The Sustainable Tropics Alliance analyzes progress made in implementing low-emission rural development (LED-R)—a jurisdictional or regional approach to sustainability—using examples from eight regions in the Tropics. LED-R provides a framework for integrated implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and helps to address challenges related to implementation. We define LED-R and assess each region’s potential for and progress in moving toward LED-R. We also identify the key actor groups in each region, describe their dynamics, and discuss the potential roles each group could play in the transition to LED-R.  We also summarize the barriers and opportunities for LED-R to take hold across the regions.   For information: cstickler@earthinnovation.org