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This SEI briefing synthesizes research from 2011-2014 on the expansion of the oil palm and biofuels industry in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It finds that while governments promote these industries for energy security and poverty reduction, the actual benefits to local communities are often skewed or unsubstantiated. Key issues identified include unclear land tenure leading to disputes, the vulnerability of small-scale producers who struggle with certification and market access, and systemic failures in the implementation of environmental laws and dispute resolution mechanisms. The report argues that investments often precede inclusive development planning and recommends prioritizing 'upstream' social and economic planning to ensure sustainable outcomes.

This report analyzes the legal and institutional frameworks governing Indigenous Peoples’ and Local Communities Conserved Territories and Areas (ICCAs) in the Philippines. It examines the tension between the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997 and other state laws, such as the Philippine Mining Act of 1995 and the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, highlighting how the 'Regalian Doctrine' often undermines community land rights and local governance.