Webinar Recap: Traditional Authorities in Africa and Their Role in Land-Based Investment Governance
In a thought-provoking webinar moderated by Nolundi Luwaya, Director of the Land and Accountability Research Centre at the University of Cape Town, experts from across Africa convened to unravel the complexities of the role of traditional authorities in land-based investment governance. This event brought to light the unique challenges and strategies employed by traditional authorities in managing land-based investments.
Mining and Community Development Agreements: a panacea for community justice in Uganda?
Uganda’s extractives industry is growing exponentially and attracting both foreign and domestic mining companies. But too often, mineral-rich communities fail to benefit. Here, Kevin Bakulumpagi of ANARDE, Uganda discusses how Community Development Agreements can ensure affected communities both benefit from mining operations and are meaningfully engaged in agreements regulating mining activities
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.
Land-based investment in Tanzania: how simplified legal guides are empowering communities
Over the last 20 years in Tanzania, conflict has escalated between communities and foreign investors over land rights and land-based investments. Here, Masalu Luhula discusses how the use of simplified legal guides is helping to empower communities to engage in dialogue and negotiations with government authorities and investors – and to promote socially responsible land-based investment.
Water Politics Will Drive Kazakhstan’s Relations With China
Kazakhstan and China must reach mutually beneficial agreements on water issues.
by Wilder Alejandro Sanchez for Center for the National Interest
Kazakhstan on the brink
Blog written by AYJAZ WANI for Observer Research Foundation
Originally posted at https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/kazakhstan-on-the-brink/
Main photo: Getty
The Global Land Rush, Revisited
When the US housing bubble burst in late 2008, it dragged major banks into liquidation and destabilised financial systems worldwide. A long, era-defining recession ensued, ushering bank bailouts, currency crises and austerity measures. Meanwhile, China’s skyrocketing industrial production was shifting global economic power.
How do we channel the ESG investment boom towards low-income countries?
Private financial flows that are tracked against certain Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria reached record highs in 2020. But this boom may not be having a material impact, especially in low-income countries (LICs) which are most in need of it. Identifying and managing unknown financial risks can help re-balance the risk-reward ratio for sustainable investors.