Environmental and Social

Environmental and Social Framework 

The Project is developed in compliance with all applicable national regulatory requirements and international standards. 

National Requirements 

The applicable Environmental and Social (E&S) reference framework includes, but is not limited to: 

Malawian laws, regulations, and policies relating to:

  • Land acquisition and resettlement
  • Labour and working conditions
  • Pollution prevention and control
  • Public health and safety
  • Biodiversity protection and conservation
  • Environmental protection

Relevant international treaties, declarations, and conventions ratified by Malawi, including:

  • United Nations (UN) Declarations
  • UNESCO Conventions
  • International Labour Organization (ILO) Core Conventions and other ratified ILO Conventions

International Financing Institution (IFI) Standards 

The Project aligns with: 

  • International Finance Corporation Performance Standards (2012)
  • World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (2018)
  • Equator Principles Association Equator Principles 4 (EP4) (July 2020)
  • World Bank Group Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines
  • UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (2011)

Where discrepancies occur within the reference framework, MHPL will apply the more stringent requirement.

Environmental and Social Instruments 

MHPL commissioned a series of studies to assess potential environmental and social impacts and to identify appropriate mitigation measures. The following instruments have been developed: 

Two versions of the ESIA and ESMMP have been prepared: 

  1. One aligned with the requirements of the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA).
  2. One aligned with international lender requirements.

Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration 

MHPL is implementing a phased approach to the Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Action Plan (RLRAP), guided by the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF). The following RLRAPs have been developed: 

Cumulative Impact Assessment 

The Shire River Basin-wide Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) relevant to MHPL has been completed and is publicly available here. 

IEC Materials 

Quarterly project newsletters available here