The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to create a world where people and the planet thrive.
About IISDWhat We Do
Our research and policy work focuses on areas we deem ripe for transformation, where shifts in policy have the potential to change the game and where we have a proven record of making significant gains.
Flagship Initiatives
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.
NAP Global Network
The NAP Global Network works with partners in the world’s most vulnerable countries to develop and implement climate adaptation plans for a more secure future.
Global Subsidies Initiative
The IISD Global Subsidies Initiative (GSI) supports international processes, national governments, and civil society organizations to align subsidies with sustainable development.
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.
SDG Knowledge Hub
The SDG Knowledge Hub provides daily information on the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Earth Negotiations Bulletin
Earth Negotiations Bulletin provides balanced, timely, and independent reporting on United Nations environment and development negotiations.
Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre
The NBI Global Resource Centre aims to establish the business case for nature-based infrastructure, providing data, training, and customized project valuations.
State of Sustainability Initiatives
The State of Sustainability Initiatives examines how voluntary sustainability standards can support environmental and social goals.
New Research
IISD publishes objective, independent, high-quality research on sustainable development issues, including reports, policy briefs, and toolkits.
IISD Annual Report 2021–2022
IISD knows that, together, we can do hard things. Our annual report for 2021–2022 highlights key accomplishments toward our vision of a world where people and the planet thrive, including a special focus on how we're tapping into the power of nature.
Global Review: Integrating Gender Into Mining Impact Assessments
Taking stock of the available methods and tools to identify and address the gendered impacts of mining.
New Perspectives
What Does an Inclusive Global Stocktake Look Like for Civil Society?
The inaugural Global Stocktake will conclude at COP 28 in 2023. With the process well underway, the current and upcoming phases of the Global Stocktake must be open and inclusive in order to succeed.
A Natural Path to Conflict Prevention: Unpacking the nature–security nexus
Despite the global scale of nature loss, its security implications are not sufficiently understood. A beekeeping project in Gabon shows how actions to protect, restore, and sustainably manage biodiversity and ecosystems are crucial for conflict prevention and security.
Putting Equity at the Heart of the Global Stocktake
Capturing the world's collective progress towards achieving the Paris Agreement goals requires a look at who is being left behind and what we could do to create an equitable, climate-resilient future for all.
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Our Impact
Envisioning Resilience: Bringing underrepresented women's voices into planning for climate change adaptation
Meaningful participation by women who are on the front lines of climate change is essential for gender-responsive, locally led adaptation. However, in many contexts, women remain underrepresented in decision making, from local to national levels.
Getting Their Fair Share: Capacity building on mining taxation pays dividends for Mongolia
When the Mongolian government saw it was not getting its fair share of revenues from the mining sector, it sought support so it could collect unpaid taxes and become better equipped to safeguard the public’s financial interests.
Measuring Nature for Post-COVID-19 Economic Recovery
In the face of multiple health and environmental crises, the inefficiencies of GDP as the main measure of economic health and government policy are strikingly apparent.