All projects and field activities implemented by FAO must ensure that they do not present any risks to the environment or to people. Risks that projects present are generally inadvertent, and may be in areas that are not the main topic of a project.

FAO's environmental and social risk management system helps project formulators and implementers to identify potential risks, and take measures to avoid them or minimize their adverse impacts. 

Environmental and social standards

The FESM is underpinned by nine environmental and social standards (ESS), which reflect the organization’s commitment to mainstream social and environmental sustainability in programmes and projects.