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


bicusa.org/IDBaccountability Accountability at the IDB Overview Background Concerns Updates Resources Contacts RSS Update \| 28 November 2011 Letter to the IADB President Luis Alberto Moreno Read more Update \| 20 October 2011 The Sustainable Environmental Management Development Policy Loan for Brazil 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. Read more Update \| 31 August 2011 World Bank Safeguard Policy Review: Early Issues, What to Expect? 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. Read more Update \| 18 May 2011 Bolivia: The World Bank and the Government recognize deficiencies in the Takana's Indigenous Plan 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. Read more Update \| 4 April 2011 San Francisco – Mocoa Highway: Social and Environmental Demands Unresolved Read more Update \| 4 April 2011 Governance in the Ixiamas–San Buenaventura Highway as a World Bank's Tangible ‘Additionality’ 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 28 March 2011 CSOs demand accountability for capital increase reforms 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. Read more Country Update \| 22 March 2011 Peru Read more Update \| 15 February 2011 New report shows decline in IDB project quality, backsliding on capital increase commitment 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. Read more Update \| 15 February 2011 Civil society to IDB: Safeguard compliance and sustainability promotion not a trade-off Civil society sent a letter to President Luis Alberto Moreno expressing their support, yet concern and strong disagreement with parts of the report’s analysis which, if misinterpreted, could negatively affect the integrity of the principles of sustainability in Bank operations. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 January 2011 Lacking consultation, Putumayo Indigenous Group halt San Francisco- Mocoa highway project 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. Read more Update \| 1 November 2010 Civil Society submits a dossier of proposals for policy reforms to the IDB The dossier contains a summary of proposals submitted by a group of civil society organizations to the Inter-American Development Bank. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. Read more Update \| 19 October 2010 Guyana: Amaila Falls Hydro: Social and Environmental Aspects 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 October 2010 Can Colombia's new president Juan Manuel Santos close the equity gap? Compared with other countries in Latin America - the most unequal region in the world, Colombia has extremely high extremes in income levels while the concentration of land ownership remains in relatively few hands. Read more Update \| 24 September 2010 International Seminar about the Multimodal Axis Amazon/ IIRSA: Strategic Hermeticism? Read more Update \| 24 September 2010 Roads and Deforestation: proper diagnosis and Basis for Sustainable Transport in Peru's R-PP In general the REDD discussions are based on the assumption of command and control policies that combines investment and capacity to implement economic incentives to avoid deforestation. In this sense there is relatively little emphasis in the discussion of solutions to structural problems that lead people from different sectors to adopt strategies that lead to deforestation and forest degradation, in other terms governance scenarios. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 August 2010 IDB hasn’t made decision yet on Amaila hydro feasibility Read more Update \| 5 August 2010 IDB Signals New Post-Capital Increase Relationship with Civil Society Exchange of views highlights differences in defining new rules for participation, development effectiveness and additionality. Read more Update \| 27 July 2010 Civil Society Organizations submit a letter to President Moreno after his re-election Civil Society Organizations sent a letter to President Moreno to remind him that the mandate of his next Presidential term at the Bank will rest on three fundamental challenges: an Evidence-based Results Management, Institutional Governance, and a Social and Environmental Sustainability vision for the region. This in despite of controversial management style and consequent Bank performance over the last five years under his Presidency. Read more Press Clipping \| 27 July 2010 Bolivian Deputy Minister of Environment and Director of Environment submit their resignation Bolivian Deputy Minister of Environment Juan Pablo Ramos and Director Environment Luis Beltrán submitted irrevocable resignation from their posts on Friday of last week, after government officials tried to force them to sign an environmental permit for the construction of a highway in the Chapare region of Cochabamba. Read more Press Clipping \| 26 July 2010 Event in Peru presents the final results of a binational study of the navegavility of the Napo River 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. Read more Update \| 13 July 2010 IDB’s Zelikow quits after Moreno gets second term as President No. 2 official at IDB resigns after approval of a $70 billion capital increase and re-election of President Luis Alberto Moreno Read more Update \| 9 July 2010 Warning signs for the future of the Peruvian Amazon 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). Read more Update \| 21 June 2010 IDB staff unhappy with Moreno's possible second term Though the nominations process for president of the Inter-American Development Bank closes on June 26th, no one has yet opposed incumbent Luis Alberto Moreno. In a letter, members of the IDB staff allege that through political horse trading, Moreno has secured his reelection. Read more Update \| 17 May 2010 IDB approves new disclosure policy Working quickly to ensure the approval of GCI funds, the Inter-American Development Bank has approved a new disclosure policy. The new policy is a leap forward in many respects, but is still weak on disclosure relevant to private sector lending and environmental and social impacts. Read more Update \| 13 May 2010 IDB Approves New Disclosure Policy The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) May 12 approved a new "Access to Information Policy" likely to increase the level of transparency at the institution, according to a new article posted today on FreedomInfo.org's IFTI Watch column. The IDB set an international speed record for writing and approving the new disclosure policy, rushing it through as part of an effort to bolster its case for a capital replenishment. The haste came at the expense of a planned public comment period. Read more Update \| 7 April 2010 Looming challenges for the Inter-American Development Bank in Latin America The Cancun Declaration, signed by the Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its 51st Annual Meeting, contains 10 points and a global framework for evaluation of the agreed institutional reforms included in the ninth General Capital Increase of the Bank. These points partially address the concerns expressed by civil society in the region. Nevertheless, as these organizations point out, there are still points to be reinforced and challenges to be taken on by Bank management. Read more Update \| 1 April 2010 Taking advantage of the crisis: Capital increases for IFIs conditioned on new reforms The latest edition of the BICECA bulletin features analysis from civil society groups from around the region on the IDB Capital Increase and the pending institutional reforms linked to it. Read more Press Release \| 24 March 2010 “The IDB Cancun Declaration is a step forward, but it is just that- one step" Press Release from civil society groups present at the IDB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Cancun, Mexico Read more Press Clipping \| 22 March 2010 Brazil Minister: US demands threaten IDB recapitalization The U.S. has laid down 13 conditions for an IDB capital increase, of which six have already been implemented and five are "acceptable”. The two other conditions, fiscal oversight of borrowing countries and strengthened environmental standards, however, are "a serious problem", according to Brazilian Planning Minister. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 March 2010 IDB projects questioned 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 19 March 2010 IDB arrives at Cancun meeting weakened by poor management Severe doubts have been raised by some of the IDB's own members regarding Luis Alberto Moreno's management. Read more Update \| 18 March 2010 Tip Sheet: Inter-American Development Bank’s 2010 Annual Meeting in Cancun A coalition comprised of more than 100 civil society groups from 20 countries are attending the IDB's Annual Meetings in Cancun, Mexico this week seeking answers from Bank Governors and Executives on crucial reforms that must be discussed before a Board vote on a multi-billion dollar capital increase. Read more Press Clipping \| 18 March 2010 Brazil and Argentina oppose reelection of Luis Alberto Moreno Brazilian Minister of Finance, Guido Mantega: "we will propose at the meeting that the IDB elect a new administration that is more efficient and beneficial to the region". "Our joint evaluation is that his performance has been unsatisfactory". Read more Press Clipping \| 18 March 2010 Moreno’s management questioned as IDB funding increase pared While Moreno prays for "white smoke" at the IDB Annual Meetings in Cancun, both critics within the Bank and civil society offer sharp criticism of the leader's performance. Read more Update \| 17 March 2010 The challenge of transparency in the construction of megaprojects This article is based on an investigation of the Puerto Suárez - Santa Cruz Bi-Oceanic Corridor conducted by a team of professionals from the Center of Applied Studies of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CEADESC) in Bolivia. The investigation is centered on transparency policies applied in the management and development of mega-infrastructure projects within the IIRSA integration initiative in South America, and aims to ignite a debate between civil society and the various international actors that finance IIRSA. The CEADESC study shows that this debate can only take place within a wider discussion about the interrelation between development policy, democracy and human rights given that each one of these dimensions is a condition for advancement of the others. Read more Press Release \| 27 February 2010 Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Bid for 200% Capital Increase in Jeopardy IDB Board of Governors Urged to Address Civil Society Concerns During Upcoming March 2nd Meeting in Washington, DC Read more Update \| 17 February 2010 IDB Governor Accountability in Question as IDB Cruises Toward Cancun Recapitalization Request More than 100 civil society organizations from 18 countries stepped up pressure on the IDB by submitting a letter to the Board of Governors demanding Transparency and Evidence of Structural Reforms before the approval on the Capital Increase in Cancun, Mexico. Read more Press Clipping \| 16 February 2010 Brazil, Argentina say IADB failing Latin America Brazil and Argentina called on Friday for reforms at the Inter-American Development Bank, saying the regional lender had failed to understand the needs of Latin America during the global financial crisis. Read more Press Clipping \| 13 February 2010 US-HAITI: The IDB Loan that Wasn't – Part 1 Read more Press Clipping \| 7 February 2010 Brazil, Argentina To Take IDB Reform Proposal To G-20 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 22 January 2010 Candidates emerge to head Inter-American Development Bank Read more Update \| 21 January 2010 2010 IDB Annual Meeting - Cancun All the latest news from the IDB Global Capital Increase (GCI-9) and the Annual Meetings taking place from March 19-23, 2010 Read more Update \| 10 January 2010 CEADESC Informs on IIRSA Megaproject Impacts in Pando Workshop 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 Read more Update \| 22 December 2009 BIC signs letter congratulating IDB on sustainable transportation project BIC Executive Director Chad Dobson signed the letter to IDB president Luis Alberto Moreno after the approval of the San Francisco-Mocoa Alternate Road Construction Project. The letter notes how constructive dialogue with civil society led to many improvements in the project and encourages some of these commitments to be formalized during the general capital increase. Read more Update \| 28 November 2009 IDB rejects CSO concerns over IIRSA Corridor in Peru IDB President Moreno evades definitive response to observed socio-environmental threats caused by IIRSA project, Road Interconnection, Pucallpa-Cruzeiro do Sul (Peru-Brazil). Read more Press Clipping \| 28 November 2009 ¿Lula Suggests to Evo that both work to favor Brazilian companies? 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 Read more Update \| 10 November 2009 Report Identifies Racial Inequality in IDB Projects and Employment A new report prepared by GAP shows that the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the most important multilateral lender to Latin America, fails to promote racial equality adequately. The issue affects the identification, preparation, and implementation of IDB programs and projects in the region, as well as the Bank’s hiring, retention, and promotion practices. Read more Update \| 5 November 2009 IDB responds to civil society's letter regarding ICIM The Inter-American Development Bank emitted the following response to a letter dated September 30th, in which members of civil society outlined recommendations for the minimum conditions that the new Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (ICIM) should satisfy. Read more Press Release \| 5 November 2009 IDB GCI consultation at early crossroads Guadalajara Civil Society Meetings in Guadalajara, Mexico open with increased demands for consultation process accountability, transparency guarantees. Good faith participation by CSOs rests on Bank decision to disclose and discuss a second draft of the proposed revisions to the Independent Consultation and Inspection Mechanism (ICIM). Read more Update \| 3 November 2009 Indigenous leaders denounce IIRSA megaprojects that violate the rights of Mother Earth The Confederación Andina de Organizaciones Indígenas de Perú (CAIO), the Organización Indígena Chiquitana de Bolivia (OICH), el Centro de Estudios Aplicados a los Derechos Económicos, Sociales y Culturales de Bolivia (CEADESC), Comunidades Nativas de Pueblos Indígenas de Rondonia de Brasil and Indian Law Resource Center today denounced various IIRSA projects at the Inter-American Court for Human Rights in Washingtion DC for the violation of the right to free and prior informed consent of indigenous peoples. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 IDB to finance road maintenance and improvement program in Peru A $150 million loan will help expand and refurbish the road network, putting the country on a stronger economic footing. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Proinversión oks auction for hydroelectric energy purchase On October 12, the Agency for Promotion of Private Investment (ProInversión) approved contract bidding for purchase of energy from hydroelectric centers, which are expected to begin supply between 2013 and 2015, stated Executive Director Cayetana Aljovín. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Camisea partners meet with Alan García Investors promise to address the growing demand for gas in Peru. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Peru Energy Minister Does Not Convince Congress on Gas Shortages The Minister was questioned by Congress on persistent complaints about a gas shortage on the local market. Now the Minister claims that there are 15 TCF in gas reserves, which will supply the internal market for a period of up to 27 years. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Bolivia announces Amazon development projects 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Pasto-Mocoa: First Environmentally Sustainable Road 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 October 2009 Ecuador Reactivates the Contruction of Coca-Codo Dam The hydroelectric project that will cost US$1.979 million will provide 75% of the electricity needs of the country. Read more Update \| 24 October 2009 Civilization in crisis and Living Well: "Vivir Bien" Education in the Context of Multiple Crises Read more Press Clipping \| 24 October 2009 Brazilian Settlements in Pando Awaken Tensions Lula and Evo coordinate the return of 1,000 Brazilians located in Pando. Some call for the defense of their lands. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 October 2009 EU Support to Bolivia Focuses on Chiquitania Region 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 October 2009 El Tinto-San José Section of SC-PS Highway Divided, Delayed Astaldi fined $6 million, Paraíso-El Tinto section also behind schedule Read more Update \| 20 October 2009 CIDOB and Cross-Cultural Bridges Foundation denounce IIRSA at Climate Justice Tribunal Read more Press Clipping \| 16 October 2009 IDB approves $1 billion credit line for Ecuador’s road network A first loan for $350 million to finance investments in key bridge, maintenance work, road safety Read more Update \| 8 October 2009 IFC Board Approves Gas Investment to Support Economic Growth in Peru Read more Press Release \| 6 October 2009 PRESS RELEASE: IDB Rush to Increase Capital Fails G-20 Stress Tests The IDB must implement crucial reforms before a capital inrease is approved. Read more Update \| 2 October 2009 Open letter to Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno, President of IDB Civil Society outlines their concerns about socio-environmental impacts of the IIRSA project "Road Interconnection: Pucallpa-Cruzeiro do Sul" and demands that the IDB promote more transparency and public consultation in the IIRSA process. Read more Press Clipping \| 25 September 2009 Spain, Mexico and Argentina request capital increase of IDB at G-20 summit According to Spanish government officials, this was one of the primary conclusions of the meeting held at UN headquarters in New York, where they met to coordinate their positions before the G-20 summit which begins this afternoon in Pittsburgh. Read more Update \| 17 September 2009 IDB begins consultation on Ninth Global Capital Increase Read more Press Clipping \| 21 August 2009 Section of the Santa Cruz-Arroyo bi-oceanic corridor inaugurated The prefect of Santa Cruz and ambassador from the European Union unveil 14 bridges and a viaduct in the fourth section of the Santa Cruz-Arroyo Concepción bi-oceanic corridor. Read more Press Clipping \| 13 August 2009 Irregularities with Camisea Gas In the midst of a possible energy crisis en Peru over the coming years, increasing criticism of exports of as much as half of the Camisea gas reserves requires greater attention Read more Press Clipping \| 9 August 2009 Ecuador reaches agreement for Manta Port Concession Read more Press Clipping \| 28 July 2009 The Manta-Manaos project is going to Singapore 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 July 2009 Lethem road (IIRSA) could lead to big forest loss unless REDD framework in place 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. Read more Update \| 21 July 2009 IDB ignores substance of civil society replenishment recommendations The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) sidesteps civil society concerns raised regarding a proposal advanced by the IDB in Santiago, Chile on July 2 to increase its capital base by $100-$200 billion, which would triple Bank annual lending from an average of $US 6 billion since the last replenishment to a projected $16-19 billion per year. Read more Press Clipping \| 21 July 2009 Tim Geithner's Secret Crash Pad Since moving to Washington in January, Geithner has been secretly crashing at his old friend Daniel Zelikow's posh manse in the District's tony Kalorama neighborhood. Zelikow, a former Wall Street hotshot who now serves as executive vice president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is a college buddy of Geithner's. Read more Update \| 20 July 2009 IDB & IIRSA: Continuity in Question Within the current context of a global capital increase proposal by the Inter-American Development Bank that would permit the Bank to triple its current annual lending volume, 20 civil society organizations from 10 countries demanded that the IDB not renew its mandate to participate in the Technical Coordination Committee (CCT) of IIRSA based on the inconsistency of IIRSA practices with Bank safeguard and operating policies. Read more Update \| 20 July 2009 IDB ignores substance of civil society GCI reform proposal After months of internal planning and vibrant debate over how to best position the Bank to garner an unprecedented capital increase, IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno acknowledged the receipt of a ten page civil society proposal of needed reforms, but failed to respond in any detail to any of the substantive arguments. Instead, the President delegated External Relations to outline a delayed and ambiguous consultation process that the Bank Board is expected to endorse in the coming weeks Read more Update \| 20 July 2009 Peru renegotiating the canon contracts for Camisea The contract permits the export of gas at a price that is lower than the gas directed to the local market. The Government has initiated a new request to renegotiate the contracts and also seeking to limit the gas from Lot 88 for domestic use only. Read more Update \| 16 July 2009 Evaluating CAF/INRENA I and the future of the Interoceanica highway BICECA Bulletin 2009 Read more Update \| 10 July 2009 Camisea canon impact falls short The increase in infrastructure investment does not represent a substantial impact in terms of poverty reduction among the affected populations of the Camisea Natural Gas Extraction Project in Cusco, Peru. This was one of the primary conclusions of a study conducted by Propuesta Ciudadana, with the support of Oxfam America, Bank Information Center and World Resources Institute. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 Chavez seen behind unrest in Peru: U.S. backed president pressured by protesters QUILLABAMBA, Peru \| A national strike by thousands of rain-forest Indians is spawning accusations of a proxy war involving Venezuela and an emboldened peasant movement seeking to undermine Peru's pro-U.S. president. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 Brazil/Bolivia/Chile inter-oceanic corridor ready for 2011 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. Read more Press Clipping \| 6 July 2009 Ministers to inspect progress on bi-oceanic corridor 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. Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 IIRSA forum of strategic reflection - chronicle of a death foretold Reflections about the conference on IIRSA Read more Update \| 2 July 2009 20 Civil Society Organizations and networks call on IDB to withdraw from IIRSA In the context of a 9th Global Capital Increase request, for which the IDB is designing a new institutional strategy anchored by sustainability, equity and development goals, IIRSA has not demostrated compatibility with these goals and should be abandoned by the Bank. Read more Update \| 30 June 2009 Civil society organizations challenge IDB commitments to development results and sustainability As member countries assess the 9th replenishment proposal advanced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on July 2 in Santiago, Chile, eight civil society organizations submitted recommendations on leadership steps the IDB should take in several critical areas before qualifying for any capital increase. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. Read more Update \| 22 June 2009 Understanding Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) The increasingly important topic of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) was recently discussed among civil society organizations in Bogota, Colombia. Participants in the event discussed the ways in which the SEAs can be most effective and how to overcome certain challenges in applying the SEAs to certain projects. Infrastructure and sustainable development topics are also covered in this SEA bulletin. Read more Press Clipping \| 29 May 2009 Peru: energy crisis and the failure of the free market Camisea not resolving Peru's domestic energy needs Read more Press Clipping \| 25 May 2009 IDB funded Brazilian Thermal-Electric Plant to use Carbon Capture Technology 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). Read more Press Clipping \| 25 May 2009 Peru seeks US$300mn World Bank loan for transport sector 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$150mn by IDB. Read more Update \| 23 May 2009 Ecuadorean Hydroelectric Project: Coca Codo Sinclair Opens Review Period Comment period on draft EIA between May 30 and June 3 Read more Update \| 23 May 2009 The Ecuadorian Government pushes the idea of Manta-Manaus Corridor The country is thinking again about the project that has been discussed for several years. The goal is to link the Pacific and Atlantic. Read more Update \| 8 May 2009 Scenario II - IIRSA Transfer to UNASUR Read more Press Clipping \| 18 April 2009 IDB evaluates a re capitalization of US$ 180 billion The IDB looks to recapitalize their resources according to the recommendations in the report written by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former Finance minister of Peru. Read more Update \| 23 March 2009 2009 IDB Annual Meeting All the latest news from the IDB Annual Meetings taking place from March 27-31, 2009 Read more Update \| 22 March 2009 IDB financial losses and glaring lack of accountability invalidate replenishment request The Inter-American Development Bank should not receive public funding unless it becomes fully accountable to member governments and the public. Read more Update \| 20 March 2009 Accountability and Participation at the World Bank & IDB 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. Read more Update \| 27 February 2009 Challenging IIRSA Mega-Projects for Regional Integration: Priorities, Strategies and Lessons Learned BICECA Boletín Mensual 2009 Read more Press Clipping \| 17 February 2009 Forum declares Manta, Ecuador as an entry port to South America Various participants at the forum raise their points of view regarding the integration of South America and the Manta-Manaus corridor as the entry point to the region. Read more Press Clipping \| 12 February 2009 IDB record $2 bn losses force replenishment request The reported scale of the Inter-American Development Bank's investment portfolio losses of $1.9 billion — 10 to 100 times higher than the losses of the other development banks Read more Update \| 3 February 2009 World Social Forum 2009 For the 2009 World Social Forum (WSF), a group composed of various organizations is organizing a two day workshop for updates and strategy building to inform, discuss, plan and act in defense of the rights of affected populations and the environment. The organizations are working to prevent and/or mitigate any type of social and environmental negative impacts caused by the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) and other harmful development strategies. Read more Update \| 21 January 2009 Case study: Corredor Norte BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2009 Read more Update \| 27 December 2008 IDB finances Meerzog-Albina highway in Suriname Read more Update \| 26 December 2008 Colombia issues environmental license for Pasto Mocoa highway IDB Loan Approval Set for early 2009: The $200 million road project in Putumayo, Colombia is an anchor project for the IIRSA Amazonas Corridor and will unlock commercial traffic between the ports of Tumaco and Belem, as well as between Bogota and Quito. Read more Press Clipping \| 24 December 2008 IHT: Guyana lacks funds for important roads to Brazil, Venezuela The Inter American Development Bank set aside more than $900,000 to conduct a feasibility study into the road linking Guyana with Brazil. Read more Update \| 22 December 2008 IDB Increases Infrastructure Integration Subsidy IDB replenishment of a popular subsidy for the preparation of high risk infrastructure projects in Latin America anticipates the increased funding of infrastructure to stimulate the economy. Read more Update \| 15 December 2008 Andean Indigenous proposal on IIRSA Open letter regarding the South American Regional Infrastructure Integration Initiative (IIRSA), to the politicians in charge (South American governments) and its financiers (CAF, BNDES, European Union, Fonplata, Santander) Read more Update \| 25 November 2008 Civil Society and IDB workshop: Strategic Environmental Assessments and sustainable development Civil society organizations (CSOs) from 10 South American countries have invited the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to engage in dialogue about the use and misuse of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in a two-day workshop to be held in Bogota, Colombia (Dec. 2 and 3, 2008). The workshop will feature presentations on the IDB's progress in developing a strategic decision making system that includes clearer rules for SEAs. CSOs will present lessons learned and recommendations for more effective use of SEAs drawn from a decade of experience with high risk infrastructure projects. Read more Update \| 21 November 2008 Directors of IIRSA reject petition for participation of civil society The President of the Directors of IIRSA and current Director of the Ministry of Planning of Colombia, Carolina Renteria, reported on Monday, November 10 the decision to reject a hearing on IIRSA requested by 20 civil society organizations from 8 countries. The CSOs submitted a proposal to create mechanisms to ensure the participation of civil society in the planning process of integration within the framework of IIRSA, in addition to other potential integration processes as well as for the implementation of Strategic Environmental Studies (SEA) for groups of IIRSA projects. Read more Update \| 14 November 2008 Colombia: Pasto-Mocoa Highway; Indigenous people's rights in Peru; Manta-Manaos in Ecuador BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2008 Read more Update \| 29 September 2008 IIRSA CCT meeting on infrastructure and the Amazon: IIRSA's future in doubt BICECA Quarterly Bulletin 2008 Read more Update \| 15 September 2008 El BID rechaza el dialogo con sociedad civil El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID) desestimó una propuesta de la sociedad civil para realizar un seminario conjunto sobre infraestructura y mecanismos de planificación sostenibles en el Amazonas. Dicho seminario se proponía para la próxima reunión que el Banco desarrollará con la sociedad civil en Montevideo, Uruguay, el 16 y 17 de Octubre. Por muchos motivos la relación del BID con la sociedad civil ha caído a su nivel más bajo. Read more Update \| 12 September 2008 Perú: La restitución de los derechos de los nativos tiene un largo camino por recorrer Si bien los pueblos originarios de Perú han logrado que el Congreso de la República derogue los decretos legislativos N° 1015 y N° 1073, todavía la protección de sus derechos y sus tierras no está completamente asegurada. Read more Press Release \| 7 April 2008 Record 2007 IDB lending comes at expense of environment, communities As the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today announced record lending of $9.6 billion in 2007, environmental and human rights groups warned that the milestone had come at the expense of the environment and communities. Read more Update \| 4 April 2008 IDB Watch A publication of civil society groups working to reform the Inter-American Development Bank. Read more Press Release \| 3 April 2008 Unaccountable and unsustainable, IDB champions corporate interests at expense of citizens Bank ignores climate change and development indicators as estimated 250 million Latin Americans live in poverty despite near half-century of lending. Read more Update \| 22 June 2007 Tensions rise within the Inter-American Development Bank The Bank's Employee Association sent a letter to IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno on June 6 expressing "deep concern" about the IDB's upcoming realignment. Read more Update \| 14 February 2007 IDB 2007 Civil Society Meeting in San José, Costa Rica - A Step Backwards? Summary and analysis of the IDB annual Civil Society Consultation held in Costa Rica on February 7, 2007. Read more Update \| 26 October 2005 Civil Society Action is Critical for Establishing Strong Safeguard Policies at the Inter-American Development Bank Look at the latest versions of the IDB's environmental and indigenous peoples' policies, which have been finally made publicly available. Read more to learn about the current stance within the IDB that is stalling the further strengthening and approval of these important tools. Read more Update \| 14 June 2005 Civil Society Guide to IFI Policy Reviews now available Read more Update \| 6 April 2005 IDB accountability/review mechanism found lacking compared to ADB and World Bank Read more Update \| 15 March 2005 Analysis of and comments on IDB's Proposal for Enhancements to the Independent Investigation Mechanism The IDB's draft Independent Investigation Mechanism (IIM) marks a significant improvement over the existing IIM - but still falls far short of providing project-affected people with ready access to an effective process. David Hunter provides an analysis of the draft IIM and a summary of its major deficiencies. Read more Update \| 28 February 2005 Civil Society demands more participatory consultations for Draft Independent Investigation Mechanism Read more Update \| 18 February 2005 Important public consultation process for the IDB's new Independent Investigation Mechanism The 90-day public consultation process for the Independent Inspection Mechanism (IIM) began on the 4th of February. Read more Update \| 11 October 2004 IDB investigation confirms chronic problems at Yacyretá Dam. IIM panel claims the Board of Directors misrepresented its findings. IIM Panel letter contests IDB Board misrepresentation of their report in an August 5 press release Read more Update \| 23 August 2004 IDB Responds to BIC´s letter regarding Independent Investigation Mechanism policy revision IDB Executive Vice President Flannery recognizes need for improvement in IIM. Read more Update \| 2 August 2004 Request for investigation into the Cana Brava Dam project approved after two year delay Read more Print this page Email this page		Search Key Issues Forests IFC Policies and Standards Review World Bank Energy Strategy Review World Bank Safeguards Review World Bank Transparency Review See also Accountability Inter-American Development Bank Stay Informed! Sign up for our e-newsletters. SignUp

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