EALAN 2024: A Closer Look at ESG in Eastern African Land Governance

The 13th EALAN Annual General Meeting and Conference, jointly organised by the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA Eastern Africa Node, and Ardhi University, took in Dar es Salaam on 2nd August 2024. This event marked a significant step forward in integrating Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) principles into land administration practices across Eastern Africa.

The conference, which followed three intensive workshops on Dispute Resolution in Land Administration, Promoting Gender Equality and Women’s Land Rights, and a Write-shop from 29th July to 1st August 2024, brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to explore how ESG considerations can drive sustainable development in the region.

ESG principles, increasingly central to global discourses, were at the heart of the conference. Participants examined the role of responsible land administration in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to clean energy, reducing inequalities, responsible consumption, and climate action. The discussions underscored the impact that ethical governance, social justice, and sustainable practices in land use have on communities and the environment.

The conference highlighted case studies demonstrating the successful implementation of ESG strategies, providing a blueprint for other regions to follow. The event deepened the understanding of ESG in the context of land administration and also set the stage for future collaboration and innovation, ensuring that land governance contributes to a more equitable and sustainable future in Eastern Africa.