The proposed location of a hydroelectric and water supply project for Tunari National Park, in the city of Cochabamba in Bolivia, had the potential to damage nearby wetlands and destroy a remnant of Polylepis forest, the highest elevation forest in the world, that is threatened throughout the Andes. The area is also home to the endangered Cochabamba mountain finch (Poospiza … [Read more...] about Good vs bad biodiversity management, can you tell which is which?
Rachel Atkinson
Rachel Atkinson has worked for over 15 years in on the management and conservation of biodiversity, mostly in Latin America, and has a doctorate in a related field. She created the content for the BEIA course in both Spanish and English while working for the IDB’s Environmental and Social Safeguards Unit (ESG). She is currently based in Lima working with Biodiversity International on sustainable forestry and agriculture.
A tool for achieving sustainable water use
Water is a shared resource; the quality and quantity of water available to each stakeholder depends on how others use it. Water is essential for life and much more - rivers, lakes, floodplains and coastal areas provide flood protection, energy, navigation routes, recreational sites, building materials and food. A shared and essential resource should be used carefully, but … [Read more...] about A tool for achieving sustainable water use
Are Invasive Species as evil as we make them out to be?
IDB has a clear policy against supporting projects that may introduce invasive species. While on its face this is a logical, clear-cut policy, it can become complex upon implementation. What exactly are invasive species, and how can the Bank follow both the spirit and letter of this policy? An invasive species is defined as any species that causes problems for the … [Read more...] about Are Invasive Species as evil as we make them out to be?
Translocation: To move or not to move
New infrastructure often requires space, and many development projects have to destroy or modify habitats in order to make that space. Even with the most careful planning, the reality is that trees may need to be bulldozed and wildlife may be killed. To avoid this, it is a common practice to move- or translocate- plants and animals out of harm’s way, and re-plant or release … [Read more...] about Translocation: To move or not to move