Environmental and social safeguards policy.

The Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy supports the Government's commitment to environmental and social priorities, promoting principles that safeguard human rights and protect the environment. The objectives of the Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy are to: (i) implement environmental, social, and gender screening for projects; (ii) identify and evaluate environmental, social, and gender-related risks and impacts of projects, including through consultations with stakeholders and vulnerable communities; (iii) promote transparency by providing access to information and fostering inclusive participation in decision-making, particularly for vulnerable communities; (iv) develop safeguards and mechanisms to mitigate potential risks and adverse environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with projects; (v) guarantee access to justice in environmental matters, social safeguards, and gender-related issues through an effective and functional Complaint Mechanism; and (vi) collaborate with partners to enhance risk mitigation capacities and support the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of environmental, social, and gender safeguards. This policy will be reviewed and updated by the Project Management Committee.
In terms of social safeguards, the policy addresses community health and safety; customary land tenure and adverse possession; protection of vulnerable groups and children; protection of livelihoods and housing; non-discrimination; gender equality and women's empowerment; decent conditions and rights of workers; and stakeholder information and consultation. The Department of Environment aims to finance projects that integrate vulnerable groups into all aspects of project life; maximize environmental, socio-economic and gender benefits to society as a whole and to vulnerable communities; minimize negative environmental, socio-economic and gender impacts; and comply with social, environmental and gender standards.
The Department of Environment requires that the projects shall be in consistency with substantive standards and practices in the fields of biodiversity, climate change, the ozone layer, wetlands, persistent organic pollution, transboundary air pollution, waste management, disaster risk management, soil conservation, endangered species and environmental information. To cope with the challenges of climate change and to mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation, the The Department of Environment will conduct environmental impact assessments and encourage the incorporation of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies for development projects and programmes. Relevant laws and policies will be enforced to protect biodiversity and natural habitats. Pollution prevention and control will be strengthened to avoid or minimize adverse impacts on human health and the environment.