http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.35.aspx The latest news on Environmental & Social Policies at the IDB from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.35.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 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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12400.aspx Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:22:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12400.aspx The project has a great potential to reorder and even positively or negatively change the dinamics of development and conservation in the region. Bolivia's government has decided that the PAD will not be public before it's approved. It seems that the project underestimates its indirect influence, and there are shortcomings in planification and consultation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx Mon, 04 Apr 2011 16:58:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12399.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12396.aspx Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12396.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.aspx Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12026.aspx Despite recent internal reforms, new evidence raises questions about bank quality control. In direct contrast to IDB management claims, the OVE evaluation found the actual evaluability of projects has deteriorated markedly when measured using a consistent methodology applied to three cohorts of projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12359.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:25:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12359.aspx Civil society sent a letter to President Luis Alberto Moreno expressing their support, yet concern and strong disagreement with parts of the report’s analysis which, if misinterpreted, could negatively affect the integrity of the principles of sustainability in Bank operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx Tue, 15 Feb 2011 17:10:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12357.aspx Through peaceful mobilization, legal actions, unity, and deep roots in their ancestral territory, the indigenous peoples of Putumayo and some Afro-Colombian communities stopped the implementation of the San Francisco -Mocoa highway project funded by the IDB, a project considered by the government as a pillar of regional development and IIRSA Amazonas Multimodal Transport Corridor Tumaco-Belem do Para, the promotes infrastructure megaprojects to facilitate the extraction of natural resources, oil, minerals, biodiversity and ancestral knowledge of the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12329.aspx Thu, 06 Jan 2011 10:43:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12329.aspx The dossier contains a summary of proposals submitted by a group of civil society organizations to the Inter-American Development Bank. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12221.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:33:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12221.aspx In a public statement directed at the Peruvian State, the World Bank, UNDP and UNFCCC, the Inter-ethnic Association for the Development of the Peruvian Forest (AIDESEP) denounces plans of the government and its political and corporate allies to grant mining, logging and tourism concessions, as well as approve REDD and environmental services initiatives after blocking the Indigenous Consultation Law. They insist: without territory, rights and consultation for indigenous peoples, such concessions must not move forward. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12220.aspx Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:09:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12220.aspx The Government of Guyana is planning to build a 140 MW hydroelectric dam on the Potaro River with funding from China and Norway and technical support from the IDB and WB. The first dam is part of a 1060 MW complex that will have signficant social and environmental impacts in the western Amazon region of the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx Tue, 19 Oct 2010 10:26:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12187.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12153.aspx Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:30:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12153.aspx In general the REDD discussions are based on the assumption of command and control policies that combines investment and capacity to implement economic incentives to avoid deforestation. In this sense there is relatively little emphasis in the discussion of solutions to structural problems that lead people from different sectors to adopt strategies that lead to deforestation and forest degradation, in other terms governance scenarios. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12152.aspx Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:25:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12152.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12101.aspx Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:30:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12101.aspx Exchange of views highlights differences in defining new rules for participation, development effectiveness and additionality. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12076.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:29:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12076.aspx Civil Society Organizations sent a letter to President Moreno to remind him that the mandate of his next Presidential term at the Bank will rest on three fundamental challenges: an Evidence-based Results Management, Institutional Governance, and a Social and Environmental Sustainability vision for the region. This in despite of controversial management style and consequent Bank performance over the last five years under his Presidency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 16:57:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12059.aspx Bolivian Deputy Minister of Environment Juan Pablo Ramos and Director Environment Luis Beltrán submitted irrevocable resignation from their posts on Friday of last week, after government officials tried to force them to sign an environmental permit for the construction of a highway in the Chapare region of Cochabamba. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12058.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:29:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12058.aspx Oraldo Reategui, a member of the Audit Committee of IIRSA Projects, reported the meeting began with forty attendees, most of them officials of public institutions, being absent representatives of civil society due to poor call for participation by the authorities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12055.aspx Mon, 26 Jul 2010 09:56:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12055.aspx 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 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11879.aspx Mon, 17 May 2010 09:25:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11879.aspx The Cancun Declaration, signed by the Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at its 51st Annual Meeting, contains 10 points and a global framework for evaluation of the agreed institutional reforms included in the ninth General Capital Increase of the Bank. These points partially address the concerns expressed by civil society in the region. Nevertheless, as these organizations point out, there are still points to be reinforced and challenges to be taken on by Bank management. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11835.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:20:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11835.aspx The latest edition of the BICECA bulletin features analysis from civil society groups from around the region on the IDB Capital Increase and the pending institutional reforms linked to it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11827.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:13:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11827.aspx Press Release from civil society groups present at the IDB Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Cancun, Mexico http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11822.aspx Wed, 24 Mar 2010 11:53:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11822.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11818.aspx Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:12:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11818.aspx Projects financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) that affect communities in Mexico, Brazil, Colombia and Honduras were brought into question this weekend in Cancun, while the institution contemplates an increase in its ordinary capital. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11817.aspx Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:55:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11817.aspx Severe doubts have been raised by some of the IDB's own members regarding Luis Alberto Moreno's management. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11814.aspx Fri, 19 Mar 2010 12:35:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11814.aspx A coalition comprised of more than 100 civil society groups from 20 countries are attending the IDB's Annual Meetings in Cancun, Mexico this week seeking answers from Bank Governors and Executives on crucial reforms that must be discussed before a Board vote on a multi-billion dollar capital increase. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11812.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:58:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11812.aspx Brazilian Minister of Finance, Guido Mantega: "we will propose at the meeting that the IDB elect a new administration that is more efficient and beneficial to the region". "Our joint evaluation is that his performance has been unsatisfactory". http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11811.aspx Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:10:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11811.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11809.aspx Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:21:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11809.aspx IDB Board of Governors Urged to Address Civil Society Concerns During Upcoming March 2nd Meeting in Washington, DC http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11784.aspx Sat, 27 Feb 2010 10:31:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11784.aspx More than 100 civil society organizations from 18 countries stepped up pressure on the IDB by submitting a letter to the Board of Governors demanding Transparency and Evidence of Structural Reforms before the approval on the Capital Increase in Cancun, Mexico. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11776.aspx Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:03:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11776.aspx Brazil and Argentina called on Friday for reforms at the Inter-American Development Bank, saying the regional lender had failed to understand the needs of Latin America during the global financial crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11775.aspx Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:39:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11775.aspx Brazil and Argentina will present a proposal for reform of the Inter-American Development Bank at the next meeting of G-20 nations, Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said Friday, according to the Estado news agency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11763.aspx Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:41:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11763.aspx 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 All the latest news from the IDB Global Capital Increase (GCI-9) and the Annual Meetings taking place from March 19-23, 2010 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11736.aspx Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:02:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11736.aspx Indigenous and small farmer communities of Pando and Brazil participated in a workshop convened by CEADESC about the social and enviromental impacts of IIRSA megaprojects such as the Northern Corridor Highway, the Rio Madeira Hydroelectric Dams in late August, 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11713.aspx Sun, 10 Jan 2010 09:23:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11713.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11698.aspx Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:45:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11698.aspx Greenpeace recently released a report which illustrates clearly why REDD offset projects will neither address climate change nor stop deforestation. The report, “Carbon Scam: Noel Kempff Climate Action Project and the Push for Sub-national Forest Offsets“, looks in detail at the Noel Kempff Climate Action Project in Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11674.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:29:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11674.aspx In the Ecuadorean Amazon basin our thirst for oil has triggered an eco-disaster: wholesale pollution and catastrophic cancer rates. And a bloody turf war has broken out. Ecuador is taking a survival plan to the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. But will western governments listen? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11673.aspx Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:47:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11673.aspx IDB President Moreno evades definitive response to observed socio-environmental threats caused by IIRSA project, Road Interconnection, Pucallpa-Cruzeiro do Sul (Peru-Brazil). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11664.aspx Sat, 28 Nov 2009 12:00:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11664.aspx Saturday the 22 of August in Villa Tunari, Cochabamba, an agreement between Bolivia and Brasil was finalized to build a highway between Cochabamba (Villa Tunari) and Beni (San Ignacio de Moxos). Highway to Beni: Villa Tunari - San Ignacio de Moxos http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11661.aspx Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:54:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11661.aspx Latin American water crises require bold investments and strategic alliances, IDB president says. Luis Alberto Moreno warns about impact of climate change on key sectors of region's economy; highlights sustainable solutions. Latin America is facing multiple water crises with far-reaching consequences for health, food security, renewable energy sources and export competitiveness, Moreno said today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11637.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:41:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11637.aspx The 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 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 Guadalajara Civil Society Meetings in Guadalajara, Mexico open with increased demands for consultation process accountability, transparency guarantees. Good faith participation by CSOs rests on Bank decision to disclose and discuss a second draft of the proposed revisions to the Independent Consultation and Inspection Mechanism (ICIM). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11606.aspx Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:29:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11606.aspx The 220 km IIRSA project will cut through territory of the indigenous communities of Flor de Ucayali and others in the Iskonahua Territorial reserve. Indigenous groups have expressed concern over the consequences forced contact could have on these groups, which live in voluntary isolation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11600.aspx Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:54:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11600.aspx A $150 million loan will help expand and refurbish the road network, putting the country on a stronger economic footing. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11582.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:02:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11582.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11581.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:50:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11581.aspx Investors promise to address the growing demand for gas in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11580.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:28:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11580.aspx Bolivian President Evo Morales announced the implementation of several development projects in the Amazon department of Pando in hopes of making it a center of development in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11577.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:46:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11577.aspx The environmental license of the project was granted by MAVDT in December of 2008 and includes strict environmental standards that guarantee the protection of ecosystems affected by the highway. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11575.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11575.aspx The hydroelectric project that will cost US$1.979 million will provide 75% of the electricity needs of the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11572.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:49:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11572.aspx A first loan for $350 million to finance investments in key bridge, maintenance work, road safety http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11569.aspx Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:31:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11569.aspx Education in the Context of Multiple Crises http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11564.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:45:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11564.aspx Lula and Evo coordinate the return of 1,000 Brazilians located in Pando. Some call for the defense of their lands. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11562.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:08:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11562.aspx The Prefect of Santa Cruz, Rubén Costas, and EU ambassador Kenny Bell inaugurated 14 bridges, a viaduct and six road accesses. The projects were financed as part of the fourth section of the bioceanic corrdior Santa Cruz-Arroyo Concepción. Bolivia receives more European financial assistance than any other country in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11561.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:58:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11561.aspx Astaldi fined $6 million, Paraíso-El Tinto section also behind schedule http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11560.aspx Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:41:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11560.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11551.aspx Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:24:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11551.aspx A first loan for $350 million to finance investments in key bridge, maintenance work, road safety http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11545.aspx Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:07:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11545.aspx Peru approves Law Nº 27446, which establishes a national Environmental Impact Assessment system http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11535.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:38:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11535.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11533.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:49:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11533.aspx The IDB must implement crucial reforms before a capital inrease is approved. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11519.aspx Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:37:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11519.aspx Civil Society outlines their concerns about socio-environmental impacts of the IIRSA project "Road Interconnection: Pucallpa-Cruzeiro do Sul" and demands that the IDB promote more transparency and public consultation in the IIRSA process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11514.aspx Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:30:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11514.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11478.aspx Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:48:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11478.aspx The 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11412.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:10:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11412.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11395.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:30:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11395.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11390.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:47:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11390.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11384.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:41:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11384.aspx On August 12, an Ecuadorian's government delegation will go to Singapore on an official visit with the intention to promote the Manta Manaus Corridor. The cornerstone projects in the portfolio are the Manta port, an airport and the Manta-Manaus route through the Napo river. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11367.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:38:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11367.aspx Bolivian government announced the creation of a 100 million dollars fund for four state businesses in the Amazon. for a lumber company, tropical frutes, and rubber. The government's hope is that, with these new businesses the people in the north of Bolivia will have more opportunities to work and earn higher wages. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11352.aspx Thu, 23 Jul 2009 09:23:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11352.aspx The Linden to Lethem road will have one of the biggest impacts on the forest and figures show that about two million hectares of forest will be lost through the project unless there is a framework to pay for and provide alternative development to what would traditionally occur along such a road. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11346.aspx Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:08:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11346.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11344.aspx Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:09:11 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11344.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11343.aspx Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:45:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11343.aspx Within the current context of a global capital increase proposal by the Inter-American Development Bank that would permit the Bank to triple its current annual lending volume, 20 civil society organizations from 10 countries demanded that the IDB not renew its mandate to participate in the Technical Coordination Committee (CCT) of IIRSA based on the inconsistency of IIRSA practices with Bank safeguard and operating policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11342.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 14:45:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11342.aspx 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11341.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:27:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11341.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11340.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:17:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11340.aspx Negotiations between Ecuador and Chinese Consortium focus on cost http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11335.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:16:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11335.aspx A little known fact is that the majority owners of Lot 88 and Lot 56, which produce gas from Camisea, as well as the hydrocarbon liquids, are the same majority owners of the Peru LNG consortium, which is the entity that buys the Camisea gas and exports it. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11330.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11330.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 BICECA Bulletin 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11327.aspx Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:35:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11327.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11311.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:49:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11311.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11302.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:24:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11302.aspx Bolivia, Brazil and Chile have announced that the inter-oceanic corridor, from the Atlantic to the Pacific will be finished by 2011. The announcement was made following an assessment of the different legs of the corridor during a meeting in La Paz, Bolivia between the Public Works ministers of the three countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11301.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:57:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11301.aspx The bi-oceanic highway will run from Brazil's largest port, Santos, through Bolivian departments Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Oruro, and on to northern Chile's Pacific coast cities of Arica and Iquique. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11299.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 08:58:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11299.aspx Reflections about the conference on IIRSA http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11293.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:58:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11293.aspx In the context of a 9th Global Capital Increase request, for which the IDB is designing a new institutional strategy anchored by sustainability, equity and development goals, IIRSA has not demostrated compatibility with these goals and should be abandoned by the Bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11292.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:43:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11292.aspx Indian Ore Concessionaire Jindal Steel has financed the $16 million rehabilitation of 100 km roadway between the Mutun iron ore mine and Puerto Busch http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11290.aspx Thu, 02 Jul 2009 06:08:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11290.aspx As member countries assess the 9th replenishment proposal advanced by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on July 2 in Santiago, Chile, eight civil society organizations submitted recommendations on leadership steps the IDB should take in several critical areas before qualifying for any capital increase. These recommendations focus on two core areas of the IDB’s comparative advantage as a development bank in Latin America, Sustainability and Management for Development Results. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11274.aspx Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11274.aspx The increasingly important topic of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) was recently discussed among civil society organizations in Bogota, Colombia. Participants in the event discussed the ways in which the SEAs can be most effective and how to overcome certain challenges in applying the SEAs to certain projects. Infrastructure and sustainable development topics are also covered in this SEA bulletin. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11262.aspx Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11262.aspx ‘The Lethem road would only make economic sense if it was complemented by a deep water harbour’ http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11227.aspx Mon, 01 Jun 2009 09:23:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11227.aspx Camisea not resolving Peru's domestic energy needs http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11222.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 20:38:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11222.aspx The new plant should start operating in 2012. It should have a capacity for generation of 720 megawatts (MW) of energy. The project also counts on financial investment by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), equivalent to 1 billion reais (US$ 490 million). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11209.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:49:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11209.aspx The loan would support an overall US$1.08bn transport infrastructure development program, of which another US$630mn is to be covered by the state and US$150mn by IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 09:23:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11208.aspx State-owned oil company Petroperu said Sunday protests organized by Indians in Peru’s Amazon region were causing fuel shortages in several jungle cities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11206.aspx Mon, 25 May 2009 08:40:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11206.aspx The country is thinking again about the project that has been discussed for several years. The goal is to link the Pacific and Atlantic. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11244.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11244.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11196.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 11:01:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11196.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11195.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 10:51:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11195.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11189.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 06:31:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11189.aspx The recent April meeting among indigenous leaders of the Guiana Shield revealed their concerns about the IIRSA project and the lack of clarity around REDD and climate change. The indigenous leaders and their political counterparts agreed that there would be more participation and joint decision-making processes in the future about topics affecting the indigenous groups' land. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11174.aspx Wed, 13 May 2009 15:22:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11174.aspx The recent April meeting among indigenous leaders of the Guiana Shield revealed their concerns about the IIRSA project and the lack of clarity around REDD and climate change. The indigenous leaders and their political counterparts agreed that there would be more participation and joint decision-making processes in the future about topics affecting the indigenous groups' land. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11173.aspx Wed, 13 May 2009 14:46:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11173.aspx The recent April meeting among indigenous leaders of the Guiana Shield revealed their concerns about the IIRSA project and the lack of clarity around REDD and climate change. The indigenous leaders and their political counterparts agreed that there would be more participation and joint decision-making processes in the future about topics affecting the indigenous groups' land. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11172.aspx Wed, 13 May 2009 14:37:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11172.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11144.aspx Fri, 08 May 2009 13:46:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11144.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11134.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 09:48:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11134.aspx The IDB looks to recapitalize their resources according to the recommendations in the report written by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, former Finance minister of Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11112.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:18:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11112.aspx 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 All the latest news from the IDB Annual Meetings taking place from March 27-31, 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11083.aspx Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:27:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11083.aspx The Brazilian National Development Bank, BNDES, receives the third installment of a loan to provide credit for businesses to modernize and expand operations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11080.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:38:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11080.aspx Bolivians worry about potential flooding and health problems that will result from two dams which are part of the Rio Madeira project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11078.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:06:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11078.aspx Both Bolivians and Brazilians do not agree with the privatization of the Rio Madeira. For different reasons but the same objective, the Bolivians and Brazilians join forces to oppose the privatization. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11077.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:52:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11077.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11068.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11068.aspx BICECA Boletín Mensual 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11056.aspx Fri, 27 Feb 2009 16:17:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11056.aspx Various participants at the forum raise their points of view regarding the integration of South America and the Manta-Manaus corridor as the entry point to the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11043.aspx Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11043.aspx For the 2009 World Social Forum (WSF), a group composed of various organizations is organizing a two day workshop for updates and strategy building to inform, discuss, plan and act in defense of the rights of affected populations and the environment. The organizations are working to prevent and/or mitigate any type of social and environmental negative impacts caused by the Initiative for the Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) and other harmful development strategies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11019.aspx Tue, 03 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11019.aspx BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11020.aspx Wed, 21 Jan 2009 12:35:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11020.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11005.aspx Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:29:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11005.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11004.aspx Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:33:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11004.aspx The Inter American Development Bank set aside more than $900,000 to conduct a feasibility study into the road linking Guyana with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11002.aspx Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:08:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11002.aspx IDB replenishment of a popular subsidy for the preparation of high risk infrastructure projects in Latin America anticipates the increased funding of infrastructure to stimulate the economy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10996.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:01:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10996.aspx Civil society organizations (CSOs) from 10 South American countries have invited the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to engage in dialogue about the use and misuse of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEAs) in a two-day workshop to be held in Bogota, Colombia (Dec. 2 and 3, 2008). The workshop will feature presentations on the IDB's progress in developing a strategic decision making system that includes clearer rules for SEAs. CSOs will present lessons learned and recommendations for more effective use of SEAs drawn from a decade of experience with high risk infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10958.aspx Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10958.aspx The President of the Directors of IIRSA and current Director of the Ministry of Planning of Colombia, Carolina Renteria, reported on Monday, November 10 the decision to reject a hearing on IIRSA requested by 20 civil society organizations from 8 countries. The CSOs submitted a proposal to create mechanisms to ensure the participation of civil society in the planning process of integration within the framework of IIRSA, in addition to other potential integration processes as well as for the implementation of Strategic Environmental Studies (SEA) for groups of IIRSA projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10936.aspx Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10936.aspx BICECA Monthly Bulletin 2008 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10935.aspx Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:30:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10935.aspx BICECA Quarterly Bulletin 2008 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3907.aspx Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3907.aspx En un acto de lo mas violento en la historia de la democracia de Bolivia, una campaña realizada por los Prefectos de la oposición en el país intentaron desestabilizar el gobierno de Evo Morales, quitando la vida a 30 personas y dejando varias docenas más heridas en la provincia Amazónica de Pando. La mayoría de los gobiernos regionales expresan su condena, Estados Unidos está silencioso. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3898.aspx Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:34:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3898.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3896.aspx Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:56:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3896.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3894.aspx Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3894.aspx IFI involvement in mining and oil projects in the Timan-Pechora basin raises environmental and social concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3882.aspx Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3882.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3827.aspx Mon, 23 Jun 2008 15:40:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3827.aspx Marina Silva's resignation is linked to her opposition to many of the major megaprojects planned and underway in the Brazilian Amazon, including two large hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3766.aspx Wed, 14 May 2008 11:26:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3766.aspx 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. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3723.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 17:07:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3723.aspx Bank ignores climate change and development indicators as estimated 250 million Latin Americans live in poverty despite near half-century of lending. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3715.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:25:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3715.aspx As a result of the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) recent realignment, indigenous issues are now demoted within a Bank that touts its credentials for social inclusion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3711.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3711.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 Announcement shows the growing internal pressure at the institution to push lending for major energy initiatives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3553.aspx Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3553.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 Whatever else you might say of him, Luis Alberto Moreno does not waste time. Named fourth president of the Inter-American Development Bank in 2005, he announced IDB would remake its role in Latin America at his first annual meeting just one year later. Read Vince McElhinny's new policy brief on the realignment process, components and concerns. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3440.aspx Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:52:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3440.aspx The IDB threatens to repeat history with a disastrous dam project in Guatemala, according to NISGUA http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3164.aspx Fri, 16 Feb 2007 13:42:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3164.aspx An overview of the "why" and "what" of the recently announced IDB reorganization and realignment. Analyzes the risks and opportunities based on the best information BIC has obtained through extensive interviews with IDB staff and leadership. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3096.aspx Mon, 22 Jan 2007 11:17:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3096.aspx