1. Environmental and Social Safeguards
Roland Sundstrom
Senior Policy Officer, GEF Secretariat
GEF Introduction Seminar
Washington, DC
January 23, 2019

2. The GEF was established to support “the protection of the global environment and promote thereby environmentally sound and sustainable economic development” [providing for] “consultation with, and participation [of] major groups and local communities”
(Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured Global Environment Facility)
In line with the Instrument, the Policy on E&S Safeguards aims to ensure that GEF projects and programs systematically identify and address any environmental and social risks and potential impacts

3. evolution of the policy
2010: accreditation pilot
2011: current ESS policy approved
assessment of Agencies
2015: accreditation pilot completed, Agencies in compliance with ESS standards
May 2017: IEO review of ESS policy
Nov 2017: IEO review of IP engagement
Nov 2017: GEFSEC plan to review and update the E&S policy approved
Feb 2018: approach paper, Working Group
March-April 2018: stocktaking, gap assessment
June-Octt 2018: consultations on draft policy
Dec 2018: updated policy approved by Council
by June 2019: guidelines
by Nov 2019: assessment of Agencies

4. the GEF’s approach at a glance
agency minimum standards
portfolio monitor. and reporting
projects and programs
the GEF’s approach at a glance
GEF Conflict Resolution Commissioner

5. minimum standards for GEF Agencies
MS 1: Environmental and Social Assessment, Management and Monitoring MS 2: Accountability, Grievance and Conflict Resolution MS 3: Biodiversity Conservation and the Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources MS 4: Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement MS 5: Indigenous Peoples MS 6: Cultural Heritage MS 7: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention MS 8: Labor and Working Conditions MS 9: Community Health, Safety and Security

6. CEO Endorsement/ Approval
E&S safeguards in the project cycle
indicative information on E&S risks and potential impacts; and any measures to address such risks and impacts
PIF/PFD
additional information on E&S risks and impacts, and measures to address these, including any environmental and social assessments carried out, and any Environmental and Social Management Plans or the equivalent
CEO Endorsement/ Approval
information on the implementation of relevant environmental and social management measures at project mid-term, if applicable, and at project completion
post-approval
+ annual reporting by Agencies on cases reported to their accountability, grievance and conflict resolution mechanisms in connection with GEF projects or programs

7. next steps
guidelines for documentation, monitoring and reporting; compliance assessment
assessment of Agency compliance
capture of data and information through GEF Portal
sharing knowledge

8. references Policy on Environmental and Social Safeguards
documents/EN_GEF.C Rev_.01_ES_Safeguards.pdf
For follow-up questions: