ADB consults Pakistan on safeguard policy update
By Asad Cheema

ISLAMABAD—Consultations on the update of the Asian Development Bank’s environmental and social safeguard policies started in Islamabad today to hear feedback from representatives of Government, civil society, private sector and academic institutions from across Pakistan.
The meeting is the 10th in a series of consultations across the Asia and Pacific region on the safeguards, which are being updated to enhance their relevance and strengthen their effectiveness. The safeguards are a set of protection measures that require that ADB-financed projects to avoid harm to people and the environment, and if avoidance is not possible then minimize, mitigate and or compensate for adverse impacts of these projects.
ADB currently has three safeguard policies that cover the environment, indigenous peoples, and involuntary resettlement. The update will consolidate all three into one, which will allow a more holistic approach to ensuring that affected communities and the environment are best protected.
“The purpose of the consultation workshop is to listen to the views of stakeholders in Pakistan to inform the formulation of the updated policies,” said Ms. Xiaoying Ma, ADB Senior Environment Specialist, who is leading the March 26-27 consultations. “This is a transparent and inclusive process. ADB is encouraging the participation of all stakeholders, including civil society and indigenous people’s organizations.” “Our intention is for the final policy update to emphasize clear, robust, results-orientated principles and requirements in order to better protect people, communities and the environment that are impacted by development projects financed by ADB.” The consultation draft was posted on ADB’s Web site for comments until 30 April 2008. After the consultations, a draft policy will be prepared and made available for additional comments. For more information, visit http://www.adb.org/Safeguards/about.asp.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members - 48 from the region. In 2007, it approved $10.1 billion of loans, $673 million of grant projects, and technical assistance amounting to $243 million.