Guidelines for Ecological Environmental Protection in Foreign Investment Cooperation and Construction Projects
Scope of Application
Recommendations for developers and contractors that are central state-owned enterprises (CSOEs) operating overseas, as well as commerce and environmental protection departments.
Purpose
Offers guidance to enhance environmental protection in overseas investment projects and promote high-quality and green development.
General Key Points
Developers and Contractors should:
- Abide by ecological environment laws, regulations, and standards of host countries.
- Apply for required ecological environmental protection licenses.
- Abide by Chinese standards if host countries have inadequate or irrelevant standards.
- Establish ecological and environmental protection rules and regulations in accordance with international best practices.
- Pay attention to international laws, regulations, and policies on addressing climate change.
- Work with environmental consulting service institutions with strong business capabilities and familiarity with Chinese and foreign environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
- Promote green and low-carbon development.
Key Points on Stakeholder Engagement
Developers and Contractors should:
- Actively strengthen communication with potentially affected communities, relevant social groups, and the public.
Key Points on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
Developers and Contractors should:
- Improve their environmental management systems by strengthening ecological and environmental protection training, seminars, and capacity building and by appointing staff responsible for ecological and environmental protection work.
- Consider ecological damage, pollution, penalties, litigation, and environmental risks as part of due diligence before external mergers and acquisitions.
- Evaluate the environment of the project location and its surroundings through surveys, monitoring, and evaluations before construction.
- Archive results for future reference.
- Conduct environmental impact assessments (EIAs) in accordance with host countries' laws and regulations.
- Take reasonable measures to reduce and eliminate possible adverse impacts.
- Listen to stakeholders' opinions and suggestions on projects' environmental impacts through forums and hearings.
- Abide by Chinese or international standards if host countries have inadequate or irrelevant EIA requirements.
- Formulate plans for environmental emergencies.
- Report such emergencies to Chinese financiers, Chinese Embassies or Consulates, and local environmental management departments in a timely manner.