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A Guide to the World Bank
generally maintained and made available by the Bank units responsible for specific policies. Environmental and social safeguard policies
Environmental and social safeguard policies help to avoid, minimize, mitigate, and compensate for adverse environmental and social impacts in Banksupported operations that result from the development process. Safeguard policies have helped to ensure that environmental and social issues are thoroughly evaluated by Bank and borrower staff in the identification, preparation, and implementation of Bank-financed programs and projects. The effectiveness and positive development impact of these projects and programs have increased substantially as a result of attention to these policies. The safeguard policies also provide a platform for stakeholder participation in project design and are an important instrument for building ownership among local populations. The Bank has 10 safeguard policies that cover the following issues: environmental assessment, natural habitats, pest management, involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, forests, cultural resources, dam safety, international waterways, and projects in disputed areas. The Bank also has a policy to govern the use of borrower systems for environmental and social safeguards. Bank safeguards require screening of each proposed project to determine the potential environmental and social risks and opportunities and how to address those issues. The Bank classifies the proposed project into risk categories depending on the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project and the nature and magnitude of its potential environmental and social impact. This categorization influences the required risk management and mitigation measures for the proposed project. The borrower is responsible for any studies required by the safeguard policies, with general assistance provided by Bank staff members. The Bank’s Quality Assurance and Compliance Unit within the Bank’s Operations Policy and Country Services (OPCS) Vice Presidency, jointly with the Environmental and International Law Practice Group of the Legal Vice Presidency, provides support to Bank teams that are dealing with environmental and social risks in Bank-supported operations. Policy formulation and review
The OPCS reviews, updates, and formulates policies and procedures that govern the Bank’s operations. Proposals for policy revisions or new policies respond to