Governance & Policy
World Bank Environmental and Social Framework
Definition
The Environmental and Social Framework, in effect since October 2018, sets the World Bank's requirements for identifying and managing environmental and social risks in the projects it finances. It comprises a Bank policy, ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESS1–10), and borrower directives, covering labour, community health, land acquisition, biodiversity, cultural heritage and stakeholder engagement.
References
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This reference provides supporting context for how “World Bank Environmental and Social Framework” is defined and used.
Overview
How it is used
Borrowers apply the standards across project cycles; the Bank supervises compliance; the framework serves as a benchmark for development finance safeguards and influences national systems; civil society monitors implementation through the Inspection Panel.
Why it matters
As the safeguard architecture of the largest multilateral development bank, the ESF shapes environmental and social practice across billions of dollars of development investment.