CERM, BUET, under the BD ES Learning Center initiative, participants visited a project site to explore the practical application of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).

As part of the five-day training on “Basics of Environmental and Social Framework (ESF)”, organized by the Centre for Environmental and Resource Management (CERM), BUET, under the BD ES Learning Center initiative, participants visited the Pagla Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Trunk Mains Project to assess the project site through the lens of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF).
During the visit, participants observed the project site through the lens of the World Bank ESF and its Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), examining how environmental and social risks are managed in practice and identifying areas where further measures could be considered.

Following the visit, participants were assigned a practical task to identify:

• The ESS requirements already addressed at the project site
• Environmental and social issues that require further attention
• Additional measures that could strengthen ESF implementation

The participants subsequently presented their findings, sharing observations and recommendations based on their site assessments. This exercise connected the concepts discussed during the training with real-world project conditions and encouraged participants to think critically about the implementation of environmental and social safeguards.

CERM, BUET sincerely thanks the project authority and site team for their cooperation, warm support, and guidance throughout the visit. Their assistance provided participants with a valuable opportunity to learn directly from project-level practices.

Through field-based learning and practical assessment, CERM continues to promote a deeper understanding of the World Bank ESF and strengthen the capacity of professionals to manage environmental and social risks in development projects.