These volumes constitute a unique, inspiring and practically useful compilation of the rich variety of innovative good practice being pioneered at governmental, NGO and community levels in so many Third World countries. They provide a wealth of information on a large number of particular policies, projects and organizations in Asia, Latin America and Africa.

The project is the result of an initiative by UNDP's Special Unit for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries. The process of selection and description has been carried out by Third World Network in Penang headed by Martin Khor, drawing on the detailed knowledge of, amongst others, Claude Alvares of the Other India Press, Roberto Bissio of the Instituto del Tercer Mundo in Uruguay and Berhane Egziabher of the Institute for Sustainable Development in Ethiopia.

The practical importance of this three-volume collection is to contribute to the process of replication across the South of the best ideas, practice and ways of organizing. These are based on a number of common principles, including respect for local cultures and knowledge systems; genuine harmony with the natural world; quality outcomes of real benefit to local communities and countries; and equity and democratic involvement. In political terms, this richly variegated and inspiring collection shows us all what some remarkable communities, organizations and governments in the Third World are achieving.