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Environment in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean, home to some of the world’s most pristine and diverse ecosystems, depend heavily on natural resources to generate economic growth.
The challenge for this region is to reconcile the demands of growth with the need to protect and manage its habitats and resources in order to achieve sustainable development, while facing global environmental threats such as climate change.
The IDB helps member countries address these challenges by financing activities to improve the management of protected areas, generate income opportunities for communities that depend on ecosystem services, manage coastal and marine resources, and support climate change and disaster risk management initiatives in critical watersheds.
We also ensure that every project we finance includes rigorous social and environmental safeguards and sustainability measures.
Areas of work
Sustainability
Sustainability at the IDB means promoting economic growth and poverty reduction that ensure lasting environmental social and economic benefits.
Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management
Climate change poses a fundamental threat to economic and social development around the globe.
Natural resources and cultural heritage
Protected areas, national parks and marine reserves comprise some of the most valuable natural assets of Latin American and Caribbean countries.
By the numbers
100 million
About 100 million people in Latin America and the Caribbean are exposed to air pollution levels exceeding World Health Organization guidelines.
News
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MIF launches Second Stage of Eco-Friendly Venture Capital Fund
Biodiversity-focused fund will provide expansion capital and advisory support for small sustainable businesses in Latin America. Mar 29, 2012
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Panama improves ability to respond to natural disasters with IDB support
Panama will substantially improve its ability to respond to natural disasters with a $100 million IDB standby loan. Mar 2, 2012
Projects Highlights
Approved
- Regional. Support to Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Platform. May 2, 2012
- Colombia. Biodiversity Conservation in Palm Cropping Areas. Apr 19, 2012
- Brazil. Support to the government of Brazil in preparing for Rio+20. Mar 29, 2012
- Regional. Development and Strengthening of Official Environmental Statistics. Dec 8, 2011
- Colombia. Design of the new Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development (MADS). Nov 29, 2011
- Panama. Program to Reduce Vulnerability to Natural Disasters and Climate Change I. Oct 3, 2011
- IDEAS 2011: Energy Innovation Contest (00:30)
- Health in Chiapas, Mexico (5:36)
- Peru's Green Agenda (03:56)
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