International Development and Programs (Development Work) - International Development and Programs (Development Work)

USAID activities may have an adverse impact on the environment. The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, Section 117, requires that the impact of USAID’s activities on the environment be considered and that USAID take into account environmental sustainability in designing and carrying out its development programs.

This requirement is codified in 22 CFR 216 and in ADS.

Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216, establishes several requirements, including (1) assigning responsibilities within USAID for assessing the environmental impacts of its actions, (2) requiring that environmental safeguards be incorporated into program planning and design, and (3) directing that programs, to the extent feasible and relevant, be continually monitored and modified when necessary to mitigate environmental impact.

ADS requires that the activity manager ensure that the requirements in 22 CFR 216 for an environmental impact assessment have been met, approved in writing by the relevant bureau environmental officer, and incorporated into the implementation instruments.

Specifically, ADS 201.3.11.2 states that federal law mandates that an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), Request for Categorical Exclusion, environmental assessment, or other appropriate action under the USAID environmental procedures promulgated in 22 CFR 216 must be completed and approved in writing by the relevant bureau environmental officer before funds are obligated.

In addition, ADS 204.3.4 requires that missions develop effective environmental review procedures consistent with their strategic and operational plans to ensure that environmental reviews are completed, including completing an IEE for each program or activity at the earliest point in the planning and design process.

General Recommendations

• Establish policies to ensure compliance with environmental requirements for the entire portfolio and that these requirements be communicated to staff and implementing partners.
• Determine that all activity documents under the Program incorporate appropriate language regarding environmental compliance and be approved by the appropriate officials prior to project implementation.
• Develop an action plan that contains a timetable to ensure that no environmentally sensitive activities are begun under the Program until the Initial Environmental Examination is approved.

Source: 7-669-11-007-P Year: 2011

The recommendations are derived from audit reports of the Office of the Inspector General. The source refers to the audit report, which is available on this site as part of the Audit Database Project: an educational tool for compliance with USAID regulations.  Please see the disclaimer of this site before using recommendations.