Issues on Environmental and Social Considerations from the Practitioners' Point of View

Abstract

This paper discusses the ESC (environmental and social considerations) of ODA projects, focusing on the environmental guidelines of the former JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and JBIC (Japan Bank of International Cooperation). There is no doubt that these guidelines contributed to the sustainable development of developing countries. There remain, however, many challenges in the guidelines. Based on the working experiences of consultants engaging in the ESC study, the paper highlights the following relevant challenges of the guidelines: 1) basic principles to realize an ideal form of ESC, 2) clarification of the definition and procedures, and 3) the effective and efficient enforcement. Valuable insights acquired through a questionnaire survey administered to consultants with experience in the ESC study are also incorporated into the paper. This paper makes a variety of recommendations, including the establishment of an effective ESC system corresponding to the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) systems of recipient countries, the clarification of the concept of strategic environmental assessment, the elaboration of a clear framework for involuntary resettlement, and the effective utilization of the ”Advisory Council of Environmental and Social Considerations Review.” The recommendations are expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions on the New JICA ESC guidelines.