At the IDB we set ourselves the complex task of not only achieving a common agreement on what sustainable infrastructure entails, but making it a top development priority in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB’s Sustainable Infrastructure Strategy states that our efforts must be focused on providing inclusive public services through infrastructure that is socially, … [Read more...] about Sustainable Infrastructure: Lessons Learned, but what Next? (Hint: It has to do with Planning)
Environmental and Social Safeguards
Earth Day Reflections: “Getting Big Stuff Done” on our CSR Journey
This year’s Earth Day tagline grabbed my attention: “Let’s get really big stuff done for our planet.” It got me thinking how much the movement has grown over the last decade and how every person and every institution, however small, can play its role in something so big as saving the world! Over the past decade we have witnessed a strong tendency in developed countries, and … [Read more...] about Earth Day Reflections: “Getting Big Stuff Done” on our CSR Journey
Sustainability and Safeguards have come a long way in 10 years …
When I joined the Bank more than 10 years ago, we had an aging Environmental Policy from 1979 (albeit a leader in its day), and terms like safeguards, sustainability, climate change, natural capital, and sustainable infrastructure were simply not part of the lexicon. But before you are too hard on us, put the world and life of 2005 into perspective: You didn’t have an iPhone, … [Read more...] about Sustainability and Safeguards have come a long way in 10 years …
Can Bug Juice and Geothermal Energy Help Protect Costa Rica’s Dry Forests?
To make bug juice, use the following ingredients: one hundred (100) insect traps millions (1,000,000+) of insects one (1) high-speed blender Blend vigorously. Place the resulting bug juice into a DNA sequencer, and press “go.” The results should show the degree of genetic differentiation among all of the insects captured. I’m not making this up – this is a real … [Read more...] about Can Bug Juice and Geothermal Energy Help Protect Costa Rica’s Dry Forests?
Three effective ways to increase women participation in construction works
In spite of advancement in women’s participation in many sectors, globally “the share of women in construction industry has remained shockingly low for decades -– under 3 percent”[1]. Women are considered to be disruptive to an “all-male” workforce and have to confront cultural stereotypes, sexual harassment, and life –balance challenges. However, with a large portion of … [Read more...] about Three effective ways to increase women participation in construction works