By: Paloma Cotrina – Amazon Program
The influence of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Latin America and the Caribbean has been strategic for the implementation of infrastructure development projects, as well as in supporting policies, plans, and programs. In the last 5 years, 497 projects focused on reforms and modernization of the State have been implemented, for an amount of US $ 60,135.74 million[i].
In this way, the IDB is one of the main sources of financing in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its participation contributed considerably to combat the health and social crisis generated by the pandemic, since it has disbursed US $ 16.88 billion in 274 projects in the region, which will benefit the public and private sectors, with institutions and health being the main priority sectors. . As for Peru, it has received financing to implement 13 projects in the framework of the pandemic, obtaining an amount that amounts to US $ 815 million.
Along these lines, the IDB has also been playing an important role in the implementation of projects that are carried out within the framework of international treaties, such as the Leticia Pact for the Amazon. This pact was signed in 2019 by our country in conjunction with Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana and Suriname as a result of the Presidential Summit convened by Colombia and Peru in light of the serious environmental situation caused by the fires that occurred in the Amazon region in August. of the same year. Thus, it seeks to strengthen the fight against deforestation and establish mechanisms to confront the transnational criminal gangs that devastate the Amazon rainforest.[ii].
By agreement of the countries, the IDB is the main financier of the projects carried out in the Amazonian countries since it formulates, implements and administers the Financing Initiative for Sustainable Development and Bioeconomy for the Amazon and its financial instrument, the Multi-donor Fund.
It should be noted that the member countries indicate that they seek to promote sustainable development projects, promoting conservation and adopting crime prevention measures in the Amazon. However, the Pact has not been prepared taking into account the participation of indigenous peoples, who inhabit and protect the Amazon, so it is not a guarantee for the respect of indigenous rights and does not reflect the current situation of the Amazon.
For all these reasons, from its position as the main financier, the IDB must propose and promote that within the framework of the Pact, indigenous communities, the scientific community and civil society are taken into account, through participation spaces for decision-making and construction of joint processes. In addition, it must supervise the correct application of its environmental and social safeguards, especially those referring to indigenous peoples. Otherwise, projects that violate human rights will continue to be carried out.
Finally, we must remember that the protection, conservation and defense of the Amazon is in our hands. It is up to us to encourage our authorities to comply with national and international legislation and implement good practices to achieve sustainable development actions that are favorable for all sectors.
[i] Inter-American Development Bank. IDB projects. Available at: https://www.iadb.org/es/proyectos
[ii] Law, Environment and Natural Resources (2021). Informative Document of Civil Society on the Leticia Pact for the Amazon.
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