The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) defines the term “Safeguards” as a “set of policies to ensure protection against environmental and social harm, improve development value for stakeholders, and enable countries and clients to meet best international practices.” In relation to sustainability, the purpose of implementing safeguards is to develop projects that maximize … [Read more...] about Part I: Why are safeguards important for sustainable growth?
How is an urban development project safeguarding a World Heritage Site in Suriname?
Preserving Suriname’s “Outstanding Universal Value” Last year when I went to Suriname for the first time ever, even the worldliest among my friends and family struggled to put the small former Dutch colony on a map. Suriname, along with Guyana to its West and French Guiana to its East, make up the “Guianas” a geographic region in north-eastern South America, considered … [Read more...] about How is an urban development project safeguarding a World Heritage Site in Suriname?
This flood was a disaster!
This is the standard phase we hear or say after seeing the results of a river’s strong swell. Floods that affect cities, forcing thousands of families out of their homes, floods in which they lose the majority of their belongings, floods in which economic activity is suspended and, as a result, income is diminished: These effects all form part of the dynamic of ecosystems, and … [Read more...] about This flood was a disaster!
Climate change is one of the world’s greatest risks
Climate change ranks among the world’s greatest risks. A growing number of leaders and financial institutions are calling for action to reduce the impact of climate change on economic and financial stability by mainstreaming climate risk into investment decision making processes. The World Economic Forum’s 2017 Global Risks Report ranks environment-related risks including … [Read more...] about Climate change is one of the world’s greatest risks
Simple as 1, 2, 3 performance indicators to improve operations
There are several tools available to manage environmental and social impacts and risks in projects. These tools include Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, Environmental and Social Management Frameworks, Environmental and Social Management Systems and Risk-based Assessments. What do all of those tools have in common? They define specific indicators to track and manage … [Read more...] about Simple as 1, 2, 3 performance indicators to improve operations