Review and Update of World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies Summary of Consultations with the Representatives of Russia’s Government Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Moscow, Russia Total number of participants: 12 Comments What improvements should the Bank make to its safeguard policies to strengthen their effectiveness? Expanding the scope of environmental and social policies. While policy expansion is definitely a positive development, the Bank should maintain a balance to avoid transforming itself into an institution of political influence. Support of large companies under commercial projects (e.g., financing private Support of communities and medium-size business. forestry enterprises) often is done so at the expense of local communities and medium-size business. The Bank should analyze the extent to which large projects affect the interests of small enterprises. The current version of the safeguards pays no attention to such analysis; however, this is an important economic aspect that could entail unemployment challenges. The Bank should bear this in mind when expanding the safeguards. Environment. Such aspects as land use, natural resources and climate change might be integrated in a single section. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA should be made more socially focused. Proposals on the optimization of safeguards in this area: Migration. OP 4.12: While underscoring its high significance, it was noted that the OP should be supplemented with additional provisions concerning assistance to migrants in transit areas, which is poorly addressed in the current version of the safeguards. Special attention should be given to gender aspects of migration, namely, collection of data on the age and sex structure of migrant groups, and emphasizing the differences to be addressed in the gender-differentiated assistance to migrants. Legal support should be strengthened, specifically in Russia, the professional assistance of lawyers is needed. Involuntary resettlement policy. In general, practice shows that the existing safeguards address all relevant aspects, but excessive detail can impede implementation of projects. 2. How can the Bank help the client countries in their efforts to develop legislative framework, systems and institutes in the above areas?
Review and Update of World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies Summary of Consultations with the Representatives of Russia’s Government Date: March 18, 2013 Location: Moscow, Russia Total number of participants: 12 Comments What improvements should the Bank make to its safeguard policies to strengthen their effectiveness? Expanding the scope of environmental and social policies. While policy expansion is definitely a positive development, the Bank should maintain a balance to avoid transforming itself into an institution of political influence. Support of communities and medium-size business. Support of large companies under commercial projects (e.g., financing private forestry enterprises) often is done so at the expense of local communities and medium-size business. The Bank should analyze the extent to which large projects affect the interests of small enterprises. The current version of the safeguards pays no attention to such analysis; however, this is an important economic aspect that could entail unemployment challenges. The Bank should bear this in mind when expanding the safeguards. Environment. Such aspects as land use, natural resources and climate change might be integrated in a single section. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA should be made more socially focused. Migration. Proposals on the optimization of safeguards in this area: OP 4.12: While underscoring its high significance, it was noted that the OP should be supplemented with additional provisions concerning assistance to migrants in transit areas, which is poorly addressed in the current version of the safeguards. Special attention should be given to gender aspects of migration, namely, collection of data on the age and sex structure of migrant groups, and emphasizing the differences to be addressed in the gender-differentiated assistance to migrants. Legal support should be strengthened, specifically in Russia, the professional assistance of lawyers is needed. Involuntary resettlement policy. In general, practice shows that the existing safeguards address all relevant aspects, but excessive detail can impede implementation of projects. 2. How can the Bank help the client countries in their efforts to develop legislative framework, systems and institutes in the above areas?
SAFEGUARDS_MOSCOW_Consultation_With_Govt_18_March_2013_Summary_ENG.docx