After decades of planning and construction, SIEPAC (The Central American Electrical Interconnection System) was finally completed in 2014. It took longer than expected to come to life but on many levels, the 1,800km transmission line represented a boost for the region. It improved electrical markets and provided electricity and telecommunications for millions of residents … [Read more...] about Can Mega-Infrastructure Energy Projects be Done Right?
How a High Risk Project in Bolivia Found a Pathway to Success and Sustainability
The project has a lot going for it. In El Alto, Bolivia, IDB has provided a financial package of US$109 million to help bring drinking water to residents while at the same time improve irrigation for 7,000 farmers. Once complete, the integrated watershed will benefit over 260,000 people over the coming 10 years – about 10,000 in remote communities and the remainder in El Alto … [Read more...] about How a High Risk Project in Bolivia Found a Pathway to Success and Sustainability
Costa Rica has implemented a river offset. How does it work?
With International Migratory Fish Day (yes, there is such a day, in case you don’t know) just around the corner, I’d like to share the experience of how Costa Rica, with the IDB’s help, has successfully implemented its first river offset in Central America’s largest hydroelectric project. The Reventazón Hydroelectric Project (PHR) built by the state-run Instituto de … [Read more...] about Costa Rica has implemented a river offset. How does it work?
Four Natural Treasures in Latin America and the Caribbean that Need Your Help!
Hidden in the rainforests, deserts, and mountains of Latin America and the Caribbean lay the keys to reversing the impact of global climate change. The region claims the world’s largest single-source of oxygen, most diverse species of flora and fauna, and several Natural Wonders of the World that need our help. The next great challenge for our generation is to join together … [Read more...] about Four Natural Treasures in Latin America and the Caribbean that Need Your Help!
Making Biodiversity Part of Our Menu
Although the idea of living in a sustainable world is an appealing thought for most of us, it also presents us with difficult choices that directly affect our daily living. One of these very important lifestyle decisions is what we eat. In this blog post we discuss how food is linked to biodiversity, and as a result, how our food choices influence global biodiversity. Food … [Read more...] about Making Biodiversity Part of Our Menu