Environmental and Social Management

The IDB ratifies its commitment in helping countries of Latin America and the Caribbean to develop more inclusive and prosperous societies, based on the intrinsic relationship between economic development and environmental and social sustainability. To this end, the IDB provides training and resources to strengthen the capacities of the teams in identifying and managing social and environmental risks in their operations.

These products serve operational teams and clients as a corporate interface to train, disseminate knowledge, and improve the effectiveness of risk management throughout the project life cycle. 

Governance

The IDB’s environmental and social risk management model is comprehensive and coherent to respond to the challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean more effectively under a shared governance between the Vice Presidency for Countries (VPC) and the Vice Presidency for Sectors and Knowledge (VPS), with the Environmental and Social Solutions Unit (VPS/ESG) and the Office of Risk Management (RMG) through the new Environmental and Social Risk Management Unit (RMG/ESR). In addition, the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) and the Executive Audit (AUG) also make up the risk management framework.

Environmental and Social Policy Framework (ESPF)

ESG Solutions provides support to project teams during the preparation and implementation of operations in managing environmental and social impacts and risks in IDB operations. Gives direct support to project teams during the preparation of the operation and supervises high and substantial risk operations during execution. Additionally, it provides technical support to low or moderate risk operations through the ESG Orientation Service.

The Environmental and Social Risk Management Unit (ESR) is dedicated to consolidating dynamic independent review processes of socio-environmental solutions for the Bank's operations. Has the independent function of supervising environmental and social risk, ensuring quality and compliance with policy requirements and providing technical support throughout the life cycle of the projects. In addition, ESR monitors the IDB portfolio and reports on the dynamics of environmental and social risks and on the performance of managing these risks.

This social and environmental risk management model contributes to strengthening the IDB’s comprehensive risk management. The continuous and proactive management of social and environmental risks helps solve problems properly.

Learn more about the Environmental and Social Policy Framework:

Take advantage of our course offerings to strengthen your capacities in the management of environmental and social risks.