News Snippets
• Environmental and development groups in London boycotted a World Bank financial consultation meet on November 1, 2004. The groups have taken umbrage at the way the Bank is carrying out consultations on relaxing environmental and social standards. The London boycott is part of an international movement, which has seen boycotts in Tokyo, Washington, Rio de Janeiro, and Manila. This follows the Bank's refusal to accept a request from more than 180 environment, development, and indigenous groups to make the consultation process meaningful.
• A new 11-minute film, Saving the Rapunai, shows that this Easter Island community faces extinction. The island is governed by Chile and resources are allocated to it on the same basis as any small town in the country. But the Easter Islanders want autonomy; they've taken their demand to the UN.