make qualitative judgments about the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches. Finally, this paper focuses on safeguard systems at the policy level and does not include assessment of implementation effectiveness. In general, the MDB safeguard systems comprise the following components: An Over-arching Policy Statement setting forth the key objectives, policies, principles, scope, hierarchy and organizing framework of the institution’s approach to potential environmental and social impacts and risks of its activities. The Policy Statement generally applies to the MDB itself, articulating the key principles to which it holds itself accountable. The content of the policy statement may be aspirational, mandatory or a combination of the two. Operational Requirements for diverse types of lending operations and circumstances. These are normally mandatory in their application to borrowers and other clients. Environmental and Social Review Procedures that the MDB follows in conducting its due diligence, through preparation, approval, monitoring and supervision of projects as well as in meeting its documentation and disclosure requirements with respect to environmental and social matters. Such procedures are normally mandatory for MDB management and staff. Access to Information Policies that apply broadly to information disclosure and public access to information obtained and generated by the MDB. Such policies typically include but are not limited to topics related to environmental and social safeguards, may be implemented either within or independent of an MDB’s safeguard system and are normally mandatory for the institution. Guidelines, sourcebooks, manuals or other materials designed to inform the implementation of practice” for borrowers/clients and for the MDB in carrying out “best safeguard requirements. Such provisions may be strongly recommended but are not normally mandatory unless designated as such in specific agreements between the MDB and the borrower. Table 1 below identifies these components for the safeguard systems of each of the MDBs. Table 1. Components of MDB Safeguard Systems Over-arching Operational Environmental Access to Guidelines, Policy Requirements for and Social Information Sourcebooks, Statement Borrowers/Clients Review Policy Manuals for Procedures Practice” “Good (selected examples) Integrated Operational Environmental Disclosure and Guidance Safeguard Policy Safeguards and Social Access to (proposed) AfDB (2013) Statement Assessment Information Procedures Policy (2013) (under revision)
make qualitative judgments about the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various approaches. Finally, this paper focuses on safeguard systems at the policy level and does not include assessment of implementation effectiveness. In general, the MDB safeguard systems comprise the following components: An Over-arching Policy Statement setting forth the key objectives, policies, principles, scope, hierarchy and organizing framework of the institution’s approach to potential environmental and social impacts and risks of its activities. The Policy Statement generally applies to the MDB itself, articulating the key principles to which it holds itself accountable. The content of the policy statement may be aspirational, mandatory or a combination of the two. Operational Requirements for diverse types of lending operations and circumstances. These are normally mandatory in their application to borrowers and other clients. Environmental and Social Review Procedures that the MDB follows in conducting its due diligence, through preparation, approval, monitoring and supervision of projects as well as in meeting its documentation and disclosure requirements with respect to environmental and social matters. Such procedures are normally mandatory for MDB management and staff. Access to Information Policies that apply broadly to information disclosure and public access to information obtained and generated by the MDB. Such policies typically include but are not limited to topics related to environmental and social safeguards, may be implemented either within or independent of an MDB’s safeguard system and are normally mandatory for the institution. Guidelines, sourcebooks, manuals or other materials designed to inform the implementation of “best practice” for borrowers/clients and for the MDB in carrying out safeguard requirements. Such provisions may be strongly recommended but are not normally mandatory unless designated as such in specific agreements between the MDB and the borrower. Table 1 below identifies these components for the safeguard systems of each of the MDBs. Table 1. Components of MDB Safeguard Systems Over-arching Policy Statement Operational Requirements for Borrowers/Clients Environmental and Social Review Procedures Access to Information Policy Guidelines, Sourcebooks, Manuals for “Good Practice” (selected examples) AfDB (2013) Integrated Safeguard Policy Statement Operational Safeguards Environmental and Social Assessment Procedures (under revision) Disclosure and Access to Information Policy (2013) Guidance (proposed)