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KEY PUBLICATIONS AND ONLINE RESOURCES TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT This page was updated on: 01/12/10
Optimism and Poverty in Africa: Adaptation or a
Means to Survival?
IMPROVING LIVES: WORLD BANK GROUP PROGRESS ON
RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN FISCAL YEAR 2006
STATE OF THE
AFRICAN CARBON MARKET
BOOM OR
BUST: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES' ROUGH RIDE ON THE COMMODITY PRICE
ROLLERCOASTER
STATE OF THE CARBON MARKET REPORT
UPDATE
A BETTER WORLD IS OUR BOTTOM LINE: TEN
ENTREPRENEURS SHAPING TOMORROW'S MARKETS
PUTTING THE RIGHT PRICE ON NATURE:
ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS
ECOSYSTEM CHALLENGES AND
BUSINESS IMPLICATIONS
THE WTO GMO
DISPUTE: IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND THE NEED FOR AN
APPEAL
LINKING
TRADE, CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
FISHERIES, INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
CAN AID FIX
TRADE? ASSESSING THE WTO'S AID FOR TRADE AGENDA
TRADE IN
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: ASSESSING THE IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPING
COUNTRIES IN THE GATS
SAVING THE
FORESTS NEW WEBSITE OF THE GEF SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME (UNDP, 2006) This new site of the Small Grants Programme funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) features a new mapping tool allowing precise illustration of the small grant programme project locations through Google Earth, a new project photo galleries and an indicator system for improved monitoring of project impacts. The new website.
THE REAFFIRMATION OF THINKING GLOBALLY, ACTING LOCALLY (UNDP, 2006) Launched by the GEF Small Grants Programme at the GEF Assembly, this publication documents the successes and challenges faced by non-governmental and community-based organizations implementing GEF-supported projects, providing lessons learned for enhanced project implementation. The publication.
AN INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK FOR CLEAN ENERGY AND
DEVELOPMENT: A PROGRESS REPORT
HOW THE WORLD BANK'S INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK SELLS THE
CLIMATE AND POOR PEOPLE SHORT
SOUTH CENTRE BULLETIN ARTICLES ON TRIPS AND THE CBD
WTO REPORTS ON BIOTECH DISPUTE
THE WORLD DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2007: DEVELOPMENT AND
THE NEXT GENERATION
PROMOTING GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES IN THE
URBAN TRANSPORT SECTOR
GENDER, POVERTY AND ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS ON
AFRICAN COUNTRIES 2006
SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT: CHALLENGES,
OPPORTUNITIES, AND TRADE-OFFS
CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT - INTEGRATING ADAPTATION
INTO WORLD BANK GROUP OPERATIONS
DOHA DEVELOPMENT AGENDA AND AID FOR TRADE
SUSTAINING THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE WORLD BANK
POVERTY, HEALTH, AND ECOSYSTEMS: EXPERIENCE FROM ASIA (IUCN, Asian Development Bank, 2006) This book, edited by Paul Steele, Gonzalo Oviedo, and David McCauley presents a series of case studies focusing on the links between poverty, health and ecosystems in poor and often resource-dependent households across Asia. Case studies illustrate the links between livelihoods and ecosystems, highlighting pressures on some agricultural systems, effects of ecosystem pollution on health, as well as the complex linkages between gender, poverty and environment. The book.
EBRD SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2005 (EBRD, June 2006) This report looks at the promotion of sustainability by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This year's report has a special focus on energy, covering the development of the EBRD's new energy policy and its activities across the energy sector. Case studies also address the Bank's consideration of environmental and social issues in project finance. The report.
TRADING PRECAUTION: THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE AND THE WTO (UN University, Institute of Advanced Studies, November 2005) This report by Sabrina Shaw and Risa Schwartz explores the role of precaution in the WTO Agreement. The paper examines the debate on the evolution of the precautionary principle in the context of the WTO and considers proposals to "enhance the incorporation of this principle in the rules of the multilateral trading system and to diminish tensions in this regard between the WTO and MEAs" (multilateral environmental agreements). The authors suggest that the WTO dispute settlement system "may not be the best way in which to resolve disputes in these important areas of policy making." The report.
(UNEP, 2006) The UN Environment Programme's Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) and 14 of the world's largest investment companies have prepared a report that confirms the growing importance of environmental, social and governance concerns to the global investment industry. The 47-page report draws on work by a group of leading financial institutions and considers the impact of qualitative and new risk issues on company value. Industries covered include the auto-industry, aerospace and defense, the media, and the food and beverage industries. The report.
TRADE ON HUMAN TERMS: THE ASIA-PACIFIC HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2006
GENDER AND TRADE: OVERVIEW REPORT (2006)
PODCAST: WORLD BANK
ON GAS FLARING
THE VIEW FROM THE
SUMMIT: GLENEAGLES G8 ONE YEAR ON
AMERICA'S FREE TRADE FOR ILLEGAL TIMBER – HOW US
TRADE PACTS SPEED THE DESTRUCTION OF THE WORLD'S FORESTS
TAXING CARBON TO FINANCE TAX REFORM
WORLD
DEVELOPMENT INDICATORS 2006
TRACKING THE TREND TOWARDS MARKET CONCENTRATION: THE CASE OF THE
AGRICULTURAL INPUT INDUSTRY
WTO AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
LITTLE GREEN DATA
BOOK 2006
PRINCIPLES FOR
RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT
TRADE AND
ENVIRONMENT REVIEW, 2006
GENERAL AGREEMENT
ON TRADE IN SERVICES (GATS) AND WATER
SUSTAINABILITY REVIEW 2005
FIGHTING POVERTY: A BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
GLOBAL MONITORING REPORT 2006 The report places special emphasis on the importance of good governance to strengthen accountability for resource use and for development outcomes. It argues that donors and international finance institutions should strengthen their own anticorruption controls (including through the debarment and cross-debarment of suppliers engaging in bribery and corruption). The report also calls for increased transparency and technical assistance and funding to encourage good governance, rather than fragmenting and depleting already weak country systems. The report. CLEAN ENERGY AND DEVELOPMENT: TOWARDS AN INVESTMENT FRAMEWORK(World Bank, 2006) This paper discusses the issues underlying the development of an Investment Framework for Clean Energy and Development in the context of the Gleneagles Communiqué on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development, which was agreed in July 2005. The paper. SWISSCOM SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (Swisscom, 2006) Swisscom, the largest telecom operator in Switzerland, has integrated a sustainability report into this 2005 Annual Report, bringing together the economic, social and environmental performance of the business in a single document based on Global Reporting Initiative reporting guidelines. The report.
(BP, 2006) Global energy group BP's Sustainability Report 2005 is entitled "Making energy more." The report.
TRADE AND MARKET-RELATED INSTRUMENTS TO REINFORCE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE FISHING PRACTICES (International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development and High Seas Task Force, March 2006) This report identifies measures that can be applied to strengthen the linkages between trade policy, fisheries management, and sustainable development. The measures examined include policies and practices used to monitor and track seafood products from the time the fish are caught through to when it is sold to final consumers. Particular attention is given to measures that shape the incentives faced by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) operators. More information.
ASSESSING WORLD BANK
SUPPORT FOR TRADE, 1987-2004
IMPLEMENTING
DFID'S CONDITIONALITY POLICY: A HOW-TO NOTE A GUIDE TO BIODIVERSITY FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR (IFC, 2006) The International Finance Corporation, a part of the World Bank Group involved in financing private sector initiatives, has launched a Web-based guide to help companies operating in emerging markets understand, manage, and benefit from biodiversity. The guide.
THE EU'S RESPONSIBLITY AT THE WTO: ENVIRONMENT, GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT (Women in Development Europe, 2006) This publication, prepared by Women in Development Europe and Friend's of the Earth Europe, aims to contribute to a constructive dialogue between civil society representatives from the North and the South and representatives from the EU that could contribute to an EU trade policy consistent with social and gender justice and environmental sustainability. The first part reports on the public hearing, entitled "The EU's responsibility at the WTO: Environment, gender and development," highlighting issues such as the commodification of natural resources under the WTO, the importance of people's food sovereignty, the gender dimension of the trade agenda, and biosafety. The second part consists of an analysis of the outcome of the Hong Kong Ministerial meeting from a feminist and environmentalist perspective. The publication.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND GENDER EQUITY: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH AND POLICY (UNRISD, 2006) This paper provides a summary of the empirical and policy-related literature on the multifaceted relationships between gender inequalities and foreign direct investment (FDI). The literature on gender and FDI is evaluated with reference to the broader literature on FDI and economic development, new research directions are identified, and the policy implications of managing FDI for development and gender equity are discussed. The paper.
OVERVIEW OF THE WTO BIOTECH DISPUTE AND THE INTERIM RULING (ICTSD, March 2006) Written by Heike Baumüller, Knirie Søgaard and Yvonne Apea, this report provides an overview of the WTO case on biotechnology products filed by the US, Canada and Argentina against the EU, and an analysis of the findings in the recent interim ruling. It includes a table summarizing the parties' main arguments. The report.
MACROECONOMIC CHALLENGES OF SCALING UP AID TO AFRICA: A Checklist for Practitioners (IMF, March 2006) Edited by Sanjeev Gupta, Robert Powell, and Yongzheng Yang, this handbook provides a checklist of the macroeconomic challenges that low-income countries are likely to face if they begin to receive significantly higher official development assistance (ODA) than in the recent past, identifying five fundamental guidelines for preparing a scaling-up scenario to guide a country's efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The handbook.
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SUSTAINABLE FINANCE: MOVING FROM PAPER PROMISES TO PERFORMANCE (Bank Track /WWF 2006) This report analyzes the environmental and social performance of key finance institutions. It argues that if the financial industry is to be a reliable, effective and profitable catalyst for sustainable development, it must not only adopt strong and comprehensive policies, but must also introduce comprehensive risk management systems that ensure rigorous implementation of the policies. It concludes that policy development is currently too embryonic and information about implementation too guarded, to determine whether the banking industry has crossed the threshold into a promising new era of green finance – or merely refined the discredited old tools of "greenwash". The report.
DEVELOPMENT OUTREACH – "EQUITY AND DEVELOPMENT" ISSUE (World Bank Institute, February 2006) The latest online issue of "Development Outreach" from the World Bank Institute features a special focus on equity and development, with articles by renowned specialists expanding on the connection between equity and economic growth in all regions of the world, including an editorial which argues that greater equity is a key ingredient of long-term prosperity. The February 2006 issue.
WINNERS AND LOSERS: Impact of the Doha Round on Developing Countries (Carnegie Endowment, 2006) This report by Sandra Polaski presents a new model to analyze the potential impacts of the negotiations and underlying economic interests of the WTO's diverse members. The report uses novel tools such as modeling unemployment in developing countries and separating agricultural labor markets from urban unskilled labor markets. The aim is to produce a more accurate analysis of the impact of trade policies on both developing and developed countries. The report's concludes that: any of the plausible trade scenarios will produce only modest gains for the world; agricultural trade is not a panacea for most poor countries; the poorest countries may actually lose from any agreement reached; and additional special measures will be needed to ensure that the least developed countries succeed. The report.
(bepress, 2006) This article, authored by Edward Barbier and Geoffrey Heal, appears in The Economists' Voice 3:3, an online peer-reviewed journal. The article considers an emerging field aimed at valuing ecosystems, whose purpose is to help policy makers decide things such as how best to provide New York with clean water or the role that expanded wetlands might play in limiting storm damage in New Orleans. More information.
POVERTY REDUCTION AND GROWTH: VIRTUOUS AND VICIOUS CIRCLES (World Bank, 2006) This publication by G.E. Perry, J.H. Lopez , W.F. Maloney , O. Arias and L. Serven addresses the existence of vicious circles in which low growth and high poverty reinforce each other. With case studies from Latin America and the Caribbean this volume analyses the ways and means to transform vicious circles into virtuous circles of high growth and poverty reduction. More information.
WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PROSPECTS (WESP) 2006 (UN, 2006) The report contains the UN's annual analysis of current developments in the world economy and emerging policy issues including short-term global and regional economic trends, and major developments in international trade. This report predicts that the world economy will continue to grow at a rate of 3 percent, with the US remaining the main engine of global economic growth even as larger developing economics gain importance. The report.
RESOURCE BOOK ON TRIPS AND DEVELOPMENT (ICTSD; UNCTAD 2005) This book presents a comprehensive yet practical guide to the Trade Related International Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement with the aim to clarify the TRIPS implications for developing and least-developed countries, especially highlighting the areas in which the TRIPS Agreement leaves some leeway to World Trade Organization (WTO) members for the pursuit of their own policy objectives, according to their respective levels of development and discussing the details of WTO dispute settlement procedures. The book.
SOUTH ASIAN YEARBOOK OF TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (CENTAD, 2005) This publication is a collection of twelve research papers on different aspects of the debate surrounding trade and development issues in South Asian countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka). Papers relevant to sustainable development include: "TRIPS implementation and public health safeguards," and "Emerging issues relating to conflicts between TRIPS and biodiversity: Development implications for South Asia." The publication.
THE TYRANNY OF FREE TRADE: WASTED NATURAL WEALTH AND LOST LIVELIHOODS (Friends of the Earth International, 2006) This publication highlights the impacts of current trade negotiations on biodiversity, forests, fisheries and food resources, and the consequent losses of livelihoods for poor communities around the world. It notes the need to take these impacts into account to prevent outcomes that will increase poverty and marginalization. The publication.
IISD COMMENTS ON OECD DRAFT POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR INVESTMENT (IISD, 2006) In January 2006, the OECD published a draft Policy Framework for Investment, available on the OECD website for public comments. The International Institute for Sustainable Development has prepared comments focused on three "big picture" issues, as opposed to the multitude of details in the draft Framework. IISD's comments focus on what it states are the "failed assumptions" that lie behind the text, the flawed toolbox chosen to address these assumptions, and the outmoded separation of governmental and business rights and responsibilities. The response concludes that the problems in each of these areas are similar to those that led to the lack of success of the OECD's Multilateral Agreement on Investment negotiations in the mid-1990s, and are no less serious now for the design of a major OECD policy instrument on foreign investment, as they were then for a legal instrument. The paper.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TRIPS AGREEMENT AND THE CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY (WTO Secretariat, February 2006) This document (IP/C/W/368/Rev.1) is an update to a 2002 paper. It reviews the ongoing debate and positions on the relationship between WTO and the CBD on intellectual property rights, reflecting upon the past eight years of discussion within the WTO. It is divided into three sections: general views on the relationship between the TRIPS agreement and the CBD; patentability of generic resources and the CBD; and the TRIPS agreement and prior informed consent/benefit-sharing. The document.
AN ANALYSIS OF TRADE RELATED INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD AND THEIR EFFECTS ON DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (IFPRI, February 2006) Authored by Guillaume P. Gruère, this paper reviews current trade-related regulations of genetically modified (GM) food and discusses their effects on developing countries. The author notes that there is a large heterogeneity in current import approval and marketing policies of GM food worldwide and that harmonization efforts at the international level are led by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and the World Trade Organization. The author argues that, while internationally harmonized guidelines for safety approval have been finalized, there is no clear consensus on labeling regulations for GM food, and there is an increasing risk of conflicts among international agreements. The GM food regulations of two large importers, Japan and the EU are analyzed, and their differences and potential impact on international trade discussed. The main spillover effects of national and international regulations on developing countries' policy making are addressed and four policy arrangements are suggested, to enable developing countries to satisfy production, consumption, international trade, and risk management objectives while complying with their international obligations. The paper.
CATALYZING CHANGE: A SHORT HISTORY OF THE WBCSD (WBCSD, 2006) This publication reviews the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's past ten years, examining the people and points that inspired business leaders to engage in sustainable development. The report.
FROM CHALLENGE TO OPPORTUNITY: THE ROLE OF BUSINESS IN TOMORROW'S SOCIETY (WBCSD, 2006) This WBCSD publication is signed by eight business leaders who are part of WBCSD's "Tomorrow's Leaders Group" and represent Adidas, BP, CLP, GrupoNueva, Procter & Gamble, Storebrand, Swiss Re and TNT. They argue that tomorrow's leading companies will be those that address the world's major challenges, including poverty, climate change, resource depletion globalization and demographic shifts, and suggest new business models that would improve the bottom line while tackling these issues. The report.
INVESTMENT PROVISIONS IN FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS AND INVESTMENT TREATIES: OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (UNDP, December 2005) The United Nations Development Programme has published a discussion paper authored by Mark Halle and Luke Eric Peterson of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), publishers of Linkages Update. The paper analyses some of the potential development policy implications of international investment rules. The paper.
TRADE AND ENVIRONMENT REVIEW 2006 (UNCTAD, 2006) The review analyzes the impact of environmental requirements on access to markets by developing countries. It focuses on different sectors and products and provides conclusions to aid developing countries in coping more effectively with these requirements. Read the review.
(GEF, 2005) A practical guide intended to help understand how the GEF operates, how to access its funds, and how to influence its policies, was developed by, and is targeted at, NGOs. It contains several sections explaining the structure, operation, history and programs of the GEF. The guide.
ASIAN ENVIRONMENT OUTLOOK 2005: MAKING PROFITS, PROTECTING OUR PLANET – CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ADB, 2005) This report focuses on private sector engagement for sustainable development. It highlights the private sector's role in solving the unprecedented environmental strains facing the Asia-Pacific region and examines the emerging global pressuresand opportunitiesfor improved environmental performance. It provides insights and advice on how collaboration with the private sector may balance regulatory control with market instruments, help create new business opportunities, and achieve sustainable development. The report.
CHALLENGING PRECONCEPTIONS ABOUT TRADE IN SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS: TOWARDS WIN-WIN-WIN FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES (IIED Sustainable Markets Discussion Paper Number 1, November 2005) This paper by Nicola Borregaard and Annie Dufey aims to challenge established preconceptions in the international trade debate related to sustainable products, eco-labelling, and production and process methods, with the objective of aiding the design of policies to support sustainable products in developing countries. The report.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND MULTILATERAL TRADE COOPERATION (Palgrave Macmillan / World Bank, December 2005) This book, edited by B. Hoekman and S. Evenett, analyses how the current global trading system could be made more supportive of economic development, without eroding core WTO rules. More information.
WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND PROSPECTS 2006 (ECOSOC, February 2006) This report was launched during the February 2006 organizational session of the UN Economic and Social Council by Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Jose Antonio Ocampo. It is the UN's annual analysis of current developments in the world economy and emerging policy issues. The report.
The roles of the IMF, the World Bank, and the WTO in liberalization and privatization of the water services sector (CNES, 2005) Written by Nancy Alexander for the Citizens Network on Essential Services (CNES), this book considers the implications of policies favoring privatizing the water sector, particularly on the lowest income groups. It concludes that, without adequate regulation and government involvement, privatization can result in the loss of the "right to water." The report.
TRADE, AID AND SECURITY – SIX KEY OBJECTIVES (IISD, IUCN, 2006) IISD and IUCN-The World Conservation Union have released a series of six policy briefings explaining where policy makers should focus their attention if trade and aid policies are to support peace and security effectively. The briefings.
Corporate Responsibility - The connected world in 2006 (Ethical Corporation, January 2006) This short report published by Ethical Corporation considers what the major themes of 2006 might be in the area of corporate responsibility. It highlights government policy, engagement with civil society, innovation, transparency and increased accountability as key issues. The report.
ENVIRONMENT AND TRADE (SECOND EDITION) (UNEP, IISD, 2005) This handbook, which was published by the UN Environment Programme and the International Institute for Sustainable Development (publishers of Linkages Update), is aimed at a wider audience interested in environment and trade issues, rather than just specialists. The publication explains how trade can affect the environment, both positively and negative, and how environmental concerns can "work through the trading system to foster or frustrate development in both rich and poor countries." The report.
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