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This research paper by the Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) examines the drivers and challenges associated with Climate Compatible Development (CCD), defined as a "development first" approach that minimizes climate harm while maximizing human development opportunities in a low-emissions, resilient future. Drawing on experience from over 40 countries, the paper identifies key sociopolitical drivers—such as national resilience needs, energy security, and economic opportunities—and outlines significant barriers, including high implementation costs, political resistance, and institutional capacity gaps.

This report by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) analyzes trends in the disclosure of environmental information in South Africa for 2012, comparing them to 2010-11. It finds that while public bodies are more actively responding to requests under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), actual disclosure has decreased and active refusals have increased. Private companies have shifted from ignoring requests to actively opposing disclosure, often through legal proceedings.

The Green Economy Coalition (GEC) met on February 26-27, 2013, in Switzerland to establish its work programme for Phase 3 (2013–2015). The coalition aims to champion a green economy based on equity, inclusion, and ecological limits, countering a prevailing 'brown economy' landscape and narrow 'green growth' definitions. The strategy focuses on three core activities—dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective influence—and five thematic projects targeting measurement, financial reform, sector greening, social equity, and natural capital management.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the financial sustainability of public-private partnerships (PPPs) used to address infrastructure deficits. It details the mechanisms of project finance, including the use of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and high gearing ratios, while cautioning that PPPs are not a substitute for government budgets as public funds eventually cover the costs. The document also explores how PPP contracts can be designed to achieve broader environmental and social sustainability goals.

This research paper by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the diplomatic and economic relationship between Russia and South Africa within the frameworks of BRICS and the G-20. It argues that while political collaboration is strong and serves Russia's goal of a multipolar world order, economic ties remain significantly underdeveloped and below their potential.

This guide, published by the Centre for Environmental Rights in January 2013, provides detailed schedules of criminal offences and their corresponding penalties under various South African laws applicable to the mining sector. It serves as a reference for enforcing environmental rights by outlining the legal consequences for violating acts related to mineral resources, environmental management, water use, air quality, protected areas, biodiversity, waste, and mine health and safety.

This research paper by Tony Chafer, published by the South African Institute of International Affairs, examines the multi-dimensional relationship between France and Senegal from 2000 to 2012. It analyzes the historical context, economic ties, cultural exchange, military cooperation, and political tensions, particularly during the presidency of Abdoulaye Wade, and looks forward to the transition under President Macky Sall.

This research paper by the Institute for Security Studies evaluates the feasibility of the economic and human development targets established in South Africa's National Development Plan 2030, arguing that the core growth targets are highly ambitious and require structural economic changes to be successful.

This report documents the 6th African Conference of Commandants (ACoC), held in November 2012 in Abuja, Nigeria. The conference focused on the role of staff colleges in preparing military officers to address emerging security challenges in Africa, emphasizing the need for a balance between academic education, professional military studies, and tactical training to develop flexible, intellectual leaders.

This report by Natural Justice and the Berne Declaration critiques a draft European Commission (EC) Regulation for implementing the Nagoya Protocol. The authors argue that the draft's focus on 'access' as the trigger for user obligations, rather than 'utilisation', creates legal uncertainty for EU users and undermines the Protocol's goal of fair and equitable benefit-sharing.

The 2013 SAIIA Young Leaders Declaration is a statement of recommendations for the Post-2015 Development Agenda, formulated by South African youth during the 2nd Annual South African Institute of International Affairs Young Leaders Conference in Johannesburg. The document outlines priorities across three thematic areas: addressing inequalities, managing conflict, violence and disasters, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

This briefing is a concept note for a conference titled "The APRM +10: Reviewing a Decade of Peer Learning and Projecting a Future of Governance in Africa," scheduled for May 17–18, 2013, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event aims to bring together African civil society organisations (CSOs) and governance structures to appraise the first ten years of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and plan for its second decade.

This policy brief examines the intersection of transport and environment in sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting critical issues such as rising urban air pollution, high road fatality rates, and traffic congestion. It argues that current transport policies often favor automobiles over the needs of poor and vulnerable populations and calls for an integrated approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve equity through strategies like the 'avoid, shift, improve' framework.

This 2013 report by WWF South Africa identifies and describes the country's Water Source Areas (WSAs), highlighting that a small fraction of land provides the majority of the nation's surface water. It emphasizes the interdependence between engineered water infrastructure and the ecological infrastructure (catchments, rivers, and aquifers) that feeds it, while detailing the threats facing these critical regions.

The 2013 report 'STORIES OF SUCCESS' describes WWF-South Africa’s Graduate Development Programme, an internship initiative designed to transition new graduates into professional roles within the environmental sector. The programme provides structured induction, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop a cadre of creative environmental leaders.

The document describes how South Africa, Brazil, China, and India (the BRICS/BASIC group) have coordinated their efforts in the World Trade Organization and climate change negotiations to advocate for the interests of developing countries. It highlights their role as a counterpoint to advanced economies and their efforts to redefine South-South economic ties through new partnerships with other developing and least-developed nations.

This research paper examines the use of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Programmes of Activities (PoA) to scale up energy access projects for low-income households in South Africa, highlighting the necessity of supportive institutional frameworks and stakeholder coordination.

This case study examines the investment incentive landscape for renewable energy in Zambia as of December 2012. It details the country's energy sector structure, the resource potential for various renewable technologies, and the specific financial and fiscal incentives provided by the government to attract private investment, while noting a lack of transparency regarding the costs of these incentives.

A briefing by the Institute for Security Studies detailing a November 2012 attempt by South African opposition parties to remove President Jacob Zuma via a vote of no confidence, the political hurdles to such a motion, and reports on public sector corruption.

This research paper examines the application of the 'complementarity' principle in Africa, arguing that a broader, 'positive' understanding of the concept—where domestic courts, regional bodies, and civil society actively fill impunity gaps—is essential for the success of international criminal justice on the continent.