Land Governance as a Corporate Performance Standard: Opportunities, Challenges and Recommended Next Steps

This study lays out strategies donors can adopt to raise corporate awareness of land tenure issues. By reviewing the rise of the business and human rights agenda, corporate performance standards, and the changing landscape of corporate responsibility, the study provides entry points that can be used to increase demands for corporate leadership to address land issues. Through partnerships and outreach, research and trainings, awareness raising and communications efforts, donors can help companies navigate the often treacherous waters of land governance so that risks are reduced and positive outcomes increased for vulnerable groups in particular. Working with responsible investors, leading companies, and international organizations, donors can facilitate shifting corporate behaviour towards increased recognition of and respect for the legitimate land rights of local women and men.