Reducing violence against defenders of the Amazon: a political economy approach
Written by TPP Principal Niki Palmer, this Working Paper examines why violence against environmental defenders in Brazil’s Amazon remains so widespread, despite laws meant to protect them. It shows that the issue is driven not only by political and economic interests in land and resource extraction, but also by competing ideas about what the Amazon represents.
For some, the Amazon is a vital global ecosystem; for others, a cultural homeland; and for many, a frontier of opportunity. These conflicting narratives shape behaviour, deepen polarisation and help explain why land-grabbing and violence often go unpunished.
The paper sets out three practical pathways that could shift incentives and improve protections:
- Strengthening the voice and influence of defenders
- Increasing the economic value placed on conservation, and
- Expanding international financing for forest protection.
It offers a clear, grounded analysis for readers looking to understand the dynamics driving violence in the Amazon and what might realistically change them.
Podcast: Subsidies and Social Protection - Reforms for a Sustainable Transition
Why are subsidies so difficult to reform, even when more effective alternatives exist? In this podcast by Socialprotection.org, TPP Director Neil McCulloch examines the political, institutional and economic challenges that have made subsidy reform one of the most complex issues in social policy.
Governing climate action? Governance, political economy and systems change in country platforms
Climate Country Platforms promise to bring finance and policy together around national climate goals. But in this paper, Brendan Halloran argues they'll only deliver if they confront the political economy, power and governance barriers that keep holding climate action back — and he sets out how, with practical steps for governments, banks and funders.
TPP supports innovative apiculture initiative in the Republic of Congo
(Photo shared by @AfricanBee)
The Policy Practice is supporting an apiculture initiative in the Republic of Congo with Palladium under the Partnerships for Forests. Led by Theodore Trefon, it aims to scale beekeeping into a market-based model, combining political economy analysis, digital tools and participatory revenue systems.