SECTION 1: PROJECT DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS Institutional and Administrative Data 1 Project name Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP) Construction of Tertiary Network within Bagramyan-Norakert 2 Sub-project title Gravity Irrigation Scheme 3 Sub-Project location Armavir marz, Republic of Armenia 4 Watershed (river basin) Hrazdan river Institutional Arrangements 5 Institutional Arrangements Task Team Leader Safeguards Supervision (World Bank) Wilfried Hundertmark Darejan Kapanadze, Environment Sophia Georgieva, Social 6 Institutional Arrangements Project Implementing Works Supervisor Contractor (Borrower) Entity (env. and soc. (institution) Water Sector PIU of the monitoring is part State Committee for of supervisor’s “Hayk-Shin� Water Economy of the assignment) LLC RA Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and “Modul 2015� LLC Natural Resources Samvel Karapetyan, the person in charge of design coordination Site Description 7 Geographic name of the site - Bagramyan and Norakert communities, Armavir Marz (region), Republic of Armenia 8 Short description of the sub-project activities (type of planned works) The design envisages implementation of the following main works: - Excavation of soft and rocky soil to open trenches and pits - Sandy blinding layer in trenches, b=10cm - Backfilling trenches with sand (a protective sand layer, d+20cm - Gravel blinding layer at the bottom of pits, b=10cm - Backfill with local soft soil, - Removing excess soils and rocks to a distance with 3km of radius - Underground alignment of pipes – metallic (St), polyethylene (Pe) and GRP - Internal and external treatment of metallic pipes surfaces with D≥300mm and 400mm with anticorrosion, hydro-isolative substances - Rockfill, b=30cm - Pits welded with B15, F150, W4 concrete - Pits assembled with reinforced round elements - Control loops in metallic boxes (3 types) - 4 filtration stations with concrete bases - Construction of a management center building, a toilet in the yard - Energy supply through 10kV high voltage cable network, transformation substations of 10/0.23kV, low voltage 0.23kV cable network - Automated control system - Water supply at management center building and drainage system installation for the toilet in the yard 1 - Area restoration works around the management center building and the filtration substations, closing the area with metallic fences. 9 Short narrative description of site (physical and natural environment): The areas of the envisaged activity are located on the north-eastern part of the RA Armavir Marz (Region) and cover some community lands of Baghramyan and Norakert villages. In general, the terrain is flat and not vey broken. It is possible to observe small wavy hillocks, isolated low hills and weakly expressed temporary streams or mud channels, where water flows may occur depending upon the intensity of precipitations or geological and lithological conditions. From geomorphological point of view, the area lies on the southern diluvial slopes of Aragats Mountain, which stretches up to the north-western peripheries of Ararat valley. The absolute elevation of the relief varies within the range of 950-1,045m, the gradients within 2-50. There are no steep slopes in the irrigation areas. There is no river in the area, however, there are separate not deep ravine-like mudflow channels (1-2m deep). According to the RA Climate Zones Map, the study area lies in the hot zone. It is characterized by dry continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is +21C, in summer the relative humidity is low about 35%. Favorable mountain and valley winds with average speed of 2.0-3.0 m/sec prevail in summer. Winters are cold and windless, average temperature in January is 0-50C, relative humidity is 60- 70% and average wind speed is 3.0-5.0 m/sec. The maximum quantity of atmospheric precipitations is 306mm. The soil freezing maximum depth reaches 70cm. Geological structure: From the geological point of view there are Quaternary age volcanic flows and volcano-sedimentary formations of Aragats Mountain covered with recent eluvial-diluvial- colluvial formations. Among the main rocks there are basalts, andesite-basalts, tuffs, tuff-basalts which are exposed in some places. Hydro-geological conditions: The ground water horizon is situated at the depth of 10m and even deeper according to the observations and at the depth of more than 100m as per archive materials. The ground waters don’t make a common horizon and don’t have natural exits (in the form of springs). There can be temporary surface flows in ravine-like concavities of the area (not clearly outlined). The ground waters originate from surface flows of pre-mountainous regions, atmospheric precipitations and waters of the river debris cones. According to the RA seismic zones map, the area is situated within the 3rd zone with acceleration of 0.4g and 9-point seismicity. Flora: From floristic-geographical point of view, the study area belongs to Yerevan floristic district, where semi-desert and desert vegetative cover mainly occupied by agricultural crops is typical. The area is presented mainly by xerophyte species. However, in the common ground of the observed areas there are wetland and wild tree-bush elements in the surroundings of the canals and water conduits during the whole vegetation period. Despite of its xerophyte characteristics, the vegetative cover of wormwood semi-deserts outstands for its various species. As a rule, these species are common in non-salty, surface stony gray soils and are presented with wormwood-ephermal-semi-desert and halophile- desert types. The main component of wormwood semi-desert is wormwood odorus (Artemisia fragrans), the height of which is up to 50cm; it is a semi-bush with stiffened axis. In spring and in summer it preserves its grey color, in autumn it is covered with tiny yellow flowers. In spring the space between bushes is covered with ephemers: Ceratocephalus falcatus, Ziziphora tenufor, Zizifhora persica, Alyssium desertorium, Poa bulbosa, Bromus tectorium, Lepidium vesicarium 2 species. In the Mid-June, as the precipitation decreases and air temperature increases, all these species wither. However, in autumn, parallel to the increase of the precipitation, wormwood deserts revive and wormwood, Kochia prostata, Noaea mucronata and other species bloom. In late autumn and in winter the ground is covered with green carpet of growing ephemers. The integral components of the landscape are Populus nigra var.italica, P.gracilis and Eleagnus anguistifolia. In separate places the following species are common: Tamarix (taramisk), Halocnemum strobilaceum (sarzasan), Salsola ericoides (Salsola caesia), Alhagi pseudalhagi (camelthorn-bush), Camphorosma. Among wild useful species Peganum harmala (wild rue) is common. The following species registered in the Red book may be observed in the region: Acorus calamus L. (Sweet flag), Lepidium lyratum L., Salsola tamamschjanae Iljin (Chenopodiaceae), Astragalus paradoxus Bunge (Astragulus), Glycyrrhiza echinata L. (Russian liquorice), Rhizocephalus orientalis Boiss. (Poaceae). The mentioned species are common in the floristic region of Yerevan, however there are no spreading natural habitats in the project area. Based on the field investigations and literary data, no plants registered in the Red Book were found in the Project implementation area. The areas of the designed systems mainly belong to semi-desert and desert soil zone, where xerophyte species may randomly be observed. All the possible impacts on the flora species during the construction works will be temporary and may be mitigated due to the environmental measures provided under the ESMP. Fauna. Animal species typical to this landscape zone are also common in mountain-steppe zone. Among mammal species common in the desert and semi-desert zones there are Mucrotus arvalis Pall, (field mouse), Crocidura (white-toothed shrews), Vulpes vulpes L. (fox), Canis lupus (wolf), Erinaceus auritus (long-eared Hedgehog). Among mammals there are also some species of bats Nyctalus noctula (common noctule), Vespertilio ognevi (Ognev’s bat), insectivores (Hemiechinus auritus, Mustela nivalis) and among rodents there is brown or European hare (Lepus europaeus), etc. Among invertebrates common in the area, there are Phytodrymadusa armeniaca (cicadas), Nocarodes armenus (grass-hoppers), Dictyla subdola, Geotomus punctulatus (big bedbugs), Amphicoma eichleri, Cantharis araxicola (beetles), Zodarion petrobium (spiders). Among scorpions, only Buttus caucasicus (yellow scorpion) is common. In rivers and canals of Ararat valley Cyrpinus carpio (common carp), Barbus capito (barbel), Barbus lacerta cyri (Barbel beghlu), etc. are common. In this district bird habitation is relative, as there are transiting, settling and migrating species, for example, Perdix L. (partridge), Grus grus L. (common crane), etc. The following species are common among the mammals registered in Red book: Rhinolophus Mehelyi (Mehely’s Horseshoe bat), Asian barbastelle (Barbastella leucomelas), Common bent- wing bat (Miniopterus schreibersi). Among birds short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus galicus galicus), Persian olive bee-eater (Merops superciliosus persicus), (Sylvia nisoria nisoria) Barred warbler, bluethroat (Luscinia svecica occidentalis), (Remiz pendulinus menzbieri) European Penduline-Tit, etc. are common. Among reptiles registered in Red Book there are Schneider’s skink (Eumeces schnederi), Golden Grass Mabuya (Mabuya aurata), Transcaucasian Ratsnake (Elaphe hohonaekeri). Based on field investigations and literary data, no animal species registered in the Red Book were found in the Project implementation areas. 3 The earth works may have temporary adverse impact on the fauna endangering their nesting and egg-laying places, and temporary noise of machines may disrupt their migration routes. In the areas, where the water conduits are to be laid, murids (Muridae), Major’s pine voles (Msubterraneus), meadow lizards (Lacerta praticola) may be impacted for the short period of time. In order to preserve the fauna species, a schedule of earth works should be developed to prevent the implementation of earth works during hibernation and reproduction of animals (from mid-October to mid-April). All the possible impacts on the fauna species during the construction works will be temporary and may be mitigated due to the environmental measures provided under the ESMP. The Project implementation area is far from the specially protected areas of the region. Vordan Karmir State Reserve is situated in the studied area of the RA Armavir region and its border is 22 km to the south-west of Norakert village. In the project beneficiary settlements there is a historical-cultural monument only in Norakert community. It is a tomb field (dated 3rd-1st millennium BC) situated 1.5 km to the north-west of the community. The specially protected areas are out of the project impact zone and may not be impacted as a result of the implementation of the envisaged activities. All this information was identified during the field visits and meetings with local self-governing authorities. Project activities have low risks, as no material adverse impacts on the landscapes, surface and ground water resources, flora and fauna species are anticipated as a result of the implementation of the envisaged activities. No new areas will be covered for the implementation of Project activities. Resettlement actions are not needed. Social: The tertiary network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme will be constructed on the community lands of Baghramyan and Norakert communities. A series of social studies and surveys were conducted in the beneficiary communities. The results of the studies are presented in “Social Study Report� (See Annex 1). 10 Locations and distance for the closest existing licensed material sourcing, especially aggregates, water, stones The construction materials and water (for both, drinking and technical purposes) are transported to the construction site from the Contractor’s own storage site located about 8 km away from the construction site. Legislation 11 Information on national legislation governing sub-project activities naming (i) types of permits, licenses, and other clearances to be obtained at the stage of sub-project design, construction, and operation and (ii) entities who apply for and obtain these documents. In accordance with the RA Law on Environmental Impact Assessment and Expert Examination, the Design Document is classified as environmental category C and it requires environmental impact assessment and expert examination. The environmental expert conclusion was obtained on November 24, 2017 (N-BP 109). Design Stage - Environmental Expert Conclusion (RA Ministry of Nature Protection) - Urban Development Expert Conclusion (Firm authorized by the RA Ministry of Urban Development). Construction Stage - Agreements from local self-governing authorities on the locations designated for the disposal of construction and household waste (Construction Contractors); 4 - Agreement from the State Agency for the Protection of the Monuments of History and Culture, if historical-cultural or archeological monuments are unexpectedly found during the construction works (Construction Contractors); - Supervision over the implementation of urban development and environmental regulations is carried out by the RA State Environmental Inspectorate and State Urban Development Committee. The Regional and Community Municipalities may have some functions and input within their competence. Public Consultation 12 In the frames of the Irrigation System Enhancement Project, the affected people of the beneficiary communities were informed about public discussions on the design of the tertiary network. The public discussions were held in Baghramyan and Norakert communities on October 16, 2017 in accordance with the RA procedure on public outreach and discussions and the detailed information on the public consultation was available in the daily newspaper Hayastani Hanrapetutyun on 07.10.2017. The local communities had active participation in the consultation meetings. Main areas of stakeholder interest included: - details of the technical solutions for the rehabilitation of the network; - commencement date of the civil works; - possibility of involving local people in the civil works and - irrigation water availability after completion of works. On October 30, 2018, public consultation meetings were held in Baghramyan and Norakert communities to discuss draft Environmental and Social Management Plan for Baghramyan and Norakert Tertiary Networks under Bagramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme. The announcement on public consultations had been sent to Baghramyan and Norakert municipality by email on October 20, 2018 to post it on a visible place. It covered information on the objective, time and location of the meeting and the address of the “Water Sector PIU� SA (the photo is attached). The draft ESMP had been disclosed in WSPIU website and sent to the municipalities 10 days prior to the event. Public consultations were held in the municipalities’ premises with the participation of the municipality staff, active members of the community, farmers and water users, the representatives of the Contractor and the safeguard specialists of the WSPIU. The minutes of public consultation meetings are attached. Attachments 13 Attachment 1. Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme and Tertiary Network Design Map Attachment 2. Records of public consultations on the draft design in Norakert and Baghramyan communities Attachment 3. Records of public consultation on the draft ESMP in Norakert and Baghramyan communities Attachment 4. Information Leaflet on Tertiary Network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme Attachment 5. Agreements from affected communities for disposal of access soil Annexes 14 Social Study Report 5 SECTION 2: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION PLAN ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST General Notification (a) Public notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (b) All legally required permits, agreements, licenses, and clearances acquired for the project activities (c) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. Worker Safety (a) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (hardhats, masks, safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots, tec.) (b) First aide medical kits and fire extinguishers available at work site (c) Contact information for emergency services (medical, fire) posted on the information board at work site Pollution Air Quality (a) Construction machinery and equipment maintained in adequate working condition on regular basis Management (b) Spoils storage piles compacted (c) Dust sources watered to minimize discomfort to nearby residents (d) Materials and wastes are transported under a covered hood of a truck (e) Vehicle speed under control to lessen suspension of road dust Noise (a) Construction noise limited to working hours in the vicinity of settlements (b) Engine covers of generators, air compressors, and other powered mechanical equipment closed during operation, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Waste (a) Sites for permanent waste disposal identified and agreed with local officials (b) Sites for temporary storage of waste allocated to prevent scattered dumping of waste on and around the work site (c) Reuse and recycle construction waste whenever feasible (except asbestos) (d) Arrangements made with licensed companies, as available, for removal and recycling of used tires and filters of construction vehicles and machinery (e) No open air burning of waste on and off the work site Erosion (a) Slope protection provided through bank compaction, rip-rapping on critical sections, or vegetative stabilization Control (b) Topsoil remove and stored aside for later use in site restoration (c) Excess material used for restoration of degraded areas 6 Handling (a) In case of chance finds during earth works - all activity taken on hold, a State entity in charge of cultural heritage Chance Finds preservation notified in written, and work resumed upon formal permission received from the above entity Protection of Turbidity (a) Sediment traps set up along rivers and/or gabions along banks to filter out eroded sediments Water Bodies (b) Erosion control measures applied as provided above Pollution (a) Vehicle and machinery servicing prohibited in the immediate proximity to water bodies (b) Servicing and fueling of vehicles and machinery limited to an allocated site with non-permeable floor and capacity to contain spills if occurred (c) Arrangements made with licensed companies, as available, for removal and recycling/deactivation of used oils and sand/gravel saturated with oil products Risk of Hazard to Before start of any excavation works, the Contractor will verify that the construction area has been checked and cleared unexploded human health regarding UXO by the appropriate authorities. ordinance and safety (UXO) Social Risk Public (a) Assign local liaison person who is in charge of communication with and receiving requests / complaints from local Management relationship population. management (b) Consult local communities to identify and proactively manage potential conflicts between an external workforce and local people. (c) Raise local community awareness about sexually transmitted disease risks associated with the presence of an external workforce and include local communities in awareness activities. (d) Scheduled works beyond irrigation season to the extent possible in order to avoid/minimize service disruption. Inform local population about construction and work schedules, interruption of services, traffic detour routes and provisional bus routes, blasting and demolition, as appropriate. (e) Limit construction activities at night. When necessary, carefully schedule night work and inform affected community beforehand. (f) Properly mark and fence work site (g) No temporary storage of construction materials and waste occurs within cultivated land plots or any type of private property (h) Allocate areas for temporary storage of construction materials and waste so that free movement of traffic and pedestrians is not hindered Labor (a) To the extent possible, do not locate work camps in close proximity to local communities. management (b) Locate and operate workers’ camps in consultation with neighboring communities. (c) Recruit unskilled or semi-skilled workers from local communities to the extent possible including women. Where and when feasible, worker skills training, should be provided to enhance participation of local people. 7 (d) Provide adequate lavatory facilities (toilets and washing areas) in the work site with adequate supplies of hot and cold running water, soap, and hand drying devices. Establish a temporary septic tank system for any residential labor camp without causing pollution of nearby watercourses. (i) Raise awareness of workers on overall relationship management with local population, establish the code of conduct in line with international practice and strictly enforce them, including the dismissal of workers and financial penalties of adequate scale. 8 SECTION 3: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN What Where When Cost Who How Why (Is the (Is the (Define the (if not included (Is responsible (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter being parameter to be parameter to be frequency or in project for monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) continuous?) budget) monitoring?) CONSTRUCTION PHASE 1. Dust At the site There is no excessive amount of Monthly During the construction It is included in WSPIU dust at the construction site works the air is mainly the project (through polluted by dust. Although it budget. Supervision is temporary, it may have Consultant) adverse impact on the environment, workers and local people. 2. Construction At the site - The construction site was Monthly - Soil and water pollution; It is included in WSPIU and established on the community - Damage to the aesthetic the project (through household land and the Contractor had appearance of the site; budget Supervision waste obtained community agreement - Nuisance to the Consultant) in advance; population. - Construction and household waste is not dumped at the construction site; - Construction waste is stored in specially designated area within the construction site; - Household waste is accumulated in special containers separately from construction waste; - There are no visible signs of waste burning at the site; - The Contractor has obtained the agreement for final waste disposal; - The waste is stored in officially agreed locations. 9 3. Noise At the site - At the construction site the Monthly For the safety of the It is included in WSPIU noise does not exceed the workers and population. the project (through permitted limit. budget Supervision - There are no complaints from Consultant) the population. 4. Fertile level At the site - Removal and storage of topsoil. - During the To protect fertile layer of It is included in WSPIU of the soil - Further reuse of vegetation for earth works; the soil. the project (through reinstatement of the - after budget Supervision construction site. completion of Consultant) earth works OPERATION PHASE 1. Quality of Chemical test of the water taken In case of To protect the soil, ground Current WUA irrigation from the canal. identifying water and yield from expenses of water unusual color, potential hazardous WUAs smell or other pollutions. unusual characteristics for irrigation water 2. Technical Along the canal - The canals are not plugged with To ensure non-failure Annual budget WUA state of the silt and waste; operation of the of WUAs rehabilitated - The lining of the canals is not rehabilitated canals. canals damaged and there is no seepage/ overfilling is visible. - There are no cases of illegal water use 3. Application In the - The water users have good - To prevent soil and water Annual budget WUA of pesticides agricultural practice in pest and pesticide pollution by pesticides of WUAs in the fields of the management; - To prohibit food service lands - Water users apply containing residual areas of the comprehensive measures quantity of pesticides and rehabilitated against pests. food not complying with canals. the required norms. 10 Attachment 1 – Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme and Tertiary Network Design Map 11 Attachment 2 – Record of public consultations on the design Minutes of Public Consultations on the Design of Tertiary Network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme Armavir Marz, Baghramyan village. 16/10/2017, at 13:00 The announcement on public consultations was published in the daily newspaper “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun� on 07.10.2017. It covered information on the objective, time and location of the meeting and the address of the “Water Sector PIU� SA (the photo is attached). The announcement on public consultation was also sent by email to the municipality of Baghramyan community to post it in a visible place. The related photo is attached․ Public discussions were held in the municipality with the participation of the municipality staff, active members of the community, landowners, water users, the Design Engineer and specialists of the WSPIU of SCWE. Design Presentation and discussion The WSPIU Social Specialist M. Vardanyan presented the main objective of the meeting. She particularly mentioned that the consulting company Haygyughshinnakhagits LLC assigned by the WSPIU and funded by the WB has developed the Preliminary Construction Design of the Tertiary Network of Baghramyan and Norakert Communities under the command of Norakert-Baghramyan Gravity Irrigation Scheme. The objective of the meeting is to present the Preliminary Design to community, hold public discussions and receive public feedback. M. Vardanyan added that in the frames of the Preliminary Design environmental and social impact assessment activities were conducted and impact mitigation measures were developed, as well as land ownership was identified. It was also assessed whether beneficiaries’ needs were reflected in the design. Based on these studies Environmental and Social Management Plan and Social Study Report are being prepared. M. Vardanyan also stated that in future a separate public discussion will be held to present potential environmental and social impacts and proposed mitigation measures. M. Vardanyan also presented the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) of the Project. She informed the participants that in case of any question, concern, suggestion and complaint related to the Project they may apply to the WSPIU by the email info.@wsdp.am or call WSPIU Environmental (041111450), Social (041111437) and Communication (041111435) Specialists. GRM details are available in the WSPIU website www.piu.am. She also added that GRM contact details are posted on the announcement board of the municipality (the photo is attached). Contact details are also provided in the information leaflet, which covers the design map, basic data of Baghramyan and Norakert communities, main advantages of drip and sprinkle irrigation (the leaflet is attached․). G. Mirzoyan, Baghramyan Community Leader – We organize our routine work with the same principle in community-related issues. People may raise their concerns and we will promptly respond to them. Afterwards the Design Engineer of HGSN Consulting Firm G. Petrosyan presented the details of the Preliminary Design and the design map. He particularly stated that Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation 12 Scheme is being constructed to ensure irrigation of 530 ha lands (320 ha in Norakert and 253 ha in Baghramyan community). The Gravity Scheme will supply irrigation water to both communities, whereas due to the construction of tertiary network it will be possible to deliver the water up to the farmers’ plots. R. Hovsepyan, Farmer – Will the water be provided by volume or by a hectare? G. Petrosyan – By volume, as the whole area on the map is calculated for drip and sprinkle irrigation. G. Petrosyan showed the water distribution points on the map and added that water will be transferred through closed pipes with appropriate pressure for future application of sprinkle and drip irrigation. He mentioned that the main crops cultivated in the beneficiary communities are fruit trees, grape and alfalfa. For grape and fruit trees it is appropriate to use drip irrigation and sprinkler for alfalfa. G. Petrosyan explained the participants that clean water is required for the application of new technologies, hence the design covers installation of 4 filtration stations in different locations of a certain area. The filtered water will be delivered through underground pipeline to 88 control units located near the plots. Those control units are equipped with electromagnetic valves and water meters. From the control units the water will be delivered to the plots through small pipes. G. Petrosyan also stated that the WUA will establish water supply schedule and each farmer will know on what day and time he will receive water. The entire network will work with an automated system which will be controlled from the center. R. Hovsepyan, Farmer – Will it be possible to irrigate the lands with the use of furrow method? G. Petrosyan - In the frame of the Project water will be delivered up to the plot and the farmers should cover the costs of the pipes with drippers themselves. Contributions by the farmers (installation of the pipes with drippers on their plots) may require some time and occur gradually. Before that they may irrigate their lands with furrow method, however, in order to have sufficient water they need to install new technologies. The Participants began discussing how they could afford installation of the pipes required for sprinkle and drip irrigation. M. Vardanyan – For agricultural development a project on providing loans to the farmers with low interest rates is being developed by the Government. G. Mirzoyan, Community Leader – The Project covers the construction of the main pipeline and distributors to deliver water up to the plots. The landowners shall cover the costs for the pipes to be installed on their plots by their own means. If the landowners want to be involved in agriculture, they may begin irrigating their lands through the method they prefer. There will be landowners who will join/will lease or buy several plots to plant big orchards creating new work places for the others. This is a prospective project for the development of the village. N. Hovhannisyan – Deputy Director of the Secondary School – The main issue of our community is water availability, if there will be water, then it is definitely a good project. G. Petrosyan –Such Project is being implemented in Armenia for the first time and you are one of the first communities. The participants welcomed the project and asked when it would be implemented. G. Petrosyan – The design works are at the final stage. Upon approval of the Project, a tender for construction works will be issued and afterwards civil works will commence. M. Vardanyan noted that in the near future there will be a new meeting to discuss the results of environmental and social impact assessment as well as the mitigation measures. She thanked the participants for the participation and active discussions. 13 The announcement on public consultations is published in the daily newspaper “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun� on 07.10.2017. 14 The notification on public consultations and GRM info posted on the municipality wall of Baghramyan community. 15 Photos of public consultations in Baghramyan community 16/10/2017 16 List of the participants of the public consultations in Baghramyan community 17 Minutes of Public Consultations On the Design of Tertiary Network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme Armavir Marz, Norakert Village, 16/10/2017, at 11:00 The announcement on public consultations was published in the daily newspaper Hayastani Hanrapetutyun on 07.10.2017. It covered information on the objective, time and location of the meeting and the address of the “Water Sector PIU� SA (the photo is attached, Attachment 1). The announcement on public consultation was also sent by email to the Municipality of Norakert Community to post it in a visible place. The related photo is attached․ Public discussions were held in the municipality with the participation of the municipality staff, active members of the community, landowners, water users, Design Engineer and specialist of the WSPIU of SCWE. Design Presentation and discussion Design Presentation and discussion The WSPIU Social Specialist M. Vardanyan presented the main objective of the meeting. She particularly mentioned that the consulting company Haygyughshinnakhagits LLC assigned by the WSPIU and funded by the WB has developed the Preliminary Construction Design of the Tertiary Network of Baghramyan and Norakert Communities under the command of Norakert-Baghramyan Gravity Irrigation Scheme. The objective of the meeting is to present the Preliminary Design to community, hold public discussions and receive public feedback. M. Vardanyan added that in the frames of the Preliminary Design environmental and social impact assessment activities were conducted and impact mitigation measures were developed, as well as land ownership was identified. It was also assessed whether beneficiaries’ needs were reflected in the design. Based on these studies Environmental and Social Management Plan and Social Study Report are being prepared. M. Vardanyan also stated that in future a separate public discussion will be held to present potential environmental and social impacts and proposed mitigation measures. M. Vardanyan also presented the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) of the Project. She informed the participants that in case of any question, concern, suggestion and complaint related to the Project the participants may apply to the WSPIU by the email info.@wsdp.am or call WSPIU Environmental (041111450), Social (041111437) and Communication (041111435) Specialists. GRM details are available in the WSPIU website www.piu.am. She also added that GRM contact details are posted on the announcement board of the municipality (the photo is attached). Contact details are also provided in the leaflet, which covers the design map, basic data of Baghramyan and Norakert communities, main advantages of drip and sprinkle irrigation (the leaflet is attached). Afterwards the Design Engineer of HGSN Consulting Company G. Petrosyan presented the details of the Preliminary Design and the design map. He particularly stated that Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme is being constructed to ensure irrigation of 530 ha lands (320 ha in Norakert and 253 ha in Baghramyan community). The Gravity Scheme will supply irrigation water to both communities, whereas due to the construction of tertiary network it will be possible to deliver the water up to the farmers’ plots. He showed the water distribution points on the map and added that water will be transferred through closed pipes with appropriate pressure for future application of sprinkle and drip irrigation. He mentioned that the main crops cultivated in the beneficiary communities are fruit trees, grape and alfalfa. For grape and fruit trees it is appropriate to use drip irrigation and sprinkler for alfalfa. 18 G. Petrosyan explained the participants that clean water is required for the application of new technologies, hence the design covers installation of 4 filtration stations in different locations of a certain area. The filtered water will be delivered through underground pipeline to 88 control units located near the plots. Those control units are equipped with electromagnetic valves and water meters. From the control units the water will be delivered to the plots through small pipes. G. Petrosyan also stated that the WUA will establish water supply schedule and each farmer will know on what day and time he will receive water. The entire network will work with an automated system which will be controlled from the center. In the frame of the Project water will be delivered up to the plot and the farmers should cover the costs of the pipes with drippers themselves. Contributions by the farmers may require some time and occur gradually. Before that they may irrigate their lands by furrow method, however in order to have sufficient water they need to install new technologies. A. Tashchyan, farmer – How will the issue of electricity be solved? G. Petrosyan _ Trenches will be excavated for the pipes and electric wires will be installed under the ground as well. There will be transformers at the control units and electricity will be distributed from them. The Participants expressed their concern that the pipes and transformers would be left without control and would be stolen. G. Petrosyan – The WUA will bear full responsibility for the management and maintenance of the entire network and the equipment. After the irrigation season the pipes placed on the ground may be collected and reinstalled during the next irrigation season. The Participants began discussing how they could install the pipes required for sprinkle and drip irrigation. M. Vardanyan – For agricultural development a project on providing loans to the farmers with low interest rates is being developed by the Government. Zh. Avagyan, Farmer – In case of planting a new orchard, revenue may be expected only after 4-5 years. A.Kocharyan, Librarian – We have not cultivated our lands for several years, but we manage to earn for living. Hence, we may plant those orchards and wait for the yield for 4-5 years. K. Arakelyan, Farmer – This is a good project. For instance, in Georgia sprinkle irrigation is used for the cultivation of potatoes, as water is delivered up to the plots and the farmers just need to install relevant pipes and irrigate their crops. Now such an opportunity is provided to us. A. Tashchyan, Farmer – In Israel people easily control irrigation of their plots from their homes, as they apply the method of drip irrigation. G. Petrosyan – At the beginning you may irrigate your plots through furrow method, however, irrigation efficiency will be 40-50% less than in case of drip irrigation. You will soon understand it and will convert to sprinkle and drip irrigation, which are very efficient especially for your lands. The participants welcomed the project and asked when it would be implemented. G. Petrosyan – The design works are at the final stage. Upon approval of the Project, a tender for construction works will be issued and afterwards civil works will commence. M. Vardanyan noted that in the near future there will be a new meeting to discuss the results of environmental and social impact assessment as well as mitigation measures. She thanked the participants for their participation and active discussions. 19 The announcement on public consultations is published in the daily newspaper “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun� on 07.10.2017 20 The notification on public consultations and GRM info posted on the municipality wall of Norakert community 21 Photos of public consultations in Norakert community 16/10/2017 22 The list of the participants of the public consultations in Norakert community 23 Minutes of Public Consultations on the draft ESMP for the Tertiary Network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme Armavir Marz, Baghramyan village. 30/10/2018, at 10:00 The announcement on public consultations was sent to Baghramyan municipality by email on October 20, 2018 to post it on a visible place. It covered information on the objective, time and location of the meeting and the address of the “Water Sector PIU� SA (the photo is attached). The draft ESMP was disclosed in WSPIU website and was also sent to the municipality 10 days prior to the event. Public discussions were held in the municipality premises with the participation of the municipality staff, active members of the community, landowners, and water users, the representatives of the Contractor and the safeguard specialists of the WSPIU. Presentation and discussion The WSPIU Social Specialist M. Vardanyan greeted the participants and presented the main objective of the meeting that was to disclose the Environmental and Social Management Plan prepared according to the identified environmental and social impacts of the construction of tertiary networks for Baghramyan and Norakert communities under the command of Norakert-Baghramyan Gravity Irrigation Scheme as well as to present the mitigation and enhancement measures. She reminded the participants that previously Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme was constructed. It was followed by Baghramyan-Norakert Tertiary Networks construction project with the purpose to increase efficiency of the gravity scheme based on the request of the communities. She noted that the construction works which have already commenced are funded by the WB and are implemented by WSPIU through the Construction Contractor “Hayk-Shin� LLC. M. Vardanyan added that in the frames of the Design works the Consultant conducted environmental and social impact assessment activities and developed impact mitigation measures, as well as identified land ownership of the used lands. The reflection of beneficiaries’ needs in the design was also assessed. Based on these studies Environmental and Social Management Plan and Social Study Report were prepared and provided to the Contractor for compliance. M. Vardanyan described the possible social impacts and the respective mitigation measures. She noted that the design does not envisage any use of private lands (neither for temporary nor for permanent use), however, the construction is on-going and there might occur cases when temporary use of private lands might be required due to unforeseen consequences. Given the situation that the construction has already started she was interested if there were cases which they would like to talk about: complaints of noise, dust, traffic, private land use, private inventory damage, etc. Then she reminded the participants about the GRM which allows them to easily get into contact with the WSPIU in case of any question, concern, suggestion and complaint related to the Project. They may apply to the WSPIU by the email info.@wsdp.am or call WSPIU Environmental (041111450), Social (041111437) and Communication (041111435) Specialists. GRM details are available in the WSPIU website www.piu.am. She also added that GRM contact details are posted on the announcement board of the municipality. The WSPIU Social Specialist M. Nalbandyan thanked the participants for their interest in the project and highlighted the possible environmental impacts which are mostly temporal in case of tertiary network construction. Then he described the mitigation measures including excess soil disposal issues. M. Nalbandyan encouraged the participants to talk about the issue they are concerned about. 24 Question Albert Movsisyan, land owner – We see that the water pipes of the gravity scheme have been installed but we do not have confidence that we’ll have permanent water. We hesitate to make investments of about 5,000 USD to install drip irrigation devices. For the first 2 years I’d like to cultivate wheat, so I don’t need drip irrigation devices. However, once I get convinced that water is available I’d certainly start growing fruit trees with drip irrigation. Answer M. Vardanyan - It’s not only drip irrigation, you can use sprinkler irrigation method if you want to start with growing wheat. Later I think it will be possible to switch to drip irrigation method. Question Albert Movsisyan – It means that we are forced to use one of the methods – sprinkler or drip irrigation? Answer M. Nalbandyan – Nothing is forced to you. You can use neither of these methods and continue cultivation with furrow method. M. Vardanyan – The Project provides you with the required preconditions for the use of new technologies. You have to join the system with the respective installations of devices in your own land. The Ministry of Agriculture has a two-percent-loan project which is a good option for those who want to use new irrigation technologies. Question Hakob Harutyunyan – What is envisaged for private land use? Answer M. Vardanyan – As I already noted the design does not envisage any private land use. Therefore, we do not have any Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) prepared. The Contractor should follow the design to avoid temporal private land use. However, as I already said if private land use, private inventory damage occurs, the construction should be stopped and a RAP prepared. If some hydraulic structure should be installed under or build on a private land than the section of the land should be either alienated with respective compensation or a servitude contract be prepared. In case of assets damage, it should be recovered or compensated. Question The Deputy Village Mayor, Artur Avetisyan – We’d like to clarify the locations of water outlets. Recently we were provided with the design map which shows that some of the lands that are in the project area and are currently cultivated lack outlets. Answer M. Nalbandyan – Maybe the Contractor can explain this issue. Is it possible that one outlet can feed a few lands? The Contractor Team Leader, Gevorg Kardashyan – The design engineer can better explain this issue. But I can say for sure that each outlet is envisaged for a specific land. M. Nalbandyan - This issue should be addressed through a discussion with the design consultant, contractor and WSPIU engineers. We’ll inform the WSPIU management. Afterwards, you will receive a clarification on this issue. 25 A. Avetisyan – Some of the outlets are located at the lands which are very rocky and might not be used later as well. So, there might be a possibility to revise the outlets locations. We have the list of the lands that are left out. M. Nalbandyan – As I said we’ll raise this issue at the WSPIU and find some solution for it through a discussion considering also your list of lands. A. Avetisyan – We closely collaborate with the Contractor, we have walked along the lands together with the engineer and the engineer one-by-one showed the planned sites for the outlets. We monitor the construction process and are really satisfied with the Contractor’s work. Question Edward Avetisyan, a land owner - Our lands are in pre-mountainous area and the temperature sometimes reach -20-30°C so the vineyards cannot survive without being buried in winter. With drip irrigation it seems impossible to bury the vineyards. Can we have enough water in autumn for this purpose? Answer M. Vardanyan – That’s an interesting question, however, as we are not agriculture experts we cannot answer you right now. So, we’ll discuss it with the design consultant and provide you the answer. M. Nalbandyan – Actually you want an alternative furrow irrigation possibility in autumn. I’d like to return to the concern of Albert Movsisyan about water availability. This is the second project we are implementing here, and we solved the problem of water during the gravity scheme design preparation. You know that a section of Tkahan canal was rehabilitated so that the water loss is minimized, and additional water is brought from the Qasakh River. In law-water years it is possible to bring additional water from Arzni-Shamiram main canal as well. Apart from water availability there is also a need for proper water management and distribution on behalf of WUA. M. Vardanyan – This project will evidently promote the development of agriculture in your community and solve some social issues. It will contribute to mitigation of poverty level and increased income of households. Besides, it’s not obligatory that all land owners get involved in agriculture: some of them can sell their lands, the others can lease, the thirds might be hired for agricultural works or prepare processed agricultural products for sale, etc. The Deputy Village Mayor, Artur Avetisyan – We understand the importance of this project for development of our village. And we believe the achievements of first farmers who will start using new irrigation technologies will invigorate the others. 26 List of the participants of the public consultations in Baghramyan community 27 The notification on public consultations on the municipality wall of Baghramyan community 28 Photos of public consultations in Baghramyan community 30/10/2018 29 Minutes of Public Consultations on disclosure of the draft ESMP for the Tertiary Network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme Armavir Marz, Norakert village 30/10/2018, at 12:00 The announcement on public consultations was sent to Norakert municipality by email on October 20, 2018 to post it on a visible place. It covered information on the objective, time and location of the meeting and the address of the “Water Sector PIU� SA (the photo is attached). The draft ESMP was disclosed in WSPIU website and was also sent to the municipality 10 days prior to the event. Public discussions were held in the municipality premises with the participation of the municipality staff, active members of the community, landowners, and water users, the representatives of the Contractor and the safeguard specialists of the WSPIU. Presentation and discussion The WSPIU Social Specialist M. Vardanyan greeted the participants and presented the main objective of the meeting that was to disclose the Environmental and Social Management Plan prepared according to the identified environmental and social impacts of the construction of tertiary networks for Baghramyan and Norakert communities under the command of Norakert-Baghramyan Gravity Irrigation Scheme as well as to present the mitigation and enhancement measures. She reminded the participants that previously Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme was constructed. It was followed by Baghramyan-Norakert Tertiary Networks construction project with the purpose to increase efficiency of the gravity scheme based on the request of the communities. She noted that the construction works which have already commenced are funded by the WB and are implemented by WSPIU through the Construction Contractor “Hayk-Shin� LLC. M. Vardanyan added that in the frames of the Design works the Consultant conducted environmental and social impact assessment activities and developed impact mitigation measures, as well as identified land ownership of the used lands. The reflection of beneficiaries’ needs in the design was also assessed. Based on these studies Environmental and Social Management Plan and Social Study Report were prepared and provided to the Contractor for compliance. M. Vardanyan described the possible social impacts and the respective mitigation measures. She noted that the design does not envisage any use of private lands (neither for temporary nor for permanent use), however, the construction is on-going and there might occur cases when temporary use of private lands might be required due to unforeseen consequences. Given the situation that the construction has already started she was interested if there were cases which they would like to talk about: complaints of noise, dust, traffic, private land use, private inventory damage, etc. Then she reminded the participants about the GRM which allows them to easily get into contact with the WSPIU in case of any question, concern, suggestion and complaint related to the Project. They may apply to the WSPIU by the email info.@wsdp.am or call WSPIU Environmental (041111450), Social (041111437) and Communication (041111435) Specialists. GRM details are available in the WSPIU website www.piu.am. She also added that GRM contact details are posted on the announcement board of the municipality. 30 The WSPIU Social Specialist M. Nalbandyan thanked the participants for their interest in the project and highlighted the possible environmental impacts which are mostly temporal in case of tertiary network construction. Then he described the mitigation measures including excess soil disposal issues. M. Nalbandyan encouraged the participants to talk about the issue they are concerned about. We’ll try to answer them. If the questions/problems are above our competence, we’ll record them to inform our management and will try to address the problems. Question Gagik Kocharyan, land owner – I wonder if the water conveyed through 100mm pipe will have enough pressure to reach our lands and will meet our needs. Did the design engineers consider the composition of our soils? 100l water is enough for only 20m; it doesn’t flow further. Answer The Contractor Team Leader, Gevorg Kardashyan – The design engineer can better explain this issue but he is not here today. I can tell you the following: the design is developed based on hydraulic calculations. Pumps are not envisaged for the structures. The pressure will be ensured through the difference between the points. Concern G. Kocharyan – I’m concerned as I have to do investments of about 5 million drams to plant a garden so water availability is of great importance for me. Answer M. Nalbandyan – I can assure you that the design consultant developed the design on the basis of water calculations with the consideration of the type of your soil, which is extra-normative by its composition. Concern G. Kocharyan – The diameters of pipes are not trustworthy to convey the required amount of water, besides the pipes may get clogged as well. Answer G. Kardashyan – The design includes installation of filters to prevent clogging of the pipes. Concern The Deputy Village Mayor, Serjik Hakobyan – The other day we had a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and we expressed our opinion that drip irrigation might not be very efficient for our lands based on the soil quality. We also discussed the issue of burying vineyards which seem to be impossible with drip irrigation. Answer M. Nalbandyan – The same concern was raised in Baghramyan. Actually you need an alternative furrow irrigation possibility in autumn. M. Vardanyan - We’ll discuss it with the design consultant and provide you the answer. I’d like to remind you that about a year ago we had a public consultation on design and the Consultant answered to all the concerns. The municipality staff should be aware of all the details as the Consultant had a series of meetings with them before finalizing the design. Concern Shahinyan Edgar, land owner – The pipes will reach my land but there is no outlet envisaged at my land. 31 Answer M. Vardanyan – We faced the same problem in Baghramyan community the issue of outlets should be discussed with the Design Consultant and possibly solved. Concern Ashot Mkrtchyan – Drip irrigation is not good for alfalfa or wheat. How will this issue be solved? Answer M. Vardanyan – The design also envisaged the use of sprinklers which will be good in this case. Question Ruzanna Sayadyan – I’d like to know whether the construction company will undertake the activities for decreasing the level of dust during construction processes in the areas, closer to the communities? Answer G. Qardashyan – Sure, we are obliged to undertake such measures and usually we are doing periodical watering of roads and at the construction site, especially during windy and dry seasons. It was done in Baghramyan-Norakert construction areas as well, during last summer. Question (to the Construction Company) Martiros Nalbandyan – What type of machinery/equipment are you using for watering? Answer G. Qardashyan – It’s a special car, with water tank, the capacity of which is 3 tons. Question G. Kocharyan – We lack resources for installation of the pipes/hoses inside our lands. How will this issue be solved? Answer M. Vardanyan – The Ministry of Agriculture has a two-percent loan project which is a good option for those who want to use new irrigation technologies. Question G. Kocharyan – We have taken loans for creation of gardens will they give us more loans? Answer M. Vardanyan – I believe they will because it can be considered as the continuation of your so called “business plan�. Closing M. Vardanyan – This project will evidently promote the development of agriculture in your community and solve some social issues. It will contribute to mitigation of poverty level and increased income of households. Besides, it’s not obligatory that all land owners get involved in agriculture: some of them can sell their lands, the others can lease, the thirds might be hired for agricultural works or prepare processed agricultural products for sale, etc. The Deputy Village Mayor, Serjik Hakobyan – We appreciate the implementation of this project in our community. 32 List of the participants of the public consultations in Norakert community 33 The notification on public consultations on the municipality wall of Norakert community 34 Photos of public consultations in Norakert community 30/10/2018 35 Attachment 4. Information leaflet on the Design of Tertiary Network of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme 36 Attachment 5 Agreement(s) from affected communities for disposal of access soil RA Armavir Marz Norakert Municipality 20/06/2017 The excess soil from the construction works of Norakert irrigation scheme in the area of Norakert community should be disposed to the area called “Ghrer� on the distance of 3-4km. The area belongs to the community. Sh. Karapetyan Norakert Community Mayor 37 20/06/2017 The excess soil from the construction works of Baghramyan-Norakert drip irrigation scheme in the area of Baghramyan community should be disposed to the area called “Ghrer� on the distance of 3km. The area belongs to the community. G. Mirzoyan Baghranyan Community Mayor 38 Annex 1. Social Study Report Design of Tertiary Network within Bagramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme and Author’s Supervision ISEP/CQS/SW-16/002 Social Study Report Client Water Sector Project Implementation Unit Project Name Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP) October 2017 Table of Content EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................................................IV BACKGROUND .................................................................................................................................................................... IV PROJECT OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................................................... IV SOCIAL STUDY METHODS ..................................................................................................................................................... IV SOCIAL STUDIES................................................................................................................................................................... V Baseline Studies .......................................................................................................................................................... v Interviews with Baghramyan and Norakert Community Leaders ............................................................................... v Focus Group discussions ............................................................................................................................................. v Land Use .................................................................................................................................................................... vi Social Surveys and Stakeholder Satisfaction Assessment .......................................................................................... vi BACKGROUND INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................. 7 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ............................................................................................................................................................ 7 SOCIAL STUDY METHODS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 Social Studies .............................................................................................................................................................. 8 Social-Economic Description of Baghramyan Community .......................................................................................... 9 Social-Economic Description of Norakert Community .............................................................................................. 11 Interviews with Baghramyan and Norakert Community Leaders ............................................................................. 13 Focus Group discussions ........................................................................................................................................... 15 LAND USE ........................................................................................................................................................................ 18 SOCIAL STUDIES AND STAKEHOLDER SATISFACTION ASSESSMENT ................................................................................................ 18 SUMMARY OF SURVEY RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................ 18 General Information ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Agriculture. Irrigated Land and Crops ...................................................................................................................... 19 Awareness, Needs Reflection and Satisfaction of Stakeholders ............................................................................... 20 ANNEX 1. RESULTS OF SOCIAL SURVEY IN BAGHRAMYAN AND NORAKERT COMMUNITIES ................................................................ 21 ANNEX 2․INFORMATION LEAFLET ON THE PROJECT OF TERTIARY NETWORK UNDER BAGHRAMYAN-NORAKERT GRAVITY IRRIGATION SCHEME ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 ii Acronyms GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan FG Focus Group HH Household ISEP Irrigation System Enhancement Project LSG Local Self-Governance MEINR Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources MP Monitoring Plan RA Republic of Armenia RAP Resettlement Action Plan RPF Resettlement Policy Framework SCWE State Committee of Water Economy WB World Bank WSPIU Water Sector Project Implementation Unit WUA Water Users Association iii Executive Summary Background The Water Sector Project Implementation Unit (WSPIU) of the State Committee of Water Economy (SCWE) of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources (MEINR) of the Republic of Armenia (RA) is implementing the World Bank (WB) funded Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP). One of the project components is “Conversion of four irrigation schemes from mechanical into gravity�. Bagramyan- Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme is one of the four schemes. Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Scheme will irrigate an area of 573 ha nearby Lower-Hrazdan Main canal and Tkahan canal 253 ha of which are Baghramyan lands and 320 ha are Norakert lands. These lands have not been irrigated since 2012 after the deteriorated pumping stations stopped their operation. The tertiary irrigation networks of Bagramyan and Norakert communities under Baghramyan-Norakert gravity irrigation scheme are completely deteriorated and the irrigation of communities is conducted through ground canals. Therefore, only 45 ha of lands are currently irrigated out of potential 573 ha. Project Objectives The objective of the project is to prepare Detailed Design Package for construction of the tertiary network of Baghramyan and Norakert communities located under command of Bagramyan-Norakert gravity scheme and to conduct Author’s Supervision of civil works. The tertiary irrigation network must be operated through a closed system to enable drip (for orchards) or sprinkler (for alfalfa) irrigation technologies. Under the design of Baghramyan and Norakert communities tertiary irrigation project the Consultant has prepared a self-standing Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Monitoring Plan (MP) in compliance with the WB OP 4.01. During the consultancy services the Consultant has conducted a feasibility study in Baghramyan and Norakert communities for the tertiary drip and sprinkler irrigation network construction, as well as preliminary social and environmental studies of the tertiary project areas. This report presents the results of the social studies. Social Study Methods Within the initial phase of the Baghramyan and Norakert communities’ tertiary network design the Consultant conducted environmental and social studies (qualitative) and at the final phase the Consultant has developed the ESMP for the project, has conducted social surveys (quantitative) among the stakeholders and has evaluated the stakeholder satisfaction level. Prior to the field works the Consultant developed questionnaires for focus group discussions (qualitative) and social surveys (quantitative) and submitted to the WSPIU. During the first month of the consulting services the Consultant implemented 3 FG discussions in both Baghramyan and Norakert communities, in-depth interviews with the leaders of the two communities and the representative of “Aragatsotn� WUA’s “Ashtarak� branch. The objective of the qualitative studies was to reveal and discuss irrigation related issues, to identify the concerns and needs of various groups in the community, their expectations from the tertiary network construction project. iv During the last phase of the consulting services the Consultant has conducted a survey with a structured questionnaire in randomly selected Baghramyan and Norakert households to assess the level of needs reflection of the stakeholder communities in the network design. Social Studies Baseline Studies Baghramyan and Norakert communities are located in Armavir Marz on the distance of 10km and 18km (respectively) from Yerevan. The poverty rate in Armavir Marz in 2015 was 29.6% decreasing from 34.3% in 2012 by 4.7% and is close to the average poverty rate in Armenia 29.8%. The population in Baghramyan community is 2,897 with 1,405 women and 1,492 men, the number of households (HH) is 658 with 80 vulnerable HHs receiving social subsidies, 25 HHs with national minorities, about 50 female-headed HHs and 1 HH of refugees. The community has 890ha of lands with 590ha of arable lands. Only 17% (100ha) of total arable lands was irrigated in 2016. The main reason for not irrigating the lands is lack of water and non-profitability of crops as a result. The population in Norakert community is 3,197 with 1,573 women and 1,624 men, the number of households (HH) is 604 with 51 vulnerable HHs receiving social subsidies, 15 HHs with national minorities, about 50 female-headed HHs and 3 HHs of refugees. The community has 1,366ha of lands with 634ha of arable lands. Only 27% (170ha) of total arable lands was irrigated in 2016. The main reason for not irrigating the lands is lack of water, lack of tertiary network and lack of agricultural machines. Interviews with Baghramyan and Norakert Community Leaders In the frame of social studies the Consultant has conducted a series of qualitative interviews with the stakeholder community leaders and the respective WUA representative as well as FG discussions in Baghramyan and Norakert communities. The objective of the qualitative studies was to discuss irrigation issues in the community, to reveal concerns and needs of different groups in the community, their expectations from the tertiary network construction project. In their interviews the leaders of Baghramyan and Norakert communities emphasized the importance of construction of the tertiary network with drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies which will enable them to increase the efficiency of Baghramyan-Norakert gravity irrigation scheme, to decrease water loss and to cultivate more profitable crops. Focus Group discussions Within the first month of services the Consultant with the support of Baghramyan and Norakert communities’ administrations organized and conducted 3 FG discussions in each community with different target groups: farmers, women and vulnerable groups. All FG discussions participants in both communities had positive expectations from irrigation network construction project. In Norakert the participants expected increase in irrigation area and agricultural product, rise in crops quantity and quality, decrease in seasonal migration rate, improvement in households living standards, easier working conditions for women, easies burden on female-headed and vulnerable HHs and the network would contribute to poverty mitigation. In Baghramyan the participants of farmers’ FG discussions also had great expectations from the network construction. They believed the network would have positive impact on the whole community; the network with the new irrigation technologies v would result in HH revenue increase, more efficient cultivation of lands and creation of new workplaces, reduction of labor migrants and improvement of vulnerable HHs living standards. Land Use The tertiary network will be built exclusively on community lands in place of presently used old or unused dilapidated network. In order to avoid private land use the Consultant conducted thorough study of cadastral maps and of the site, reviewed the maps with the local authorities, clarified the status of land through talks and observation and finally concluded that the design does not imply any private land use. Social Surveys and Stakeholder Satisfaction Assessment At the final phase of the project the Consultant developed information leaflets with the map of the design, advantages of drip and sprinkler irrigation, as well as brief data on the stakeholder communities: number of population, households and lands. The Consultant conducted a survey in Baghramyan and Norakert households to assess the level of reflection of irrigation needs of the households of the stakeholder communities in the project design. 65.57% of the survey participants in Baghramyan community and 61.29% in Norakert community noted that their needs have been reflected in the tertiary network design. vi Background Information The Water Sector Project Implementation Unit (WSPIU) of the State Committee of Water Economy (SCWE) of the Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources (MEINR) of the Republic of Armenia (RA) is implementing the World Bank (WB) funded Irrigation System Enhancement Project (ISEP). One of the project components is “Conversion of four irrigation schemes from mechanical into gravity� which will allow to save operation and maintenance expenses, reduce energy consumption and increase water conveyance efficiency. The four gravity schemes of the project are Meghri, Kaghtsrashen, Geghardalich and Bagramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Schemes which are at the phase of construction currently, except for a part of Meghri Gravity Irrigation Scheme which is at operation phase. Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Scheme will irrigate an area of 573 ha nearby Lower-Hrazdan Main canal and Tkahan canal 253 ha of which are Baghramyan lands and 320 ha are Norakert lands. These lands have not been irrigated since 2012 after the deteriorated pumping stations stopped their operation. Only 45 ha of lands are currently irrigated through gravity system from Tkahan canal which is located above Lower Hrazdan canal. The tertiary irrigation networks of Baghramyan and Norakert communities under Baghramyan- Norakert gravity irrigation scheme are completely deteriorated and the irrigation of communities is conducted through ground canals. Therefore, only 45 ha of lands are currently irrigated out of potential 573 ha. “Ashtarak� branch of “Aragatsotn� WUA will implement the operation and maintenance of the gravity scheme and the tertiary network of Baghramyan and Norakert communities under the gravity scheme. Project Objectives The objective of the project is to prepare Detailed Design Package for construction of tertiary network of Baghramyan and Norakert communities located under the command of Bagramyan-Norakert gravity scheme and conduct Author’s Supervision of civil works. The tertiary irrigation network will be operated with the use of closed system to enable drip (for orchards) or sprinkler (for alfalfa) irrigation technologies. The design will be based on field and geological studies, water balance calculations, laboratory tests and economic analyses. The Consultant has prepared a self-standing Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Monitoring Plan (MP) in compliance with the WB OP 4.01 in the frames of Baghramyan-Norakert tertiary irrigation project. This report presents the results of the social studies and analyses. Social Study Methods The Consultant conducted environmental and social studies (qualitative) at the preliminary stage of Baghramyan and Norakert communities tertiary network construction and at the final stage the Consultant developed an ESMP, conducted social surveys (quantitative) among the stakeholders and evaluated stakeholder satisfaction level. Prior to the field works the Consultant developed questionnaires for focus group discussions (qualitative) and social surveys (quantitative) and submitted to the WSPIU. 7 During the first month of the consulting services the Consultant implemented 3 FG discussions1 in both Baghramyan and Norakert communities, in-depth interviews with the leaders of the two communities and the representative of “Aragatsotn� WUA’s “Ashtarak� branch. The objective of the qualitative studies was to reveal and discuss irrigation related issues, to identify the concerns and needs of various groups in the community, their expectations from the tertiary network construction project. The Consultant has also implemented the following: - Study of the existing demographic and social-economic data and available information about Baghramyan and Norakert communities, - Safeguards screening of the site with local authorities, comparison of actual situation with cadastral maps and information provided by local authorities and the WUA to get convinced that the tertiary network will be constructed in place of the previous infrastructure/canals. The previous scheme was entirely built on community lands․ At the final stage of the consultancy services the Consultant conducted a survey with the use of a structured questionnaire in Baghramyan and Norakert households to assess the level of reflection of irrigation needs of the households of the stakeholder communities in the project design2. The participants of the survey were randomly selected from the household logs at the municipalities of the stakeholder communities. The sample size was determined based on 90% confidence level and 10% margin of error (confidence interval)l. Thus, the sample size was 62 HHs for Norakert community, having 658 HHs in total, and it was 61 HHs for Baghramyan community, having 604 HHs in total. Keeping the correlation between men and women In each community the consultant invited 62 and 61 men and women from the randomly selected households, whose age was above 16 were invited to the local municipalities to participate in the survey. In each community 50 women and 50 men were invited to participate in the survey to ensure equal gender distribution of 30-31 women and men. However, the number of female participants in the survey was lower than that of the male participants: in Norakert community 28 female and 34 male participants, in Baghramyan 25 female and 36 male participants. The questionnaire was divided into several sections: General Information, Agriculture and Tertiary Network Design. The latter included the question about the stakeholders’ needs reflection in the design. Social Studies Baghramyan and Norakert communities are located in Armavir Marz on the distance of 10km and 18km (respectively) from Yerevan. The poverty rate in Armavir Marz in 2016 was 30%. Decreasing from 34.3% in 2012 by 4.3% and increasing from 29.4% in 2015 by 0.4% it is close to 29.4%, the average poverty rate in Armenia in 2016. Table 1. Poverty Level in Armavir Marz (%) 1 FG discussions were held in Norakert and Baghramyan communities with the groups of farmers, women and vulnerable groups with 7-10 participants in each group including representatives of national minorities, ezids 2 The survey was conducted on October 11, 2017, at 12:00-14:00 in Norakert and at 14:30-16:30 at Baghramyan 8 2012 2015 2016 Among Among Among whom whom whom Poor extremely Poor Poor extremely extremely poor poor poor Armavir 34.3 3.4 29.6 2.1 30.0 1.5 Average in RA 32.4 2.8 29.8 2.0 29.4 1.8 Source: Social Snapshot and Poverty in Armenia, 2017 (http://www.armstat.am/file/article/poverty_2017_english_2.pdf) Social-Economic Description of Baghramyan Community The population in Baghramyan community is 2,897 with 1,405 women and 1,492 men, the number of households (HH) is 658 with 80 vulnerable HHs receiving social subsidies, 25 HHs with national minorities, about 50 female-headed HHs and 1 HH of refugees. About 45 HHs migrated from Armenia permanently during last 3 years and about 100 men temporarily migrate for seasonal works every year. Table 2. Baghramyan Community with Gender and Age Distribution as of January 1, 2017 Children Adult Population (labor age) Adult Population (pension age) General 0-15 age group 16-62 age group 16-62 age ≥63 age group ≥63 age population (male) group (female) (male) (female) 2,897 609 1,013 971 165 139 Source: Baghramyan municipality data There are a school recently renovated by local self-governance resources, a kindergarten, and a medical ambulatory which is in miserable condition, a pharmacy, a club, a library, a gym and a stadium in the community. The community has 890ha of lands with 590ha of arable lands. Only 17% (100ha) of arable lands was irrigated in 2016. The main reason for not irrigating the lands is lack of water and non-profitability of crops as a result. 90% of the community HHs are engaged in agriculture, 99% are cultivating their own lands mainly 1,000-1,500m2 HH plots. The majority of HHs also possess 4,000m2 of privatized land. It is envisioned to irrigate 253ha of land in Baghramyan community through the tertiary network project of the Baghramyan-Norakert gravity irrigation scheme. Currently only 25ha of land is irrigated in the project area. Figure 1. Main Areas of Occupation of Households in Baghramyan Community 90% 60% 60% 3% 5% 5% 9 Source: Baghramyan municipality data Figure 1. Main Areas of Occupation with Gender Distribution in Baghramyan Community 50% 50% 40% 80% 80% 100% 50% 50% 60% 20% 20% 0% Women Men Source: Baghramyan municipality data The community households are engaged in different agricultural activities with the following distribution presented in Figure 3. Figure 3. Agricultural Activities of Households in Baghramyan Community 25% 35% 2% 23% 15% Crops/Vegitables Gardening Pastures Greenhouse production Lucerne/Alfalfa Source: Baghramyan municipality data Vineyards and gardening are developed in the community, most HHs cultivate vegetables in their HH plots. Greenhouse production is not developed in the community (1%) and only 3,000m2 of land is cultivated through drip irrigation. Although 90% of HHs are engaged in crops cultivation and gardening, the main source of the HHs income is not agriculture. The main income of HHs is accumulated from other sources such as: - Commerce - Salary 10 - Subsidy/pension - Business - Transfers from abroad - Lease of agricultural machines (1 HH). Social-Economic Description of Norakert Community The population in Norakert community is 3,197 with 1,573 women and 1,624 men, the number of households (HH) is 604 with 51 vulnerable HHs receiving social subsidies, 15 HHs with national minorities, about 50 female-headed HHs and 3 HHs of refugees. About 20 HHs migrated from Armenia permanently during last 3 years and about 200 men temporarily migrate for seasonal works every year. Table 3. Norakert Community with Gender and Age Distribution as of January 1, 2017 Children Adult Population (labor age) Adult Population (pension age) General 0-15 age group 16-62 age group 16-62 age ≥63 age group ≥63 age population (male) group (female) (male) (female) 3,197 821 1,058 1,006 162 150 Source: Norakert municipality data There are a school, a kindergarten recently renovated by state resources, a medical ambulatory renovated by the WB funds in 2006, a club, a library, a stadium and a post office in the community. In 2014 the community solved drinking water issue with Asian Development Bank (ADB) funds. The community has 1,366ha of lands with 634ha of arable lands. Only 27% (170ha) of arable lands was irrigated in 2016. The main reason for not irrigating the lands is lack of water, lack of tertiary network and lack of agricultural machines. 85% of the community HHs are engaged in agriculture, 90% are cultivating their own lands mainly 1,000-2,000m2 HH plots. The majority of HHs also possess 4,000m2 of privatized land. It is envisioned to irrigate 320ha of land in Norakert community through the tertiary network project of the Baghramyan-Norakert gravity irrigation scheme. Currently only 20ha of land is irrigated in the project area. Figure 4. Main Areas of Occupation of Households in Norakert Community 11 80% 30% 20% 2% 2% 1% Source: Norakert municipality data Figure 5. Main Areas of Occupation with Gender Distribution in Baghramyan Community 50% 50% 35% 80% 80% 95% 50% 50% 65% 20% 20% 5% Crops/Gardening Cattle/Stock Various Jobs Business Commerce Labor Migration Women Men Source: Norakert municipality data The community households are engaged in different agricultural activities with the following distribution presented in Figure 6. Figure 6. Agricultural Activities of Households in Norakert Community 5% 40% 20% 5% 30% Crops/Vegitables Gardening Pastures Greenhouse production Lucerne/Alfalfa 12 Source: Norakert municipality data Vineyards and gardening are developed in the community, most HHs cultivate vegetables in their HH plots. Greenhouse production is not developed in the community (2%) and only 1 HH cultivates 5,000m2 of land through drip irrigation. Although 85% of HHs are engaged in crops cultivation and gardening, the main source of the HH income is not agriculture. The main income of HHs is accumulated from other sources such as: - Commerce - Salary - Subsidy/pension - Business - Transfers from abroad. Interviews with Baghramyan and Norakert Community Leaders In the frame of social studies the Consultant has conducted a series of qualitative interviews with the stakeholder community leaders and the respective WUA representative as well as FG discussions in Baghramyan and Norakert communities. The objective of the qualitative studies was to discuss irrigation issues in the community, to reveal concerns and needs of different groups in the community, their expectations from the tertiary network construction project. In their interviews the leaders of Baghramyan and Norakert communities emphasized the importance of construction of the tertiary network with drip and sprinkler irrigation technologies which will enable them to increase the efficiency of Baghramyan-Norakert gravity irrigation scheme, to decrease water loss and to cultivate more profitable crops. Both community leaders noted in their interviews that most agricultural lands are not irrigated in the community because of irrigation water shortage and depreciated tertiary network. There is no tertiary network left in Norakert; and the ground canals do not operate with high efficiency in Baghramyan, and there is almost no network at the section of privatized lands. Both communities have land leasing system and according to the communities leaders any person can sign a Lease Agreement with the municipality and start cultivating the leased land, however the number of people eager to do so is not big. Presently Baghramyan municipality has 5 Land Lease Agreements with community members to cultivate alfalfa and to grow fruit. Norakert municipality has no Land Lease Agreements due to irrigation network absence. Both communities’ leaders have positive expectations from tertiary network construction project. According to Baghramyan Deputy Village Mayor the improvement of land use and gardening due to tertiary network construction will significantly contribute to growth of HH incomes. Presently most HHs in Baghramyan have other, different from agriculture, sources of income, hence, the development of agriculture will contribute to improvement of HHs living standards. According to Norakert Village Mayor the construction of the tertiary network will promote the development of agriculture which has declined during the post-soviet years; wheat cultivation will develop in the community and HHs living standards will improve. The community leaders noted that given the fact that some women conduct day-pay works in the nearby communities, the development of agriculture will improve women’s work conditions. After the construction of tertiary network and its efficient operation the women will cultivate their own lands, the number of labor migrants will decrease; the majority of labor migrants 13 will remain in their communities once the irrigation scheme starts its efficient operation. In their opinion unfair water distribution can be excluded at the operation phase: female-headed HHs, representatives of national minorities and vulnerable groups will equally benefit from the irrigation network improvement provided they have agreements with the WUA. The community leaders excluded any significant negative impact of the project on the community or any household. They were aware that before the start of the construction a negative impacts mitigation plan will be developed and presented to the communities. The community leaders noted that they frequently visit the construction sites of Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Scheme to observe the works and they are satisfied with the construction process and the quality. The community leaders also noted that the new network will be built in place of the old dilapidated network excluding the private land use within the project. The Baghramyan Deputy Village Mayor hoped in case of temporary land use need or private inventory damage due to unforeseen circumstances during the construction of the tertiary network, the owner of the land or the inventory will receive respective compensation within the project. The community leaders appreciated the fact that the construction contractor will provide temporary employment to local workforce. According to Norakert Village Mayor there is specialized and non- specialized workforce that might be interested in such work. There is specialized workforce in Baghramyan as well which, in Baghramyan Deputy Village Mayor’s words is mainly engaged in construction works in the community. Both communities’ leaders expressed their readiness to actively participate in the tertiary network design development process and in public discussions. They possess some knowledge about new irrigation technologies and the advantages of their application such as possibility to irrigate the land with less amount of water, decrease in payment for water due to less consumption; however they are also eager to participate in informative discussions and meetings to learn details of drip and sprinkler irrigation to be used within the project. In particular Baghramyan Deputy Village Mayor noted the need for training on new irrigation technologies use. Norakert Village Mayor also has some questions about new irrigation technologies such as: who can be the potential beneficiary of new technologies; only those who have actual garden or also those who intend to start gardening; whether there will be filters on the scheme; whether water will be available for all users. Presently “Vagharshapat� branch of “Armavir� WUA and “Ashtarak� branch of “Aragatsotn� WUA provide irrigation water to Baghramyan and Norakert communities. The Consultant had an interview with the Baghramyan division head of “Ashtarak� branch of “Aragatsotn� WUA to get information about the actual system and to identify the WUA’s expectations from the network as a stakeholder. Although during the discussions the community members complained of irrigation water supply, the WUA representative noted that irrigation water was supplied to the communities without interruptions within the last three years. In his words the problems and damages are quickly eliminated to provide water to the water users’ lands and HH plots. He explained that water distribution is conducted according to time schedule, the water user’s contract and water demand of the irrigated crop. He also added that during low-water years all water users receive less amount of water; water demand is not satisfied due to water loss. He admitted the fact that the construction of the tertiary network will minimize water loss, will improve water supply to the users, will increase the number of water use agreements with land owners and leasers eager to cultivate land and grow crops. As the tertiary network stakeholder he expressed his readiness to participate in public discussions. 14 Focus Group discussions Within the first month of services the Consultant with the support of Baghramyan and Norakert communities’ administrations organized and conducted 3 FG discussions in each community with different target groups: farmers, women and vulnerable groups. Table 4. Number of Focus Group Discussions Participants by communities Target Groups Baghramyan Norakert Farmers 7 7 Women 10 7 Vulnerable Groups 7 8 The structure and general description of FG discussions participants are presented in Table 5. Table 5. The structure and general description of FG discussions participants Target Group Baghramyan Norakert Vulnerable Participants -7, including 1 ezid, 2 lonely Participants -8, including 1 ezid, 1 HH with a Group elderly persons, 2 female-headed HH person with disabilities, 1 lonely elders representatives Gender – 6 men, 2 women Gender – 5 women, 2 men Age – 51-70 Age – 42-68 HH members - 1-8 HH members - 1-8 Marital Status –married, except 1 Marital Status –married - 3, single/widow 4 Main Source of HH income –subsidy, Main Source of HH income –subsidy, pension, pension, income from HH plot cultivation, income from HH plot cultivation job (1 HH) Farmers Participants -8, including 1 ezid, Participants -7, including 1 ezid, Gender – men Gender – men Age – 40-79 Age – 56-75 HH members - 2-8 HH members - 2-10 Marital Status –married - 7, single/widow - 1 Marital Status –married Main Source of HH income – jobs or Main Source of HH income – jobs or commerce (5 participants), pension (4 commerce (5 participants), pension (3 participants), income from HH plot cultivation participants), income from HH plot cultivation Women Participants -10, including 1 ezid, Participants -7 Gender – women Gender – women Age – 26-70 Age – 35-69 HH members - 2-7 HH members - 1-8 Marital Status –married-3, single–2, widow-5 Marital Status –married-5, widow-2 Main Source of HH income – jobs (7 Main Source of HH income – jobs (3 participants), pension (4 participants), participants), pension (4 participants), income from HH plot cultivation (8 income from HH plot cultivation (7 participants), day-pay worker (1 participant) participants) 15 Among all FG discussions participants only 2 farmers from Norakert cultivate 5,000-7,000m2 of alfalfa in the project area, all other participants noted that they cultivate only household plots the income from which cannot cover all their household needs. They also added that they were unable to cultivate their privatized lands and the famous vineyards and apricot gardens of Norakert dried out due to absence of a network and irrigation water. Baghramyan farmers’ FG discussion participants also mentioned that 90% of all cultivated lands are HH plots. They said that about 1,000ha of fruit gardens and about 6,000ha of vineyards turned into deserts during the post-soviet years. “My vineyard with the surface of 1,5ha has turned into a desert due to absence of water,� said a woman from Norakert (Norakert Women’s FG). “We have been unable to irrigate our privatized land for about 20 years because of water shortage, “said a woman from Baghramyan (Baghramyan Women’s FG). Vulnerable FG participants noted that the only source of their income is subsidy and crops from HH plots which is sometimes irrigated with drinking water. They noted that the construction of the network will improve the conditions of their HHs creating opportunities for them to increase their activities in agriculture and to get day-pay jobs. “The government pays salaries to vulnerable families for cultivation of their own lands to promote the development of agriculture. However, in order to cultivate the land the villagers need water. Irrigation water availability will improve the conditions of vulnerable families,� said the Deputy Village Mayor of Baghramyan. All FG discussions participants had only positive expectations from the irrigation network construction project. In Norakert the participants expected increase in irrigation area and agricultural product, rise in crops quantity and quality, decrease in seasonal migration rate, improvement in households living standards, easier working conditions for women as they would not need to work with a day-pay instead they would cultivate their own lands, easies burden on female-headed and vulnerable HHs and the network would contribute to poverty mitigation. In Baghramyan the participants of farmers’ FG discussions also had great expectations from the network construction. They believed the network would have positive impact on the whole community; the network with the new irrigation technologies would result in HHs revenue increase, more efficient cultivation of lands and creation of new workplaces, reduction of labor migrants and improvement of vulnerable HHs living standards. “Once the villager has income from his land, he won’t leave the village for seasonal works,� said the Norakert Village Mayor. According to the FG discussions participants all groups in the communities will equally benefit from the improved water supply services as a result of the tertiary network construction project: big farmers, community administration, national minorities, female-headed HHs, poor population. The representatives of national minorities noted that they do not face any discrimination on the national basis. At the same time FG participants in Norakert expressed their request to the WUA to better organize water distribution. 16 Some participants of Baghramyan women’s FG discussions expressed their concern about possible unfair water distribution which according to them will be solved by the new progressive administration of the community. Women in both communities didn’t expect any negative impact during the construction phase and believed their opinion will be considered at the design phase and their needs will be reflected in the project. “It’s very difficult for us to irrigate our household plot of 700m2 as within the last three years water is supplied only at night and we have to compete with each other to water our plots,� said one of women from Baghramyan FG. All FG discussions participants do not expect any negative impact from irrigation network construction project in their community or on their HH as the new network will be constructed in place of the deteriorated network. They noted that the temporal inconveniences during the construction such as movement of vehicles, noise and dust will not disturb them much as they are the stakeholders of the network. The women’s FG discussions participants in both communities complained mainly from the following irrigation related problem: the present network mostly supplies water to their household plots but the water is not sufficient and a part of their crops dry out. Women from Baghramyan FG also complained of night-time water distribution which creates inconvenience for female-headed households. Women, in their words, do not face any discrimination related to water distribution in the community, however, they have to compete within themselves for watering as there is water shortage and there is a danger to lose the crop. “Irrigation water availability will improve women’s living conditions. I’m 70 but I’d be happy to have water and to work on my land,� said one of Baghramyan women’s FG participants. Both communities women’s expectations from the tertiary network construction are as follows: improved production of agricultural goods, cultivation of apricots, grapes, vegetables on the own or leased lands, labor opportunities in the own community instead of going to other communities for day-pay jobs, some moderation of poverty level. “We are eager to participate in public discussions if our opinion will be considered,� said one of vulnerable FG participants in Norakert. The participants had different attitude to new irrigation technologies. Most participants appreciated the fact the project includes application of sprinkler and drip irrigation technologies, however, some participants abstained from expressing their opinion. 17 Some of vulnerable FG participants in both communities were doubtful about the new technologies supposing their installation implies big expenses. “I may agree to use drip irrigation in my garden if I learn the conditions of installation,� said a farmer from Norakert. All FG discussions participants expressed their readiness to participate in the project design presentation and public discussions especially to get information about new irrigation technologies investment details. At the end of each meeting the Consultant presented the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), informed the participants that they can apply to WSPIU with all issues, concerns, suggestions or grievance related to the project by email: info@wsdp.am or call the Environmental Specialist (041111450), Social Specialist (041111437) and Communication Specialist (041111435); as well as they can get GRM details in www.piu.am website. Land Use The Consultant avoided private land use in the design of the project. The tertiary network will be built exclusively on community lands in place of presently used old canals or unused dilapidated and old network. In order to avoid private land use the Consultant conducted thorough study of cadastral maps and of the site, reviewed the maps with the local authorities and through individual talks and FG discussions, clarified the status of lands and finally concluded that the design does not imply any private land use. The Consultant has also informed the communities that at any stage of the project implementation they can turn to the respective specialists of the WSPIU if there appears to be a private land use or a private assets damage. Through its Grievance Redress Mechanism the WSPIU respective specialists will discuss any suggestion, concern or complaint related to the project, will respond within a week and will solve within a month if the problem is within the PIU’s eligibility. Social Studies and Stakeholder Satisfaction Assessment At the final phase of the project the Consultant developed information leaflets (See Annex 2) with the map of the design, advantages of drip and sprinkler irrigation, as well as brief data on the stakeholder communities: number of population, households and lands. The Consultant conducted a survey in Baghramyan and Norakert households to assess the social condition, occupation and the main income sources of HHs income, the irrigated lands and the cultivated crops in the stakeholder communities, as well as the participation of the stakeholder communities in the design works and the level of reflection of irrigation needs of the stakeholder households in the project design. Summary of Survey Results The survey was conducted on October 11, 2017, at 12։00-14։00 in Norakert municipality and at 14։30- 16։30 in Baghramyan municipality. 18 General Information In Baghramyan community 40.98% of the survey participants were women (25 women, 36 men), and in Norakert 45.16% were women (28 women, 34 men). It should be noted that in both communities the total number of women above 16 (1,110 women in Baghramyan, 1,156 women in Norakert) is about 48.5% (48․49% in Baghramyan, and 48․65% in Norakert) of the total number of population above 16 (2,288 people in Baghramyan, 2,376 people in Norakert). More than half of the survey participants in both communities were within the age range of 41-62: Baghramyan – 54.10% and Norakert 54.84%. The number of HHs with 1-2 members did not exceed 12% in both communities among the participants (Baghramyan – 11.48%, Norakert – 11.29%), and the HHs with a labor migrant member did not exceed 50% (Baghramyan – 47.54%, Norakert 40.32%). The survey results are presented in Annex 1. Agriculture. Irrigated Land and Crops In Baghramyan all the participants (11.48% had ≥ 1ha of land, 88.52% - 0,5-1ha of land) and in Norakert nearly all participants (27.42% had ≥1հa of land, 69․35% - 0,5-1ha of land) had private lands. About half of the participants in Baghramyan (47.54%) do not irrigate their lands, 45.90% irrigate 05- 1ha of land (mainly household plots) and only 6.56% irrigates more than 1ha of land. In Norakert 56.45% of participants irrigate 0,5-1ha of lands (mainly household plots), 17.74% irrigate more than 1 ha, while 25.81% do not irrigate their lands. In Baghramyan 47.54% of participants cultivate vineyards, in Norakert 32.26% cultivate fruit and berries, 35.48% cultivate vineyard, 19.35% cultivate alfa-alfa. Both communities did not use drip irrigation or sprinkler; 59% in Baghramyan and 77.42% in Norakert use furrow irrigation, the rest of participants in both communities did not irrigate their lands. At the same time the majority of participants expressed their willingness to use new technologies of irrigation within upcoming years; in Baghramyan 73.77% are for drip irrigation, 14.75% for sprinkler, in Norakert 51.61% are for drip irrigation, 25.81% are for sprinkler. The rest of the participants, 11.48% in Baghramyan, 22.58% in Norakert, will not use new technologies. The majority of the participants unwilling to use new technologies did not mention the reason. Among the reasons mentioned by several participants were the following: lack of information about the technologies, lack of confidence in water availability, being engaged with other occupations, and lack of finance. The survey results are presented in Annex 1. 19 Awareness, Needs Reflection and Satisfaction of Stakeholders In Baghramyan 65.57% of the survey participants and 61.29% in Norakert mentioned that their needs are reflected in the design. 81.97% in Baghramyan and 70.97% in Norakert were aware of the tertiary network design works; 65.57% in Baghramyan and 62.90% in Norakert were satisfied with the opportunities of participation in the design works. The majority of the participants were aware how to contact with the project implementation organization to express their suggestions, concerns and complaints: in Baghramyan – 73.77%, and in Norakert – 64.52%. The survey results are presented in Annex 1. 20 Annex 1. Results of Social Survey in Baghramyan and Norakert Communities Figure 1. Age of Participants (%) Baghramyan Norakert 16-40 16-40 18.03% 27.87% 20.97% 24.19% 41-62 41-62 ≥ 63 ≥ 63 54.10% 54.84% Figure 2․ Gender of Participants (%) Baghramyan Norakert Female 40.98% Female 28 59.02% 34 Male Male Figure 3․Marital status of the participants (%) 88.71% 55.74% 19.67% 14.75% 9.84% 4.84% 1.61% 4.84% Single Married Divorced Widow/widower Baghramyan Norakert 21 Figure 4․ Education of participants (%) 37.70% 38.71% 24.59% 24.19% 22.58% 19.67% 14.52% 13.11% 4.92% 0% Elementary 8/9 classes of Secondary/high College University school school Baghramyan Norakert Figure 5․Number of household members (%) 50.82% 43.55% 45.16% 37.70% 11.48% 11.29% 1-2 persons 3-4 persons 5 and more persons Baghramyan Norakert 22 Figure 6․ Households having a labor migrant member (%) BAGHRAMYAN NORAKERT Yes, Yes, 40.32% 47.54% No, 52.46% No, 59.68% Figure 7․ Size of the private land (%) 88.52% 69.35% 27.42% 11.48% 0% 3.23% More than 1 ha 0,5-1ha No private land Baghramyan Norakert Figure 8․ Size of cultivated land (%) 56.45% 45.90% 47.54% 25.81% 17.74% 6.56% More than 1 ha 0,5-1 ha We do not cultivate Baghramyan Norakert 23 Table 1․ Crops cultivated by the participant HHs (%) Baghramyan Norakert Wheat 0.00% Wheat 1.61% Vegetables 0.00% Vegetables 6.45% Fruit and berries 8.20% Fruit and berries 32.26% Vineyard 47.54% Vineyard 35.48% Potatoes 0.00% Potatoes 4.84% Alfa-alfa 8.20% Alfa-alfa 19.35% Other 47.54% Other 17.74% Figure 9․ Irrigation method used by the HHs (%) 40.98% 22.58% No irrigation 59.02% 77.42% Furrow irrigation Baghramyan Norakert Figure 10․ Households willing to use new technologies in future (%) Baghramyan Norakert 14.75% 11.48% Drip irrigation 22.58% Drip irrigation Sprinkler 51.61% Sprinkler 73.77% 25.81% None None 24 Figure 11․ Participants’ awareness of the project (%) BAGHRAMYAN NORAKERT Partially, Partially, 9.84% 16.13% No, 8.20% No, 12.90% Yes, 70.97% Yes, 81.97% Figure 12․Participants’ awareness how to contact with the project implementation organization (%) 6.56% 16.13% No Partially 19.67% 19.35% Yes 73.77% 64.52% Baghramyan Norakert Figure 13․ Participants’ satisfaction with the opportunity to be engaged in the project design works (%) 8.06% 4.92% I don't know 3.23% 3.28% No Partially 25.81% 26.23% Yes 62.90% 65.57% Norakert Baghramyan 25 Figure 14․ Reflection of stakeholders’ needs in the design (%) BAGHRAMYAN NORAKERT I am not I am not aware, 3.28% aware, 11.29% Partially, 22.95% Partially, 20.97% Yes, No, 8.20% Yes, 61.29% 65.57% No, 6.45% 26 Annex 2․Information leaflet on the project of tertiary network under Baghramyan-Norakert Gravity Irrigation Scheme 27