Whether in Europe or beyond, public money must not become an auxiliary for human rights violations or the marginalisation of affected communities.
We expose cases where development banks fail to protect those impacted by their projects.
We advocate for participation and consultation processes that are not pro-forma exercises, but a tool to ensure people’s well-being.
Close to frontline communities
We’re in direct contact with affected communities and provide updates from their struggles.
Image (c) Rosa Vroom
Where rights are on the line
The Khada Valley, Georgia
The Khada Valley in Georgia brings together exceptional biodiversity, precious cultural and archeological heritage, and mountainous villages which have preserved rich traditions and historical lifestyles. But all of this might vanish if a 23-kilometer road from Georgia to Russia – the Kvesheti-Kobi project – is built.
Minerals mining and supply chains
Global demand for minerals and other critical raw materials is intensified by the just transition to renewable energy and the digital transformation agenda. Therefore sustainable supply chains of minerals are fundamental to addressing the climate crisis and the Covid-19 crisis that humanity is facing today. The European Union needs to innovate and find solutions to achieve its circular economy and resource use reduction objectives and to meet the demand of EU’s industry and consumers, while still protecting communities and nature threatened by mining.
Amulsar gold mine, Armenia
Since 2016 the controversial Amulsar gold mine project is being developed by Armenia’s largest foreign investor, an international mining company Lydian, near the touristic spa town of Jermuk.
Latest news
Mongolia: Mining Project Leaving Herders Without Livelihoods
Bankwatch in the media | 2 February, 2012Mining projects in Mongolia promise development of social and economic infrastructure and a way to alleviate poverty, but on the wayside, local communities near the mines are feeling the negative impact as their environment and traditional livelihoods are affected. http://globalvoicesonline.org/2012/02/02/mongolia-mining-project-leaving-herders-without-livelihoods/
Read moreBergbau-Bonanza in Mongolei bedroht lokale Bevölkerung und Klima
Bankwatch in the media | 2 February, 2012Berlin – Die Umweltschutz und Menschenrechtsorganisation Urgewald, CEE Bankwatch und OT Watch veröffentlichen diese Woche den Bericht über eine Recherchereise in die Mongolei (1). Darin stehen die Auswirkungen des Bergbaubooms auf die lokale Bevölkerung im Mittelpunkt. Sie werden in der Berichterstattung über den geplanten Börsengang von Tavan Tolgoi, dem weltgrößten unerschlossenem Kohlegebiet, weitgehend ignoriert (2).
Read moreKopp: Roffstoffe als Chance für Entwicklung nutzen
Bankwatch in the media | 1 February, 2012Berlin. – Deutsche Unternehmen haben sich in einer Roffstoff-Allianz zusammengeschlossen, um sich gemeinsam an Rohstoff-Projekten im Ausland zu beteiligen. Die Parlamentarische Staatssekretärin im Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ), Gudrun Kopp, sieht darin eine Chance für Entwicklungsländer, ihre Einnahmen zu steigern. Die Erlöse müssten aber der Allgemeinheit in den rohstoffreichen Ländern zugute kommen.
Read moreRelated publications
What is wrong with EXIM’s plan to pay for Westinghouse reactors in Ukraine?
Briefing | 27 March, 2023 | Download PDFThis briefing argues that US public funding should support a modern distributed energy system based on renewable energy and improved efficiency of Ukraine’s energy use.
Is Samarkand ready to become a Green City?
Briefing | 26 December, 2022 | Download PDFThis briefing reviews Samarkand’s existing urban development plans, the main environmental and social concerns of residents with a focus on public transport, and provides recommendations on including civil society in the GCAP planning.
Applying best practices from EU funds to the reconstruction of Ukraine
Briefing | 20 December, 2022 | Download PDFThis briefing reviews lessons from EU funds such as cohesion policy funding and the Recovery and Resilience Facility for ensuring Ukraine’s reconstruction is financed in a way that ensures participation and green, sustainable outcomes.
