WCS policies are designed to ensure that its conservation activities align with best practices in social safeguards and comply with international human rights standards. These policies are based on recognized frameworks such as the World Bank’s, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, among others. These frameworks guide WCS’s approach to safeguarding and respecting human rights across all its conservation initiatives.

WCS’s Code of Conduct, adopted in 2019, is a cornerstone of its operations, establishing mandatory behavioral standards for all staff and representatives of the organization. This code covers key principles such as the protection of human rights, the safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults, and the fight against human trafficking. All WCS staff are responsible for adhering to and enforcing this code, with disciplinary actions, including termination, for non-compliance.

WCS follows a rights-based approach to conservation, emphasizing Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and stakeholder participation. The organization is committed to avoiding human displacement unless absolutely necessary, adhering to strict international standards. Additionally, WCS has a safeguarding policy to protect vulnerable individuals and operates a Global Grievance Mechanism (GGM) to address complaints related to human rights and safeguard violations.

WCS tailors international standards to local contexts by considering national laws, institutional capacities, and cultural sensitivities. This dual approach allows WCS to combine rigorous global standards with local adaptation, ensuring the effective and respectful implementation of conservation efforts across diverse cultural settings. This strategy is critical to credibly fulfilling institutional policies and meeting international safeguard obligations.

WCS’s Social Safeguards Management Team (SSMT) ensures a continuous process of developing and refining social safeguards. This team leads the creation of global policies, oversees the Global Grievance Mechanism, and ensures that human rights and social safeguards policies are applied appropriately. Additionally, WCS continually updates its policies as national and international regulations and donor requirements evolve.

Public Grievance Mechanism – Grievance Redress Mechanism

WCS Guatemala recognizes that achieving our mission requires maintaining the trust of partners, donors, governments, guests, and local communities. To ensure transparency and address any concerns that may arise during the implementation of WCS Guatemala's projects, we have established a Public Grievance Mechanism. This mechanism is available for submitting any complaints, claims, suggestions, or requests from stakeholders. A grievance is defined as any legitimate concern, whether actual or perceived, that causes harm to an individual, community, or other stakeholders. The mechanism is open to WCS staff as well as external parties, including donors, partner organizations, individuals, community representatives, and third parties. 

You may submit a grievance by email at: grmguatemala@wcs.org
Or via WhatsApp at: (+502) 3996-6166