This Summit Theme explores ways to attract investments to support sustainable land and resource use by smallholders, with a focus on sustainable timber production, the palm oil industry and innovative approaches to financing.
Many countries in Southeast Asia are seeking to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of smallholder production systems. To this end, they have tested a range of mechanisms, drawn on various sources, and looked for institutions that can absorb, manage, use and build upon international investments.
Yet many challenges remain. Local governance conditions often do not provide an enabling environment for private investments. A financing gap has emerged because of poor disbursement of public funds. A robust system for mobilizing financial resources is needed to stimulate investments in smallholders and landscapes for green returns. Nevertheless, there are many opportunities to catalyze both public and private investment to finance sustainable land use.
In sessions under this theme, participants will explore challenges and opportunities in the following areas:
- Sustainable timber production: Panelists will examine the experiences of government, international investors and producer associations, as well as research on furniture value chains, to understand how timber production can contribute to green growth in Southeast Asia through the sustainable use of natural and planted forests.
- Private sector performance in the palm oil industry: Panelists will explore businesses’ motivations, activities and constraints in addressing social and environmental issues, and examine how emerging corporate governance mechanisms will affect forests and people.
- Innovative approaches to financing for inclusive green returns: Panelists will present four innovative approaches to financing that are under development in Southeast Asia. These approaches aim to promote green growth and support the transition to inclusive and equitable low-carbon development.
Leave a Reply