Broken rivers. The impacts of European-financed small hydropower plants on pristine Balkan landscapes
December 19, 2017
Eight hydropower projects in Albania, Croatia and Macedonia financed with European public money have damaged biodiversity and are in urgent need of increased monitoring and restoration measures.
Review of the coal sector in Tajikistan
December 18, 2017
This study provides a detailed assessment of the state of affairs in Tajikistan’s coal sector and in the development of solutions for environmental protection.
Gas lending at the European Investment Bank 2013-2016
December 12, 2017
Since the European Investment Bank (EIB) revised its energy lending criteria in 2012, it has limited its support for fossil fuels projects in the energy sector and eliminated the most polluting power plants from its portfolio. However, the bank’s contr
The weakest link – the EBRD’s energy lending 2010-2016
December 11, 2017
Despite commitments to help address the climate crisis, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development awarded fossil fuel projects EUR 4.05 billion between 2010 and 2016 – more than double its support for renewable energy during the same period.
Ecological integrity assessment of four rivers in Macedonia affected by derivation hydropower schemes based on aquatic macroinvertebrates
December 7, 2017
This study provides an ecological integrity assessment of four rivers in Macedonia affected by small hydropower plants which are perceived as low-impact but can have significant detrimental effects on river ecosystems. The selected plants are financed by international development banks such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Six reasons for not financing the Nenskra hydropower project in Georgia
December 5, 2017
This briefing outlines the main issues with the Nenskra hydropower project shortly before both the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank will decide on financing the project.
Nenskra HPP poses possible threat to Georgian biodiversity hot spot
December 4, 2017
In January 2016 the Georgian government decided to exclude from the Bern Convention’s candidate Emerald Site “Svaneti 1” all territories that are part of the valleys of the Nenskra and Nakra rivers which are relevant for the construction of the Nenksra
Land lost but not forgotten
November 30, 2017
Impacts of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline on the land and livelihoods of farmers in Albania In May 2017, Bankwatch, together with the Albanian Helsinki Committee undertook a mission along the corridor of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline in Albania to talk to p
Communities in Chuberi and Nakra, Georgia, address financiers of Nenskra hydropower plant
November 23, 2017
In this letter, communities affected by the Nenskra hydropower plant in Georgia, explain the project promoter’s inadequate engagement with locals and ask the international financial institutions to stop considering financing the project. More than 100
Comments on the EBRD’s draft Extractive Mining Industries Strategy for 2018-2022
November 20, 2017
Bankwatch’s comments focus on the following areas: Sustainability and the Circular Economy, Transparency Standards, Human Rights, Coal Mining and Climate, Diversification, Resilience and Integration. See also our comments on Thermal and coking coal in
