Summary of the Request

The Request describes potential environmental harm and damage to the cultural heritage derived from the remodeling works of the Independencia Square in Tucumán as part of the Program financed by the IDB.

Specifically, the Requesters note that the great variety of tree species, including native, endangered species, has been removed without proper treatment. Similarly, several items of great historical and cultural value have been removed or replaced by others of lesser quality.

Likewise, the spaces that were previously aimed for the realization of recreational, and cultural activities were severely reduced.

Finally, the Requesters warn about the lack of public information about the Project, and public consultations in compliance with IDB Policies, to provide timely information on the completion of the Project.

On the other hand, the Requesters warn about opacity in the bidding and contracting processes of the Project; however, MICI informed the Requesters that these issues are out of the scope of the process and were given the information to contact the Office of Institutional Integrity so they can approach these allegations. Finally, MICI also shared the Access to Information Site where they can request public information related to the Program.

Recent actions

On September 15, 2021, MICI notified the Requesters and IDB Management that the Request was not registered and terminated the administrative process of the Request.

Past actions

On September 15, 2021, the Request was not registered since the Mechanism is a last resort instance, and it is necessary for the Requesters to contact the Project Team (Management). They were notified that there is always the possibility of resubmitting the Request to the MICI if they consider that their concerns have not been addressed within a reasonable period of time. The Parties were notified and the MICI process was concluded.

It is important to note that the Notification of Non-Registration is not an assessment of the merits of the Request, or the issues presented in it. Nor is it a determination of compliance or non-compliance by the IDB with respect to its Pertinent Operational Policies.