Sustainable investment in land in the Global South: What would it require from a coherence perspective? The case of Sierra Leone

Abstract

This paper explores the challenges and requirements for sustainable investment in land in the Global South, focusing on the case of Sierra Leone. Large-scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) have increased significantly in recent years, often involving foreign investors seeking to facilitate commodity exports. While such investments can contribute to economic development, they frequently raise environmental and human rights concerns.

From a legal and policy coherence perspective, the paper examines key governance issues such as sovereignty over natural resources, the right to self-determination, and the responsibilities of both home and host states, as well as international institutions. The study highlights the need for a "shared responsibility" framework that integrates sustainability principles into trade, investment, and tax policies to ensure that land-related investments contribute to sustainable development rather than exacerbating social and environmental inequalities.

The case of Sierra Leone illustrates the systemic implications of economic regimes on land governance, highlighting gaps in international law and the limitations of voluntary sustainability certifications. The paper calls for strengthened legal frameworks, better policy alignment, and a more comprehensive approach to sustainable investment in land that balances economic, environmental, and social considerations.

Keywords: Sustainable Investment, Land Governance, Policy Coherence, Trade Law, Human Rights, Environmetal Law, Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, Global South, Sierra Leone, Large-scale Land Acquisitions, LSLAs