Third Environmental Assessment Review ( FY 96 - 00 )

This is the third review of the World Bank's experience with environmental assessment polices and procedures. It builds upon the previous reviews that covered the periods 1989 - 92 and 1993 - 95, respectively. During most of the 1990s Bank operation followed the environmental requirements of Operational Directive which came into effect in October 1991 and then was converted to Operational Policy in January 1999. Several Organization changes have shifted responsibilty for EA enforcement and Safeguards polices including the creation of the Quality Assurance Compliance Unit.