When we think of health and education, we envision the well being of human beings, as these are essential elements for all of us to live a full life and reach our potential, both as individuals and as members of society. At the Inter-American Development Bank, projects in these sectors are usually classified as “low safeguard risk,” since their environmental impacts are often … [Read more...] about Are health and education projects truly “low risk” for indigenous communities?
Environmental and Social Safeguards
Forget the smell and let’s compost!
During my work trips to Latin America and the Caribbean as an Environmental Specialist for the Bank, I discuss the importance of safeguards and sustainability with our clients and stakeholders. In that context I try to encourage innovative solutions to protect the environment, solutions that go beyond the minimum requirements. After working in solid waste management projects … [Read more...] about Forget the smell and let’s compost!
“I’m not Indigenous!” Identity and Exclusion in Indigenous Development
Rural villages such as the ones located in the Andean mountains of southern Peru present an interesting dilemma. For an external observer, there is usually little doubt that people from these villages should be considered as indigenous: they are the descendants of pre-colonial societies, speak an ancestral native language (Quechua), and have worldviews, social norms, economic … [Read more...] about “I’m not Indigenous!” Identity and Exclusion in Indigenous Development
Part II: Safeguard Considerations in the Use of Cash Compensation in Resettlement Processes
In Part I of this blog (The Allure of Cash Compensation in Resettlement Processes), last week I told the story of Fernando, a man forced to leave his home as a result of a new hydropower project, who received a large sum of cash as compensation but ultimately ended up in financial ruin. Accordingly, I would like to return to the question: if resettlement cannot be avoided, is … [Read more...] about Part II: Safeguard Considerations in the Use of Cash Compensation in Resettlement Processes
Part I: The Allure of Cash Compensation in Resettlement Processes
Fernando was excited about a large amount of money he had just received. The money came from a public energy agency as compensation for the loss of his house and the source of his livelihood. He used to live and work by a nearby river, panning for gold on the riverbanks, until he was informed that he needed to vacate the area. A new hydropower plant was going to be built … [Read more...] about Part I: The Allure of Cash Compensation in Resettlement Processes