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This document is a collection of project briefs from the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) detailing various scientific research initiatives across the Americas. The projects focus on environmental sustainability, climate change adaptation, and the intersection of ecological health and human well-being, covering topics such as the nitrogen cycle, tropical dry forests, climate services, malaria transmission in the Amazon, freshwater ecosystem risks, water security in arid zones, ocean dynamics, the impact of road construction in rainforests, phytoplankton services, and urban hydrological risks.

This report, published by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), examines the multifaceted impacts of climate change across Latin America and the Caribbean. It highlights the disproportionate vulnerability of rural women, indigenous populations, and coastal communities, while discussing the intersection of environmental degradation with public health, education, and migration. The document advocates for a transdisciplinary approach to science that integrates local and ancestral knowledge to inform public policy and foster regional resilience.

This briefing outlines the current composition and activities of the Science Advisory Committee (SAC) and the Science Policy Advisory Committee (SPAC) of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, including recommendations for electing new SAC members.

This document outlines the formal selection process for the Director of the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), detailing the composition of the Selection Committee, the multi-stage evaluation and interview process, and the final election by the Conference of the Parties (CoP).

This fact sheet describes a research project (SGP-HD009) aimed at developing and validating the Local Knowledge Scenarios (LKS) methodology to evaluate how American rural producers perceive global change and incorporate that knowledge into future land use scenarios.

This project brief describes a transdisciplinary research initiative supported by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) aimed at integrating local and traditional knowledge systems into biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management across Latin America and Canada.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) Start-Up Plan 1995 outlines the transition from interim governance to a fully operational Directorate. It details the transfer of functions from the Conference of the Parties (CoP) and Executive Council (EC) to an elected Director, the establishment of financial policies and core funding mechanisms, and the interim responsibilities of the Director pro tempore.

The IAI's STeP Pilot Fellowship Program is a regional initiative in Latin America and the Caribbean designed to train scientists and policymakers in science diplomacy, communication, and leadership. The program aims to integrate scientific evidence into public policy through a structured two-year professional development plan and the creation of an Inter-American networking platform. Key goals include establishing a 'Training of Trainers' model to ensure sustainability and fostering multinational collaborations to address global change and sustainable development.

The IAI Science Technology & Policy (STeP) Fellowship Pilot Program (2020-2024) is a professional development initiative designed to bridge the gap between the scientific and policymaking communities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The program provides a two-year training curriculum focused on three pillars—Science Diplomacy, Communication, and Leadership—to equip scientists with the soft skills and policy knowledge necessary to inform sustainable development and global change policies.

The Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) fellowship program, implemented by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), is a two-year professional development initiative designed to bridge the gap between scientific evidence and public policy regarding global environmental change across the Americas.

This briefing outlines suggested voluntary contributions from member countries to provide substantive support for the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI), totaling $570,000.

The Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (IAI) has issued Terms of Reference for a consultancy to develop training materials on science diplomacy related to global environmental change (GEC) in the Americas. This initiative supports the creation of a regional Center for Science Diplomacy (CSD) and the IAI's Science, Technology and Policy (STeP) Fellowship program.

This research paper by Pierre Sauvé argues for the modernization of industrial policy to center on the services economy. The author contends that while current industrial policies remain rooted in 20th-century manufacturing paradigms, services now drive global innovation, productivity, and competitiveness, acting as essential inputs for all economic sectors.

This research paper by Pierre Sauvé argues for a paradigm shift in industrial policy, moving from a traditional focus on manufacturing to one that prioritizes the services economy. The author contends that services are no longer merely residual activities but are essential inputs that drive productivity, innovation, and competitiveness across all economic sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing.

This briefing note, published by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and CUTS International, Geneva, examines the challenges faced by developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) within the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) on E-commerce. It highlights a significant digital divide and capacity gaps that hinder these nations' ability to participate in negotiations and implement future agreements. The document proposes shifting from a narrow focus on regulatory cooperation toward a comprehensive approach that includes 'enabling issues' such as infrastructure and technical assistance, and suggests adopting a hybrid Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) model based on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to ensure capacity-building commitments are enforceable.

This policy brief by the International Institute for Sustainable Development examines agricultural cooperatives as a model for inclusive investment. It details the different types of cooperatives, their benefits for smallholder farmers, the role of foreign investment in these structures, and the necessary legal and governmental frameworks to support their success.

This 2004 research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the relationship between international investment agreements (IIAs) and sustainable development. It argues that the traditional model of IIAs, which focuses heavily on investor protections, has failed to empirically prove its ability to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and often conflicts with the regulatory needs and development priorities of host states. The paper advocates for a 'Southern Agenda' that balances private investor rights with public goods, transparency, and the specific needs of developing countries.

This guide, produced by the OECD and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), provides policy recommendations for developing countries to combat base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) in the mining sector. It specifically addresses the use of excessive debt by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to shift profits abroad through interest deductions. The document details common aggressive tax planning structures, explains the application of OECD BEPS Action 4, and suggests a combination of fiscal tools to protect national tax bases while maintaining an attractive investment climate.

This briefing by the International Institute for Sustainable Development and CUTS International, Geneva, provides an update on the World Trade Organization (WTO) Informal Working Group (IWG) on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) from June to December 2020. It details the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MSMEs, particularly those led by women, and outlines a package of six recommendations and declarations adopted by the IWG in December 2020 to improve MSME integration into the multilateral trading system.

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines the historical evolution of Brazil's regional identity and its transition toward becoming a regional power. It argues that Brazil historically distinguished itself from 'Latin America'—which it viewed as synonymous with Spanish America—and has only recently shifted its foreign policy focus toward active engagement and leadership within South America.