We all agree that we want quality infrastructure, because we know that quality reduces project risks, increases availability and durability over a project’s lifecycle, improves customer experience and as such makes the infrastructure worth the investment. But how can we ensure quality? The IDB –as well as other development banks– uses a suite of safeguard policies to ensure … [Read more...] about Three ways to improve the quality of infrastructure investments
Back to the Mangroves – Wetlands and climate change
It had been a while since I had really crawled around in a mangrove wetland. Once you have climbed over the roots of a red mangrove, seen the pneumatophores (the roots that stick out of the ground like breathing tubes) of white mangrove, spotted blue crabs in abundance scurrying back into their holes to avoid capture, or taken in the “sweet” aroma of decaying organic … [Read more...] about Back to the Mangroves – Wetlands and climate change
Four Things We’ve Learned about Environmental Governance in the Caribbean
The IDB has made a strong commitment to strengthening and using country systems for both fiduciary and non-fiduciary aspects of Bank loans. While notable progress has been made in the former, the latter, which include national systems for development effectiveness and environmental and social safeguards, require different approaches. Notably, and recognizing the diversity of … [Read more...] about Four Things We’ve Learned about Environmental Governance in the Caribbean
Infrastructure and Biodiversity in the Guiana Shield
"Aerial view from rain forest" - © COPYRIGHT: Pete Oxford Photography How can we promote sustainable infrastructure? Infrastructure it’s just not a matter of building more, it’s a matter of enhancing competitiveness for economic growth and delivering much needed energy, water and sanitation, transport and communication services to growing cities. How that infrastructure … [Read more...] about Infrastructure and Biodiversity in the Guiana Shield
Food Loss and Waste and their Negative Impact on the Environment
Food loss and waste negatively impact the environment. Much food is lost or wasted throughout the food supply chain, from agricultural production until final household consumption. In developing countries the greatest food loss takes place during the initial phases of the food supply chain, mainly due to technical, storage, refrigeration and transportation management … [Read more...] about Food Loss and Waste and their Negative Impact on the Environment