Environmental and Social Safeguards

Improving Lives is a slogan commonly used by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to underscore that the work of the different parties involved in projects receiving financing can change (for the better) the lives of people living in our Latin American and Caribbean nations. I am convinced that this is true. How can we improve lives? How can we create better projects? … [Read more...] about On the other side of the table: safeguards seen from the executor’s viewpoint

Road transportation plays a pivotal role in Nicaragua’s economic development. The competitiveness of its industry, agriculture and trade is closely linked to the efficacy and efficiency of the transportation operation. In order to support this sector, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has implemented the Transport Sector Support Program (PAST, after its Spanish … [Read more...] about Climate risk studies help strengthen Nicaragua’s road network

The imposing Buenos Aires is a metropolis full of contrasts. Its mix of urban design elements includes magnificent buildings with unique facades built in the early 20th Century. Its metro railway system (the first in Latin America) and state-of-the-art construction in the Puerto Madero feature the latest trends in modern architecture. And within this massive metropolis, right … [Read more...] about How a district in Argentina is implementing good environmental and social practices

Human activities are the major reason for the rise in greenhouse gas emissions and changes in the global climate system, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). There is also evidence from all continents and oceans  that regional climate change is affecting many natural systems. The IPCC stresses the fact that small islands and coastal nations are … [Read more...] about Climate risk studies: a shield of resilience for development projects

Is it possible to achieve a no net loss, or even a net gain of biodiversity while maintaining economic growth? Biodiversity offsets can help achieve such a pressing goal. This emerging conservation strategy consists of actions that compensate for significant residual impacts arising from project development after prevention, minimization, and mitigation measures have been … [Read more...] about The boom of biodiversity offsets: innovative mechanisms for maintaining healthy ecosystems