PROJECT PRIORITIZATION AND SELECTION

Key provision Commentary

Purpose:

Clear guidance should be provided on matters that must be considered by proponents in identifying projects for detailed assessment and potential implementation.

Objectives:

The objectives of establishing guidance and processes for project prioritization and selection are to:

- ensure there is a tangible link between the upstream (generally government-led) and downstream phases of the project development lifecycle

- ensure key sustainability, resilience and incluivity considerations are applied as part of the project selection and design processes (not just the EIA and project approval phases)

- provide regulatory context for proponents’ due diligence obligations when considering potential projects for investment

Considerations:

The process for project prioritization and selection should require:

- the proponent to demonstrate they have undertaken appropriate due diligence assessments on the proposed projects

- screening for potential project risks, including:

1. Proximity to protected areas and KBAs

2. Proximity to areas at risk of natural hazards

3. Proximity to local communities, including Indigenous Peoples

4. Land acquisition requirements and potential resettlement

- the proponent to demonstrate that the proposed projects are in accordance with the landscape plan for linear infrastructure (or other strategic assessment in the absence of a dedicated plan), including an early assessment of alternative options

- the proponent to demonstrate that the proposed projects can be designed, constructed, and operated in ways that would:

1. Deliver social benefits—at both economy-wide and local scales

2. Be resilient to the risks of climate change and natural hazards

3. Have minimal negative environmental impacts and net positive benefits (e.g., through application of NBS)

The regulations may establish (or link to) a “project bank” of earlystage projects that have been identified as contributing to the long-term strategic planning objectives and that have passed prefeasibility risk screening.

Public participation:

The regulations should ensure that the public has access to information about screening criteria to possible projects, with exceptions only covering information that is legitimately commercial- in-confidence.

A checklist or some other criteria should be provided in the regulations to facilitate the expected screening approach. Sample screening checklist, which could be adapted for local circumstances, are provided at Annex 4 and Annex 5.