ReportAlert.info - Inter-American Development Bank Publishes Sustainability Report 2013

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has issued its annual Sustainability Report, a detailed overview of its progress investing in and safeguarding environmental and social sustainability in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). The IDB is the main source of multilateral financing for the region.

In 2013, IDB committed US$2.8 billion for projects that address climate change, sustainable energy and environmental sustainability. That number accounts for 20 percent of the Bank’s overall lending last year, and puts the Bank on target to meet its goal of 25 percent by 2015.

The report provides data and context on the IDB’s efforts to invest in and safeguard sustainability by integrating environmental and social considerations throughout its project portfolio. For example, of projects with high environmental and social risks, 87 percent rated satisfactory in the implementation of safeguard measures in 2013, exceeding the Bank’s goal of 85 percent by 2015.

Additionally, the report examines the challenges of the rapid urbanization of the LAC region and the Bank’s strategies to address them, including a newly approved Infrastructure Strategy and advances in its Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative. A sustainable and efficient infrastructure—the buildings, roads and services necessary for a modern society to operate smoothly—is essential for improving the quality of life for people in the region.

The report also features the accomplishments of the region’s people and environment. The case study of Mar del Plata, Argentina, shows the value of environmentally and socially inclusive infrastructure planning. In Brazil, the people of Serra do Mar offer an inspiring look at how community spirit and participation have improved lives and the outcome of a project to restore the natural environment.

Contact us for more information, or visit us online: sustain@iadb.org, www.iadb.org/sustainability