From restoring centuries-old artifacts during metro construction in Ecuador, to safeguarding biodiversity near an airport in Bolivia, large-scale infrastructure projects are proving that development and sustainability can go hand in hand.
At the core of these successes is the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework - a comprehensive guiding framework comprised of a set of ten standards that ensure progress works hand-in-hand with long term environmental and social sustainability. By addressing risks and prioritizing people and the planet, the Environmental and Social Framework is redefining what responsible development looks like.
Belize: Greener Agriculture, Stronger Communities
For farmers in Belize, agriculture is not just a livelihood—it’s a way of life. Yet, without proper environmental and social risk management, unsustainable practices can degrade land, water, and biodiversity. Through the Belize Agricultural Project, the Environmental and Social Framework has played a pivotal role in guiding local banks and farmer cooperatives to implement an Environmental and Social Management Systems for the first time.
Thanks to the Framework, local banks in Belize now thoroughly screen projects for environmental risks, ensuring that funding goes to initiatives that promote sustainability. This shift has led to the adoption of new pest management techniques, reducing reliance on harmful pesticide use. As a result, farmers are seeing better financial outcomes, healthier crops, and improved resilience—demonstrating that sustainable farming is not only possible but profitable.
Ecuador: Preserving Cultural Heritage in Quito’s Metro Project
Through the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework, the project developed a set of robust environmental and social standards in waste management, quarry rehabilitation, and worker safety, with the most profound impact being generated from application of cultural heritage protection.
When metro construction reached Quito’s historic center, the project team implemented strict excavation measures to protect historical cultural artifacts. Every find was meticulously excavated, cataloged, and preserved. The impact was particularly visible in Plaza San Francisco, where 107,695 stones were carefully restored, breathing new life into one of Quito’s most iconic sites. Through use of the World Bank’s Environment and Social Framework, the project not only enhanced urban mobility but also protected and preserved Ecuador’s rich cultural history for future generations.
"The Quito Metro has changed the life of the city; it has changed the way of transportation and also preserved our cultural heritage. We have taken everything into account that has allowed the project to manage very high standards in terms of risk management, environmental conservation and everything that the city will provide in the future”- says Juan Carlos Parra, General Manager of the Quito Metro.
Bolivia: Protecting Biodiversity at Rurrenabaque Airport
Infrastructure projects near protected natural habitats come with unique challenges. In Bolivia, the Rurrenabaque Airport Project demonstrated how the Environmental and Social Framework can ensure that modernization does not come at the expense of biodiversity.
The airport site, located close to sensitive ecosystems, required special attention to prevent harm to local wildlife. Applying the Framework, the project hired a team of biologists, who conducted an extensive biodiversity inventory, deploying techniques such as day and night transects, camera traps, nets, and sound recording for different groups of animals.
25 amphibian, 13 reptilian, 21 mammalian, and 115 avian species were identified in the area. About 1,500 individual animals were directly rescued and protected from the impacts from construction. Monitoring and field visits were undertaken during and post construction.
Beyond protecting wildlife, the project also enhanced the capacity of national authorities to manage biodiversity risks in infrastructure projects. By integrating international best practice, government agencies gained experience in biodiversity assessments, impact mitigation, and wildlife conservation, setting a new benchmark for environmentally responsible development in Bolivia.
A Future Built on Sustainable Foundations
As countries in Latin America and the Caribbean pursue economic growth, the need for robust environmental and social frameworks will only grow. The World Bank is focusing on strengthening national systems to meet these challenges, ensuring that development supports both people and the planet.
Through targeted initiatives, the Environmental and Social Framework works to bolster national systems for managing environmental and social risks, addressing critical areas like biodiversity protection, risk mitigation, and oversight during project implementation. By building partnerships and addressing gaps between local policies and global best practices, the Framework is helping countries in Latin America and the Caribbean enhance their capacity to balance growth with sustainability.
"Our work is not just about mitigating risks—it’s about strengthening national institutions, empowering communities, and ensuring long-term sustainability. By working closely with governments and local stakeholders, we are building the capacity needed to integrate environmental and social considerations into every stage of a project. This is how we create lasting impact—by making sustainability a fundamental part of development, not an afterthought," says Aradhna Madhur, Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank.
Through application of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework, the region has an opportunity to redefine what responsible development looks like, ensuring that growth uplifts communities while preserving natural resources for generations to come.
