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...
Have a concern or feedback? – FAO’s Feedback and Grievance Redress Mechanism is here for you
18/05/2026
All FAO projects, programmes and country offices must have functioning feedback and grievance mechanisms, with designated focal points, in line with...
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...