This handbook describes the resettlement process and operational requirements within the Bank's project cycle. It also address the integration of social dimensions into Bank operations. The paper elaborates key resettlement planning concepts, including the policy framework, entitlements, planning resettlement for vulnerable groups, social preparation phases, budgets and time lines.

This book is an up-to-date, accessible and practical guide on how to optimally plan for, implement and review land access and resettlement. It provides step-by-step information on how to avoid pitfalls, ensure that best practice is being employed and the correct standards are being applied. With useful real-life examples of when projects have gone well and when they haven't, the book is based on the main lessons that have been learned on-the-ground over the past decade. Natural resource projects can have considerable impacts on local communities, chiefly due to the need to acquire large areas of land. When projects are located in developing and middle income economies, the impacts are most keenly felt, as it often requires displacement of large rural populations, with predominately land-based livelihoods. The authors have planned, implemented and reviewed over 50 land access and resettlement projects in over 30 countries internationally, and conducted benchmarking exercises on a further 60 projects. This experience provides the basis for the book. The book guides the reader through the different stages of preparing for a land resettlement project. Land Access and Resettlement is a key social risk for the natural resources sector, particularly the mining, oil and gas industries, who are operating in a context of increased awareness and regulation regarding the potential social impacts of their activities. At the same time, companies increasingly appreciate the business case for ‘getting social right’. This book provides a practical road map to corporate leaders, project managers, practitioners, academia, government and civil society for practically planning and implementing successful land access and resettlement, and creating win-win outcomes for companies and communities.

The goal of the International Finance Corporation is to promote sustainable development through private sector investment in developing countries in order to reduce poverty and improve people's lives. IFC often supports investments that involve complex social and environmental issues, and it takes these issues very seriously. IFC recognizes that the resettlement of people from their homes or displacement of people from their livelihoods is economically and socially disruptive and may affect some people living close to the edge of survival. Where resettlement is unavoidable, each project requires its utmost attention. IFC considers resettlement an opportunity to improve peoples' lives by providing sustainable benefits and improved means of livelihood to people affected by IFC-financed projects. This handbook outlines methods and practices for the preparation of successful resettlement action plans conforming to IFC's policy on involuntary resettlement. As a reference for project developers, it describes the issues associated with the economic and physical displacement of people and provides an appreciation of the level of effort a project will require. It is intended primarily to assist the practitioners, consultants, NGOs, and community-based organizations that design and carry out resettlement activities. The handbook may be used in conjunction with IFC's public consultation Good Practice Manual and its Community Development Guide.