The Human-Wildlife Conflict and Wildlife Crime (HWC-WC) Project has been screened under the Social & Environmental Standards (SES) and categorised as high-risk. This classification reflects potential challenges related to SES Programming Principles and Project-level Standards. Activities that involve policy reforms or plans with significant social and environmental risks will be carefully analysed and managed using tools like Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA). For physical interventions with potentially significant adverse impacts, a comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be conducted, leading to the development of relevant management plans (e.g., Environmental and Social Management Plans - ESMP or Environmental and Social Management Framework - ESMF). Projects will strictly follow the guidelines outlined in these management plans.

The HWC-WC project employs a multifaceted strategy focusing on four key areas: (1) reducing, mitigating, and preventing human-wildlife conflict; (2) combating wildlife crime and protecting wildlife populations; (3) generating economic benefits for communities through wildlife-related enterprises; and (4) enhancing coordination, cooperation, and knowledge sharing at local and national levels. These strategies are being implemented in communal conservancies and national parks within three hotspot landscapes: North Central (including Etosha National Park), Northwest (Kunene), and Northeast (encompassing the Bwabwata-Mudumu National Park complex within the KAZA Transfrontier Conservation Area).

In line with UNDP’s SES, stakeholder engagement is a priority to ensure transparency and participation. According to the Social and Environmental Management System Requirements, Part C: UNDP Social and Environmental Standards | United Nations Development Programme. The below reports must be made publicly available.

•  Consolidated Environmental and Social Management Plan
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report North Central Landscape
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report North East Landscape
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report North West Landscape
• SES Implementation Road Map and M&E Plan 

These documents will be disclosed for 120 days to ensure that all key stakeholders are well-informed.