A loan for Colombia.

In June 2005 the World Bank announced it was granting a $150 million loan to Colombia to help that nation integrate sustainability principles into its environmental programs and policies and meet the UN Millennium Development Goals, including halving the number of people without adequate water and sanitation facilities. The monies are earmarked for three areas: development of a framework for planning and monitoring the progress toward meeting the UN goals; increased interinstitutional cooperation and public participation in environmental decision making; and development of laws and policies related to air and water quality, solid waste management, and environmental licensing. Bank officials hope the work financed by the loan will also decrease child mortality rates related to respiratory and diarrheal diseases.