When large-scale projects involve communities, rehabilitation and resettlement, it is vital to understand the risks involved. Consultivo was entrusted by an international impact investment bank to conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment covering rehabilitation, resettlement activities, CSR projects and community engagement initiatives.

The goal was clear: identify social risks early, reduce uncertainty and strengthen risk management strategies.

Methodology and references used

Global and national frameworks

To ensure credibility, our team anchored the baseline assessment on globally recognised standards, including:

• International Finance Corporation (IFC) guidelines

• World Bank sectoral guidelines

• Country-specific legislations

• Industry best practices

This robust framework gave the client confidence that risks would be assessed against both international and national expectations.

Terms of reference

The scope also included linking the outcomes to AESPR (Annual Environment & Social Performance Reporting) and aligning the entire process with the Equator Principles. This ensured the results were transparent, comparable and aligned with global investor requirements.

Continuous engagement for long-term value

This project has been ongoing for several years. Through repeated baseline assessments, the organisation could:

• Monitor progress over time

• Reduce risks related to social, environmental and safety concerns

• Improve the performance baseline year after year

• Build a structured process for mitigation planning

The continuous cycle of assessment and improvement created stronger trust with communities and reduced sustainability risks for the investor.

Outcomes and impact

The key benefits of this baseline assessment included:

• Early identification of potential social and environmental risks

• Clear plans for mitigating resettlement and community-related challenges

• Compliance with IFC and World Bank requirements

• Improved governance and reporting through AESPR alignment

• Enhanced investor confidence by reducing sustainability-related risks

Why baseline assessment matters for sustainable investments

A well-executed baseline assessment goes beyond compliance. It establishes a clear starting point for monitoring and improvement. 

For investors, this means risks are visible and manageable. For communities, it ensures their needs and concerns are included in project planning.

Consultivo’s independent expertise helps organisations transform assessments into practical roadmaps that align with international standards and reduce long-term risks.