IDB Invest has published a new Guide to facilitate the understanding of the cumulative impacts of infrastructure projects and promote their effective management. The assessment and management of cumulative impacts (CIAM) is frequently cited by IDB Invest clients as one of the most difficult challenges both to ensure the environmental and social approval of projects, and to meet the requirements for their financing in Latin America. and the Caribbean (LAC).

The purpose of this Guide is to provide CIAM practitioners with: i) an overview and clarification of the practice of cumulative impact assessment; ii) suggestions on practical approaches to complete the CIAM from the perspective of a project, complying with legal requirements and international best practices; and iii) an understanding of the challenges involved in conducting an CIAM in the LAC context. The Guide does not describe the mandatory requirements for carrying out a CIAM.

The Guide is primarily intended for consultants, project proponents or developers, lenders financing infrastructure projects, government officials, academics, and civil society representatives interested in determining cumulative impacts.