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
Environmental and Social Safeguards
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)
Using satellites for sustainable development: case studies with the European Space Agency
Sustainable natural resource use lies at the heart of economic and social development and is a critical factor in poverty reduction. However, long term data sets for understanding natural resource availability and monitoring change do not exist, particularly in countries with the most need for this information. In addition, monitoring networks are often sparse and poorly … [Read more...] about Using satellites for sustainable development: case studies with the European Space Agency
On Earth Day: A Global Day of Conversation (and Consultations)
Earth Day is celebrated annually to demonstrate support to environmental protection. Last year on Earth Day, several countries pledged to ratify the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which entered into force on November 4, 2016. This year, Earth Day (hosted by the Earth Day Network) is focusing on Environmental and Climate Literacy, a prerequisite for advancing … [Read more...] about On Earth Day: A Global Day of Conversation (and Consultations)