Watenka
Environmental and social consulting under the IFC Performance Standards and Equator Principles
We are a Latin American boutique consultancy. We deliver environmental and social due diligence, gap analyses and action plans for infrastructure and energy projects seeking international finance across Latin America.
We help projects build sustainability in as a driver of profitability and resilience.
Technical rigor
In-depth analysis grounded in evidence, current regulation and international standards
Strategic vision
Solutions aligned with the client's business goals and with financial close
Commitment to the territory
First-hand knowledge of the realities of Latin America
Services for internationally financed projects
We help you understand and manage your project's environmental and social risks against what development finance institutions, Equator Principles banks and investment funds require.
Environmental and social due diligence (ESDD)
Independent review of the project against the IFC Performance Standards and the Equator Principles, with a findings report and an action plan.
View service →IFC and Equator Principles gap analysis
Early diagnosis of what your project still needs to meet lender standards, with a roadmap to get there.
View service →Environmental and social action plan (ESAP)
Drafting, negotiating and implementing the ESAP, and tracking every action through to close-out with the lenders.
View service →Critical habitat and biodiversity (PS6)
Critical habitat assessments, biodiversity action plans and net-gain strategies under Performance Standard 6.
View service →Environmental and social management system (ESMS)
Design and implementation of the ESMS required by Performance Standard 1, for projects and for financial institutions.
View service →Lender E&S monitoring
Independent monitoring during construction and operation, ESAP tracking and periodic reporting to lenders.
View service →The standards lenders require
Most development banks, commercial banks that have adopted the Equator Principles and infrastructure funds require the projects they finance to meet the IFC Performance Standards. We translate those requirements into the regulatory and local context of each project.
From development to operation
Development
- Gap analysis of the project against international standards to access finance
- Risk management studies
- Critical habitat assessment
Financial close
- Environmental and social due diligence
- Drafting, review and gap closure of the action plan (ESAP)
- Environmental and social management system
Construction and operation
- Lender monitoring and follow-up site visits
- Periodic environmental and social reports
- Alignment audits against international standards
What sets us apart
Over 12 years of experience
A consolidated track record in environmental and social consulting for infrastructure and energy projects in Latin America.
Command of global standards
IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, GRI, ISSB, TCFD, TNFD and multilateral bank frameworks.
Local regulatory knowledge
We understand environmental and social regulation in Colombia and Latin America: environmental licensing, prior consultation, land acquisition, occupational health and safety.
A bridge between lenders and projects
Deliverables in English and Spanish, with capacity in Italian and Portuguese, in a common language that brings together environment, communities and risk management.
Boutique agility
Personal attention, a flexible structure and a fast response to complex requirements.
Guides to understanding the standards
IFC Performance Standards: a practical guide to all eight
What they are, who requires them and what each one asks for, from PS1 to PS8, and what that means in practice for a project in Latin America.
Read the guide →Colombian environmental license vs. IFC Performance Standards: the most common gaps
Why a fully permitted project may still fall short of lender standards, standard by standard, and how to anticipate it.
Read the guide →Frequently asked questions
What are the IFC Performance Standards?
They are the eight standards the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, uses to assess the environmental and social risks of the projects it finances. Equator Principles banks, development finance institutions and many investment funds apply them too, which makes them the practical benchmark for any project seeking international finance.
When does a project need environmental and social due diligence?
Whenever a lender or investor is about to commit funds: at financial close, in a refinancing, or when an asset is bought or sold. Due diligence checks compliance with the lender's standards and ends in an environmental and social action plan (ESAP).
Do you work for lenders or for project developers?
Both, on separate assignments. We support companies, financial institutions and investment funds, either as the lenders' independent consultant or as adviser to a developer preparing for financing.
Which countries do you work in?
Across Latin America. We understand local environmental and social regulation in the region and deliver in English and Spanish, with working capacity in Italian and Portuguese.
Let's talk about your next project
We are ready to support you in managing your environmental and social risks and opportunities.
Contact us