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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Vacancy Announcement : Data strategy and strategic development support
The New Customary Land Rights Act in Sierra Leone: Bringing informed community consent to responsible investment
In September 2022, Sierra Leone enacted unprecedented laws related to land, climate, and sustainable development. This new law transforms communities’ ability to protect their land rights and pursue sustainable development. This webinar will discuss the processes, the experiences, the challenges, and the context of this new law, highlighting the new responsibilities in Sierra Leone.
From conflict to public-private partnerships: Securing land-use rights and livelihoods in Mozambique
Mozambique’s 1997 land law recognises land rights acquired through customary practice and good faith occupancy, even without a formal title. However, the lack of transparent public confirmation or documentation can lead to conflict. Sr. Land and Resource Governance Advisor Karol Boudreaux discusses how a partnership between USAID and agribusiness Grupo Madal has helped the company and local communities address long-standing land-access issues and improve livelihoods.
10th anniversary of the CFS VGGT
Once again International Development organizations (World Bank, IFAD, FAO, USAID, GIZ and others) came together to discuss the Voluntary Guidelines, which were approved in May2012. An indisputable success of this was to have also associated the largest peasant movement, La Via Campesina, which from the day of approval enthusiastically applauded this process.
Third international Youth Land Governance Conference in Africa (CIGOFA 3)
The Third Youth Land Governance Conference is an international event themed: “Youth Access to Land for Peace and Security in Africa.
Unpacking the Land and Socio‐Economic Effects of the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Rural Kenya
Following its outbreak in late 2019, the Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has been reported to have had devastating human health, health systems, and socioeconomic impacts across the globe.
Showcasing transformative approaches for women’s land rights
This third Whose Land? webinar showcased gender transformative approaches on women’s land rights. Gender transformative approaches are defined by women acting as agents of change, transforming structural barriers and redefining gender norms. These approaches facilitate the participation of women in land governance decision-making processes, but require closing the land data gender gap.
A Just Transition for Communities: Can Wind and Solar Projects Turn Human Rights Lessons into Leadership?
Land acquisition without consent or compensation. Loss of cultural identity and traditions. Threats and violence against human rights defenders. These are just some of the human rights impacts Indigenous Peoples and other local communities face, among over 200 allegations against the renewable energy industry over the last decade as recorded by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre. The unlikely source of nearly half of these? Wind and solar projects.
First round of calls for #Blog4Land: Call for submissions!
Theme for first round: Gender & Property Rights
Land and housing are some of the most valuable assets for an individual. However, several studies and government records have historically revealed a gender skew in property ownership, with more men owning land and housing than women. According to the World Economic Forum, women hold less than 20% of the world’s land.