World Bank - Latin America and the Caribbean

Contacts: In Santo Domingo: Alejandra De La Paz (809) 566-6815 adelapaz@worldbank.org   In Washington: Gabriela Aguilar (202) 473-6768 gaguilar2@worldbank.org     WASHINGTON, 17 September 2009   –The World Bank Board of Directors approved today US$30.5 million for the Second Phase of the Health Sector Reform Project (PARSS2), and US$10 million additional financing for the existing Social Protection Project, for a total of US$40.5 million.   Through the new loan of US$30.5 million for the second phase of the Health Sector Reform Project (PARSS2), the World Bank joins the efforts with the Dominican Government to improve the quality of basic services, with emphasis on the lower income population, the quality of public expenditures and the capacity of health care workers to respond to medical care emergencies.   The PARSS2 is the second in a series of three projects that the World Bank will finance for the health sector, the first phase of which ends in December of this year. PARSS2, which is the second phase, aims to improve basic health services and will introduce new mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the progress made toward the project’s goals.   PARSS2, which will last for five years, supports national health sector strategies lead by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (Secretaría de Estado de Salud Pública y Asistencia Social - SESPAS), and National Health Insurance (Seguro Nacional de Salud - SENASA), along with other institutions of the sector.   The new project also aims to improve the transparency and accountability of the sector and promotes greater efficiency in the management of public expenditures in health.   “Through these new operations the World Bank will continue to support the government’s efforts to improve coverage, selection, and concentration   of the social protection public programs, which aim to provide a more inclusive, efficient and transparent system for all Dominicans, and, in particular for the poorest,” said Roby Senderowitsh, World Bank Country Manager for the Dominican Republic. PARSS2 will enhance the D.R.’s capacity to respond to national emergencies and consolidate strategic purchases of health services and materials, especially those which aim to improve access to essential medication and basic health care. The new project will rely on the active participation of SESPAS, SENASA, the Program for Essential Medication/Logistical Support Center ( Programa de Medicamentos Esenciales/Central de Apoyo Logístico - PROMESE/CAL) and the Executive Commission for the Reform of the Health Sector. The project will also include the creation of a unit for implementation of projects in SESPAS. New financing provides additional support for poverty reduction     On the other hand, the Additional Financing for the Social Protection Project in the amount of   US$10 million is part of the Government’s efforts to reduce poverty and attain a higher degree of social equality. The original project approved by the Board of Directors in August 2007 in the amount US$19.4 million, , and approved by the Dominican Congress in November 2008, will continue its objective of improving coverage, concentration, selection and effectiveness of the social protection programs by the Dominican Government. This objective is met via the provision of identity documents for poor Dominicans, the institutional strengthening of the mechanisms for concentration, and the improvement of the monitoring and evaluation of the social programs.   The entity responsible for the coordination and execution of the Social Protection Project, which includes this Additional Financing, is the Cabinet for the Coordination of social Policies of the Dominican Republic (Social Cabinet) under the Vice-Presidency of the Republic.   Prepared in close collaboration with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the additional financing will be utilized by the Social Cabinet for the expansion of activities already considered, such as: Ÿ Carrying out a new census in order to update the data base of the System for Information and Sole Registration of Beneficiaries (Sistema de Información y Registro Único de Beneficiarios - SIUBEN) Ÿ Digitalizing and updating the poverty map of 13 areas of the country Ÿ Contracting qualified personnel for the process of providing national identity documents. Further, the new amount will include new activities towards institutional strengthening and the re-design of the Cash Conditional Transfers Program   Solidaridad – which had not been included in the initial Loan for the project. Begun by the Government at the beginning of 2009, the re-design of the Cash Conditional Transfers Program Solidaridad targets improvements in different spheres, including, among others: greater emphasis on investments in health, nutrition and education for poor homes; better coordination with the services of Health and Education at a national and local levels; greater quality of service to beneficiaries; greater efficiency via the de-concentration of the Program at the local level; and greater impact capacity. Specifically, the Additional Financing of the World Bank would respond to this recent re-structuring with three principal axes. First, it will support enhancing the capacity and performance of the Solidaridad, Education and Health Services technical personnel, with the new operation rules for the Program. Second, it will support the development of an integral system of Monitoring and Evaluation, which will strengthen the capacity of the program to identify and resolve bottlenecks in the system and to improve the governance of the Program. Finally it will support the development of mechanisms to strengthen the participation of the beneficiaries and the social keeping of accounts in the Program with the objective of improving transparency and accountability in the Program.   These initiatives will also produce synergy with the Health Program since an improved system of identity and registration of citizens will be utilized by the National Health Insurance (Seguro Nacional de Salud - SENASA) to determine optimally who in the population are eligible for the subsidized system.   As with other loans for the country, the Health Reform Project (PARSS2) as well as the Additional Financing for Social Protection will have to be ratified by both chambers of the National Congress as a prerequisite to become effective. Both operations are national in scope and are in line with the new Country Partnership Assistance of the World Bank with the Dominican Republic 2010-2013 which was also approved today by the World Bank Board of Directors.     For more information on the operations of the World Bank in the Dominican Republic, please visit on the la Web:  www.worldbank.org/do   -###-

Contacts: In Santo Domingo: Alejandra De La Paz (809) 566-6815 adelapaz@worldbank.org   In Washington: Gabriela Aguilar (202) 473-6768 gaguilar2@worldbank.org     WASHINGTON,   17 September 2009 — The new Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) with the Dominican Republic   2010-2013, was presented today to t he World Bank Board of Directors and it earmarks possible financial support of up to US$500 million for the country during the next four years.   “The Government, by way of the World Bank’s cooperation, will continue its efforts to strengthen public institutions, eliminate obstacles to decrease the costs and the time frames for doing business, and promote growth of the economy and competitiveness,” said Temístocles Montás, Minister of the Economy, Planning and Development, and World Bank Governor for the country. This new Partnership Strategy with the Dominican Republic is aligned with the objectives of the National Development Strategy recently defined by the Dominican Government particularly with regard to reducing the country’s vulnerability to external factors and to obtain tangible results which benefit all Dominicans. "The new strategy will give special emphasis to protecting the poor while enhancing competitiveness and strengthening public institutions for performance accountability in the country," stated Yvonne Tsikata, World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean Region. The World Bank carried out four consultations with over 200 members of civil society and the private sector in the Southern, Northern and Eastern zones and in Santo Domingo, and maintains close coordination with other international development agencies in order to ensure the new strategic alliance also includes the views of key stakeholders from various parts of society.   “The World Bank Strategy with the Dominican Republic has innovative elements which support an agenda of reforms necessary for the country, while it contributes to strengthening the necessary capacities in public institutions,” emphasized  Roby Senderowitsch, Country Manager of the World Bank in the Dominica Republic. “The strategy favors the actions of non lending technical assistance, the work of the Congress, civil society and the private sector. Further, it establishes as a priority the work carried out jointly with other international development agencies operating in the Dominican Republic,” adds  Senderowitsch. The strategy assesses the challenges the country faces as a result of the global economic financial crisis and their potential impact, making efficient management of public expenditures necessary to combat the high levels of poverty and inequality in the country.   It also examines the capacity to implement counter-cyclical social policies; and the need to improve the energy sector performance, as well as the country competitiveness and the impact that climate change will have on tourism as a sector. The strategy has the following four strategic objectives:   • Strengthen social cohesion and improve access to and quality of social services. • Promote competitiveness in a sustainable and resilient economic environment. • Enhance quality of public expenditures and institutional development; and • Build capacity and constituencies for reform. The strategy presented today will place special emphasis on protecting the most vulnerable and will enhance competitiveness. It will also strengthen the mechanisms for accountability in the Dominican

WASHINGTON, September 17, 2009   - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:   Dominican Republic: Social Protection Investment Project   IBRD Loan : US$10 million Terms:   Flexible Loan with fixed spread payable in 20.5 years  Project ID:   P116369   Project Description: The Social Protection Investment Project in the Dominican Republic will help finance the costs associated with a scaling-up of existing project activities, specifically the institutional restructuring of the conditional cash transfers program (CCT) solidaridad. The additional funding will also finance the contracting of paralegal staff to assist poor Dominican households to obtain their national identity documents and the updating of the targeting instrument Sistema Unico de Beneficiarios (SIUBEN).   Media Contact Gabriela Aguilar (202) 473-6768 gaguilar2@worldbank.org   For more project information, please visit:   http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P116369  

WASHINGTON, September 17, 2009   - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:   Dominican Republic: Health Sector Reform Project   IBRD Loan : US$30.5 million Terms:   Fixed-Spread Loan Project ID:   P106619   Project Description: The Health Sector Reform Project in the Dominican Republic will improve the capacity of RHSs to deliver, in a timely fashion, quality services known to improve the health of mothers, children and people with chronic conditions by public providers at the first level of care. The project aims to improve health system responsiveness - the institutional capacity of public sector health organizations to conduct strategic purchasing of health care services and goods - and to respond to public health emergencies in a timely fashion.   Media Contact Stevan Jackson (202) 458-5054 Sjackson@worldbank.org     For more project information, please visit:   http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&contentFed=yes&Projectid=P106619

Contacts: David Theis E-mail:   dtheis@worldbank.org   Phone: 202-458-8626   Related Content Paper: Protecting Progress: The Challenge Facing Low-Income Countries in the Global Recession   WASHINGTON, September 16, 2009 — While the global economy is showing tentative signs of recovery, 43 low-income developing countries are still suffering the consequences of the global recession, which highlights the need to increase support to the poorest countries dealing with economic volatility and crisis, the World Bank said.   In a paper prepared for the upcoming G-20 meeting in Pittsburgh, the World Bank said that as a result of the crisis 89 million more people will be living in extreme poverty, on less than $1.25 a day, by the end of 2010. The global recession has also put at risk $11.6 billion of core spending in areas such as education, health, infrastructure and social protection in the most vulnerable countries.     “The poor and most vulnerable are at greatest risk from economic shocks— families are pushed into poverty, health conditions deteriorate, school attendance declines, and progress in other critical areas is stalled or reversed, ” said World Bank Group President Robert B. Zoellick. “The poorest countries may not be well represented on the G-20, but we cannot ignore the long-term costs of the global downturn on their people’s health and education.”   “InterAction is pleased that the World Bank continues to insert the needs of the world’s poorest nations into the G-20 conversation,” said Samuel A. Worthington, President and CEO of InterAction, the largest coalition of U.S.-based non-governmental organizations focused on the world’s poor.    “The G-20 countries must rapidly implement the London Summit pledge of $50 billion dedicated for low-income countries to aid them in designing and implementing the policies and social safety nets most developed nations have already established.”   Despite strong international efforts to cushion the impact of the global recession on Low-Income Countries, the paper states that low-income developing countries continue to suffer the consequences of the food, fuel and financial crises, and the poorest countries will need additional assistance to confront and move beyond the global recession.   The paper recommends coordinated policy action by the G-20 and others in the following areas:   ·   Agriculture:     The food crisis is not over in poor countries, and addressing food security in Low-Income Countries will require raising productivity and incomes of the world’s poor farmers. The paper calls on the G-20 to endorse the pledge of $20 billion at the G-8 summit in L’Aquila, Italy, for agricultural development, with firm details on how country commitments will be met, delivery will be operationalized with national ownership, and results and effectiveness will be assessed. ·   Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs):   SMEs are critical to the resumption of growth in Low-Income Countries.   The paper argues the G-20 should actively support scaled up efforts to expand finance for SMEs. The World Bank Group plans to double its mobilization of finance for SMEs by 2013 to $15.5 billion.   ·   Crisis Response Facility:     The current crisis—and others that will occur—highlights the pressing need for a Crisis Response Facility to ensure that quick and effective assistance can be provided to Low-Income Countries following shocks.   Failure to address this need could jeopardize the progress achieved in many poor countries based on recent strong reform efforts, and instead lead to costly reversals.   Since the onset of the food and fuel crises nearly two years ago and the subsequent financial crisis and global recession, donors and development agencies have mobilized significant additional resources for Low-Income Countries.   However, low-income developing countries have been hit hard by crises not of their making, and face daunting challenges that jeopardize years of progress in combating poverty.   The paper notes that several economic shocks resulting from the financial crisis are taking a severe toll on the poorest countries, including:   Trade : Low-Income Countries have been hit hard by the downturn in global trade, with export market demand estimated to have dropped by between 5 and 10 percent in 2009.   Private Capital Flows : Net private capital flows to the poorest countries declined significantly to $21 billion in 2008 from $30 billion in 2007 and are projected to drop further to $13 billion in 2009. Remittances:     The sharp deterioration in economic conditions has led to significant declines in workers’ remittances to Low-Income Countries, which are anticipated to fall by between 5 and 7 percent in 2009, recovering only modestly in 2010. Tourism:   Many Low-Income Countries, particularly small island states, depend heavily on tourism for foreign exchange and jobs, in both the formal and informal sectors. Worldwide tourism receipts declined by 8 percent between January and April 2009, continuing the sharp falloff recorded during the second half of 2008. The crisis is slowing dramatically the steady progress achieved in reducing global poverty, notes the paper.   In Cambodia, 62,000 garment workers have lost their jobs in this key sector for the economy, with women making up 90 percent of this workforce. Falling copper prices led in 2008 to the laying off of one quarter of Zambia’s mining workers.   The paper describes how the World Bank Group stepped up its financial assistance to help developing countries mitigate the impact of the crisis over its past fiscal year.   For the World Bank Group as whole, the result has been record levels of activity—with $58.8 billion committed in FY09 to support countries hit by the global crisis, a 54 percent increase over the previous year, and a record high.    

  Contacts:   Merrell Tuck, tel.(202) 473-9516 mtuckprimdahl@worldbank.org   Kavita Watsa, tel. (202) 458-8810 kwatsa@worldbank.org   WASHINGTON, September 15, 2009 – Developing countries can shift to lower-carbon paths while promoting development and reducing poverty, but this depends on financial and technical assistance from high-income countries, says a new World Bank report released today.   High-income countries also need to act quickly to reduce their carbon footprints and boost development of alternative energy sources to help tackle the problem of climate change. World Development Report 2010: Development and Climate Change , released in advance of the December meetings on climate change in Copenhagen, says that advanced countries, which produced most of the greenhouse gas emissions of the past, must act to shape our climate future.   If developed countries act now, a ‘climate-smart’ world is feasible, and the costs for getting there will be high but still manageable.   A key way to do this is by ramping up funding for mitigation in developing countries, where most future growth in emissions will occur. “ The countries of the world must act now, act together and act differently on climate change,”   said World Bank President Robert B. Zoellick.     "Developing countries are disproportionately affected by climate change – a crisis that is not of their making and for which they are the least prepared. For that reason, an equitable deal in Copenhagen is vitally important.”     Countries need to act now because today’s decisions determine both the climate of tomorrow and the choices that shape the future.   Countries need to act together because no one nation can take on the interconnected challenges posed by climate change, and global cooperation is needed to improve energy efficiencies and develop new technologies.   Countries need to act differently, because we cannot plan for the future based on the climate of the past.   Developing countries will bear most of the costs of the damage from climate change. Many people in developing countries live in physically exposed locations and economically precarious conditions, and their financial and institutional capacity to adapt is limited, says the report.   Already, policymakers in some developing countries note that an increasing amount of their development budget is being diverted to cope with weather-related emergencies. At the same time, 1.6 billion people in the developing world lack access to electricity, the report notes.   These developing countries—whose average per capita emissions are a fraction of those of high-income countries—need massive expansions in energy, transport, urban systems, and agricultural production. Increasing access to energy and other services using high-carbon technologies will produce more greenhouse gases, hence more climate change.     The report finds, however, that existing low-carbon technologies and best practices could reduce energy consumption significantly, saving money.   For example, the report notes that it is possible to cut energy consumption in industry and the power sector by 20–30 percent, helping reduce carbon footprints without sacrificing growth. In addition, many changes to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases also deliver significant benefits in environmental sustainability, public health, energy security, and financial savings.   Avoided deforestation, for instance, preserves watersheds and protects biodiversity, while forests can effectively serve as a carbon sink.   Solving the climate problem requires a transformation of the world’s energy systems in the coming decades.    Research and Development investments on the order of US$100 - $700 billion annually will be needed—a major increase from the modest $13 billion a year of public funds and $40 billion to $60 billion a year of private funds currently invested.   Deve loping countries, particularly the poorest and most exposed, will need assistance in adapting to the changing climate. Climate finance must be greatly expanded, since current funding levels fall far short of foreseeable needs. Climate Investment Funds (CIFs), managed by the World Bank and implemented jointly with regional developing banks, offer one opportunity for leveraging support from advanced countries, since these funds can buy-down the costs of low-carbon technologies in developing countries. “Developing countries face 75-80 percent of the potential damage from climate change. They urgently need help to prepare for drought, floods, and rising sea levels. They also need to intensify agricultural productivity, contain malnutrition and disease, and build climate-resilient infrastructure,” said Justin Lin, World Bank Chief Economist and Senior Vice-President, Development Economics.    The current financial crisis cannot be an excuse to put climate on the back burner, the report warns. While financial crises may cause serious hardship and reduce growth over the short- to medium-term, they rarely last more than a few years. The threat of a warming climate is far more severe and long-lasting. The earth’s warming climate is making the challenge of development more complicated, even as one in four people still live on less than $1.25 a day, and over a billion people do not have sufficient food to meet their daily basic nutritional needs. “Grappling with climate shocks that are already hampering development will not be easy.   But promising new energy technologies can vastly reduce future greenhouse gas emissions and prevent catastrophic climate change.   We also need to manage our farms, forests, and water resources to ensure a sustainable future,”   said Rosina Bierbaum, WDR co-director and Dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment. “The good news is that a climate-smart world is within reach if we work together now to overcome inertia, keep costs down, and modify our energy, food, and risk management systems to ensure a safer future for everybody,” said Marianne Fay, WDR co-director and Chief Economist for Sustainable Development at the World Bank. “There are real opportunities to shape our climate future for an inclusive and sustainable globalization, but we need a new momentum for concerted action on climate issues before it is too late, ” said Robert B. Zoellick, World Bank Group President.   The World Bank Group’s "Strategic Framework for Development and Climate Change" puts emphasis on including mitigation and adaptation initiatives in its lending, while recognizing that developing countries need to encourage economic growth and reduce poverty.   The number of World Bank-financed studies that help client countries plan and implement low-carbon growth strategies are also growing, and the Bank Group’s energy financing is increasingly turning towards renewable energies and energy efficiency. Over the past three years, approximately two-thirds   of the Bank Group’s total energy financing was in the area of non-fossil fuels whereas around one-third   was for fossil fuels, of which half was for natural gas.    -#-   Access to the full report via the Online Media Briefing Center:   http://media.worldbank.org/secure Accredited journalists needing a password may request one via:   http://media.worldbank.org/ The report is also available at:   http://www.worldbank.org/wdr2010 The World Bank’s climate change blog is:   http://blogs.worldbank.org/climatechange  

Contact: David Theis Dtheis@worldbank.org 202-458-8626   Washington, September 14, 2009 -  The world lost a true humanitarian with the passing of Norman Borlaug on Saturday evening. One of the 20th Century’s giants of innovation, Norman Borlaug greatly expanded food production throughout the developing world by pioneering new kinds of crops for difficult environments, an achievement for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. Characteristically, he accepted the award only on behalf of the many teams around the world seeking to boost food production through science.   A proud son of the American Midwest, Norman Borlaug challenged scientific and environmental orthodoxy by harnessing cutting edge agricultural science to feed the world. The “Green Revolution” Norman Borlaug fathered literally saved hundreds of millions of people, and bettered the lives of hundreds of millions more.   He continued to work tirelessly up until his final months to promote the importance of public investment in agricultural research, and facilitate policy reforms to foster technology on small farms.   He saw this as the key to ending world hunger.   His views have continued to influence the World Bank Group and many others working towards that objective. I had the honor of discussing farming – old and new – with Dr. Borlaug over the years.   I always came away better informed about agriculture, science, and the ability of one person with a big heart and fine mind to make a huge difference for humankind.   In 2008, I had the privilege of attending the World Food Prize in Iowa, an annual gathering of agricultural scientists, farmers and policy makers, in part to pay tribute to Norman Borlaug’s extraordinary work and decency.   Norman Borlaug was and will remain an inspiration for those convinced that sustainable development is possible, within reach, and critical for unlocking earth’s promise.   At the World Bank Group, we will continue to be guided by his vision.        

Contacts: In Washington : Gabriela Aguilar (202) 473 6768 gaguilar2@worldbank.org   In Colombia : Maria Clara Ucros (57-1) 3263600 ext. 259 mucros@worldbank.org   WASHINGTON, September 10, 2009 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved today an additional US$7.8 million for the Colombia Peace and Development Project. The project assists displaced, vulnerable and underprivileged populations living in urban and rural communities in regions affected by the internal conflict, reduces the risk of exposure to the conflict and mitigates its possible negative effects.   The additional financing will help consolidate the project and expand its activities in the Cauca Valley Department. The latter is now included in the departments contemplated in the initial financing: Antioquia, Bolivar, Cauca, Cesar, Nariño, Norte Santander, Santander and Sucre.   The consolidation of the project’s activities will help improve quality of life in vulnerable communities and will help the social and economic reintegration of families affected by the internal conflict.   “With this additional financing we reiterate our commitment to these communities and our firm conviction to continue to support the government in building the peace foundations in the country,”   said Eduardo Somensatto, World Bank Representative in Colombia .   The loan will provide additional benefits for hundreds of families in the participating departments. Apart from the additional productive, cultural and economic contributions, the project will include institutional and organizational strengthening, as well as generating capacities for designing, implementing and monitoring initiatives for peace and development, thus contributing to increasing human, physical and social capital in the communities.   The project has three components:   Preventing displacement; Generating the appropriate conditions for sustainable returns or relocations; Strengthening the National System of Comprehensive Assistance for the Displaced Population   “The Peace and Development Program promoted by Social Action has been working on constructing a country with opportunities for everyone, dignified living conditions and peaceful coexistence. For more than ten years, the Colombian society, supported by technical and financial aid from the World Bank, has identified and activated more than 600 projects aimed at generating economic, social, cultural and environmental assets throughout different territories in the country. It has also generated knowledge and important lessons in promoting regional initiatives in peace development,” declared Sandra Alzate, Director in Charge of the Presidential Agenda for Social Action and International Cooperation.   This financing is a key component in the government’s strategy, as it will complement and strengthen various existing programs. It will also help unify civil society, public and private sectors and donors in their different approaches to peace and development strategies in Colombia.   The project seeks to support government policies to minimize displacements and assist the displaced population through specific interventions in regional developments to reduce vulnerability to violence and thus prevent displacements, support the return of families to their communities or their relocation, and encourage the consolidation of democratic governments in the regions.   The total amount of additional finance required is US$14.879 million, of which the World Bank will contribute with US$7.812 million and the Colombian government with US$7.067 million.   The responsible agency for executing the World Bank’s resources is the Presidential Agency for Social Action and International Cooperation. It is a fixed spread loan to be paid in 15 years with a   10 year grace period, with a front end fee of 0.25% of the total amount. The project is expected to be completed by September 15, 2012.     For more information on the World Bank and Colombia, please visit: http://www.worldbank.org/co

Contacts:   Brasília – Denise Marinho (+55-61) 3329-1099 dmarinho@worldbank.org Washington – Gabriela Aguilar (+1 202) 473-6768 gaguilar2@worldbank.org   WASHINGTON, September 10, 2009 – The World Bank today approved a US$39.5 million loan for the Rio de Janeiro Sustainable Rural Development Project in southeastern Brazil. The project seeks to improve income and living conditions for an estimated 150,000 people (37,000 families or 30 percent of Rio de Janeiro’s rural population), improving access to basic socioeconomic infrastructure, increasing productivity and linking farmers to consumer markets.   “The Rio Rural Project is an innovative approach to small scale agricultural development.   It identifies and supports local production arrangements, self managed by the communities and integrates them with other public policies ,”   said Christino Áureo, Agriculture Secretary of Rio de Janeiro. “The participatory and territorial focus of the project make it possible to generate jobs and income in partnership with the private sector, while promoting environmental and social sustainability and strengthening the communities in their traditional activities. This will be a great step towards decreasing inequality and improving the quality of live in the interior of the State .”   Specifically, the Project will focus on enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities and opportunities available to small farmers via participatory and decentralized actions, complementing and building on the results of the Rio Global Environment Fund Project ( Rio de Janeiro Sustainable Integrated Ecosystem Management in Production Landscapes of the North and Northwest of the State).   “This project signals a new, full service, direction in rural development.   It will increase the communities’ productive capacity in a way that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable. Socially, with community investments and integration to broader social policies; environmentally, with carefully developed territorial plans that integrate production, preservation and improved carbon balance through reduced greenhouse gases emissions and increased carbon sequestration; and economically, with the creation of linkages to stable consumer markets,” said Makhtar Diop, World Bank Director for Brazil.   The project will support:   Improve small farmer productivity   through technical assistance, adaptation activities and financial incentives; Enhance market linkages through investments in increasing the value added and inclusion in agricultural production chains, improved rural roads networks, and the coordination of public policies on territorial development; Strengthen long-term impacts on larger scale sustained productivity , by productive and environmental planning and training, as well as investments in agro-ecological and natural resource management activities; and Improve government support to the rural sector through support for institutional reforms, including more demand-driven and flexible arrangements, promoting a multi-sectoral vision, and broader participation of local actors in the design and implementation of rural development policies, as well as the creation of a long-term financing mechanism.     For additional information on the project, please visit:   http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=40941&menuPK=228424&Projectid=P101508   For more information on the World Bank in Brazil, please visit : http://www.worldbank.org/br

WASHINGTON, September 10, 2009   - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:   IBRD Loan :   US$7.8 million Terms:   Maturity = 15 years; Grace Period = 10 years Project ID:   P101277   Project Description: Additional financing for the Peace and Development Project aims to assist vulnerable, low-income and displaced populations in rural and urban communities in the conflict-affected region of Colombia, ultimately reducing the risk of their exposure to conflict and mitigate the negative impact of possible derived effects.   Media Contact Fernanda Zavaleta 52-55-5480-4252 in Mexico City fzavaleta@worldbank.org     For more project information, please visit:   http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK;=73230&theSitePK;=40941&menuPK;=228424&Projectid;=P101277

WASHINGTON, September 10, 2009   - The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved the following project:   IBRD Loan :   US$39.5 million Terms:   Maturity = 23 years; Grace Period = 4 years Project ID:   P101508   Project Description: The Rio de Janeiro Sustainable Rural Development Project aims to increase the adoption of integrated and sustainable farming systems approaches, ultimately increasing small-scale farming productivity and competitiveness.   Media Contact Mauro Azeredo (61) 3329-1059 in Brasilia Mazeredo@worldbank.org     For more project information, please visit:   http://web.worldbank.org/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK;=73230&theSitePK;=40941&menuPK;=228424&Projectid;=P101508