http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.4.aspx The latest news on Environmental & Social Policies from the Bank Information Center 10 http://www.infodev.org/images/infodev.gif http://www.bicusa.org/en/Issue.4.aspx Bank Information Center has recently released it's new "Handbook for Advocacy on Extractive Industry Revenues: Good Practices and the IMF’s Guide on Resource Revenue Transparency." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:34:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3836.aspx يثير موضوع دعم البنك الدولي لدراسات الجدوى بتكلفة تصل الى 15.5 مليون دولار تساؤلات حول التزام البنك بتطبيق سياسات الحماية المتعلقة ببرامجه حول هذا المشروع http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3829.aspx Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:32:26 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3829.aspx As Newmont, the world's largest mining company prepares for gold mining operations in Ghana, civil society groups challenge the purported benefits for local communities. Meanwhile, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) has come under fire for the environmental and social legacies of its gold mining investments in Ghana and its plans proceed to begin the next phase of Newmont's controversial Ahafo gold project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.aspx Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:45:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3821.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 In a victory for environmental groups, the Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of Green Salvation, a environmental group, in a precedent setting lawsuit seeking access to environmental information about atmospheric emissions at the Karachaganak Oil and Gas Condensate Field in western Kazakhstan. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3728.aspx Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:55:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3728.aspx Read the special Spring Meetings edition of the Bretton Woods Update, co-produced with Afrodad, Bank Information Center, Choike, and Eurodad. The issue is also available in Spanish. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:18:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3724.aspx The Director of the Asian Development Bank’s Private Sector Operations Department, Robert Bestani, notified the Bank’s Board of Directors last week that it will take the Phulbari Coal Project in Bangladesh out of the Bank’s funding pipeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3720.aspx Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:29:16 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3720.aspx Updated April 10, 2008: The World Bank's Inspection Panel is recruiting qualified applicants to fill a vacancy in its three-member team. Regional balance considerations could likely mean selection of a candidate from the South East Asia region. The closing date for applications has been extended to April 30, 2008. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.aspx Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:29:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3716.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 As wealthy local and foreign investors purchase more and more Brazilian land, wuestions over how to contain rising land prices emerge. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3708.aspx Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:56:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3708.aspx Phulbari resistance groups produce first documentary video. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3647.aspx Thu, 17 Jan 2008 11:09:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3647.aspx An Inspection Panel report on the World Bank’s safeguard policy violations in its Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) forest sector operations prompts discussion on new approach and greater role for Pygmies in decision-making about the future of the world’s second-largest rainforest. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 16:43:34 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3645.aspx Close to fifty people representing social movements in India and other parts of South Asia delivered a boycott statement to Asian Development Bank officials in New Delhi on January 16th, at the start of the Bank's consultations on its Draft Safeguard Policy Statement. The organised protest consisted of slogans and plackards, one of which read: "End to Lending." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3644.aspx Wed, 16 Jan 2008 12:24:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3644.aspx Civil society groups from South Asia are planning to boycott the Asian Development Bank's consultation meeting on its safeguards policy update, to be held in New Delhi, India tomorrow. The groups, from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh state that the ADB's consultation draft, released in October 2007, greatly dilutes the Bank's earlier policies on Environment (2002), Involuntary Resettlement (1995) and Indigenous Peoples (1998), and is opposed to indigenous peoples’ rights and subverts environmental considerations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3643.aspx Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:04:40 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3643.aspx Citing violations of five of the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) own policies, non-governmental organizations from around the world have petitioned the ADB to discontinue its pre-appraisal of the Phulbari Coal Project and remove it from the funding pipeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3642.aspx Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:04:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3642.aspx Una delegación de alto nivel de líderes indígenas, de la sociedad civil y parlamentarios de Perú se encuentran en Washington DC para tratar de incidir frente al voto del BID sobre préstamos públicos para la planta de licuefacción de gas natural de Camisea. La delegación argumenta que al aprobar el proyecto PERU LNG, tanto el BID, como la CFI y el Banco Ex- Im estarían violando sus propias salvaguardias sociales y ambientales. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3628.aspx Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:59:19 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3628.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 Environmental groups gathered in Bali for the United Nations convention on climate change warn that the World Bank's market-oriented Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), launched today, will have negative social and environmental impacts. Citing the Bank's poor track record in the forest sector and ongoing support for fossil fuels, the groups are demanding that forests be kept out of the carbon market and that governments increase their funding for other approaches to forest protection and climate change mitigation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3620.aspx Tue, 11 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3620.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3612.aspx Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:43:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3612.aspx As the World Bank prepares to launch the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) -- its flagship initiative to address deforestation-related greenhouse gas emissions -- at the United Nations climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, we offer some background on the FCPC and outline the concerns surrounding this controversial new mechanism. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx Tue, 04 Dec 2007 10:17:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3593.aspx The Second Latin American Congress of National Parks and Protected Areas held in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina was the largest gathering of environmental organizations working in Latin America since the last Congress in 1997, held in Santa Marta. Read Vince McElhinny's recap of the events of the Congress. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3588.aspx Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3588.aspx El Segundo Congreso Latinoamericano de Parques Nacionales y Áreas Protegidas celebrado en San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina fue el mayor encuentro de organizaciones medioambientales trabajando en Latinoamérica desde el ultimo Congreso en 1997 celebrado en Santa Marta. Lea la recapitulación de Vince McElhinny sobre los eventos del Congreso. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3592.aspx Fri, 30 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3592.aspx Resolution is welcomed by NGOs campaigning to have export credit agencies and public investment banks be held accountable for their actions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3586.aspx Thu, 29 Nov 2007 14:36:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3586.aspx The World Bank touted it's meeting with a delegation of Pygmies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the Bank's Annual Meetings in October. But as Simon Counsell of Rainforest Foundation UK points out, the Bank has consistently ignored the findings of the quasi-independent Inspecition Panel and violated its own "safeguard policies." http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3585.aspx Guilt for the environmental catastrophe in the Strait of Kerch lies with the authorities in Russia and Ukraine, as well as with the companies transporting dangerous cargo http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3572.aspx Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3572.aspx The NGO Forum on ADB, on October 24 and 25, raised several issues with the ADB around the review of its Safeguard Policies. The ADB responded by agreeing to change dates of two regional consultations and to provide Vietnamese and Bahasa translations of the Consultation Draft. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3562.aspx Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:04:31 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3562.aspx As the World Bank launches its latest flagship World Development Report, this year on "Agriculture for Development," the Independent Evaluation Group's report clearly acknowledges that the Bank's engagement with the most important sector in its highest-priority region has largely been a failure. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx Fri, 19 Oct 2007 15:15:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3544.aspx On October 15th, a public hearing on the World Bank will take place in The Hague. The hearing aims to raise the debate on the legitimacy of the World Bank and influence the aid distribution process. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:10:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3529.aspx In its preliminary findings, the first ever Independent People’s Tribunal on the World Bank in India found that the Bank had an undue and disturbingly negative influence in shaping India’s national policies disproportionate to its contribution, financial or otherwise. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Wed, 26 Sep 2007 17:22:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3514.aspx Civil society groups monitoring the Asian Development Bank's "safeguard" policies find that the ADB needs to make substantial improvements to catch up with international standards and peer institutions. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3494.aspx Thu, 20 Sep 2007 16:17:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3494.aspx Four members of the team tasked with revising the ADB project "safeguards" have resigned in protest against management's efforts to dilute the bank's policies on environment, resettlement and indigenous people. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3487.aspx Thu, 13 Sep 2007 17:08:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3487.aspx The Asian Development Bank has completed the consultation process on its draft Energy Strategy. Civil society organizations from throughout the region have called on the ADB to incorporate current international best practices in sector, and at minimum to adopt the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3461.aspx Fri, 17 Aug 2007 11:54:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3461.aspx The first U.S. Social Forum concluded July 1, having drawn over 10,000 activists to Atlanta, Georgia, for five days of talks on social, economic and political issues. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3435.aspx Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:26:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3435.aspx The World Bank is preparing to announce a new $250 million fund aimed at using carbon finance to reduce emissions from deforestation. According to recent news reports, world leaders have encouraged the Bank to move forward with plans to create a Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF), which would leverage private investor money and donor contributions to help countries develop strategies for avoiding forest degradation and secure payment for forest-related emissions reduction, through the creation of tradable carbon credits. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx Thu, 14 Jun 2007 22:12:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3398.aspx The 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 Project affected people and civil society organizations highlight problems with current ADB policies aiming to protect the environment and human rights at a BIC and Oxfam Australia-hosted panel. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3356.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 16:04:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3356.aspx At the 40th Annual Asian Development Bank (ADB) AGMs, CSOs outlined major gaps in existing ADB standards and discussed what the ADB should do to meet and surpass the highest international standards as ADB gears up to revamp its Safeguard Policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3354.aspx Thu, 17 May 2007 12:47:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3354.aspx World Bank Managing Director, Juan Jose Daboub, apparently tried to delete the words "climate change" from the institution's main environmental strategy paper, reports the Financial Times. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3286.aspx Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:01:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3286.aspx The World Bank Group's pledge to reduce greenhouse gases rings hollow as the organization increases assistance for the development of fossil fuels. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3272.aspx Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:44:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3272.aspx The World Bank's Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) has posted draft policies for public comment until April 27, 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3175.aspx Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:30:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3175.aspx The consultations were originally scheduled for March 2007. New consultations are tentatively scheduled for the late second quarter of 2007. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3152.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2007 10:22:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3152.aspx An ADB Safeguard Policy Consultation was scheduled to take place on March 8, 2007, in Hanoi, Vietnam. This has now been postponed and a new date has not been announced. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3139.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2007 17:42:02 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3139.aspx The consultation, whose date is yet to be determined, will collect the opinions of stakeholders from eight countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3122.aspx Wed, 31 Jan 2007 14:01:27 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3122.aspx The upcoming consultation aims to collect the opinions of stakeholders in eight countries. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3121.aspx Wed, 31 Jan 2007 13:43:56 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3121.aspx The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has decided not to fund the largest oil and gas project in the world, Sakhalin II, on Russia’s Far Eastern island after several years of consultations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3091.aspx Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:58:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3091.aspx An NGO letter to the World Bank details urgent concerns regarding the Bujagali hydropower project in Uganda, which is being fast-tracked for development early next year. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3035.aspx Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3035.aspx The World Bank approved $170 million in International Finance Corporation (IFC) financing and $200 million in Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) support for the controversial Botnia pulp mill in Uruguay on Tuesday. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3019.aspx Tue, 21 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3019.aspx BIC and partners challenge World Bank and US Government controversial support of Big Oil in November 14 Financial Times advertisement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3014.aspx Mon, 13 Nov 2006 23:35:29 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3014.aspx Seminars and training sessions will center on the theme of "Better Governance and Improved Institutions". Some of the events open to participants this week and next include panels and workshops on clean energy, climate change, the IFC performance standards and disclosure policy, and on country systems. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3004.aspx Wed, 08 Nov 2006 12:36:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.3004.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 In a recent publication, author Frances Seymour of World Resources Institute contends that the evidence has never been stronger that protecting the environment is not only compatible with the World Bank's development objectives, but that it is in fact essential to achieving them. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2972.aspx Fri, 06 Oct 2006 13:15:49 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2972.aspx In a statement released on the last day of the IPF, the organizers celebrate the success of the event and renew demands for multilateral debt cancellation, transparency and participatory audits of IFI lending and policies, and an end to IFI involvement in privatization of public services and environmentally destructive projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2957.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 23:56:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2957.aspx A new NGO report finds that the World Bank's promise to seriously support alternative enery remains unfullfilled. Released in Singapore during the Bank's annual meeting, the report--How the World Bank's Energy Framework Sells the Climate and Poor People Short--calls on the Bank to step up efforts to meet basic energy needs of the poor, to stop subsidizing northern oil companies, and to redirect existing dirty energy financing to renewable technologies and energy efficiency projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2954.aspx Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:13:37 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2954.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2917.aspx Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:26:57 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2917.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2873.aspx Mon, 10 Jul 2006 17:27:14 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2873.aspx The banks known as the Equator Principles Financial Institutions revised standards intended to ensure that projects financed by the institutions are socially and environmentally responsible. The standards are based on the International Finance Corporation's safeguard policies. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2870.aspx Fri, 07 Jul 2006 14:00:50 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2870.aspx Rumors of the pending reorganization have circulated for months, fueling doubts about the Bank's commitment to sustainable development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2865.aspx Wed, 28 Jun 2006 09:38:46 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2865.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2844.aspx Fri, 16 Jun 2006 08:13:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2844.aspx The World Bank has initiated its review of the 2002 Forest Policy and Strategy and a draft report will be open for public comments in August. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2832.aspx Fri, 09 Jun 2006 10:35:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2832.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2800.aspx Thu, 18 May 2006 15:42:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2800.aspx The Development Committee met during last month's IMF/World Bank 2006 Spring Meetings. Agenda included discussion of clean energy and development, and the Global Monitoring Report 2006: Strengthening Mutual Accountability - Aid, Trade and Governance. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2762.aspx Thu, 04 May 2006 16:46:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2762.aspx In its recently posted audit, the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) found several compliance issues regarding the International Financial Corporation's environmental and social due diligence in considering the Orion-Celulosas de M'Bopicua (CMB) paper mill projects in Uruguay. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2708.aspx Fri, 31 Mar 2006 11:48:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2708.aspx From March 16-22 in Mexico City the World Water Forum brought together representatives from 148 countries, civil society organizations and private sector actors where debate was largely guided by strong opposition to the privatization of water. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2701.aspx Mon, 27 Mar 2006 12:06:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2701.aspx In an open letter to Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Kuroda and the Board of Directors, over forty civil society organizations warned against the approach outlined by the ADB in the review of its Environment, Indigenous Peoples, and Involuntary Resettlement Policies, highlighting the potential for drastically weakened standards of social and environmental protections. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2687.aspx Mon, 20 Mar 2006 11:16:33 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2687.aspx The Compliance-Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) released last week its comments on the January 25th drafts of the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Safeguards policies, which the IFC approved February 21, 2006. Following the IFC’s lead, a collection of private sector financial institutions intends to complete a review of their guiding policies on social and environmental issues, the Equator Principles. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2676.aspx Wed, 15 Mar 2006 14:37:58 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2676.aspx Following the approval of IFC financing for Newmont's Ahafo mine in Ghana, the Bank Information Center, Oxfam-America, FoodFirst Information Action Network, Earthworks, WACAM, and ABRANDH sent a letter to IFC repeating the call for urgent action to be taken on unresolved problems related to the social and environmental impacts of the mine. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2671.aspx Mon, 13 Mar 2006 18:23:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2671.aspx Warning that the International Finance Corporation’s overhaul of its social and environmental standards relies too heavily on promises of good intentions, international civil society organizations have called the IFC’s new approach a risky experiment that could leave the people and environments affected by its projects more vulnerable than they were before.<p/><a href="http://ifis.choike.org/esp/informes/307.html">Also available in Spanish </a> http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2650.aspx Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:23:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2650.aspx The World Bank President met with Mario Tema and Magali Rey Rosa on December 9 http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2540.aspx Thu, 15 Dec 2005 19:23:09 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2540.aspx These comments address transparency and consultation concerns with the draft IFC Disclosure Policy, Social and Environmental Sustainability Policy and Performance Standards. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2501.aspx Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:33:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2501.aspx The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued its much delayed Discussion Note for the Safeguard Policy “Update” it publicly initiated in July 2005. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2481.aspx Fri, 11 Nov 2005 16:34:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2481.aspx ADB requested to move quickly on establishing an independent resettlement monitoring panel. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2407.aspx Thu, 13 Oct 2005 10:07:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2407.aspx The Asian Development Bank acknowledged civil society recommendations for its Safeguard Policies update process and highlighted some important issues for the review. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2365.aspx Fri, 30 Sep 2005 17:00:59 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2365.aspx The release begins a 60-day period in which civil society may make comments before the policies receive final revisions and are sent to the Board for approval in late January. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2357.aspx Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:13:06 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2357.aspx In response to recommendations arising from last July's G8 summit at Gleneagles, the World Bank and the G8 Presidency began work on an investment framework and implementation strategy for clean energy and sustainable development during the 2005 IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2355.aspx Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:38:10 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2355.aspx Independent assessment of Safeguard Policies implementation also recommended. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2241.aspx Mon, 01 Aug 2005 15:07:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2241.aspx Asian Development Bank announces plans to review policies on Involuntary Resettlement, Indigenous Peoples, and Environment. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2234.aspx Mon, 01 Aug 2005 11:46:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2234.aspx Water Law will decentralize control of country’s water resources and allow private sector involvement. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2206.aspx Tue, 19 Jul 2005 14:25:24 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2206.aspx Read about the popular referendum on mining held in the town of Sipacapa, San Marcos, where ore from the Marlin Mine will be cyanide processed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2191.aspx Fri, 01 Jul 2005 10:27:18 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2191.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2168.aspx Tue, 14 Jun 2005 16:13:21 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2168.aspx A new Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO) audit calls for environmental reclassification and better oversight of the International Finance Corporation's (IFC) project. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2145.aspx Mon, 06 Jun 2005 17:02:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2145.aspx The World Bank Board of Directors voted to approve the Revised Draft Operational Policy on Indigenous Peoples (OP 4.10) http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2117.aspx Wed, 18 May 2005 16:12:23 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2117.aspx In 2002 the World Bank adopted a new policy on forests, over objections from civil society and indigenous peoples’ groups. Three years later, as the Bank policy comes up for review, a broad coalition of environmental and indigenous groups have published Broken Promises, an extensive report on the forest policy’s effects on the environment and communities. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2088.aspx Tue, 26 Apr 2005 14:04:22 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2088.aspx The International Finance Corporation (IFC) Safeguard Policy Review is the winner of the 2004 'Award for the Most Flawed Consultation Process' within the World Bank Group, civil society organizations announced. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2086.aspx Fri, 22 Apr 2005 11:39:07 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2086.aspx BIC submits comments on the IFC's Disclosure Policy Framework calling for strengthened disclosure principles, procedures and constraints; increased institutional transparency; and increased investment-specific transparency. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2063.aspx Wed, 06 Apr 2005 12:29:20 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.2063.aspx On March 10, 2005, the Blue Ribbon Panel, a group of international environmental experts convened to review the IDB's environmental policy and make recommendations for sustainability and environmentally conscious development. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1969.aspx Fri, 11 Mar 2005 14:48:08 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1969.aspx The revision only allows stakeholders the “opportunity” to comment on large water projects, while the original policy required that all stakeholders agree on the project's justification. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1943.aspx Fri, 25 Feb 2005 15:50:28 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1943.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1933.aspx Fri, 18 Feb 2005 14:40:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1933.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1908.aspx Fri, 11 Feb 2005 14:47:42 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1908.aspx Several NGOs are demanding changes to the new policy, hoping to set the EBRD on a more sustainable and equitable energy development path. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1886.aspx Fri, 04 Feb 2005 13:38:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1886.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1876.aspx Thu, 27 Jan 2005 10:17:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1876.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1858.aspx Mon, 24 Jan 2005 09:54:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1858.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1855.aspx Mon, 03 Jan 2005 15:58:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1855.aspx Assures CSOs the opportunity to comment, but did not provide any timeline. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1850.aspx Fri, 17 Dec 2004 17:07:25 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1850.aspx Twelve Indian organizations reject the World Bank's proposal to use less rigorous national laws and policies to govern its projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1845.aspx Tue, 14 Dec 2004 13:39:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1845.aspx Once approved by the Board, Operational Policy 4.10 will replace the existing Operational Directive 4.20 on Indigenous Peoples. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1799.aspx Mon, 06 Dec 2004 16:01:35 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1799.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1776.aspx Thu, 02 Dec 2004 10:25:05 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1776.aspx Indigenous people present a declaration (in Spanish) to the IDB regarding the formulation of its indigenous peoples policy and strategic framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1647.aspx Tue, 12 Oct 2004 15:09:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1647.aspx In response to a rapid and substandard policy consultation process, 26 NGOs declined to participate in the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) civil society meeting in Washington DC. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1640.aspx Wed, 06 Oct 2004 10:07:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1640.aspx A September 9 letter signed by 76 civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) urges the IFC to protect communities that may be exposed to pollutants due to IFC-financed projects. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1628.aspx Thu, 16 Sep 2004 14:42:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1628.aspx This policy update introduces the ongoing policy reviews at the IFC, outlines the review process, and provides useful links to background documents. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1619.aspx Tue, 07 Sep 2004 17:28:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1619.aspx Indian Law Resource Center submits "Ten Critical Points" on the IDB Policy Profile. Calls for fairness in consultations. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1582.aspx Wed, 18 Aug 2004 16:55:44 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1582.aspx On July 6, 140 NGOs endorsed a letter to the IFC regarding the reviews of its environmental and social policies and standards. The IFC responds ... http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1561.aspx Mon, 09 Aug 2004 12:38:52 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1561.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1529.aspx Thu, 22 Jul 2004 14:10:41 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1529.aspx In a letter sent to the IFC, civil society groups are calling for a greater focus on human rights and transparency as the IFC begins to draft its safeguard and disclosure policy approach papers this month. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1523.aspx Thu, 15 Jul 2004 17:25:00 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1523.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1495.aspx Mon, 28 Jun 2004 10:59:38 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1495.aspx Update includes final draft Indigenous Peoples Policy, indigenous concerns about a hastily planned WB legal roundtable, and information about a planned briefing for the Board on Free Prior and Informed Consent http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1474.aspx Tue, 22 Jun 2004 09:51:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1474.aspx New developments in the World Bank’s safeguard policies review indicates more reliance on country systems rather than Bank policy. This represents a profound shift in the development assistance framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1476.aspx Thu, 10 Jun 2004 13:24:47 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1476.aspx Indigenous representatives from the Americas met with President Iglesias on April 27 to discuss proposed consultations on an Indigenous Peoples Policy and Framework. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1441.aspx Mon, 03 May 2004 15:03:17 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1441.aspx The IFC has released the Terms of Reference for the PPAH review, laying out a rough timeline for the two-year project and identifying key areas that need to be addressed. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1399.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 18:34:03 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1399.aspx Representatives from Amazon Alliance and other indigenous organizations presented a letter to IDB management proposing specific minimum steps necessary for a successful policy consultation. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1394.aspx Tue, 13 Apr 2004 12:13:54 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1394.aspx Indigenous Peoples Policy Profile mentions many of the key points indigenous peoples have been asking for. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1345.aspx Mon, 08 Mar 2004 12:09:32 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1345.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1224.aspx Wed, 04 Feb 2004 17:21:36 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1224.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1262.aspx Mon, 02 Feb 2004 12:18:55 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1262.aspx http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1225.aspx Thu, 29 Jan 2004 18:04:30 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1225.aspx In February 2004 the IDB is set to begin consultations of a draft indigenous policy together with an indigenous peoples framework. This is the direct result of pressure from indigenous communities who insist on a strong instrument to protect their rights in the face of an increase in the infrastructure portfolio at the IDB. http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1203.aspx Fri, 23 Jan 2004 20:28:04 GMT http://www.bicusa.org/en/Article.1203.aspx