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The document details the growth of sovereign green bonds, the introduction of national guidelines in Latin America, and the implementation of targeted incentives in Hong Kong. It also covers the European Commission's progress on a sustainable finance taxonomy, Luxembourg's pioneering law for renewable energy covered bonds, and the increasing role of central banks, such as the People's Bank of China, in integrating green assets into financial stability frameworks.

The report argues that global fossil fuel subsidies, estimated at USD 425 billion in 2015, represent a massive untapped financial resource that could fund universal energy access multiple times over. It contends that untargeted consumption subsidies are often regressive, benefiting wealthier households and potentially hindering energy access by straining utility budgets and encouraging fuel smuggling. The authors propose a 'Remove, Target, and Swap' framework: removing subsidies with no energy access benefit, targeting necessary subsidies toward the poor (e.g., through connection subsidies), and swapping fossil fuel support for investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

The paper concludes that a regional SACU stabilisation fund is inappropriate and infeasible because member states experience different degrees of revenue volatility driven by different sources. While Lesotho, Namibia, and eSwatini are primarily affected by the SACU revenue pool's distribution formula, Botswana is driven by commodity revenues and South Africa by its internal tax base. The author argues that the core issue for the BLNS countries is the current revenue-sharing formula, which links their revenues to South African import patterns. The paper recommends that member states focus on revising the revenue-sharing formula or implementing country-level fiscal tools—such as medium-term expenditure frameworks, fiscal rules, or national stabilisation funds—rather than pursuing a regional fund.

In 2017, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) reached a record $35.2 billion in climate finance commitments, with all six banks increasing their contributions. However, the report identifies critical gaps: adaptation finance grew slower than mitigation, private investment mobilization remains below 2015 levels, and vulnerable nations like SIDS and LDCs received only 10.5% of total funding. Additionally, the author notes a lack of transparency regarding project-level data and the need for MDBs to align their entire portfolios with the Paris Agreement.

The 46th meeting of the IAI Executive Council took place on 22 June 2018 in Antigua, Guatemala. The primary outcome was the election of a new EC Bureau, consisting of Mr. Gabriel Aintablian (Chair), Mr. Jean Pierre Ometto (First Vice-Chair), and Ms. Milagro Mainieri (Second Vice-Chair). The Council discussed the need for increased involvement in drafting an IAI Strategic Plan and the goal of re-engaging non-active Parties. Additionally, Ecuador expressed willingness to host the 47th and 48th meetings of the EC.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) submitted an independent auditors' report for the period ending June 30, 2017. The auditors provided an unqualified opinion, stating that the financial statements present fairly the Institute's financial position in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. The IAI's total assets as of June 30, 2017, were 3,412,639 USD, and total revenues, gains, and contributions for the year were 3,047,200 USD. The report details funding for various scientific programs, including the Collaborative Research Network (CRN) and Training Institutes, largely supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

The report provides an audit of the IAI's financial position, operations, and cash flows, concluding that the statements present fairly the Institute's financial position in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles. It details revenues from member nations and grants, expenses for core management and research programs, and the status of contributions from member countries.

The Innovations for Resilience Convening, co-hosted by the Global Resilience Partnership, WFP, UNDP, and 1BC, focused on the role of technology and cross-sector partnerships in building community resilience. The report identifies key barriers to scaling innovations—such as rigid funding cycles and risk aversion—and showcases specific projects including satellite-based credit in the Horn of Africa, drone mapping in the Maldives, and hydroponics in Algeria. It emphasizes the need for 'disruptive change' and a 'fail fast' mindset to move from gradual development improvements to exponential growth in resilience.

This document is a participant list for the 26th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, which took place on 20-21 June 2018 in Antigua, Guatemala. It identifies delegates from various member nations, observers from non-party states and associated institutions, and representatives from scientific bodies such as the National Science Foundation and the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

The document examines the 'jurisdictional approach' (JA)—a comprehensive, government-led strategy for forest and land-use governance across defined political territories. It argues that subnational jurisdictions (states, provinces, districts) are critical for scaling emissions reductions because they are closer to land users and possess the authority to shape land-use decisions. Through case studies in Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, Peru, and Mexico, the paper highlights that while JA fosters multi-stakeholder collaboration and policy innovation, it is frequently hampered by political turnover, limited public sector capacity, and a lack of tangible financial incentives. The authors conclude that JA is not a 'silver bullet' but a necessary recognition of the role of multi-level government in protecting forests and enhancing livelihoods.

The IAI Directorate Science reports on the final phase of the third Collaborative Research Network (CRN3), the launch of the Small Grant Program on ecosystem services and human wellbeing (SGP-HW), and the planning for the fourth Collaborative Research Network (CRN4). Key initiatives include a co-design process for climate adaptation in the megacities of Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Santiago de Chile, and a collaborative research framework with Argentina's CONICET. The Directorate is shifting toward a co-funding model to diversify science funding and is emphasizing transdisciplinary research aligned with international frameworks like the SDGs.

The document analyzes the critical link between forest cover and water security in the Cumbaza River micro-basin, noting that 85% of the area is degraded. It highlights how deforestation and climate variability increase sediment loads, affecting urban water treatment for 40,000 users in Tarapoto and reducing water availability for rice and aquaculture farmers. The brief recommends restoring 3,000 hectares in the upper basin by 2040 and 1,500 hectares in the Ahuashiyacu and Shilcayo sub-basins by 2050, while strengthening inter-institutional governance through the Cumbaza Micro-basin Management Committee.

The report examines the systemic marginalization of women in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), where they constitute 30% of the global workforce but are often relegated to low-value, non-digging roles. It identifies key bottlenecks, including lack of access to land, finance, and geological data, as well as cultural taboos and discriminatory legal frameworks. The document argues for gender-mainstreaming in formalization processes, the creation of women-specific financial products, and the strengthening of female miners' associations to improve women's economic independence and influence in the sector.

The report evaluates the impact of the APRM, EITI, and OGP, concluding that while these initiatives provide platforms for dialogue and some policy changes, there is little measurable evidence that they consistently drive significant governance reforms. It highlights the challenges of voluntary compliance, the risk of 'open-washing' by governments, and the critical but often tokenistic role of civil society. The document recommends that donors support civil society capacity, invest in impact research, and align funding with MSI action plans to better foster accountability and transparency.

The document highlights the link between cocoa cultivation and dramatic forest loss in key producing regions, specifically noting that cocoa is the top driver of deforestation in Ivory Coast and Ghana. While it acknowledges a commitment by major chocolate companies and the governments of Ivory Coast and Ghana to 'No New Deforestation' in West Africa, it argues that this effort must be expanded globally to protect biodiversity in countries like Cameroon, Indonesia, and Peru. The guide encourages consumers to use a scoring system based on three criteria: participation in the West African pact, adoption of worldwide shade-grown agroforestry policies, and a global commitment to refuse deforestation cocoa.

This report from the Executive Directorate of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) details activities and strategic partnerships undertaken between sessions to increase the institute's visibility and influence within international climate and biodiversity frameworks. It outlines collaborations with the IPCC, UN agencies, and various NGOs to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy implementation, particularly for Latin America.

The IAI Directorate expanded its international visibility and partnerships through participation in major climate and biodiversity forums, including the IPCC, UNFCCC, and CBD. Key achievements include securing Observer Status with the IPCC and UNCCD, establishing Memoranda of Understanding with Future Earth and IPBES, and launching a digital science communication campaign during COP-23. The Directorate also focused on enhancing the science-to-policy interface, specifically regarding ocean knowledge, climate-resilient megacities in the Americas, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity.

The report introduces Sustainable Land Bonds (SLBs), which are sovereign bonds used to finance low-carbon land management. Unlike standard bonds, SLBs are paired with Results-Based Payment (RBP) agreements where third parties offset interest costs if the issuing country meets specific emission reduction targets. This model aims to help tropical forest countries achieve their Paris Agreement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) while stimulating rural economic growth and attracting institutional investment.

The 'Luz en Casa Amazonia' program, implemented by the ACCIONA Microenergia Foundation, provides third-generation solar home systems (3GSHS) to remote, low-income communities in the Peruvian Napo basin. The model utilizes a pay-as-you-go (PAYG) system and local management committees to overcome the technical and economic barriers of national grid connection in high-ecological-value areas. Since February 2017, the pilot project has served 325 people across 61 households, reducing reliance on polluting lighting sources and lowering energy expenditures by approximately 50%. The initiative is funded by a mix of Spanish Cooperation, Peru's FONDECYT, and ACCIONA Microenergia, with goals to scale to 1,000 users and integrate 3GSHS into the Peruvian regulatory framework via a social tariff.

The Green Economy Barometer 2017 reports a dichotomy in the global sustainability transition. While electric vehicle sales grew 42% in 2016 and lithium-ion battery prices fell 75% since 2011, fossil fuels (oil, gas, and coal) continued to provide approximately 86% of the world's energy. The report notes a disconnect between high-level geopolitical commitments and 'on the ground' realities, where rural economies and smallholder farmers lack investment, and automation threatens low-skilled workers. While countries like Peru, Uganda, the UK, and India have introduced green growth strategies or targets, the report warns that nature protections are being dismantled in some regions, such as India and South Africa.