Brazil to Advance Urban and Sustainable Development in Linhares, Espírito Santo

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $56 million loan to Brazil for urban development and sustainable land use planning in Linhares, a municipality in the state of Espírito Santo that holds rich natural settings and major economic and tourism potential.

This operation, which was approved by the IDB's Board of Executive Directors, seeks to improve access to urban infrastructure and amenities in the eastern part of the municipal seat, taking into account the impacts of climate change. It will also enhance the municipality’s sustainable urban and land-use management, as well as its socio-environmental risk management.

The resilient urban infrastructure to be financed with this loan includes paved roads, water, basic sanitation, and sustainable mobility, as well as new parks, public spaces, and sports and recreational areas. The operation will also fund consulting services to strengthen urban planning and socio-environmental risk management.

Linhares is the largest municipality in the state of Espírito Santo and one of its main centers of economic development. The city’s growth has been haphazard, resulting in a lack of access to urbanized land, scarce amenities, and problems connecting its different neighborhoods. The loan will encourage orderly and sustainable growth in the city, protecting its natural areas from degradation and preventing settlements in climate-risk zones or ecologically important areas.

The program will directly benefit approximately 55,000 inhabitants of eastern Linhares, who will enjoy improved mobility infrastructure, better-connected neighborhoods, and quality social amenities and public spaces.

The IDB loan has a 24.5-year repayment period and a 6-year grace period.

About the IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research projects and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public- and private-sector clients throughout the region.