Resources
Publications
Publications
Framework for Environmental and Social Management
10/02/2022
The Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM) establishes environmental and social performance requirements for FAO programming. The...
Methodologies and Guidelines
ESOP 1: Screening, assessment and management of environmental and social risks
01/11/2023
This guidance note supports the implementation of the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that sit at the heart of FAO's Framework for Environmental...
Methodologies and Guidelines
ESOP 2: Stakeholder engagement
01/11/2023
This guidance note supports the implementation of the Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that sit at the heart of the Framework for Environmental...
Guidance Notes
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 1: Biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and sustainable management of natural resources
23/04/2025
ESS 1 focuses on biodiversity conservation, sustainable natural resource use, and ecosystem protection in FAO projects. This guidance outlines implementation...
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 2: Resource efficiency and pollution prevention
23/04/2025
ESS 2 promotes resource efficiency and pollution prevention in FAO projects by minimizing environmental and health risks. It encourages sustainable...
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 3: Climate change and disaster risk reduction
23/04/2025
ESS 3 addresses climate risks in FAO projects by focusing on both risks to projects (e.g., extreme weather) and risks from projects (e.g., GHG emissions)....
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 4: Decent work
23/04/2025
ESS 4 focuses on promoting decent work in FAO-supported programmes and projects by addressing risks and impacts associated with labour conditions while...
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 5: Community health, safety and security
23/04/2025
ESS 5 ensures FAO projects minimize risks to community health, safety, and security. It addresses issues like infrastructure, hazardous materials, transportation,...
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 6: Gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence
23/04/2025
ESS 6 promotes gender equality and prevents gender-based violence (GBV) in FAO projects. It ensures gender-responsive design and equal access to resources,...
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 8: Indigenous Peoples
23/04/2025
ESS 8 focuses on protecting the rights and well-being of Indigenous Peoples, who are often marginalized and vulnerable due to their cultural, social...
Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 9: Cultural heritage
23/04/2025
ESS 9 focuses on the protection and preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage in FAO-supported programmes and projects. This guidance...
Reference documents
Free Prior and Informed Consent. An indigenous peoples’ right and a good practice for local communities. Manual for project practitioners.
26/11/2022
This Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) Manual is designed as a tool for project practitioners (herein referred as project managers) for a broad...
FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples
26/11/2022
Consistent with its mandate to pursue a world free from hunger and malnutrition, the following “FAO Policy on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples” has been...
FAO Policy on Gender Equality 2020–2030
26/11/2022
Gender equality is essential to achieve FAO’s mandate of a world free from hunger, malnutrition and poverty. The Organization recognizes that persisting...
Publications
Compliance Reviews Following Complaints concerning the Organization's Environmental and Social Standards Guidelines
26/11/2022
FAO is committed to ensuring that its programmes are implemented in accordance...
Videos
Grievance Redress Mechanisms at FAO
22/12/2025
Grievance Redress Mechanisms ensure that appropriate channels are in place to allow individuals and communities to file feedback or grievances with...
Animation
Framework for Environmental and Social Management - Teaser
01/05/2024
The Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM) establishes environmental and social performance requirements for FAO programming. The...
Video
Safeguards for people and the planet
01/01/2024
All FAO programmes and projects need to adhere to the safeguards policy contained within the Framework for Environmental and Social Management (FESM)....
Framework for Environmental and Social Management
24/11/2022
Together with countries and partners, FAO is leading efforts to build more inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. But we’re facing...