Environmental and Social Management Framework - ESMF

The Environmental and Social Management Framework for CAF's operations (ESMF) ratifies the institution's commitment to sustainable development and regional integration of its Shareholder Countries, through a set of common but differentiated responsibilities between CAF and its borrowers, which convert this purpose into practical applications, in order to ensure the environmental sustainability and social responsibility of the investment programs and projects financed by CAF in the region.

This Framework, together with CAF's Environmental and Social Safeguards, addresses the fundamental environmental and social issues that concern operations, the commitments that CAF must fulfill in its role as a financier of investment programs and projects, and the requirements that borrowers must comply with regarding the comprehensive management of the environmental and social risks associated with these programs and projects.

The ESMF includes, among other aspects, guidelines on human rights, gender equality, non-discrimination and inclusion, protection and conservation of biodiversity and natural resources, ethnic groups and cultural diversity, climate change and consultation processes, community outreach and engagement, as well as accountability mechanisms.

It is therefore an instrument that contributes to strengthening the environmental and social management of CAF's operations.