October 3, 2008

ADB Issues Second Draft Safeguard Policy Statement for Public Comment

from ADB

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has issued the second draft of its Safeguard Policy Statement, which pulls together currently separate policies on involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, and the environment.

The second draft of the policy statement has been posted on ADB’s website from today for a 60-day public comment period. It will be available for comment until Thursday, 4 December 2008.

“ADB’s safeguards are central to achieving sustained development impact and poverty reduction. The policy update will make our safeguards more effective,” said Nessim Ahmad, Director, ADB Environment and Social Safeguards Division.

The existing separate policies have been under review to ensure they remain relevant to the changing needs of developing member countries.

ADB will hold consultation workshops at its Manila headquarters on 18, 19, and 20 November where stakeholders will have a further opportunity to give their input.

The second draft includes an enhanced scope of environment safeguards, measures to strengthen public consultation and community engagement, clarification on requirements for different investment modalities, emphasis on a phased approach to the use of country safeguard systems, and more attention to project monitoring and supervision.

The latest draft draws on feedback from 14 multi-stakeholder workshops held across the Asia-Pacific region, North America, Europe and Japan between November 2007 and April 2008 as well as written submissions from NGOs and other stakeholders on the consultation draft released in October 2007.

“The draft safeguard policy statement has benefited from a tremendous amount of constructive feedback and many detailed suggestions from stakeholders,” said Mr. Ahmad.

A draft policy paper is expected to be submitted for ADB Board consideration in early 2009.