The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), through the project Effectively Managing Network of Marine Protected Areas in Large Marine Ecosystems in the ASEAN Region (ASEAN ENMAPS) , has reaffirmed its dedication to preserving biodiversity while ensuring full and effective stakeholder engagement, aligning with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Social and Environmental Standards (SES). This commitment is part of the broader ASEAN ENMAPS Project, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNDP, aimed at mainstreaming social and environmental sustainability across its programs and initiatives.
Mr. Francis Falconi, ASEAN ENMAPS Regional Safeguards Consultant, led a comprehensive capacity-building orientation on the UNDP SES at the ACB Headquarters on 19 August 2024. This orientation served as a platform to deepen the understanding of the UNDP SES among the members of ASEAN ENMAPS Project Management Unit (PMU) and ACB’s Regional Project Coordinating Committee, ensuring that the project’s activities adhere to the highest standards of social and environmental safeguards.
The orientation had three primary objectives:
Introduction to UNDP SES. The session provided the PMU with a thorough overview of the UNDP Social and Environmental Standards, emphasizing the importance of maximizing social and environmental benefits while mitigating potential risks.
Safeguards compliance discussion. Mr. Falconi presented the planned activities and relevant safeguards compliance requirements, including insights from the inception report, to align project activities with UNDP SES. This discussion also introduced a comprehensive consultation tool to facilitate effective stakeholder engagement.
Harmonisation of activities. The orientation aimed to synchronise the planned safeguards activities with the current implementation strategies and schedules of the PMU, ensuring seamless compliance with the necessary safeguards throughout the project lifecycle.
ACB’s commitment to upholding the UNDP SES underscores its dedication to conserving biodiversity in a manner that is inclusive, sustainable, and attuned to the needs of all stakeholders, particularly those directly impacted by the project.