Policy 33 — Environmental and Social Safeguards for Projects

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PHIG Policy Framework v1.2 · Policy 33 · Adopted 1 September 2026 · References: ASF Policy 28; EU “do no significant harm” (Regulation 2020/852 Art. 17); World Bank Environmental and Social Framework; USAID 22 CFR 216 (environmental procedures); IFC Performance Standards (principles)

1. Purpose and scope

To identify, avoid and mitigate environmental and social risks of PHIG’s projects to people and the environment, especially in humanitarian, migrant-health and community settings. Applies to the Board, the Director, staff, consultants, volunteers, experts, partners and suppliers of PHIG and all platforms of its network.

2. Policy

  1. Every project is screened at design for environmental and social risks (health and safety of communities, labour conditions, vulnerable groups, gender-based violence, cultural heritage, pollution, resource use); the screening is recorded and the category assigned (negligible, low, moderate, substantial).
  2. Moderate and substantial risks require a mitigation plan with responsibilities, budget and indicators, approved by the Director and, for substantial risks, by the Board.
  3. Stakeholder engagement proportionate to the risk: affected people informed and consulted, with a grievance route (see Complaints Policy).
  4. Donor-specific procedures (USAID 22 CFR 216 initial environmental examination; EU DNSH assessment; World Bank ESF) are applied when the donor requires.
  5. Monitoring of mitigation measures is part of project reporting.

3. Procedures

  1. Screening form; mitigation plan template; grievance log.

Responsibilities

Project leads; Director; Board.

Review

Every two years and when donor rules change.


Part of the PHIG Policy Framework. Breaches and concerns may be reported under the Whistleblowing Procedure to info@accreditation.ge (subject “Confidential — integrity”).

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