Global Forum on Food Security and Nutrition (FSN Forum)

Prof. Yixin Xu

Southwest University of Political Science and Law
China

Dear,

Thank you for your response.

Regarding your comment 'So with Legal Guide os Agricultural Land Investiment Contracts I believe it will safeguard the use and safety for investors primarily,' I think the legal guide also shows its intention to protect the rights of local tenure right holders.

The guide states in Preface 4. Focus and guidance (Alic zero draft p.11) 

'The Guide, however, focuses on contracts between investors and governments and investors and local communities and, in doing so, places particular emphasis on protecting and respecting the rights of legitimate tenure right holders.'

It also shows an intention to promote the protection of small tenure right holders at other places, for example:

Intro 5, 'The failure to identify, consult and seek participation from any legitimate tenure right holders and, where applicable, obtain free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), is inconsistent with international principles and standards and may undermine those holders’ rights, the investment and even the tenure system itself, particularly when it is based on commons. The parties, instead, are to conduct the necessary due diligence and consultations in this regard, to involve legitimate tenure right holders in the preparations and to work in partnership with them...' (Alic p.14)

Intro. 6. Complexity. '...Indeed, if an investment fails to protect and respect the rights of legitimate tenure right holders, it should not proceed.'

Hence, I wonder whether it would be better to seek a balance between investors and local land grantors so that economic interests can be achieved simultaneously for both parties, as well as social and environmental benefits.