Neil Sorensen joined the Land Portal as its Communications Specialist in October 2015. He has extensive experience leading communications for international organizations and developing relationships with civil society, donors, intergovernmental agencies, the media and the private sector. Previously, Neil worked for the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) as a Governing Bodies Officer and Strategic Adviser to the Secretary of IFAD. He has also led communications for three international organizations, including the International Land Coalition, the International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP) and the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM). He holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) as well as a Bachelor’s degree with a double major in German and Sociology from St. Cloud State University.
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Securing Women’s Land and Property Rights: A Critical Step to Address HIV, Violence, and Food Security
In many parts of the world, women’s rights to land and property are systematically denied. Women have fewer or less secure rights than men, and discriminatory attitudes and practices undermine them. This leaves many women vulnerable, and almost entirely dependent on the men in their lives for basic economic survival.
Dependance on men can lead to entrapment in abusive relationships, less control over sexual relations, and less ability to produce food or secure food.
Making sense of land statistics and gender
New infographic by FAO and PIM on the correct use of land ownership statistics
“Making sense of Land, Statistics and Gender”, a new infographic by the Gender and Land Rights database (GLRD) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM) explores the correct use of land ownership statistics (ownership understood in a broad sense beyond individual property rights) and highlights how gender can influence land rights.
Poverty is Sexist 2016
Poverty is sexist. But where in the world is it toughest to be born a girl? The biggest determinants of a girl’s chances in life include her health, nutrition, education, economic opportunities and participation in decision-making.
Territorio Común: Garantizar los derechos a la tierra y proteger el planeta
Las vidas de cerca de 2.500 millones de personas dependen de tierras indígenas y comunitarias, que suponen más del 50% de la tierra del planeta; sin embargo, legalmente sólo son dueñas de una quinta parte. Los 5.000 millones de hectáreas restantes están desprotegidos y son vulnerables al acaparamiento por parte de entidades más poderosas como Gobiernos y empresas.
Terres Communes : Sécuriser les droits fonciers et protéger la planète
Près de 2,5 milliards de personnes dépendent de terres autochtones et communautaires représentant plus de la moitié des terres de la planète ; elles n'en détiennent pourtant légalement qu'un cinquième. Les cinq milliards d'hectares restants ne sont pas protégés et sont donc exposés à l'accaparement des terres par des entités plus puissantes, telles que les États et les grandes entreprises.
2.5 billion people at risk of hunger and poverty if land rights are not protected
NGOs call on governments to act to save people and planet
Indigenous Peoples and local communities protect half the world's land, but formally own just 10 percent, according to a report released today by a global alliance of NGOs.
The report, “Common Ground: Securing Land Rights and Safeguarding the Earth,” is published by the International Land Coalition (ILC), Oxfam, and the Rights and Resources Initiative (RRI).
Common Ground: Securing Land rights and safeguarding the earth
Up to 2.5 billion people depend on indigenous and community lands, which make up over 50 percent of the land on the planet; they legally own just one-fifth. The remaining five billion hectares remain unprotected and vulnerable to land grabs from more powerful entities like governments and corporations.
Forty years of community-based forestry: A review of its extent and effectiveness
Community-based forestry (CBF) includes “initiatives, sciences, policies, institutions and processes that are intended to increase the role of local people in governing and managing forest resources” (RECOFTC, 2013). It includes formalized customary and indigenous processes as well as government-led initiatives.