Glossary of Terms (H-Z)

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H
Hazardous wastes	Byproducts of society that can pose a substantial or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly managed. Substances classified as hazardous wastes possess at least one of four characteristics-ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, or toxicity-or appear on special lists.
I
Indigenous peoples	Collectively, the members of those cultures which have historic, ancestral, spiritual and functional connection to the land on which and from which they live. In popular usage, indigenous peoples are distinguished from members of those cultures whose connection to the land on which they live is limited to the historical period.
ISO 14001	ISO standard "Environmental performance evaluation-Guidelines"
ISO 14031	ISO standard "Environmental performance evaluation-Guidelines"
M
Mitigation	Measures taken to reduce adverse impacts on the environment.
N
Natural resource management	Human intervention to guide the use of renewable natural resources such as water, soils, and forests.
O
Ozone-depleting substances	Manufactured chemical compounds that reduce the protective layer of ozone in the Earth's atmosphere. The Montreal Protocol, administered by the UN, maintains the list of ozone-depleting substances that are targeted for control, reduction, or phase-out.
P
Performance Standards	The eight Performance Standards establish requirements that the client is to meet in IFC-financed projects.
Prevention	Measures taken to minimize the release of wastes to the environment.
S
Safeguard policies	Policies designed specifically to ensure that the environmental (and social) impacts of projects supported by the Bank Group are considered during appraisal and preparation. The Bank's safeguard policies cover environmental assessment, natural habitats, pest management, indigenous peoples, cultural resources, involuntary resettlement, forests, dam safety, international waterways, and disputed areas.
Stewardship	Responsible management of the environment and renewable natural resources with an eye toward assuring their sustainability.
Sustainable development	Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
W
Wastewater	Spent or used water from individual homes, communities, farms, or industries that contains dissolved or suspended matter.
Watershed	The area drained by a particular watercourse including the watercourse itself.

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Note: These definitions are according to the World Bank. IFC definitions may vary.

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Glossary of Terms (H-Z)