Environment Matters at the World Bank : Annual Review 2003

This issue, which serves as the annual
review on the environment, looks at the Bank's work
from July 2002 through June 2003, dedicated this year to
Water and the Environment, on the occasion of the Fifth
World Parks Congress in Durban, South Africa. Following the
overview, which reviews progress in the implementation of
the Environment strategy, the report presents viewpoints on
ways to move forward in delivering water as committed in
South Africa, but also reflecting on the need for a more
integrated approach to water resources management. Various
other articles feature the Bank's new water resources
strategy, and environmental flows, that is, from linking
catchments to coasts in water resources management, to
protected areas as tools for water conservation, and
management. Regional articles describe progress in
implementing the environment strategy, and supporting
client's efforts in promoting appropriate environmental
policies, and programs. Highlights from the International
Finance Corporation (IFC) scan efforts to promote private
sector investment in water supply and sanitation, and
environmental improvements, while efforts by the World Bank
Institute (WBI) inform on training and learning activities
that sponsor policy, and knowledge-sharing as it relates to
the environment.