The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is charting a new course toward sustainable development by focusing on “small and beautiful” projects that prioritize community needs and environmental sustainability. This shift is not only fostering greener growth but also ensuring long-term benefits for participating countries.
Angela Churie Kallhauge, Executive Vice President for Impact at the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), highlighted the significance of this approach during her participation in the recent BRI forum in Beijing. “Focusing on smaller projects allows for greater community engagement and relevance,” she said. “These initiatives are designed according to the needs of the community, with high environmental standards, lower financial risks, and high economic returns.”
The EDF has partnered with the Belt and Road International Green Development Coalition, recognizing the massive potential of the BRI to address climate change. “By 2050, emissions from BRI partner countries could account for up to 76% of global emissions,” Churie Kallhauge noted. “Engaging with the BRI offers an optimal forum to drive solutions with high impact in a shorter time.”
Green development has become a cornerstone of the BRI’s evolution over the past decade. China has reached environmental cooperation agreements with more than 30 countries and international organizations and formed a coalition of over 150 partners from 40-plus countries. “Greening the BRI brings numerous benefits,” Churie Kallhauge explained. “It ensures the long-term sustainability and success of the initiative, reduces financial risks, and helps countries meet global compliance requirements.”
The shift towards community-focused projects is also seen as a positive trend. Reports indicate that the BRI is transitioning from massive infrastructure investments to smaller, community-based initiatives. According to Churie Kallhauge, this approach is essential for achieving lasting results in combating climate change. “People need to be at the center of solutions,” she emphasized. “By focusing on smaller projects, we foster resilience within countries and ensure sustainable development for the future.”
During the forum in Beijing, participants demonstrated enthusiasm and optimism about the BRI’s potential to drive investments in green energy and technology. “We are looking forward to engaging on how to increase private sector finance into BRI countries, for example, through the use of carbon markets,” Churie Kallhauge said. She pointed out that establishing carbon markets can effectively attract private capital to green investments while promoting socio-economic benefits.
The emphasis on green energy is already evident in the investments made by the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank in BRI countries. “At least two-thirds of energy infrastructure projects fall under the green energy category,” she stated. This commitment to green development helps countries avoid the traditional “pollute first and clean up later” path, steering them towards sustainable growth.
Churie Kallhauge’s insights underscore the BRI’s evolving focus on sustainable development through community-centered, environmentally conscious projects. As the initiative continues to expand, its emphasis on green development and smaller-scale projects promises to deliver lasting benefits for communities across Asia and beyond.
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BRI's 'small and beautiful' projects ensure sustainable development
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