The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) Project Information Document (PID) Concept Stage | Date Prepared/Updated: 30-May-2022 | Report No: PIDC33506 May 30, 2022 Page 1 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data OPS TABLE Country Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Project Name Pacific Islands P177661 Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) Region Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Practice Area (Lead) EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC Oct 17, 2022 Jan 30, 2023 Environment, Natural Resources & the Blue Economy Financing Instrument Borrower(s) Implementing Agency Investment Project Financing Forum Fisheries Agency Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) (FFA) Proposed Development Objective(s) The development objective of the Series of Projects is to strengthen the shared management of selected Pacific Island oceanic and coastal fisheries, and the critical habitats upon which they depend. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen regional and national capacity for management and sustainable development of the oceanic fisheries sector in the Pacific Islands. PROJECT FINANCING DATA (US$, Millions) SUMMARY-NewFin1 Total Project Cost 12.00 Total Financing 12.00 of which IBRD/IDA 12.00 Financing Gap 0.00 DETAILS -NewFinEnh1 World Bank Group Financing International Development Association (IDA) 12.00 May 30, 2022 Page 2 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) IDA Grant 12.00 Environmental and Social Risk Classification Concept Review Decision Moderate Track II-The review did authorize the preparation to continue Other Decision (as needed) B. Introduction and Context Regional Context 1. The Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPO) region covers 11 percent of the world’s ocean and is home to 22 small island countries and territories, and the geography of the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) creates common challenges and opportunities. The PICs are small, with limited natural resources and narrowly based economies, and are distant from major markets. They are also vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks, as experienced with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The region has a high concentration of fragile states, and in 2019 a quarter of Pacific Islanders were estimated to live below “basic needs poverty lines� according to the United Nations High- level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. Sectoral and Institutional Context 2. The WCPO is the most important region globally for tuna fisheries, accounting for 60 percent of global catch . Fisheries are a key revenue source that underpin the Pacific Islands’ economy and are vital for food, nutrition and livelihoods. PICs’ revenues depend on oceanic resource productivity and on regional and national capacities to manage them sustainably, to enforce fisheries management and access rules, and to anticipate and adapt to climate change impacts on fisheries resources and habitats. 3. Regional coordination is needed to foster synergies and effective management, equitable distribution of wealth, and optimal sectoral investments. Countries face common constraints regarding their fisheries sector, including governance challenges, insufficient human and institutional capacities, and a fragile business environment. It is of benefit to the WCPO PICs to address these challenges jointly and to take advantage of the synergies and economies of scale that can be achieved from a regional approach to the technical dimensions of fisheries management (e.g., monitoring, control and surveillance or MCS; research and development; extension services). Regional planning for economic efficiency would further prevent for large national investments, such as ports, fishing fleets, or processing plants, to compete unduly against each other. 4. PICs already use regional platforms to share experience in implementing more sustainable and economically viable fisheries policies and practices, and to agree on common management measures. These platforms include the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA)1 and its governing body the 1 FFA Members are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), Nauru, New Zealand (NZ), Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. May 30, 2022 Page 3 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC), the Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA),2 and the Pacific Community (SPC). FFA provides robust technical support to its member governments and administrations in developing or negotiating a number of regional or sub-regional instruments, such as for example, the Palau Arrangement for the Management of the Western Pacific Purse Seine Fishery (Vessel Days Scheme or VDS), and assisted in establishing regionally-agreed guidelines for the development of national and subregional tuna fishing licensing conditions. FFA has also played a lead role supporting its members in policy coordination and the MCS of fishing activities. Reinforcing WCPO countries’ capacities to participate actively to the WCPFC forum and to implement the WCPFC, FFA, PNA and SPC resolutions is essential for the management and sustainable use of the fish resources and for harnessing the benefits of the oceanic fisheries for the regional economy and the socioeconomic well-being of the PICs’ population. Relationship to CPF 5. The Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program in general, and the FFA PROPER in particular, are well aligned with the strategic objectives for the IDA Regional Window in that they facilitate collective action by PICs to address their shared goal of regional cooperation for maximum long term social and economic benefits from sustainable use of shared oceanic fishery resources. PROPER directly supports the regional integration priorities that were identified for IDA’s Regional Window, specifically it supports the Blue Economy and the specific needs of small islands, thus underlining the strategic relevance of the project. 6. PROPER contributes to the objectives of the most recent Regional Partnership Framework (RPF) for nine PICs (PIC9): Kiribati, Nauru, RMI, FSM, Palau, Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu for FY17-FY21 (Report No. 100997-EAP)3 that was extended for another two years. The project is particularly relevant to Focus Area 1 “Fully exploiting the available economic opportunities�, through its contribution to Objective 1.1 “Improved management of oceanic and coastal fisheries�. Through the RPF, the Bank also committed to platform-based approaches offering a menu of investment and technical assistance options which support a common objective and are tailored to country contexts. The core concept of the PROP Series of Projects is aligned with this approach, by supporting a common objective and with FFA engaged as a regional entity that can provide technical assistance, and convene participating countries for activities of benefit for all under one program umbrella. C. Proposed Development Objective(s) The development objective of the Series of Projects is to strengthen the shared management of selected Pacific Island oceanic and coastal fisheries, and the critical habitats upon which they depend. The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to strengthen regional and national capacity for management and sustainable development of the oceanic fisheries sector in the Pacific Islands. Key Results (From PCN) Progress will be measured against the following PDO-level indicators: 2 PNA Members are FSM, Kiribati, RMI, Nauru, Palau, PNG, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu plus Tokelau. 3 World Bank Group. 2017. Regional Partnership Framework: For Kiribati, Republic of Nauru, Republic of The Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, Independent State of Samoa, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu, FY17-FY21. World Bank, Suva, Fiji. May 30, 2022 Page 4 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) • Fisheries management informed by timely availability of fisheries data to national and regional stakeholders [index indicator] o Minimum number of FFA members provide timely information to the IUU fishing information dashboard o FFA members increasingly use the NTIS4 for intelligence sharing o Regular/Annual strategic reports on economics of WCPO tuna fisheries produced • FFA members have improved negotiation skills for fisheries access agreements [measured by # people that have completed trainings] • Strengthened capacity of FFA to deliver fisheries management training to FFA members [index indicator] o Training Plan developed and updated based on training needs assessment of January 2022 o Graduation numbers of trainings carried out o Feedback surveys of trainees demonstrate learning outcomes o Adoption of improved competencies, technologies and practices D. Concept Description Component 1: Consolidating oceanic fisheries management • Identifying, quantifying and reducing risks of IUU fishing in oceanic fisheries, through (i) developing Standard Operating Procedures and training for systematic boarding inspections; (ii) strengthening of IUU monitoring and reporting capacities. • Enhancing the MCS workforce, through (i) training of FFA member country staff on fisheries management, enforcement and compliance, investigation and prosecution with internationally recognized courses; and (ii) strengthening National Observer Programs through training on safety, competency, and social security dimensions. Component 2: Harnessing economic benefits of oceanic fisheries to the regional economy • Modelling and forecasting economic and social benefits of development actions, through provision of training and technical advisory services to FFA members on economic, financial, and investment analysis; and support for development of regular strategic reports on the economics of the WCPO tuna fishery and related investment trends;5 and to increase understanding of the role of tuna fisheries for food security at national level and identify investments and policy development necessary to increase the contribution of tuna fishery to national food security and nutrition. 4 The Niue Treaty Information System which provides a means for achieving the objectives of the Niue Treaty Subsidiary Agreement (NTSA) by facilitating fisheries surveillance and wider law enforcement activities. The NTIS expedites cooperation between Parties and provides flexibility for Parties. The NTAS objective is to enhance active participation in cooperative surveillance and enforcement activities by providing a framework for the Parties to share resources and exchange information, including fisheries data and intelligence. 5 The ‘Independent Review of Increased Economic Returns From Fisheries’ highlighted that countries required more d etailed reports including on the drivers of tuna fisheries economics and investment trends. May 30, 2022 Page 5 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) • Building negotiation capacity, through training of staff in FFA members to support countries in taking biological, economic, and other factors into consideration when negotiating fisheries access agreement. Component 3: Strengthening FFA’s institutional capacity • Greening FFA’s infrastructure, through installation of renewable energy and other energy efficiency systems, and providing FFA members with technical advisory services for similar upgrades as per demand. • Upgrading FFA’s cybersecurity and cloud business continuity, through improving cloud business continuity, enhanced data encryption, cyber safety training, and upgrading the conference center. • Expanding communications and media, through training of communications capacity from both FFA as well as FFA member country staff and developing regional communications platforms. Component 4: Project Management • This component would finance consultant services for the Project Management Unit (PMU), annual financial audits, operating costs, goods, and training and workshops in support of day-to-day management, procurement, financial management, environmental and social (E&S) risk management and general project implementation (for example, preparation of annual work plans and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) reporting). Legal Operational Policies Triggered? Projects on International Waterways OP 7.50 No Projects in Disputed Areas OP 7.60 No Summary of Screening of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts . The environmental and social risk rating for the project is considered to be moderate. The project is expected to have a largely positive environmental and social impact through improved sustainability of fisheries and through the strengthening of regional and national capacity. The existing PMU including the E&S specialist are expected to transition to the new project and have good capacity and experience implementing World Bank projects. Staff in the PMU will also receive the necessary training relevant to the project such as OHS, SEA/SH, prevention of workplace violence and harassment, and others especially with the implementation of the ESS under the ESF. Physical investments under the project would be limited to detailed design and installation of energy systems and other resource efficiency improvements. These works are expected to create minor environmental and social risks and impacts including, temporary minor noise and vibration impacts, worker health and safety risks and risk of improper waste management. These risks would be addressed via an environmental and social code of practice (ESCOP) to be prepared prior to appraisal. The project will fund procurement of IT equipment for the PMU and upgrading of the FFA conference center system under component which will require consideration of end-of-life e-waste management. The Project ESCP will require consideration of end-of-life e-waste management prior to the launching of procurement activities. The project will develop monitoring and reporting metrics to quantify illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in oceanic fisheries, and will enhance the Regional Fisheries Surveillance Center (RFSC) and support effective May 30, 2022 Page 6 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) implementation of the Niue Treaty to improve compliance and the sustainability of fisheries in the region. These activities are not expected to have negative downstream environmental impacts and may result in downstream improvements to the sustainability of ocean ecosystems by reducing overfishing. Analysis associated with the greening of FFAs infrastructure will improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of FFAs operations. The project will fund IT improvements which will improve IT security and resilience and improve communications via development of a cloud- based regional communications platforms. No adverse downstream environmental or social impacts are expected as a result of these investments. The project would fund training activities which will improve safety for the observer corps and build capacity for fisheries administration staff, national legal officers and national communications staff. This capacity build is likely to have downstream positive impacts and improve sustainability of fisheries in the region via improved fisheries enforcement and compliance, improved legislative compliance with the UN Convention of the Sea (UNCLOS) and improved communications. No negative environmental impacts are anticipated as a result of training activities. In the 1st phase of FFA PROP, the national observer program training was expected to take place, however due to COVID, it was suspended. The challenge for the Project will be to rebuild the national observer corps that is deployed on fishing vessels and train new professionals in this field. The Project recognizes that greater attention will need to be paid to health and safety of observers through regular and systematic personal safety training as well as insurance against workplace injuries, accidents and death while at work. The risks that come with being an independent fisheries observer travelling aboard fishing vessels may be high because they can be exposed to hostile crew, particularly if they spot any activities that may be suspicious (such as illegal fishing, trafficking or shark finning). Cases of harassment and intimidation are common. While the project does not have any direct link to employing the observer, as this is done directly with the fisheries agencies of the PIC members, the project will provide training for observers when they go out to sea. To reduce the potential for workplace violence, a study of the installation of personal safety surveillance cameras and asset tracking systems would help identify cost effective measures to minimize vessel crews intimidating or interfering with observers while performing their duties. An Occupational, Health and Safety Standard procedure will be prepared, it may be that measures on violence in the workplace are included in the OHS procedure and this be referenced in the training for observers to ensure that the Project addresses these risks as well as provides training for safety at sea and include COVID safe measures for boarding inspections and any face-to-face trainings. The Project will prepare the following instruments prior to Appraisal: a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), Labor Management Procedures (LMP), Environment and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), OHS procedures and ESCOP. . CONTACT POINT World Bank Nina Doetinchem, Xavier F. P. Vincent Senior Environmental Specialist Borrower/Client/Recipient Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Judy ARUMAE May 30, 2022 Page 7 of 8 The World Bank Forum Fisheries Agency: Pacific Islands Regional Oceanscape Program - Second Phase for Economic Resilience (P177661) Project Coordinator judy.arumae@ffa.int Implementing Agencies Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) Judy Arumae Project Coordinator judy.arumae@ffa.int FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Nina Doetinchem, Xavier F. P. Vincent Approved By APPROVALTBL Practice Manager/Manager: Country Director: Stephen N. Ndegwa 28-Jun-2022 May 30, 2022 Page 8 of 8