http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.32.aspx The latest news on Environmental & Social Policies at the World Bank from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.32.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 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. The report 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.12553.aspx Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:13:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12553.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 Civil society representatives from Egypt, Yemen, Lebanon and Tunisia find Executive Director Merza Hasan receptive to their concerns and willing to break new ground in future engagement with civil society. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:54:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12541.aspx At the Civil Society Townhall Meeting with World Bank President Robert Zoellick and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, Laila Iskandar, an Egyptian activist and chairperson of the Community and Institutional Development Group eloquently spoke on behalf of global civil society outlining the various CSO concerns which had been brought to her attention. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12540.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx Tue, 06 Sep 2011 12:55:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12532.aspx The workshop Oslo REDD Exchange 2011 was organized by Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative (NICFI) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), on 23-24 June 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12531.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:35:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12531.aspx Civil society organizations (CSOs) submitted a letter to World Bank President Robert Zoellick on the World Bank safeguards review on August 31, 2011. The letter includes signatories as of this date and organizations who wish to sign the letter can do so below. On Sep 20, 2011 World Bank Managing Director Caroline Anstey responded to this letter. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.aspx Thu, 01 Sep 2011 11:06:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12530.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 The Bank Information Center, World Resources Institute, and the Center for International Environmental Law have prepared a briefing that introduces the World Bank safeguards review which will begin in September 2011. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12509.aspx Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:08:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12509.aspx En COP 15, México se comprometió a reducir sus emisiones de GEI, para lo cual se propuso desarrollar la Estrategia Nacional REDD+ (ENAREDD+). A varios pasos de la preparación para la estrategia, el BM ahora realiza una misión Due Diligence. La gerente del equipo de Latinoamérica, observadora para la misión, nos cuenta más sobre el tema. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12505.aspx Fri, 29 Jul 2011 17:27:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12505.aspx The World Bank, the Technical Advisory Panel, and the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility present their comments on the latest draft of the the Colombia R-PP. (Document links). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12459.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:27:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12459.aspx Peru submits their fourth version to the FCPF Participants Committee at their eight meeting in March 23-25. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12458.aspx Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:18:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12458.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12456.aspx Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:11:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12456.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 The recent uprisings that have affected almost every country in the Middle East and North Africa region are indicative of deep structural issues that are facing societies in these countries. Calls for democracy, economic reforms, employment opportunities and greater accountability require us to question the development model pursued in the region by institutions like the World Bank and the underlying assumptions that may have led to the failure of this model. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:25:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12405.aspx On March 14, 2011, the World Bank disclosed two documents related to the Inspection Panel case filed by 51 residents of the Greater Beirut area against the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project (GBWSP), a water project in Lebanon that is being financed by the Bank. The GBWSP aims to provide potable water for the citizens of the Greater Beirut area and the low-income neighborhoods of Southern Beirut from the Litani and Awali rivers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:16:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12402.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.12026.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.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 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 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 On January 20, 2011, the World Bank hosted a dialogue on the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Program in the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, Egypt in order to discuss the overall CSP program and any key concerns that stakeholders might have. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 15:03:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12339.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.aspx Tue, 18 Jan 2011 13:39:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12333.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 $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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:26:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12320.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for day two of the South-South Summit on Financial Justice and Finance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12287.aspx Tue, 30 Nov 2010 18:00:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12287.aspx Mahabat Murzakanova of Citizens Against Corruption, Kyrgyzstan blogs about her experiences in Cancun for the COP-16 meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12286.aspx Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:22:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12286.aspx On November 4, 2010 the World Bank’s Inspection Panel received a complaint from a Lebanese citizen representing himself and approximately 50 Beirut inhabitants who say that a World Bank water project will have negative impacts environmentally and economically. Management at the Bank has until December 13, 2010 to respond to the complaint. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.aspx Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:24:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12283.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 Mark Rentschler and Jelson Garcia of BIC are quoted in an IPS article detailing questions around application of social and environmental standards in REDD projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12223.aspx Wed, 03 Nov 2010 14:20:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12223.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 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 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 Inter Press Service cites BIC in an examination of the World Bank's energy lending within the context of the 2010 Annual Meetings and a newly released IEG report on the application of safeguards and sustainability policies at the institution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12176.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2010 15:31:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12176.aspx Oil Change International releases a study that "dispels the myth that World Bank support for coal and oil projects increases access to energy for the world's poorest." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12167.aspx Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:12:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12167.aspx A new article from the World Resources Institute looks into the World Bank's upcoming safeguards review. Recently, World Bank management acknowledged that the Bank has lost its leadership position on safeguards, and said that it seeks to return to this position. However, significant questions remain. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12163.aspx Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:27:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12163.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 On Wednesday, September 15, Chairman John Kerry presided over the committee hearing as the multilateral development banks request capital increases. Links to transcripts of the opening statements and testimonies follow. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12139.aspx Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12139.aspx The Panel was given the green light today to conduct a full investigation into alleged policy violations in the World Bank's loan to South African power utility Eskom based on a complaint from local communities, who allege that the project will result in significant harms to their health, environment and livelihoods. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.aspx Thu, 29 Jul 2010 14:58:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12065.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 In June 2010, the World Bank held its third set of public hearings with respect to the Red-Dead Sea conduit project. Friends of the Earth - Middle East attended the hearings and presented comments. This report comes from the FoEME website. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12046.aspx Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:21:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12046.aspx Global civil society rallies against MIGA endorsement for an Indonesian nickel mine project due to substantial social and environmental concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11986.aspx Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:08:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11986.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 This month's edition of the BICECA Monthly Bulletin features updates on the World Bank's Energy Strategy Review as well as the IFC's Policy and Standards Review in Latin America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11946.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:28:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11946.aspx Guyana's president implores the FCPF Participants Committee and the World Bank not to "obsess" over gaps in capacity, territorial right and indigenous consultation before REDD funds are disbursed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11944.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:52:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11944.aspx President of the Amerindian Peoples Association Tony James calls on the World Bank to perform its proper due diligence to ensure that issues of territorial rights and meaningful consultation of indigenous peoples are addressed in Guyana. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11943.aspx Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:41:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11943.aspx The Washington Post published a BIC Letter to the Editor arguing that significant reform must accompany the World Bank's request for an $86.2 billion general capital increase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Mon, 28 Jun 2010 09:51:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11935.aspx Andrew Steer will begin his role as climate change envoy at the World Bank on July 1. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 13:20:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11933.aspx Noting the increased commitment to large hydropower projects, 92 civil society organizations wrote to the World Bank asking that it pay attention to the known social and environmental problems associated with the sector. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11932.aspx Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:25:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11932.aspx BIC highlights the work of Mirvari Gahramanli of Azerbaijan's Oil Workers’ Rights Protection Organization. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11929.aspx Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:54:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11929.aspx Writing in the Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Youm English Edition, Amr Mohsen of Lotus Solar Technologies and BIC's Amy Ekdawi lay out the case for Egypt to seek a transition to renewable energy now, not later, and to request that the World Bank aid this change of direction. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:32:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11923.aspx A new article published in the Bretton Woods Update from the staff of the World Resources Institute examines the World Bank's relationship with human rights. The Bank has several policies in place that approximate human rights law, but do not explicitly tie the Bank to it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11920.aspx Mon, 21 Jun 2010 09:49:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11920.aspx On the tenth anniversary of the funding of the Chad-Cameroon Oil & Pipeline Project, the World Bank continues to practice problematic energy investment strategies. This emblematic project and its problems should inform the Bank's new Energy Strategy and how it invests in poor communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:30:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11903.aspx The protestors, led by Friends of the Earth Europe, gathered peacefully outside of the meeting where they demanded an end to the World Bank's financing of fossil fuel projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11890.aspx A new ClimateWire article looks into the growing number of voices concerned about the World Bank's role in a post-Copenhagen world. The Bank's recent approval of a controversial loan to South African utility Eskom has spurred several previously reserved groups to demand reforms. BIC board member David Hunter was quoted. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx Mon, 24 May 2010 14:02:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11889.aspx Athena Ballesteros writes on the World Bank's blog about the necessary changes as the Bank takes on greater roles in climate finance. Ballesteros is a senior associate at the World Resources Center and a member of BIC's board of directors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11882.aspx Mon, 17 May 2010 16:18:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11882.aspx Jake Schmidt of the Natural Resources Defense Council writes that before the U.S. commits to funding the World Bank's capital increase, the Bank must commit fully to being part of the climate change solution. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11876.aspx Wed, 12 May 2010 11:49:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11876.aspx At a dinner in the Rayburn Congressional Office Building, representatives of non-governmental organizations, the U.S. government, and multilateral development banks came together to celebrate the Pelosi Amendment, a longstanding requirement for environmental assessment in MDB loans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11875.aspx Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11875.aspx On April 24, BIC launched a model Energy Strategy for the World Bank. Taking advantage of the many representatives of government and civil society in town for the World Bank Spring Meetings, we held an event with an expert panel addressing the World Bank's problmetic approach to energy and how the Bank can transform its lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11874.aspx Thu, 06 May 2010 10:08:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11874.aspx A BIC-IeSR press release calls on the World Bank to clean up its energy investments before approval of an $86 billion recapitalization this fall. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11873.aspx Wed, 05 May 2010 11:25:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11873.aspx The Huffington Post publishes a BIC op-ed on civil society's insight and input into the World Bank's Energy Strategy review process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11870.aspx Mon, 03 May 2010 14:11:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11870.aspx Despite pledges to the contrary, a new report from environmentalist Joshua Frank shows that the Obama administration is subsidizing coal to an unprecedented degree, including through the World Bank and other MDBs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11869.aspx Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:52:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11869.aspx A new report from WRI coathored by BIC board member Athena Ballesteros examines MDB investment in the power sector between 2006 and 2008 and what the policies, regulations, and institutional capacities of this period mean for the future. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11868.aspx Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:13:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11868.aspx Against the backdrop of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund's spring meetings this weekend, numerous groups have chimed in on the need for and direction of a new World Bank energy strategy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11863.aspx Wed, 28 Apr 2010 11:19:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11863.aspx As the World Bank is crafting its new Energy Strategy, BIC has put together a model for how we think the Bank's final strategy should look. The model was created in consultation with civil society and energy experts worldwide. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:49:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11859.aspx Civil society organizations voice opposition to the World Bank's recapitalization ask. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11857.aspx Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:41:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11857.aspx In an interview with Amy Goodman of Democracy Now, Desmond D'Sa of the South Durban Community Environmental Alliance spoke about the controversial loan to Eskom and what will be done now that the Board has approved it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11839.aspx South African activist Desmond D'Sa is quoted in the ClimateWire article. Sources say that later today, the U.S. will abstain from voting on the controversial Eskom loan rather than vote against it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 10:42:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11837.aspx Civil society activists converged at the World Bank on Wednesday afternoon in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:00:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11836.aspx Community members from South Africa's Limpopo Province filed a complaint with the World Bank Inspection Panel today due to the proposed $3.75 billion loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11833.aspx Civil society activists to converge at the World Bank on Wednesday in protest of the proposed $3.75 billion loan to South African power utility Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11832.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 12:47:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11832.aspx South Africa's proposed Medupi power station would help maintain the country's status as a low cost location for industry. The Guardian's Joss Garmin discusses the implications of the World Bank loan to Eskom in the context of global politics of climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx Fri, 02 Apr 2010 10:32:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11829.aspx The vote on the controversial loan to Eskom at the World Bank Board of Directors on April 8 is still up in the air. The government of the United Kingdom is still weighing the options, but will very likely be the deciding vote. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:46:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11828.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 South African activists Caroline Ntaopane and Makoma Lekalakala take on the World Bank's proposed loan to Eskom. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:12:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11808.aspx Rainforest Foundation Norway, Rainforest Foundation UK, Greenpeace, FERN and Global Witness, released a joint statement on March 12, 2010, criticizing the Democratic Republic of Congo's REDD readiness proposal for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:58:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11804.aspx The multi-stakeholder consultation addressed the World Bank's Energy Strategy Approach Paper which will guide the Bank's energy lending over the coming decade. Civil society, the private sector and international orgs provided feedback to the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11795.aspx Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11795.aspx A new report from the Center for American Progress looks into the World Bank's ability to exacerbate or alleviate climate change through its project funding and its ability to set standards for other institutions. BIC's analysis of the Bank's energy lending is cited http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:35:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11791.aspx A broad coalition of civil society in South Africa is mobilizing opposition to the controversial loan proposed to help fund the Medupi coal plant. They threatened a boycott of World Bank bonds if the loan is approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:49:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11781.aspx The Bangladeshi government objects to grant money being channelled through the World Bank, which it says will attach unfavourable "strings and conditions." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11774.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:31:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11774.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 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 Alongside the Energy Strategy review, the Bank has been working on a revision of its broader Environmental Strategy since September 2009. This calendar shows both the upcoming consultation dates and summaries of previous consultations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11747.aspx Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:39:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11747.aspx Nancy Alexander's new report finds several worrying trends in how the World Bank spends its money, namely that it is increasing its lending to middle income countries while loans and grants to low income countries stagnate, that DPOs with less stringent safeguards are outpacing project lending, and that the Gender Action Plan is not achieving its goals. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11742.aspx Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:01:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11742.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 Five countries recently submitted Readiness Preparation Proposals to the Participants Committee of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Argentina, DRC, Ghana, Mexico, and Suriname will have their proposals for grant allocation reviewed at the next meeting of the Participants Committee in March. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:39:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11733.aspx The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently released guidelines on the funding of coal power plants by multilateral development banks, prompting mixed reactions from civil society. BIC board member Athena Ballesteros and Sustainable Energy Expert Yong Chen are quoted, expressing enthusiasm as well as concern about the guidelines and their effectiveness. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11732.aspx Wed, 20 Jan 2010 10:58:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11732.aspx On December 14th, the U.S. Treasury released a note titled "Guidance to MDBs for Engaging with Developing Countries on Coal-Fired Power Generation" which will guide how U.S. representatives to MDBs deal with proposed coal projects. Here, BIC comments on the functionality of the new policy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11715.aspx Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:17:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11715.aspx Phil Radford, executive director of Greenpeace USA, writes a rebuttal to the World Bank on their energy lending and argues that they are still quite far from being a "climate-friendly" bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11699.aspx Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:26:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11699.aspx In his op-ed featured on All Africa, Frank Muramuzi of the National Association of Professional Environmentalists analyzes the World Bank’s disastrous approach to energy lending, focusing specifically upon large hydropower projects in Uganda. He emphasizes the point that the Bank’s current policies lead to more poverty, further widening the gap between the rich and the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11691.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 12:34:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11691.aspx As the World Bank is expediting a $3.75 billion dollar loan to the South African power utility Eskom, mostly for the coal fired Medupi power station, a new report from South African NGO GroundWork looks at the state of Eskom, and what the influx of money will mean for the company and the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:28:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11687.aspx Phil Radford, Executive Director of Greenpeace USA, has written an Op-Ed for Foreign Policy on the World Bank and coal. He argues that there is a contradiction between the Bank's stated goals about reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the continued funding for coal centered projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11683.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:19:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11683.aspx BIC board member and environmental expert Korinna Horta considers the challenges and opportunities for REDD and forest governance in the Congo Basin region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx Wed, 09 Dec 2009 11:57:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11682.aspx BIC and several key partners sent the letter to encourage the Board of Directors to approve a full investigation of a how communities have been affected by the project. Though the Cambodian government ended the agreement after seven years, the forced displacement suffered over that time is still weighing heavily on the Cambodian people. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11680.aspx Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:57:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11680.aspx James Hansen, the scientist who drew attention to the Bush administration's manipulation of climate change data, says that despite improved rhetoric, politicians are still engaged in "greenwash" and that they are seeking to continue business as usual. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11684.aspx Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11684.aspx Nine years after the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline was begun, and one year after IBRD and IDA pulled out, attention has faded fast. The disasterous effects of the project, however, are just beginning. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11677.aspx Fri, 04 Dec 2009 10:31:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11677.aspx Heike Mainhardt-Gibbs published today numbers examining World Bank Group energy investments over the last three years. The factsheet contrasts data on Bank lending for fossil fuels, large hydropower, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11675.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:36:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11675.aspx The major IFIs have appealed to the governments meeting at Copenhagen to come to a comprehensive agreement on climate change mitigation, pledging to use their own resources to contribute. Some are critical, however, of how ready these institutions are to tackle the issues involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11671.aspx Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:14:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11671.aspx Former president of Ireland Mary Robinson and Senior Fellow at the Miller Institute Alice Miller have written a new article about the social impacts of climate change. They argue that if the World Bank is going to be the default institution for climate financing, it can vastly improve its practices to live up to this role. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11669.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:39:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11669.aspx South Africa's power company believes that the World Bank will make a decision about whether to loan up to $5 billion to the company in the first half of 2010. The money would go toward the construction of the Medupi coal fired power station, as well as other energy projects throughout the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:57:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11653.aspx As the Bank seeks to position itself as the vehicle of choice for future climate finance, the experience of the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) calls its competence into question. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:35:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11652.aspx The Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank will invest in the development of six hydrological basins, located in mining areas around the country during the next five years, according to the coordinator of the hydrological resource management modernization project of the National Water Authority (ANA). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11634.aspx Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:08:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11634.aspx The rich world fails to understand that loans to developing countries are not the answer to climate change. An avalanche of new loans to developing countries who are already repaying debts at a rate of five times what they receive in aid every year solves nothing. Even more troubling, the World Bank will oversee these loans - an institution at the very heart of carbon-fuelled growth and Third World debt. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11632.aspx Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:36:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11632.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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:50:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11622.aspx The World Bank is moving to become one of the major institutions taking on climate change through its Climate Investment Funds, among other policies. However, Heinrich Boell Foundation president Barbara Unmuessig believes that without reforms, the Bank will not be able to effectively or fairly alter the course on global warming. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11614.aspx Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:48:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11614.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 The World Bank is quietly preparing the first capital increase in nearly 20 years to replenish the coffers after unprecedented lending in 2008 and the coming two years. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:13:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11608.aspx The Global Transparency Initiative (GTI) released its analysis of the World Bank’s new draft disclosure policy, Toward Greater Transparency Through Access to Information: The World Bank’s Disclosure Policy. GTI found that despite gains in access to information, significant policy weaknesses remain. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11602.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:20:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11602.aspx BIC's Africa Program Manager, Josh Klemm, is quoted in a This is Africa article about the problematic $860 million Bujagali Hydropower plant project in Uganda, financed, in part, by the IFC. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:13:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11595.aspx With a price tag of $860 million and climbing, Bujagali is now amongst the most expensive hydropower plants in the world. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.aspx Fri, 30 Oct 2009 14:56:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11594.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 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 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 A report recently released by Greenpeace illustrates clearly why REDD offset projects will neither address climate change nor stop deforestation. The report questions the claims made by the project developers about leakage, additionality, permanence and the ability of the project developers to measure accurately the amount of carbon stored in the forest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11559.aspx Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:05:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11559.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11554.aspx Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:32:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11554.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 report, entitled "The Potential of Evaluation: Creating Political Space for Dialogue and Action," examines the impact of the World Bank's Independent Evaluation Group's (IEG) findings through the last decade. It finds that Bank management rarely adopts the recommendations of the IEG. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11516.aspx Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:57:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11516.aspx Phnom Penh residents facing the largest forced displacement of Cambodians since the Khmer Rouge era have filed a complaint to the World Bank Inspection Panel stating that they have suffered serious harm from a Bank-funded land-titling project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11515.aspx Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:21:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11515.aspx Get the latest information on World Bank and civil society events organized around the upcoming World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Istanbul, Turkey and how to get involved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11378.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 Egyptian NGO, Land Center for Human Rights, has filed an appeal on behalf of farmers in the Egyptian Delta, citing that the joint World Bank and Egyptian government 'West Delta project' violates the Egyptian constitution that should protect the rights of farmers, and not just the interests of wealthy investors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11503.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:55:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11503.aspx The World Bank/IMF Annual General Meetings in Istanbul October 2-7th provide a window of opportunity for civil society to impact ongoing policy reviews. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11502.aspx Tue, 29 Sep 2009 10:41:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11502.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 An article in The Times highlights the inconsistencies between the World Bank's continued finance of coal projects and the rhetoric in their recently released 2010 World Development Report on climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11479.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:53:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11479.aspx A Climate Wire article cites BIC data to show that World Bank increases in renewable energy investment are outweighed by more investments in fossil fuels. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11463.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:44:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11463.aspx Observers, however, are skeptical that the proposed project presents a solution to Africa's energy problems and whether the millions of Africans without access to electricity stand to benefit. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.aspx Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:47:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11462.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 Egyptian civil society groups suggest an alternative water route for the West Delta Irrigation Project, that could serve poor farmers as well as rich investors, but the World Bank refuses to consider it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11441.aspx Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:45:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11441.aspx After meeting with World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, Israel’s Deputy Prime Minister of Regional Development, Silvan Shalom, stated that the World Bank had agreed to fund the Red-Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Program that involves Jordan, Palestine and Israel. However, Bank officials say that they have made no promises and that the project is still in the feasibility study phase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11420.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:05:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11420.aspx The International Herald Tribune/New York Times Global Edition printed a BIC Letter to the Editor on the role of the World Bank in climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11373.aspx Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:22:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11373.aspx Read a BIC op-ed in The Huffington Post about Indonesia's problematic Readiness Preparation Proposal to the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Thu, 30 Jul 2009 16:27:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11371.aspx Read a BIC Letter to the Editor of The Washington Post in response to the July 23 George Will op-ed on climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11361.aspx Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:05:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11361.aspx In order to help mitigate the effects of the economic crisis, Peru has created an "Anticrisis Plan" which in part will serve to finance big infrastructure proyects. These projects, given their scale and the government's poor management of such projects are bound to create problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11329.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:06:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11329.aspx Joint Israeli-Jordanian-Palestinian venture to see 112-mile pipeline built between Read Sea, Dead Sea. Project meant to explore desalination possibilities, raising Dead Sea declining water levels. Minister Shalom: Project staple of financial peace http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11277.aspx Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:43:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11277.aspx Submit comments to the World Bank online regarding the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change until July 31st. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11269.aspx Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:27:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11269.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 The World Bank's Inspection Panel Annual Report highlights the problem of access to information within several World Bank-financed projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11138.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 14:42:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11138.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 Read highlights from the 2nd Participants Committee Meeting of the FCPF, at which BIC served as an NGO observer. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.aspx Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:18:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11092.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 BIC to serve as NGO observer at the next meeting of the Committee of Participants for the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) that will take place on March 11-13 in Panama, Central America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:17:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11055.aspx The Government of Albania has requested a revision or retraction of an Inspection Panel Report implicating the country's government in corruption. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11052.aspx Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11052.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 Panel finds policy violations, provision of false information, and direct support for controversial demolition of homes in an Albanian village http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11044.aspx Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11044.aspx BIC assessment finds that even with important gains in renewable energy and energy efficiency in recent years, the World Bank Group’s overall lending approach to the energy sector does not support developing countries’ transition towards a low-carbon development path. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11033.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11033.aspx A meeting on the status of the planned natural gas pipeline convenes in Budapest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11025.aspx Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11025.aspx African Development Bank also contributing record loans to address power shortage. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10992.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:20:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10992.aspx Meanwhile, people displaced by the project finally receive monetary compensation, nearly four years after being impoverished through a resettlement process that denied them the option of the land compensation they were entitled to. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10989.aspx Concerned parties threaten to file a court case against the Egyptian government if they do not receive satisfactory answers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:30:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10985.aspx Civil society groups argue that the fund is essential to any new global climate agreement involving the large-scale transfer of financial resources to help poorer nations reduce emissions that cause global climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10977.aspx Thu, 11 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10977.aspx Indigenous leader calls for suspension of REDD activities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11693.aspx Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11693.aspx A newly released joint report between Bank Information Center (BIC) and Global Witness critically assesses the World Bank Group's and the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) success in increasing transparency in extractive industries in resource-rich countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3933.aspx To broaden its use among civil society organizations in China, the Bank Information Center’s World Bank Toolkits for Activists is now available in Chinese. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:47:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3909.aspx The project will divert water from the Nile to the reclaimed lands in the West Delta region, while the introduction of the private sector for the first time in Egypt could leave small farmers behind. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3897.aspx Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3897.aspx The World Bank Group (WBG) loans to countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) increased by 30% between FY07 and FY08. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3904.aspx Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3904.aspx Amazonian civil society organizations demand that the World Bank adhere to international standards by increasing the participation of indigenous peoples in meetings on forests and climate change. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3899.aspx Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3899.aspx International Financial Institution (IFI) lending through financial intermediaries (FIs) has become particularly significant in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region, but the IFIs lack adequate policies to ensure social and environmental best practices are applied to subsequent FI lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3884.aspx Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3884.aspx But questions on compensation for displaced, “upstream” impacts, and gas flaring remain unanswered. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3864.aspx The World Bank will buy 325,480 tons of carbon credits from Egyptian Company for Solid Waste Utilization (ECARU) on behalf of governments and companies in Organisation for Econmic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx Tue, 08 Jul 2008 16:02:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3842.aspx The workshop introduced BIC's work to Egyptian media and civil society organizations, and focused on the activities of the international financial institutions in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:55:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3819.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3786.aspx Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3786.aspx The World Bank's Tiger Conservation Initiative aims to raise global awareness about the plight of the endangered tiger and to work with local and international communities to stave off its extinction. The initiative is unprecedented for an institution whose stated mission is to fight poverty in developing countries rather than conserve endangered species. But a day after the launch, India is reported for have refused the World Bank's "offer" for a loan for the inititiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx Thu, 12 Jun 2008 09:53:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3807.aspx During the French environment minister's recent visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Congolese civil society organizations released a statement drawing attention to the alarming situation in the Congo forests and the destructive activities of logging companies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Fri, 30 May 2008 13:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3785.aspx Read the special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. The issue is also available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Robert Zoellick told Africa's leaders the World Bank wanted to expand its "efforts to help countries produce their own food, instead of relying on imports.” This would represent a complete reversal of Bank policy which has focused thus far on encouraging Africa to devote more land and resources to growing commodities, and to rely on international markets to purchase the food they were no longer growing. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx Fri, 08 Feb 2008 09:42:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3673.aspx 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). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3651.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3651.aspx An Inspection Panel report on the World Bank’s safeguard policy violations in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forest sector operations prompts discussion on new approach and greater role for Pygmies in decision-making about the future of the world’s second-largest rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:43:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx World Bank's Inspection Panel expected to submit findings of its investigation into claims made by local communities that the project violated the Bank's environmental and social policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:11:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3632.aspx A high level delegation of indigenous, civil society and Parliamentarian leaders from Peru are in Washington, DC to lobby against the expected vote on public loans for the Peru LNG natural gas liquification plant. The delegation argues that by approving the project, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ex-Im Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), would breach their own social and environmental safeguards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3627.aspx Thu, 13 Dec 2007 15:10:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3627.aspx Last week, the Financial Times published an article on the World Bank's errors in its forest operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and allegations of support for illegal logging in the country by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Just two days later, the IFC announced it would sell its stake in Olam International Ltd., the Singaporean commodity trading company accused of "environmental malpractice" in the world's second largest rainforest. As those gathered in Bali for the United Nations conference on climate change discuss the importance of forests to the future health of the planet, the Bank's missteps in Congo deserve a closer look. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3619.aspx Environmental groups gathered in Bali for the United Nations convention on climate change warn that the World Bank's market-oriented Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), launched today, will have negative social and environmental impacts. Citing the Bank's poor track record in the forest sector and ongoing support for fossil fuels, the groups are demanding that forests be kept out of the carbon market and that governments increase their funding for other approaches to forest protection and climate change mitigation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3620.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3620.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) -- its flagship initiative to address deforestation-related greenhouse gas emissions -- at the United Nations climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, we offer some background on the FCPC and outline the concerns surrounding this controversial new mechanism. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:17:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx Working session aims to update the Indonesian civil society organizations and movements on the old and new trends in the governance and operations of the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as they relate to Indonesia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3594.aspx The World Bank touted it's meeting with a delegation of Pygmies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Bank's Annual Meetings in October. But as Simon Counsell of Rainforest Foundation UK points out, the Bank has consistently ignored the findings of the quasi-independent Inspecition Panel and violated its own "safeguard policies." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx A people's tribunal against the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank was announced in Dhaka, Bangladesh yesterday, hours before World Bank President, Robert Zoellick's arrival in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:34:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3559.aspx As the World Bank President, Robert Zoellick, embarks on his first official visit to South Asia, non-governmental organizations in Pakistan urge the Bank to cease funding for large infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:42:12 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3555.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Mongolia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3552.aspx Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3552.aspx Robert Zoellick’s first World Bank annual meeting passed with little fanfare or flak – a marked contrast to the boisterous semi-annual meeting in April, when the pressure on his predecessor, Paul Wolfowitz, to resign reached a fever pitch. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3549.aspx Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3549.aspx As the World Bank launches its latest flagship World Development Report, this year on "Agriculture for Development," the Independent Evaluation Group's report clearly acknowledges that the Bank's engagement with the most important sector in its highest-priority region has largely been a failure. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx This is the first of a series of periodic electronic updates on World Bank projects in South Asia, from BIC's South Asia office. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3541.aspx Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:02:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3541.aspx On October 15th, a public hearing on the World Bank will take place in The Hague. The hearing aims to raise the debate on the legitimacy of the World Bank and influence the aid distribution process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx In its preliminary findings, the first ever Independent People’s Tribunal on the World Bank in India found that the Bank had an undue and disturbingly negative influence in shaping India’s national policies disproportionate to its contribution, financial or otherwise. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:22:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 10:24:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3500.aspx Recent developments, decisions, and civil society activities related to activities of the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Azerbaijan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:57:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3499.aspx On September 13th, after over 20 years of negotiations, the United Nations General Assembly finally adopted the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The international declaration sets a higher standard for international financial institutions (IFIs) to ensure safeguards and strengthen their policies on indigenous peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:34:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3495.aspx A recent article by the World Bank applauds governments in MENA for increasing investment in environmental protection. While the World Bank is encouraging MENA countries to decrease their carbon emissions, it continues to finance extractive industry projects in the region. This apparent contradiction is just one of several reasons to take a closer look at the Bank's recent coverage of the 'greening' of MENA. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Thu, 23 Aug 2007 14:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3470.aspx Journalists confirmed that former World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, personally intervened in removing the words "climate change" from Bank progress reports, and that it may be years before the World Bank considers greenhouse gas emissions in its projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx Wed, 22 Aug 2007 17:29:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3468.aspx The Bank's $250 million Forest Carbon Partnership Facility will offer some nations carbon credits in exchange for preserving their forests. The fund is anticipated to launch in December. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3454.aspx Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:43:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3454.aspx The World Bank allegedly removed inflammatory findings on pollution-related deaths from a report under pressure from the Chinese government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:43:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3424.aspx The World Bank is preparing to announce a new $250 million fund aimed at using carbon finance to reduce emissions from deforestation. According to recent news reports, world leaders have encouraged the Bank to move forward with plans to create a Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which would leverage private investor money and donor contributions to help countries develop strategies for avoiding forest degradation and secure payment for forest-related emissions reduction, through the creation of tradable carbon credits. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:12:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has posted draft policies for public comment until April 27, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3175.aspx Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:30:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3175.aspx