The proposed location of a hydroelectric and water supply project for Tunari National Park, in the city of Cochabamba in Bolivia, had the potential to damage nearby wetlands and destroy a remnant of Polylepis forest, the highest elevation forest in the world, that is threatened throughout the Andes. The area is also home to the endangered Cochabamba mountain finch (Poospiza garleppi).
When looking at the long list of challenges countries in the region face in relation to economic development, one could think that for a nation like Paraguay energy access is not at the top of the list. After all, when it comes to electricity, Paraguay has an ace up its sleeve: the Itaipu Hydroelectric Dam.
March 8 is International Women's Day #Metoo isn’t just about sexual harassment and violence, although that was the catalyst for the movement.Why do some communities fare better during and after climate shocks than others? We know that early warning systems and disaster preparedness decrease the losses of natural disasters, but what other social and economic factors could improve the outcomes? Climate change is already happening. Extreme weather events causing floods, droughts, cyclonic winds, and heatwaves occur more frequently and more violently than in the past.
March 3rd was World Wildlife Day, in honor of the signing of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or “CITES”. World Wildlife Day celebrates and raises awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. The theme for 2018 is “Big cats: predators under threat”. Big cats are a part of the biodiversity and culture of Latin America.
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)’s Environmental Safeguards Compliance Policy requires consultations with the beneficiaries/affected communities as part of the environmental assessment in Bank-funded operations. At the same time, environmental legislation in Bolivia recognizes the importance of citizen participation in specific decision-making processes related to projects, works or activities, as long as they are channeled through the Territorial Grassroots Organizations (OTBs, after their Spanish initials).
On February 20 we celebrated World Day of Social Justice, an international day currently observed by the United Nations that reflects on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
The Environmental and Social Safeguards Unit (ESG) of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is pleased to announce the launch of a new learning platform on managing environmental and social risks. With this new feature, all our online courses are in one place. In 2016, ESG began offering online training to increase the capacity of counterpart government officials who review and approve Environmental and Social Impact Assessments.
The thriving cities of tomorrow will be sustainable cities. To meet the new demands and opportunities of rapid urbanization, climate change and technology, they will need innovative urban services that address challenges such as getting people from home to work safely and efficiently, lighting streets more cost-effectively, or reducing runoff and risk of flooding. Alternative sustainable service solutions and innovations exist today, including transit-oriented development, LED street lighting, pervious surfaces, and capture and reuse strategies.