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PROJECT
INFORMATION
Geography
Focus Areas
Contact
Cécile Huertas
Keywords
Summary
Under the ACES initiative, the EBRD and FAO are proposing a deep dive in voluntary environmental sustainability standards for more sustainable food systems, through two sub-components of the initiative.
Through literature review and interviews with practitioners, they will assess selected environmental sustainability standards and certification schemes applicable to the Bank’s operations. A critical assessment of their methodology, verification systems and their implementation into selected sectors and countries will be carried out so as to provide the Bank with insights and recommendations on whether and how to potentially use these standards for its operations.
FAO will also assess potential engagement models in order to promote selected financial instruments and environmental sustainability standards along agrifood value chains in the Bank’s countries of operation.
Context
According to the International Trade Centre’s official sustainability standards repository Standards Map, there are more than 200 sustainability standards in the agricultural sector worldwide, addressing social and/or environmental themes. While most environmental requirements are transmitted along the value chain and cover similar sustainability issues, they differ significantly in their methodologies, governance and verification models, resulting in varying levels of credibility and impact. The EBRD and FAO will provide insights into selected environmental sustainability standards applicable across the Bank’s countries of operation, together with recommendations on their potential use and the value they can bring to EBRD’s investment operations.
Activities
Critical review of selected environmental sustainability standards and associated verification systems
- Draft deep-dive briefs on selected environmental standards, with a critical review of methodology, implementation in a specific country and sector, and their potential use by the Bank.
- Organize e-dialogues with practitioners including private sector firms and sustainability initiatives.
Successful models for the private sector to improve environmental sustainability
- Produce case studies.
- Organize e-dialogues with practitioners.
- Conduct a field visit to engage with practitioners.
Achievements
- First critical assessment of environmental sustainability standard finalized.
