http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.7.aspx The latest news on Infrastructure from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.7.aspx Nicholas Hamilton of the blog Cairo From Below discusses a proposed World Bank loan of $250 million for a major Egyptian transportation project, in the broader context of envisioning a sustainable transport strategy for the Greater Cairo Region. The Bank's proposed project is called the Urban Transport Infrastructure Development and is scheduled to be approved by the Bank's Board of Directors in early 2013. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12589.aspx Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:51:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12589.aspx According to the MPF, the evaluation of impacts of hydroelectric plants has been partial and does not reflect the true environmental risks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12521.aspx Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:32:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12521.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12520.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:29:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12520.aspx The disimbursement of the funds for the third section of the Villa Tunari-San Ignacio de Moxos highway is now being withheld until the preservation of the ecosystem in the Indigenous Territory in the Isiboro Sécure National Park (TIPNIS) is guaranteed, a commitment by the government of Evo Morales to Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12519.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:18:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12519.aspx Brazilian companies are more interested in entering the Peruvian market and its accumulated investments will likely exceed US$10 billion by 2016. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12517.aspx Thu, 11 Aug 2011 08:29:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12517.aspx Despite high interest rates and high household electricity tariffs, Brazilian economy has been growing at the highest rates seen in decades. Another problem that, although not in the way of growth, must be overcome is the costly use of roads for transporting farm products – issue being addressed by the expansion of railway networks. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12513.aspx Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:44:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12513.aspx Indigenous groups vow to march over forest highway plan. Morales is now facing protests from within Indian support base. This situation is an example of the struggle to balance development with cultural identity. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12503.aspx Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:00:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12503.aspx President Evo Morales again accused indigenous leaders —who he says are influenced by European NGOs— of borrowing money for projects like the construction of the Villa Tunari-San Ignacio de Moxos highway, which cuts through the TIPNIS. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12489.aspx Wed, 13 Jul 2011 11:23:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12489.aspx At the same time it is funding a dam that will devastate indigenous lands and block the Xingu River, Brazil's National Development Bank (BNDES) may allocate some $14.3 million (BRL 22.3 million) in grants for projects developed within the Kayapo indigenous lands, reports Conservation International. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12467.aspx Tue, 12 Jul 2011 11:05:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12467.aspx The BNDES’s preposterous involvement in the corporate dispute between French multinationals over the Pão-de-Açúcar supermarket chain shows that the state-owned bank has strayed far from its original mission. What exactly is the BNDES’s role nowadays? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12466.aspx Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:07:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12466.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 After nearly three years and numerous endeavors, the Carabayan clamor attains the cancellation of the Inambari Hydroelectric dam construction, and not precisely due to the consent of the central government, but because the situation grew unsustainable alongside other unrealized social and environmental problems in the Puno region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12454.aspx Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:05:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12454.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.12427.aspx Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:37:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12427.aspx The President of Ecuador, Rafael Correa, informed that there is international interest to support the Manta-Manaos project. He said that during the Chancellor's (Ricardo Patiño) trip to the Middle East, there was an evaluation of the posibility of investment on this waterway which connects Ecuador to Peru and Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12423.aspx Fri, 22 Apr 2011 17:00:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12423.aspx The National Government is committed ot develop the logistical zones in the country. Manta has demonstrated its great potential in this strategy because it will not only connect Manta with all of Ecuador, and also with Manaos in Brazil, but will also become Asia's Entry Point into America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12419.aspx Thu, 21 Apr 2011 10:32:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12419.aspx The company Transportes Bertolini and the National Government will push the construction of the necessary infrastructure for an economically viable line of river and ground transport between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12418.aspx Thu, 21 Apr 2011 09:40:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12418.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 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights considered that Indigenous Peoples must be consulted BEFORE the dam’s construction begins http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12401.aspx Tue, 05 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12401.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 A few days before the presidential elections, the party Peru Posible's (PP) spokesman Carlos Bruce, signed the Environmental Agreement, an initiative that seeks after environemtal proposals and commitments for the political parties that will participate in the elections on April 10th. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12398.aspx Tue, 29 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12398.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12392.aspx Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12392.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12394.aspx Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12394.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 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 Transparency and accountability gaps are highlighted in World Bank Board Query to Latin American Vice President, Pamela Cox. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:57:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12340.aspx Civil Society Organizations question the World Bank disbursement of the DPL SEM I to Brasil without clear evidence regarding the implementation of BNDES Safeguards and Social and Environmental policy in emblematic cases http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:08:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12338.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12343.aspx Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12343.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12344.aspx Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12344.aspx The most controversial project of the Growth Aceleration Program (PAC) in Brasil for the occupation of territory and natural resources of the Amazon.- the paving of BR-319 highway, which connects Porto Velho (RO) to Manaus (AM) - won approval by a decree signed yesterday by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12293.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2010 13:14:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12293.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 Despite Morales’ international efforts to push an environmentalist agenda, his own ecological track record at home raises difficult questions. As Bolivia looks for feasible ways to develop its economy, most of the industrial activity in the country takes a heavy toll on the environment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12229.aspx Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:54:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12229.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 Authors Claudia Enrique and Vanessa Cueto of Derecho, Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (DAR) in Peru conducted an independent assessment of a program to mitigate the social and environmental effects of the highway currently being built in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12212.aspx Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:12:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12212.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 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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11710.aspx Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11710.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 Peru's President Alan Garcia has inaugurated the first stretch of the Interoceanica Sur highway, which required an investment of more than US$68mn, the presidential website reported. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12057.aspx Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:23:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.12057.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11864.aspx Thu, 22 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11864.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11865.aspx Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11865.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11847.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11847.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11852.aspx Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11852.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11849.aspx Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11849.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11846.aspx Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11846.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11851.aspx Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11851.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11850.aspx Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11850.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11794.aspx Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11794.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11800.aspx Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11800.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11793.aspx Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11793.aspx Hundreds of Peruvian communities were displaced as they fled the 1980-2000 civil war. Today the government is pushing for urgent passage of a law that would facilitate the relocation of entire villages or neighbourhoods in mineral or energy-rich areas. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11788.aspx Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:55:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11788.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11813.aspx Wed, 03 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11813.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11783.aspx Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:19:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11783.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 19 educational institutions will be lost in the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric center, affecting 634 students if the government goes forward with the project, which will benefit Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11745.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:35:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11745.aspx An interview with Roxana Torres Camacho, of the Association of Biologists of Puno, who asserts that the construction of the Inambari hydroelectric dam will not only spur the disappearance and death of plants and animals, but may even increase the spread of diseases among humans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11743.aspx Tue, 26 Jan 2010 10:54:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11743.aspx The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) approved a loan of 200 million dollars to Peru for the implementation of the final phase of sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Southern Interoceanic Highway (CVIS), the organization confirmed today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11731.aspx Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:21:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11731.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11716.aspx Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11716.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11709.aspx Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11709.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11711.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11711.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11717.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11717.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11718.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11718.aspx El complejo del Rio Madeira es un emprendimiento prioritario dentro de la iniciativa IIRSA y el Plan de Aceleramiento del Desarrollo (PAC) del gobierno brasilero. El complejo del río Madeira en los planes de infraestructura http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11719.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11719.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11720.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11720.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11721.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11721.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11729.aspx Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11729.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 Straddling one the Amazon's main tributaries and flanked by dense jungle, a construction pit the size of a small town bustles with bulldozers and nearly 10,000 workers blasting huge slabs of rock off the river bank. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11690.aspx Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:42:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11690.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11676.aspx Fri, 04 Dec 2009 08:03:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11676.aspx The Peruvian head of state reiterated the country's need to become a great energy power in South America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11668.aspx Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:22:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11668.aspx Public money in Brazil is being used by the state development bank to finance deforestation projects and others that trample rights, concentrate wealth, and encourage "imperialist" expansion of large national companies, according to activists at a three-day meeting in Rio de Janeiro. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11665.aspx Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:48:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11665.aspx The project, to be signed next December, will allow both countries to take advantage of transport via the Huallaga, Marañón and Amazon rivers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11654.aspx Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:08:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11654.aspx The Inambari dam would flood 120 km of the Interoceanic Highway, on which upgrading work has already begun. It seems that in both Peru and Brazil the ministries of transport and of energy don’t talk to each other. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11651.aspx Tue, 24 Nov 2009 10:09:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11651.aspx An investigation by the Brazilian daily Folha de Brasil revealed the involvement of ex-Minister of Mining and Energy Silas Rondeau in a bribery scandal favoring the Brazilian company Engevix for the construction of six hydroelectric centers in Peru at a cost of US$ 16 billion. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11639.aspx Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:22:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11639.aspx Documents from the informational forum held in Madre de Dios stated that the hydroelectric center's reservoir would flood all territory below 540 meter above sea level, covering approximately 410 square kilometers. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11638.aspx Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:51:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11638.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 According to studies, the Chaglla hydroelectric center will have an installed potential of 360 MW and its construction could begin as early as the second trimester of 2010. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11633.aspx Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:50:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11633.aspx Parliament Representative from Puno, Susana Vilca Achata, presented a declaration from civil society of the Carabaya province to the vice minister of Energy and Mining, Daniel Camac Gutiérrez, in which they demanded public consultation before construction of the Inambari mega-project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11623.aspx Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:58:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11623.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11597.aspx Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:54:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11597.aspx The legal council of the Ministry of Environment of Brazil approved last Wednesday a financing package of 34.7 million dollars for the National Environmental Program (PNMA). 24.3 million will be provided by the World Bank (IBRD) and the rest will be financed by the Brazilian government. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11591.aspx Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:25:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11591.aspx Declaration of the Peruvian College of Engineers (CIP) published in El Comercio October 19 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11552.aspx Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:19:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11552.aspx The tribunal will hold its first hearing in Cochabamba, Bolivia today, judging the multinationals and states responsible for global warming and violating the rights of the people and Mother Nature. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11549.aspx Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:41:01 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11549.aspx The Minister of Transport and Communications granted the company concession for Section 2 of the IIRSA Centro highway, which includes the stretch between the Ricardo Palma Bridge (Lima) - La Oroya (Junín) and La Oroya - Huancayo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11543.aspx Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:17:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11543.aspx At a congress in Manaus new hydroelectric and highway projects were questioned. Clergy members from the Catholic Church rmeeting in Brazil stated that the idea that indigenous peoples hinder economic development is false. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11540.aspx Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:09:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11540.aspx At a ceremony in Roraima, Lula announced that Minister of Mines and Energy, Edison Lobao and president of the Brazilian National Development Bank (BNDES), Luciano Coutinho will meet in Guyana in October to discuss the matter with Guyanese president Bharrat Jagdeo. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11534.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:13:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11534.aspx “It's difficult to say whether Inambari or the other dams will represent a benefit to Peru. What is evident is that the construction of large dams on Amazonian rivers will have enormous economic repercussions in terms of foreign debt, and obviously extreme social and environmental impacts. The truth is that we are obligated to reflect on these impacts before embarking on construction”, said Marc Dourojeanni, consultant to the IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11532.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:46:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11532.aspx Sociedad Civil por la Carretera Transoceánica (SOCIT) accused the College of Engineers of Peru (CIP) of altering the final conclusions of the Regional Forum “Construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Station", organized and hosted by the college August 28 and 29. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11531.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:43:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11531.aspx The renowed journalist stated on Pachamama Radio that the construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Station should be decided through a referedum, given what he described as an attitude of conquest and disrespect toward local regions among authorities in Lima. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11530.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:29:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11530.aspx "We're working with the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) to work out the details of a new credit for the final stage of the project, which will be approved by the end of the year", stated AFC representative Eleonora Silva. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11529.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:16:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11529.aspx National congresswoman Susana Vilca warned that granting definitive concession to the Inambari Hyrdoelectric Station to EGASUR would be permanent, as stipulated in the Law of Electric Concessions. Definitive concessions for the development of electric projects are granted for unspecified periods of time. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11528.aspx Thu, 08 Oct 2009 09:59:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11528.aspx In the Regional Forum “Construction of the Inambari Hydroelectric Station” which took place August 28 and 29, the College of Engineers of Peru reached some critical conclusions surrounding the proposed hydroelectric project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11527.aspx Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:18:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11527.aspx The estimate, which does not consider transmission, includes the provision of tax exemptions, the cost of training of the Special Purpose Company (SPC) and the cost of insurance. "This was the value quoted to TCU as the result of a study on investment optimization" says Mauricio Tolmasquim, president of EPE. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11526.aspx Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:07:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11526.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 Economy and Finance Minister Luis Carranza annouced today that the Development Finance Corporation (Cofide in Spanish) will contribute $100 million in capital to the Joint Infrastructure Investment Fund of Peru, created by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Andean Finance Corporation (CAF). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11512.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:39:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11512.aspx “Backing from AFC and the IFC would allow us to improve the structuring of bonds”, the Andean agency said today. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11511.aspx Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:21:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11511.aspx "The fund will be for cost-effective infrastructure projects. In Peru we have a deficit of between 7 and 10 billion dollars in infrastructure”, IDB director for Peru, Ana María Rodríguez told reporters. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11504.aspx Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:56:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11504.aspx Earlier this month, Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula DaSilva flew more than 1,600 kilometres from his base in Brasilia to a remote state on the Guyanese frontier to formally commission a border river bridge with his country's English-speaking neighbour. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11499.aspx Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:04:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11499.aspx The extension of the Central Railroad will benefit the investment projects of five mining companies. These companies, who anticipate an increase in production, say the train will facilitate transport of these products, according to the general manager of Cormin. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11494.aspx Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:12:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11494.aspx In this article from Americas Quarterly, Bruce Babbit questions the economic benefits of the Interoceanic Corridor as purported by the Brazilian government, noting that the project will essentially be financed by the Peruvian government. He highlights the disastrous environmental and social impacts the project will have on the Amazon Basin, calling for a plan for climate change mitigation as ambitious as the plan for regional integration. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11490.aspx Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:21:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11490.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 On Monday morning, from 5 to 9, representatives of the Union of Construction Workers of the State of Rondônia (Sticcero) blocked the gate of the construction site of the Santo Antônio plant, causing more than three miles of line on the access road in order to promote deliberative assembly with indications of a general strike. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11426.aspx Tue, 01 Sep 2009 10:19:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11426.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 Brazil will provide financing worth $300 million to the Bolivian government for construction of a highway critical for regional trade, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Monday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11419.aspx Fri, 28 Aug 2009 14:07:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11419.aspx Peru's fluvial ports Yurimaguas and Iquitos in Loreto region and Pucallpa in Ucayali form part of the anti-crisis package announced by President Alan García last December, designed to attract investments of over US$92mn. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11414.aspx Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:35:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11414.aspx This is one of several articles spotlighting the findings of a BIC commissioned study by Lalitha Kamath and Vinay Baindur. Findings reveal how India's urban poor are meted out injustice as local needs are left unaddressed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11413.aspx Sun, 23 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11413.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 Jirau and Santo Antonio promise to cost much more than the stated financial value of their construction: deforestation, disease, damage to fish population just to name a few. These and other costs, however, will not be paid only by Brazilians; Bolivians are also facing some of the costs of this venture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11411.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:39:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11411.aspx Money for urban infrastructure in India is being spent on megaprojects that benefit only a tiny, wealthy minority of the population, while access to basic services like clean water and health facilities remains rare. A new report by Vinay Baindur and Lalitha Kamath shows how governance of the World Bank and Asian Development Bank allows privileged access to money for some while the poorest are left in the dust. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11410.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:09:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11410.aspx After watching a report by Foro TV about the ecological damage that would be caused by the construction of the Inambari dam to the areas around Puno, citizens expressed their concern and demanded that local officials assume a responsible position to confront this threat. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11407.aspx Fri, 21 Aug 2009 10:22:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11407.aspx Brazil is building hydroelectric dams in the Amazon that some technicians and economists applaud while several environmentalists regret. It is worth the risk and investment? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11405.aspx Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:22:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11405.aspx An examination of how the hydroelectric plants of Jirau and Santo Antônio will impact the environment and the lives of Amazonian communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11404.aspx Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:11:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11404.aspx The Union of South American Nations (Unasur) will create a division to coordinate the South American infrastructure integration initiative IIRSA. A document regarding the structure of the division is expected to be signed at the next Unasur meeting to be held in Ecuadorian capital Quito on September 7. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11403.aspx Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:31:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11403.aspx In Latin America and elsewhere, the IMF may be re–emerging—but in a changed landscape. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11401.aspx Mon, 17 Aug 2009 11:28:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11401.aspx Peruvian government will negotiate directly with the companies. Specialists said they should also review the export tariffs. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11400.aspx Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:45:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11400.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11398.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:06:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11398.aspx Peru hopes the hydroelectric project will push the Amazon region into the 21st century, despite strong misgivings of conservationists and environmentalist groups. In that sense Peru's aspirations are similar to the hopes of Paraguay, which is already sharing an electricity generation project with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11397.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:51:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11397.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11396.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:42:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11396.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11394.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:02:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11394.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11393.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 20:45:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11393.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11391.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:55:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11391.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 Critics have pointed out that the agreement to increase Paraguay's share of electricity revenues will be conditioned on protections for Brazilians living in Paraguay and contract guarantees for BNDES among other concessions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11389.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:32:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11389.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11388.aspx Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:17:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11388.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11383.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:32:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11383.aspx Puerto Maldonaldo, Madre de Dios, in heart of the Peruvian jungle, is the home to some of the worst offenses of sexual trafficking of minors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11382.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:27:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11382.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11381.aspx Sun, 09 Aug 2009 10:19:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11381.aspx The project of constructing the Inambari mega-hydroelectric dam is generating discontent in the various affected communities in the province of Carabaya, who demand respect for the lands dedicated to agriculture. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11379.aspx Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:25:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11379.aspx Peru's local governments have 15bn soles (US$5.07bn) available for the development of infrastructure initiatives, according to Lima's chamber of commerce (CCL). The resources come from canons and royalties, among other sources. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11377.aspx Wed, 05 Aug 2009 11:39:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11377.aspx In order to make more profitable and viable project, the government decided to shorten the length of the highway concession to be granted and thus provide greater guarantees to investors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11376.aspx Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:31:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11376.aspx The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) announced today that it will reduce the stretch of road concession project for Integration of Regional Infrastructure in South America (IIRSA) Center with the purpose of make it more profitable for investors. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11374.aspx Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:13:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11374.aspx The first indigenous woman elected leader and educator of the people Sagarana in Rondônia, Eva Canoe, said the construction of hydroelectric dams in the Madeira river, in Rondônia, will affect at least four indigenous peoples that still live in voluntary isolation in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11369.aspx Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:18:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11369.aspx The government is currently preparing the new project portfolio that will be offered to domestic and foreign investors; and it will prioritize investments in sectors such as energy, transport, sanitation, housing, rail, waterways and urban logistics. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11368.aspx Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:32:53 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11368.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 One way to stem this rising tide, said ministers, would be for Latin American countries to "increase public infrastructure integration to reduce transport and energy costs in order to make their economies more competitive." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11366.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:26:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11366.aspx While the hydroelectric plants of Jirau and Santo Antonio in the Madeira river begin their construction, Bolivian organizations and institutes following the projects say that the negative impacts generated by the two dams will be felt not only in Brazilian territory, but also in Bolivia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11365.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:09:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11365.aspx Environmental organizations have mobilized against licensing of Santo Antônio and Jirau hydroelectric dams http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11364.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:43:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11364.aspx The government of Ecuador has come to an agreement with Hong-Kong based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) to resume the administration of Manta port in Manabí province, local press reported. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11362.aspx Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:24:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11362.aspx Authorities will transfer the concession to a new company which will mean calling a new international tender, the presidential website reported. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11359.aspx Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:17:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11359.aspx The general manager of Jindal in Bolivia, Jaime Santa Cruz, claimed that the company has not yet received land and settled in Puerto Suarez so it can begin the exploitation of iron in the Mutún. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11348.aspx Wed, 22 Jul 2009 12:11:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11348.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 Minister of Land, Alejandro Almaraz, announced yesterday that according to a preliminary estimate the Government’s resettlement plan for 2,000 families in the department of Pando could require approximately US$21 million. Under the plan developed by the Government, there are 600,000 hectares of land to distribute this year in three regions of the country. 200,000 hectares of those are in the department of Pando. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11345.aspx Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:26:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11345.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 The new rail development plan consists of rail connections between the east and west, and a rail corridor from the border with Brazil. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11336.aspx Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:32:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11336.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 Cost overruns could push the total for the highway to over $2 billion http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11312.aspx Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:49:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11312.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11310.aspx Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:17:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11310.aspx Brazilian firm has six months to sell its 9.99% share of the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11305.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:54:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11305.aspx Affected communities of the proposed Inambari hydroelectric project from Puno argue that the project will bring more costs than benefits; the Andean Southern Natural Gas Pipeline is neither a guaranteed for the Southern Peruvian department. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11304.aspx Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:37:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11304.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 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 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 Government urged to drop criminal charges against indigenous leaders and allow independent investigation into violent incidents in Bagua, Peru http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11264.aspx Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:21:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11264.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11259.aspx Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:22:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11259.aspx Negotiations are underway for the construction of six hydroelectric power plants in the Peruvian Amazon Region in a joint initiative of Alan Garcia and Lula da Silva. Serious inquires about the nature of the intiative and its implications for the region are not resolved which signals further problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11256.aspx Tue, 16 Jun 2009 10:45:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11256.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11247.aspx Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11247.aspx During his Saturday radio broadcast, the president insisted that this is a historic project. Ecuador's approach regarding the Yasuni-ITT initiative is to help prevent the emition of 400 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11243.aspx Sat, 30 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11243.aspx Brasilian Mega-dam EIA under review http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11223.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 21:19:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11223.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11246.aspx Fri, 29 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11246.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11218.aspx Thu, 28 May 2009 18:13:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11218.aspx Crown Jewel of the IIRSA Project Portfolio Under Scrutiny in Bolivia and Brazil http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11215.aspx Wed, 27 May 2009 18:14:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11215.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 Comment period on draft EIA between May 30 and June 3 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11204.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 07:47:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11204.aspx Peruvian Congress Approves Report Says No Irregularities in the Southern Inter-oceanic Highway, Opposition Legislators Question the Integrity of the Procedure, Doubts Remain; Brazilian delegation from Rondonia visits Puno; 130 km of highway in Madre de Dios inaugurated; Transport Sector calls for further investigation of construction problems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11203.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 07:33:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11203.aspx Amazon protests to revoke harmful Presidential Decrees in 45th day http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11202.aspx Sat, 23 May 2009 07:20:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11202.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 Two day conference underscores the need for improvements in the quality of social, environmental and economic evaluation, as well as the search for energy alternatives. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11201.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 13:45:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11201.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 President Alan Garcia, Dr. Ernesto Cornejo and the Odebrecht led concessionaire CONIRSA inaugurated on May 14, 130 km of Section 3 of the Southern Interoceanic Highway between Tampopata and Iberia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11194.aspx Fri, 22 May 2009 09:30:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11194.aspx These photos were taken of various aspects of the indigenous protests in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11193.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 11:08:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11193.aspx Unexplained revisions by the Consortium building the Jirau hydroelectric dam (part of the Rio Madeira complex) to the design of the initial project that was auctioned one year ago are expected to increase the overall project costs by 60% http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11191.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 09:05:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11191.aspx Consultant Tecsult-Aecom along with ENDE, Bolivia's National Electricity Company, are in the final phases of the feasibility and design process for the proposed hydroelectric project, Cachuela Esperanza, which is expected to conclude in October, 2009 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11190.aspx Thu, 21 May 2009 07:26:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11190.aspx While one legislative decree has been repealed by the Constitution Commission in Peru's Congress, indigenous groups continue their protests demanding that the other nine decrees also be repealed. AIDESEP leader, Alberto Pizango, who was recently charged with sedition and disturbing the peace, approves of the small step forward. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11185.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 11:05:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11185.aspx Lula and Garcia advance plans to expand hydroelectric integration. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11184.aspx Wed, 20 May 2009 10:14:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11184.aspx An annoucement about a new online observatory to share information and ideas about the impacts of Brazilian companies in Latin America, especially focusing on their impact on sustainable development efforts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11180.aspx Mon, 18 May 2009 15:15:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11180.aspx Amazon Indians who have been blocking roads, waterways and a state oil pipeline since April are declaring an "insurgency" against Peru's government for refusing to repeal laws that the protesters say make it easier for foreign companies to take their lands, a national Indian representative said Friday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11178.aspx Sat, 16 May 2009 09:25:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11178.aspx The Brazilian construction firm, Odebrecht, rejects Ecuador's US $250 million lawsuit which claims that the Brazilian company constructed a hydroelectric plant with serious defects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11176.aspx Thu, 14 May 2009 11:10:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11176.aspx In a meeting in Jamaica, the President of the IDB, Luis Alberto Moreno, reaffirmed the bank's commitment to the region and confirmed that the bank would increase its support of the Trade Finance Facilitation Program to one billion dollars. He also reiterated the need to support the region during the financial crisis. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11175.aspx Thu, 14 May 2009 10:47:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11175.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11169.aspx Mon, 11 May 2009 10:52:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11169.aspx Despite widespread cross-border problems, South America has more than its fair share of major bilateral hydro schemes. Itaipu remains one of the region’s largest hydro ventures, but what other schemes are on the cards? http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11164.aspx Sun, 10 May 2009 10:59:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11164.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11144.aspx Fri, 08 May 2009 13:46:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11144.aspx Peru is rushing to hold superficial public meetings to inform the public about plans to build the fifth largest hydroelectric dam in Latin America. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11141.aspx Thu, 07 May 2009 15:42:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11141.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10995.aspx Mon, 04 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10995.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11136.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 10:57:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11136.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11135.aspx Sun, 03 May 2009 10:09:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11135.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 feasibility study for Peru's largest hydroelectric dam nears completion and public hearings will begin in 2009. Brazilian financing for the dam will likely result the first in a series of jointly funded hydroelectric projects in Peru that provide energy to Brazil http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11133.aspx Sat, 02 May 2009 09:06:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11133.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11129.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 11:46:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11129.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11128.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 10:59:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11128.aspx The president of BNDES, Luciano Coutinho, said that it is possible that the bank will offer financial support for the construction of six hydroelectric projects in Peru. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11127.aspx Fri, 01 May 2009 10:05:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11127.aspx After a meeting between the two leaders, Lula and Garcia agreed to the construction of six hydroelectric projects which symbolizes stronger relations between the two countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11122.aspx Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:54:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11122.aspx In a time when the financial market is lacking credit, the fund for investment in infrastructure which derives its resources from the FGTS (FI-FGTS) will contribute R$ 1,640 billion in financing to the construction of the San Antonio hydroelectric plant in the Madeira river, and become a shareholder of the consortium. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11119.aspx Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:35:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11119.aspx Santander sold half of its shares in the consortium building the San Antonio Hydroelectric Plant in the Madeira River to the FI-FGTS (Investment Fund FGTS) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11118.aspx Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:05:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11118.aspx Criticized by the Ministry of Environment, a streamlined licensing process should reach 40% of the roads listed in the federal program http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11113.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:27:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11113.aspx The energy interconnection agreement will be signed between Electro Peru and Eletrobrás, which will be responsible for the technical assistance on the construction of hydroelectric and teh operations of the electrical systems. The initial project has six hydroelectric plants in Peruvian territory; however, the main custumer will be the Brazilian market, according Belaúnde. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11111.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:12:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11111.aspx The Growth Acceleration Program (PAC) became the main target of criticism in a report of the organization of the World Economic Forum and the Fundação Dom Cabral, based in Belo Horizonte. "The PAC will not speed up anything, is the rehabilitation program of growth," said the director of Fundação Dom Cabral Paulo Resende, a specialist in transport and logistics, responsible for examining the question infrastructure for Brazil in the report of the forum. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11110.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:09:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11110.aspx The Ministry of Environment announced an agreement with the Brazilian Federation of Banks (Febraban) incorporating environmental criteria and guidelines for the release of credits to companies and ventures. While representing an improvement regarding to the enviromental impacts made by some investments, the coordinator of the Eco-Project Finance and the organization Friends of the Earth - Brazilian Amazon, Roland Widmer, warns that for the agreement to be effective, more it needs to be done. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11108.aspx Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:00:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11108.aspx Indigineour from Amazon of Preu blocked river traffic from two major rivers in jungle protest against laws they consider prejudicial to the integrity of its territories. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11107.aspx Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:35:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11107.aspx Civil society organizations have written a letter expressing their opposition to a measure that would allow the paving of roads through the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11106.aspx Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:02:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11106.aspx Scientists say 4°C rise would kill 85% of the Amazon rainforest. Even modest temperature rise would see 20-40% loss within 100 years http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11103.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:12:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11103.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11102.aspx Thu, 16 Apr 2009 16:07:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11102.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 The Machiguengas took over Petrobras' ships in the Bajo Urubamba river http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11099.aspx Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:38:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11099.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11097.aspx Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:29:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11097.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 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11090.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:13:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11090.aspx Brazil's environmental regulator Ibama has issued the last three preliminary licenses needed to start second-stage works on the 5.4bn-real (US$2.36bn) Transnordestina railroad initiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11089.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11089.aspx Brazilian concessionaires will carry out additional works on the Interoceanica Sur highway, which may result in further delays in the construction of the project - already close to $400 million over budget. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11088.aspx Thu, 02 Apr 2009 06:51:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11088.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 A new study shows that even modest temperature increases will shrink the Amazon substantially. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11079.aspx Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:51:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11079.aspx Bolivians worry about potential flooding and health problems that will result from two dams which are part of the Rio Madeira project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11078.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:06:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11078.aspx Both Bolivians and Brazilians do not agree with the privatization of the Rio Madeira. For different reasons but the same objective, the Bolivians and Brazilians join forces to oppose the privatization. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11077.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:52:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11077.aspx Bolivians fear negative impacts from two dams (part of the Rio Madeira) in Bolivian territory. The Brazilian Minister, Celso Amorim assures the Bolivian government that the construction of the dams will not have these negative impacts. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11076.aspx Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:34:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11076.aspx For only the last two years has the Bolivian government paid attention to the impacts of dams in indigenous territory. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11074.aspx Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:17:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11074.aspx Members of the COICA indigneous group held a meeting in Quito, Ecuador in order to discuss the role of the indigenous communities as it relates to the Amazon. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11072.aspx Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:15:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11072.aspx From March 30 - April 8 several experts on IIRSA will conduct a distance class about the fundamentals of IIRSA in order to capacitate community leaders. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11067.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:38:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11067.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11068.aspx Fri, 13 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11068.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11065.aspx Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11065.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 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 Various participants at the forum raise their points of view regarding the integration of South America and the Manta-Manaus corridor as the entry point to the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11043.aspx Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:32:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11043.aspx The World Bank Country Director for the Philippines has been ordered to appear before a Philippine Senate inquiry into a corruption scandal involving a multi-million dollar road project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11040.aspx Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:04:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11040.aspx The Amazon Basin Indigenous Peoples Organization (COICA) with our worldview, diversity of languages, history, cultures, spirituality, territory, economy, have existed since before recorded time. We have adopted different forms of organization and identity under the framework of the nation states which have established laws and regulations according to their own interests, not recognizing the ancestral rights of the first inhabitants of the amazon region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11034.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:08:15 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11034.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11037.aspx Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11037.aspx Last year, the Government reported to an international court of debt of $ 242.9 million provided by the BNDES for the construction of the San Francisco hydroelectric. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11036.aspx Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11036.aspx As world leaders focus on severe economic crisis in their homelands, an estimated 100,000 activists traveled from all over the world to attend the World Social Forum in Brazil. Led by Indigenous people from all across Latin America, over 1000 participants formed a human banner, using their bodies, to draw attention to the increasingly precarious situation of the Amazon rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11027.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11027.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11030.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 The government reactivates the Central Corridor project to benefit the agricultural sector and commercial towns and cities that are on the road that will link the Manta-Manaus. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11035.aspx Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11035.aspx Ecuador's President Rafael Correa has threatened to revoke the Manta port concession if port operator Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH) does not keep to its investment schedule. "If they do not comply with the Manta port concession, they will simply have to leave the country," Correa said in an address to the nation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11014.aspx Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11014.aspx The state of Rondonia, Brazil is subject to ongoing land conflicts between large land owners, small farmers and the state. The proposed hydroelectric dams on the Madeira River and the promise of jobs will only accelerate uncontrolled migration to the region. Weak governance results in frequent, violent confrontations over natural resource use. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11013.aspx Thu, 01 Jan 2009 07:32:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11013.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11011.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:19:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11011.aspx A new agreement between Brazil, the World Bank and the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies is intended to train Brazilian state governments on reforms to local regulatory and licensing frameworks to facilitate great foreign direct investment in infrastructure projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:05:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11009.aspx A new book of articles edited by Ricardo Verdum of the Brazilian Instituto de Estudio Socioeconomicos (Inesc) explores the trends in financing for megaprojects in South America. The book highlights the shifting balance between IFIs such as the World Bank, the IDB and CAF toward new institutions such as BNDES, as well as the competition between IIRSA and UNASUR. The book emphasizes the urgency for greater transparency and accountability in information and decision making about large, high risk infrastructure in the region. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:50:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11006.aspx 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 $200 million road project in Putumayo, Colombia is an anchor project for the IIRSA Amazonas Corridor and will unlock commercial traffic between the ports of Tumaco and Belem, as well as between Bogota and Quito. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11004.aspx Fri, 26 Dec 2008 09:33:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11004.aspx The Madeira Energy S/A (Mesa) business consortium, responsible for the construction of the Santo Antônio 3,100 MW hydroelectric dam, the first of several mega-dams planned for the Madeira in the Brazilian state of Rondônia, was fined R$ 7,7 million ($US 3.3 million) by the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis (Ibama) as a penalty for their responsibility in the ecological accidente that resulted in the death of 11 tons of fish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11003.aspx Wed, 24 Dec 2008 14:49:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11003.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 The October meeting between the Brazilian and Bolivian bilerateral technical commission on the Madeira Hydroelectric Dam and related projects focused on new technical research related to the cross-border health effects of the project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11000.aspx Tue, 23 Dec 2008 07:37:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.11000.aspx IDB replenishment of a popular subsidy for the preparation of high risk infrastructure projects in Latin America anticipates the increased funding of infrastructure to stimulate the economy. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10996.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:01:43 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10996.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10994.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 08:04:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10994.aspx IDB has approved a technical cooperation donation of US$400,000 to support a study to improve the infrastructure and operation of border crossings between Colombia and Ecuador, the entity reported in a release. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10993.aspx Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:42:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10993.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 It is important for the President of the Council of Ministers, Yehuda Simon, to meet with employers' associations and hear their suggestions, since the implementation of the "Anticrisis Plan" requires the participation of both the public and private sectors, said Guillermo Vega Alvear, president of Perucámaras, who participated in the morning meeting with the Premier. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10990.aspx Fri, 19 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10990.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 A recent meeting between the World Bank and the Yemeni Planning Minister focused on preliminary negotiations on a proposed water sector project. However, the central question remains whether the Bank is ensuring water access for the poor. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10967.aspx Mon, 08 Dec 2008 13:22:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10967.aspx Bujagali deal full of risk for one of world’s poorest countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10962.aspx Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:15:48 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.10962.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 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 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 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 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 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 In the worst violent act in the history of Bolivia's democracy, a campaign by opposition Prefects in Bolivia seeking to destabilize the MAS government, took the lives of as many as 30 people, and wounded dozens more, in the Amazonian province of Pando. Most regional governments expressed condemnation, while the United States remained silent. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3895.aspx Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3895.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 Since the Chinese economy has taken off and it has increasingly looked to Africa to provide raw materials, the World Bank and IMF have been confronted with the question of how to respond. Recent statements by the institutions have shown that these responses are careful and at times contradictory. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3877.aspx Flaws in the environmental review process combined with negative social implications fuel fears of the Chan 75 hydroelectric project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3861.aspx Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3861.aspx On July 11th a bus carrying activists from different social movements collided with a truck transporting gas. The explosion of both vehicles caused the death of fourteen people, four of them activists of the Movement for Dam-Affected People (MAB). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3855.aspx Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3855.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 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 European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will earmark 40% of its Russian lending to infrastructure. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3803.aspx Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3803.aspx The World Bank is considering financing a hydroelectric dam between Burundi and Tanzania that would boost mining production in East Africa. But in an area prone to drought, particularly with the onset of climate change, questions remain about the project's sustainability and whether it will be worth the projected $190 million cost. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3718.aspx Proposed projects would include transcontinental transportation corridors that would require a huge outpouring of money. They would serve to benefit exporters and, by extension, transnational companies that profit the most from Africa’s commodities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3679.aspx Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:54:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3679.aspx Kashagan Oil Field threatens local livelihoods, health, and endangered species. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3669.aspx Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3669.aspx During a recent visit to China, Bank President Robert Zoellick appeared keen to assuage concerns that China’s massive loan packages to Africa could compromise recent efforts to reduce some African countries’ debt burdens. Zoellick also praised China for its decision to contribute for the first time to the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3650.aspx Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:11:39 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3650.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 Civil society in the Middle East demands that the Bank give full consideration to viable alternatives to the costly project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3513.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 13:18:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3513.aspx In an effort to reduce dependence on Russian gas, the European Union endorses the development of the Nabucco gas pipeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3501.aspx Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:21:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3501.aspx Plans to scale up investments in mining, large infrastructure, and private education raises concerns among civil society groups skeptical of the IFC's commitment to development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3427.aspx Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3427.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) held its Annual Governors Meeting in Kazan, Russia May 20-21, 2007. The NGO Programme organized by the Bank attracted a large array of civil society organizations from Russia and abroad. While many questions were left unanswered by the Bank, NGOs succeeded in raising issues of critical importance to civil society in Russia and elsewhere. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3384.aspx Tue, 05 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3384.aspx Collaboration to focus on large infrastructure; move seen as attempt by World Bank to avoid growing competition with Chinese counterpart. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3386.aspx Mon, 04 Jun 2007 10:56:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3386.aspx The EBRD Annual Meeting and Business Forum will be held 20-21 May 2007 in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Federation. One hot topic of conversation will be over the institution's profits. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3342.aspx Tue, 15 May 2007 12:43:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3342.aspx A recent report by the World Bank encourages Brazil to remove regulatory barriers to private sector investment. The report argues that this has to be done in order to correct the shortfall on investments in infrastructure in the country. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3194.aspx Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3194.aspx Civil society concerned about regional bank's emphasis on large-scale energy projects http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3141.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3141.aspx The report will guide the organization's work in Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, China, Laos and Indonesia. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3065.aspx Thu, 21 Dec 2006 10:09:51 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3065.aspx The EIB's emphasis on large, fossil fuel-based infrastructure projects a major cause for concern. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3067.aspx Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3067.aspx The European Investment Bank (EIB) last week approved a €70 million investment (approximately $87 million) in the Chevron-led West Africa Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) to support the construction of the 681 km-long pipeline that will transport natural gas from the Niger Delta to Ghana’s industrial centers in Tema and Takoradi. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2950.aspx Wed, 20 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2950.aspx European Investment Bank to provide funds for controversial Uganda dam http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3022.aspx Tue, 21 Nov 2006 13:05:45 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3022.aspx This week the World Bank suspended its contracts to Lahmeyer International after being found guilty of bribing public officials in the multi-billion dollar Lesotho Highlands Water Project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3007.aspx Thu, 09 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3007.aspx Kristalina Georgieva has been selected by the World Bank as the new Director for Strategy and Operations in the Sustainable Development Vice-Presidency. This position was established in June by World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz following the merger of the Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development Network and the Infrastructure Network. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2993.aspx Fri, 27 Oct 2006 17:28:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2993.aspx Read the latest update on IIRSA policies and projects in South America. Learn what projects are underway, what companies are profiting and how the IDB is selling IIRSA to the Europeans. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2139.aspx Fri, 03 Jun 2005 16:56:13 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2139.aspx