23rd SAC meeting focused on evolving the IAI's mission to better bridge the gap between scientific research and policy application. Key discussions centered on a new strategic plan, the integration of social and natural sciences, and the development of a human subject research policy. The committee also reviewed the allocation of approximately USD 1.0 million in remaining CRN II funds and established performance metrics to evaluate the SAC's mandate regarding integrated science, collaboration, and informed actions.
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Document type: Report
Report of the Chair of the Executive Council
The Chair of the IAI Executive Council oversaw the appointment of members to several committees, including a Committee Ad Hoc tasked with addressing financial needs and the relevance of IAI activities. The report also details the filling of vacancies on the IAI Editorial Board and the Chair's role in preparing the agenda for a joint meeting in Venezuela.
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Document type: Report
Informe del Presidente del Consejo Ejecutivo
The report details the formation and membership of several IAI committees following meetings in Puerto Vallarta and Montreal. It lists the appointed members for the Ad Hoc Committee, the Financial and Administrative Committee, the Rules and Procedures Committee, and the Editorial Panel. Additionally, it notes the President's coordination efforts for an upcoming meeting in Venezuela involving the Executive Council, the Conference of the Parties, and the Scientific Advisory Committee.
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Document type: Report
Report of the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures
The 2006 annual report from the Standing Committee on Rules and Procedures states that the committee's only activity during the year was responding to a query from the Executive Council Chair concerning the election process for the Executive Council and the Bureau.
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Document type: Report
Annual Program
The IAI's 2006/07 program focuses on transitioning from a period of scientific excellence to one of policy relevance and regional integration. Key initiatives include the implementation of the second Collaborative Research Network (CRN II), the synthesis of CRN I, and the development of a Program on Climate Variability in the Americas with CPTEC. The IAI aims to strengthen capacity building through seed grants, training institutes on disaster risk and climate impacts, and strategic partnerships with organizations like the UN ISDR and IICA. Administrative efforts are centered on optimizing internal processes through new manuals and an electronic proposal and report system.
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Document type: Report
Programa Anual 11_CoPXIII/DWD/Español
The IAI's 2006/07 annual plan focuses on transitioning from a purely scientific excellence program to one that integrates policy relevance and adaptation to global change. Key initiatives include the launch of the Cooperative Research Networks II (CRN II), the conclusion of CRN I, and the implementation of six strategic goals approved in 2002. The plan emphasizes administrative rationalization, the expansion of the Data Information System (DIS), and increased cooperation with Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Capacity building will be driven by 'seed grants' and multidisciplinary training institutes focused on the science-policy interface, including collaborations with organizations like the UN's ISDR and the IICA.
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Document type: Report
Towards Departmental Stewardship Planning in the Saskatchewan Government
The report investigates stewardship planning for the Saskatchewan government, focusing on two modes of influence: internal operations (e.g., green procurement, energy use) and external influence (e.g., legislation and policy). It analyzes case studies from the United Kingdom, Canada, Manitoba, and Oregon, as well as corporate reporting frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and PotashCorp. Key findings emphasize the need to integrate stewardship planning with existing budgeting and accountability frameworks to ensure effectiveness and organizational capacity.
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Document type: Report
Democratizing international dispute settlement: The case of trade and investment disputes
The paper examines the 'democratic deficit' in international dispute settlement, focusing on the World Trade Organization (WTO) and investor-state arbitration. It argues that these processes often lack transparency and public participation despite their significant impact on domestic public policy, human rights, and the environment. While the WTO has made some progress in publishing reports and accepting amicus curiae briefs, it still maintains confidential submissions and closed hearings. Investor-state arbitration is described as even more secretive, often based on private commercial models where the public may not even know a proceeding has begun. The author calls for reforms to these rules to ensure that decisions affecting the public are subject to public scrutiny.
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Document type: Research paper
YCLSF PARTICIPANT MANUAL 2006/2007
The YCLSF Participant Manual 2006/2007 outlines the structure and expectations of an international internship program managed by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). It details the program's goal of providing young Canadians with entry-level overseas work experience in sustainable development to help them build careers in the field. The document covers administrative requirements such as contracts, tax obligations, and visa processes, alongside practical advice on preparing for placement, managing finances, and coping with culture shock. It also specifies the responsibilities of the participants, host organizations, and IISD, and defines the reporting and evaluation cycle required to receive stipends. Finally, it provides guidance on re-entry to Canada and professional development strategies.
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Document type: Guide
Hong Kong Update
The document assesses the progress and deadlocks of the Doha Round negotiations as of November 2005. It highlights significant stalemates in agricultural market access, non-agricultural market access (NAMA), and services, while detailing specific disputes over fisheries subsidies, intellectual property rights (TRIPS), and the implementation of special and differential treatment for developing countries. It also reviews the impact of the 2005 expiry of textile and clothing quotas and the ongoing efforts to improve the WTO's Dispute Settlement Understanding.
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Document type: Briefing
International Investment Agreements and Sustainable Development
The document assesses the relationship between international investment agreements (IIAs) and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It finds that while IIAs may attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and potentially foster economic growth, these benefits are uncertain and depend on domestic institutional capacity. Conversely, the paper identifies several systemic risks where IIA provisions—specifically those regarding expropriation, national treatment, and prohibitions on capital controls and performance requirements—may conflict with public health, environmental sustainability, and poverty alleviation efforts.
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Document type: Research paper
Informe de la Dirección Ejecutiva del IAI
The IAI Executive Directorate report for May-August 2005 outlines the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director, the evaluation of 37 proposals for the Cooperative Research Networks (CRN II) program, and the planning of training institutes on climate vulnerability in Paraguay and climate-health in Jamaica. Administratively, the IAI approved new employee and project management manuals and initiated the process to become an observer of the UNFCCC. Financially, the report notes that as of June 30, 2005, the core budget received 99% of contributions, though several member countries still had outstanding balances.
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Document type: Report
Report of the IAI Directorate
The IAI Directorate report for May–August 2005 outlines personnel changes, including the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Director and Mrs. Ione Anderson as Program Manager. Key scientific activities include the peer-review of 37 proposals for the Collaborative Research Network (CRN II) and the planning of a synthesis meeting in Brazil to bridge the gap between science and governance. The report also details the organization of training institutes on climate variability in Paraguay and climate and health in Jamaica, as well as administrative progress such as the approval of employee and project management manuals and efforts to obtain observer status with the UNFCCC.
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Document type: Report
Informe del Presidente del Consejo Ejecutivo
The report details the appointment of Dr. Holm Tiessen as Executive Director of the IAI for a three-year term and the institute's application to become an observer of the UNFCCC, a process supported by Mexico to ensure IAI's annual presence at COP meetings.
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Document type: Report