Land investments encompass a wide range of activity such as forestry, agriculture for both food and non-food commodities, extractive projects including mining, industrial activities such as energy sector developments and the use of Special Economic Zones, urban infrastructure, tourism, and conservation projects. Incoming foreign direct investment (FDI) can bring capital, jobs, technology and knowledge transfer, and infrastructure development. For some low-income but resource-rich countries, resource development is seen as an important component of national strategies for economic growth. While there is a continued focus on resource extraction in many countries, such as through timber extraction or mining, a shift to a low-carbon future may require new types of land investments. In some areas, communities located near potential land investments may also be interested in the potential benefits that such projects can bring. There may be labour opportunities, although the number of jobs created is sometimes much lower than expected, with those available paying low salaries. However, evidence also highlights the risks associated with land investments, including land conflict and dispossession, with far-reaching impacts on livelihoods, culture and social identity. Research on a wave of agribusiness plantation deals over the past 15 years has highlighted these problems.
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I am an expert in the field of land investments, particularly in the context of the article you provided. The evidence and information presented in the article cover various aspects of land investments, including agriculture, forestry, extractive projects, urban infrastructure, and conservation. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts and terms discussed:
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Land Investments Overview:
- Encompass a wide range of activities such as forestry, agriculture, extractive projects, industrial activities, urban infrastructure, tourism, and conservation projects.
- Incoming foreign direct investment (FDI) can bring capital, jobs, technology, knowledge transfer, and infrastructure development.
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Focus on Resource Development:
- Resource development is seen as a crucial component of national strategies for economic growth in low-income but resource-rich countries.
- Shift to a low-carbon future may necessitate new types of land investments.
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Community Impact and Risks:
- Potential benefits for communities, including labor opportunities, but the number of jobs and salaries may not meet expectations.
- Risks associated with land investments, such as land conflict, dispossession, and far-reaching impacts on livelihoods, culture, and social identity.
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Agribusiness Plantation Deals:
- Research on agribusiness plantation deals over the past 15 years highlights problems, including conflicts and negative impacts.
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Key Concepts and Terms:
- Relationship between investments in agricultural land and food security.
- Land transfers, including large-scale investments engaging state land, direct contact with landowners, and transfers based on compulsory acquisition.
- Influence of the economic downturn of 2007/8 on land investments.
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Historical Perspective:
- Historical context, including colonial expansions in the 19th century and the shift towards open trade after the Second World War.
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Foreign Direct Investment:
- Significant attention on foreign direct investment when land is involved.
- Importance of local investors, including elite and business leaders, in brokering land deals.
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Land Tenure Security:
- Importance of land tenure security for users to retain their land.
- Risks and benefits associated with formalizing land tenure.
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International Frameworks and Policies:
- Overview of international frameworks and guidelines promoting best practices for land investments.
- Examples include the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries, and Forests (VGGTs), Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems, and Sustainable Development Goals.
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Challenges and Risks:
- Risks associated with large-scale agricultural land investments, including conflicts and skepticism about economic returns.
- Need for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable investments involving public and private sectors, civil society, and adherence to international standards.
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Innovations in Responsible Agricultural Investment:
- Movement towards Responsible Agricultural Investment (RAI) promoting acknowledgment of tenure security, equitable benefits sharing, sustainable land management, and transparency.
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Case Study: Conflict, Cattle, and Deforestation in Colombia:
- Example highlighting how unregulated land investments contribute to deforestation, conflict, and potential threats to peace.
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Urban Land Tenure and Investment:
- Distinct nature of urban land investments, with a focus on dynamic urban land markets, speculation, and implications for vulnerable groups in informal housing.
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Data Sources:
- Key data sources, including the Land Matrix, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Global Forest Watch, and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
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Community, Customary, and Indigenous Land Rights:
- Recognition of the importance of customary tenure for indigenous peoples.
- Risks associated with land deals ignoring the claims of marginalized groups and promoting new land and investment laws.
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International Mandate on Indigenous Rights:
- Reference to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the promotion of Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).
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Case Study: Rubber Investment in Mondulkiri Province, Cambodia:
- Example illustrating land conflict and the importance of FPIC for community involvement in agricultural investments.
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Integrated Land Planning in Urban Areas:
- Importance of integrated land planning to balance profitable investments with housing needs, essential services, and environmental considerations in urban areas.
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Data Sources:
- Mention of key data sources, including the Land Matrix, Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, Global Forest Watch, and Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
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Author and References:
- Author: Daniel Hayward, peer-reviewed by Lorenzo Cotula, Head of Law, Economies and Justice Programme at International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED).
- References to IIED research and analysis on the linkages between investment policy and land rights.
This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the concepts and information covered in the article on land investments. If you have specific questions or need more details on any particular aspect, feel free to ask.