This Thematic Annex provides guidance on incorporating environmental factors into the Settlements Approach. It supplements the Settlements Approach Guidance Note, published by the Urban Settlements Working Group of the Global Shelter Cluster in 2020. 

The Settlements Approach principles and key actions represent entry points for localised environmentally responsible programming. This Thematic Annex is therefore relevant in all contexts where the Settlements Approach is applicable. It can also be applied in displacement contexts involving entirely new settlement locations. 

The Thematic Annex emphasises the need to consider environmental factors early in the programme cycle. It focuses on integrating environmental considerations into: 

1. Settlement identification and delineation

2. Context analysis and needs assessment