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PLP-ESS Module 20: Managing Development Risks and Impacts on Biodiversity and Protected Areas in the Pacific


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The World Bank’s sixth environment and social standard [ESS6] recognizes that protecting and conserving biodiversity and sustainably managing living natural resources are fundamental to sustainable development. Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity often underpins ecosystem services valued by humans. Impacts on biodiversity (terrestrial, costal and marine) can therefore often adversely affect the delivery of ecosystem services. This module will offer learning on the details of ESS 6 and the various approaches that guide its application in projects across the Pacific. This module aims to:

  • Introduce participants to the scope, requirements, and procedures for applying ESS 6 in all World Bank investment project financing.

  • Explain the differentiated risk management approach to habitats based on their sensitivity and values.

  • Explain the application of the mitigation hierarchy inclusive of biodiversity offsets and the principle of ‘like-for-like or better’.