armonia-reforestation.jpg

Two women speaking, one holding small branch.
Caption: 
Quecha woman speaking with Asociación Armonía staff member in Bolivia.
Credit: 
© Asociación Armonía - Marton Hardy

What are CEPF's safeguard policies?

CEPF follows safeguard policies, which are guidelines that help us ensure that the projects we fund do not inadvertently cause negative impacts, either to the environment or to local people. We review each project, before and during implementation, to see if there are any potential concerns.

What happens if my project triggers a safeguard?

A member of CEPF's staff or regional implementation team will contact you if your project triggers a safeguard policy.

Triggering a safeguard does not mean that you will not be able to complete your project. In most cases, you will simply need to submit an additional safeguard document, which will help you think through the project's potential consequences, and establish a grievance mechanism. CEPF staff can advise you on any specific requirements needed for compliance. You will be responsible for implementing and monitoring any needed measures.

CEPF's safeguard policies are set out in full in the Environmental and Social Management Framework, available in English (PDF - 887 KB) and French (PDF - 975 KB). 

Summaries of our safeguard policies

Environmental assessment

The project should not cause, nor facilitate, any significant loss or degradation of forests or other natural habitats. Any activity funded by CEPF should be consistent with existing protected area management plans or other resource management strategies applicable to local situations.

Safeguard template
Examples of the completed safeguard document

Involuntary resettlement

Activities involving resettlement of local people or land acquisition are not allowed under the CEPF program. Particular attention is given to mitigating foreseen and unforeseen impacts of involuntary restrictions on access to natural resources, such as may arise through establishment or strengthening of protected areas.

Safeguard template
Examples of the completed safeguard document

Indigenous Peoples

Many of the world’s remaining areas of high biodiversity overlap with lands occupied and used by indigenous peoples. CEPF encourages proposals that support indigenous peoples and other local communities in community-based conservation and activities that enhance local tenure and sustainable resource management. All CEPF projects working in areas with indigenous people must follow the principle of free, prior and informed consent.

Safeguard template
Examples of the completed safeguard document

Pest management

CEPF may support investments related to agriculture extension services or invasive species management. These investments may include the procurement, handling, storage and use of pesticides. No pesticides that are unlawful under national or international law will be supported under the project.

Safeguard template
Examples of completed safeguard document

Best practices in stakeholder engagement

Organizations applying for CEPF grants are expected to identify the range of stakeholders that may be interested in their actions and consider how external communications might facilitate a dialogue with all stakeholders during design and, later, implementation of the project. Stakeholders, in particular local and indigenous communities, should be informed and provided with information regarding project activities.

Safeguard template
Examples of completed safeguard document

Health and safety plan

For projects that may involve activities that might require attention to health and safety issues, ​such as handling of dangerous animals or construction, grantees may be requested to complete a health and safety plan.​

Safeguard template
Example of completed safeguard document

Physical cultural resources

CEPF will not fund any activity that involves the removal or alteration of any physical cultural resources (defined as movable or immovable objects, sites, structures, and natural features and landscapes that have archeological, paleontological, historical, architectural, religious, aesthetic, or other cultural significance). These may, however, be present in project areas and measures should be put in place to ensure that they are identified and adverse effects avoided.

Safeguard template
Example of completed safeguard document

Labor Management

Grantees may be asked to provide Labor Managment procedures to ensure that risks or potential adverse impacts to workers are avoided or mitigated, and the fundamental rights of workers are respected, consistent with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) Declaration on the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Safeguard Template

Safeguard Monitoring Report

Most grantees whose projects trigger safeguards will be asked to report on compliance with the requirements in a dedicated section of their performance report. In some cases, grantees may be requested to submit a stand-alone safeguard monitoring report, using the template below. 

Safeguard Monitoring Report Template