International Coalition For Green Development On The Belt And Road
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a development strategy proposed by the Chinese government with a focus on infrastructure development and investments in countries along the ancient Silk Road route. However, the initiative has received criticism for the environmental impact of the projects proposed. In response, the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road (CGDBR) was formed in 2019 by global organizations from around the world to address these concerns and promote sustainable development.
What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a development strategy proposed by the Chinese government in 2013. The primary aim of the initiative is to connect Asia with Europe and Africa through a network of railways, highways, ports, and other infrastructure projects.
The BRI is a massive undertaking that spans across more than 70 countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa. It aims to promote economic cooperation and increase cultural exchange between the participating countries. The initiative has proposed investments worth more than $4 trillion in various infrastructure projects across the region.
Environmental Impact of BRI Projects
The BRI has received criticism for the environmental impact of the projects proposed. Many of the proposed projects are in ecologically sensitive areas and could cause irreparable damage to the environment. For example, the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor through the Himalayan region has raised concerns about the impact on the fragile ecosystem in the area.
Similarly, the construction of the Hambantota port in Sri Lanka has raised concerns about the impact on the local fishing industry and the destruction of mangrove forests. The construction of the Hambantota port was carried out without proper environmental impact assessments, and the project has been criticized for its lack of transparency.
Formation of CGDBR
In response to the environmental concerns regarding BRI projects, the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road (CGDBR) was formed in 2019. The coalition is made up of global organizations from around the world with a focus on sustainable development.
The CGDBR aims to promote sustainable development in the countries along the BRI route by encouraging the adoption of green technologies and practices. The coalition aims to work with governments, businesses, and communities to ensure that the environmental impact of BRI projects is minimized and that the benefits of development are shared equitably.
Activities of CGDBR
The CGDBR has carried out several activities since its formation in 2019. The coalition has conducted research on the environmental impact of BRI projects and has published reports highlighting the potential risks to the environment. The coalition has also worked with governments and businesses to promote sustainable development practices and technologies.
One of the key initiatives of the CGDBR is the Green Belt and Road Initiative (GBRI). The GBRI aims to promote sustainable development in the countries along the BRI route by encouraging the adoption of green technologies and practices. The initiative aims to create a platform for cooperation between governments, businesses, and communities to promote sustainable development.
Conclusion
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a massive undertaking that aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa through a network of infrastructure projects. However, the environmental impact of the projects proposed has raised concerns about the sustainability of the initiative. In response, the International Coalition for Green Development on the Belt and Road (CGDBR) was formed in 2019 to promote sustainable development in the countries along the BRI route.
The CGDBR aims to work with governments, businesses, and communities to ensure that the environmental impact of BRI projects is minimized and that the benefits of development are shared equitably. The initiative is a positive step towards sustainable development in the region and could have a significant impact on the global environment.