REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA Ministry of Agriculture Central Projects Coordination Unit (CPCU) Gambia Inclusive and Resilience Agriculture Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV) ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) 27th September 2021 1|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Republic of The Gambia (hereinafter "the Recipient") shall implement the Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (GIRAV) (P173070) (hereinafter "the Project�), through the Central Projects Coordination Unit (CPCU), housed within the Ministry of Agriculture, and the following Ministries: National Roads Agency (NRA) of the Ministry of Transport Works and Infrastructures, CORAF, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the Ministry of the Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change. The International Development Association (hereinafter "the Association") has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The Recipient shall, and shall cause all implementing agencies and financial intermediaries to, implement material measures and actions so that the Project is carried out in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). This Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) sets out material measures and actions, any associated documents or plans and their implementation schedule. 3. The Recipient shall also comply with the provisions of any other environmental and social instruments required under the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and referred to in this ESCP, such as Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), and Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), all in a manner acceptable to the Association. The timelines specified in these instruments shall be monitored and maintained by the Recipient. 4. The Recipient is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by the Ministry, or unit referenced in 1. above. 5. The Recipient shall monitor the implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP and shall report to the Association as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement. The Association will monitor and assess progress and completion of the material measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 6. As agreed by the Association and the Recipient, this ESCP may be revised from time to time during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of changes and unforeseen circumstances or in response to assessment of Project performance conducted under the ESCP itself. In such circumstances, the Recipient shall agree to the changes with the Association and will update the ESCP to reflect such changes. Agreement on changes to the ESCP will be documented through the exchange of letters signed between the Association and the Recipient. The Recipient shall promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 7. Where Project changes, unforeseen circumstances, or Project performance result in changes to the risks and impacts during Project implementation, the Recipient shall provide additional funds, if needed, to implement actions and measures to address such risks and impacts, which may include environmental, health, and safety impacts, labor influx, risks of natural resource degradation and pollution to the environment, risks of disruption of free movement, risks of social conflicts in particular for highly labor intensive works, risks to the health and safety of populations (including outbreaks of diseases among populations and workers), accidents related to construction site activities, health risks related to poor management of hazardous waste, loss of land and property, sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (SEA/SH), and risks related to child labor and forced labor. 2|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING: Every 3 Months, starting from the Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare and submit regular monitoring reports to the project effectiveness date, and (CPCU). Association on the Environmental, Social, Health and Safety throughout Project implementation. (ESHS) performance of the Project, including the implementation of the LMP, the SEP, the SEA/SH Action Plan, and any other E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities, functioning of the grievance mechanism(s), as well the status of implementation of this ESCP. B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS: Notify the Association within 48 Central Projects Coordination Unit Promptly notify the Association of any incident or accident hours after learning of the incident (CPCU). related to the Project which has or is likely to have a or accident, for serious significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected incident/accident and 24 hours for communities, the public or workers including the exclusion of severe incident/accident. A report or discrimination against individuals or groups of individuals, would be provided within a occupational accidents, SEA/SH, etc. timeframe acceptable to the Provide sufficient details of the incident or accident, Association. indicating the root causes and the corrective/preventative The notification system shall be measures taken or required to be taken to address it. It shall maintained throughout the Project include any information provided by any service provider or implementation. the supervising entity, if applicable, while respecting Throughout the duration of the civil confidentiality, particularly with regards to incidents related works to SEA/SH. Subsequently, as per the Association’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence. Ensure that an incident/accident registration system is maintained at all construction sites. 3|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY C CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS MONTHLY Upon signature of the service Central Projects Coordination Unit REPORTS: contract and on a monthly basis (CPCU). Ensure that any contractors/subcontractors prepare and throughout the implementation of transmit ESHS monitoring reports to the CPCU the Project. in accordance with the provisions of the Project's E&S instruments. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The Project Social Development Central Projects Coordination Unit Establish and maintain an organizational structure within Specialist and the Environmental (CPCU). CPCU with qualified and experienced staff for the Specialist shall be in post by 1st management of the Project and resources to support November 2021 management of E&S risks. The organizational structure These specialists should remain operational until the including the specialists will be completion of the Project to guarantee the implementation and maintained throughout Project monitoring of the measures contained in the safeguard implementation. instruments throughout the Project and to ensure continuity between the effective implementation and the start of activities. Ensure that the supervising engineer and contractors recruit OHS, Social and Environment experts for the timely monitoring of environmental and social aspects during the construction, renovation and extension works in accordance with the Project E&S instruments. The CPCU will be responsible for the monitoring of compliance and reporting 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT: The ESMF has already been Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, adopt and implement the Environmental and Social prepared and the mitigation (CPCU). assessment that has been prepared for the Project in a manner measures contained in the ESMF acceptable to the Association. will be adhered to throughout the Project implementation. 4|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.3 MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS: The ESMF, RPF and SEP were developed Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, consult upon, adopt, disclose, and implement the and submitted to the Association for review (CPCU). following E&S instruments: prior to the Project Appraisal. Once approved, these instruments shall be � The Environmental and Social Management Framework adopted, disclosed before negotiation on (ESMF); October 7th, 2021, implemented and � The Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF); updated (as needed) over the duration of � The Labor Management Plan Procedures (LMP); the Project. � The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); � The SEA/SH Action Plan; The Recipient shall screen the project activities according to the provisions of the above-mentioned instruments; and Site-specific instruments subsequently, draft, consult upon, adopt, disclose, and (ESIAs/ESMPs/RAPs) to be implement management plans, such as ESIAs/ESMPs/RAPs/ prepared, disclosed, and adopted as needed, prior to the implementation of the Project prior to commencing civil work activities, particularly the associated civil works, as required, activities and implemented in a manner acceptable to the Association. throughout Project implementation thereafter. 1.4 MANAGEMENT OF SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS: During the preparation of Central Projects Coordination Unit Incorporate relevant aspects of the ESCP, the relevant E&S procurement documents and prior to (CPCU). documents and/or plans including the Labor Management the start of works. Procedures, into the ESHS clauses in the tender documents to Application of these clauses address environmental, social, and health and safety impacts throughout Project implementation. during the contract period. Contractors/suppliers shall therefore address these clauses in their bids, including the management of labor-related aspects (specifications on the code of conduct, grievance management, etc.) as per the LMP, Prior to the signing of the contract. the management of risks pertaining to SEA/SH, child labor These provisions shall be adopted and forced labor etc. and maintained over the duration of The Recipient shall then ensure that contractors/suppliers the Project. comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. 5|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.5 CONTINGENT EMERGENCY RESPONSE During the preparation of the CERC Central Projects Coordination Unit COMPONENT - CERC Operations Manual. (CPCU). To prepare the Environmental and Social Management Before the start of the emergency Framework (ESMF) Addendum to cover the CERC activities response activities. The request for when preparing the CERC Operations Manual. The the activation of the CERC shall Addendum shall be approved by the Association. come from the Recipient with no In the event of a crisis leading to the activation of the Project’s prior objection from the contingent Emergency Response Component, the Recipient Association. shall prepare the necessary instruments and measures before undertaking emergency response activities, in order to ensure compliance with the Project’s E&S requirements and the Codes of Conduct, prohibitions on SEA/SH, forced labor and child labor. ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES: LMP to be prepared, finalized, Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, disclose, consult upon, adopt and thereafter adopted, and disclosed by appraisal. (CPCU). implement Labor Management Procedures (LMP) in LMP to be prepared, finalized, accordance with ESS2 including the prohibition on child labor adopted, and disclosed prior to the and forced labor and SEA/SH. hiring of project workers. The Recipient shall prepare, consult upon, adopt, disclose and The LMP shall be implemented, thereafter implement Labor Management Plans as part of the maintained and updated (as needed) site-specific ESIAs/ESMPs and based on the LMP. over the duration of the Project. 2.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS: same timeline as of the preparation Central Projects Coordination Unit Establish, operate, and maintain a specific and accessible of the LMP and maintained (CPCU). grievance mechanism for project workers, equipped to operational throughout project address SEA/SH complaints in the workplace, as described in implementation. the LMP and in accordance with ESS 2. However, these procedures shall not impede access to other judicial or administrative remedies that may be available under the law. 6|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 2.3 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) During the preparation of tender Central Projects Coordination Unit MEASURE documents and prior to the launch (CPCU). Integrate in the tender documents, the terms of reference and of civil works. These provisions contracts of the Project’s contractors/suppliers, OHS related shall be maintained and clauses as specified in the Project ESMF, the LMP and any implemented over the duration of other OHS measures recommended by site-specific ESMPs. the Project. Ensure that contractors/suppliers comply with these occupational, health and safety (OHS) measures specified in the tender documents. ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 RATIONAL USE OF RESOURCES AND POLLUTION Same timeframe for the adoption Central Projects Coordination Unit PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT: and implementation of (CPCU). The Recipient shall ensure that contractors implement ESIAs/ESMPs as specified in section measures include in respective ESIAs/ESMPs a provision for 1.3 the rational use of resources and pollution prevention, and the management included in respective ESIAs/ESMPs and implementation of those measures in accordance with ESS3. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY: Same timeframe for the adoption and National Road Authority (NRA). The Recipient shall adopt and implement measures and implementation of ESIAs/ESMPs as actions to assess and manage traffic and road safety risks as specified in Section 1.3. required in the provisions of ESIAs/ESMPs 4.2 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: Same timeframe for the adoption and Central Projects Coordination Unit The Recipient shall ensure the development and implementation of ESIAs/ESMPs as (CPCU). implementation of measures and actions to assess and manage specified in Section 1.3. the risks and effects that Project activities could have on local populations, including those relating to the presence of Project Workers and any risks of labor influx as described in the ESMF and/or any ESIAs/ESMPs. 7|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 4.3 GBV AND SEA/SH RISKS: Same timeframe for the adoption Central Projects Coordination Unit The Recipient shall prepare, adopt, and implement a stand- and implementation of (CPCU). alone sexual exploitation, abuse Gender-Based Violence ESIAs/ESMPs as specified in section Action Plan (GBV Action Plan), to assess and manage the 1.3 risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and (SEA). A mapping of the structures involved in this field as well as an assessment of their operational capabilities shall be carried out. ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 RESETTLEMENT POLICY FRAMEWORK: Central Projects Coordination Unit The Recipient shall prepare, consult upon, adopt, disclose and A RPF is being developed and will be (CPCU). thereafter implement a RPF to guide the preparation of the finalized before negotiation on Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) consistent with ESS 5 October 7th, 2021. requirements and acceptable to the Association; the said RPF should include, inter alia: (a) procedures and sequencing for the participatory, transparent, informed and voluntary community-based identification of land for potential agribusiness investment; and (b) criteria and procedures for land consolidation, allocation, establishment of land use rights, leasing of land to rural communities, to women and youth group. The Recipient shall carry out the Project in accordance with the RPF and shall not amend, abrogate, or waive, or permit to be amended, abrogated, or waived, the aforementioned manual, or any provision, or any provision thereof, without the prior written agreement of the Association. 5.2 RESETTLEMENT ACTION PLANS RAPs shall be prepared, disclosed, Central Projects Coordination Unit The Recipient shall prepare, consult upon, adopt, disclose and consulted upon, adopted prior to the (CPCU). National Road Authority implement RAPs prior to launching any activities that may launch of sub-projects activities, (NRA), Soil and Water lead to involuntary resettlement, in accordance with and maintained over the duration of Management (SWM) and requirements of the RPF and in a manner acceptable to the involuntary resettlement activities. Horticulture Technical Service Association. (HTS). 8|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 5.3 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM The GM is to be operational prior to Central Projects Coordination Unit The Recipient shall publicize and operationalize the project the start of resettlement activities (CPCU). grievance mechanism and make it accessible to affected and maintained throughout the people in accordance with the provisions of the RPF and any implementation of the Project. RAPs. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 BIODIVERSITY RISKS AND IMPACTS: Same timeframe for the adoption Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, adopt, and implement a biodiversity management and implementation of the ESMF/ (CPCU). measures included in the ESMF and/or site specific ESIAs/ ESMPs/ as relevant, as ESIAs/ESMPs with the requirements of the ESS6 and be specified in Section 1.3 acceptable to the Association. Prior to the commencement of the relevant activities. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES [See examples of possible actions below, if determined that ESS7 is relevant]. Not Relevant as it is not existing in The Gambia ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 CHANCE FINDS: Upon discovery of any cultural Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, adopt, and implement the chance finds procedure heritage and throughout project (CPCU). described in the ESMF and any ESIAs/ESMPs developed for implementation, thereafter the Project. The Recipient shall ensure that this provision is included in the contracts of civil works contractors. ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 9|Page THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 9.1 ESMS: Before carrying out screening of any Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, adopt, and maintain an environmental and social FI subproject. Once established, the (CPCU), FI. management system (ESMS). ESMS is maintained and operated throughout Project implementation. 9.2 FI ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY: The organizational capacity need Central Projects Coordination Unit Establish and maintain an organizational capacity and shall be in place prior to the board (CPCU), FI. competency for implementing the ESMS with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, the positions for E&S management are that of an Environmental and Social Development Specialists. 9.3 SENIOR MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE: The senior management Central Projects Coordination Unit Designate a senior management representative to have overall representative shall be in place (CPCU). accountability for environmental and social performance of FI prior to appraisal subprojects. ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION SEP was prepared, approved and Central Projects Coordination Unit AND IMPLEMENTATION: being disclosed prior to appraisal (CPCU). The Recipient shall update, adopt, and implement Stakeholder on September 30th 2021 Engagement Plan (SEP). SEP to be implemented throughout implementation of the Project 10.2PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: Same timeline as of the SEP Central Projects Coordination Unit Prepare, adopt, maintain and operate a grievance mechanism, GM to be implemented throughout (CPCU). in a timely, confidential and ethical manner without implementation of the Project discrimination, reprisal, as described in the SEP. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) CS1 The Recipient shall organize training sessions (ESHS, OHS, Starting from the Project Central Projects Coordination Unit SEA/SH prevention, GM, waste management, etc.) for Effectiveness Date and continuing (CPCU). Project workers so that they can identify the risks involved throughout the implementation of and effectively implement the prevention and/or mitigation the Project, as needed. measures provided for in the Project E&S instruments, in accordance with ESSs. 10 | P a g e THE ASSOCIATION - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 CS2 CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING): Throughout the Project Central Projects Coordination Unit Training will be provided in the areas listed below targeting implementation period, as and when (CPCU). PIU staff, stakeholders, Communities and Project workers: needed. - Procedures for reporting of incidents and accidents - Gender considerations in land registration - Implementing the project in an inclusive manner - Grievance mechanisms - Screening procedures outlined in the ESMF - ESSH measures - techniques of composting and the use of organic products instead of pesticides and other chemical-based insecticides - Workforce management - Relevant national legislation - Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) of the Association to prevent and mitigate accident risks, GBV and - Measures SEA/SH risks - Stakeholder engagement methods - Implementation of project E&S instruments Others, as needed CS3 TRAINING AREAS FOR PROJECT WORKERS: - Procedures for reporting of incidents and accidents Throughout the Project Central Projects Coordination Unit - Measures to prevent and mitigate SEA/SH implementation period, as and when (CPCU). - ESSH measures needed. 11 | P a g e