The Asian Development Bank (ADB) commissioned ESC as International Environment Safeguards Consultant to support its regional investment projects in Southeast Asia.
About the Project
ADB needs an experienced consultant to support the environmental safeguards tasks and documentation for both project preparation and project and project administration activities of the Urban Development and Water (SEUW) Division, Southeast Asia Department (SERD).
Our Approach
ESC provided key support to urban development and water projects primarily in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor Leste, to ensure compliance with ADB Safeguard Policy Statement, Operations Manual Bank Policies Safeguard Policy Statement, and Access to Information Policy.
ESC conducted the preparation and processing of Urban Development and Water Projects which include:
- Conducting a rapid assessment of potential environmental and safety impacts and risks of proposed projects, recommendations for the initial environment safeguard categorization per ADB and national categorization system
- Advise relevant teams on environmental due diligence requirements.
- Review environmental due diligence reports such as EIAs, IEEs, and any corresponding EMPs and OORs to examine their adequacy in accordance with AOB SPS 2009, national environmental laws and regulations, IFC EHS Guidelines, and other international best practices.
- Advise TRTA consultants on climate risk and vulnerability assessment (CRVA) requirements and support the AOB project team with the preparation of the RRP linked document on Climate Change Assessment.
Additionally, ESC was required by the SERD Safeguards team to monitor its environmental compliance and performance of ongoing projects. Our Environment Safeguards expert provided technical guidance and inputs for due diligence reports, bidding documents, and incoming new and updated EIAs/IEEs/ /EMPs/DORs to ensure AOB SPS and domestic/national regulations are being fulfilled. ESC also provided support for the preparation of project-specific templates and guidance materials for monitoring and reporting and training materials.
Outcome
ADB benefits from ESC’s deep knowledge of local legislation and years of experience in managing projects in developing countries. In close coordination with SEUW and SERD environmental safeguard specialists, ESC was able to provide support to ensure all works and outputs are fully compliant with relevant ADB and Government policies and guidelines on environmental safeguards.