Terms of use

Purpose of the Platform

The CoAct Database is a research-based platform that compiles and analyzes information on cooperative climate initiatives. The platform is designed to improve transparency, accountability, and understanding of voluntary and cooperative climate action.

The database organizes publicly available information on initiatives, including their governance, participating actors, functions, activities, and outputs. By structuring and analyzing these data, the platform supports research, policy analysis, and informed public discussion on the role and integrity of cooperative climate initiatives.

Scope of the Data

The public platform presents a curated and readily usable subset of the broader CoAct research dataset. The full research dataset currently covers more than 1,000 cooperative climate initiatives worldwide. Not all of these initiatives are displayed on the platform. This reflects several considerations, including ongoing research, data validation and updating processes, and the staged release of information through the platform.

In addition, some variables that exist in the underlying research dataset are not displayed publicly, even where they may be complete. Examples include detailed information on participating actors (such as names and locations), contact information, detailed annual output data, internal coding notes, intermediate datasets, and certain analytical variables used in ongoing research. This data is not displayed publicly in order to maintain data quality, protect potentially sensitive information, avoid misinterpretation outside the analytical context in which the data were developed, and preserve the integrity of ongoing research.

Use of Publicly Available Data

Data made available through the CoAct platform may be used for research, educational, and policy purposes. The publicly accessible platform data is intended to provide a transparent and evidence-based resource for understanding cooperative climate initiatives. Users may explore, download, and analyze the data, provided that they use the information responsibly and do not misrepresent the initiatives or the research from which the data originate.

All use of the platform data is subject to the citation and attribution requirements described below.

Citation and Attribution

Users of the CoAct Database are requested to acknowledge the source of the data in any publications, reports, presentations, or other outputs that make use of the database.

When using data from the CoAct Database, please cite the dataset as follows:

Chan, S., Reyes de la Lanza, S., van den Wall Bake, K., Hagenström, P., Glass, L. M., Fast, C., Hale, T., & Imbach, P. (2025). CoAct Database [Data set]. Radboud University; German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS); Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford; Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center (CATIE).

Where specific indicators, analytical frameworks, or derived variables from the database are used, users should also cite the relevant academic publications associated with the database where appropriate. Proper attribution supports transparency, enables reproducibility of research, and acknowledges the work of the researchers and institutions involved in compiling and maintaining the dataset.

Access to Additional Data

Not all data collected by the CoAct research team are available through the public platform. Additional data may exist within the broader research dataset but are not displayed on the website.

Access to such data may be granted by the CoAct research team on a case-by-case basis for academic collaboration, research partnerships, or specific analytical purposes. Requests may be subject to additional licensing conditions, data-use agreements, collaboration arrangements, or restrictions linked to data sensitivity, research design, or third-party source conditions.

Users interested in accessing additional data or collaborating with the CoAct team are encouraged to contact the project team through the contact details provided on this website.

Accuracy and Updates

The CoAct Database is based primarily on publicly available information that is systematically collected and coded by the research team. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and consistency, the database may contain incomplete or evolving information. The platform is continuously updated as new information becomes available and as coding methods evolve. Users should therefore treat the database as a research and analytical resource rather than as a definitive or exhaustive record of all cooperative climate initiatives.

Liability

The creators and hosting institutions of the CoAct Database do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of all information contained in the database and are not liable for decisions made based on the use of the data.

Contact

If you identify errors, have questions about the data, or are interested in collaboration or access to additional data, please contact any member of the CoAct research team using the contact details provided here.