Digital Technology to Assess Safeguard Impacts

ADB is committed to ensuring the social and environmental sustainability of the projects it supports. In this context, the goal of the ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS) is to promote the sustainability of project outcomes by protecting the environment and people from projects’ potential adverse impacts. ADB adheres to the objectives of the safeguards and their delivery. ADB also assumes the responsibility for conducting due diligence and for reviewing, monitoring, and supervising projects throughout the ADB’s project cycle in conformity with the principles and requirements embodied in the SPS.

ADB due diligence and review involves field visits as well as desk reviews. Through such due diligence and review, ADB can identify all key potential social and environmental impacts and risks of a project. ADB is also able to place effective measures to avoid, minimize, and mitigate adverse impacts as well as compensate for them—which are all incorporated into the safeguard plans and project design. With the travel limitations, including restrictions caused by COVID-19, demarcating and assessing the scope and types of impact on land, assets, people, and environment are becoming challenging.

With regard to a spatial platform, there is a web GIS portal within ADB known as Spatial Data Analysis Explorer or SPADE. SPADE is an interactive, web-based geospatial platform showcasing different climate change scenarios with datasets in socioeconomic, topography, land use, and infrastructure which can be used for project preparation, planning, implementation, and monitoring. SPADE is based on Open Source technology and is utilizing out-of-the-box solutions to provide users with simple and user-friendly interface to access spatial data, allowing users to view their projects spatially, and make critical decisions with consideration on climate change and hazard, among others.

Additional References:

ADB Safeguards Policy Statement (SPS)

SPADE: Using Spatial Cloud Computing to Build Livable Cities