Learning Lessons: ADB's Safeguard Policy

Abstract

The SPS integrated previous safeguard policies on involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, and the environment. It introduced additional borrower requirements on worker and community health and safety, biodiversity conservation, and greenhouse gas emissions; and it more clearly sets out the demarcation of responsibilities on the application of safeguards between ADB and its clients. On due diligence, for example, ADB under the SPS is required to confirm that borrowers understand the policy’s requirements and have the capacity to address any environmental and social risks in ADB-supported projects. The evaluation assessed the delivery of the SPS in operations, basing its findings on interviews with safeguard specialists and project teams, a structured questionnaire, and analysis of internal data on the quality of safeguard plans. The evaluation’s emphasis was on assessing progress on the use of country safeguard systems, and the implementation and effectiveness of safeguard requirements for financial intermediaries. A fuller evaluation of the SPS being readied for 2016 will have greater focus on field verification of the results of safeguard measures, particularly for category A (highest risk) projects.