Good practice handbook : cumulative impact assessment and management - guidance for the private sector in emerging markets

Abstract

This good practice handbook proposes a six-step process to assist private sector companies in emerging markets identify cumulative impacts and guide them in the effective design and implementation of measures to manage such cumulative effects. This handbook is based on IFC's experience in applying its performance standards and is non-prescriptive in its approach. It should be used in conjunction with the Performance Standards, their guidance notes, and the World Bank Group environmental, health, and safety guidelines, which contain basic requirements and good international practices to be followed when designing, developing, and/or implementing projects. This document is not intended to duplicate requirements under the existing IFC sustainability framework. Its purpose is to provide practical guidance to companies investing in emerging markets to improve their understanding, assessment, and management of cumulative environmental and social impacts associated with their developments. For more publications on IFC Sustainability please visit www.ifc.org/sustainabilitypublications.