To this end, the Principles for Responsible Agricultural Investment that Respects Rights, Livelihoods and Resources (RAI Principles) have been developed under the stewardship of the World Bank, the FAO, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

In addition, Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land and Other Natural Resources are currently being negotiated by the FAO in partnership with member nations, civil society, IFAD and other United Nations agencies. They were due to be finalised in October 2011 and are intended to guide land policies by providing frameworks on which investors and national and regional stakeholders can draw.

The voluntary guidelines have been developed over the last two years through a process of consultation in different parts of the world, including with civil society organisations and the private sector. One thousand experts have been involved in their production.

The voluntary guidelines have been developed over the last two years through a process of consultation in different parts of the world, including with civil society organisations and the private sector. One thousand experts have been involved in their production.

The fact that the guidelines will be voluntary inevitably limits their potential effectiveness. Some questioned how local communities will be able to access the guidelines and who can help to implement them. The possible involvement of FAO regional offices to provide advice to governments is being explored. It was also noted that the guidelines might be helpful for the future but will not affect land transactions that have already occurred.