Venezuela | Bank Information Center: Monitoring the projects and policies of the World Bank, IMF and other international financial institutions


bicusa.org/ Home Regions Latin AmericaVenezuela Venezuela Overview Updates RSS Update \| 28 November 2011 Letter to the IADB President Luis Alberto Moreno Read more Update \| 29 March 2011 The IDB's Annual Meeting characterized by the lack of progress in the sustainable development agenda Read more Update \| 15 February 2011 Civil society to IDB: Safeguard compliance and sustainability promotion not a trade-off Civil society sent a letter to President Luis Alberto Moreno expressing their support, yet concern and strong disagreement with parts of the report’s analysis which, if misinterpreted, could negatively affect the integrity of the principles of sustainability in Bank operations. Read more Update \| 25 January 2011 CSOs question World Bank disbursement of $500mm on environmental development policy loan to Brazil Transparency and accountability gaps are highlighted in World Bank Board Query to Latin American Vice President, Pamela Cox. Read more Update \| 25 January 2011 CSOs question World Bank disbursement of the DPL SEM I to Brasil and the mega risks of Belo Monte Civil Society Organizations question the World Bank disbursement of the DPL SEM I to Brasil without clear evidence regarding the implementation of BNDES Safeguards and Social and Environmental policy in emblematic cases Read more Press Clipping \| 19 December 2010 BNDES ready to hit the brake With the preview to close 2010 with the release of $ 146 billion, BNDES keeps growing, turbocharged with contributions and loans from the Treasury, but slows down to face their limits. Read more Press Clipping \| 14 November 2010 Brazil's Electrobras learns Spanish The energy giant plans a global expansion in 2011 that by 2020 will generate 10% of total revenues from outside the region and allow Brazil to import energy for increasing demand. Read more Update \| 1 November 2010 Civil Society submits a dossier of proposals for policy reforms to the IDB The dossier contains a summary of proposals submitted by a group of civil society organizations to the Inter-American Development Bank. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. Read more Update \| 1 November 2010 Peru: Statement by AIDESEP on the rights and consultation of indigenous peoples In a public statement directed at the Peruvian State, the World Bank, UNDP and UNFCCC, the Inter-ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Forest (AIDESEP) denounces plans of the government and its political and corporate allies to grant mining, logging and tourism concessions, as well as approve REDD and environmental services initiatives after blocking the Indigenous Consultation Law. They insist: without territory, rights and consultation for indigenous peoples, such concessions must not move forward. Read more Update \| 24 September 2010 Roads and Deforestation: proper diagnosis and Basis for Sustainable Transport in Peru's R-PP In general the REDD discussions are based on the assumption of command and control policies that combines investment and capacity to implement economic incentives to avoid deforestation. In this sense there is relatively little emphasis in the discussion of solutions to structural problems that lead people from different sectors to adopt strategies that lead to deforestation and forest degradation, in other terms governance scenarios. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 August 2010 New Online Map Plots 140 Large Dams Planned for the Amazon Read more Update \| 5 August 2010 IDB Signals New Post-Capital Increase Relationship with Civil Society Exchange of views highlights differences in defining new rules for participation, development effectiveness and additionality. Read more Update \| 27 July 2010 Civil Society Organizations submit a letter to President Moreno after his re-election Civil Society Organizations sent a letter to President Moreno to remind him that the mandate of his next Presidential term at the Bank will rest on three fundamental challenges: an Evidence-based Results Management, Institutional Governance, and a Social and Environmental Sustainability vision for the region. This in despite of controversial management style and consequent Bank performance over the last five years under his Presidency. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 July 2010 Bolivian Deputy Minister of Environment and Director of Environment submit their resignation Bolivian Deputy Minister of Environment Juan Pablo Ramos and Director Environment Luis Beltrán submitted irrevocable resignation from their posts on Friday of last week, after government officials tried to force them to sign an environmental permit for the construction of a highway in the Chapare region of Cochabamba. Read more Update \| 13 May 2010 IDB Approves New Disclosure Policy The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) May 12 approved a new "Access to Information Policy" likely to increase the level of transparency at the institution, according to a new article posted today on FreedomInfo.org's IFTI Watch column. The IDB set an international speed record for writing and approving the new disclosure policy, rushing it through as part of an effort to bolster its case for a capital replenishment. The haste came at the expense of a planned public comment period. Read more Update \| 21 April 2010 The World Bank and climate change: part of the problem? This edition of the BICECA Bulletin examines the World Bank Energy and Climate Change Strategies in the context of the upcoming Spring Meetings, which will take place April 24-25 in Washington, DC. Read more Press Clipping \| 14 April 2010 Bolivia launches World Peoples' Climate Summit at UNFCCC talks in Bonn The Peoples' World Conference on Climate Change and Rights of Mother Earth was announced by President Evo Morales of Bolivia in the aftermath of the widely denounced outcomes of the Copenhagen UNFCCC conference in December 2009. The aim of the conference is to advance an agenda led by civil society organizations and in dialogue with proactive governments dedicated to preventing climate change. The conference aims to analyze the structural causes of climate change, and develop specific proposals and actions for addressing it. Read more Update \| 7 April 2010 Looming challenges for the Inter-American Development Bank in Latin America The Cancun Declaration, signed by the Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its 51st Annual Meeting, contains 10 points and a global framework for evaluation of the agreed institutional reforms included in the ninth General Capital Increase of the Bank. These points partially address the concerns expressed by civil society in the region. Nevertheless, as these organizations point out, there are still points to be reinforced and challenges to be taken on by Bank management. Read more Update \| 1 April 2010 Taking advantage of the crisis: Capital increases for IFIs conditioned on new reforms The latest edition of the BICECA bulletin features analysis from civil society groups from around the region on the IDB Capital Increase and the pending institutional reforms linked to it. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 March 2010 IDB arrives at Cancun meeting weakened by poor management Severe doubts have been raised by some of the IDB's own members regarding Luis Alberto Moreno's management. Read more Press Release \| 24 March 2010 “The IDB Cancun Declaration is a step forward, but it is just that- one step" Press Release from civil society groups present at the IDB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Cancun, Mexico Read more Press Clipping \| 18 March 2010 Brazil and Argentina oppose reelection of Luis Alberto Moreno Brazilian Minister of Finance, Guido Mantega: "we will propose at the meeting that the IDB elect a new administration that is more efficient and beneficial to the region". "Our joint evaluation is that his performance has been unsatisfactory". Read more Press Clipping \| 18 March 2010 Moreno’s management questioned as IDB funding increase pared While Moreno prays for "white smoke" at the IDB Annual Meetings in Cancun, both critics within the Bank and civil society offer sharp criticism of the leader's performance. Read more Update \| 18 March 2010 Tip Sheet: Inter-American Development Bank’s 2010 Annual Meeting in Cancun A coalition comprised of more than 100 civil society groups from 20 countries are attending the IDB's Annual Meetings in Cancun, Mexico this week seeking answers from Bank Governors and Executives on crucial reforms that must be discussed before a Board vote on a multi-billion dollar capital increase. Read more Press Release \| 27 February 2010 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Bid for 200% Capital Increase in Jeopardy IDB Board of Governors Urged to Address Civil Society Concerns During Upcoming March 2nd Meeting in Washington, DC Read more Update \| 17 February 2010 IDB Governor Accountability in Question as IDB Cruises Toward Cancun Recapitalization Request More than 100 civil society organizations from 18 countries stepped up pressure on the IDB by submitting a letter to the Board of Governors demanding Transparency and Evidence of Structural Reforms before the approval on the Capital Increase in Cancun, Mexico. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 February 2010 Brazil, Argentina say IADB failing Latin America Brazil and Argentina called on Friday for reforms at the Inter-American Development Bank, saying the regional lender had failed to understand the needs of Latin America during the global financial crisis. Read more Update \| 12 February 2010 The New Extractivism in South America So-called extractivism, which includes mineral and oil exploitation, has a long history in Latin America. Current exports have been nourished by extractivist activities. Extractivism has continued to play a key role in national economies. It has also occupied a place at the center of powerful struggles because of its economic, social, and environmental impacts. Read more Press Clipping \| 12 February 2010 Unasur pledges 300 m USD for Haiti The Union of South American Nations, Unasur, leaders agreed Tuesday to provide 300 million US dollars in aid to Haiti at a summit in Ecuador which left aside regional disputes that have undermined relations since 2008. Read more Update \| 3 February 2010 World Bank Amazon Dieback Study Predicts Greater Probability & Severity of Biome Collapse "The World Bank released a study that finally put the impacts of climate change, deforestation and fires together. The tipping point for the Amazon is 20 percent deforestation," and that is "a scary result," Tom Lovejoy, a member of the external review panel for the report, told Tierramérica in an interview. The study, "Assessment of the Risk of Amazon Dieback," released Jan. 22, drew on the expertise of several international research institutions, including Japan's Meteorological Research Institute, Britain's Exeter University, Brazil's Centre for Weather Forecasting and Climate Change (CPET/INPE), Germany's Potsdam Institute and Earth3000. Read more Press Release \| 28 January 2010 The Desired Future of the Peruvian Amazon 2021? Book Launch: Jan. 26 & 27, 2009 - Lima, Peru: Peruvian Amazon in 2021-Infrastructure and the Exploitation of Natural Resources: What is happening and what does it mean for the future? by Marc Dourojeanni, Alberto Barandiarán y Diego Dourojeanni is a publication in which the authors fill a informational gap that exists for Peruvian citizens regarding what the government and private investors plan to do in the coming decade in the Peruvian Amazon. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 January 2010 Candidates emerge to head Inter-American Development Bank Read more Update \| 21 January 2010 2010 IDB Annual Meeting - Cancun All the latest news from the IDB Global Capital Increase (GCI-9) and the Annual Meetings taking place from March 19-23, 2010 Read more Press Clipping \| 10 January 2010 Neighbors Challenge Energy Aims in Bolivia President Evo Morales’s leftist government, which has asserted greater control over some of South America’s most coveted natural gas reserves, is facing a challenge as neighboring countries move to achieve energy security by cutting their dependence on Bolivian gas supplies. New gas projects in Brazil and Argentina have come on line at a time when Mr. Morales is winning plaudits for a strong economy. Read more Press Release \| 28 November 2009 BNDES ignores advice of bank-affected population Frustration. That was the sentiment felt by the representatives of those impacted by BNDES-financed projects. The group of social leaders met with the institution's president, Luciano Coutinho at bank headquarters, on November 25, however the meeting did not result in the acknowledgement of any of their claims. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 November 2009 Regional development bank Banco del Sur created Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia and Venezuela signed an agreement on Monday inaugurating a new regional development bank which will lend only to member countries for projects implemented in South America. Read more Press Clipping \| 23 November 2009 Rising sea levels threaten Caribbean region According to a World Bank study, Cartagena and the rest of the Caribbean coastal zone could see sea levels rising as much as 2 feet by the end of the century. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 November 2009 Funding resources for water in Latina America, IBD, Spain and Netherlands take the lead Latin American water crises require bold investments and strategic alliances, IDB president says. Luis Alberto Moreno warns about impact of climate change on key sectors of region's economy; highlights sustainable solutions. Latin America is facing multiple water crises with far-reaching consequences for health, food security, renewable energy sources and export competitiveness, Moreno said today. Read more Update \| 13 November 2009 IIRSA: Development for business, an attack on lives The following video was presented to the Inter-American Comission on Human Rights in Washington, protesting the construction of mega-projects financed by the World Bank and IDB. Read more Update \| 10 November 2009 $100 Billion Recapitalization of BNDES makes it the largest development bank in Latin America Read more Update \| 8 November 2009 Obama memo on implementing State duty on consultation of indigenous peoples Within 90 days, all US federal agencies must submit a plan for implementation of regular, meaningful, previous consultation processes with indigenous peoples. Read more Press Clipping \| 5 November 2009 Argentina becomes full member of Andean Finance Corporation On Wednesday, Argentina became a full member of the Andean Finance Corporation, of which it had been a series C shareholder since it joined in 2001, as confirmed in a statement from the Argentine Minister of Economy. Read more Press Release \| 5 November 2009 IDB GCI consultation at early crossroads Guadalajara Civil Society Meetings in Guadalajara, Mexico open with increased demands for consultation process accountability, transparency guarantees. Good faith participation by CSOs rests on Bank decision to disclose and discuss a second draft of the proposed revisions to the Independent Consultation and Inspection Mechanism (ICIM). Read more Update \| 3 November 2009 Indigenous leaders denounce IIRSA megaprojects that violate the rights of Mother Earth The Confederación Andina de Organizaciones Indígenas de Perú (CAIO), the Organización Indígena Chiquitana de Bolivia (OICH), el Centro de Estudios Aplicados a los Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales de Bolivia (CEADESC), Comunidades Nativas de Pueblos Indígenas de Rondonia de Brasil and Indian Law Resource Center today denounced various IIRSA projects at the Inter-American Court for Human Rights in Washingtion DC for the violation of the right to free and prior informed consent of indigenous peoples. Read more Update \| 3 November 2009 ALBA Approves Special Declaration About the Rights of Mother Earth Read more Press Release \| 2 November 2009 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights examines impacts oflarge dams in Latin America Read more Update \| 29 October 2009 Forests Much More Than Carbon Storage The bid to include forests in initiatives to mitigate climate change is turning out to be a sensitive issue for the planet. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 October 2009 Ecuador President says rich world should pay poor countries not to pollute "Climate change has been produced principally by the rich countries, but it most affects the countries of the third world," President Rafael Correa said in London. Read more Update \| 24 October 2009 Civilization in crisis and Living Well: "Vivir Bien" Education in the Context of Multiple Crises Read more Press Clipping \| 22 October 2009 IDB Loans $800 million for Venezuela hydroelectric power plant Venezuela and the Inter-American Development Bank on Tuesday signed the agreement for an $800 million loan to finance part of the Manuel Piar hydroelectric center, Finance Minister Ali Rodriguez said. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 October 2009 World Bank approves 1.5 billion dollar loan for Mexico It was confirmed yesterday that Mexico will receive 1.504 billion dollars in financing for “encouraging green growth”; the loan will focus on economic strengthening and environmental programs. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 October 2009 Lula and Uribe promote Amazon country summit The two leaders are pushing for the meeting in hopes that "all countries in the region with Amazon territory arrive at the Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen in December of this year with a unified strategy ", explained Lula da Silva. Read more Update \| 19 October 2009 IDB Rush to Increase Capital Fails G-20 Stress Tests Read more Press Clipping \| 15 October 2009 Crisis has hurt investment in renewables In Latin America, Brazil is the leader in the development of renewable energies, while nations like Mexico, Peru, Chile and Argentina are taking slow steps to change their energy mix. Read more Press Release \| 6 October 2009 PRESS RELEASE: IDB Rush to Increase Capital Fails G-20 Stress Tests The IDB must implement crucial reforms before a capital inrease is approved. Read more Update \| 2 October 2009 Open letter to Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno, President of IDB Civil Society outlines their concerns about socio-environmental impacts of the IIRSA project "Road Interconnection: Pucallpa-Cruzeiro do Sul" and demands that the IDB promote more transparency and public consultation in the IIRSA process. Read more Update \| 30 September 2009 Open letter to Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the IDB In this letter, members of civil society outline the minimum conditions which they feel the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM) must meet. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 September 2009 Desertification - a Macroeconomic Problem Understanding desertification as a macroeconomic problem, with financial, productive, environmental and civil society aspects, is a major concern for Christian Mersmann, the managing director of the Global Mechanism of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). Read more Press Clipping \| 28 September 2009 Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela to increase their contributions to the Bank of the South Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela will raise their contribution levels to the Bank of the South to 4 billion dollars each. The bank's incorporation charter was signed yesterday by seven South American governors. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 September 2009 Spain, Mexico and Argentina request capital increase of IDB at G-20 summit According to Spanish government officials, this was one of the primary conclusions of the meeting held at UN headquarters in New York, where they met to coordinate their positions before the G-20 summit which begins this afternoon in Pittsburgh. Read more Update \| 17 September 2009 IDB begins consultation on Ninth Global Capital Increase Read more Update \| 16 September 2009 BNDES looking for new sources of financing The National Development Bank of Brazil (BNDES) nearly quintupled its loan volume between 1997 and 2008, making it one of the largest development banks in the world. Last year, it disbursed loans in the amount of R$ 92.2 billion; as of July this year, it has already disbursed R$ 75.1 billion. Total 2009 loans could reach R$ 131 billion. Read more Update \| 9 September 2009 Brazil and BNDES: The Threat of Development for the Amazon In this month's bulletin, we examine some of the concerns about whether the Bank’s and the Brazilian government’s policies address climate change issues and the social and environmental impacts of these projects. Read more Update \| 9 September 2009 World Bank DPL to Brazil: Moving Money or Mainstreaming Environmental Sustainability? This article discusses the changing relationship between the Bank and Brazil within the context of a new $1.3 billion Development Policy Loan. It includes a review of the background and concerns associated with development policy lending since 2004, and then offers a detailed analysis of the Brazilian Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM) DPL. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 August 2009 Unasur to create IIRSA division The Union of South American Nations (Unasur) will create a division to coordinate the South American infrastructure integration initiative IIRSA. A document regarding the structure of the division is expected to be signed at the next Unasur meeting to be held in Ecuadorian capital Quito on September 7. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 August 2009 Beyond the world creditors’ cartel In Latin America and elsewhere, the IMF may be re–emerging—but in a changed landscape. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 July 2009 Continued resilience: Regional Report Latin America One way to stem this rising tide, said ministers, would be for Latin American countries to "increase public infrastructure integration to reduce transport and energy costs in order to make their economies more competitive." Read more Update \| 20 July 2009 IDB & IIRSA: Continuity in Question Within the current context of a global capital increase proposal by the Inter-American Development Bank that would permit the Bank to triple its current annual lending volume, 20 civil society organizations from 10 countries demanded that the IDB not renew its mandate to participate in the Technical Coordination Committee (CCT) of IIRSA based on the inconsistency of IIRSA practices with Bank safeguard and operating policies. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 July 2009 Over $1 Billion in funding available for oil exploration in Northern La Paz The Society formed by GTLI y Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales awaiting an environmental license and Petroandina has entered the phase of seismic studies. Read more Update \| 16 July 2009 Evaluating CAF/INRENA I and the future of the Interoceanica highway BICECA Bulletin 2009 Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 Complex geopolitics: Brazil y Venezuela In the midst of a blending of strategy, pragmatism and ideology, the enigmatic relationship between Brazil and Venezuela evolves through a series of complicated gambles. Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 IIRSA forum of strategic reflection - chronicle of a death foretold Reflections about the conference on IIRSA Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 20 Civil Society Organizations and networks call on IDB to withdraw from IIRSA In the context of a 9th Global Capital Increase request, for which the IDB is designing a new institutional strategy anchored by sustainability, equity and development goals, IIRSA has not demostrated compatibility with these goals and should be abandoned by the Bank. Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 Integration and Sustainable Development in Times of Crisis An intensive short seminar in Lima, Peru (July 22nd, 23rd, 24th) to address the current situation of regional integration in Latin America, the impacts of the global crisis and the options for advancing sustainable development is being convened by CLAES (Centro Sostenibilidad Ambiental, Uruguay) and the Universidad Peruana C. Heredia Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 Civil society organizations challenge IDB commitments to development results and sustainability As member countries assess the 9th replenishment proposal advanced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on July 2 in Santiago, Chile, eight civil society organizations submitted recommendations on leadership steps the IDB should take in several critical areas before qualifying for any capital increase. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. Read more Update \| 22 June 2009 Understanding Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) The increasingly important topic of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) was recently discussed among civil society organizations in Bogota, Colombia. Participants in the event discussed the ways in which the SEAs can be most effective and how to overcome certain challenges in applying the SEAs to certain projects. Infrastructure and sustainable development topics are also covered in this SEA bulletin. Read more Update \| 22 June 2009 The Amazon Rainforest is More Important than Electric Cars Someone should contact Neil Young and tell him to stop making albums about electric cars and start writing songs about the Amazon. While I write this in jest, the boringness of someone pulling your ear about the devastation of deforestation should still be as important as talking about topics such as the duel between San Francisco and Portland for electric car supremacy. Read more Update \| 1 June 2009 Chávez: Venezuela, Brazil to create billion dollar investment fund Along with Brazil, Venezuela promises to create a fund to make "billions of dollars" available for investment. Read more Update \| 1 June 2009 Brazil ambassador to Guyana Interview ‘The Lethem road would only make economic sense if it was complemented by a deep water harbour’ Read more Update \| 1 June 2009 Ignorance on the Periphery The indigenous people of the Guianas are largely ignorant of their governments’ intentions for the environment and of their inalienable rights. They want to know more about matters that affect their land and their livelihood. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 May 2009 Electrobras offers $US 16 bn to build six dams in Peruvian Amazon Lula and Garcia advance plans to expand hydroelectric integration. Read more Update \| 13 May 2009 Guiana Shield Meeting Recap The recent April meeting among indigenous leaders of the Guiana Shield revealed their concerns about the IIRSA project and the lack of clarity around REDD and climate change. The indigenous leaders and their political counterparts agreed that there would be more participation and joint decision-making processes in the future about topics affecting the indigenous groups' land. Read more Press Clipping \| 10 May 2009 Energy conflict and cooperation in South America Despite widespread cross-border problems, South America has more than its fair share of major bilateral hydro schemes. Itaipu remains one of the region’s largest hydro ventures, but what other schemes are on the cards? Read more Update \| 8 May 2009 Scenario II - IIRSA Transfer to UNASUR Read more Press Clipping \| 17 April 2009 NGOs oppose licensing to pave roads in the Amazon Civil society organizations have written a letter expressing their opposition to a measure that would allow the paving of roads through the Amazon. Read more Update \| 16 April 2009 World Bank to lend US$14bn to Latin America in FY09 The World Bank plans to increase lending to Latin America to suplement decreasing levels of foreign direct investment in the region. Read more Update \| 16 April 2009 ProInversión seeks to re-launch IIRSA Centro concession tender by year-end ProInversion, Peru's state agency for the promotion of private investment, will likely launch a tender to concession the IIRSA highway. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 April 2009 The paradox of the Amazon On the one hand, Brazil made some improvements reducing the rate of deforestation. On the other hand, IIRSA prevents the country from achieving its national environmental goals while deforestation puts the survival of the entire planet at risk. Deforestation is the cause of 20% of the world's global warming - more than the effects of all automobiles. Read more Update \| 2 April 2009 Not one, but two global crises Read more Update \| 23 March 2009 2009 IDB Annual Meeting All the latest news from the IDB Annual Meetings taking place from March 27-31, 2009 Read more Update \| 22 March 2009 IDB financial losses and glaring lack of accountability invalidate replenishment request The Inter-American Development Bank should not receive public funding unless it becomes fully accountable to member governments and the public. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 March 2009 Brazil's BNDES signs $1 billion IDB finance deal, seeks $3 billion more The Brazilian National Development Bank, BNDES, receives the third installment of a loan to provide credit for businesses to modernize and expand operations. Read more Press Clipping \| 20 March 2009 Amazon could shrink by 85% due to climate change scientists say A new study shows that even modest temperature increases will shrink the Amazon substantially. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 March 2009 Bolivia worries about the impact of Brazilian dams Bolivians worry about potential flooding and health problems that will result from two dams which are part of the Rio Madeira project. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 March 2009 Bolivians and Brazilians oppose the privatization of Rio Madeira Both Bolivians and Brazilians do not agree with the privatization of the Rio Madeira. For different reasons but the same objective, the Bolivians and Brazilians join forces to oppose the privatization. Read more Press Clipping \| 18 March 2009 Madeira's dams and the new constitution For only the last two years has the Bolivian government paid attention to the impacts of dams in indigenous territory. Read more Update \| 18 March 2009 Respecting communal land The leaders of hundreds of indigneous groups of Peru demanded that the government reject a proposal to give Petrobras (Brazilian) a large area in which to operate. The groups' leaders argue that Petrobras will bring contamination and the unnecessary exploitation of a protected area of the Amazon. Read more Update \| 18 March 2009 COICA analyzes the role of IIRSA in Quito Members of the COICA indigneous group held a meeting in Quito, Ecuador in order to discuss the role of the indigenous communities as it relates to the Amazon. Read more Update \| 13 March 2009 Four Bolivians arrested during demonstration in Brazil Read more Update \| 13 March 2009 Distance training course offered on the fundamentals of IIRSA From March 30 - April 8 several experts on IIRSA will conduct a distance class about the fundamentals of IIRSA in order to capacitate community leaders. Read more Update \| 10 March 2009 The economic crisis frustrates Latin America's efforts to establish the Bank of the South Only a year ago many governments in Latin America expressed their desire to separate themselves from the World Bank and IMF loans. But, because of pressing financial needs, many Latin American governments have been forced to consider accepting funds from multilateral banks. In many ways this change has hindered the creation of the Bank of the South. Read more Update \| 13 March 2009 GTI Update: World Bank to review transparency standards As the World Bank launches a review of its policy on access to information, the Global Transparency Initiative will track the review process and provide analytical support to civil society groups concerned with transparency standards at the Bank. Read more Update \| 5 March 2009 Brazilian NGOs urge World Bank not to approve $1.3 billion loan for environment Several organizations and social networks have asked the World Bank to postpone a decision on a $1.3 billion project in Brazil. The groups argue that prior loans have not adequately addressed environmental concerns and that the pending project-loan has the potential to continue this trend. Moreover, the groups see attractive alternatives. Read more Update \| 27 February 2009 Challenging IIRSA Mega-Projects for Regional Integration: Priorities, Strategies and Lessons Learned BICECA Boletín Mensual 2009 Read more Update \| 25 February 2009 IDB prepares its first capitalization since 1995 In light of the current financial crisis and future needs in Latin America, the Inter-American Development Bank makes plans for capitalization. The proposed amount for the capitalization will be determined according to the recommendations of an IDB advisory group on the issue. Read more Press Clipping \| 17 February 2009 Forum declares Manta, Ecuador as an entry port to South America Various participants at the forum raise their points of view regarding the integration of South America and the Manta-Manaus corridor as the entry point to the region. Read more Update \| 10 February 2009 Declaration of the Coordinator of the Amazon Basin Indigenous Peoples Organization (COICA) The Amazon Basin Indigenous Peoples Organization (COICA) with our worldview, diversity of languages, history, cultures, spirituality, territory, economy, have existed since before recorded time. We have adopted different forms of organization and identity under the framework of the nation states which have established laws and regulations according to their own interests, not recognizing the ancestral rights of the first inhabitants of the amazon region. Read more Update \| 4 February 2009 BNDES plans $43 billion in investments for Brazil Read more Update \| 4 February 2009 SOS Amazon! As world leaders focus on severe economic crisis in their homelands, an estimated 100,000 activists traveled from all over the world to attend the World Social Forum in Brazil. Led by Indigenous people from all across Latin America, over 1000 participants formed a human banner, using their bodies, to draw attention to the increasingly precarious situation of the Amazon rainforest. Read more Update \| 3 February 2009 World Social Forum 2009 For the 2009 World Social Forum (WSF), a group composed of various organizations is organizing a two day workshop for updates and strategy building to inform, discuss, plan and act in defense of the rights of affected populations and the environment. The organizations are working to prevent and/or mitigate any type of social and environmental negative impacts caused by the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) and other harmful development strategies. Read more Update \| 21 January 2009 Case study: Corredor Norte BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2009 Read more Update \| 31 December 2008 Bachelet: Unasur to create infrastructure council in April - Regional Government representatives from the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) plan to establish an infrastructure council in April 2009, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet told BNamericas. The council is expected to be created at the next Unasur meeting, scheduled for April 20 next year, when Bachelet will also leave her post as the organization's pro tempore president. Read more Update \| 29 December 2008 New book by INESC - Financing for Megaprojects A new book of articles edited by Ricardo Verdum of the Brazilian Instituto de Estudio Socioeconomicos (Inesc) explores the trends in financing for megaprojects in South America. The book highlights the shifting balance between IFIs such as the World Bank, the IDB and CAF toward new institutions such as BNDES, as well as the competition between IIRSA and UNASUR. The book emphasizes the urgency for greater transparency and accountability in information and decision making about large, high risk infrastructure in the region. Read more Update \| 22 December 2008 IDB Increases Infrastructure Integration Subsidy IDB replenishment of a popular subsidy for the preparation of high risk infrastructure projects in Latin America anticipates the increased funding of infrastructure to stimulate the economy. Read more Update \| 15 December 2008 Andean Indigenous proposal on IIRSA Open letter regarding the South American Regional Infrastructure Integration Initiative (IIRSA), to the politicians in charge (South American governments) and its financiers (CAF, BNDES, European Union, Fonplata, Santander) Read more Update \| 25 November 2008 Civil Society and IDB workshop: Strategic Environmental Assessments and sustainable development Civil society organizations (CSOs) from 10 South American countries have invited the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to engage in dialogue about the use and misuse of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in a two-day workshop to be held in Bogota, Colombia (Dec. 2 and 3, 2008). The workshop will feature presentations on the IDB's progress in developing a strategic decision making system that includes clearer rules for SEAs. CSOs will present lessons learned and recommendations for more effective use of SEAs drawn from a decade of experience with high risk infrastructure projects. Read more Update \| 21 November 2008 Directors of IIRSA reject petition for participation of civil society The President of the Directors of IIRSA and current Director of the Ministry of Planning of Colombia, Carolina Renteria, reported on Monday, November 10 the decision to reject a hearing on IIRSA requested by 20 civil society organizations from 8 countries. The CSOs submitted a proposal to create mechanisms to ensure the participation of civil society in the planning process of integration within the framework of IIRSA, in addition to other potential integration processes as well as for the implementation of Strategic Environmental Studies (SEA) for groups of IIRSA projects. Read more Update \| 14 November 2008 Colombia: Pasto-Mocoa Highway; Indigenous people's rights in Peru; Manta-Manaos in Ecuador BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2008 Read more Update \| 29 September 2008 IIRSA CCT Meeting on Infrastructure and the Amazon: IIRSA’s future in doubt On Sept. 4, the Technical Coordinating Committee of IIRSA (CCT) hosted a small day-long meeting to discuss infrastructure and the Amazon. The meeting was motivated by a growing perception that IIRSA and related investment trends in the Amazon region are inducing perverse and unsustainable effects that are undermining the legitimacy of the infrastructure integration initiative. Read more Update \| 5 February 2008 Free Trade in the agenda for IDB Spring Annual Meeting The Inter-American Development Bank will be hosting its Annual Meeting in Miami and the issue of Free Trade Agreements will be at the top of the list. Read more Update \| 31 January 2008 Latin America Banks on Independence: Bank of the South On December 9, standing before the flags of their countries, the presidents of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Venezuela, along with a representative from Uruguay, gathered in Buenos Aires and signed the founding charter of the Banco del Sur, or Bank of the South. Read more Update \| 4 January 2008 Chavez Names New Finance Minister and Vice President Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez replaced his finance minister and vice president as part of a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle after voters rejected his proposal to overhaul the constitution. Read more Update \| 13 December 2007 Bank of the South launched Seven South American leaders launched the Bank of the South (Banco del Sur) on Sunday, touting it as the continent's alternative to U.S.-backed lenders. Read more Update \| 10 December 2007 Soy in the Amazon The annual destruction of the Amazon rainforest is tallied every August and announced to a world sadly accustomed to the idea that its greatest tropical forest is being wiped off the face of the Earth. Read more Update \| 3 December 2007 A rumble over valuable jungle Destruction and exploitation of rain forests spark an idea: Paying to preserve them. Read more Update \| 3 December 2007 Second Latin American Congress of National Parks and Protected Areas The second Latin American Congress of National Parks and Protected Areas held in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina was the largest gathering of environmental organizations working in Latin America since the last Congress in 1997, held in Santa Marta. Read more Update \| 29 November 2007 Bank of the South Eight countries are planning to inaugurate the Bank of the South on December 5, 2007 in Caracas. Joining ALBA countries (Venezuela, Bolivia), Ecuador Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, Colombia decided two weeks ago that it too would join the initiative. Peru and Chile have so far remained silent. Read more Update \| 20 November 2007 European Commission and Inter-American Development Bank sign Memorandum of Understanding The European Commission and Inter-American Development Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 19th in Brussels to strengthen their cooperation in the Latin American region. Read more Update \| 3 November 2007 Water as private property Transnational companies tighten their grip on region’s water resources. Read more Update \| 30 October 2007 Inter-American Development Bank to increase infrastructure investment Announcement shows the growing internal pressure at the institution to push lending for major energy initiatives. Read more Update \| 23 October 2007 Chavez's Plan for Development Bank Moves Ahead The idea by Hugo Chávez, Venezuela’s president, to create a Bank of the South to finance regional development projects is moving forward, aided by the tacit approval of Brazil, which has South America’s largest economy. Read more Update \| 16 October 2007 World Bank is optimistic about growth in Latin American The World Bank predicted that Latin America and the Caribbean will grow between 4.9 and 5% this year in spite of the turmoil in the US financial markets. Read more Update \| 3 October 2007 Chávez Vows Bank of the South Next Monday Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced Tuesday night that the Bank of the South will be born next Monday in Caracas. Read more Update \| 3 October 2008 Biofuels, Agrofuels, the International Financial Institutions and Private Investment: A General Panorama Liquid biofuels are attracting the attention of private investors, as well as developed and developing countries in their quest for alternative energy sources. Biofuels are gaining popularity because of their potential ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, their promise to stimulate rural development and their possibility of providing security and energy independence. Read more Update \| 27 August 2007 Venezuelan funding to Latin America The President of Venezuela, Mr. Hugo Chavez has pledged more than $8.8 billion in aid, financing and energy funding in Latin America and the Caribbean so far in 2007 Read more Update \| 7 April 2007 Map updates information on Protected Areas in Amazonia - After a long research effort with geographical data and information on protected areas, during the last Brazilian Congress on Conservation Units, the Socioenvironmental Institute (ISA) presented the most updated sample of areas under some sort of legal protection throughout the entire Amazon. Read more Print Email		Search Regions Africa Asia Europe/Central Asia Latin America Middle East and North Africa See also Andean Development Corporation Bank of the South Inter-American Development Bank International Finance Corporation International Monetary Fund Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency World Bank (IBRD & IDA) Latin America Stay Informed! 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