Maria Lorena C. Cleto
Senior Safeguards Specialist (Social), Office of Safeguards, Asian Development Bank

Maria is an Indigenous Ibaloi who worked with Indigenous-led movements, championing equal participation, and environmental, social, and cultural protection in her youth. She currently handles involuntary resettlement and Indigenous Peoples aspects of various projects across sectors in South Asia. She has over 15 years’ experience in social development and social safeguards in 15 countries.

Case Study

Sustainable hydropower project balances energy needs with tribal rights, cultural preservation, and inclusive livelihood restoration.