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This research paper explores the technical and institutional challenges of establishing Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems for REDD+ in developing countries. It emphasizes the need for clear definitions of 'forest' and 'reference levels' (RL/REL), the utility of nested approaches to scale subnational efforts to national levels, and the critical role of capacity building and stakeholder involvement to ensure the credibility of carbon credits.

The June 2011 PSC Report by the Institute for Security Studies provides early warning analysis on security crises in South Sudan, Uganda, and Madagascar, alongside a retrospective on African border disputes and an examination of drug trafficking in West Africa.

This research paper by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) examines the role of safeguards and the pursuit of 'multiple benefits' within the REDD+ mechanism established by the Cancun Agreements. It explores how safeguard systems can move beyond a 'do no harm' approach to actively promote sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation. The document analyzes various international safeguard standards, reviews how developing countries are integrating these into their Readiness Preparation Proposals (R-PPs), and discusses the institutional and financial challenges of creating a transparent information-sharing system for monitoring compliance.

This report documents a speaker's meeting on April 4, 2011, featuring Rob Davies, the South African Minister of Trade and Industry. The discussion focuses on South Africa's trade strategy, the challenges of the WTO Doha Development Round, and the potential of the Tripartite Free Trade Agreement (T-FTA) to enhance regional integration and economic growth.

This research paper analyzes how the accounting of international greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets affects the integrity of global climate mitigation pledges. Using a spreadsheet model based on marginal abatement costs, the authors examine scenarios where offsets are either double-counted (credited to both the buyer and seller) or counted only for the buyer. The study finds that double-counting could significantly dilute the ambition of current pledges, potentially reducing global abatement by up to 1.6 billion tons of CO2e by 2020, thereby increasing the gap to meet 2°C warming targets.

This research paper by Ruchita Beri for the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) examines the evolution of India's relations with African nations. It analyzes the transition from an early policy based on ideological support for decolonization and non-alignment to a more pragmatic approach centered on economic diplomacy, energy security, and capacity building. The document details trade growth, diverse investment patterns across various sectors, and technical cooperation initiatives, while discussing the geopolitical drivers and challenges India faces in its engagement with the continent.

This research paper analyzes the geopolitical and economic complexities surrounding the potential independence of Southern Sudan following its 2011 referendum. It highlights the critical interdependence between Juba and Khartoum, particularly regarding oil infrastructure, border demarcation, and regional stability in the Nile Basin.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies analyzes the security challenges and potential scenarios surrounding the January 9, 2011, referendum on South Sudan's right to secede from Sudan. It examines the political dynamics between the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Movement (SPLM), the risks of a return to war, and the roles of regional and international actors in maintaining stability during the transition.

This report documents a capacity-building workshop held in Douala, Cameroon, from May 10–12, 2011, focused on transitioning REDD+ from international negotiation to national implementation. The event, delivered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins at the World Agroforestry Centre (ASB-ICRAF), brought together over 55 participants from 17 African countries to discuss safeguards, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), the role of agriculture as a driver of deforestation, and financing mechanisms.

This report summarizes a capacity-building workshop held in Hanoi, Vietnam, from May 18–20, 2011, focused on transitioning REDD+ from international negotiation to national implementation. The workshop, delivered by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the ASB Partnership for the Tropical Forest Margins, brought together negotiators and stakeholders from 13 Asian countries to discuss safeguards, measurement reporting and verification (MRV), the role of agriculture as a driver of deforestation, and financing mechanisms following the Cancun Agreements.

This briefing by the Institute for Security Studies discusses the status of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) in Africa during the Seventh Review Conference in December 2011. It advocates for the universalisation of the treaty across the continent, the strengthening of the BTWC's Implementation Support Unit (ISU), and the alignment of the convention with Africa's specific developmental and public health needs.

This workshop report, compiled by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and the SADC Gender Alliance, documents a seminar held in November 2010 in Pretoria, South Africa. The event focused on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 and the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development, examining the gendered dimensions of peace, security, and peacekeeping across Southern and East Africa.

This 2011 workshop report by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) evaluates the ten-year implementation of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organisation (SARPCCO) Code of Conduct. The document details the challenges of institutionalising ethical policing standards across Southern Africa, presents monitoring indicators developed by the African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF), and provides country-specific case studies on police reform and human rights compliance.

This workshop report, compiled by Eric Scheye for the Institute for Security Studies, details discussions held in March 2011 regarding the promotion of the rule of law (RoL) in Africa. The document critiques traditional donor-led 'institutional capacity development' models, arguing that RoL is primarily a political rather than technical challenge. It advocates for a shift toward service-delivery and problem-solving approaches that recognize legal pluralism, the role of non-state justice providers, and the specific needs of marginalized groups, particularly women.

This report documents the Fourth African Conference of Commandants (ACoC), held from 1 November to 3 November 2010 in Jinja, Uganda. The conference aimed to develop a framework for a common continental force to improve efficiency in multinational environments by reviewing the roles of military, police, and civilian components in African peace support operations (PSOs).

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute evaluates the potential sustainable development benefits of 76 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) bioenergy projects in India, Brazil, and Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis finds that benefits vary significantly by project type, with on-farm agricultural residue projects offering the highest potential for rural development, while industrial residue projects provide fewer benefits. The document highlights a lack of verification systems to ensure that claimed benefits are actually delivered.

This policy brief by the Stockholm Environment Institute analyzes the impact of international greenhouse gas offsets on the fulfillment of emission reduction pledges under the Cancún Agreements. It specifically examines the risk of 'double-counting'—where both the buyer and seller count the same emission reduction toward their targets—and how this could dilute global climate ambition and hinder the pursuit of a 2°C pathway.

This briefing analyzes the implications of the Advisory Group on Climate Finance (AGF) recommendations for Africa, focusing on the mobilization of US$100 billion per year in climate finance from developed countries. It highlights Africa's extreme vulnerability to climate change, its significant investment needs for adaptation and mitigation, and the necessity of public grants and regulatory reforms to attract private investment.

This policy brief defines 'climate compatible development' as an integrated approach that minimizes climate-related harm while maximizing human development opportunities through low-emissions and resilient growth. It argues that policy makers must move beyond the traditional separation of adaptation, mitigation, and development to achieve 'triple win' strategies that simultaneously promote development, build resilience, and reduce emissions.

This policy brief defines 'Climate Compatible Development' as a strategic approach that integrates climate change mitigation, adaptation, and social development to minimize risks and maximize opportunities in a low-emission, resilient future.