FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2018
Songdo, South Korea — At its 19th Board Meeting (B.19) from February 26 to March 1, 2018, the Board of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) adopted safeguard policies to ensure that the mitigation and adaptation projects funded by the GCF respect people’s rights. Taking place in Songdo, B.19 brought countries together to discuss funding proposals and critical policies needed to ensure the Fund can fulfill its goals of creating a transformational paradigm in the context of sustainable development.
Notably, the Green Climate Fund adopted its own Environmental and Social Policy (ESP) and Indigenous Peoples’ Policy. Both policies underwent multiple rounds of consultation with civil society and other stakeholders prior to their adoption at the meeting.
“We are pleased that the GCF has finally adopted its own Environmental and Social Policy in line with its mandate created in 2010. Together, the two policies contribute to a growing Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) that not only prevents harm, but also promotes truly sustainable development,” says CIEL Senior Attorney Erika Lennon. “Adoption of a rights-based ESP and progressive Indigenous Peoples Policy is a critical first step, and we look forward to working with the GCF to develop additional parts of the ESMS, including the GCF’s own Environmental and Social Safeguards.”
Both the Indigenous Peoples Policy and ESP incorporate human rights norms to ensure that GCF-funded projects and programs are created and implemented in a way that respects, protects, and promotes human rights. Additionally, the Board approved the 2018 work plan of its Independent Redress Mechanism, which includes development of its procedures.
“A strong, accessible IRM will help in making sure that the GCF implements these policies and that people have an avenue for redress if they have been or think they will be harmed,” states Lennon.
One element of the safeguards package was not approved at the meeting: The GCF did not adopt the proposed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy, which would “more effectively address gender equality, intersectionality and, more broadly, social inclusion to achieve more equitable and sustainable climate change results.
“Given that the Board approved a record number of 23 projects at B.19, it was critical to also adopt these safeguard policies. The Board must continue to take steps to create a robust Environmental and Social Management System, including through the adoption of its own environmental and social safeguards and a new Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy that will apply to all GCF-funded projects and programs,” says Lennon.
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Notes to Editors:
- CIEL blog post advocating for adoption of ESP, IPP, and GESI policies at B.19
- Webcast of B.19
- Proposed Environmental and Social Policy (Note: The updated, approved policy is not yet available.)
- Proposed Indigenous Peoples Peoples’ Policy (Note: The updated, approved policy is not yet available.)
- Proposed Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy and Action Plan
- GCF Independent Redress Mechanism
Contact:
Amanda Kistler, Communications Director: akistler@ciel.org, +001.202.742.5832