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The Urban Wage Employment Initiative (UWEI) was launched by Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Department in 2020 to combat unemployment and poverty among urban poor and migrant workers during COVID-19 lockdowns. The program employed 700,000 workers and paid $12 million in wages, focusing on climate-resilient public works such as rainwater harvesting and flood mitigation. By utilizing community organizations as 'alternative service providers' instead of professional contractors, the program ensured benefits remained local and reached marginalized groups. The success of UWEI led to its conversion in February 2021 into a permanent program called MUKTA (Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan), establishing a precedent for pro-poor urban employment schemes in India.

The report examines the global cotton market, highlighting the growth of VSS-compliant cotton, which reached 25%–26% of total production by 2019. It details the vulnerabilities of cotton farmers to climate change and market volatility, noting that farmers often receive less than 10% of a garment's retail price. The document argues for better price transparency, long-term contracts, and the internalization of external costs to ensure living incomes for smallholders.

The report introduces a technology-neutral sustainability assessment method based on five pillars: social, environmental, economic, health and hygiene, and technical/institutional sustainability. Applying this to Montero, Bolivia, the study compares four systems: conventional gravity-fed sewers (System 1), condominial sewers (System 2), septic tanks with soak pits (System 3), and urine-diverting dry toilets (UDDTs) (System 4). Findings indicate that while conventional systems have high social acceptability, they are the least affordable and most vulnerable to water scarcity and flooding. System 4 (UDDTs) performs best in health, water use, and climate resilience. Optimization—such as adding inlet screens, using personal protection equipment (PPE), and implementing scheduled emptying—generally improves health and environmental outcomes but increases technical complexity and reduces economic sustainability. The report argues for a city-wide inclusive sanitation approach using a mix of these systems to balance trade-offs between cost, health, and environmental protection.

The ESMP outlines the environmental and social safeguards for the Bhutan for Life (BFL) project's activities from January 2023 to June 2024. Key planned activities include the establishment of a cane and bamboo enterprise in Mongar, the creation of 51.97 hectares of new plantations, the maintenance of 39.47 hectares of existing plantations, and the creation of 36.23 hectares of habitat enrichment plantations. The plan identifies potential risks such as construction waste, noise pollution, and the introduction of invasive species, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring arrangements. Implementation is led by Green Bhutan Corporation Limited (GBCL) under the supervision of the Department of Forest and Park Services (DoFPS).

The ESMP for Phrumsengla National Park (PNP) outlines the environmental and social safeguards for project activities between January 2023 and June 2024. The primary activity is a Nu. 400,000 bamboo plantation project in the Yumchey and Pam areas of Jaray Gewog, designed to mitigate flash floods and stabilize soil. The plan identifies minor risks, including the introduction of invasive species and occupational health and safety concerns, and prescribes mitigation measures such as using only native deep-rooted species and providing first aid and fair working conditions. Implementation is managed by the BFL focal person in PNP, with monitoring conducted through field visits and reports. The document also includes comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards for workers, covering facility design, personal protective equipment, and accommodation.

The ESMP outlines the environmental and social safeguards for the installation of two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Bhutan. It identifies potential risks such as construction waste, noise pollution, and worker safety, and provides specific mitigation measures and monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with both Bhutanese law and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP).

The ESMP outlines mitigation strategies for three primary activities in the Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve: alpine meadow restoration, the construction of two reservoir tanks in the Thangdokha Watershed, and bio-engineering works at water sources. It identifies potential risks such as forest fires, masonry waste, and occupational health and safety hazards, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with Bhutanese law and WWF safeguards.

The ESMP for Royal Manas National Park outlines mitigation strategies for seven planned activities, including staff quarter maintenance, river bank protection, and grassland management. It focuses on minimizing waste, ensuring worker health and safety, and preventing wildfires during prescribed burning, while adhering to both Bhutanese law and WWF safeguards.

The ESMP outlines the environmental and social safeguards for constructing a Flood Warning and Cryosphere Research Facility in Lunana, Bhutan, with a budget of Nu. 18,230,000. It identifies minor risks including noise, dust, and waste, and mandates mitigation measures such as site watering and restricted working hours (0700 to 1900). The plan emphasizes compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, particularly regarding land user compensation and community consultation. It also provides detailed occupational health and safety (OHS) standards for workers, including facility design, personal protective equipment, and accommodation requirements.

The ESMP outlines the implementation of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) mitigation technologies, specifically portable electric fencing and bioacoustics devices, across six districts in Bhutan. It identifies potential environmental risks, such as e-waste and soil disturbance, and social risks related to occupational health and safety. The plan mandates adherence to both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures, with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy. Implementation is led by district administrations in collaboration with the National Plant Protection Centre, with a total budget of Nu. 1,598,000 for the specified activities.

The ESMP for Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (JSWNP) outlines mitigation strategies for four planned activities: improving alpine meadows, maintaining water supply at the Nabji Park Range Office, planting bamboo in landslide-prone areas of Korphu Damde, and constructing a river bank protection wall at Tongtong Maed. The plan integrates Bhutanese national laws with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), prioritizing the more stringent WWF standards in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding compensation for non-title land users and community consultation. The document details specific environmental risks, such as construction waste and invasive species, and social risks, primarily occupational health and safety for workers. It provides a comprehensive framework for implementation, monitoring, and worker welfare standards, with a total activity budget of Nu. 1,450,000.

The ESMP for Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary outlines mitigation strategies for five key activities: restoring alpine meadows, improving lowland grasslands, implementing bioengineering for watershed management, restoring natural saltlicks, and maintaining the Joenkhar Range Office. It integrates Bhutanese national laws with WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), prioritizing the latter in cases of discrepancy, particularly regarding compensation for non-title land users and community consultation. The plan details specific environmental risks, such as the spread of invasive alien species and waste generation, and mandates strict occupational health and safety (OHS) standards for workers, including the provision of safety gear and standardized living facilities.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS) outlines a series of conservation and infrastructure activities scheduled for 2023-2024. Key initiatives include the restoration of 70 hectares of lowland grasslands through invasive species removal and prescribed burning, the maintenance of a 25 km patrol route, the construction of four water reservoir tanks in Nichula Gewog, and the installation of solar pumps to support wildlife water access. The plan identifies potential risks such as forest fires, waste generation, and occupational health and safety hazards, providing specific mitigation measures and monitoring arrangements to ensure compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures.

The ESMP focuses on the production of highland honey in Thangza village, Lunana Gewog, between January 2023 and June 2024. While the project anticipates no negative environmental impacts and expects positive biodiversity gains through pollination, it identifies occupational health and safety for bee handlers as a minor social risk. To mitigate this, the plan mandates compliance with BFL health and safety guidelines, regular health screenings, and fair employment practices. Due to the arduous 9-day journey by pony to the site, the program proposes transporting bee colonies by helicopter to ensure bee health and performance. The project is budgeted at Nu. 1,635,000, with monitoring conducted by BFL focal persons and the ESS Focal officer.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) for the Royal Botanical Park (RBP) outlines the safeguards and mitigation strategies for three planned activities: campsite development, cafeteria maintenance, and the installation of a zip line. The plan ensures compliance with both Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) laws and WWF's Social Safeguards Integrated Policies and Procedures (SIPP), with the latter prevailing in cases of discrepancy. Key environmental risks identified include waste generation, dust, and habitat disruption, while social risks focus on worker health and safety. The document provides detailed occupational health and safety (OHS) standards and monitoring arrangements to be implemented by BFL focal persons and contractors.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) is seeking concept notes for projects in Africa that leverage local and indigenous knowledge for climate resilience. Up to five projects will be selected for grants of up to $150,000 over a maximum of three years. Projects must align with themes such as gender equality, social inclusion, resilience financing, ecosystem-based approaches, climate knowledge, and youth empowerment. Priority is given to organisations founded and led within Africa, with a strong emphasis on locally-led adaptation and the inclusion of marginalised groups.

The Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) issued a call for concept notes in 2023 to fund projects led by African organisations that use Indigenous and local knowledge to drive inclusive, locally-led climate-resilient action.

The document proposes a systematic classification framework to identify and screen climate resilience investments, aiming to bridge the gap between high-level resilience goals and capital market flows. It defines eligibility based on 'Substantial Contribution' to resilience while avoiding maladaptation and significant harm, categorizing investments into a white list, standardized checks, and further assessment. The framework is organized around seven themes: Resilient Agrifood Systems, Resilient Industry & Commerce, Resilient Cities, Resilient Nature & Biodiversity, Resilient Health, Resilient Societies, and Resilient Infrastructure.

The Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative (CBRI), proposed by the 'Six Sovereigns' (four Tribal Nations and the states of Oregon and Washington), outlines a long-term strategy to restore native fish populations to 'healthy and abundant levels'. The centerpiece of the proposal is the breaching of four Lower Snake River (LSR) dams, which the document asserts is the only reasonable way to ensure the recovery of Snake River stocks. To make this viable, the CBRI calls for federal investment to secure 'continuity of services'—replacing the dams' energy, transportation, irrigation, and recreation benefits—prior to breaching. The plan also includes reintroducing fish into blocked areas of the Upper Columbia, improving water quality and quantity, and implementing predator control. It emphasizes a 'whole of government' approach to funding, including the use of the Inflation Reduction Act and the Northwest Power Act, while upholding federal Treaty and trust responsibilities to Tribal Nations.

The analysis reveals that only 24% of the 67 sampled countries demonstrated a climate risk responsive recovery. A significant paradox was identified: a country's income level was a stronger determinant of whether it used COVID-19 funds for adaptation than its actual climate vulnerability. High-income countries were more likely to integrate physical climate risks into their recovery plans, while the most vulnerable countries were the least likely to do so, with only Kenya and Vanuatu among the 20 most vulnerable countries approving explicit adaptation actions. Most responsive measures focused on water resources management, disaster prevention, infrastructure, and nature-based solutions, primarily targeting drought and flooding.