ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.
Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
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ADB supports projects in developing member countries that create economic and development impact, delivered through both public and private sector operations, advisory services, and knowledge support.
Safeguard Policy Review
A source for the latest important information on the environmental and social safeguard policy review, development, and consultation process.
Draft Framework Open for Public Feedback
The draft Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) provides comprehensive requirements that promote sustainable development outcomes, and is comprised of the following parts:
- Vision;
- Environmental and Social Policy (E&S Policy);
- Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs); and
- Prohibited Investment Activities List.
The draft ESF was developed based on analytical and benchmarking studies, with feedback from governments, civil society organizations, private sector clients, and project-affected people during the regional and in-country consultations (Phase 2) held from June 2021 to March 2023.
We Value Feedback. Send Your Comments
A new round of consultations and solicitation of public comments will be held to further enrich the draft ESF. The deadline for submission of written comments has been extended to 6 May 2024. Stakeholder consultations (Phase 3) will be held between November 2023 and May 2024.
Due to the expected feedback volume, ADB will not be able to respond to all comments individually. Stakeholder inputs from the consultations and feedback received through various platforms will be documented, and summaries will be disclosed accordingly.
Consultations with Project-Affected People
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Indicative Timeline of Updating
Overall schedule
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June-December 2020
Internal preparations
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June 2020-May 2021
Initial consultation and stakeholder outreach (Preliminary Information Sessions) (online)
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September 2020-September 2022
Background studies (Findings and Recommendations)
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November 2021-February 2023
Stakeholder Consultations on Analytical Studies
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7 September 2023
Disclosure of the Draft Environmental and Social Framework on ADB website
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September 2023-May 2024
Public Comment and Stakeholder Consultations on the Environment and Social Framework
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Q2 2024
Final Policy Paper (R-Paper with Environment and Social Framework)
Board engagement schedule
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31 August 2020
First Informal Board Seminar on the SPS update approach (Completed)
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22 April 2021/10 June 2021
Deep Dive with ADB Board of Directors (Completed)
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26 April 2022
Second Deep Dive Board Seminar with ADB Board of Directors (Completed)
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9 August 2023
Informal Board Seminar on new Environmental and Social Framework
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27 October 2023
Board consideration of the Draft Policy Paper (W-Paper)
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Q2 2024
ADB Board consideration of the Final Policy Paper (R-Paper)
Review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012)
ADB has initiated an external review of the Accountability Mechanism Policy (2012) to provide ADB with important perspectives to consider ahead of the launching a formal review of the policy. Additionally, to guide future policy design and implementation, ADB is undertaking a cost and benefits study required under paragraph 212 of the Accountability Mechanism Policy.
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Completed
Phase 1:
Initial Consultations and OutreachJune 2020 - May 2021
Phase 1 was completed with launching of the Safeguard Policy Review and Update process, sharing of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and conduct of Preliminary Information Sessions and initial outreach.
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Completed
Phase 2:
Series of ConsultationsJune 2021 - March 2023
Analytical and benchmarking studies were undertaken, and findings were presented and discussed during consultations to seek feedback from stakeholders.
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Ongoing
Phase 3:
Analyze, Draft, Revise, and Finalize the PolicySeptember 2023 - May 2024
Feedback from stakeholders will be analyzed and the draft policy prepared and disclosed for public comment. Consultations on the draft policy will be undertaken and findings used to update and finalize the policy.
History of ADB’s Safeguard Policy
ADB's environmental and social safeguards are a cornerstone of its support to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in Asia and Pacific. The SPS consolidated three previous policies on environment, involuntary resettlement, and Indigenous Peoples.
1987-1994
Staff Instructions on Integrating Environment and Social Dimensions in Projects
