Contacts:
In Washington: Stevan Jackson (202) 458-5054
sjackson@worldbank.org
Patricia da Camara (202) 473-4019
pdacamara@worldbank.org WASHINGTON, June 7, 2007 — The World Bank’s Board of Directors today approved a US$200 million loan to Colombia in order to integrate the principles of sustainable development into country policies and programs, which seek to protect the poor from the impacts of environmental degradation, particularly in terms of health and productivity. “We are honored to continue supporting the Government of Colombia’s efforts to ensure environmental sustainability,” said Miguel Lopez-Bakovic, World Bank Country Manager for Colombia. “This program is key because besides its emphasis on improved environmental management, it has clear poverty and inequality implications, given that environmental degradation disproportionately affects the poor and most vulnerable populations.” The Second Programmatic Development Policy Loan for Sustainable Development is part of a three-phase program that will support Colombia’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), particularly the goal that seeks to ensure environmental sustainability. The program will do so by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the National Environmental System (Sistema Nacional Ambiental, SINA), and integrating principles of sustainable development into key sectors, with a particular emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable groups. Specifically, the loan will support the following activities: - Developing a results-based framework for planning and monitoring progress of SINA towards goals directly linked with sustainable development and achievement of the MDGs, which include halving the proportion of people without access to drinking water and basic sanitation, among others.
- Improving inter-institutional coordination and increased public participation in environmental decision-making through changes in the existing Technical Advisory Council.
- Preparing critical policies and regulations related to air quality, water quality, solid waste management, and environmental licensing.
“Improvements in air quality, water quality, and hygiene will address the principal health threats to children under five, such as respiratory illnesses and diarrheal diseases,” said Juan Carlos Belausteguigoitia, World Bank task manager for the project. “The program will also increase accountability and transparency by strengthening SINA and the coordination among government units, and enhancing public participation in decision-making.” The first Programmatic Development Policy Loan for Sustainable Development (supported by a World Bank US$150 million loan and completed in 2006) supported initial steps in the government’s sustainable development program. Some of the activities completed by the government include: (i) establishing a baseline to monitor six sustainable development objectives linked to the MDGs; (ii) approving a package of reforms to improve administration, planning, and management of water resources; (iii) implementing a technical assistance program to close at least 75 open dumps (to date more than 200 have been closed); (iv) establishing a protocol for air quality monitoring; and (v) developing an emissions inventory protocol. The new US$200 million, fixed spread loan is repayable in 16.5 years, including a 5.5-year grace period. ### For more information about the Second Programmatic Development Policy Loan for Sustainable Development, please visit: http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P095877 For more information about the World Bank’s work in Colombia, please visit: http://www.worldbank.org/co |
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