Asia Society Policy Institute

Options for project design, location, size, operation, materials, and/or technologies. They should include projects of a similar technical character or functionality that could meet the desired objectives but may have a different location, size, technology, design, time frames, or operational procedure, as well as the “no project” alternative. The environmental, social, technical, economic, regulatory, and jurisdictional feasibility of each alternative should be considered during Project Scoping.

Adapted from School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, "Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)," accessed in 2022, View the Website; International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS)," 2016, View the PDF; Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Guidebook on Safeguards (Volume I)," 2020, View the PDF; International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "Environmental and Social Impact Assessment," 2020, View the PDF.

The capacity of the environment to absorb an incremental load of pollutants while remaining below a threshold of unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

The environmental and social data that are relevant to decisions about project location, design, operation, or mitigation measures. They should include secondary data and other existing analyses, as well as primary data collected in project areas and peripheries. 

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS)," 2016, View the PDF; International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "Environmental and Social Impact Assessment," 2020, View the PDF.

The variability among living organisms from all sources including, but not limited to, terrestrial, marine, and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part. It includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; Equator Principles Association (EPA), "The Equator Principles 4," 2020, View the PDF; World Bank, "Environmental and Social Standard 6. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources," Draft for Consultation, 2016, View the PDF.

An instrument that includes procedures for the monitoring, assessment, and implementation of mitigation of impacts on natural habitats and ecosystem services. BAPs often include a series of goals, objectives, and management measures to mitigate residual impacts to achieve net gains (or no net loss). Each plan should outline a series of actions, performance indicators for monitoring, the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, and time frames. 

Adapted from International Finance Corporation (IFC), “International Finance Corporation’s Guidance Note 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources,” Natural Resources, 2019, View the PDF; World Bank, "Environmental and Social Standard 6. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources," Draft for Consultation, 2014, View the PDF.

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While the Earth’s climate has remained relatively stable for 10,000 years, human activities such as burning coal, oil, and gas have caused significant shifts. Global average temperatures have risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the 1880s. Climate scientists have found that annual average temperatures in almost all countries around the globe have risen over this period. As average temperatures rise, “acute” natural hazards such as heat waves and floods will become more frequent; “chronic” natural hazards such as droughts and sea level rise will also intensify, and the probability of natural disasters will increase in the next decade. 

Adapted from United Nations (UN), “What Is Climate Change?,” accessed in 2022, View the Website; SynTao and China International Contractors Association (CHINCA), “Community Engagement Handbook for Chinese International Contractors (2021 Edition)-北京商道纵横信息科技有限责任公司,” 2021, View the Website.

A proposed action to mitigate an adverse impact that is unanticipated or could result from proposed changes to a project during the project implementation and project operations phases. See Preparation and Implementation of Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) for more information about how corrective actions are planned, approved, implemented, and monitored.

A host country’s framework consisting of its national, subnational, or sectoral implementing institutions, as well as relevant laws, regulations, rules, and procedures related to environmental and social requirements for infrastructure projects.

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Safeguard Policy Statement," 2009, View the PDF.

An area with high biodiversity importance or high conservation value, including a habitat of significant importance to critically endangered or endangered species or ecosystems; a habitat of significant importance to endemic or restricted-range species; a habitat supporting globally or nationally significant concentrations of migratory or congregatory species; a highly threatened or unique system; primary or intact natural forests; areas having biodiversity or natural resources of significant sociocultural or economic importance to local communities, including areas initially recognized as protected by traditional local communities (e.g., sacred groves); and biodiversity features, landscapes, evolutionary processes, and other ecological functions or characteristics that are needed to maintain the viability of the above-mentioned biodiversity and conservation values.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; Equator Principles Association (EPA), "The Equator Principles 4," 2020, View the PDF; World Bank, "Environmental and Social Standard 6. Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources," Draft for Consultation, 2014, View the PDF.

Species listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) “Red List of Threatened Species.” The list can be found here.

Adapted from Equator Principles Association (EPA), "The Equator Principles 4," 2020, View the PDF.

The successive, incremental, and/or combined impacts of a project when added to other relevant past, present, or future developments that may occur later or at a different location. Future developments could be planned, reasonably foreseeable, or unplanned but predictable actions, projects, or activities. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant activities taking place over a period of time. 

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; International Finance Corporation (IFC), "What is Cumulative Impact Assessment and Management," 2021, View the PDF.

An instrument to consider cumulative impacts of a project in combination with impacts from other relevant developments, as well as unplanned but predictable activities enabled by the project that may occur later or at a different location. The potential cumulative impacts should be determined as early as possible, ideally as part of a scoping study, and examined in greater depth as part of a cumulative impact assessment.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

An important step in preliminary due diligence assessments by developers, insurers, and financiers. Activities include reviewing existing literature and analyzing secondary data in order to form a basic understanding of host countries’ cultural contexts, socio-economic situations, development priorities, major issues, and potential obstacles to implementing proposed projects.

Improvement of the quality of life, opportunities, and well-being of the affected people, in particular, and populations in BRI host countries, more broadly. It can happen at the community level, with the construction of new water and sanitation facilities, or at the country level, with the development of a new renewable energy power generation unit.

Adapted from Bridges Across Borders, "A Cambodian Guide to Defending Land and Housing Rights Vol 1, Part 1," 2009, View the PDF.

An environmental or social impact that is caused by a project and occurs contemporaneously at the project’s location.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

The process for developers and contractors to identify, prevent, mitigate, and account for potential financial, environmental, and social risks. It serves as an integral part of decision-making and environmental and social risk management (ESRM) systems. Alternatively, the process for financiers to review and analyze risks before entering into a project financing agreement with developers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the Website.

The benefits that people derive from ecosystems, including provisioning services, such as food, freshwater, timbers, fibers, medicinal plants, and other natural products; regulating services, such as surface water purification, carbon storage and sequestration, climate regulation, protection from natural hazards, and other benefits people obtain from the regulation of ecosystem processes; cultural services, such as sacred sites, areas of importance for recreation and aesthetic enjoyment, and other natural areas with non-material benefits; and supporting services, such as soil formation, nutrient cycling, primary production, and other natural processes that maintain separate services.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of local people, and involves interpretation and education.

Adapted from The International Ecotourism Society, "What is Ecotourism," 2015, View the Website.

Plans to address contingencies associated with accidental circumstances and changes in project implementation and operations. These plans include clearly assigned responsibilities for the assessment of risks to life and property, as well as procedures for communicating different types of emergencies to stakeholders.

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.

A plan that is developed in response to an accident, incident, unanticipated adverse impact, or a significant change to the nature, scope, design, implementation, or operation of a project. It sets out measures necessary to strengthen the developer’s and/or contractor’s compliance with environmental and social requirements; defines desired outcomes and actions to address any issues; and estimates the funds, resources, and responsibilities for implementation. See Preparation and Implementation of Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) for more information.

The process of identifying, predicting, evaluating, mitigating, managing, and monitoring adverse environmental and social impacts of projects.

Adapted from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), "Guidance Note: UNDP Social and Environmental Standards, Social and Environmental Assessment and Management," 2020, View the PDF.

An instrument to determine the nature and extent of all environmental and social areas of concern at an existing project or in existing activities. The audit identifies and justifies appropriate measures to mitigate the areas of concern, estimates the cost of the measures and actions, and recommends a schedule for implementing them. For some projects, the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) report may only consist of an environmental and social audit. In other cases, this audit is part of the ESIA documentation.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the Website; World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

As part of their initial review of environmental and social risks and impacts of proposed projects, financiers use this process to reflect the magnitude of risks and impacts. Based on preliminary assessments, the resulting category often determines financiers’ internal requirements for the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and information disclosure. See Project Categorization for more information about this process.

Adapted from International Finance Corporation (IFC), “Environmental and Social Categorization,” accessed in 2022, View the Website.

A process that determines the potential environmental and social risks and impacts (including human rights and climate change risks and impacts) of a proposed project in its area of influence. It is also a comprehensive document of the project’s potential environmental and social risks and impacts. An ESIA is usually prepared for greenfield developments or large expansions with specifically identified physical elements, aspects, and facilities that are likely to generate significant environmental or social impacts. Where the project has the potential to cause adverse human rights impacts, the documentation should include an assessment of those impacts. Examples of assessment documentation include, but are not limited to, the following: an ESIA, environmental and social audit, hazard assessment, risk assessment, cumulative impact assessment, social and conflict analysis, environmental and social management plan (ESMP), environmental and social management framework (ESMF), regional ESIA, sectoral ESIA, strategic environmental and social assessment (SESA), resettlement plan (RP), livelihood restoration plan (LRP), Indigenous peoples plan (IPP), biodiversity action plan (BAP), cultural heritage management plan (CHMP), and relevant project-specific environmental permits. Non-technical environmental and social summaries can supplement the assessment documentation, especially when these are disclosed to the public as part of a broader stakeholder engagement process.

Although social impacts and risks may be examined as part of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) in some host countries, it is important to determine whether a separate or supplementary social impact assessment (SIA) may be necessary to identify the full range of impacts on and risks to society — particularly women; the elderly; children and youth; people with disabilities; Indigenous peoples; ethnic, linguistic, and religious minorities; refugees; and displaced populations. For more information about engaging affected people, civil society organizations (CSOs)/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders in this assessment, see Preparation and Implementation of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA).

Adapted from Equator Principles Association (EPA), "The Equator Principles 4," 2020, View the PDF.

A body that is responsible for assembling a panel of scientific/technical experts, selecting a specific expert, or engaging representatives of relevant government agencies to review the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), environmental and social management plan (ESMP), and periodic environmental and social monitoring reports for a project. While some host countries have an independent body that serves as the ESIA authority, the host country government retains this role in other countries.

A qualified and experienced expert or firm that facilitates the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) process; engages affected people and other stakeholders; and prepares the scoping study, terms of reference (ToR), ESIA report, and environmental and social management plan (ESMP). Especially for higher-risk projects, the expert’s or firm’s independence from the project and its proponents can help ensure the objectivity, accuracy, and completeness of the ESIA process.

An instrument that examines impacts and risks when a project consists of a program and/or series of subprojects and the impacts cannot be determined until the program or subproject details have been identified. The ESMF sets out principles, rules, guidelines, and procedures to assess the environmental and social risks and impacts. It contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate, and/or offset adverse impacts and to enhance positive impacts; provisions for estimating and budgeting the costs of such measures and determining the schedule for implementation of the measures and plans; and information on the agency or agencies responsible for addressing project impacts and risks, including capacity for environmental and social risk management (ESRM). It includes adequate information on the area in which subprojects are expected to be sited, including any potential environmental and social vulnerabilities of the area, the potential impacts that may occur, and the mitigation measures that might be expected to be used.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

An instrument that details the mitigation and management measures to be taken during the implementation and operation of a project to reduce, mitigate, and/or offset adverse environmental and social impacts and enhance positive impacts; the environmental and social monitoring and reporting requirements; related institutional or organizational arrangements; provisions for disclosure and consultation during the pre-project planning and project implementation phases, including measures for stakeholder engagement; capacity-development and training measures, including engagement of any environmental and social experts required for the purpose; an implementation schedule and cost estimates, which are integrated into the project’s overall schedule and budget; and performance indicators, targets, or acceptance criteria. For more information about engaging affected people, civil society organizations (CSOs)/nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and other stakeholders in this plan, see Preparation and Implementation of Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP).

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

The overarching environmental, social, health, and safety management system that may be applicable at a corporate or project level. This system is designed to continuously identify, assess, and manage risks and impacts throughout the project implementation and project operations phases. It consists of manuals, policies, management programs and plans, procedures, requirements, performance indicators, responsibilities, training, periodic audits, inspections, and related source documents. It is the overriding framework by which an environmental and social management plan (ESMP) is implemented. 

Adapted from Equator Principles Association (EPA), "The Equator Principles 4," 2020, View the PDF.

The process of identifying, appraising, addressing, and managing a proposed project’s impacts on and risks to the environment and society. It uses environmental and social criteria in project screening, project categorization, and environmental and social risk assessment, among other due diligence measures, to determine the operational and financial viability of the proposed project. 

Technical reference documents with general and industry-specific statements of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP). These guidelines contain the performance levels and measures that are generally considered to be achievable in new facilities with existing technology at a reasonable cost. The EHSGs can be found here.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

A government document that outlines the potential adverse impacts and benefits of a proposed project on its surrounding environment.

Adapted from Tiffany Middleton, “What Is an Environmental Impact Statement?,” 2021, View the Website.

Any activity to maintain or restore the quality of the environment. For example, it could involve redesigning a project to prevent the emission of pollutants or to reduce the presence of polluting substances in the environment.

The Chinese Government prioritizes environmental prevention, comprehensive management, public participation, and responsibility for damage. Per the “Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China,” “environment” refers to natural and artificially modified natural factors affecting human survival and development, including the atmosphere, water, ocean, land, mineral deposits, forests, grasslands, wetlands, wildlife, natural relics, cultural relics, nature reserves, scenic spots, cities, and the countryside. 

Adapted from Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) (now Ministry of Environment and Ecology (MEE)), “Environmental Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China (Chinese and English Text) | Congressional-Executive Commission on China,” 2009, View the Website; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms - Environmental Protection Definition,” 2003, View the Website.

The removal of contaminants from soil, surface water, groundwater, sediment, and other areas. If there is a risk of environmental damage or a risk to the health of humans, environmental remediation is used to reclaim the contaminated area.

Adapted from Alpha-Omega, “What Is Environmental Remediation?: A Guide,” AOTC, 2020, View the Website.

An investment philosophy that centers on environmental performance, social performance, and corporate governance. It was developed in the 1960s and 1970s in response to the needs of investors and the public. The core ideas of ESG, such as green finance and sustainable development, have a high degree of commonality with China’s long-standing development strategy. ESG also reflects companies’ approaches to creating long-term value and internal institutional building that enables good decision-making, as well as their ability to hedge risks. It serves as a valuable reference for investors to judge the value of any company, improve investment strategies, and make investment decisions. 

Adapted from Community Engagement Handbook for Chinese International Contractors (2021 Edition)-北京商道纵横信息科技有限责任公司,” 2021, View the Website.

Coal, oil, and natural gas. These fuels are derived from the remains of ancient plant and animal life.

Adapted from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “OECD Glossary of Statistical Terms - Fossil Fuels Definition,” 2001, View the Website.

Encompasses the institutions, policies, norms, procedures, and initiatives that governments and their citizens use to bring more predictability, stability, and order to their responses to transnational challenges.

Adapted from United Nations (UN), "Global Governance and Global rules for Development in the Post-2015 Era," 2014, View the PDF.

The exercise of professional skill, diligence, prudence, and foresight that would reasonably be expected from skilled and experienced professionals engaged in the same type of undertaking under the same or similar circumstances globally or regionally. The outcome of such exercise should be that the project employs the most appropriate practices and technologies in project-specific circumstances.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Enhancing AIIB's Accountability: The Project-Affected People's Mechanism," 2018, View the PDF.

A mode of economic growth and social development aimed at efficiency, harmony, and sustainability. It is recognized in China, among other countries, as an important trend that aligns with the global emphasis on sustainable development.

Adapted from Baidu, “Green Development (绿色发展_百度百科),” 2021, View the Website.

Growth that is efficient in its use of natural resources — clean in that it minimizes pollution and environmental impacts and resilient in that it accounts for natural hazards, as well as the role of environmental management and natural capital in preventing physical disasters. It involves fostering economic growth and development, while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), “What Is Green Growth and How Can It Help Deliver Sustainable Development? - OECD,” 2012, View the Website.

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and warm the planet. The main gases responsible for the greenhouse effect include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor (which all occur naturally), and fluorinated gases (which are synthetic).

Adapted from Melissa Denchak, “Greenhouse Effect 101,” Natural Resource Defense Council (NDRC), 2019, View the Website.

The process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company’s operations are environmentally friendly or sustainable. 

Adapted from Khanyi Mlaba, “Greenwashing: What Is It and How to Avoid It,” Global Citizen, 2021, View the Website.

A terrestrial, freshwater, or marine geographical unit or airway that supports assemblages of living organisms and their interactions with the non-living environment. Habitats vary in their sensitivity to impacts and in the various values society attributes to them.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

The Chinese Government’s newer emphasis on prioritizing the quality of development and providing people with better lives. As part of its transition from seeking rapid growth, the Chinese Government asserts that it is now committed to people-centered progress, as well as innovative, coordinated, green, open, and inclusive development. 

Adapted from The State Council Information Office of The People's Republic of China, "Xi Jinping on China's high-quality development," 2021, View the Website.

An instrument for identifying, analyzing, and controlling hazards associated with the presence of dangerous materials and conditions at a project site. Financiers may require a hazard assessment for projects involving certain inflammable, explosive, reactive, and toxic materials when they are present at a site in quantities above a specified threshold level. For certain projects, the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) report may consist of the hazard assessment alone. In other cases, this assessment is part of the ESIA documentation.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

A project schedule that outlines specific actions and responsibilities to be carried out within predetermined time frames during project implementation and operations. 

An environmental or social impact that is caused by the project and is later in time or farther removed in distance than a direct impact but is still reasonably foreseeable. It does not include induced impacts.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

An environmental or social impact on areas and communities from an unintended but predictable development caused by a project. It may occur after the project implementation phase is complete and/or at a different location. 

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.

A document that preliminarily assesses and describes the impacts of a proposed project and offers potential mitigation measures. It is often produced through Project Screening and indicates the type of environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) that may be needed for the project.

Adapted from Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), “Chapter 3: EIA Process,” 1995, View the Website.

A species that is not native (or is alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction harms, or is likely to harm, the environment, human health, and/or the economy. 

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.

A measure for contractors, developers, and financiers to track their progress toward an intended environmental and social result. These indicators can help companies gauge their performance against a set of targets, objectives, or industry peers.

Adapted from Investopedia, "Key Performance Indicator," 2022, View the Website.

Areas legally designated to protect or conserve biodiversity, including areas proposed by governments for such designation. 

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.

A tool commonly applied in environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) that provides a step-by-step approach to addressing risks and impacts as follows: anticipate and avoid risks and impacts; where avoidance is not possible, minimize or reduce risks and impacts to acceptable levels; once risks and impacts have been minimized or reduced, mitigate risks and impacts; and where residual risks or impacts remain, compensate for or offset them, where technically and financially feasible.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

An area that may contain a large proportion of plant and/or animal species of non-native origin, and/or where human activity has substantially modified an area’s primary ecological functions and species composition. Modified habitats may include, for example, areas managed for agriculture, forest plantations, reclaimed coastal zones, and reclaimed wetlands.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

An area composed of viable assemblages of plant and/or animal species of largely native origin and/or where human activity has not essentially modified an area’s primary ecological functions and species composition.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

The sustainable use of major natural resources, such as land, water, air, minerals, forests, fisheries, and wild flora and fauna.

Adapted from Manoj Kumar Jhariya, Arnab Banerjee, and Ram Swaroop Meena, “Chapter 1 - Importance of Natural Resources Conservation: Moving toward the Sustainable World,” in Natural Resources Conservation and Advances for Sustainability, ed. Manoj Kumar Jhariya et al. (Elsevier, 2022), 3–27.

Additional conservation outcomes that can be achieved by creating or enhancing natural and critical habitats. Net gains may be achieved through full application of the mitigation hierarchy and/or the implementation of additional programs to enhance these habitats and protect or conserve biodiversity.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; Leeds City Council, "Achieving net gain for biodiversity - guidance for developers," 2020, View the Website.

The point at which project-related biodiversity losses are balanced by gains resulting from measures taken to avoid and minimize these impacts; to undertake on-site restoration; and, finally, to offset significant residual impacts on an appropriate geographic scale.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

An environmental policy that requires the costs of carrying out pollution prevention and control measures, as well as alleviating other environmental damage, to be borne by those who cause the pollution or damage. 

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF; Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), "The Polluter-Pays Principle, OECD Analyses and Recommendations," 1992, View the PDF.

Both hazardous and non-hazardous chemical pollutants in the solid, liquid, or gaseous phases. It includes other components such as thermal discharge to water, emissions of short- and long-lived climate pollutants, nuisance odors, noise, vibration, radiation, electromagnetic energy, and the creation of potential visual impacts including light.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.

Includes measures designed to avoid or minimize emissions of pollutants, including short- and long-lived climate pollutants.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

Not using the lack of full scientific certainty as a reason for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage.

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.

A proposed action to prevent an accident, incident, or emergency from recurring during the project implementation and project operations phases. See Preparation and Implementation of Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) for more information about how corrective actions are planned, approved, implemented, and monitored.

The area likely to be affected by a proposed project, including its ancillary aspects, such as power transmission corridors, pipelines, canals, tunnels, relocation and access roads, borrow and disposal areas, and construction camps, as well as by unplanned developments induced by the project, such as spontaneous settlement, logging, or shifting agriculture along access roads. For a larger and more complex infrastructure project, this area of influence may include people, land, and bodies of water that are in proximity to or even far from the proposed project sites. For example, the area of influence may include the watershed within which the project is located; any affected estuary and coastal zone; off-site areas required for resettlement or compensatory tracts; the airshed (e.g., where airborne pollution such as smoke or dust may enter or leave the area); migratory routes of humans, wildlife, or fish, particularly where they relate to public health, economic activities, or environmental conservation; and areas used for livelihood activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, grazing, gathering, and agriculture) or religious or ceremonial purposes of a customary nature.

Adapted from Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Enhancing AIIB's Accountability: The Project-Affected People's Mechanism," 2018, View the PDF; World Bank, “Ext Opmanual - OP 4.01, Annex A - Definitions,” 1999, View the Website.

The process for tracking progress on implementation of and compliance with the environmental and social management plan (ESMP). Information about environmental and social performance should be disclosed online and in other public forums. See Project Monitoring and Reporting for more information about this process.

The process of collecting baseline data and determining the most critical issues to further examine in the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA). Affected people and other stakeholders should be engaged in this step. See Project Scoping for more information about this process.

The process of deciding the type of environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) that would be required for a project. Financiers and host country governments have their own criteria for screening proposed projects. See Project Screening for more information about this process.

Ensures that an assessment or other activity is appropriate for the nature and scale of a project and reasonably reflects the degree of potential environmental and social risks and impacts.

An instrument that examines environmental and social risks and impacts associated with a particular strategy, policy, plan, or program, or with a series of projects for a particular region (e.g., an urban area, a watershed, or a coastal zone); evaluates and compares the impacts against those of alternative options; assesses legal and institutional aspects relevant to the risks and impacts; and recommends broad measures to strengthen environmental and social management in the region. Regional assessments pay particular attention to potential cumulative impacts of multiple activities or projects but may not include the site-specific analyses of a specific project. In these cases, environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) consultants should develop supplemental information.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

Energy from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. These sources of energy include solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric power, biomass energy, and tidal and wave energy.

Adapted from Lora Shinn, “Renewable Energy: The Clean Facts,” Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), 2022, View the Website.

An adverse environmental or social impact that remains after the application of mitigation measures.

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF; SOAS, "Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)," accessed in 2022, View the Website.

An instrument for estimating the probability of harm occurring from the presence of dangerous conditions or materials at a project site. Risk represents the likelihood and significance of a potential hazard being realized; therefore, a hazard assessment often precedes a risk assessment, or the two are conducted as one exercise. The risk assessment is a flexible method of analysis, a systematic approach to organizing and analyzing scientific information about potentially hazardous activities or about substances that might pose risks under specified conditions. Financiers may require risk assessments for projects involving handling, storage, or disposal of hazardous materials and waste, the construction of dams, or major construction works in locations vulnerable to seismic activity or other potentially damaging natural events. For certain projects, the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) report may consist of the risk assessment alone. In other cases, this assessment is part of the ESIA documentation.

Adapted from World Bank, “Operational Manual - OP 4.01 -- Annex A,” 1999, View the Website; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

An initial assessment to determine the potential scope of a project’s environmental and social impacts. It should be undertaken during Project Scoping and should provide a solid foundation before preparing and implementing the more in-depth environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA). 

An instrument that examines environmental issues and impacts associated with a particular strategy, policy, plan, or program or with a series of projects for a specific sector (e.g., power, transport, or agriculture) in a region or across a host country; evaluates and compares the impacts against those of alternative options; assesses legal and institutional aspects relevant to the issues and impacts; and recommends broad measures to strengthen environmental and social management in the sector. Sectoral assessments pay particular attention to potential cumulative impacts of multiple activities. A sectoral ESIA may need to be supplemented with project- and site-specific information.

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF; Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), "Environmental and Social Framework," 2021, View the PDF.

An area of international, national, or regional importance, such as wetlands, forests with high biodiversity value, areas of archaeological or cultural significance, areas of importance for Indigenous peoples or other vulnerable groups, and national parks and other legally protected areas.

Adapted from Equator Principles Association (EPA), "The Equator Principles 4," 2020, View the PDF.

The elimination or severe diminution of the integrity of a habitat caused by a major, long-term change in land or water use or the modification of a habitat that substantially reduces the habitat’s ability to maintain viable populations of its native species. 

Adapted from International Finance Corporation (IFC), "Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability," 2012, View the PDF.

A systematic examination of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with a policy, plan, or program, typically at the national level but also at the subnational level. The examination of environmental and social risks and impacts will include consideration of the full range of environmental and social risks and impacts. SESAs are typically not location-specific. They are, therefore, prepared in conjunction with project- and site-specific studies that assess the risks and impacts of a project. 

Adapted from World Bank, "World Bank Environmental and Social Framework," Washington, DC, 2016, View the PDF.

A paradigm for thinking about the future in which environmental, societal, and economic considerations are balanced in the pursuit of an improved quality of life.

The Chinese Government conceives of sustainability as harmony between society and the environment that drives economic, environmental, and social outcomes; involves green development; and benefits both present and future generations.

Adapted from United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), “Education for Sustainable Development | UNESCO,” accessed in 2022, View the Website; Chen Liu et al., “A Chinese Route to Sustainability: Postsocialist Transitions and the Construction of Ecological Civilization,” Sustainable Development 26, no. 6 (2018): 741–48.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It refers to the many processes and pathways to achieve sustainability. It has four intertwined dimensions: society, environment, culture, and economy — which are interrelated, not separate. 

Adapted from United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), “Education for Sustainable Development | UNESCO,” accessed in 2022, View the Website.

Adopted by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 goals, which can be found here, cover three dimensions of sustainability: social, economic, and environmental.

Adapted from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), “Sustainable Development Goals | United Nations Development Programme,” 2016, View the Website.

A document that defines all aspects of how the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) consultant will prepare and implement the ESIA. As part of Project Scoping, it generally summarizes the main features of a project, lists requirements, establishes the main impacts and risks to be covered by the assessment, proposes tools and methods for the assessment, offers preliminary alternatives, specifies the types of stakeholder consultations to be conducted, and outlines the budget and schedule for preparation of the ESIA and environmental and social management plan (ESMP). 

Adapted from International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "Environmental & Social Management System (ESMS)," 2016, View the PDF; International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), "Environmental and Social Impact Assessment," 2020, View the PDF.

An environmental or social impact that extends to multiple countries, beyond the host country of a project. It includes regional impacts but excludes impacts that are global in nature.

Adapted from Asian Development Bank (ADB), "Environment Safeguards: A Good Practice Sourcebook Draft Working Document," 2012, View the PDF.