ArmInfo. Since October 1, the World Bank introduces new socio- economic standards (SES) in all countries where it has representative offices. WB expert in the field of ecology Agnes Kiss stated during a presentation on "Protection of people and environmental protection in the implementation of investment projects" on June 8.
She noted that SES covers a wide range of thematic areas: assessment and management of socio- environmental risks and impacts; personnel and working conditions; effective use of resources and prevention of environmental pollution; ensuring the safety and health of the population; land alienation; land use restriction and forced relocation; Conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of living natural resources; indigenous peoples; historically unprotected traditional local communities in sub- Saharan Africa; cultural heritage; financial intermediaries; stakeholder engagement and disclosure.
Answering the question of ArmInfo, the expert noted that the implementation of the standards will ensure the implementation of programs financed by the World Bank, in the correct format of the ecological and social direction. "Prior to the development of this new system, the World Bank was guided by environmental and social policies in the implementation of all programs. And those programs that we prepared in the framework of that policy will continue to be implemented as before, but with the gradual introduction of new standards, "she explained, noting that SES will be extended to new investment projects. According to A. Kiss, through the new program it will be possible to pay more attention to the social component, for example, protecting vulnerable groups of the population. She stressed that the program envisages working with the government, in particular with a view to developing their abilities in the social and environmental part. SES, according to the expert, will be implemented immediately, but given their relevance to a particular program. "The standards are a kind of requirement for the structures implementing programs financed by the World Bank, and are aimed at improving the effectiveness of the applied mechanisms. Yes, on the one hand, the obligations of the government will increase, but on the other hand, the emphasis is on expanding the capacity of the government," she explained.
A. Kiss added that from the point of view of poverty eradication and accelerated achievement of the general welfare, it is necessary to take into account all issues related to ensuring social and environmental sustainability. "The World Bank Group is committed to assisting countries to reduce poverty and ensure universal welfare on a long-term basis. When implementing our projects, protecting the environment and protecting the poorest and most vulnerable inhabitants of the planet is one of the central elements of this concept," she concluded.