Overview Background Concerns Problem Projects Updates Contacts
On July 11th a bus carrying activists from different social movements collided with a truck transporting gas. The explosion of both vehicles caused the death of fourteen people, four of them activists of the Movement for Dam-Affected People (MAB). Read more
A major new book, jointly published by the Bank Information Center, International Rivers and other partners, aims to explain the contradictions of the Hydroelectric Complex and the hydroways of the Madeira River. "Aguas Turvas" will serve as a tool for those that seek to understand the history of the project and its implications for the Amazon region. Read more
The World Bank’s support for the $15.5 million feasibility studies continues to raise questions about the Bank’s application of its operational safeguard policies on the project. Read more
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will earmark 40% of its Russian lending to infrastructure. Read more
The World Bank is considering financing a hydroelectric dam between Burundi and Tanzania that would boost mining production in East Africa. But in an area prone to drought, particularly with the onset of climate change, questions remain about the project's sustainability and whether it will be worth the projected $190 million cost. Read more
Proposed projects would include transcontinental transportation corridors that would require a huge outpouring of money. They would serve to benefit exporters and, by extension, transnational companies that profit the most from Africa’s commodities. Read more
Kashagan Oil Field threatens local livelihoods, health, and endangered species. Read more
During a recent visit to China, Bank President Robert Zoellick appeared keen to assuage concerns that China’s massive loan packages to Africa could compromise recent efforts to reduce some African countries’ debt burdens. Zoellick also praised China for its decision to contribute for the first time to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). Read more
Construction of the dam proceeds despite an ongoing investigation into claims presented by civil society groups that the project violates environmental and social standards of both the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB). Read more
Civil society in the Middle East demands that the Bank give full consideration to viable alternatives to the costly project. Read more
In an effort to reduce dependence on Russian gas, the European Union endorses the development of the Nabucco gas pipeline. Read more
Plans to scale up investments in mining, large infrastructure, and private education raises concerns among civil society groups skeptical of the IFC's commitment to development. Read more
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held its Annual Governors Meeting in Kazan, Russia May 20-21, 2007. The NGO Programme organized by the Bank attracted a large array of civil society organizations from Russia and abroad. While many questions were left unanswered by the Bank, NGOs succeeded in raising issues of critical importance to civil society in Russia and elsewhere. Read more
Collaboration to focus on large infrastructure; move seen as attempt by World Bank to avoid growing competition with Chinese counterpart. Read more
The EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum will be held 20-21 May 2007 in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. One hot topic of conversation will be over the institution's profits. Read more
A recent report by the World Bank encourages Brazil to remove regulatory barriers to private sector investment. The report argues that this has to be done in order to correct the shortfall on investments in infrastructure in the country. Read more
Civil society concerned about regional bank's emphasis on large-scale energy projects Read more
The report will guide the organization's work in Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, China, Laos and Indonesia. Read more
The EIB's emphasis on large, fossil fuel-based infrastructure projects a major cause for concern. Read more
The European Investment Bank (EIB) last week approved a €70 million investment (approximately $87 million) in the Chevron-led West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to support the construction of the 681 km-long pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Ghana’s industrial centers in Tema and Takoradi. Read more
European Investment Bank to provide funds for controversial Uganda dam Read more
This week the World Bank suspended its contracts to Lahmeyer International after being found guilty of bribing public officials in the multi-billion dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Read more
Kristalina Georgieva has been selected by the World Bank as the new Director for Strategy and Operations in the Sustainable Development Vice-Presidency. This position was established in June by World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz following the merger of the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Network and the Infrastructure Network. Read more
Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil piden aclaraciones del Banco Mundial, el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo, y la Corporación Andina de Fomento sobre su apoyo a la Entidad Binacional de Yacyreta. Read more
This is the first edition of the BICECA’s (Building Informed Civic Engagement for the Conservation of the Andes Amazon region) monthly bulletin. In this edition you will find the following articles: The World Bank’s role in IIRSA, “Sustainability Framework” at the IDB, Rio Madeira Hydroelectric Complex, The South American Pipeline and The Peru-Brazil Inter-Oceanic Highway. Read more
Lee un artículo escrito por el Sr. Bruce Babbit, director del Panel de Alto Nivel del BID sobre el medio ambiente. Critica los planes grandiosos del BID en Sudamérica y especialmente a la Iniciativa IIRSA. Read more
Más que 300 personas afectadas por el proyecto hidroeléctrico Caña Brava ocuparon las oficinas brasileñas del Banco Interamericano del Desarrollo Read more
Read the latest update on IIRSA policies and projects in South America. Learn what projects are underway, what companies are profiting and how the IDB is selling IIRSA to the Europeans. Read more
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Last updated 24 July 2008© 2008 Bank Information Center
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