Finance : Survey of the world's most important banks (PRIV)
(Andrew Cornford, Geneva)
With the progressive expansion of their coverage since 1970, the annual global surveys of the monthly review, The Banker, furnish a valuable overview of the strength and performance of major banks, and thus of their capacity to withstand the pressure of unfavourable developments or financial crises.

UN : We need nature and biodiversity if we want a sustainable future (PRIV)
(IPS, New York)
"Investing in nature is investing in a sustainable future," was one of the key messages from the first-ever United Nations Summit on Biodiversity where world leaders and experts agreed on the urgency to act swiftly to preserve biodiversity globally.

El Salvador : Community hydropower dam illuminates life in villages (PRIV)
(IPS, Carolina)
Ermelinda Lobos's life has improved substantially since she and the rest of the people in her small village, hidden in the mountains of northeastern El Salvador, worked hard to build a mini hydroelectric plant and become self-sufficient in energy.

Zimbabwe : Sustainability of natural food sources takes a knock amid crisis (PRIV)
(IPS, Bulawayo)
Sarudzai Moyo, a former teacher, has begun a new career as a fishmonger.