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1. How to support a rights-based approach to nature-based solutions

Author:
Mikkel Funder and Marie Ladekjær Gravesen
Publication Date:
02-2022
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
While NbS offer many promises, it is critically important to ensure that such approaches safeguard and strengthen the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities in the use and governance of natural resources. The recent adoption of a Global Standard for NbS is an important step forward but the Standard needs support and additional actions if a rights-based approach is to be realized in practice. This policy brief provides recommendations for how Denmark can help ensure this.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Environment, Natural Resources, and Cooperation
Political Geography:
Europe and Denmark

2. Nature-based solutions to development and climate change challenges: Understanding ecosystem-based adaptation approaches

Author:
Marie Ladekjær Gravesen and Mikkel Funder
Publication Date:
08-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to climate- and development-related challenges have recently gained attention in development cooperation. Among other, approaches that fall under the NbS umbrella include Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), Ecosystem-based Mitigation (EbM) and Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR). This new DIIS Working Paper focuses on nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation, EbA. It provides an overview of selected lessons learnt from EbA in the context of development cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the opportunities and risks regarding poverty alleviation and rights. It generates learning for Danish development cooperation, including future programming under Denmark’s 2021 development strategy, in which NbS approaches are emphasised. However, the paper can also be read as a general discussion of experiences with EbA in the development context. The three-legged EbA approach focuses on human well-being, ecosystem management, and climate change adaptation. EbA has already been applied to a range of ecosystems, including the restoration of mangroves to shield them against storm and sea-level rises, the management of watersheds to protect against droughts and flooding, the management of rangelands to inhibit desertification and land degradation, and more sustainably managed fisheries and forestry to tackle food insecurity. EbA thus not only addresses the restoration of already degraded ecosystems, but also the sustainable use, management, and conservation of intact ecosystems. The paper provides a conceptual overview of EbA in relation to NbS, outlines the potential in using EbA approaches, and describes the landscape of the institutions and agencies that fund, promote and implement EbA. The paper then provides a synthesis of lessons learned from PES and REDD+ schemes that are of relevance to EbA. For instance, it is emphasised that many REDD+ measures have effectively existed as project islands that were not anchored in national or subnational planning and governance mechanisms. As a result, the conservation activities and socioeconomic benefits were often not effectively integrated or scaled up beyond small project sites. If comprehensively implemented, the EbA approach builds on these experiences by insuring full inclusion of stakeholders from all relevant sectors, as well as demanding full integration in existing policies, planning and governance practices from the ministry levels to sub-national governments. Among the final recommendations and possible entry points for Danish development cooperation, the paper highlights that the support must have a strong focus on ensuring that EbA is pro-poor (i.e. supports poverty alleviation) and rights-based (i.e. supports the rights of local resource users). Experience from EbA and related efforts show that EbA is not automatically pro-poor or supportive of local rights to natural resources and ecosystem services. In particular, there is insufficient attention to and knowledge of rights issues in EbA. Therefore, Danish development cooperation should help lead the way in ensuring that EbA takes a rights-based approach and supports poverty alleviation.
Topic:
Agriculture, Climate Change, Development, Environment, Poverty, Natural Resources, Water, Food, Governance, Inequality, Investment, and Land Rights
Political Geography:
Global Focus

3. Preparatory Study for the Evaluation of Denmark's Development Cooperation on Climate Change Adaptation: Overviews and analysis of Danish support to adaptation from 2008-2018

Author:
Lily Salloum Lindegaard, Mikkel Funder, and Esbern Friis-Hanse
Publication Date:
02-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
The Evaluation of Danish Support to Climate Change Adaptation in Developing Countries has just come out. But what knowledge does it build on and what fundamental questions does it explore? This Preparatory Study, commissioned by the EVAL Department of Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2019, lays the groundwork for the evaluation. It sought to help define the scope of the evaluation; identify potential country case studies, case projects and evaluation themes; and point out overarching issues and questions to be addressed in the evaluation. To do so, the study provides overviews of all Danish climate change adaptation-related Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 2008 to 2018 and of adaptation support through the Danish Climate Envelope, which provides Fast Start Finance for climate change mitigation and adaptation in developing countries. The study also includes an analysis of trends and gaps in the Climate Envelope. These, and other outputs from the study, are now available in this DIIS Working Paper. The paper’s analysis and findings continue to have relevance for discussions of how we approach climate change, particularly adaptation, in Danish development assistance.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Environment, Poverty, and Inequality
Political Geography:
Europe and Denmark

4. Integrating community development in public procurement of renewable energy generation: Lessons from South Africa

Author:
Mikkel Funder, Holle Wlokas, and Karen Holm Olsen
Publication Date:
03-2021
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Renewable energy is key to combatting climate change, but it is critical to ensure a just energy transition that benefits all. Denmark’s development cooperation supports the growth of large-scale renewable energy schemes in several countries, but what is good for recipient governments and Danish exports is not automatically good for the poor. In recent years large-scale wind- and solar schemes in developing countries have increasingly met with local resistance from communities who do not feel they benefit from such projects. How can Denmark help ensure that renewable energy projects contribute to community development in the areas where projects are situated? This policy brief provides lessons learnt and associated recommendations from one particular attempt to address this issue, namely South Africa’s efforts to incorporate community development as a criteria in the auction schemes through which renewable energy is procured. This policy is implemented through the nationwide REIPPP programme, which is among the few of its kind globally. While South Africa’s REIPPPP is not perfect and still developing, the programme does exemplify the basic principle that governments can build requirements for privately owned wind- and solar projects into procurement schemes. Requirements to finance community development, support Community Trusts, and allocate shares to communities are thus examples of approaches that could be developed and adapted elsewhere. In addition, the South African programme includes scoring and - performance criteria in the tendering and monitoring process that align with South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment policy. The South African experience also, however, illustrates how public, private and community interests may differ in terms of what community development is and how it should be supported. This highlights the importance of developing democratic and inclusive structures for debating and decision-making on the use and allocation of benefits from large-scale renewable energy projects. Drawing on the lessons from South Africa and other similar schemes, the policy brief recommends that Danish development cooperation should: Support the incorporation of community benefits in regulatory frameworks for public procurement of private renewable energy generation Support development of practice frameworks for community engagement in the renewable energy sector Support community co-ownership of renewable energy generation and democratic governance of benefit sharing arrangements The policy brief is the result of collaborative research between DIIS, Stellenbosch University and the UNEP DTU Partnership. It forms part of the wider TENTRANS project, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and administered by Danida Fellowship Centre.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Environment, Poverty, Natural Resources, Inequality, and Emerging States
Political Geography:
Africa and South Africa

5. Biodiversity and Development: The evolution of Community Based Conservation and implications for Danish development cooperation

Author:
Mikkel Funder and Marie Ladekjær Gravesen
Publication Date:
12-2021
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Loss of nature and biodiversity constitutes a major global crisis for environment and development and interacts closely with the climate crisis. After a period of limited attention, conservation is again rising on the agenda of development cooperation, especially in the context of Nature-based Solutions. There is a growing consensus that biodiversity goals can only be achieved by focusing more on conservation outside conventional protected areas. This offers new opportunities for both conservation and development, but it also poses a risk of ‘green grabbing’ whereby communities loose access to land and natural resources that are key for their survival and resilience. In the support to biodiversity conservation, attention to Community Based Conservation (CBC) is therefore critical. However, CBC approaches are not new and have not always worked. Future support to such approaches must therefore learn from the past and incorporate new directions. This DIIS Working Paper, written by Mikkel Funder and Marie Ladekjær Gravesen, DIIS, provides an overview of the evolution of community-based biodiversity conservation since the 1980s, where new approaches are heading, and what the overall lessons are so far. On this basis it provides recommendations for how Denmark’s development cooperation can support community-based conservation. The paper focuses on the socioeconomic and governance dimensions of community-based conservation and draws particularly on experiences from area-based conservation in the African setting. The study finds that: • CBC has developed and expanded but is not yet consolidated on the ground • Community rights to land and natural resources are critical for successful CBC • CBC must be better anchored in local livelihoods and economies • Economic compensation and income substitution is not enough in itself • A growing emphasis on CBC in ‘working landscapes’ offers potential • National associations and networks have been important platforms for CBC advocacy • There is a need to strengthen horizontal and vertical institutional links for CBC The paper recommends that Denmark should: Strengthen support to community-based conservation outside protected areas. Denmark can play an important role in helping to ensure that conservation in these spaces is done in the right and most effective way, i.e. that it benefits biodiversity while also strengthening the rights and livelihoods of communities. Integrate support to CBC with support to climate change adaptation and resilience. With the right approach, Ecosystem Based Adaptation offers good scope for protecting and improving the conditions for both biodiversity conservation and development. Support protection of the land- and governance rights of communities and indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation. Denmark should (i) advance legal recognition and enforceable safeguards of rights-based approaches in the implementation of the CBD’s post-2020 global biodiversity framework; (ii) support practical application of the IUCN’s Natural Resource Governance Framework and standards for Nature Based Solutions; and (iii) prioritise multilateral and bilateral support to conservation initiatives that actively sustain and strengthen community land rights as part of the solution. Support CBC approaches that transcend the conventional separation between human production and conservation. This entails a broad approach to biodiversity conservation which goes beyond species protection in isolated islands of ‘wild nature’. A key emphasis should be on supporting CBC in ‘working landscapes’, i.e. strengthening existing sustainable production systems in crop farming areas, rangelands, forests, wetlands, urban areas etc. Support CBC schemes to become more firmly anchored in local resource use economies. Many conventional CBC schemes - especially in the African setting – are heavily dependent on international leisure markets such as tourism/hunting and on recurrent donor funding. This poses risks, as illustrated by the major funding concerns for African conservation following the Covid-19 epidemic. A more diversified strategy is needed. Facilitate bio-cultural approaches to the governance of biodiversity conservation. This means accepting a diversity of conservation values and that conservation will look different from place to place. It entails an approach in which CBC arrangements are tailored to the socio-ecological and cultural context - rather than following a universal model - but which also builds broader nested governance frameworks for negotiation, decision-making, conflict resolution and knowledge sharing. Alongside place-based conservation, it is critical to sustain and strengthen Denmark’s efforts to engage with the broader drivers of biodiversity loss at global and national levels. While CBC is critically important for conservation, it cannot on its own address wider drivers of biodiversity loss.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Natural Resources, and Land Rights
Political Geography:
Denmark

6. Integrating Climate Change Adaptation and Development: Past trends and ways forward for Danish development cooperation

Author:
Mikkel Funder, Lily Salloum Lindegaard, Esbern Friis-Hanse, and Marie Ladekjær Gravesen
Publication Date:
05-2020
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Climate change has a severe impact on the livelihoods and economies of developing countries and will constrain achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals on virtually all fronts. While efforts to reduce emissions are obviously vital, it is equally critical that societies adapt to the already ongoing impact of climate change. Integrating climate change adaptation broadly into development cooperation is therefore a pressing issue and has never been more relevant. Discussion of the relationship between climate change adaptation and development and how to ‘mainstream’ adaptation into development support is not new. However, uncertainty persists regarding the ways and extent to which adaptation should be addressed as part of broader development efforts. This new DIIS Report seeks to address the integration of adaptation and development, with a particular focus on Denmark’s development cooperation. The report discusses the linkages between adaptation and development, examines the approaches of selected development actors, and discusses selected trends in Denmark’s funding to climate change adaptation. The report concludes that despite challenges there are currently good opportunities and a growing momentum among key actors towards finally integrating adaptation and development. Denmark should take a global leading role in this by making climate action a main aim in development cooperation, and by adopting approaches that address climate change and development in an integrated manner from the outset of policy development and -programming.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Environment, and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
Europe and Denmark

7. Three Steps to Integrate Climate Change Adaptation and Development: Addressing resilience in Danish development policy

Author:
Mikkel Funder, Lily Salloum Lindegaard, Esben Friis-Hansen, and Marie Ladekjær Gravesen
Publication Date:
05-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
The world needs resilient societies. In order to achieve this, adaptation to climate change is key. Denmark’s development cooperation should take a leading role in the integration of climate change adaptation and development. DENMARK SHOULD ■ Develop a clear overall strategy for support to climate action, giving equal attention to climate change mitigation and adaptation ■ Adopt an ambitious approach to integrating climate change adaptation across supported sectors, rather than relying on “add-on” mainstreaming ■ Strengthen the engagement with development partners in the integration of adaptation and development
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Environment, and Resilience
Political Geography:
Europe and Denmark

8. Climate change and peace in international operations: Ways forward for Denmark’s Ministry of Defence

Author:
Jessica Larsen and Mikkel Funder
Publication Date:
11-2020
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Climate change is increasingly being raised as a security concern. How should Denmark’s Ministry of Defence approach the issue in its international operations and collaboration, and what are other security actors doing? RECOMMENDATIONS: Denmark’s Ministry of Defence should: Draw up a clear and demarcated mandate for the Danish armed services’ climate role in international operations in close collaboration with civilian actors. Team up with like-minded international partners to develop joint approaches under already existing multilateral frameworks. Identify specific tasks where the armed forces can contribute on the ground, such as disaster support, capacity development and alignment with civilian actors in the field of Environmental Peacebuilding.
Topic:
Defense Policy, Climate Change, Armed Forces, and Peace
Political Geography:
Denmark and Global Focus

9. Climate change and conflict: lessons from natural resource management How development cooperation can address climate change as a conflict multiplier

Author:
Signe Marie Cold-Ravnkilde, Mikkel Funder, and Ida Peters Ginsborg
Publication Date:
03-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
The report presents the main findings of a desk study of experiences with conflict prevention and resolution in natural resource management, and how these can be applied in development cooperation in relation to climate change.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention, Climate Change, Environment, and Political Theory

10. Addressing Climate Change and Conflict in Development Cooperation: Experiences from natural resource management

Author:
Signe Marie Cold-Ravnkilde, Mikkel Funder, and Ida Peters Ginsborg
Publication Date:
03-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
The report presents the main findings of a desk study of experiences with conflict prevention and resolution in natural resource management, and how these can be applied in development cooperation in relation to climate change.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Conflict Prevention, Climate Change, Development, and Natural Resources
Political Geography:
Africa

11. Development Cooperation, Climate Change and Conflict

Author:
Signe Marie Cold-Ravnkilde and Mikkel Funder
Publication Date:
04-2012
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Development cooperation cannot entirely eliminate the risk of climate change aggravating climate-related conflict. But it can help address some of the root causes, and support frameworks for managing and resolving them before they escalate into violence. Addressing climate-related conflict prevention and resolution in development cooperation will: reduce the impact of conflict in terms of increasing poverty and marginalisation. Conflict prevention and resolution can help minimise conflict as a risk factor for the poor, and thereby improve the options and resources for livelihood improvement. contribute to macro-economic development. Preventing and resolving conflicts can help provide more stable environments for production and investment. contribute to good governance and institutional development. Institutional frameworks can help sustain and develop spaces for risk-free expression of interests and grievances, and thereby contribute to open and democratic governance. enhance the results of development interventions. Conflict prevention and resolution can help ensure that the outcomes of interventions across the full range of sectors are more effective and sustainable. ensure that development cooperation does not in itself contribute to conflict. Conflict-sensitive programmes can ensure that development interventions do not lead to increased tensions and conflicts of interest.
Topic:
Conflict Resolution, Climate Change, Development, and International Cooperation

12. Understanding institutional change: A review of selected literature for the Climate Change and Rural Institutions Research Programme

Author:
Mikkel Funder, Ian Christoplos, Ida Peters, Adam Pain, and Esbern Friis-Hansen
Publication Date:
09-2012
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
This literature review summarises selected theories of institutional change, with a particular emphasis on issues relevant to the Climate Change and Rural Institutions (CCRI) research programme. The review focuses on concepts that can be applied in understanding how and why meso level institutions operating at district and provincial levels respond or fail to respond when faced with climate change related upheavals. The review examines the concepts of path dependency, gradual institutional change and institutional bricolage, and how these tools might be used to understand processes of change in meso level institutions when faced by catastrophic environmental change.
Topic:
Climate Change, Development, Energy Policy, and Governance

13. Reducing poverty through low carbon development: Recommendations for development cooperation in Least Developed Countries

Author:
Helle Munk Ravnborg, Henrik Egelyng, Mikkel Funder, and Jacob Fjalland
Publication Date:
12-2009
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS)
Abstract:
Development cooperation between the North and the Least Developed Countries should not just focus on adaptation to climate change. There are real and sustained benefits to be had for Least Developed Countries from engaging in approaches and practices that mitigate future emissions and at the same time support poverty alleviation and economic development. However, not all low-carbon development is pro-poor, and some options offer far better benefits for the poor than others.
Topic:
Climate Change, Environment, and Globalization