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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Location
Launch of Prindex Report: Global tenure security and property rights
The right to adequate housing and the peaceful enjoyment of private property are fundamental human rights. Yet, globally, the accessibility and security of these rights remain unequal and unsustainable.
FAO launches a new project to improve land governance and reduce conflicts in the Central African Republic
The launch workshop for the project entitled "Improving land governance and reducing conflicts related to cross-border transhumance in the Republic of Chad, the Republic of Cameroon, and the Central African Republic" took place on 24th and 25th September 2024, under the auspices of the Minister of urban planning, land reform, cities, and housing of the Central African Republic.
HALCYON AGRI’S SUDCAM PLANTATION: The long way of suffering for Indigenous Peoples and local communities in Southern Cameroon
Sud-Cameroun Hévéa (“SudCam”), a giant monoculture rubber plantation and a Cameroonian subsidiary base of Halcyon Agri Corporation Limited (“Halcyon Agri”) has come under intense scrutiny and criticism due to the severe human rights violations and threats to biodiversity inflicted upon the surrounding Indigenous Peoples, local communities and workers.
SudCam: A Decade of Broken Promises and Community Struggles
In the villages surrounding SudCam's vast rubber plantation in Southern Cameroon, the contrast between initial promises and current reality is striking. More than a decade after the establishment of this Halcyon Agri Corporation Limited subsidiary, local communities face a radical transformation of their environment and way of life.
Amahoro@Scale longitudinal study
The context of Nyanza-Lac is both complex and interesting for researching land issues. It has a very high population density (more than 50% of the whole population of Makamba Province lives in Nyanza-Lac) and attracts flows of intra- and interregional migrants in search of fertile land and income-generating opportunities in the area.
Saameynta Longitudinal Research
The longitudinal study aims to delve into the link between displacement patterns and land governance in Somalia, as well as the impact of the solutions that are currently being used to address displacement in the context of the UN-led Saameynta program.
Potential Risks to Women’s Land Rights From Climate Actions: Exploring Matrilineal Communities in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Panama
This paper explores ways in which global actions to tackle climate change can potentially undermine women’s land tenure security. While there is greater cognizance of the role of secure land tenure as a critical enabler of global climate goals, climate actions that fail to account for differential tenure systems and gender dynamics risk eroding women’s customary land rights and associated social support systems. The paper recommends ways to balance climate goals with land rights protection.
Webinar recap: Inclusive Land Governance and Fit-for-Purpose Land Administration: Whose Purpose?
Bridging the Gap: Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Direct Climate Finance
Menare Royal Mabakeng
Can you describe who you are and your role?
I am Royal Mabakeng, a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Land and Spatial Sciences at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. I currently teach in the Bachelor of Land Administration and Honors programs. My courses focus on land policy and development (Honors), information systems law (Bachelor), and land administration theory and practice (Bachelor). We welcome both local and international students.