TRADE-RELATED MEASURES AND MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENTS
(UNEP, 2007)
This paper contributes to ongoing negotiations at the World Trade
Organization (WTO) by analyzing multilateral environment agreement (MEA)
trade-related measures in the context of their overall objectives. In
particular, the paper provides a detailed review of the main provisions
and specific trade-related measures found in six MEAs and explores the
role these measures play in the overall context of the MEAs. The paper
recommends a framework for considering trade-related measures in
reference to the functions they perform, and notes that MEAs have
numerous features that contribute not only to their own effectiveness
but also support international trade rules, moving towards more
objective, science-based, and standardized approaches in addressing
shared environmental and health concerns. The
paper.
A PRELIMINARY
ANALYSIS OF MEA EXPERIENCES IN IDENTIFYING AND FACILITATING THE TRANSFER
OF TECHNOLOGY: WHAT INSIGHTS CAN BE DRAWN FOR THE WTO EGS NEGOTIATIONS?
(UNEP and UNCTAD, 2007)
Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) Secretariats and their
parties have been engaged for a number of years in identifying relevant
technology and promoting technology transfer as a step towards achieving
MEA objectives. This paper examines this experience with a view to
enriching WTO negotiations on the liberalization of trade in
environmental goods and services. The paper finds that MEAs and their
Parties generally adopt a dynamic mechanism for technology
identification; designed to respond to the changing nature of
environmental challenges, scientific discoveries, technological
development, as well as changing economic, social and cultural
circumstances. The paper also notes that MEA Secretariats and parties
often adopt a "package" approach to technology and technology transfer,
where the transfer of the technology is complemented by capacity
building, technical assistance, training of personnel, sharing of
know-how, and exchange of information. The
paper.
developing countries international trade 2007:
Trade and Development Index
(UNCTAD, November 2007)
The United Nations Conference on Trade
and Development has launched the Trade and Development Index (TDI) 2007.
The TDI is a tool that aims at assisting governments in selecting
strategies to participate more effectively in the global economy and to
benefit from trade that can contribute towards sustainable development
and national economic growth. The TDI 2007 presents country profiles for
each of the 123 countries represented in the analysis. The
Index.
LEGAL EMPOWERMENT
FOR LOCAL RESOURCE CONTROL: SECURING LOCAL RESOURCE RIGHTS WITHIN
FOREIGN INVESTMENT PROJECTS IN AFRICA
(IIED, 2007)
This study, authored by Lorenzo Cotula, draws lessons from experience of
using legal processes to secure local resource rights within the context
of foreign investment projects in Africa. By increasing resource
control, effective use of these tools can help disadvantaged groups gain
greater control over their lives ("legal empowerment"). The
resource.
MULTILATERAL ENVIRONMENTAL AGREEMENT NEGOTIATOR'S HANDBOOK
(University of Joensuu, 2007)
Environment Canada, the UN Environment Programme and Joensuu University
(Finland) produced the second edition of this Handbook. Is contains key
technical information and common sense advice for negotiators. The
Handbook.
CHINA AND
THE END OF POVERTY IN AFRICA: TOWARDS MUTUAL BENEFIT?
(European Network on Debt and Development, October 2007)
This report, written by Penny Davies, examines China's increasing role
as a donor in Africa. The author argues that China's assistance to and
cooperation with Africa is changing the rules of lending and aid giving
practiced by Western governments. The
report.
FOOD MILES OR POVERTY
ERADICATION: THE MORAL DUTY TO EAT AFRICAN STRAWBERRIES AT CHRISTMAS
(Oxford Institute for Energy Studies & Oxford Climate Policy, 2007)
This article by Benito Müller addresses the controversy regarding
discouraging consumers, particularly in the UK, from buying produce from
developing countries because of the transport carbon emissions involved
in the process, especially in the case of air freight. Müller examines
the effect that such an environmental consumer boycott could have on the
efforts to eradicate poverty in developing countries, and proposes using
carbon offsets to ensure the income of the poorest and most vulnerable
countries. The
article.
BIOFUELS AT WHAT
COST? GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ETHANOL AND BIODIESEL IN THE EUROPEAN UNION
(IISD Global Subsidies Initiative, October 2007)
This report by Géraldine Kutas, Carina Lindberg and Ronald Steenblik
questions the rationale behind the large sums of money being invested in
support of biofuels, noting the forthcoming EU policy review provides an
opportunity for the Commission and Member States to recognize that
mandatory domestic production and consumption of biofuels is an
expensive and inefficient means to achieve the stated policy outcomes.
The authors recommend that the EU and its Member States should: avoid
instituting new consumption mandates for biofuels or new specific
subsidies to the industry; eliminate all tariffs on imported fuel
ethanol; improve the information available on government support
provided to the biofuels industry; and put in place an evaluation
process to assess the cost-effectiveness of each Member State's support
policies in attaining the objectives underlying the EU biofuels policy.
The
report.
UNDERMINING COMMUNITIES AND THE
ENVIRONMENT: A REVIEW OF IFC's ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY
GUIDELINES FOR MINING
(The Center for Science in Public Participation, 2007)
This report, which was produced by a coalition of nongovernmental
organizations with experience monitoring the mining sector, criticizes
the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) draft guidelines for
managing the environmental and public health impacts of large-scale
mining projects. The report highlights the lack of specificity of the
performance standards, and failure to stipulate appropriate measures to
prevent contamination of local water sources by toxic chemicals, ensure
proper disposal of mine waste or guarantee prior community consultation
on the design of mine closure plans. The
report.
THE STATE OF RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS: GLOBAL CORPORATE
RESPONSE TO ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) CHALLENGES
(Ethical Investment Research Services- EIRIS, September 2007)
This report provides
an overview of the extent to which companies are addressing their
activities' environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts. The
issues analyzed are corporate governance, equal opportunities, human
rights, supply-chain labor standards, environmental responsibility, and
community involvement. This study focuses on these issues to illustrate
a cross section of key ESG risks that companies face and key
sustainability issues of interest to clients. Other topics examined
include climate change, HIV/AIDS and responsible business approaches in
emerging markets. The
report.
WORLD INVESTMENT REPORT 2007
(UNCTAD, October 2007)
The World Investment Report 2007, launched by the UN Conference
on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), examines activities of transnational
corporations in extractive industries and their development
implications. The report also explores policy options aimed at ensuring
tangible and long-term gains for growth and development in developing
countries. The
report.
THE MACROECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF MDG-BASED
STRATEGIES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
(UNDP International Poverty Centre, October 2007)
In this resource, authors John Weeks and Terry McKinley
attempt to outline the macroeconomic policies consistent with MDG-based
development strategies that can accelerate investment, economic growth
and human development. They call for more expansionary fiscal policies
focused on public investment, exchange-rate management focused on
fostering international competitiveness, and monetary policies that
support fiscal expansion and export promotion instead of low inflation
targets and high real rates of interest. The
policy research brief.
BRIDGES
TRADE BIORES REVIEW
(ICTSD, October 2007)
This new publication by the International Centre for Trade and
Sustainable Development will feature analyses, research updates, signed
articles and opinion pieces at the interface of trade, environment and
natural resources.
The
inaugural issue of the Review.
MOTHER EARTH: WOMEN
AND SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT
(UNDP, August 2007)
This publication, based on a review of the portfolio of the UN
Development Prorgamme-Global Environment Facility (UNDP-GEF)
projects, provides guidance on mainstreaming gender considerations into
sustainable land management and provides examples of women's
participation in new sustainable agricultural practices. The
book.
TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
REPORT 2007: REGIONAL COOPERATION FOR DEVELOPMENT
(UNCTAD, September 2007)
The 2007 Trade and Development Report focuses on regional cooperation.
The report highlights that developing countries should strengthen
regional cooperation with other developing countries. The report notes
that North-South bilateral or regional preferential trade agreements
should not be limited to trade liberalization but extend to policy,
monetary and financial arrangements and industrial policies. The report
concludes that regional cooperation provides a sound basis for meeting
the MDGs. The
report.
2006 SURVEY ON MONITORING
THE PARIS DECLARATION
(OECD, 2007)
This report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development
(OECD) assesses the effectiveness of aid at helping developing countries
eradicate poverty. The report presents the results of a survey conducted
in 34 developing countries and in 55 donor countries. It points to major
areas that must be addressed if countries and donors are to accelerate
progress on achieving the Paris Declaration. The
overview survey
and
country chapters.
GEF TALKING POINTS
NEWSLETTER
(GEF, September 2007)
The September edition of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Talking
Points Newsletter features an article by GEF's Chair/CEO Monique Barbut
explaining the steps in GEF's new 22-month project cycle. She also
presents a Public Private Partnership, notes updates to focal area
strategies, and highlights the development of "Operational Guidelines
for the Application of the Incremental Cost Principle," a five-step
process to simplify the negotiation of incremental costs. The
newsletter.
PRINCIPLES FOR
RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT: REPORT ON PROGRESS 2007
(UNEP and UN Global Compact, 2007)
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) Report on Progress 2007
presents a detailed account of how investors are integrating
environmental, social and governance issues within investment
decision-making and ownership practices. The Principles for Responsible
Investment are a set of voluntary guidelines that provide a framework
for the consideration of environmental, social and governance issues
within mainstream investment decisions. The
report.
MARKET MECHANISMS FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT: HOW DO THEY FIT IN THE VARIOUS POST-2012 CLIMATE EFFORTS?
(IISD, July 2007)
This report from Aaron Cosbey, Deborah Murphy and John Drexhage of the
International Institute for Sustainable Development examines how a
future market mechanism that supports sustainable development could fit
in the various scenarios being considered for the post-2012 period (when
the Kyoto Protocol's first commitment period expires). The report
considers a wide range of options and approaches to post-2012, arguing
that a successful future regime will need to balance the demands and
expectations of both developed and developing countries. The report also
suggests that any future regime that supports sustainable development
will need targets, although both intensity targets and sectoral targets
could be an option, as well as absolute targets. The
report.
UNDP-GEF INTERNATIONAL WATERS PROGRAMME – DELIVERING RESULTS
(UNDP-GEF, June 2007)
This publication highlights the results delivered to date by the UN
Development Programme-Global Environment Facility's (UNDP-GEF)
International Waters programme, which for 15 years has assisted over 100
countries to identify, prioritize and address key transboundary
environmental and water resources issues. The publication includes cases
on development and implementation of river and lake action plans and
water management projects. The
publication.
SUMMARY OF GEF COUNCIL MEETING
(GEF, 2007)
The Chairs' Summary of the June 2007 Global Environment Facility's (GEF)
Council meeting is available online and presents a comprehensive view of
GEF's planned activities and programme of work for the next four-year
period. The
summary.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: AN
IMPLEMENTATION GUIDE FOR BUSINESS
(IISD, 2007)
This guide, authored by Paul Hohnen and Jason Potts, offers strategic
and practical tools to implement corporate social responsibility (CSR)
in businesses. CSR offers a new business model aligning core business
strategy with social and environmental context, consequently
establishing better practices to create wealth and improve society. The
guide provides an implementation framework for businesses to begin
thinking and acting systematically about corporate social responsibility
and is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of
CSR, the second sets out a six-stage plan and the last looks at the
integral role stakeholders play in implementing an effective CSR
approach. The
guide.
CLIMATE
CHANGE, COMPETITIVENESS AND TRADE
(Chatham House, May 2007)
This new publication by Chatham House's Richard Tarasofsky and Aaron
Cosbey of the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
focuses on the nature of concerns over competitiveness, and considers
the relationship between the Kyoto Protocol and the World Trade
Organization. The authors consider "what trade law might be applicable
to each of the various possible instruments states might use to address
climate change and competitiveness concerns." The
report.
BANKING
ON VALUE: A NEW APPROACH TO CREDIT RISK IN AFRICA
(UNEP FI, 2007)
This study, carried out by the UN Environment Programme Finance
Initiative (UNEP FI), highlights how banks in South Africa and Nigeria
to an increasing extent factor environmental, social and governance (ESG)
issues into their credit risk assessment for corporate and consumer
loans. According to the study, the driving forces behind this
development include the requirements of multilateral banks and lending
bodies to meet ESG standards, as well as "reputational risks,"
reflecting concerns by banks over being linked to an environmentally
unfriendly or socially damaging project. The
study.
2007 WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION AND
PROSPECTS (MID-YEAR UPDATE)
(UNDESA, June 2007)
This mid-year update by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
(UNDESA) emphasizes that the world economy is still strongly tied to US
fortunes and, for current world economic growth rates to continue, it is
crucial to keep the US dollar from falling rapidly while also avoiding a
recession. It also highlights the importance of improving the employment
effects of positive growth in order to meet the Millennium Development
Goals. The
update.
PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT THROUGH TRADE: EXAMINING THE
LINKAGES BETWEEN TRADE, LIVELIHOODS AND SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT IN
DEGRADED AREAS
(ICTSD and GM, 2007)
This paper is the result of desk research and discussions held during
the exploratory dialogue on building an enabling environment for
increasing investment in sustainable land management (SLM) through
market access and trade, held in Geneva in February 2007. The paper
identifies: direct and indirect linkages between trade policies and
rules, SLM and livelihoods in arid areas, focusing on agricultural
trade; the potential of alternative livelihoods to enhance sustainable
use of land and natural resources by looking at the case of natural
products; and relevant policy instruments, mechanisms and tools for
enhancing SLM through trade. The
paper.
TRADE AND
ENVIRONMENT: A RESOURCE BOOK
(IISD, ICTSD, RING, 2007)
This book, edited by
Adil Najam, Mark Halle and Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz, provides information
and analysis on trade and environment discussions while explaining: the
key issues from a trade and environment perspective; the most important
policy debates around them; and the different policy positions that
define these debates. The
book.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL GOODS AND SERVICES: AN
ILLUSTRATIVE ANALYSIS OF SECTORS RELEVANT TO AIR-POLLUTION AND RENEWABLE
ENERGY
(United Nations University-Maastricht Economic and Social Research
and Training Centre on Innovation and Technology- UNU-MERIT, 2007)
This paper, authored by Lynn Mytelka, seeks to develop a broader
conceptualization of the technology transfer process and open the
discussion on the need for a multi-goal approach to Environment Goods
and Services (EGS) negotiations in the WTO. It argues that a broader
perspective must be adopted, with longer-term goals and processes and a
more integrated approach to EGS negotiations with the WTO. The paper
argues that such a conceptual reframing would reshape the dynamics of
North-South negotiations on EGS to include commitments, activities and
partnerships that strengthen the knowledge base, encourage learning and
innovation in the South, and address the global importance of
sustainable development. The
paper.
LITTLE GREEN DATA BOOK 2007
(World Bank, May 2007)
The "Little Green Data Book 2007" is a pocket-sized quick reference book
on key environment and development data for over 200 countries, based on
the World Development Indicators 2007. Country, regional,
and income group profiles provide a baseline for comparison on the state
of the environment and its linkages with the economy and people. This
year's publication affirms that carbon dioxide emissions – the principal
man-made cause of global warming – continue to rise, with the world
producing today 16 percent more carbon dioxide than in 1990. The
book.
THE STATE AND TRENDS OF THE CARBON MARKET 2007
(World Bank, May 2007)
The seventh annual carbon market intelligence study released by the
World Bank shows that the global carbon market tripled, from US$ 10
billion in 2005 to US$ 30 billion in 2006. It notes during the past
year, the market was dominated by the sale and resale of European Union
Allowances (EUAs) at a value of nearly US$ 25 billion; and the size of
the project-based market in developing countries and in countries with
economies in transition doubled to US$ 5 billion in 2006. The
study.
RESPONSIBLE
INVESTMENT IN FOCUS: HOW LEADING PUBLIC PENSION FUNDS ARE MEETING THE
CHALLENGE
(UKSIF
/UNEP FI, 2007)
This report, jointly prepared by the
United Kingdom Social Investment Forum (UKSIF) and the UN Environment
Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), highlights responsible
investment strategies being employed by some of the world's leading
public pension funds. Containing 15 case studies, the report is intended
to serve as practical guidance for the institutional investment
community on how and why leaders integrate environmental, social and
governance considerations into their investment processes. The
report.
ASIA'S SMART GROWTH: RESOURCEFUL STRATEGIES FOR ASIA
(Far Eastern Economic Review, April 2007)
The article, written by Paul Steele and Sergio Feld, outline how Asia
can manage its natural resources to promote economic growth and benefit
the poor. The authors describe how natural resources can contribute to
national economic growth, which creates jobs and adds to the total
income of government revenues, ultimately helping the poor. The
article.
AID
EFFECTIVENESS: OPENING THE BLACK BOX
(World Bank, January 2007)
This paper, authored by François Bourguignon
and Mark Sundberg, examines the complex links between aid flows
and development outcomes and argues that there are no simple cause and
effect answers in this debate, making attribution difficult. It examines
what is known about aid effectiveness, recent trends and the emerging
aid model. The
paper.
GLOBAL MONITORING REPORT 2007: MDGs
CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGES OF GENDER EQUALITY AND FRAGILE STATES
(World Bank, April 2007)
The 2007 Global Monitoring Report takes stock of progress toward
achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and assesses the
contributions of developing countries, donor nations and the
international financial institutions as they work toward meeting
commitments under the 2002 Monterrey consensus. The report highlights
areas of progress and gaps where greater effort is required. The
report's special topicsachieving gender equality and addressing the
problems of fragile statespresent two areas where challenges confront
the international community. The
report.
SHOULD THE GREEN BOX BE MODIFIED?
(International Food and Agriculture Trade Policy Council, March
2007)
This paper by David Blandford and Timothy Josling raises questions
regarding the Green Box category subsidies, and its relevance in the
Doha Round where agricultural subsidies are at the heart of current
negotiations. It analyses how this set of permitted
"non-trade-distorting" subsidies may best be utilized to meet the needs
of both rich and poor countries. The
report.
BACKGROUND PAPER ON MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION
(PROFOR, April 2007)
This paper on means of implementation, written by a team of independent
experts (Hosny El-Lakany, Michael Jenkins, and Michael Richards)
commissioned by the World Bank's Program on Forests (PROFOR), serves as
background information for discussions at the seventh session of the UN
Forum on Forests (UNFF-7). The paper reviews current and emerging
financial instruments or "financial architecture" for forestry and
discusses the range of financial or incentive instruments that can
respond to UNFF objectives. It also discusses the possibility of
establishing a Forest Financing Mechanism. The
paper.
ONLINE ATLAS OF THE
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS
(World Bank, April 2007)
The World Bank launched this website, which translates data on some of
the world's development challenges into maps designed for a lay
audience. The maps are derived from the Bank's World Development
Indicators database, and depict progress toward meeting the Millennium
Development Goals. The
website.
CORPORATE SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IN INDIA: ASSESSING
THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT'S ROLE
(German
Development Institute, 2007)
This report assesses to what extent the UN Global Compact
contributes to improved corporate social responsibility (CSR) in India.
The study finds that very few civil society organizations are involved
in shaping the CSR agenda, and that most companies prefer business
self-regulation in CSR. To strengthen the Global Compact's and CSR's
role in India, the report recommends that the
structure of the national Global Compact networks should be improved by
integrating civil society organizations. The
report.
POLICY DIRECTIONS TO 2050: A BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION
TO THE DIALOGUES ON COOPERATIVE ACTION
(WBCSD, 2007)
This publication by the World
Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD) emphasizes the role
of decisive, concerted and sustained actions between governments,
businesses and consumers to combat climate change. The
report.
THE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF REGIONAL PROGRAMS
(World Bank, 2007)
This evaluation assesses World Bank
support for regional development programs over fiscal years 1995-2005,
based on evaluations of 19 regional programs and a review of the Bank's
total portfolio of some 100 regional operations. It finds that a
majority of the programs evaluated have been or appear likely to be
effective in achieving most of their development objectives, but
suggests that stronger results could be achieved if regional program
support were better developed as an international development practice.
The
report.
SUBSIDIZING
BIOFUELS BACKFIRES
(IISD, March 2007)
This commentary by David Runnals questions the environmental and
economic reasoning behind current and planned US subsidies to biofuel
production, and calls for further analysis of the costs and impacts of
such policies. The
commentary.
Case studies
highlighting the gendered dynamic around agriculture, trade and food
sovereignty
(International Gender and Trade Network and the
Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy,
2007)
The paper, written by K. Sampson, C. Morrison, B. Marta, M. B.
Chiappe, is a collection of case studies that
focus on transforming women's livelihoods in relation to food,
agriculture and trade. The paper provides a gendered approach in
analyzing issues related to food security and food sovereignty.
The
paper.
Archive of Publications on Environmental-Economic Accounting
(UN Statistics
Division, 2007)
This new searchable archive has been developed under the auspices of
the UN Committee of Experts on Environmental-Economic Accounting (UNCEEA).
It makes methodological publications and country practices on
environmental-economic accounting widely available, and seeks to
facilitate the work of statisticians, researchers and practitioners in
the field. The
archive of publications.
ASIAN
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT IN AFRICA: TOWARDS A NEW ERA OF COOPERATION
AMONG DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(UNCTAD, 2007)
This report, a joint undertaking between the UN Conference on Trade and
Development (UNCTAD) and the UN Development Programme, states that Asian
investment in Africa is becoming an important and promising aspect of
economic cooperation among developing countries. To reap the potential
of expanding Asian interest, the report notes that African countries
need to enhance their productive capacities in a variety of industries.
The
report.
TRANSBOUNDARY WATER MANAGEMENT AS A REGIONAL PUBLIC GOOD: FINANCING
DEVELOPMENT – AN EXAMPLE FROM THE NILE BASIN
(SIWI, 2007)
This report, published by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)
with financial support from the Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency (Sida), focuses on public goods in the context of the
Nile Basin. It explores public goods as one justification for soft
financing, such as grant financing that complements other sources of
public and private financing, thus enhancing the financial
sustainability of cooperative river-basin management and development
projects that provide important public goods. The report finds evidence
that investment in water resources management and development holds
significant opportunities for economic development in the Nile Basin.
The
report.
BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATIES
– IMPLICATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIONS FOR REGULATION
(FES, February 2007)
This report, authored by Luke Eric Petersen, summarizes discussions at
the international workshop "Bilateral Investment Treaties – Implications
for Sustainable Development and Options for Regulation," held in Berlin,
Germany, on 10 December 2006, organized by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
(FES). The
report.
THE SPS
AGREEMENT AND BIOSAFETY
(FAO, March 2007)
Authored by Melvin Spreij, this legal paper includes
a general introduction to the World Trade Organization, its objectives,
functions and structure, and to the relevant WTO Agreements in the
biosafety area, notably the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Measures (the SPS Agreement). It also presents the
findings of the Panel Report in the recent biotech dispute and
identifies some areas of potential conflict between the Biosafety
Protocol and the SPS Agreement. The concluding remarks contain some
practical considerations on drafting biosafety legislation.
The
paper.
International trade in biofuels:
good for development? and good for environment?
(IIED, 2007)
This briefing, written by Annie Dufey, argues that biofuels can help
address climate change problems and improve rural employment and
livelihoods. The briefing provides some policy solutions. The
briefing.
POLICY
SPACE: ARE WTO RULES PREVENTING DEVELOPMENT?
(ODI, January 20007)
This Overseas Development Institute (ODI) briefing paper argues that
developing countries need "policy space" to use policy to promote
development, but current international rules limit it. The paper
indicates that areas where trade agreements are or may restrict
developing countries are tariffs, investment and provisions under the
Trade Related Intellectual Property (TRIPS) agreement. The
briefing paper.
UNLOCKING VALUE: THE SCOPE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE
ISSUES IN PRIVATE BANKING
(UNEP FI, 2007)
This report, issued by the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative
(UNEP FI) Asset Management Working Group, addresses the opportunities
and barriers associated with environmental, social and governance (ESG)
inclusive investments in the private banking industry. The
report.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN BIOFUELS: GOOD FOR DEVELOPMENT? AND GOOD FOR
ENVIRONMENT?
(IIED, January 2007)
This brief by Annie Dufey notes that the global biofuels market offers
important opportunities to bring together the economic, environmental
and social agendas both in developing countries and globally. However, a
lack of robust regulations may lead to specific problems. The brief
emphasizes the increasing urgency of designing a path for the global
biofuels industry that supports sustainable development. The
brief.
TRADING AWAY OUR OCEANS, WHY TRADE
LIBERALIZATION OF FISHERIES MUST BE ABANDONED
(Greenpeace, January 2007)
This paper aims to show the real and negative conservation and
development impacts of trade liberalization in fish and fishery
products, which were included in the catch-all scope of the Doha Round's
Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations. The
paper.
GLOBAL
SUBSIDIES INITIATIVE (GSI) DATABASES
(IISD, 2007)
The Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI), a project of the International
Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), provides a series of
on-line searchable databases on literature that relates to agriculture,
energy, fisheries and services subsidies. A database on WTO subsidy
notifications is also available, with a link to the WTO's notifications,
indicating the date of publication, period that subsidies were reported
and sectors to which they were granted. The
GSI website and databases.
GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATORS AS
TRADE-RELATED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
(UNDP, January 2007)
This Discussion Paper, written by Swarnim Waglé, covers how the
protection of geographical indicators (GIs), based on indication of
source (IS) and appellation of origin (AO), can contribute to better
human development and achievement of MDG-1 (reducing income poverty)
through the generation of local inflow of cash earnings. The paper
argues that GIs, as a one of the categories of intellectual property
(IP) listed in the WTO Agreement on TRIPS, are a more suitable mode of
IP protection to prevent illegal appropriation and abuse of traditional
knowledge, bio-resources and cultural industries. The
discussion paper.
THE ECONOMICS OF ILLEGAL LOGGING AND ASSOCIATED
TRADE
(OECD, 2007)
Written by Arnoldo Contreras-Hermosilla, Richard Doornbosch and Michael
Lodge, this paper outlines the nature, magnitude and consequences of
illegal logging in forest-rich producer countries, and programmes on
both the supply and demand side being implemented to reduce this
problem. The
paper.
WTO DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
MECHANISM: ONE-PAGE CASE SUMMARIES
(WTO, January 2007)
This first edition of One-page Case Summaries prepared by the WTO Legal
Affairs Division summarizes the core facts and findings contained in the
Dispute Settlement Mechanism's Panel and Appellate Body reports for 103
cases during the period 1995-2006. The
publication.
BUY FAIR: A GUIDE TO
THE PUBLIC PURCHASING OF FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS
(ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability, 2006)
This guide, which was written by Simon Clement and Peter Defranceschi,
presents advice for public authorities on the procurement of Fair Trade
products, including information on preparatory activities to be
completed before a tendering process, advice on minimizing legal
uncertainties in procurement and suggestions for other complementary
activities. The
guide.
ENGAGING
WITH FRAGILE STATES: AN IEG REVIEW OF WORLD BANK SUPPORT TO LOW-INCOME
COUNTRIES UNDER STRESS
(World Bank, 2006)
This report discusses the ability of fragile states, home to almost 500
million people, to reach the Millennium Development Goals and makes
recommendations to assist their governments. The
report.
IMPLICATIONS OF IPR RULES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
(University of London, 2006)
This research project by Queen Mary Intellectual Property Research
Institute (University of London), Ecologic, Universidad de Alicante, IP
Bulgaria, Chatham House and Centre for the Study of Globalisation and
Regionalisation (University of Warwick) includes documents on:
geographical indications, environment and development; developing best
practice models for provision of technical assistance in the
implementation of the TRIPs Agreement; access, IPRs and capacity
building in agriculture; assessing the economic implications of
different models for implementing the requirement to protect plant
varieties; exploring the flexibilities of TRIPs, biotechnology capacity
building and appropriate technology transfer; and disclosure of origin
in patent applications.
The project website.
SCALING UP MARINE MANAGEMENT: THE ROLE OF
MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
(World Bank, 2006)
In this report, the World Bank assesses factors likely to determine
marine protected areas' (MPA) success and identifies opportunities for
the Bank and its partners to scale up MPA implementation to meet global
conservation targets, such as those set at the World Summit on
Sustainable Development. The report focuses on how best to capture the
potential benefits of MPAs for helping the world's poor, while
addressing the sociocultural and political realities of restricting
access to the sea and regulating what has traditionally been considered
common property. The
report.
LINKING TRADE,
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
(ICTSD, November 2006)
This collection of issue briefs edited by Erwin Rose and Moustapha Kamal
Gueye addresses the points of contact between trade liberalization and
the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, and mutual
supportiveness between domestic and international measures to address
climate change and the international trade system. Issue briefs
summarize links between trade, climate change and energy; explain some
of the specific circumstances in Asia, especially China; and focus on
bioenergy, looking both at the global picture and at experiences in
Africa, Asia and Brazil. The
briefs.
SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING: BENEFITS FOR FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS IN DEVELOPING AND EMERGING ECONOMIES
(UNEP FI, December 2006)
A product of the UNEP Finance Initiative's Sustainability Management and
Reporting (SMR) Project, this report provides guidance on transparent
environmental and sustainability reporting for financial institutions in
developing and emerging economies, and identifies benefits stemming from
implementing SMR, including revenue growth, risk management, access to
capital, and cost savings. The
report.
If you
would like to submit details of
recently published documents and online resources,
send a message to
Diego Noguera, IISD
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