Since 2009, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) has systematically addressed environmental and social risks associated with its financed operations. This initiative responded to the region's high vulnerability to natural, social, and anthropogenic threats. That year, the Bank approved and began implementing the Environmental and Social Risk Identification, Evaluation, and Mitigation System (SIEMAS), aimed at ensuring the environmental and social sustainability of its financed operations.
In 2016, the SIEMAS was formally integrated into CABEI’s Environmental and Social Policy, serving as a cornerstone and guiding element of the institution’s sustainability efforts. This integration has strengthened internal governance structures and enhanced the strategic importance of environmental and social risk management. aligning CABEI with global sustainable finance practices. CABEI continues to update its mechanisms for managing these risks in accordance with international standards, most recently in 2023, along with the operational tools that support them.
CABEI’s early adoption of robust environmental and social safeguards has enabled the Bank to:
Access
international climate funds such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Adaptation Fund (AF), where CABEI serves as a Regional Accredited Entity and Regional Implementing Entity, respectively.
Mobilize
international resources by aligning with globally recognized sustainability standards, thereby reinforcing the Bank’s credibility.
Participate actively
in ESG-labeled capital markets, promoting transparency and accountability through responsible investment instruments, such as social, green, blue, sustainable and thematic bonds.
In April 2025, CABEI was named the “Most Impressive ESG Bond Issuer in Latin America” by Global Capital, a leading financial publication. This recognition highlights CABEI’s leadership, track record and commitment to in sustainable capital markets.
Since issuing its first green bond in 2019, CABEI has raised over US$7.8 billion through 30 ESG bond issuances to fund impactful, sustainable development projects.
With the launch of its updated Sustainable Bond Framework in November 2024, the bank has issued three new sustainable bonds, mobilizing over US$2.46 billion to support climate action, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability across the region.
For more information about strategic partnerships, see Accreditations to Green Funds and Strategic Partnerships section, as well as CABEI’s recognition as the “Most Impressive ESG Bond Issuer in Latin America”.
The Environmental and Social Sustainability Office leads the formulation and implementation of CABEI’s Environmental and Social Policy. It ensures that the Bank adheres to top-tier international standards such as IFC Performance Standards in areas including environmental protection, social inclusion, climate action, and sustainable development. This office also oversees environmental and social impact assessments for financed operations.
Environmental and Social Policy
This policy outlines CABEI’s commitment to ensuring that all operations and internal activities of the Bank are environmentally and socially sustainable. It is aligned with the 2020–2024 Institutional Strategy, particularly its pillar on environmental sustainability. Key goals include:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Enhancing resilience to climate change
- Promoting sustainable development across its member countries.
OSAS is leading the development of a new Sustainability Policy to strengthen the Bank’s strategic response to environmental, social, and climate-related challenges, in alignment with CABEI’s institutional mandate and the region’s evolving priorities.
As part of this process, OSAS is engaging key stakeholders throughout the drafting phase to ensure that the new policy reflects CABEI’s long-term strategic vision and is aligned with international standards and best practices.
This initiative reaffirms CABEI’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable development across its member countries.
The forthcoming Sustainability Policy is designed to build upon and eventually replace the current Environmental and Social Policy, establishing a more integrated and forward-looking framework. The draft policy is currently under development and will undergo a thorough internal review and stakeholder consultation process.
It is expected that the proposed policy will be submitted for consideration by the Bank’s Board of Directors during the first half of 2025.
Environmental and Social Policy
Environmental and Social Strategy
During the 2020–2024 strategic period, CABEI aimed to establish itself as the leading regional institution in sustainable development and economic integration, with a measurable impact on societal well-being. To support this vision, the Bank crafted an updated Environmental and Social Sustainability Strategy, fully aligned with its 2020-2024 Institutional Strategy. This strategy serves as a comprehensive guiding framework, incorporating both mandatory and voluntary commitments, guidelines, measures, and national and international best practices. Its primary goal is to prevent and mitigate potential risks, while addressing and compensating for any environmental and social impacts arising from the implementation of the Bank’s Institutional Strategy during this period.
Gender Equity Policy
This policy aims to promote programs, products, and projects that advance gender equity, while encouraging the adoption of best practices in addressing gender equality. Additionally, it integrates a gender equity perspective within CABEI's internal operations, governance structure, and organizational culture.
