Resources
Our planet’s resources and biodiversity are under severe pressure, but the good news is that we know what to do.
Our natural resources are under threat because of the way we produce, consume, and extract the things we need for our daily lives: things like energy, food, water, metals, and minerals.
We are putting undue strain on the planet. But it’s not too late to turn things around.
We know what needs to be done—and we know we need to do it together.
By conducting ground-breaking freshwater research at the IISD Experimental Lakes Area, advising mineral-rich governments on responsible mining practices, and supporting sustainable agriculture, IISD works to conserve and protect the world’s most valuable assets.
Flagship Initiatives
The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development
The IGF supports nations committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development to ensure negative impacts are limited and financial benefits are shared.
IISD Experimental Lakes Area
IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is an exceptional natural laboratory comprised of 58 small lakes and their watersheds set aside for scientific research.
Ending Hunger Sustainably
Ceres2030 is a novel partnership between academia, civil society, and economists, bringing together three institutions who share a common vision: a world without hunger, where small-scale producers enjoy greater agricultural incomes and productivity, in a way that supports sustainable food systems.
Featured topics
Water
Human activity—from pollutants to climate change—is threatening the health of our planet's precious freshwater resources. That's where we come in.
Mining
We work to optimize the benefits of mining and ensure the financial benefits are shared by supporting the development of laws and policies.
Food and Agriculture
IISD is working to ensure agriculture and food systems advance sustainable development.
Featured projects
Tax Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) in Mining
Equipping resource-rich developing country governments with the knowledge, skills, and tools to optimize the financial benefits from mining.
New Tech, New Deal
Assessing how the mining sector can grapple with the disruptions and technological innovations that are reshaping the industry.
Fair and Sustainable Trade in Food and Agriculture
IISD conducts research and facilitates dialogue to help bring about trade rules that promote equitable and sustainable international trade in food and agricultural products.
Model Agreement for Responsible Contract Farming
A simple and practical legal tool for buyers and producers to improve their business relations and to help make responsible agricultural investment a reality.
Financial Technologies and the Environment
Exploring how financial technologies could help solve pressing environmental challenges.
AquaHacking Lake Winnipeg
We are challenging young innovators to team up and develop new and innovative solutions to tackle urgent freshwater issues.
Latest
Other related topics
Circular Economy
In a circular economy, products are designed, produced, and used to reduce waste and regenerate natural systems.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is the backbone of sustainable development and a powerful driver of economic activity.
Standards and Value Chains
If designed and used appropriately, sustainability standards can help advance more sustainable production, consumption, and trade.
Technology and Innovation
When it comes to achieving a sustainable future for all, we cannot merely rely on tried-and-tested formulas. We need to think outside the box and get innovative.