1995 Report on the Environment and Natural Resources
(03/96, En, Es) See also Environment and Natural Resources
CONTENTS5...FOREWORD
7...ADDRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
7...Pollution Control Management
9...Water Resources Management
10...Coastal and Marine Resources Management
12...Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development
14...Forest Resources Management
15...Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
17...THE IDB AND THE ENVIRONMENT
17...Managing Environmental Quality
19...Consultation and Information
19...The Eighth Replenishment and the Reorganization
20...Trust Funds
20...Regional Fund for Agricultural Technology
21...Indigenous Peoples Fund
22...ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATIONS
23...Natural Resources Conservation
24...Coastal Zone Management
25...Urban Environment and Pollution Control
26...Environmental Institutions
27...Tourism Development
28...Sociocultural Issues
29...Projects in Preparation
31...ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES OF OPERATIONS IN OTHER SECTORS
31...Environment in Energy Projects
32...Sustainable Agriculture Development
33...Environment in Transportation
34...Environment in Other Sectors
36...INTER-ORGANIZATIONAL COOPERATION AND OUTREACH
36...International Agencies and Multilateral Development Banks
37...Nongovernmental Organizations
38...Other Events
39...ANNEX: 1995 MEETINGS AND PUBLICATIONS
FOREWORD
As the new millennium approaches, the region is moving from a period of crisis and reform towards more stable growth based on open, market-oriented economies that can compete successfully. This will require financial, social and environmental sustainability. The Inter-American Development Bank, as a regional institution with a close and ongoing dialogue with member countries that are both shareholders and borrowers, is in a unique position to assist countries of the region in their efforts to achieve sustainable development. The Eighth General Increase in the Resources of the Bank approved in 1994 mandated that it intensify its support for three crucial areas of development: modernization and integration, poverty reduction and social equity, and the environment. While the Bank has been involved in these areas throughout its history, the replenishment agreement directs the institution to bring its experience and expertise to bear in a more focused way. As the Bank embarked on this new course, the year 1995 marked a transition period during which the institution adapted to a new organizational structure designed to meet the challenges ahead more effectively and efficiently. In the area of the environment and natural resources, this has meant, in practical terms, developing new working relationships between regional and central units while continuing to improve the environmental quality of operations. A new central department for Social Programs and Sustainable Development was created, resulting in additional effort dedicated to developing a strategic approach to collaborating with borrowers in several key areas. They include environmental institution building, water resource management, coastal and marine resources, sustainable agriculture and rural development, forest resources, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.
As in previous years, this report summarizes the BankÕs activities concerning the environment and natural resources. While it does not address poverty reduction and social issues in detail, such considerations are touched upon in describing the BankÕs environmental strategies and operations. The environment does not stand alone and apart from people.
Several noteworthy activities and achievements in 1995 merit special mention and will be discussed in more detail later in this report. They include the creation of a new regional fund for agricultural technology that should assure a steady source of funding in the years ahead; an important meeting with nongovernmental organizations that, for the first time, was devoted exclusively to urban environmental problems; and the launching of initiatives to develop new IDB strategies.
In addition, the BankÕs Environment Committee reviewed all the operations approved in 1995 requiring that environmental and natural resources aspects be properly taken into account. Most importantly, this refers to operations that are not explicitly environmental in nature. Not only do such operations include measures to minimize any potential adverse effects on the environment, but they are also seen as an opportunities to introduce environmental improvements. This is so even in operations whose impacts on the environment are considered neutral an would not ordinarily have an environmental component. Moreover, the Bank is making a significant effort to assist its member countries in the region to strengthen their environmental institutions and legislation. Components that strengthen environmental institutions and assist in the development of environmental legislation and regulations make it possible for countries to develop their own environmental control and monitoring systems that can then be extended to all projects in that country, not only those financed by the Bank.
Waldemar W. Wirsig Chairman, Environment Committee
Last updated: 05/08/07
