ReportAlert.info - Inter-American Development Bank Publishes Sustainability Report 2011

(3BL Media) March 19, 2012 - The Sustainability Report contains information on IDB’s contributions to sustainability during 2011. It also provides insights into key development trends and sustainability dimensions in Latin America and the Caribbean. This year, the report focuses on sustainability and agriculture in the region.

Meeting growing global demands for food and other agricultural products is an important economic opportunity for Latin America and the Caribbean. Yet the critical long-term environmental and social challenges this presents in today’s rapidly changing world include impacts on ecosystem services, greater vulnerability of rural communities, land use changes, and increased climate change impacts. Part I presents leading-edge thinking on food security, climate change, land use change, and ecosystem services. One clear message comes through: solutions to today’s pressing problems must come from an integrated understanding that incorporates changes in water, environment, climate, productivity, and sociopolitical systems.   Part II provides an overview of the Bank’s success in integrating sustainability into its operations. It details sustainability policies and procedures, tools, as well as sustainability investment highlights, particularly the Bank’s work to address biodiversity loss, food security, and climate change. Case studies show clear links between the issues discussed in Part I and the work that the Bank is doing. Part II also provides quantitative information on environmental and social safeguard issues within IDB investments. Advances in 2011 include:   • Increasing our sustainability investments. • Decreasing the GHG emissions in our portfolio. • Monitoring environmental and social safeguard performance. • Contributing to regional development goals.   Part III provides an overview of the Bank’s in-house sustainability performance.   The IDB is the main source of multilateral financing for Latin America and the Caribbean.    To provide feedback or request a printed copy, email sustain@iadb.org.