Environmental & Social Safeguards Policy - Bangladesh Nature Foundation

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF) is committed to protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, communities, livelihoods, human dignity, and the rights and well-being of people affected by its activities. As an organization working in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, research, and community development, BNF recognizes that conservation and development activities can generate environmental and social risks as well as positive outcomes. Even activities designed to protect nature may unintentionally affect access to resources, livelihoods, community relationships, cultural values, or local environments if they are not properly planned and implemented.

This Environmental & Social Safeguards Policy establishes BNF’s commitment to identifying, avoiding, minimizing, mitigating, and appropriately managing environmental and social risks associated with its programs, projects, research, partnerships, and operations. The Policy also promotes positive environmental and social outcomes, meaningful stakeholder participation, inclusion, accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.

1. Purpose

The purposes of this Policy are to:

Protect the environment and biodiversity in BNF-supported activities;
Identify and manage environmental and social risks before and during project implementation;
Avoid or minimize unintended harm to people, communities, ecosystems, and natural resources;
Promote sustainable and responsible use of natural resources;
Protect the rights, dignity, safety, and well-being of affected communities;
Promote meaningful participation of stakeholders;
Support inclusion and non-discrimination;
Consider gender and the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups;
Protect children and other persons requiring additional safeguarding;
Support sustainable and resilient livelihoods;
Protect cultural and community values;
Promote responsible research and field activities;
Establish appropriate monitoring and accountability mechanisms;
Ensure that environmental and social concerns can be raised and addressed;
Strengthen environmental and social performance throughout the project lifecycle.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to BNF activities that may create or influence environmental or social impacts, including:

Conservation projects;
Biodiversity programs;
Ecosystem restoration;
Coastal and marine activities;
Mangrove and seagrass conservation;
Wetland and estuarine activities;
Climate change and resilience programs;
Sustainable livelihood programs;
Community development;
Natural-resource management;
Environmental education;
Training and awareness programs;
Research and field studies;
Monitoring and evaluation;
Infrastructure or facility-related activities undertaken by BNF;
Procurement and contracting where environmental or social risks are relevant;
Partnerships and collaborative projects;
Donor-funded activities;
Consultant and contractor activities undertaken on behalf of BNF.

The Policy applies to BNF personnel and, where appropriate, to partners, contractors, consultants, researchers, and other organizations or individuals implementing activities on behalf of or in collaboration with BNF.

3. Safeguards Principles

BNF’s environmental and social safeguards approach is based on the following principles:

3.1 Do No Unnecessary Harm

BNF will seek to avoid unnecessary adverse environmental and social impacts.

3.2 Prevention

Potential risks should be identified as early as reasonably possible rather than addressed only after harm occurs.

3.3 Mitigation

Where impacts cannot reasonably be avoided, BNF will seek to minimize and manage them.

3.4 Precaution

Where there is credible uncertainty about potentially serious environmental or social harm, appropriate precautionary measures should be considered.

3.5 Participation

Affected and relevant stakeholders should have meaningful opportunities to provide information, express concerns, and participate in appropriate decisions.

3.6 Inclusion

Safeguard processes should consider people who may face greater barriers to participation or greater exposure to risk.

3.7 Accountability

BNF should be accountable for environmental and social performance within the scope of its responsibilities.

3.8 Transparency

Relevant information should be communicated clearly and responsibly while respecting privacy, confidentiality, security, and protection of sensitive ecological information.

3.9 Proportionality

Safeguard measures should be proportionate to the nature and scale of potential risks and impacts.

3.10 Continuous Improvement

BNF will seek to learn from monitoring, feedback, complaints, project experience, and research to improve safeguard practices.

4. Environmental and Social Risk Management

BNF seeks to integrate environmental and social considerations into the project lifecycle. Depending on the nature and scale of an activity, this may involve:

Initial screening;
Identification of potential risks;
Stakeholder identification;
Risk assessment;
Development of mitigation measures;
Integration of safeguards into project planning;
Implementation of mitigation measures;
Monitoring;
Community feedback;
Corrective action where necessary;
Documentation and reporting;
Lessons learned.

Not every BNF activity will require the same level of assessment. Safeguard requirements should be proportionate to the activity and its potential risks.

5. Environmental and Social Screening

Where appropriate, BNF may conduct an initial screening before implementing a project or significant activity. Screening may consider:

Location;
Ecosystem sensitivity;
Biodiversity values;
Project scale;
Resource use;
Potential pollution;
Waste generation;
Community impacts;
Livelihood impacts;
Land or resource-use issues;
Occupational and community health and safety;
Gender and inclusion;
Safeguarding risks;
Cultural heritage;
Climate-related risks;
Potential cumulative impacts;
Stakeholder concerns;
Applicable donor or project requirements.

The screening process may determine whether further assessment or specific safeguards are necessary.

6. Environmental Protection

BNF’s activities should seek to maintain or improve environmental quality. Where relevant, project planning should consider:

Air quality;
Water quality;
Soil;
Sediment;
Marine and freshwater environments;
Wetlands;
Forests;
Coastal ecosystems;
Estuaries;
Mangroves;
Seagrass habitats;
Wildlife;
Ecological connectivity;
Natural resource availability.

Activities should be designed to avoid unnecessary environmental degradation.

7. Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity conservation is central to BNF’s organizational mission. BNF seeks to:

Protect species and habitats;
Maintain ecosystem integrity;
Reduce threats to biodiversity;
Promote sustainable resource use;
Support habitat restoration;
Protect ecological functions;
Avoid unnecessary disturbance of wildlife;
Support evidence-based conservation;
Consider cumulative environmental impacts.

Projects should consider direct, indirect, and where reasonably foreseeable cumulative effects on biodiversity.

8. Sensitive Ecosystems

BNF may work in environmentally sensitive areas, including:

Mangrove ecosystems;
Seagrass beds;
Estuaries;
Wetlands;
Coastal habitats;
Marine environments;
Forest ecosystems;
Wildlife habitats;
Ecologically important areas.

Activities in sensitive ecosystems should be carefully planned to minimize disturbance. Where appropriate, BNF may establish:

Restricted access areas;
Seasonal restrictions;
Buffer areas;
Monitoring requirements;
Site-specific mitigation measures;
Species protection measures;
Restoration requirements.

9. Wildlife Protection

BNF seeks to prevent unnecessary disturbance, injury, capture, killing, harassment, or habitat destruction involving wildlife. Field personnel should follow appropriate procedures concerning:

Wildlife encounters;
Nesting areas;
Breeding sites;
Migration routes;
Sensitive species;
Wildlife handling;
Sampling;
Research activities.

Research involving wildlife should follow appropriate ethical, scientific, legal, and institutional requirements.

10. Invasive Species

BNF recognizes that invasive or non-native species can affect biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods. Where relevant, BNF projects should consider:

Identification of invasive species;
Prevention of accidental introduction;
Responsible transport of biological materials;
Monitoring;
Appropriate management;
Restoration of affected habitats.

Any management activity involving invasive species should consider potential effects on non-target species and ecosystems.

11. Ecosystem Restoration

BNF may support ecosystem restoration activities. Restoration should be based, where appropriate, on:

Ecological evidence;
Local environmental conditions;
Native or ecologically appropriate species;
Community knowledge;
Long-term ecological objectives;
Monitoring;
Climate resilience.

Restoration activities should avoid creating new ecological risks or replacing naturally functioning ecosystems with inappropriate artificial systems.

12. Climate Change and Resilience

BNF recognizes that climate change can affect ecosystems, communities, livelihoods, and project performance. Where relevant, projects should consider:

Sea-level rise;
Coastal erosion;
Flooding;
Storms and cyclones;
Temperature changes;
Salinity;
Drought;
Changing rainfall;
Extreme weather;
Ecosystem vulnerability;
Community resilience.

BNF may promote ecosystem-based adaptation, nature-based solutions, climate-resilient livelihoods, and sustainable resource management where appropriate.

13. Blue Carbon and Coastal Ecosystems

Where BNF works with mangroves, seagrasses, salt marshes, wetlands, or other carbon-rich ecosystems, project planning should consider:

Carbon storage;
Carbon sequestration;
Habitat integrity;
Sediment processes;
Biodiversity;
Community resource use;
Long-term ecosystem health.

Carbon-related claims should be supported by appropriate evidence and should not be presented in a misleading manner.

14. Pollution Prevention

BNF seeks to prevent or minimize pollution generated by its activities. Where relevant, project planning should address:

Waste;
Wastewater;
Oil and fuel;
Chemicals;
Plastics;
Sediment;
Noise;
Air emissions;
Other pollutants.

Projects should use reasonable measures to prevent contamination of soil, water, ecosystems, and communities.

15. Waste Management

BNF seeks to apply responsible waste-management practices. Where relevant, project activities should consider:

Avoiding unnecessary waste;
Reducing material use;
Reusing materials where appropriate;
Recycling where feasible;
Safe storage;
Appropriate disposal;
Prevention of environmental leakage.

Hazardous or potentially harmful materials should be handled according to appropriate safety and disposal requirements.

16. Chemicals and Hazardous Materials

Where BNF activities involve chemicals, fuels, laboratory materials, pesticides, or other potentially hazardous substances, appropriate precautions should be implemented. These may include:

Safe storage;
Appropriate labeling;
Restricted access;
Safe handling;
Personal protective equipment;
Emergency procedures;
Spill prevention;
Appropriate disposal.

BNF should avoid unnecessary use of hazardous substances and consider safer alternatives where reasonably practicable.

17. Water Resources

BNF recognizes the importance of responsible water management. Projects should seek to:

Avoid unnecessary water consumption;
Protect water quality;
Prevent contamination;
Consider community access to water;
Consider ecosystem water requirements;
Avoid unnecessary alteration of natural water systems.

Activities affecting water resources should be assessed according to their scale and potential impact.

18. Land and Resource Use

Where BNF activities may affect land, natural resources, or resource access, appropriate consideration should be given to:

Existing resource users;
Community livelihoods;
Land-use patterns;
Resource dependence;
Local governance;
Environmental values;
Potential disputes;
Applicable permissions and agreements.

BNF will seek to avoid creating or exacerbating unnecessary conflicts over land or natural resources.

19. Community Participation

BNF recognizes communities as important partners in environmental conservation and sustainable development. Where appropriate, communities should have opportunities to:

Receive relevant information;
Participate in consultations;
Share local knowledge;
Identify risks;
Express concerns;
Contribute to project design;
Provide feedback;
Participate in monitoring;
Contribute to appropriate decisions.

Participation should be meaningful rather than merely informational where the nature of the project permits meaningful involvement.

20. Stakeholder Engagement

BNF may engage with:

Local communities;
Government authorities;
Indigenous and local communities;
Women and youth;
Community organizations;
Local resource users;
Universities;
Research institutions;
NGOs;
Donors;
Private-sector partners;
Technical experts;
Other relevant stakeholders.

Stakeholder engagement should be appropriate to the project’s scale, location, potential impacts, and stakeholder interests.

21. Vulnerable and Disadvantaged Groups

BNF recognizes that certain groups may experience greater barriers to participation or greater exposure to environmental and social risks. These may include:

Low-income households;
Women;
Children;
Older persons;
Persons with disabilities;
Indigenous or local communities;
People dependent on natural resources;
Socially or economically disadvantaged groups;
People affected by disasters.

Where appropriate, project design should consider their specific circumstances and barriers to participation.

22. Gender Equality and Inclusion

BNF seeks to integrate gender equality and social inclusion into environmental and community programs. Where relevant, projects should consider:

Equal participation;
Access to information;
Access to training;
Livelihood opportunities;
Decision-making;
Safety;
Resource access;
Potential gender-specific impacts.

BNF does not support discrimination based on sex, disability, age, social status, or other protected or relevant characteristics.

23. Children and Safeguarding

Projects involving children or potentially affecting children must incorporate appropriate safeguarding measures. BNF seeks to:

Protect children from abuse and exploitation;
Avoid unnecessary exposure of children to project risks;
Obtain appropriate consent where required;
Protect children’s personal information;
Maintain appropriate supervision;
Ensure appropriate conduct by personnel;
Follow BNF’s Safeguarding Policy.

Environmental or community objectives do not override child-protection responsibilities.

24. Community Health and Safety

BNF seeks to consider potential health and safety risks to communities arising from project activities. Where relevant, projects should address:

Fieldwork hazards;
Construction or physical works;
Water-related hazards;
Traffic;
Equipment;
Chemicals;
Wildlife;
Extreme weather;
Disaster risks;
Disease or public-health risks;
Emergency response.

Appropriate information and precautions should be provided where reasonably necessary.

25. Occupational Health and Safety

BNF seeks to provide safe working conditions for staff, consultants, volunteers, researchers, and contractors. Depending on the activity, this may include:

Risk assessments;
Safety orientation;
Appropriate protective equipment;
Field safety procedures;
Emergency contacts;
First-aid arrangements;
Safe transportation;
Weather-related precautions;
Appropriate supervision.

Personnel should report unsafe conditions promptly.

26. Fieldwork Safety

BNF’s field activities may occur in remote, coastal, marine, wetland, forest, or disaster-prone environments. Fieldwork planning may consider:

Weather;
Tides;
Water conditions;
Wildlife;
Terrain;
Transportation;
Communication;
Emergency response;
Personal protective equipment;
Local hazards.

Activities should be adapted or postponed when environmental or safety conditions create unacceptable risks.

27. Cultural Heritage

BNF recognizes the importance of cultural, historical, archaeological, spiritual, and community heritage. Where project activities could affect cultural heritage, BNF should seek to:

Identify relevant heritage values;
Consult appropriate stakeholders;
Avoid unnecessary disturbance;
Follow applicable requirements;
Protect sensitive locations where appropriate.

If previously unknown cultural or archaeological materials are encountered during an activity, work may be paused and the matter referred to an appropriate authority or specialist where appropriate.

28. Indigenous and Local Knowledge

BNF recognizes that local and Indigenous communities may possess valuable knowledge concerning ecosystems, biodiversity, natural resources, climate, and environmental change. Where such knowledge is used in BNF activities, appropriate attention should be given to:

Respect;
Attribution;
Consent;
Confidentiality;
Cultural sensitivity;
Benefit considerations;
Intellectual property;
Protection of sensitive knowledge.

Traditional or local ecological knowledge should not be misappropriated or represented inaccurately.

29. Community Livelihoods

BNF recognizes that conservation measures can affect people who depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Where a project may affect livelihoods, BNF should consider:

Resource dependence;
Seasonal income;
Food security;
Alternative livelihood opportunities;
Access to natural resources;
Gender-specific economic effects;
Vulnerable households;
Community priorities.

Where appropriate, BNF may support sustainable livelihood alternatives and capacity development.

30. Involuntary Displacement and Economic Impacts

BNF seeks to avoid causing unnecessary physical or economic displacement through its activities. Where a project could significantly affect access to land, natural resources, or livelihoods, BNF should assess the potential impact and consider appropriate alternatives or mitigation measures. BNF will not intentionally use conservation objectives as a basis for unfair or arbitrary displacement of communities. Any land or resource-related arrangement should be addressed through appropriate legal, institutional, project, and community processes.

31. Conflict and Social Cohesion

Environmental and natural-resource projects may operate in areas where resource-use conflicts already exist. BNF should seek to avoid worsening existing conflicts. Where relevant, project planning may consider:

Stakeholder relationships;
Resource-use disputes;
Community divisions;
Local governance;
Historical grievances;
Equitable participation;
Conflict-sensitive implementation.

BNF may facilitate dialogue or refer disputes to appropriate authorities or mechanisms where necessary.

32. Security and Protection

BNF seeks to protect staff, communities, beneficiaries, researchers, volunteers, and partners from foreseeable project-related security risks. Where necessary, projects may establish appropriate:

Security procedures;
Travel protocols;
Emergency contacts;
Communication arrangements;
Site access controls;
Incident reporting procedures.

Security measures should be proportionate and respectful of human dignity.

33. Research Ethics

Environmental and social safeguards apply to BNF research and field studies. Research should consider:

Research ethics;
Informed participation where applicable;
Privacy;
Confidentiality;
Research integrity;
Community impacts;
Wildlife welfare;
Environmental disturbance;
Data protection;
Responsible dissemination.

Research involving human participants, sensitive communities, or wildlife should follow appropriate ethical and institutional requirements.

34. Environmental Sampling and Field Research

Scientific sampling should be designed to minimize unnecessary disturbance. Where appropriate, researchers should consider:

Sampling intensity;
Habitat sensitivity;
Species vulnerability;
Seasonal conditions;
Sample collection methods;
Waste generated;
Restoration of sampling locations;
Biosecurity;
Transportation and storage of biological materials.

Necessary permits or institutional approvals should be obtained where applicable.

35. Data, Privacy, and Sensitive Information

Environmental and social projects may generate personal, community, research, or sensitive ecological information. BNF seeks to protect:

Personal information;
Beneficiary information;
Research participant information;
Community records;
Sensitive species locations;
Vulnerable habitat information;
Confidential research information.

Information should be collected, stored, used, shared, and published responsibly and in accordance with relevant BNF policies.

36. Sensitive Biodiversity Information

Public disclosure of precise locations of threatened species, nesting sites, breeding areas, rare habitats, or other sensitive ecological information may create conservation risks. BNF may therefore limit, generalize, delay, or withhold sensitive geographic information where necessary to protect biodiversity. Such restrictions should be applied responsibly and should not prevent legitimate scientific or regulatory access where appropriate.

37. Environmental and Social Assessment

For activities with potentially significant environmental or social risks, BNF may require a more detailed assessment. Depending on the activity, assessment may consider:

Baseline environmental conditions;
Biodiversity;
Resource use;
Community characteristics;
Livelihoods;
Stakeholder interests;
Health and safety;
Gender and inclusion;
Cultural heritage;
Climate risks;
Alternatives;
Mitigation measures;
Monitoring requirements.

The level of assessment should be proportionate to the anticipated risk.

38. Mitigation Hierarchy

Where environmental or social risks are identified, BNF seeks to apply an appropriate mitigation hierarchy:

1. Avoid

First seek to avoid significant adverse impacts.

2. Minimize

Where impacts cannot be avoided, reduce their scale, duration, or likelihood.

3. Restore or Remediate

Where appropriate, restore affected environments or address social impacts.

4. Compensate or Offset

Where appropriate and justified, consider compensation or offset approaches consistent with applicable requirements and sound environmental principles.

Avoidance and minimization should generally be considered before compensation or offsetting.

39. Alternatives Analysis

Where a proposed activity presents significant environmental or social risks, BNF may consider alternative:

Locations;
Designs;
Technologies;
Methods;
Timing;
Implementation approaches.

An alternative that can achieve the project’s legitimate objective with substantially lower environmental or social risk should be considered where reasonably practicable.

40. Contractors and Consultants

BNF expects contractors and consultants engaged in relevant activities to comply with applicable environmental and social safeguards. Contracts or terms of reference may include requirements concerning:

Environmental protection;
Occupational health and safety;
Community safety;
Safeguarding;
Non-discrimination;
Waste management;
Confidentiality;
Research ethics;
Reporting incidents.

BNF may monitor compliance where appropriate.

41. Partners and Collaborative Organizations

BNF may assess the environmental and social practices of significant project partners where appropriate. Partnership arrangements may establish relevant responsibilities concerning:

Safeguards;
Community engagement;
Environmental management;
Safety;
Reporting;
Incident management;
Complaints;
Data protection.

Where significant safeguard risks cannot reasonably be managed, BNF may reconsider the proposed activity or partnership.

42. Procurement and Environmental Responsibility

Where practical, BNF may consider environmental and social factors in procurement. These may include:

Resource efficiency;
Waste generation;
Product durability;
Environmental impacts;
Worker safety;
Ethical sourcing;
Local economic considerations;
Relevant supplier practices.

Procurement decisions should remain transparent and free from unmanaged conflicts of interest.

43. Sustainable Resource Use

BNF promotes responsible use of natural resources. Where appropriate, projects may support:

Sustainable fisheries;
Sustainable aquaculture;
Responsible forestry;
Sustainable agriculture;
Ecosystem restoration;
Resource-efficient enterprises;
Alternative livelihoods;
Community-based resource management.

Resource-use recommendations should consider ecological limits, local conditions, community needs, and available scientific evidence.

44. Nature-Based Solutions

BNF may support nature-based solutions where they are appropriate to local environmental and social conditions. Such interventions should:

Address genuine environmental or social challenges;
Support biodiversity;
Avoid unintended ecosystem damage;
Consider community needs;
Be climate-resilient;
Be monitored over time;
Avoid overstating environmental benefits.

45. Environmental Education and Awareness

BNF may conduct environmental education, awareness campaigns, training, workshops, and community outreach. Such activities should seek to:

Communicate accurate information;
Respect local knowledge;
Avoid misinformation;
Encourage responsible environmental behavior;
Be accessible to relevant audiences;
Avoid stigmatizing communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.

46. Community Benefit and Equity

Where projects generate benefits, BNF seeks to promote fair and appropriate access to those benefits within the scope of the project’s objectives. Benefits may include:

Training;
Knowledge;
Employment;
Livelihood support;
Enterprise development;
Environmental improvements;
Community infrastructure where appropriate;
Research participation;
Capacity building.

Project benefits should not be allocated solely according to personal relationships or other improper considerations.

47. Grievance and Complaints Mechanism

BNF recognizes the right of stakeholders to raise concerns about environmental and social impacts.

Stakeholders may use BNF’s Complaints & Feedback mechanism to report concerns relating to:

Environmental impacts;
Community impacts;
Livelihood effects;
Safety;
Discrimination;
Project implementation;
Resource access;
Stakeholder engagement;
Safeguarding;
Other environmental or social concerns.

BNF seeks to address legitimate concerns fairly, respectfully, confidentially where appropriate, and without retaliation.

48. Accessibility of Safeguard Processes

BNF seeks to ensure that affected stakeholders can participate in safeguard processes regardless of disability, literacy, language, location, or other barriers. Where reasonably practicable, BNF may provide:

Accessible meeting arrangements;
Clear explanations;
Alternative communication methods;
Translation or interpretation;
Assistance with submitting concerns;
Additional opportunities for participation.

49. Gender-Sensitive Safeguards

Environmental and social impacts may affect women and men differently. Where appropriate, BNF may consider:

Women’s access to resources;
Participation in decision-making;
Safety;
Economic opportunities;
Care responsibilities;
Access to training;
Gender-based barriers;
Potential risks of exclusion.

Gender considerations should be incorporated into project planning where relevant.

50. Safeguarding Against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment

BNF does not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, or other forms of prohibited misconduct associated with its activities. Personnel, partners, consultants, contractors, and representatives are expected to comply with applicable BNF safeguarding and conduct requirements. Environmental and social project objectives do not justify inappropriate behavior toward community members, beneficiaries, staff, or other stakeholders.

51. Child Safeguarding in Field Activities

Where children may be present in project areas, BNF should consider child-specific risks. Activities should, where relevant, include:

Appropriate supervision;
Safe participation arrangements;
Responsible photography and communication;
Privacy protection;
Appropriate consent;
Safe transportation;
Appropriate staff conduct.

52. Climate and Disaster Risk Management

BNF works in areas that may be exposed to cyclones, floods, erosion, storms, coastal hazards, and other environmental risks. Where appropriate, projects should consider:

Hazard identification;
Early warning;
Emergency preparedness;
Safe evacuation;
Continuity of essential activities;
Protection of project assets;
Community resilience;
Ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction.

53. Emergency Situations

During emergencies, BNF may need to modify normal project procedures to protect people, ecosystems, or essential resources. Emergency decisions should remain proportionate and should consider:

Safety;
Environmental risks;
Community needs;
Available resources;
Legal or regulatory requirements;
Rapid restoration of essential activities.

Where normal consultation is not possible because of an immediate emergency, appropriate communication and follow-up should occur when conditions permit.

54. Environmental and Social Monitoring

BNF may monitor environmental and social performance during project implementation. Monitoring may include:

Biodiversity indicators;
Habitat condition;
Water or environmental quality;
Waste;
Community participation;
Livelihood indicators;
Gender participation;
Safety incidents;
Complaints;
Mitigation measures;
Project-specific environmental indicators.

Monitoring requirements should be proportionate to project risks.

55. Incident Reporting

Significant environmental or social incidents associated with BNF activities should be reported through appropriate internal channels. Examples may include:

Serious injury;
Significant environmental damage;
Major pollution event;
Serious safeguarding incident;
Significant community conflict;
Major livelihood impact;
Serious wildlife incident;
Significant data or privacy incident.

BNF may investigate incidents and establish corrective or preventive measures.

56. Corrective Action

Where monitoring, complaints, audits, investigations, or other information identify an environmental or social problem, BNF may develop a corrective action plan. Corrective measures may include:

Changing an activity;
Additional training;
Environmental restoration;
Additional monitoring;
Community consultation;
Modification of project procedures;
Additional safety measures;
Compensation or remediation where appropriate;
Suspension of an activity;
Referral to an appropriate authority.

57. Stakeholder Feedback and Adaptive Management

BNF recognizes that project conditions can change. Feedback from communities, staff, researchers, partners, government authorities, and other stakeholders may therefore be used to adjust project implementation. Where appropriate, BNF may revise:

Mitigation measures;
Project activities;
Monitoring plans;
Communication approaches;
Community engagement;
Safety procedures;
Environmental management measures.

58. Transparency and Information Disclosure

BNF seeks to communicate relevant environmental and social information responsibly. Depending on the project, this may include:

Project objectives;
General locations;
Environmental considerations;
Community participation;
Major risks;
Mitigation measures;
Progress;
Outcomes;
Lessons learned.

Disclosure may be limited where necessary to protect:

Personal information;
Sensitive species;
Cultural knowledge;
Research confidentiality;
Security;
Commercially confidential information.

59. Documentation

BNF may maintain records relating to environmental and social safeguards, including:

Screening;
Assessments;
Stakeholder consultations;
Risk registers;
Mitigation plans;
Monitoring;
Incidents;
Complaints;
Corrective actions;
Project reports.

Records should be maintained appropriately and securely.

60. Donor and Regulatory Requirements

Where a project is subject to donor, government, institutional, contractual, or regulatory safeguard requirements, BNF will seek to comply with the applicable requirements within the scope of its responsibilities. Project-specific safeguard procedures may therefore supplement this Policy. Where different requirements apply, BNF will seek to identify and implement the appropriate requirements based on the project’s legal, contractual, institutional, and operational context.

61. Compliance With Applicable Requirements

BNF seeks to conduct its activities consistently with applicable requirements governing environmental protection, community engagement, safety, research, safeguarding, and other relevant matters. This Policy is an organizational framework and does not replace project-specific permits, approvals, environmental assessments, ethical approvals, safety requirements, or other legally or institutionally required procedures.

62. Training and Capacity Building

BNF may provide relevant staff, volunteers, researchers, consultants, and project personnel with training or orientation concerning environmental and social safeguards. Training may cover:

Environmental risk identification;
Community engagement;
Biodiversity protection;
Field safety;
Safeguarding;
Gender and inclusion;
Complaints mechanisms;
Research ethics;
Waste management;
Incident reporting.

Training should be appropriate to the person’s role and project responsibilities.

63. Roles and Responsibilities

63.1 General Committee

The General Committee provides overall governance oversight and may review major organizational environmental and social matters.

63.2 Executive Committee

The Executive Committee provides oversight of major programs and projects and may approve or review significant safeguard-related decisions.

63.3 Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that this Policy is appropriately implemented within BNF’s operations and that significant risks are escalated to the appropriate authority.

63.4 Program and Project Managers

Program and project managers are responsible for integrating appropriate safeguard measures into project planning and implementation.

63.5 Technical Personnel

Technical and research personnel should identify and manage environmental, scientific, and field-related risks within their areas of responsibility.

63.6 Finance and Administration

Relevant personnel should support safeguard requirements through appropriate procurement, financial, contractual, and administrative controls.

63.7 Staff, Volunteers, Consultants, and Contractors

All persons acting on behalf of BNF are expected to:

Follow applicable safeguard requirements;
Report significant risks and incidents;
Treat communities respectfully;
Protect the environment;
Avoid unnecessary harm;
Follow safety and safeguarding procedures;
Cooperate with monitoring and investigations.

64. Responsibilities of Partners

Where BNF collaborates with another organization, appropriate safeguard responsibilities may be established through:

Memoranda of understanding;
Partnership agreements;
Project agreements;
Contracts;
Terms of reference;
Grant agreements;
Other written arrangements.

BNF may monitor partner performance where appropriate to the nature and risks of the collaboration.

65. Conflict of Interest

Environmental and social decisions must be protected from unmanaged conflicts of interest.

Individuals involved in:

Environmental assessments;
Community selection;
Procurement;
Compensation or benefit decisions;
Research;
Monitoring;
Evaluation;
Project approvals

should disclose relevant conflicts in accordance with BNF’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

66. Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption

BNF’s environmental and social safeguards should be implemented without fraud, bribery, corruption, or misuse of resources. Suspected fraud or corruption connected to safeguard implementation may be reported through the appropriate BNF Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption or Whistleblower mechanism.

67. Complaints, Whistleblowing, and Reporting

Environmental and social concerns may be raised through:

Complaints & Feedback mechanisms;
Whistleblower mechanisms;
Safeguarding reporting channels;
Project-level reporting mechanisms;
Appropriate management channels.

BNF seeks to protect persons who raise legitimate concerns in good faith from retaliation.

68. No Retaliation

BNF does not support retaliation against a person who:

Raises an environmental or social concern;
Reports an incident;
Participates in a consultation;
Provides evidence;
Submits a complaint;
Cooperates with an investigation.

Concerns regarding retaliation should be reported through the appropriate BNF mechanism.

69. Monitoring Policy Implementation

BNF may periodically assess implementation of this Policy through:

Project reviews;
Management reviews;
Monitoring and evaluation;
Internal assessments;
Audits where appropriate;
Stakeholder feedback;
Complaint analysis;
Incident reviews;
Donor monitoring.

Findings may be used to strengthen future projects and organizational systems.

70. Policy Exceptions

Exceptions to this Policy should be rare and must be justified by legitimate circumstances. Any significant exception should:

Be documented;
Identify the reason;
Assess potential risks;
Establish appropriate mitigation measures;
Be approved by the appropriate authority.

An exception should not be used to avoid applicable legal, safety, safeguarding, or ethical requirements.

71. Policy Review

BNF will periodically review this Environmental & Social Safeguards Policy to ensure that it remains appropriate to:

BNF’s programs;
Community needs;
Environmental conditions;
Organizational experience;
Donor requirements;
Research activities;
Relevant standards and good practices.

Lessons from projects, incidents, complaints, consultations, and monitoring may be incorporated into future revisions.

72. Relationship With Other BNF Policies

This Policy should be read together with other relevant BNF policies and procedures, including:

Complaints & Feedback Policy;
Conflict of Interest Policy;
Safeguarding Policy;
Code of Conduct;
Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination Policy;
Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy;
Whistleblower Policy;
Research Ethics Policy;
Research Integrity Policy;
Publication and Authorship Policy;
Privacy Policy;
Accessibility Statement;
Copyright & Intellectual Property Policy;
Website Disclaimer;
Terms of Use;
Relevant financial, procurement, human resources, and project procedures.

Some activities may therefore be subject to additional safeguards or specialized procedures.

73. Public Accountability

BNF recognizes that environmental and social responsibility extends beyond compliance. As an organization working with communities and natural ecosystems, BNF seeks to maintain public accountability by:

Communicating responsibly;
Listening to stakeholders;
Considering environmental and social risks;
Responding to legitimate concerns;
Monitoring project performance;
Learning from experience;
Improving organizational practices.

74. Contact

Questions, concerns, or requests for information concerning this Environmental & Social Safeguards Policy may be directed to:

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Head Office: Sayman Road, Cox’s Bazar-4700, Bangladesh

Website: https://bdnature.org/

Environmental or social complaints may also be submitted through BNF’s Complaints & Feedback mechanism. For safeguarding, fraud, corruption, whistleblowing, or other sensitive matters, stakeholders should use the appropriate specialized reporting mechanism where available.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation recognizes that lasting conservation outcomes depend on healthy ecosystems, responsible environmental management, meaningful community participation, and respect for the dignity and well-being of people. BNF is therefore committed to integrating environmental and social safeguards into the planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes of its activities. Our approach is guided by a commitment to:

Protect nature. Respect people. Prevent harm. Promote inclusion. Engage communities. Manage risks responsibly. Learn continuously.

BNF will seek to ensure that its conservation, climate, research, livelihood, education, and community-development activities contribute to positive environmental and social outcomes while identifying and responsibly managing potential risks.

Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Protecting biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.