Environmental and Social Management Framework (esmf)

Approach and Methodology for Preparation of ESMF

9. 
   During preparation of the ESMF, the following research methods were applied: desk review of the available World Bank, and national regulatory and legal documents related for the environmental and social assessment; screening of secondary socio-economic statistical data available for the targeted provinces and districts, individual interviews with international and local experts, focus groups discussions, public meetings and consultations.
   

9. 
   The main goal of the ESMF is establish a mechanism ensuring that any potential negative environmental and related social impacts caused by implementation of the Project are avoided, minimized or mitigated. The Framework approach is chosen as the project will support a wide range of interventions in multiple locations in the country and site-specific environmental and social due diligence cannot be completed at the time of Project Appraisal. The self-employment activities to be undertaken by AzSEP beneficieries with support of in-kind grant may relate to agriculture and agrobusiness, small-scale processing, manufacturing, service and construction/rehabilitation work. The Framework ensures that the identified subprojects are correctly assessed from environmental and social point of view to meet the WB’s ESF and its applicable Standards, as well as Azerbaijan’s Environmental and Social Laws and Regulations for adequate mitigation of any residual and/or unavoidable impacts. The Framework serves as a guidance tool for the MLSPP, the implementing agency, in identifying and assessing the potential environmental and social impacts of subprojects, in preparing environmental and social management plans that will summarize necessary mitigation measures to minimize or prevent them, and to provide guidance on environmental and social monitoring and reporting.
   

2.