Telling the trade stories of least developed countries

In 2022, WTO members have the opportunity to move forward on an aid for trade agenda that supports LDCs to tackle pressing challenges at the intersection of trade and sustainability. Given the massive trade-related challenges facing LDCs, the huge gap between needs and available support for a just transition to sustainable trade, and the urgency, scale, and impact of intersecting environmental crises in LDCs, mobilizing additional resources, investments, and partnerships is vital.

LDCs have to deal with millions of tonnes of plastic products imported each year, including products with embedded plastics and with associated plastic packaging.

The saying one man's trash is another man's treasure has never been more apt for Tuvalu's first export. In June 2021, two shipping containers of crushed aluminium cans from Tuvalu headed towards South Korea. This marked a first in the country's commitment to the circular economy.

With climate change on everyone’s mind ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), what are the key issues on the table for the world’s least developed countries (LDCs)?

More collaboration, studies needed to boost developing country agri-food exports Pesticides are a hot topic when it comes to the intersection of agriculture, trade and food security.

New study finds that conservation and tourism can go hand in hand, offering recommendations how to make it so

On avoiding risks and challenges for countries striving to reduce poverty and tackle climate change

Adopting such standards in LDC production offers promise, but work remains

Originally published by Thomson Reuters Foundation, Tuesday, 9 February 2021 03:30 GMT

Companies have a key role to play in building societal resilience to crises, including the current pandemic and climate impacts, across their value chains. 

Government and private sector worked together to create jobs in new ‘industry’

Shea is critical to the income of rural communities, and a new effort across four shea-producing countries in West Africa is looking to boost those incomes

COVID-19 has led to a steep decline in business for operators in protected areas, coupled with a substantial drop in future booking requests.

How to ensure the women who collect shea benefit from being part of the global marketplace

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s travel impacts, West Africa’s objectives remain valid

Following research into the mukula value chain, recommendations to preserve livelihoods and landscapes

Originally published in OECD-Development Matters on 31 January 2020

Efforts towards the automation of the CITES permitting system is an example of how trade facilitation could be applied in the wildlife sector.

Mainstreaming biodiversity across economic sectors is a key issue to be discussed at the CBD COP15 in China in 2020, where the post-2020 global biodiversity framework is due to be agreed upon.

A Global Multilateral Benefit-Sharing Mechanism is the appropriate vehicle by which biodiverse rich countries can be compensated for genetic resources utilised in intellectual property.

There is urgent need to better understand trade and climate change linkages in the context of least developed countries (LDCs).

Some of the key elements characterising effective adaptation and resilience to climate change are a long-term perspective, coordinated and coherent action, and a socially just and inclusive approach.

Well-managed trade in wild animals and plants can contribute to the conservation of the species.

Many least developed countries are vulnerable to recurrent natural disasters, which exacerbate existing challenges, disrupt long-term investments and divert resources away from development to reconstruction.

The Enhanced Integrated Framework’s Trade for Development News is launching a new series of articles focusing on three major trade conversations happening today.

There are examples of sustainable, fair and ethical trade in products based on natural, biological resources and traditional knowledge.

Solutions, pitfalls and priorities to stimulate ecotourism, preserve wildlife and develop, sustainably

How can countries use trade to promote resilience?

For an arid swath of Africa, a sap-like substance offers income possibilities for the poorest of the poor, along with environmental benefits

Originally published in Bridges Africa

Working in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM)—informal mining activities carried out using minimal technology or machinery—provides livelihoods for millions of people

EIF Coordinators Hang Tran and Simon Hess interview Wanjira Mathai of wPOWER partnership on women's entrepreneurship in renewables

Recognising that traditional honey harvesting damages the forest, Zambia’s rural communities are using modern beekeeping practices that value trees and produce better quality honey. 

Developing eco-friendly business solutions for rural households

Oumar is one of the 370,500 people in Mali producing gum arabic, among which 80% (296,400) are women.