http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.103.aspx The latest news on Brazil from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.103.aspx The outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Brazil, Mahktar Diop, challenges the conclusions of an evaluation by Bank Information Center of the $1.3 billion Sustainable Environmental Management Development Policy to promote environmental reforms in Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12592.aspx Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:39:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12592.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12571.aspx Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:12:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12571.aspx A new evaluation of a $1.3 billion World Bank development policy loan to promote sustainability reforms at the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) that questions the effectiveness of DPLs due to weaknesses in existing Bank policy guiding their design and execution. This brief calls for the reform of Bank DPL policy as an urgent part of the ongoing revision of World Bank safeguard policies to ensure consistent management of risk across all World Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12554.aspx Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12554.aspx This update prepared by the Bank Information Center introduces the FCPF Readiness Package (R-Package) and the Carbon Fund (CF) operational. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12545.aspx Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:21:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12545.aspx It took many years to establish the World Bank's operational policies that safeguard society and the environment, and are some of the world's highest development standards. As the Bank reviews these policies, civil society is organizing efforts to present their concerns and expectations, and offer their imputs as to what the outcome of the review should be. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12528.aspx Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:01:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12528.aspx According to the MPF, the evaluation of impacts of hydroelectric plants has been partial and does not reflect the true environmental risks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12521.aspx Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:32:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12521.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12520.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:29:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12520.aspx The disimbursement of the funds for the third section of the Villa Tunari-San Ignacio de Moxos highway is now being withheld until the preservation of the ecosystem in the Indigenous Territory in the Isiboro Sécure National Park (TIPNIS) is guaranteed, a commitment by the government of Evo Morales to Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12519.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:18:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12519.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12518.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:42:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12518.aspx Brazilian companies are more interested in entering the Peruvian market and its accumulated investments will likely exceed US$10 billion by 2016. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12517.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:29:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12517.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12516.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:24:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12516.aspx Despite high interest rates and high household electricity tariffs, Brazilian economy has been growing at the highest rates seen in decades. Another problem that, although not in the way of growth, must be overcome is the costly use of roads for transporting farm products – issue being addressed by the expansion of railway networks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12513.aspx Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:44:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12513.aspx Once updated the productivity rates, as required by law, Brazil has experienced a huge expansion of the inventory of properties subject to expropriation. Taking the data from 2010, there are in Brazil, 69 200 large unproductive properties, with an area equivalent to 228.5 million hectares. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12510.aspx Fri, 05 Aug 2011 14:54:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12510.aspx The Inambari Hydroelectric Complex (2000 MW), will only be a Brazilian enclave within Peru, at the cost of environmental degradation and violation of the rights of communities. Nevertheless, it must be built by the state of Peru alongside other nations in order to sell the energy produced. This investment could be recovered in 2 years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12500.aspx Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:35:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12500.aspx In 2010, the Brazilian direct investment in Peru was US$1.014 billion, almost triple that in 2009, when it was $492 million . The Chamber of Commerce Peru-Brazil (Capebras) estimated investment to reach $32 billion in 2016. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12499.aspx Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:17:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12499.aspx The Peruvian legislature has approved an additional payment to complete the Southern Interoceanic Highway, linking the Andean country with Brazil. The highway is expected to be completed in 2012 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12498.aspx Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:51:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12498.aspx Brazilian chancellor, Antonio Patriota, said in Quito that Brazil will more forward with the project that will conect Manaos in the Brazilian Amazon with Manta on the Pacific Coast of Ecuador, and that will enhance intra-regional commerce, but also between South America and Asia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12497.aspx Fri, 22 Jul 2011 17:30:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12497.aspx Ecuadorian authorities will officially inaugurate the first-phase corridor of the bioceanic Manta-Manaos highway. The highway will cost $USD 800 millions to build and has been named Causai Ñanbi (Rita Viva in Quichua). The first load will of around 500 tons of cement, construction pipes, tuna, vegetable oils, fats and soaps. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12492.aspx Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:04:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12492.aspx At the same time it is funding a dam that will devastate indigenous lands and block the Xingu River, Brazil's National Development Bank (BNDES) may allocate some $14.3 million (BRL 22.3 million) in grants for projects developed within the Kayapo indigenous lands, reports Conservation International. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12467.aspx Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12467.aspx The BNDES’s preposterous involvement in the corporate dispute between French multinationals over the Pão-de-Açúcar supermarket chain shows that the state-owned bank has strayed far from its original mission. What exactly is the BNDES’s role nowadays? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12466.aspx Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:07:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12466.aspx With emotionally-charged messages, the representatives of indigenous communities marched against the construction of a highway that would split the TIPNIS in two, arguing that its construction allows for the ethnocide of communities who arduosly worked for the park to become an Originative Communal Land (TCO). (Spanish). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12464.aspx Fri, 08 Jul 2011 11:15:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12464.aspx The Regional Aliance for Free Expression and Information sent an open letter to President of Brasil Dilma Rousseff http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12457.aspx Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:23:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12457.aspx Though the success of Latin America's largest economy is well known, less recognized is how much it owes to massive government lending. For a sense of the scale: The development bank's loans last year, just within Brazil, totaled triple the amount the World Bank lent to more than 100 countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12449.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2011 22:37:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12449.aspx Only Brazilian extractive industries will benefit from Peru's planned sale of energy to that country, through the energy agreement that was signed with the South American superpower, and that is currently awaiting approval by the Congress. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12444.aspx Tue, 31 May 2011 11:36:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12444.aspx The World Bank and the Government of Bolivia recognize the observations of the TCO Takana I on deficiencies in the Indigenous Peoples Plan of the Ixiamas - San Buenaventura Highway project and accept to start a process to improve the Indiginous Plan even after the project was approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Wed, 18 May 2011 14:29:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12438.aspx Banco Santander Brasil SA denied it temporarily suspended financing for the Santo Antonio hydroelectric dam in Brazil’s Amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12433.aspx Mon, 09 May 2011 10:32:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12433.aspx The construction of the Peru-Brazil Southern Interoceanic Corridor (IIRSA SUR) has generated economic benefits worth US$3 billion, reported the President of Peru’s Supervisory Board for Investment in Public Transport Infrastructure (Ositran), Juan Carlos Zevallos. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12432.aspx Sat, 07 May 2011 09:56:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12432.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12427.aspx Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:37:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12427.aspx The President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, informed that there is international interest to support the Manta-Manaos project. He said that during the Chancellor's (Ricardo Patiño) trip to the Middle East, there was an evaluation of the posibility of investment on this waterway which connects Ecuador to Peru and Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12423.aspx Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:00:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12423.aspx The National Government is committed ot develop the logistical zones in the country. Manta has demonstrated its great potential in this strategy because it will not only connect Manta with all of Ecuador, and also with Manaos in Brazil, but will also become Asia's Entry Point into America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12419.aspx Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:32:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12419.aspx The company Transportes Bertolini and the National Government will push the construction of the necessary infrastructure for an economically viable line of river and ground transport between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12418.aspx Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:40:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12418.aspx The 2011 completion of the 3,400-mile Transoceanic Highway nears, connecting the Amazonian state of Acre in Brazil with the southern Pacific coast of Peru. Supported by governmental and multi-national development interests, it promises to internationalize Brazilian agricultural products, while improving mobility across the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12417.aspx Wed, 20 Apr 2011 13:48:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12417.aspx Gold-hungry Peruvian miners are eroding the country's portion of the Amazon rainforest at an alarming rate, according to a new study. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12416.aspx Wed, 20 Apr 2011 10:22:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12416.aspx A report released yesterday by the Bank divides the region into two distinct groups: the first, led by Brazil and comprised of the countries of South America, is at the forefront of growth. The second, with Mexico at the head, and which also includes Central America and the Caribbean, is progressing at a slower pace. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12410.aspx Sun, 10 Apr 2011 11:40:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12410.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12409.aspx Sun, 10 Apr 2011 09:53:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12409.aspx The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights considered that Indigenous Peoples must be consulted BEFORE the dam’s construction begins http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12401.aspx Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12401.aspx The project has a great potential to reorder and even positively or negatively change the dinamics of development and conservation in the region. Bolivia's government has decided that the PAD will not be public before it's approved. It seems that the project underestimates its indirect influence, and there are shortcomings in planification and consultation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:58:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12396.aspx Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12396.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12394.aspx Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12394.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12393.aspx Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:48:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12393.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12392.aspx Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12392.aspx Five country delegation of civil society organizations are at the IDB Annual Meeting of Governors in Calgary, Canada to monitor implementation of reforms that were agreed a year ago in exchange for a $70 Billion capital increase. Reform areas of critical focus include social and environmental safeguards, climate strategy, and results management. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12390.aspx Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:19:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12390.aspx Brazilian security forces have been sent to the Jirau dam construction site where work has been stopped since riots erupted last week over working conditions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12389.aspx Mon, 28 Mar 2011 00:13:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12389.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12377.aspx Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:43:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12377.aspx MPX, energy company in the group of businessman Eike Batista, yesterday announced a capitalization of $ 1.3 billion to finance projects in Brazil and Colombia. The company will issue convertible debentures into common shares, based on the fixed price of $ 43 per share. The holding company of BNDES (BNDESPar) will participate in the capitalization of nearly half the subscription of the issue: U.S. $ 600 million in debentures. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12376.aspx Sat, 12 Mar 2011 22:33:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12376.aspx Built by Paraguay and Argentina, the Yacyretá Binational Dam continues to cause serious environmental damage, compromising future generations. After a delay of 37 years, its final cost was almost ten times higher than originally budgeted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12363.aspx Sun, 27 Feb 2011 08:57:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12363.aspx Con 45 millones de habitantes, estabilidad economica, y oportunidades en el carbon y el petroleo, Colombia ha entrado al radar de inversionistas Brasileños. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12361.aspx Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:36:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12361.aspx As the Brazilian Treasury and BNDES look into the role that subsidies will play in the future of South America, Roberto Smeraldi of Friends of the Earth Brazil discusses how the question is not one of subsidies or not, but rather what subsidies will apply. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12360.aspx Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:28:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12360.aspx Despite recent internal reforms, new evidence raises questions about bank quality control. In direct contrast to IDB management claims, the OVE evaluation found the actual evaluability of projects has deteriorated markedly when measured using a consistent methodology applied to three cohorts of projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12359.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:25:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12359.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:10:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx As the World Bank sets out to review and update its Safeguard Policy framework over the next two years, the Operational Policy 8.60 governing the use of DPLs should be included in that review. This brief identifies five areas of DPL policy guidance that merit revision and could guide a full DPL evaluation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12351.aspx Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:45:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12351.aspx Brazil, with a homicide rate of 25.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, Jamaica, with 32.4, Belize, with 32.7, Colombia, with 37.3, Venezuela, with 48, South Africa, with 49.6, and El Salvador, with 61, all ranked above Mexico, http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12350.aspx Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:39:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12350.aspx The growing presence of Chinese and Brazilian capital in Latin America's energy sector is facilitating the construction of hydroelectric complexes, but is also the fuelling nationalist stances that are adding to the environmental criticisms of those major projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12349.aspx Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:36:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12349.aspx Just a month after World Bank $500 million DPL payment to Brazil, followed by $614 million BNDES bridge loan to Belo Monte builders, New Dilma Government approves fast-track forest clearance and commencement of controversial Belo Monte construction site. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 10:46:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12346.aspx It seems that the Government has forgotten its commitment to the environment when in January of 2011, it enacted the Emergency Decree No. 001-2011 to eliminate environmental impact certificates to approve 33 projects for investment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx Sun, 30 Jan 2011 09:55:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12345.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12344.aspx Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12344.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12343.aspx Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12343.aspx Transparency and accountability gaps are highlighted in World Bank Board Query to Latin American Vice President, Pamela Cox. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:57:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:08:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx New report by Amigos da Terra - Amazonia and International Rivers reveals looming financial, legal and reputational disaster of Belo Monte, world's third largest dam project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12335.aspx Thu, 20 Jan 2011 08:27:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12335.aspx In interview with Valor, Minister Texiera key environmental focus for the new government is urban development http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12332.aspx Wed, 12 Jan 2011 11:52:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12332.aspx Indigenous peoples from the regions of Puno, Madre de Dios and Cuzco are awaiting the government to keep its word to come to the area where the construction of hydroelectric project Inambari and discuss and accept the invalidity of it, otherwise communities begin an indefinite strike to defend their ancestral lands and respect for its decisions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12331.aspx Sun, 09 Jan 2011 10:41:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12331.aspx Through peaceful mobilization, legal actions, unity, and deep roots in their ancestral territory, the indigenous peoples of Putumayo and some Afro-Colombian communities stopped the implementation of the San Francisco -Mocoa highway project funded by the IDB, a project considered by the government as a pillar of regional development and IIRSA Amazonas Multimodal Transport Corridor Tumaco-Belem do Para, the promotes infrastructure megaprojects to facilitate the extraction of natural resources, oil, minerals, biodiversity and ancestral knowledge of the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12329.aspx Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:43:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12329.aspx A developing country already has nearly achieved what the world’s wealthiest countries have only promised to do. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12327.aspx Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:29:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12327.aspx The construction of five hydroelectric dams in Peru as part of an energy deal with Brazil will do considerable damage to the environment, such as the destruction of nearly 1.5 million hectares of jungle over the next 20 years, according to an independent study. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12326.aspx Tue, 28 Dec 2010 07:33:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12326.aspx $US 618 million bridge loan from BNDES prior to full environmental license ignores grave risks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12325.aspx Fri, 24 Dec 2010 08:04:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12325.aspx Citing underestimation of risks, new analysis by Amigos da Terra Amazonia and International Rivers questions the integrity of BNDES financing decision. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12324.aspx Fri, 24 Dec 2010 07:58:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12324.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:26:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx In a bill that was proposed in 2008, the Peruvian Congress Commission on Andean, Indigenous and Afro-Peruvian Peoples, Environment and Ecology, approved a bill to protect the areas and biodiversity affected by the Southern Interoceanic highway. The bill awaits the President's signature. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12319.aspx Mon, 20 Dec 2010 09:18:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12319.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12317.aspx Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:27:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12317.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12310.aspx Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:34:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12310.aspx The most controversial project of the Growth Aceleration Program (PAC) in Brasil for the occupation of territory and natural resources of the Amazon.- the paving of BR-319 highway, which connects Porto Velho (RO) to Manaus (AM) - won approval by a decree signed yesterday by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12293.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:14:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12293.aspx Read about the upcoming regional workshops in Puerto Maldonado, Puno and Cusco, organized by the Peruvian Environment Ministry. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12284.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:27:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12284.aspx The French transnational has a US$400 million contract to link Rondonia to Sao Paulo, and now shifts attention to the Xingu region of Para. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12258.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 16:23:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12258.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 15:27:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12257.aspx The government of Guyana plans to spend most of the Norwegian forest climate aid it will receive during 2010-11 on the Amaila Falls hydropower project, a dam to be built deep in the Amazon rainforest. Norwegian officials insist this is not a done deal, but President Bharrat Jagdeo has staked much personal prestige in the decades-old project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12256.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 10:07:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12256.aspx With BNDES support, a Vale and Petrobras initiative reforests 28,000 hectares, and projects total protection of 350,000 ha and reforestation of another 150,000 ha. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12255.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:49:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12255.aspx Under pressure to expedite Brazilian dams in the Peruvian Amazon region, the government is proposing legistlation to ease environmental requirements for hydroelectric dams that allows concessions without presenting an EIA. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12254.aspx Sun, 14 Nov 2010 09:02:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12254.aspx Suez, the lead corporate member of the Jirau Energia Sustentavel consortium building the dam, launched a web based observatory run by youth in the community of Nova Mutum Paraná, Rondonia to provide information about the issues related to the 3,000 MW hydroelectric project and its influence on communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12253.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 22:09:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12253.aspx Through successive infusions from BNDES, various Brazilian beef processing firms such as Frigorifico Bertin (JBS) is being transformed into global giants. BNDES has funded JBS growth in investments in Argentina, U.S., Australia and Italy on the order of R$ 10 billiones. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12252.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 21:58:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12252.aspx The energy auction proposed by Energia Sustentável do Brasil (ESBR) - winner of the Jirau hydroelectric project construction bid on the Madeira River, to sell part of hydroelectric energy from Jirau through the free market ended without a new contract. Jirau proposed energy prices between R$130 and R$140 per MWh http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12251.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 21:27:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12251.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12250.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 20:17:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12250.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12249.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:35:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12249.aspx The Transoceanic Highway, evoking engineering marvels such as the Transcontinental Railroad and the Panama Canal, has been talked about for decades, assuming a mythic stature that has led many to question whether the east-west thoroughfare linking Brazil's Atlantic ports with the Pacific docks of Peru would ever come to pass. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12248.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 18:16:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12248.aspx The Federal Prosecutor in Pará sent to IBAMA recommendation not to issue a new environmental permit are not met while the 40 conditions of the preliminary license. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12245.aspx Sat, 13 Nov 2010 17:05:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12245.aspx Authors Claudia Enrique and Vanessa Cueto of Derecho, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (DAR) in Peru conducted an independent assessment of a program to mitigate the social and environmental effects of the highway currently being built in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12212.aspx Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:12:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12212.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12221.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:33:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12221.aspx BNDES, Brazil's national development bank, contributed to Amazon deforestation by lending billions of dollars to commercial meatpackers, driving expansion of cattle ranching across the world's largest rainforest, ruled an audit by the Federal Audit Court. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12218.aspx Sat, 30 Oct 2010 07:59:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12218.aspx As head of BNDES, Luciano Coutinho revitalized the bank that now delivers credit to the largest industrial, technology and meat packing economic groups.` http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12217.aspx Thu, 28 Oct 2010 12:27:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12217.aspx A recent article about the 3,000 MW San Antonio hydroelectric dam being built in a highly sensitive international Amazon watershed purported that Brazil had surmounted the environmental and social criticism of the revived Amazon dam building plans for 24 such sites in the coming years. Critics respond the WSJ writer, John Lyons, ignored much of the evidence and argumentation provided to him, resulting in a one-sided presentation of San Antonio that results in a greenwashing of the highly problematic project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12213.aspx Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:44:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12213.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12220.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:09:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12220.aspx Corporacion Andina de Fomento (CAF) informed about the progress of the Inter-Oceanic Highway construction as well as the achievements of the productive projects implemented to improve the quality of life of people in the area of influence of the corridor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12204.aspx Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:03:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12204.aspx Construction workers are fighting the clock to finish the last stretch of the Southern Inter-Oceanic Highway, in southeastern Peru, apparently unaware that about 100 kilometres of this road connecting to Brazil will be covered by water once the Inambari hydroelectric dam is built nearby. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12195.aspx Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:18:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12195.aspx The Government of Guyana is planning to build a 140 MW hydroelectric dam on the Potaro River with funding from China and Norway and technical support from the IDB and WB. The first dam is part of a 1060 MW complex that will have signficant social and environmental impacts in the western Amazon region of the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:26:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12153.aspx Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:30:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12153.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12152.aspx Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:25:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12152.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12146.aspx Sun, 19 Sep 2010 09:22:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12146.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12145.aspx Sat, 18 Sep 2010 07:35:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12145.aspx A CAF delegation – formed by Infrastructure Vice President Antonio Juan Sosa, and CAF representative director in Peru Eleonora Silva Pardo – visited Madre de Dios and Cusco departments to monitor the progress of construction of the Southern Interoceanic Highway. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12144.aspx Wed, 15 Sep 2010 18:29:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12144.aspx Since the beginning of the 90's there have been warnings on the potential impacts of the hydroelectric project on the rivers Paraguay and Parana and its surrounding areas. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12135.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:15:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12135.aspx While authorities express their support for the construction of the hidroeletric plant, the neighboring province raises questions. The province's council asks for a plebiscite, but governor Closs announced that this ask is only going to be considered once the results from the feasibility studies are obtained. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12134.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 11:05:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12134.aspx Later this year, Peru will begin to send their exports to Brazil via the Southern Inter-Oceanic Highway, said the head of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), Martin Perez. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12132.aspx Thu, 09 Sep 2010 10:42:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12132.aspx The new highway that will connect Brazil to Peru by the end of this year threatens one of the last great treasures of humanity. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12130.aspx Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:58:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12130.aspx The construction of an imense hydroelectric dam in Cachuela Esperanza, which the government of Evo Morales plans to install in the Northeast is not feasable in technical, economic and environmental terms, as warned by Jorge Molina, expert of the Hydraulic Institute of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés de La Paz. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12127.aspx Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:37:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12127.aspx Seen from up high, the route to Puente Inambari looks like a green serpent -- long, robust and sinuous. The Amazon jungle that dominates this landscape will be underwater if one of the largest hydroelectric dams in Peru (and all Latin America) is built. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12126.aspx Tue, 07 Sep 2010 06:50:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12126.aspx Brazil has begun a counterattack on the European Union's measures for certifying crop-based fuels, which could lead to import barriers for this energy source coming from the South American giant. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12121.aspx Wed, 01 Sep 2010 14:14:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12121.aspx Tour graphically shows impacts of Belo Monte and 60 other dams planned for Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12116.aspx Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:43:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12116.aspx Brazil's government has given the formal go-ahead for the building on a tributary of the Amazon of the world's third biggest hydroelectric dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12113.aspx Fri, 27 Aug 2010 15:07:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12113.aspx Brazil's fast-growing economy needs new feeding grounds, and one place it is finding handy is its market-friendly Andean neighbor Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12107.aspx Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:23:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12107.aspx The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Water Authority did not participate in the negotiations of the energy treaty between Brazil and Peru, even though the law requires them to. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12106.aspx Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:55:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12106.aspx The national water authority (ANA) did not participate in the negotiations of the energy agreement between Peru and Brazil, even though article 44 of the Water and Resources Law Regulation establishes that this organism should be present in such agreements. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12105.aspx Thu, 26 Aug 2010 13:35:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12105.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12102.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:26:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12102.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12101.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:30:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12101.aspx Synergy Holdings Inc., the company constructing the Amaila Falls hydropower project access road, benefited from a government-approved waiver on taxes on its recent shipment of equipment, a well-placed source said. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12100.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:27:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12100.aspx Fires in the state of Rondonia continue to harm well-being of the people of Porto Velho. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12099.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:04:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12099.aspx The president criticizes comments that the bank lends subsidized money and says it exists to fund the brazilian industrial sector http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12097.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:44:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12097.aspx President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has transformed Brazil’s state development bank into a key engine of economic growth since his re-election in 2006. Yet Lula’s policy of pushing the bank’s involvement into so many areas of Brazilian life now threatens the momentum of the world’s eighth-largest economy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12095.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:28:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12095.aspx BR-230, the third largest highway in Brazil, with 4.9 thousand kilometers of length, has a good stretch still in phase of preparation for construction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12091.aspx Mon, 16 Aug 2010 09:20:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12091.aspx Exchange of views highlights differences in defining new rules for participation, development effectiveness and additionality. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12076.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:29:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12076.aspx Little over a month after the Access to Information Policy came into effect, the first few documents to be released through the "simultaneous disclosure" clause are trickling out of the Bank. The implications of such releases, however, have yet to be seen. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12075.aspx Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:27:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12075.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12070.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12070.aspx Arguing a pursuit of energy integration between Bolivia and Brazil, Brazil tries to prioritize hydroelectric projects in Bolivia's agenda, despite dissent from environmentalists. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12072.aspx Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:28:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12072.aspx Fifty-three percent of Peru is covered with native rainforest, but the agencies in charge of protecting and monitoring this vast area are toothless and have neither the staff nor the resources to cope with the job, according to a report from the Defensoría del Pueblo (Ombudsperson's Office). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12069.aspx Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:01:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12069.aspx Human rights defense entities estimate that each year, around 1,200 girls from 12 to 17 years of age come to the roadside camps set for workers of the extractive industries to work as prostitutes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12068.aspx Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:41:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12068.aspx In Guacamayo, in the province of Madre de Dios, in the heart of the Peruvian Amazon, the million-dollar business of illegal glod extraction threatens to destroy the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12067.aspx Mon, 02 Aug 2010 14:35:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12067.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12058.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:29:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12058.aspx Peru's President Alan Garcia has inaugurated the first stretch of the Interoceanica Sur highway, which required an investment of more than US$68mn, the presidential website reported. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12057.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:23:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12057.aspx Oraldo Reategui, a member of the Audit Committee of IIRSA Projects, reported the meeting began with forty attendees, most of them officials of public institutions, being absent representatives of civil society due to poor call for participation by the authorities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12055.aspx Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:56:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12055.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11995.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:52:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11995.aspx This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features a summary of the event entitled "Oil and Mining Booms and Sustainable Development: Lessons from Peru for Development Planning & Revenue Management at the National and subnational level" (Washington, DC, June 16, 2010). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:44:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11979.aspx The World Bank replies to the recommendations of 25 civil society groups on the new energy strategy consultations made in Peru, Brazil and Mexico. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11985.aspx Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:59:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11985.aspx MEXICO CITY, Jul 5, 2010 (IPS) - Non-governmental organizations from across the Americas are demanding that the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank institute policies that favor sustainable energy and help mitigate climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11964.aspx Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:43:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11964.aspx Civil society groups compile recommendations to the World Bank for the new energy strategy and feedback on public consultations in Peru, Brazil and Mexico http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11956.aspx Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:57:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11956.aspx This past Wednesday, June 16, 2010, the Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva and the Peruvian president, Alan Garcia, met in Manaus, in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon, to finalize discussions on an energy agreement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11934.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:22:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11934.aspx The presidents of Brazil and Peru signed on Wednesday an energy integration agreement which includes the construction of hydroelectric plants and interconnections through the Amazon jungle. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11924.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:10:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11924.aspx An energy deal that Peru and Brazil signed this week in the Amazon city of Manaus in Brazil is opposed by environmentalists and local indigenous communities in Peru where the planned hydroelectric dams will be built. What is at stake? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11919.aspx Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:24:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11919.aspx Marc Dourojeanni, specialist in environment and natural resources, voices his opinion on the energy deal between Peru and Brazil and the Inambari hydroelectric dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11914.aspx Tue, 15 Jun 2010 09:56:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11914.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11878.aspx Thu, 13 May 2010 13:51:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11878.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11865.aspx Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11865.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11864.aspx Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11864.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11855.aspx Wed, 21 Apr 2010 10:43:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11855.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11852.aspx Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11852.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11849.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11849.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11846.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11846.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11845.aspx Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:40:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11845.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11835.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:20:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11835.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11827.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:13:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11827.aspx The proposed capital increases for the World Bank and IFC would expand their size without expanding the scope of their reform. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11785.aspx Projects financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that affect communities in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Honduras were brought into question this weekend in Cancun, while the institution contemplates an increase in its ordinary capital. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11817.aspx Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:55:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11817.aspx Severe doubts have been raised by some of the IDB's own members regarding Luis Alberto Moreno's management. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11814.aspx Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:35:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11814.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11813.aspx Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11813.aspx Press Release from civil society groups present at the IDB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Cancun, Mexico http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11822.aspx Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:53:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11822.aspx 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". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11811.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11811.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11810.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:27:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11810.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11812.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:58:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11812.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11794.aspx Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11794.aspx “In our capacity as regional authorities, we have conducted a technical analysis of this project and we will not endorse it, because this project will only benefit Brazil” stated Víctor Paredes Argandeña, regional director of Energy and Mining in Puno. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11786.aspx Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:16:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11786.aspx IDB Board of Governors Urged to Address Civil Society Concerns During Upcoming March 2nd Meeting in Washington, DC http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11784.aspx Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:31:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11784.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11783.aspx Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:19:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11783.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11780.aspx Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:07:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11780.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11777.aspx Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:09:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11777.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11776.aspx Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:03:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11776.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11775.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:39:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11775.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11772.aspx Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:15:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11772.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11769.aspx Fri, 12 Feb 2010 13:31:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11769.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11766.aspx Fri, 12 Feb 2010 11:19:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11766.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11765.aspx Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:23:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11765.aspx Without transparency the energy agreement would be less accountable http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11764.aspx Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:24:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11764.aspx Brazil and Argentina will present a proposal for reform of the Inter-American Development Bank at the next meeting of G-20 nations, Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said Friday, according to the Estado news agency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11763.aspx Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11763.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11761.aspx Sat, 06 Feb 2010 11:45:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11761.aspx Despite Kayapo protests over flawed consultation process, IBAMA has granted a preliminary license to move forward with the 11,000 MW - $20 billion Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. Brazilian government officials have threatened the Para Public Ministry not to bring lawsuits to block the dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11759.aspx Fri, 05 Feb 2010 09:35:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11759.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11757.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:01:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11757.aspx "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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11756.aspx Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:46:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11756.aspx The principal indigenous federation of the Madre de Dios region of Peru issued a press release rejecting the proposed construction of the Inambari dam and call for the immediate suspension of the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11750.aspx Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:28:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11750.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11748.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:33:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11748.aspx Expert in envrionmental issues Marc Dourojeanni criticized Peru for its lack of an Amazon Development Plan and warned that the Peruvian jungle will experience irreversible changes if even a third of the planned projects are implemented over the next 12 years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11746.aspx Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:19:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11746.aspx 19 educational institutions will be lost in the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric center, affecting 634 students if the government goes forward with the project, which will benefit Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11745.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:35:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11745.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11739.aspx Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:00:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11739.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11738.aspx Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:29:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11738.aspx All the latest news from the IDB Global Capital Increase (GCI-9) and the Annual Meetings taking place from March 19-23, 2010 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11736.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:02:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11736.aspx The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) confirmed today that it has approved an additional loan of 200 million dollars for the implementation of the final phase of of sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Southern Interoceanic Highway (CVIS). The total cost of the project, originally set at $892 million in 2006 could now exceed $2 billion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11735.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:54:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11735.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11729.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11729.aspx Brazil's Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the National Departament of Infrastructure and Transport (DNIT) will begin to implement water transport projects over the next 20 years. The projects will be supported by the World Bank Strategic Waterway Plan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11734.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:31:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11734.aspx Fander Falconi was the third government official to resign over a plan to seek international donations of $3 billion over the next 10 years to keep an estimated 850 million barrels of heavy crude oil under the ground in the remote Yasuni National Park. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11728.aspx Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:09:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11728.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11721.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11721.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11720.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11720.aspx El complejo del Rio Madeira es un emprendimiento prioritario dentro de la iniciativa IIRSA y el Plan de Aceleramiento del Desarrollo (PAC) del gobierno brasilero. El complejo del río Madeira en los planes de infraestructura http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11719.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11719.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11718.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11718.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11717.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11717.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11716.aspx Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11716.aspx Indigenous, university, academic and NGO organizations participated in the symposium on Vivir Bien within the V Latin American and Social Science Conference (CLASO) in La Paz, Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11714.aspx Sun, 10 Jan 2010 09:33:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11714.aspx Indigenous and small farmer communities of Pando and Brazil participated in a workshop convened by CEADESC about the social and enviromental impacts of IIRSA megaprojects such as the Northern Corridor Highway, the Rio Madeira Hydroelectric Dams in late August, 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11713.aspx Sun, 10 Jan 2010 09:23:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11713.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11712.aspx Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:45:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11712.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11711.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11711.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11710.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11710.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11709.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11709.aspx The road sector will be the main beneficiary with the unprecedented investment of U.S. $ 1 billion the government has budgeted for infrastructure during 2010 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11707.aspx Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:13:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11707.aspx The government announced that this year will launch the construction of large projects such as the hydroelectric dam of Coca-Codo Sinclair and different opening of new roads. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11706.aspx Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:55:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11706.aspx The construction company blames illegal mining, while the authorities blame the own construction company http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11704.aspx Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:20:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11704.aspx The Plurinational Government of Bolivia has invited social movements, defenders of Mother Earth, scientists, academics, lawyers, government officials that want to work with their citizens to a World Peoples Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Nature to be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia from 20- 22 of Abril, 2010. Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11702.aspx Sun, 03 Jan 2010 08:42:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11702.aspx Brazil's Amazon Fund committed first $40 million to five NGO projects to reduce deforestation. Projects focus on monitoring, environmentally-responsible land use, forest protection, and payments for avoiding deforestation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11701.aspx Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:30:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11701.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11696.aspx Sat, 19 Dec 2009 08:16:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11696.aspx Last Saturday, elements of the Peruvian National Police violently suppressed residents of San Labán, Puno during a protest opposing the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11695.aspx Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:05:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11695.aspx The two presidents met in Lima on Friday during the seminar ‘Interoceanic Highway: a new link between Brazil and Peru”, to announce joint investments in road work linking Acre and the Pacific coast. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11692.aspx Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:57:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11692.aspx Straddling one the Amazon's main tributaries and flanked by dense jungle, a construction pit the size of a small town bustles with bulldozers and nearly 10,000 workers blasting huge slabs of rock off the river bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11690.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:42:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11690.aspx New position paper outlines hard choices banks must make if they wish to be part of the solution to the climate crisis http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11689.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:16:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11689.aspx A BBC crew traveled twelve days from Manaus to Porto Velho documenting the debate over the rehabilitation of the BR 319 Amazon Highway http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11679.aspx Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:49:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11679.aspx The government of Peru approved a resolution authorizing the use of a non-reimbursable technical cooperation from the CAF to begin the design of second generation project to mitigate the direct and indirect impacts of the Southern Interoceanic Highway. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11678.aspx Sat, 05 Dec 2009 08:45:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11678.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11676.aspx Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:03:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11676.aspx Greenpeace recently released a report which illustrates clearly why REDD offset projects will neither address climate change nor stop deforestation. The report, “Carbon Scam: Noel Kempff Climate Action Project and the Push for Sub-national Forest Offsets“, looks in detail at the Noel Kempff Climate Action Project in Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11674.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:29:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11674.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11672.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:23:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11672.aspx Public money in Brazil is being used by the state development bank to finance deforestation projects and others that trample rights, concentrate wealth, and encourage "imperialist" expansion of large national companies, according to activists at a three-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11665.aspx Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:48:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11665.aspx IDB President Moreno evades definitive response to observed socio-environmental threats caused by IIRSA project, Road Interconnection, Pucallpa-Cruzeiro do Sul (Peru-Brazil). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11664.aspx Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:00:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11664.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11662.aspx Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:24:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11662.aspx Saturday the 22 of August in Villa Tunari, Cochabamba, an agreement between Bolivia and Brasil was finalized to build a highway between Cochabamba (Villa Tunari) and Beni (San Ignacio de Moxos). Highway to Beni: Villa Tunari - San Ignacio de Moxos http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11661.aspx Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:54:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11661.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11660.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:49:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11660.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11659.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:35:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11659.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11658.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:52:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11658.aspx The Bolivian state intends to recover its dominant role in the electricity sector through the execution of 13 large and medium size energy generation projects through the national Electricity Company (ENDE) with a planned investment of between $ 5.5 and 6 billion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11657.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:28:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11657.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11656.aspx Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:17:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11656.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11655.aspx Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:50:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11655.aspx The project, to be signed next December, will allow both countries to take advantage of transport via the Huallaga, Marañón and Amazon rivers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11654.aspx Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:08:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11654.aspx The Inambari dam would flood 120 km of the Interoceanic Highway, on which upgrading work has already begun. It seems that in both Peru and Brazil the ministries of transport and of energy don’t talk to each other. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11651.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:09:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11651.aspx "The new roads and waterways have to be built, but built in compliance with local communities looking for protection of the forest," said Marina Silva, a senator from the western Brazilian state of Acre, and the country's former environment minister. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11650.aspx Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:01:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11650.aspx An investigation by the Brazilian daily Folha de Brasil revealed the involvement of ex-Minister of Mining and Energy Silas Rondeau in a bribery scandal favoring the Brazilian company Engevix for the construction of six hydroelectric centers in Peru at a cost of US$ 16 billion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11639.aspx Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:22:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11639.aspx Documents from the informational forum held in Madre de Dios stated that the hydroelectric center's reservoir would flood all territory below 540 meter above sea level, covering approximately 410 square kilometers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11638.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:51:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11638.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11637.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:41:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11637.aspx In a statement from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian government announced that the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon was reduced by 45% between August 2008 and July 2009 compared to the previous year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11636.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:28:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11636.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11631.aspx Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:19:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11631.aspx A flight over the forest between Madre de Dios and Puno provides a panoramic view of the devastation: thousands of tons of removed soil and forests that have disappeared or been buried beneath waste left by years of intense and illegal gold mining activity in the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11628.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:10:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11628.aspx AIDA, International Rivers, and IMDEC present evidence of human rights violations from dams. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11626.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:14:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11626.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11624.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:04:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11624.aspx Parliament Representative from Puno, Susana Vilca Achata, presented a declaration from civil society of the Carabaya province to the vice minister of Energy and Mining, Daniel Camac Gutiérrez, in which they demanded public consultation before construction of the Inambari mega-project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11623.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11623.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Ex Minister of Energy and Mining, Carlos Herrera Descalzi, asserts that Peru's energy demand over the next several years puts the country at a disadvantage regarding the hydroelectric project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11621.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:49:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11621.aspx Indigenous groups from Bolivia, Brazil and Peru filed a case against their respective governments Nov. 2 in the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, alleging that the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America, or IIRSA, is causing collective human rights violations against their communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11620.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:36:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11620.aspx Within 90 days, all US federal agencies must submit a plan for implementation of regular, meaningful, previous consultation processes with indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11617.aspx Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:05:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11617.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11613.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:52:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11613.aspx In 2009, Development Policy Operations increased dramatically as a percentage of overall World Bank lending, from an average of about 33% to over 50%. Dogged by concerns that stem from a lack of a strong set of safeguard policies or clear results, this shift to greater dependence on DPLs/DPOs raises concerns about arbitrage by Bank clients to soften or avoid transparency and accountability commitments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:24:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11612.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11606.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:29:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11606.aspx Environmental agency Ibama will still have to issue the final permission for Belo Monte construction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11604.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:08:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11604.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11601.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:18:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11601.aspx The 220 km IIRSA project will cut through territory of the indigenous communities of Flor de Ucayali and others in the Iskonahua Territorial reserve. Indigenous groups have expressed concern over the consequences forced contact could have on these groups, which live in voluntary isolation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11600.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:54:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11600.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11597.aspx Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:54:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11597.aspx The legal council of the Ministry of Environment of Brazil approved last Wednesday a financing package of 34.7 million dollars for the National Environmental Program (PNMA). 24.3 million will be provided by the World Bank (IBRD) and the rest will be financed by the Brazilian government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11591.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:25:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11591.aspx The bid to include forests in initiatives to mitigate climate change is turning out to be a sensitive issue for the planet. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11590.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:16:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11590.aspx "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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11589.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:39:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11589.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11586.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:08:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11586.aspx The General Director of the National Department of Transport Infrastructure (Dnit), Luiz Antônio Pagot, requested an increase of R$ 1.2 billion in his 2010 budget solely for mitigating socio-environmental costs caused by projects carried out by the department. According to Pagot, the costs of managing social and environmental impacts have been growing among highway projects during the last few years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11585.aspx Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:30:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11585.aspx Small and medium-scale mining in Peru are no longer artisan activities. They have become a veritable machinery complex, moving millions of dollars on the black market. The general director of Mining at the Ministry of Energy and Mines, Víctor Vargas, acknowledged that this activity is no longer exclusive to Puno and Madre de Dios, and has in fact extended throughout the entire country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11578.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:03:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11578.aspx Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the implementation of several development projects in the Amazon department of Pando in hopes of making it a center of development in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11577.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:46:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11577.aspx On June 5th, the Legislative Assembly of Rondônia convened a public hearing to seek alternatives for expediting resources amounting to approximately one billion reais, to be applied works directly on the federal highways in Rondônia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11576.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:43:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11576.aspx The environmental license of the project was granted by MAVDT in December of 2008 and includes strict environmental standards that guarantee the protection of ecosystems affected by the highway. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11575.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11575.aspx According to specialists, the unprecedented energy inefficiency of the project and the accelerated public hearing process demonstrate that the government and contractors will push for a large project at any cost. The Panel of Specialists warned the government and public about this grave mistake, whose real costs are unknown and whose environmental impact studies are incomplete. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11574.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:17:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11574.aspx Eletrobras, Latin America’s largest electric utility, may build a $4.8 billion hydroelectric project in northern Peru, according to a government official interviewed by Bloomberg. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11573.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:03:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11573.aspx The hydroelectric project that will cost US$1.979 million will provide 75% of the electricity needs of the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11572.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:49:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11572.aspx The country plans to triple installed capacity with 3,290 MW of added hydroeletric power in the next 13 years in order to restrict thermoelectric power. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11571.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:40:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11571.aspx After work was halted for 45 days, the licensee Sustainable Energy of Brazil, in charge of building the Jirau hydroelectric project on the Madeira River, is cautious about formalizing a request for an advance schedule for the entry into operation of the plant. The president of the company, Victor Paranhos, says it is entirely possible to begin generation of the first megawatts, but fears that new strikes could delay the work further. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11570.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:34:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11570.aspx A first loan for $350 million to finance investments in key bridge, maintenance work, road safety http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11569.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:31:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11569.aspx A new independent review by a panel of 40 Brazilian experts show the true costs of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Project, planned for the Xingu River in the Brazilian Amazon. The panel found that the dam would have serious consequences for the region, its inhabitants, and ecosystems of the Amazon rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11568.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:37:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11568.aspx With funding from the World Bank, the Brazilian Ministry of Environment is planning to expedite and integrate the environmental licensing processes now divided between Federal, State and Local authoriteis. In an effort to speed up large infrastructure with the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), the move could lead to licensing regional of river basins. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11567.aspx According to the executive secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Isabella Teixeira, the Brazilian Institute of Environment (IBAMA) is studying a way to streamline licensing by issuing regional licenses to address the country's increasing energy demands. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11566.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 08:13:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11566.aspx BNDES has invested close to $R 5 bilion in the last two years as shareholders in the largest beef shippers, including JBS Friboi and Bertin. In Bertin alone, BNDES has purchased 27% equity position. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11565.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:55:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11565.aspx Education in the Context of Multiple Crises http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11564.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:45:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11564.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11563.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:28:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11563.aspx Lula and Evo coordinate the return of 1,000 Brazilians located in Pando. Some call for the defense of their lands. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11562.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:08:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11562.aspx The Prefect of Santa Cruz, Rubén Costas, and EU ambassador Kenny Bell inaugurated 14 bridges, a viaduct and six road accesses. The projects were financed as part of the fourth section of the bioceanic corrdior Santa Cruz-Arroyo Concepción. Bolivia receives more European financial assistance than any other country in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11561.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:58:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11561.aspx Astaldi fined $6 million, Paraíso-El Tinto section also behind schedule http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11560.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:41:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11560.aspx The Corina project would be Peru’s largest hydropower facility, with a capacity of 9,000 MW, he said. Eletrobras is the government-owned electric utility of Brazil. Peru and Brazil are considering several new hydroelectric projects with an investment outlay of more than $15 billion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11557.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:16:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11557.aspx Representatives from social and environmental organisations and movements met recently for two days in Belém, Pará state, Brazil to discuss REDD. After the meeting they produced the following letter calling on the Government of Brazil to reject REDD as a carbon market-based mechanism, and as a way of compensating emissions from Northern countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11555.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:58:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11555.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11553.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:32:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11553.aspx Declaration of the Peruvian College of Engineers (CIP) published in El Comercio October 19 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11552.aspx Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:19:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11552.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11551.aspx Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:24:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11551.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11550.aspx Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:48:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11550.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11548.aspx Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:24:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11548.aspx A first loan for $350 million to finance investments in key bridge, maintenance work, road safety http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11545.aspx Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:07:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11545.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11544.aspx Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:38:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11544.aspx The most worrying feature of the proposed Inambari hydroelectric project is the manner in which the central government has made the decision to build the dam, leaving at the margins of the decision making process regional and local authorities, civil society, and in particular, the inhabitants of the planned construction zones. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11541.aspx Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:58:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11541.aspx At a congress in Manaus new hydroelectric and highway projects were questioned. Clergy members from the Catholic Church rmeeting in Brazil stated that the idea that indigenous peoples hinder economic development is false. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11540.aspx Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:09:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11540.aspx Pando on the one year anniversay of the Porvenir Massacre http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11538.aspx Sat, 10 Oct 2009 08:39:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11538.aspx At a ceremony in Roraima, Lula announced that Minister of Mines and Energy, Edison Lobao and president of the Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDES), Luciano Coutinho will meet in Guyana in October to discuss the matter with Guyanese president Bharrat Jagdeo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11534.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11534.aspx “It's difficult to say whether Inambari or the other dams will represent a benefit to Peru. What is evident is that the construction of large dams on Amazonian rivers will have enormous economic repercussions in terms of foreign debt, and obviously extreme social and environmental impacts. The truth is that we are obligated to reflect on these impacts before embarking on construction”, said Marc Dourojeanni, consultant to the IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11532.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:46:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11532.aspx "We're working with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to work out the details of a new credit for the final stage of the project, which will be approved by the end of the year", stated AFC representative Eleonora Silva. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11529.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:16:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11529.aspx The estimate, which does not consider transmission, includes the provision of tax exemptions, the cost of training of the Special Purpose Company (SPC) and the cost of insurance. "This was the value quoted to TCU as the result of a study on investment optimization" says Mauricio Tolmasquim, president of EPE. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11526.aspx Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:07:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11526.aspx Disregard of environmental impacts, lack of foresight on how to compensate the families who will be impacted by the work, and overestimation of energy and jobs that will be generated. According to investigators, prosecutors and civil society organizations, these are just some of the flaws in the Environmental Impact Assessment of the hydroelectric plant of Belo Monte, planned for construction on the Xingu River. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11524.aspx Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:42:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11524.aspx Companies such as Vale, Votorantim, CSN and Alcoa evaluate possible partnership in the venture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11523.aspx Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:37:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11523.aspx The rapid recovery of the Brazilian economy could attract a disproportionate amount of foreign capital and further elevate the value of the real, the IMF warned today, recommending that the Brazilian government consider trimming their stimulus package. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11521.aspx Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:49:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11521.aspx The IDB must implement crucial reforms before a capital inrease is approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11519.aspx Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:37:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11519.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11514.aspx Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:30:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11514.aspx In this letter, members of civil society outline the minimum conditions which they feel the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM) must meet. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11508.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:11:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11508.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11507.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:40:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11507.aspx In November of 2008, the WB announced a US$ 1.3 billion development policy loan to the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES). The DPL is the first operation in a series of two loans which span the period 2008-2010. In this article, we review the background and concerns associated with development policy lending since 2004, specifically the lack of transparency, accountability, and a clear public consultation plan. We then offer a detailed analysis of the Brazilian Sustainable Environmental Management (SEM) DPL. Civil society firmly believes that until practices of transparency and dialogue between the World Bank, the Brazilian government and civil society organizations are truly adopted, the laudable goals of the SEM DPL will not be achieved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11505.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:07:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11505.aspx "The fund will be for cost-effective infrastructure projects. In Peru we have a deficit of between 7 and 10 billion dollars in infrastructure”, IDB director for Peru, Ana María Rodríguez told reporters. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11504.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:56:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11504.aspx Earlier this month, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula DaSilva flew more than 1,600 kilometres from his base in Brasilia to a remote state on the Guyanese frontier to formally commission a border river bridge with his country's English-speaking neighbour. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11499.aspx Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:04:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11499.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11498.aspx Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:55:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11498.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11495.aspx Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:07:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11495.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11492.aspx Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:37:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11492.aspx In this article from Americas Quarterly, Bruce Babbit questions the economic benefits of the Interoceanic Corridor as purported by the Brazilian government, noting that the project will essentially be financed by the Peruvian government. He highlights the disastrous environmental and social impacts the project will have on the Amazon Basin, calling for a plan for climate change mitigation as ambitious as the plan for regional integration. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11490.aspx Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:21:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11490.aspx Last year's termination of many logging activities in the region of Altamira of western Pará caused an estimated loss of 30 thousand jobs in an area where the number of inhabitants is less than 350 thousand. In a place with many prospects for job creation, many see the Belo Monte hydroelectric project as the solution to their problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11485.aspx Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:24:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11485.aspx The bypass will reduce the volume of water in this part of the river considerably, having a large impact on the fauna and flora. There is also some concern that the forest will dry as well. Local leader José Carlos Arara says the environmental impact studies do not make clear how this project will affect the lives of Indians. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11484.aspx Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:11:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11484.aspx President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, at the General Assembly of the United Nations, will ask for reform of the UN itself, as well as of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, a government spokesperson said. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11482.aspx Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:58:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11482.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11478.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:48:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11478.aspx Colombia's Department of Planning announces a pledge of 796 billion pesos to finance a highway that would connect the cities of Tumaco, Pasto, Mocoa and Puerto Asís, part of the Regional Infrastructure Integration Initiative (IIRSA). The projects will be completed between 2010 and 2016. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11477.aspx Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:10:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11477.aspx Because the Eletrobras-OAS and Furnas consortium of Brazil has not yet completed the feasability study for the project, Minister of Energy and Mining Pedro Sánchez, announced today that it will be June 2010 before the economic viability of construction of the Inambari hydroelectric center is determined. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11476.aspx Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:26:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11476.aspx Peruvian and Brazilian authorities made progress on the design of a legal framework which would help solidify an energy integration agreement that benefits both countries and not just one, said Mining and Energy Minister Pedro Sánchez. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11474.aspx Wed, 16 Sep 2009 12:00:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11474.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11473.aspx Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:46:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11473.aspx Native assembly denounces the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric dam, amid fears of being displaced from their land. They threatened a repetition of the tragic events of Bagua, where police and civilians were killed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11469.aspx Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:00:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11469.aspx In a joint action by the Ministry of Labor (MPT) and the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE) in Rondonia, and with support from the federal police, 38 people registered in the State of Maranhão (in Parnarama) to work for Construtora BS in Jacy Paraná were rescued and have had their employment contracts terminated. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11468.aspx Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:52:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11468.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11466.aspx Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:45:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11466.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11461.aspx Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:34:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11461.aspx The College expressed its profound surprise at the disinterest shown by the Minister of Environment upon failing to attend the Forum, and urged the Minister of Energy and Mining to publicly release the Concession Contract and its outcomes, regarding both the economic and social effects as well as mitigation measures for the environmental impact of the reservoir. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11460.aspx Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:12:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11460.aspx This article provides an overview of a bi-national agreement between Brazil and Peru to construct six hyrdoelecrtric dams in Peruvian territory. Specifically, it compares the proposed Inambari project to a strikingly similar deal signed in 1973 between Brazil and Paraguay, which has since had disastrous consequences for Paraguay. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11459.aspx Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:56:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11459.aspx The Andean Finance Corporation (CAF) is evaluating a new line of credit to finance the Southern Interoceanic Highway, which is to be approved early next year, CAF representative Elenora Silva reported today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11458.aspx Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:55:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11458.aspx Jorge Molina, of the Institute of Hydraulics and Hydrology of Bolivia, during the Symposium “Sustainable Hydroelectric Development in the Amazon and the Madeira River Basin Case". He criticized the current policy of Amazon countries concerning hydroelectric activity, allowing the implementation of mega projects in areas where the social and environmental impacts outweigh the possible benefits of such projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11457.aspx Thu, 10 Sep 2009 10:14:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11457.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11454.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:27:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11454.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11453.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:05:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11453.aspx Recent evidence suggests that there will be irreversible loss of up to 85% of the Amazon forests by 2100. Still, the prospect of Amazon die-back remains a somewhat misunderstood threat due to perceived uncertainty with the climate models, but also because of the lack of visibility by development institutions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11452.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:38:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11452.aspx With most of Brazil's future hydroelectric potential in the Amazon, the government is pressing for scores of dams to be built over the next 20 years. However, these dams could disturb the fragile water balance of the Amazon, accelerating the drying of the forest, and expelling thousands of river-bank dwellers from their lands. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11451.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:33:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11451.aspx Executive Summary http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11450.aspx Wed, 09 Sep 2009 11:14:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11450.aspx "We will not repeat the mistakes of other countries", because "we know that wealth from petroleum is a double-edged sword" said the Head of State. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11446.aspx Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:18:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11446.aspx Regional president of Áncash, César Álvarez Aguilar, confirmed that the Brazilian government is interested in investing US$500 million in the construction of the Interoceanic Highway which will link the regions of Áncash, Huánuco and Ucayali. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11445.aspx Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:15:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11445.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11444.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:24:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11444.aspx Considered by many to be a significant step towards protecting the Amazon forest, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva recently vetoed parts of one of the most important and controversial environmental bills in years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11443.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:35:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11443.aspx Peruvian Environmental Minister Antonio Brack recommended cancelling the construction of two hydroelectric plants in Paquitzapango and Inambari. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11440.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:16:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11440.aspx Evandro Roberto Miguel, president of the Inambari Project directive, Empresa de Generación Eléctrica Amazonas Sur of Brazil quoted at a recent event in Puno, discussing the pros and cons of the Inambari Hydroelectric Dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11439.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:04:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11439.aspx We continue our dicussion on energy; this time with a few lines about Inambari and the energy deal with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11437.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:56:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11437.aspx Brazil's national development bank BNDES will need to be recapitalized in order to be able to keep up other investments and lending activities, after it joins in on new pre-salt oil production and the capital increase for federal energy company Petrobras. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11436.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:29:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11436.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11435.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:30:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11435.aspx In secret conversations between Nixon and Garrastazú a old Brazilian imperialist plan surfaces that directly affects us and remains one of Brazil's geopolitical projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11430.aspx Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:37:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11430.aspx We continue to pay for a Brazilian project which will end up submerged by another Brazilian project. All part of a deal that ensures certain Brazilian companies will not suffer. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11429.aspx Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:09:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11429.aspx On Monday morning, from 5 to 9, representatives of the Union of Construction Workers of the State of Rondônia (Sticcero) blocked the gate of the construction site of the Santo Antônio plant, causing more than three miles of line on the access road in order to promote deliberative assembly with indications of a general strike. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11426.aspx Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:19:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11426.aspx Regional Education Director issues a strong warning http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11425.aspx Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:04:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11425.aspx Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva over the weekend signed an agreement with his Bolivian counterpart Evo Morales to embark on a bilateral project to construct a freeway between Bolivia's Villa Tunari and San Ignacio de Moxos cities as part of a plan to create a corridor between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11423.aspx Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:21:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11423.aspx Waste, particularly manure, can also generate income for farmers, FAO study shows. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11421.aspx Mon, 31 Aug 2009 09:47:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11421.aspx Brazil will provide financing worth $300 million to the Bolivian government for construction of a highway critical for regional trade, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11419.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:07:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11419.aspx A significant increase in the number and value of projects approved or under analysis by BNDES for the South American region will bring a commensurate increase in the purchase of Brazlian goods and services over the next four years, says BNDES President Luciano Coutinho. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11417.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:20:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11417.aspx The Inambari Hydroelectric Project, with a reservoir projected at 46,000 ha of tropical forest, would be an important source of greenhouse gas emissions to the extent that total emissions for Peru could increase by 5.8% http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11416.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:04:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11416.aspx Jirau and Santo Antonio promise to cost much more than the stated financial value of their construction: deforestation, disease, damage to fish population just to name a few. These and other costs, however, will not be paid only by Brazilians; Bolivians are also facing some of the costs of this venture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11411.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:39:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11411.aspx After watching a report by Foro TV about the ecological damage that would be caused by the construction of the Inambari dam to the areas around Puno, citizens expressed their concern and demanded that local officials assume a responsible position to confront this threat. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11407.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:22:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11407.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11406.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:11:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11406.aspx Brazil is building hydroelectric dams in the Amazon that some technicians and economists applaud while several environmentalists regret. It is worth the risk and investment? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11405.aspx Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:22:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11405.aspx An examination of how the hydroelectric plants of Jirau and Santo Antônio will impact the environment and the lives of Amazonian communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11404.aspx Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:11:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11404.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11403.aspx Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:31:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11403.aspx In Latin America and elsewhere, the IMF may be re–emerging—but in a changed landscape. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11401.aspx Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:28:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11401.aspx The agreement, signed in Asunción, finally resolved a decade long disagreement between the two governments regarding the Itaipú dam. The revisions in the Itaipú treaty had far reaching implications for the national standing of Paraguay’s President Fernando Lugo and Brazil’s President Luíz Inacio Lula da Silva as well for Brazil’s leadership role in Latin America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11399.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:11:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11399.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11398.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:06:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11398.aspx Peru hopes the hydroelectric project will push the Amazon region into the 21st century, despite strong misgivings of conservationists and environmentalist groups. In that sense Peru's aspirations are similar to the hopes of Paraguay, which is already sharing an electricity generation project with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11397.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:51:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11397.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11396.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:42:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11396.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11394.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:02:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11394.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11393.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:45:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11393.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11392.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:01:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11392.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11391.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:55:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11391.aspx Critics have pointed out that the agreement to increase Paraguay's share of electricity revenues will be conditioned on protections for Brazilians living in Paraguay and contract guarantees for BNDES among other concessions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11389.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:32:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11389.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11388.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:17:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11388.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11383.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:32:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11383.aspx Puerto Maldonaldo, Madre de Dios, in heart of the Peruvian jungle, is the home to some of the worst offenses of sexual trafficking of minors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11382.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:27:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11382.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11381.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11381.aspx The project of constructing the Inambari mega-hydroelectric dam is generating discontent in the various affected communities in the province of Carabaya, who demand respect for the lands dedicated to agriculture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11379.aspx Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:25:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11379.aspx The first indigenous woman elected leader and educator of the people Sagarana in Rondônia, Eva Canoe, said the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Madeira river, in Rondônia, will affect at least four indigenous peoples that still live in voluntary isolation in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11369.aspx Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:18:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11369.aspx The government is currently preparing the new project portfolio that will be offered to domestic and foreign investors; and it will prioritize investments in sectors such as energy, transport, sanitation, housing, rail, waterways and urban logistics. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11368.aspx Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:32:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11368.aspx On August 12, an Ecuadorian's government delegation will go to Singapore on an official visit with the intention to promote the Manta Manaus Corridor. The cornerstone projects in the portfolio are the Manta port, an airport and the Manta-Manaus route through the Napo river. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11367.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:38:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11367.aspx 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." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11366.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:26:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11366.aspx While the hydroelectric plants of Jirau and Santo Antonio in the Madeira river begin their construction, Bolivian organizations and institutes following the projects say that the negative impacts generated by the two dams will be felt not only in Brazilian territory, but also in Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11365.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:09:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11365.aspx Environmental organizations have mobilized against licensing of Santo Antônio and Jirau hydroelectric dams http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11364.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:43:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11364.aspx For decades Paraguayans have protested the raw deal they got when their dictatorship-era government decided to build the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant with Brazil along their shared border. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11363.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:19:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11363.aspx The government of Ecuador has come to an agreement with Hong-Kong based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) to resume the administration of Manta port in Manabí province, local press reported. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11362.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:24:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11362.aspx Bolivian government announced the creation of a 100 million dollars fund for four state businesses in the Amazon. for a lumber company, tropical frutes, and rubber. The government's hope is that, with these new businesses the people in the north of Bolivia will have more opportunities to work and earn higher wages. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11352.aspx Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:23:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11352.aspx "Under the current" (“Bajo el caudal…”) is a report by Fobomade that details the possible impacts of the construction of two hydroelectric dams over the Madeira river on the Bolivian northern border with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11351.aspx Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:22:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11351.aspx Indigenous peoples organizations emphasize that the government did not consult with them on various oil explorations. Because they were not consulted, there is no established forum for their complaints. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11350.aspx Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:18:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11350.aspx Groups claim that, because of the construction taking place for the Rio Madera Complex, the area's inhabitants are being forced unwillingly from their homes. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11347.aspx Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:24:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11347.aspx The Linden to Lethem road will have one of the biggest impacts on the forest and figures show that about two million hectares of forest will be lost through the project unless there is a framework to pay for and provide alternative development to what would traditionally occur along such a road. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11346.aspx Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:08:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11346.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11342.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:45:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11342.aspx Brazilian investors are interested in the western zones of Colombia where they envision new ethanol and biofuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11339.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:58:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11339.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11337.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:43:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11337.aspx The new rail development plan consists of rail connections between the east and west, and a rail corridor from the border with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11336.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:32:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11336.aspx Negotiations between Ecuador and Chinese Consortium focus on cost http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11335.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:16:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11335.aspx Specialist warns of more deforestation from increased migration http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11334.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:30:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11334.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11331.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:59:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11331.aspx BICECA Bulletin 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11327.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:35:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11327.aspx Ibama, the national environment authority in Brazil rejected DNIT's (the national transport infrastructure department) call for an environmental impact study of a 875km highway that became impassable in the 1980s. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11323.aspx Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:50:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11323.aspx The Ashaninka communities of the Ene Valley, in the districts of Rio Tambo and Pango, Province of Satipo, Junin, Peru, gathered together to celebrate the XIII ordinary Congress of their representative organisation, Central Ashaninka del Rio Ene (CARE), in the community of Pichiquia on the 24th-26th of April 2009 in order to debate the threat of the current project for the construction of the Pakitzapango hydroelectric dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11317.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:18:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11317.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11316.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:47:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11316.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11314.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:14:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11314.aspx Hydroelectric dams, Biofuels, Hydrocarbons top the list. A business delegation is programmed for the second semester of 2009 to explore biofuel investment opportunities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11313.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:02:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11313.aspx Cost overruns could push the total for the highway to over $2 billion http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11312.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:49:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11312.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11310.aspx Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:17:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11310.aspx Civil lawsuits have been filed against Brazil’s environment institute for ignoring environmental concerns when issuing licences to allow the construction of two dams on the Amazon’s Madeira River. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11309.aspx Thu, 09 Jul 2009 07:48:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11309.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11306.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:05:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11306.aspx Brazilian firm has six months to sell its 9.99% share of the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11305.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:54:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11305.aspx Affected communities of the proposed Inambari hydroelectric project from Puno argue that the project will bring more costs than benefits; the Andean Southern Natural Gas Pipeline is neither a guaranteed for the Southern Peruvian department. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11304.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:37:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11304.aspx Puno Congressional leader, Susana Vilca Achata, stated that the Inambari Hydroelectric Project will negatively affect that Southern Interoceanic Highway and native peoples, and therefore the private Brazilian contractor, Amazonas Sur, should reformulate the design of the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11303.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:32:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11303.aspx Bolivia, Brazil and Chile have announced that the inter-oceanic corridor, from the Atlantic to the Pacific will be finished by 2011. The announcement was made following an assessment of the different legs of the corridor during a meeting in La Paz, Bolivia between the Public Works ministers of the three countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11301.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:57:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11301.aspx The bi-oceanic highway will run from Brazil's largest port, Santos, through Bolivian departments Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Oruro, and on to northern Chile's Pacific coast cities of Arica and Iquique. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11299.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:58:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11299.aspx The companies given the concessions for the Inambari hydroelectric dam have a history of violations currently under investigation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11297.aspx Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:37:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11297.aspx Authorities from the region of Ucayali in Peru and the State of Acre in Brazil set an agenda to initiate a trade agreement between both regions http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11296.aspx Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:01:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11296.aspx Rehabilitation works are stalled in Brazil due to delaying in the granting of environmental permits. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11295.aspx Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:41:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11295.aspx Reflections about the conference on IIRSA http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11293.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11293.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11292.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:43:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11292.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11291.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:38:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11291.aspx Indian Ore Concessionaire Jindal Steel has financed the $16 million rehabilitation of 100 km roadway between the Mutun iron ore mine and Puerto Busch http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11290.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:08:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11290.aspx Numerous irregularities cited in environmental licensing process for the San Antonio & Jirau dams http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11286.aspx Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:34:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11286.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11274.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11274.aspx After an abrupt about-face, an agency frets about its footprint http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11276.aspx Sun, 28 Jun 2009 07:39:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11276.aspx One of the key issues in Copenhagen climate change negotiations in December will be the creation of an international superstructure to provide incentives, and ultimately payments, to combat deforestation in tropical countries. As delegates from around the world gathered in Bonn last week to discuss the so-called "REDD issue" (e.g., reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation), violence erupted in the rainforests of Peru between indigenous groups and the government about plans to step up oil and gas exploration, mining, and logging in the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11275.aspx Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:21:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11275.aspx Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is due this week to make one of the most keenly awaited decisions about land ownership in the Amazon rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11272.aspx Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:25:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11272.aspx The terms of reference for the Jirau dam, signed by several Brazilians, spells out the concession but with several worrisome red-flags given the history of the project and the environmental legislation of Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11267.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:47:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11267.aspx BNDES approves R$ 59.3 billion in loans for PAC projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11266.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:42:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11266.aspx Brazil can save its rain forest. The question is, does it want to? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11265.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:25:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11265.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11262.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11262.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11259.aspx Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:22:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11259.aspx Just two weeks after the publication of Greenpeace's report "Slaughtering the Amazon" the IFC halts a $30 million payment to the Bertin corporation which was using the IFC loan to expand further into the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11258.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:10:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11258.aspx Negotiations are underway for the construction of six hydroelectric power plants in the Peruvian Amazon Region in a joint initiative of Alan Garcia and Lula da Silva. Serious inquires about the nature of the intiative and its implications for the region are not resolved which signals further problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11256.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:45:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11256.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11245.aspx Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:10:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11245.aspx The country is thinking again about the project that has been discussed for several years. The goal is to link the Pacific and Atlantic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11244.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11244.aspx Communities of the Ene Valley in Peru got together to celebrate their representative Congress's 13th meeting and to discuss the currnet Pakitzapango hydroelectric dam. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11241.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11241.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11240.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11240.aspx The debate surrounding carbon markets and REDD is polarizing and multi-faceted, especially for the Amazonian populations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11238.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:46:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11238.aspx Along with Brazil, Venezuela promises to create a fund to make "billions of dollars" available for investment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11232.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:07:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11232.aspx ‘The Lethem road would only make economic sense if it was complemented by a deep water harbour’ http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11227.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:23:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11227.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11226.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 08:34:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11226.aspx Brasilian Mega-dam EIA under review http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11223.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 21:19:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11223.aspx Crown jewel of the IIRSA project portfolio under scrutiny in Bolivia and Brazil http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11216.aspx Thu, 28 May 2009 10:41:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11216.aspx Crown Jewel of the IIRSA Project Portfolio Under Scrutiny in Bolivia and Brazil http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11215.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 18:14:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11215.aspx The new plant should start operating in 2012. It should have a capacity for generation of 720 megawatts (MW) of energy. The project also counts on financial investment by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), equivalent to 1 billion reais (US$ 490 million). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11209.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:49:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11209.aspx The loan would support an overall US$1.08bn transport infrastructure development program, of which another US$630mn is to be covered by the state and US$150mn by IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:23:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx The project consists of upgrading and expanding an 867km highway. The initial investment amount was estimated at US$88.4mn, but the new studies will have to confirm this. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11207.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:15:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11207.aspx State-owned oil company Petroperu said Sunday protests organized by Indians in Peru’s Amazon region were causing fuel shortages in several jungle cities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11206.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 08:40:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11206.aspx Peru has historically had one of the lowest annual deforestation rates in the Amazon basin, but forest loss has been increasing in recent years due to illegal logging, mining, agriculture, and expansion of road networks, including the paving of a highway that provides access to a remote and biologically-rich region in southeastern part of the country. In 2005 — the most recent year for which data is available — at least 150,000 hectares of forest was lost, while a similar area was degraded through logging and other activitie http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11205.aspx Sun, 24 May 2009 08:30:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11205.aspx Comment period on draft EIA between May 30 and June 3 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11204.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 07:47:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11204.aspx Peruvian Congress Approves Report Says No Irregularities in the Southern Inter-oceanic Highway, Opposition Legislators Question the Integrity of the Procedure, Doubts Remain; Brazilian delegation from Rondonia visits Puno; 130 km of highway in Madre de Dios inaugurated; Transport Sector calls for further investigation of construction problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11203.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 07:33:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11203.aspx Two day conference underscores the need for improvements in the quality of social, environmental and economic evaluation, as well as the search for energy alternatives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11201.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 13:45:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11201.aspx The native Amazonian peoples are showing themselves to be harder and more battle ready in their demands summarized in the Ishpingo platform, which include the derogation of various legislative decrees promulgated by Peruvian President, Alan Garcia, that threaten indigenous rights in the extraction of natural resources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11199.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 11:39:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11199.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11196.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 11:01:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11196.aspx President Alan Garcia, Dr. Ernesto Cornejo and the Odebrecht led concessionaire CONIRSA inaugurated on May 14, 130 km of Section 3 of the Southern Interoceanic Highway between Tampopata and Iberia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11194.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 09:30:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11194.aspx Unexplained revisions by the Consortium building the Jirau hydroelectric dam (part of the Rio Madeira complex) to the design of the initial project that was auctioned one year ago are expected to increase the overall project costs by 60% http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11191.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 09:05:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11191.aspx Consultant Tecsult-Aecom along with ENDE, Bolivia's National Electricity Company, are in the final phases of the feasibility and design process for the proposed hydroelectric project, Cachuela Esperanza, which is expected to conclude in October, 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11190.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 07:26:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11190.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11189.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 06:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11189.aspx While one legislative decree has been repealed by the Constitution Commission in Peru's Congress, indigenous groups continue their protests demanding that the other nine decrees also be repealed. AIDESEP leader, Alberto Pizango, who was recently charged with sedition and disturbing the peace, approves of the small step forward. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11185.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 11:05:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11185.aspx Lula and Garcia advance plans to expand hydroelectric integration. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11184.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 10:14:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11184.aspx An annoucement about a new online observatory to share information and ideas about the impacts of Brazilian companies in Latin America, especially focusing on their impact on sustainable development efforts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11180.aspx Mon, 18 May 2009 15:15:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11180.aspx Amazon Indians who have been blocking roads, waterways and a state oil pipeline since April are declaring an "insurgency" against Peru's government for refusing to repeal laws that the protesters say make it easier for foreign companies to take their lands, a national Indian representative said Friday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11178.aspx Sat, 16 May 2009 09:25:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11178.aspx The Brazilian construction firm, Odebrecht, rejects Ecuador's US $250 million lawsuit which claims that the Brazilian company constructed a hydroelectric plant with serious defects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11176.aspx Thu, 14 May 2009 11:10:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11176.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11172.aspx Wed, 13 May 2009 14:37:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11172.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11169.aspx Mon, 11 May 2009 10:52:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11169.aspx 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? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11164.aspx Sun, 10 May 2009 10:59:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11164.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11144.aspx Fri, 08 May 2009 13:46:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11144.aspx Peru is rushing to hold superficial public meetings to inform the public about plans to build the fifth largest hydroelectric dam in Latin America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11141.aspx Thu, 07 May 2009 15:42:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11141.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11140.aspx Wed, 06 May 2009 12:59:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11140.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11136.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 10:57:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11136.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11135.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 10:09:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11135.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11134.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 09:48:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11134.aspx The feasibility study for Peru's largest hydroelectric dam nears completion and public hearings will begin in 2009. Brazilian financing for the dam will likely result the first in a series of jointly funded hydroelectric projects in Peru that provide energy to Brazil http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11133.aspx Sat, 02 May 2009 09:06:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11133.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11129.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 11:46:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11129.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11128.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 10:59:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11128.aspx The president of BNDES, Luciano Coutinho, said that it is possible that the bank will offer financial support for the construction of six hydroelectric projects in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11127.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 10:05:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11127.aspx After a meeting between the two leaders, Lula and Garcia agreed to the construction of six hydroelectric projects which symbolizes stronger relations between the two countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11122.aspx Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:54:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11122.aspx In a time when the financial market is lacking credit, the fund for investment in infrastructure which derives its resources from the FGTS (FI-FGTS) will contribute R$ 1,640 billion in financing to the construction of the San Antonio hydroelectric plant in the Madeira river, and become a shareholder of the consortium. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11119.aspx Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:35:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11119.aspx Santander sold half of its shares in the consortium building the San Antonio Hydroelectric Plant in the Madeira River to the FI-FGTS (Investment Fund FGTS) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11118.aspx Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:05:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11118.aspx Criticized by the Ministry of Environment, a streamlined licensing process should reach 40% of the roads listed in the federal program http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11113.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:27:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11113.aspx The IDB looks to recapitalize their resources according to the recommendations in the report written by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former Finance minister of Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11112.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:18:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11112.aspx The energy interconnection agreement will be signed between Electro Peru and Eletrobrás, which will be responsible for the technical assistance on the construction of hydroelectric and teh operations of the electrical systems. The initial project has six hydroelectric plants in Peruvian territory; however, the main custumer will be the Brazilian market, according Belaúnde. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11111.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11111.aspx The Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) became the main target of criticism in a report of the organization of the World Economic Forum and the Fundação Dom Cabral, based in Belo Horizonte. "The PAC will not speed up anything, is the rehabilitation program of growth," said the director of Fundação Dom Cabral Paulo Resende, a specialist in transport and logistics, responsible for examining the question infrastructure for Brazil in the report of the forum. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11110.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:09:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11110.aspx The World Bank's procedures for detecting fraud in its main program of assistance to poor countries were classified as a "structural weakness" in an internal report, increasing the bank's problems in dealing with issues of corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:04:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11109.aspx The Ministry of Environment announced an agreement with the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) incorporating environmental criteria and guidelines for the release of credits to companies and ventures. While representing an improvement regarding to the enviromental impacts made by some investments, the coordinator of the Eco-Project Finance and the organization Friends of the Earth - Brazilian Amazon, Roland Widmer, warns that for the agreement to be effective, more it needs to be done. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11108.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:00:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11108.aspx Indigineour from Amazon of Preu blocked river traffic from two major rivers in jungle protest against laws they consider prejudicial to the integrity of its territories. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11107.aspx Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:35:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11107.aspx Civil society organizations have written a letter expressing their opposition to a measure that would allow the paving of roads through the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11106.aspx Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:02:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11106.aspx The World Bank plans to increase lending to Latin America to suplement decreasing levels of foreign direct investment in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11105.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 17:14:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11105.aspx ProInversion, Peru's state agency for the promotion of private investment, will likely launch a tender to concession the IIRSA highway. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11104.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:59:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11104.aspx Scientists say 4°C rise would kill 85% of the Amazon rainforest. Even modest temperature rise would see 20-40% loss within 100 years http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11103.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:12:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11103.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11102.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:07:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11102.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11101.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:00:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11101.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11098.aspx Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:20:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11098.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11097.aspx Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:29:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11097.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11090.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:13:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11090.aspx Brazil's environmental regulator Ibama has issued the last three preliminary licenses needed to start second-stage works on the 5.4bn-real (US$2.36bn) Transnordestina railroad initiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11089.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11089.aspx Brazilian concessionaires will carry out additional works on the Interoceanica Sur highway, which may result in further delays in the construction of the project - already close to $400 million over budget. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11088.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:51:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11088.aspx All the latest news from the IDB Annual Meetings taking place from March 27-31, 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11083.aspx Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:27:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11083.aspx The Inter-American Development Bank should not receive public funding unless it becomes fully accountable to member governments and the public. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11082.aspx Sun, 22 Mar 2009 09:59:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11082.aspx New study by BIC shows that IFIs have fallen far short of matching project design with discourse when it comes to promoting a culture of accountability through their own project loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11081.aspx The Brazilian National Development Bank, BNDES, receives the third installment of a loan to provide credit for businesses to modernize and expand operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11080.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:38:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11080.aspx A new study shows that even modest temperature increases will shrink the Amazon substantially. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11079.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:51:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11079.aspx Bolivians worry about potential flooding and health problems that will result from two dams which are part of the Rio Madeira project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11078.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:06:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11078.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11077.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:52:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11077.aspx Bolivians fear negative impacts from two dams (part of the Rio Madeira) in Bolivian territory. The Brazilian Minister, Celso Amorim assures the Bolivian government that the construction of the dams will not have these negative impacts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11076.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:34:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11076.aspx For only the last two years has the Bolivian government paid attention to the impacts of dams in indigenous territory. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11074.aspx Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:17:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11074.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11073.aspx Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:41:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11073.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11072.aspx Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:15:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11072.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11068.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11068.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11067.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:38:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11067.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11065.aspx Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11065.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11064.aspx Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11064.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11062.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11059.aspx Thu, 05 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11059.aspx BICECA Boletín Mensual 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11056.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:17:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11056.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11054.aspx Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11054.aspx Brazil's national development bank BNDES has approved 7.2bn reais (US$3.1bn) in financing to build the 3.3GW Jirau hydro plant, the bank said in a statement. Jirau is one of two mega hydro projects on the Madeira river in Rondônia state that will be connected to the national grid. The loan will go to the ESBR consortium and includes support for the transmission system that will link the plant to the city of Porto Velho, according to the statement. The financing, which will cover 68.5% of the required investment, is one of the largest loans ever granted by the bank for a single project. In December 2008, BNDES authorized 6.1bn reais in funding for the 3.15GW Santo Antônio hydro project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11048.aspx Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:23:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11048.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11043.aspx Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11043.aspx Chinese controlled Port Concessionaire Hutchinson Holdings TIDE withdraws from Manta port concession - Ecuador http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11041.aspx Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:41:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11041.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11034.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:08:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11034.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11027.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11027.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11019.aspx Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11019.aspx BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11020.aspx Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:35:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11020.aspx The state of Rondonia, Brazil is subject to ongoing land conflicts between large land owners, small farmers and the state. The proposed hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River and the promise of jobs will only accelerate uncontrolled migration to the region. Weak governance results in frequent, violent confrontations over natural resource use. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11013.aspx Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:32:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11013.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11012.aspx Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:28:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11012.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11011.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:19:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11011.aspx A new agreement between Brazil, the World Bank and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies is intended to train Brazilian state governments on reforms to local regulatory and licensing frameworks to facilitate great foreign direct investment in infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:05:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:50:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11005.aspx Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:29:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11005.aspx The Madeira Energy S/A (Mesa) business consortium, responsible for the construction of the Santo Antônio 3,100 MW hydroelectric dam, the first of several mega-dams planned for the Madeira in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, was fined R$ 7,7 million ($US 3.3 million) by the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama) as a penalty for their responsibility in the ecological accidente that resulted in the death of 11 tons of fish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11003.aspx Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:49:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11003.aspx The Inter American Development Bank set aside more than $900,000 to conduct a feasibility study into the road linking Guyana with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11002.aspx Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:08:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11002.aspx The October meeting between the Brazilian and Bolivian bilerateral technical commission on the Madeira Hydroelectric Dam and related projects focused on new technical research related to the cross-border health effects of the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11000.aspx Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:37:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11000.aspx The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) has approved a US$300mn loan to Peru for additional works on the Interoceánica Sur highway, the financial entity reported in a release. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10999.aspx Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:58:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10999.aspx The financial crisis and environmental risks have affected the willingness of banks to finance the mega-hydroelectric project which would cost R$21 billion. Santander and Banif are facing difficulties in attaining funds for San Antonio Dam; and Itau has already given up on Jirau and San Antonio. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10998.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10998.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10996.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:01:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10996.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10995.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10995.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10994.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:04:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10994.aspx 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) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10981.aspx Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10981.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10958.aspx Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10958.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10936.aspx Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10936.aspx BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2008 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10935.aspx Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:30:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10935.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10920.aspx Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10920.aspx Brazil's environment minister fought off charges that a new international Amazon conservation fund set to receive a large contribution from Norway could threaten the nation's sovereignty. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10916.aspx Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10916.aspx Regional government authorities are taking action to boost the South American infrastructure integration initiative (IIRSA) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10880.aspx Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10880.aspx The launching will take place on June 25th in Porto Velho, Brazil. There will be a roundtable with experts and affected communities who will share the conclusions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10853.aspx Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10853.aspx River diversion work for the Estreito project in Brazil has been stopped by a court in Maranhao state but the rest of the construction activity is unaffected, IWP&DC has learned. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10850.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10850.aspx The world is closing in on the few remaining people who live in such remote isolation as to seem not of this world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10843.aspx Sun, 08 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10843.aspx Chevron’s Victims from Burma, Ecuador and Nigeria Confront CEO David O’Reilly at Shareholder Meeting http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10841.aspx Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10841.aspx Brazil’s new environment minister takes office on Tuesday in the middle of a spat over an apparent recent increase in deforestation in the Amazon region http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10837.aspx Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10837.aspx The Belo Monte dam will swallow thick rain forest and harm rare fish, as well as the livelihoods and homes of roughly 15,000 people who live in this remote area of northeastern Para state, critics say. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10835.aspx Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10835.aspx The Consórcio Energia Sustentável do Brasil (CESB) group led by France's Suez has presented the winning bid to build and operate Brazil's 3.3GW Jirau hydro plant on the Madeira river. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10827.aspx Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10827.aspx Latin America should be looking to European-style tax reform rather than subsidies or export bans to help manage the inflationary threat posed by the global food crisis http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10826.aspx Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10826.aspx I was on the panel discussing the impacts of Belo Monte Dam, when about eight Kayapó Indians incensed at the defense of the project by state company Eletrobrás' project manager http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10825.aspx Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10825.aspx Many major European banks are funding the rapid expansion of agrofuel production in Latin America, leading to large scale deforestation, increasing human right abuses and threatening food sovereignty, according to a new report http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10818.aspx Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10818.aspx Marina Silva's resignation is linked to her opposition to many of the major megaprojects planned and underway in the Brazilian Amazon, including two large hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10813.aspx Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10813.aspx Brazil's military will regulate environmental, religious and other foreign groups working in the Amazon region under a law. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10794.aspx Fri, 25 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10794.aspx More of the Amazon rain forest should be cut down to make way for farmland to help ease the global food crisis, the governor of a big Brazilian farming state was quoted on Friday as saying. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10793.aspx Sat, 26 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10793.aspx Brazilian agents have caught loggers in Alta Floresta, in central Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10784.aspx Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10784.aspx With China’s commodity demand on the rise, analysts see a buffer for Latin America economies from a U.S. downturn through Chinese hunger for products ranging from soya to copper to gas. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10757.aspx Tue, 25 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10757.aspx In a nod to Brazil, World Bank president Robert Zoellick said the expansion of the ethanol market could contribute to fighting climate change if trade barriers are minimized. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10720.aspx Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10720.aspx Terna SpA CEO Flavio Cattaneo said the group will take part in at least three bids for grid operations in Brazil in 2008. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10694.aspx Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10694.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10693.aspx Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10693.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10692.aspx Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10692.aspx Marcos Chambilla Copari recalls arriving in the of village of San Lorenzo, in the southwestern Peruvian rainforest, in 1986, a refugee from flooding around Lake Titicaca in Peru’s southern highlands. “There was no road to get our products to market,” he said. “Everything rotted in the field.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10646.aspx Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10646.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10636.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10636.aspx Five persons were arrested in the breakup of a peaceful protest by a group of activists against the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River. The detention was justified with the argument that an act of protest harms of Bolivian-Brazilian relations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10635.aspx Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10635.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10629.aspx Thu, 13 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10629.aspx Começou por volta das 12h35 o leilão da hidrelétrica de Santo Antônio, no Rio Madeira (RO), organizado na sede da Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (Aneel), em Brasília. Na primeira etapa, os investidores farão uma proposta única para o preço da energia que será produzida pela usina. Nenhum dos três consórcios inscritos terá como saber qual foi o lance oferecido pelos demais interessados. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10616.aspx Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10616.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10615.aspx Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10615.aspx With the auction for the Rio Madeira Project approaching, civil society is accelerating campaigns against the dams. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10602.aspx Thu, 06 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10602.aspx “Mercosur has become irrelevant and too complicated, and even more when Venezuela is finally incorporated to the block”, said former Brazilian Foreign Finance minister Mailson da Nobrega. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10589.aspx Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10589.aspx Destruction and exploitation of rain forests spark an idea: Paying to preserve them. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10587.aspx Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10587.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10578.aspx Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10578.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10565.aspx Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10565.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10547.aspx Tue, 20 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10547.aspx The National Report plans a mission to Rondonia to investigate the human rights violations from the Madeira Complex. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10546.aspx Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10546.aspx Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva sought on Wednesday to play down gas shortages in Rio de Janeiro, saying that the country's energy supplies were guaranteed until 2012. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10534.aspx Sun, 07 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10534.aspx Transnational companies tighten their grip on region’s water resources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10522.aspx Sat, 03 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10522.aspx Announcement shows the growing internal pressure at the institution to push lending for major energy initiatives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10513.aspx Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10513.aspx The IFC, IDB and BNDES signed an agreement on October 19th to create a $3.99 million private sector participation trust fund to invest in infrastructure projects in Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10508.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10508.aspx Study by Amigos da Terra warns investors: Methodology is based on credit rating agencies approach. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10504.aspx Thu, 25 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10504.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10497.aspx Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10497.aspx Brazil’s Mines and Energy Minister Nelson Hubner announced Wednesday that the auction of the rights to build Madeira’s Santo Antonio power plant will be delayed until November 29th according to Estado new agency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10496.aspx Wed, 17 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10496.aspx Brazil’s Finance Minister, Guido Mantega, announced on Friday a plan to create a sovereign fund from a portion of its international reserves that will seek seek higher-yielding investments. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10495.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10495.aspx Brazil plans to spend some $35.5 million on oil and gas exploration in the northern Amazonian state of Acre, on the border with Bolivia, the official Agencia Brasil news agency reported.The goal of the project, undertaken by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), is to determine the region's potential for oil and gas production, according to the Spanish News agency EFE http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10486.aspx Tue, 23 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10486.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10482.aspx Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10482.aspx The Amazon region is endangered of disappearing as vast areas of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay are wrapped in smoke. Roberto Smeraldi, from Friends of the Earth Brazil, said the current situation was out of control. He was very clear as to who is to blame “…they are mainly the results of expanding cattle ranching.” http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10468.aspx Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10468.aspx Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez announced Tuesday night that the Bank of the South will be born next Monday in Caracas. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10463.aspx Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10463.aspx Brazil’s largest ethanol group, Cosan Ltd., has joined with other ethanol groups in opposition to the ethanol pipeline proposed by Petroleo Brasileiro SA or Petrobras. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10445.aspx Tue, 25 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10445.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10385.aspx Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10385.aspx Thanks partly to ethanol from sugar cane, Brazil aims to be an energy superpower. But can it keep its own lights on? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10368.aspx Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10368.aspx Brazil's mines and energy ministry (MME) has scheduled for October 30 the auction to build and operate the 3.15GW Santo Antônio hydroelectric plant, MME said on its website. Santo Antônio will start selling power in 2012, MME said. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10362.aspx Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10362.aspx Rural conflicts over water will likely increase in the next few years due to hydro infrastructure projects within the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10329.aspx Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10329.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10328.aspx Sat, 07 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10328.aspx The same obstacles that resulted in the denial of the preliminary license for the project are now 'conditioning factors' to the project, placed by Ibama, which thereby transfers the responsibility for resolving the problems to whoever wins the government concession to build the hydro plants. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10326.aspx Wed, 07 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10326.aspx Peru and Bolivia may request an injunction in Brazilian court if there is any threat to their territories caused by projects on the Madeira River http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10325.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10325.aspx Dispute between the Camargo Corrêa and Norberto Odebrecht construction companies over the hydroelectric plants leads to heated exchanges of accusations and puts pressure on government institutions http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10309.aspx Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10309.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10293.aspx Sun, 22 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10293.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10292.aspx Sun, 22 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10292.aspx Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social [BNDES] disbursements reached a new record for the last 12 months ended in June. R$ 58.7 billion was released in the period, representing a growth of 30%. This result, which strengthens the growth trend beginning in the second quarter of 2006, was mainly influenced by the sectors related to metallurgy, trade and services, chemical and petrochemical products. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10291.aspx Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10291.aspx Suez SA, Europe's fifth largest electricity producer, plans to bid on rights to build hydroelectric dams in Brazil's Amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10285.aspx Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10285.aspx In recent weeks, the Brazilian government has turned to the difficult task of building giant hydroelectric dams in the Amazon River. The project presents President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva with a major contradiction—between his ambitious economic development plan based on large-scale infrastructure, and the enormous social and environmental costs of the dams. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10249.aspx Tue, 12 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10249.aspx The eternal tension between Brazil’s need for economic growth and the damage that can cause to the environment are nowhere more visible than here in this corner of the western Amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10245.aspx Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10245.aspx The government argues the dams in the western Amazon are needed for Brazil to meet its growing energy needs, and President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has long complained about delays in granting licenses for the dams.Environmentalists, however, say the dams will destroy a large swath of the rain forest and endanger rare fish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10199.aspx Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10199.aspx A recent report of the World Bank is encouraging Brazil to remove their regulatory barriers to private sector investment. This has to be done in order to improve the shortage of investment on infrastructure in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10162.aspx Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10162.aspx Brazil´s Amazonian state of Rondônia is best known for the disastrous Polonoroeste colonization Project, financed by the World Bank, which accelerated the transformation of the region in the 1980’s from tropical rainforests into an environmental and social nightmare. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10025.aspx Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10025.aspx