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
Environmental and Social Safeguards
A “handle with care” approach for protecting the environment
The term “white glove” can be commonly associated with providing meticulous and delicate attention to a service provided, and to “handle with care”. On this World Environment Day, we’d like to share a new approach that takes this concept and applies it to our natural world. After all, we only have one Earth and its natural habitat should be treated with care to ensure there is … [Read more...] about A “handle with care” approach for protecting the environment
An essential script for environmental and social impact assessments
When I was young I wanted to be a movie scriptwriter. I ended up being just a sociologist, but I still remember something I read back then about how a good script sequence should look like. For example, in the classic “boy meets girl” plot, first the central characters are presented, then they meet; then something happens to them –they may fight and later reconcile, or … [Read more...] about An essential script for environmental and social impact assessments
Why restoring native forests in Haiti will jumpstart its development
In my travels around Haiti, by foot, car, tap-tap, moto-taxi and airplane over the past several years, I’ve witnessed the evident lack of forest cover on the hillsides. Small wonder that every year the rains bring flooding to the lowlands and loss of life, homes and crops. But these tragedies are further exacerbated because, in the absence of forest cover, hillsides are unable … [Read more...] about Why restoring native forests in Haiti will jumpstart its development
A virtual learning tool to better evaluate development projects (and protect the environment)
Environmental Impact Assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and mitigating the environmental and social effects of development projects. Through this process, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and its borrowing countries can ensure that environmental considerations are addressed and incorporated into decision-making processes and can anticipate, avoid, … [Read more...] about A virtual learning tool to better evaluate development projects (and protect the environment)