http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.104.aspx The latest news on Chile from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Region.104.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12396.aspx Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12396.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12001.aspx Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:05:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12001.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11478.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:48:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11478.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 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 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 Argentine and Chilean authorities have created a bi-national permanent committee to promote the construction of the Trasandino Central rail tunnel initiative to transport cargo between the two countries, the Chilean government reported in a release. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11424.aspx Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:39:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11424.aspx Ministers from Chile and Ecuador will meet September 7th in Quito to dicuss topics to be determined in the next two days in Santiago, officials informed Efe today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11418.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 13:32:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11418.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11394.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:02:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11394.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.11090.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:13:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11090.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10349.aspx Wed, 08 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10349.aspx