This environmental and social risk screening template (Template) is intended to be used when USAID determines the best strategic approach for development assistance in a given country or region, which is articulated in Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) or Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS) documents in order to adequately plan for scheduling and costs associated with programs, projects and activities.

ADS 204.3.2.1 recommends conducting an environmental and social risk review. This Template is used by the strategy planning team at the Mission to facilitate this review. It identifies program areas, planned projects, and activities that may present significant adverse impacts (Step 1) and defines important considerations, particularly costs and scheduling, that will affect implementation, e.g., if an environmental assessment (EA) is required for a planned construction project (Step 2). The Mission Environmental Officer (MEO) is available to provide technical assistance using the Template and can help identify the potential scheduling and cost requirements. Subsequently, the risk review findings should be considered during project and activity design (Step 3).

This Template serves as one resource available to Agency staff, including Program Officers, MEOs, Bureau Environmental Officers, Regional Environmental Advisors, etc. Other resources are available for more in-depth environmental analyses including the Sector Environmental Guidelines, and the Environmental Impact Assessment Tool.