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.
Climate
IISD helps governments achieve a just and equitable energy transition and turn adaptation plans into action.
Nature
IISD advances nature-based solutions through comprehensive benefits assessments and hands-on implementation. IISD Experimental Lakes Area protects freshwater systems through new research and policy guidance.
Sustainable Economies
IISD advances inclusive & effective policies across sectors to help build a future where prosperity is measured in resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship.
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.
Turning Nature-Based Infrastructure Evidence Into Action
In 2025, the Nature-Based Infrastructure Global Resource Centre assessed projects across Asia, Africa, and South America, and contributed to securing funding for Cape Town's waterway restoration program.
Scaling Rural Distributed Renewable Energy in India
A practical framework to help states and distribution companies plan and scale grid-connected distributed renewable energy in rural India that supports India’s clean energy goals.
New Perspectives
Stalemate on the Global Goal on Adaptation in Bonn: What it means
Countries couldn’t reach an agreement on the Global Goal on Adaptation, but it doesn't change the need for them to track and assess their efforts.
Greening the Dry Environment
Cities in drylands regions can successfully implement nature-based solutions to help communities adapt to climate change.
Carbon Pricing in the ASEAN Region: Moving from ambition to architecture
For ASEAN policy-makers, carbon pricing is no longer simply a domestic climate policy choice. It is increasingly linked to global economic integration, trade relationships, investment flows, and industrial competitiveness.
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Our Impact
How a National Organic Strategy is Connecting Malagasy Farming to the World
New initiatives are helping smallholder farmers in Madagascar to achieve the scale and integrity required to get their foot in the door in international organic markets.
Turning Tides: How women are reshaping the fisheries sector in Belize
After years of dedication and advocacy, women are now charting a new course for Belize's small-scale fisheries qith the establishment of Belize’s National Women in Fisheries Association
How Sub-Saharan African Cities Are Building Climate Resilience Through Nature-Based Solutions
By combining community engagement and multistakeholder governance, nature-based solutions already enhancing communities’ resilience to climate change.