Environmental and Social Safeguards

Every year on April 22 we celebrate Earth Day in support of environmental protection. Millions of people will gather in various events all over the world to advocate for protecting our world’s natural resources. One way in which we at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) help champion this global effort is by ensuring that our projects meet our environmental and social … [Read more...] about Gardening and restoring livelihoods at 13,000 feet above sea level

In Latin America, like the rest of the world, both nature assets and infrastructure are vulnerable to natural hazards and climate change effects. Therefore, all economic sectors face risks. Additionally, the different organizations in charge of promoting sustainable development are frequently constrained in their ability to get more political and financial support to ensure … [Read more...] about Sharing and listening to strengthen environmental permitting and compliance in Latin America

While much of Latin American is at peace, parts of Central and South America have had to cope with internal conflicts, including in the second half of the last century. Countries such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, and Peru, have experienced civil wars and other internal conflicts that had severe impacts on the local populations. Evidence shows that vulnerable … [Read more...] about In post-conflict regions, a careful and tailored approach for developing sustainable projects

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?

#Metoo isn’t just about sexual harassment and violence, although that was the catalyst for the movement. In a deeper way, #Metoo is about women and girls finding their voice to talk openly about their reality and their experiences, overcoming the fear of being shamed or blamed for the things that happened to us. Actual violence and the threat of violence still prevents … [Read more...] about #metoo, and ten ways to make it safe for women to speak in public consultations