EGWORLD BANK GROUPWorld Bank.IFC.MIGAApproach PaperImplementing the World Bank's Environmental and SocialFramework:A Developmental EvaluationNovember 6,20241.Background and Context1.1The World Bank adopted a new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)in2016 that aims to protect people and the environment from potential adverse projectimpacts while promoting sustainable development.The Board of Executive Directorsapproved the ESF on August 4,2016.It consists of a Vision for Sustainable Development;10 Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs),which set out the requirements thatapply to borrowers;an Environmental and Social Policy for Investment ProjectFinancing(IPF),which sets out the requirements that apply to the World Bank;an Environmental and Social Directive/Procedure for IPF;and a Directive on AddressingRisks and Impacts on Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups (World Bank2017,2021,2023).It applies to all IPF projects initiated on or after October 1,2018.TheWorld Bank has also developed a Good Practice Note to assist task teams in identifyingrisks of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment(SEA/SH)and to adviseborrowers on how to best manage such risks.Although the ESF itself does not explicitlymention SEA/SH,various ESSs align with the recommendations of this Good PracticeNote for addressing SEA/SH.The ESF is supplemented by many other guidance notes,templates,and tools.1 At the time of ESF adoption,the Board and management explicitlyrecognized that the ESF has the potential to create better long-term developmentoutcomes in IPF and that evidence of improved development outcomes will be collectedover time by the World Bank (World Bank 2016).Borrower responsibilitiesWorld Bank responsibilitiesReview anddue diligenceEnvironmental andEnvironmental andSocial PolicySocial Standards 1-10Legal agreementincludingEnvironmental andWorld BankSocial CommitmentEnvironmental,DirectivesPlanHealth,and SafetyGuidelinesAssessment andimplementationGood Practice NotesGuidance NotesSource:Independent Evaluation Group,based on World Bank Environmental and Social Framework Training.Box 1.1.The Environmental and Social FrameworkEnvironmental and Social Standards (ESS)ESS1:Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and ImpactsESS2:Labor and Working ConditionsESS3:Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and ManagementESS4:Community Health and SafetyESS5:Land Acquisition,Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary ResettlementESS6:Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural ResourcesESS7:Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional LocalCommunitiesESS8:Cultural HeritageESS9:Financial IntermediariesESS10:Stakeholder Engagement and Information DisclosureEnvironmental and Social Policy,Directives,and ProceduresEnvironmental and Social Policy for Investment Project Financing;Environmental and SocialDirective/Procedure for Investment Project Financing;Directive on Addressing Risks and Impactson Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups2