All publications and documents

We are on the cusp of a new economic era: one where growth is driven by the interaction between rapid technological innovation, sustainable infrastructure investment, and increased resource productivity. This is the only growth story of the 21st century. It will result in efficient, liveable cities; low-carbon, smart and resilient infrastructure; and the restoration of degraded lands while…

The main findings show that population growth and changes in our consumption patterns put unprecedented pressure on the planet's natural resources: • Over 75% of the Earth's land area is already degraded, and over 90% could become degraded by 2050. • Globally, a total area half of the size of the European Union (4.18 million km²) is degraded annually, with Africa and Asia being the…

The 3S Initiative – for Sustainability, Stability and Security in Africa – is an inter-governmental initiative helping to transform the narrative and unlock Africa’s potential. Countries participating in the 3S Initiative believe that social inclusion can be achieved hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship. If we harness Africa’s great strengths – its land, its traditions and its…

This book reconciles competing and sometimes contradictory forms of land use, while also promoting sustainable land use options. It highlights land use planning, spatial planning, territorial (or regional) planning, and ecosystem-based or environmental land use planning as tools that strengthen land governance. Further, it demonstrates how to use these types of land-use planning to improve…

Today, more than ever, we must work with nature, instead of against it. Demand for water is set to increase in all sectors. The challenge we must all face is meeting this demand in a way that does not exacerbate negative impacts on ecosystems. The stakes are high. Current trends suggest that around two thirds of forests and wetlands have been lost or degraded since the…

Food security and livelihood interventions save lives, safeguard livelihoods and strengthen resilience in conflict situations and can contribute to generating peace dividends and to sustaining peace. Unless peace is restored and structural changes made, the situation in these conflict-affected countries will continue to be volatile with millions of people facing Crisis conditions of food…