The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) USA supports socio-economic development programs in diverse environmental settings, from the low lying, tropical coastal regions of East Africa to the mountainous terrain and continental climate of Central Asia to the densely populated plains of South Asia. Although AKF USA concentrates its efforts primarily in rural areas, urban-based initiatives are also included in the organization’s portfolio.

AKF USA implements projects through AKF offices in countries around the world, and provides technical and direct support to locally owned institutions that have their own, indigenously designed policies and procedures. AKF USA’s support to these national partners includes training as required, as well as regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure that their programs meet, and exceed, established standards of due diligence and sustainable development that ensures environmental compliance and best practices.

Environmental risk is one of various kinds of risks that institutions take into account when assessing support to locally owned institutions. An environmental risk management policy can benefit local institutions by increasing their awareness to meet environmental protection legislation and utilizing appropriate environmental practices in implementation of their activities. Therefore, it is in the interest of AKF USA to develop, implement, and maintain a policy embracing Environmental Risk Management.