As sustainability standard systems seek to step up the supply and collective impact of certified products, they are increasingly challenged to reach out to producers who are less organized or organized in other types of group models. To help producers make the transition to suitable models, Aidenvironment conducted a study for the ISEAL Alliance which identifies and describes different models of producer groups in the agricultural and forestry sector. Each model is described according to different variables, such as governance system, human and financial capacity, service delivery and business orientation. Special attention is paid to how certification works in each model. The report is illustrated with a selection of case studies of different types producer groups that have been certified or are in the process of certification. download pdf to discover more

This booklet is meant as inspiration and provides practical information for managers and employees, who have responsibilities for addressing child labour within the company’s operations and supply chain. The booklet contains business practices and lessons learned, building on the experiences of the companies participating in the Child Labour Platform during its first year. The discussions of the practices and lessons learned were informed by the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and its various components. The practices described are from different sectors and different regions and therefore potentially applicable in many sectors and countries. They are neither static, nor exhaustive: as these practices and experiences may evolve, they could be refined and expanded during future phases of the Child Labour Platform.  download pdf to discover more

Indigenous peoples which are largely dependent on their natural environment for their livelihood are being hard hit by the increasing exploitation of natural resources to satisfy rising global economic demands as a result of the many negative impacts this has on the high biodiversity of their territories. This study is the first to systematically research and verify the suspected impact of the Dutch economy on the territories and well-being of indigenous peoples. Instigated by the Netherlands Centre for Indigenous People (NCIV), the study identifies and researches the most relevant sectors of the Dutch economy affecting indigenous peoples. In support of this work, Aidenvironment conducted two case studies in Indonesia (one on timber and one on palm oil). To assess the challenges and opportunities for protecting the livelihoods and well-being of indigenous peoples vis a vis selected economic activities, the case studies take a look at both good and bad practices. In addition, Aidenvironment produced maps charting the production areas and indigenous territories. download pdf to discover more

Is the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) crops abroad as opposed to their non-GM crops counterparts for importation into The Netherlands in step with Dutch policy and societal intent to puruse more sustainable forms of agriculture worldwide and capitalizing on the benefits offered by biotechnology in a responsible manner?
The report “Sustainability of Current GM Crop Cultivation”, compiled by Crem and Aidenvironment and published by Plant Research International of Wageningen University, takes a probing look at this question. Three crops were selected for case study: soybean, maize and cotton. Based on a review of scientific and other literature, the sustainablility of GM and non-GM crop production was compared. The comparison followed characteristics and criteria associated with the ‘People, Planet, Profit’ sustainablilty concept.
The full report and a summary of the main conclusions are available in Dutch and English. download pdf to discover more

The global demand for palm oil continues to rise. If current practices persist we shall see a significant increase in land conversion, with potentially megative social and environmental impacts. There is an urgent need to reduce the pressure on land by increasing productivity on current land holdings. In Indonesia smallholders are responsible for one-third of the total crude palm oil production while yields are substantially below average. Aidenvironment and GSA were commissioned by Oxfam Novib and The Prince's Rainforests Project to analyze the interaction between agronomic variables and institutional constraints affecting Indonesian smallholder oil palm productivity and formulate recommendations to promote change within the smallholder sector.
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Many social, economic and environmental initiatives start with pilot projects and then build on these to achieve wider ambitions and impacts. But all too often, these wider ambitions are not fully realized. Aidenvironment will help you develop a strategy to ensure that your goals are realized. Our services meet the challenge of moving ‘from dots to impacts’. download pdf to discover more

An Integrated approach to sustainable Value Chains.
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Water and sanitation problems are primarily concentrated in areas where people live in extreme poverty, on an income of less than $1 a day. Are viable solutions available for such difficult circumstances and if so, how can they best be implemented? In addition to the more traditional development aid programs, private companies are now finding ways to combine poverty alleviation with sound entrepreneurship. By adapting their products and their strategies to markets in developing countries, they are able to serve the poorest of the poor at the bottom of the pyramid. download pdf to discover more