REPUBLIC OF TAJIKISTAN COMMITTEE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RESILAND CA+: TAJIKISTAN RESILIENT LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF) NOVEMBER 2021 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY ALRI Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation CC Civil Code CEP Committee of Environmental Protection CIG Community Interests Group DCM Decree of the Cabinet of Ministries DDR Diligence Report DMS Detailed Measurement Survey DSEI Draft Statement of the Environmental Impact EHS Environment, Health and Safety General Guidelines EHSG World Bank Group Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ES Environmental Specialist ESA Environmental and Social Assessment ESF World Bank Environmental and Social Framework ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESS World Bank Environmental and Social Standard FS Feasibility Study FUG Forest Users Group GAP Gender Action Plan GoT Government of Tajikistan GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism H&S Health and Safety HH Household IEC Information, Education and Communication IFIs International Financial Institutions IG Project Implementation Group under the Committee of Environmental Protection IP Indigenous People IR Involuntary Resettlement JFM Joint Forest Management LC Land Code LMP Labor Management Procedures MHSPP Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population MoA Ministry of Agriculture MINT NGO Ministry of Industry Non-governmental and New Technologies organization OHS Occupational and Health and Safety OP Operational Policy PAMP Protected Areas Management Plans PAP Project Affected Persons PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl PCR Physical Cultural Resources PF Process Framework PMP Pasture Management Plans PMU Project Management Unit under ALRI POM Project Operational Manual PPE Personal Protective Equipment PUU Pasture Users Union Regional Regional Working Groups RAP Resettlement Action Plan RPF Resettlement Policy Framework RT Republic of Tajikistan SEE State Environmental Expertise SEI Statement of the Environmental Impact SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan 2 SIA Social Impact Assessment SS Social Specialist TJS Tajik Somoni TOR Terms of Reference USD United State Dollar WB World Bank WBG World Bank Group WMP Waste Management Plan 3 Table of content I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................................................................6 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ....................................................................................................................13 2.1. Project Components ............................................................................................................................. 14 2.2. Project Beneficiaries ............................................................................................................................ 19 2.3. The scope and objectives of Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) ................ 19 III. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT .........22 3.1. Tajikistan National Environmental Legislation and Procedures ........................................................22 3.1.1 Environmental Assessment Framework .......................................................................................26 3.1.2 Environmental Assessment Requirements of Tajikistan ..............................................................27 3.1.3 EIA Procedure ..............................................................................................................................28 3.2. Key National Social Legal Provisions and Citizen Engagement ......................................................... 29 3.3. National Sectoral Legal Framework .................................................................................................... 30 3.4. International Treaties and Obligations ................................................................................................. 31 3.5. World Bank's Environmental and Social Standards and their requirements ........................................ 32 3.6. World Bank Legal Policies .................................................................................................................. 41 IV. NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ................................................................................42 4.1. National Institutions involved in the Environment Sector ................................................................... 42 4.2 National Institutions involved in Social Risk Management .................................................................. 45 V. BASELINE INFORMATION ................................................................................................................46 5.1. Physical Environment .......................................................................................................................... 46 5.2. Biological environment ....................................................................................................................... 50 5.3. Land Resources and Management Practices ....................................................................................... 57 5.4. Social and Economic Characteristics .................................................................................................. 59 5.4.1 Population ........................................................................................................................................59 5.4.2 Economy ...........................................................................................................................................60 5.4.3 Migration and Employment by Gender ............................................................................................63 5.4.4 Poverty and Vulnerability.................................................................................................................65 VI. POTENTIAL PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ........................................66 6.1 Environmental and Social Risk Classification ...................................................................................... 66 6.2. Potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures .................................................................. 67 6.3 Potential Social Impacts and Risks ....................................................................................................... 69 6.3.1. Positive Social Impacts and Risks ...................................................................................................69 6.3.2. Adverse Social Impacts and Risks...................................................................................................69 6.4 Institutional Capacity to Comply with new ESF ................................................................................... 72 6.5 Potential Cumulative Impacts of the Project ......................................................................................... 72 VII. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES .......................................138 7.1. Environmental Assessment and Management Procedures ................................................................. 139 7.1.1. E&S Screening of Sub-projects: ....................................................................................................139 7.1.2. Main Stages of National EA Procedures .......................................................................................140 4 7.1.3 Environmental Assessment Procedures ..........................................................................................143 7.2. Social Assessment Procedures ........................................................................................................... 144 VIII. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND CAPACITY FOR ESMF IMPLEMENTATION ..146 8.1. Project Coordination .......................................................................................................................... 146 8.2. ESF Institutional Capacity Building Activities .................................................................................. 147 IX. MONITORING AND REPORTING ACTIVITIES ...........................................................................149 9.1. General Requirements for Environmental and Social Monitoring and Reporting ............................. 149 9.2. Environmental and Social Monitoring ............................................................................................... 149 9.3. Environmental and Social Performance Reporting ............................................................................ 150 9.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues reporting ................................................................... 151 9.5. Integration of ESMF into the project documentation ......................................................................... 152 X. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM ..........................................................................................154 10.1. Overview of Grievance Redress Mechanism ................................................................................... 154 10.2 GRM Structure ................................................................................................................................ 154 10.3 Grievance Resolution Process ......................................................................................................... 155 10.4 Monitoring and Reporting on Grievances ....................................................................................... 157 10.5 World Bank Grievance Redress Service ........................................................................................... 157 XI. ESMF DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ................................................................158 XII. ESMF IMPLEMENTATION BUDGET ...........................................................................................159 ANNEX 1: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCREENING CHECKLIST ......................................160 ANNEX 2: INDICATIVE OUTLINE OF ESIA ......................................................................................167 ANNEX 3: ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ESMP CHECKLIST (EXAMPLE) .............................................................................................................................................170 ANNEX 4: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN CHECKLIST ....................189 ANNEX 5: MINUTES OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS .......................................................................189 ANNEX 6: THE LIST OF DO’S AND DON’TS ON WILDLIFE TRADE AND CONSUMPTION .....203 ANNEX 7: CODE OF CONDUCT FOR TOURISTS IN PA (SAMPLE) ...............................................204 ANNEX 8: PESTICIDE USE ...................................................................................................................205 5 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is prepared for the Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project. The Project is implemented by the Committee of Environmental Protection (CEP) and is funded by the World Bank. The ESMF is required because the activities being financed by the project will not be identified, designed and have their locations known, prior to the World Bank’s appraisal of the project. Therefore, in accordance with the World Bank’s Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts, Environmental and Social Standard 1(ESS1), the CEP is required to prepare, consult upon and publicly disclose this ESMF. Therefore, the purpose of the ESMF is to establish system and process to examine environmental and social risks and impacts of the subproject activities when they are identified and their location determined, to ensure the requirement assessments are done and management plans prepared for these subprojects and to provide a system for monitoring and managing such impacts during project implementation. Additionally, this framework describes institutional roles and responsibilities for managing environmental and social risks under the project, and the feedback and grievance mechanisms by which citizens and other interested parties can interact with the project implementation agency. Project Objective. The Project Development Objective is to increase the area under sustainable landscape management in selected locations in Tajikistan and promote Tajikistan’s collaboration with Central Asia countries on transboundary landscape restoration. Components Component 1. Strengthen Institutions and Policies, and Regional Collaboration This component will finance consulting services, goods and equipment to support the strengthening of national institutional policies and legal frameworks, developing of knowledge and skills of government, communities and other stakeholders for landscape management, and improving the capacities of government partners to operate effectively. Under this component, financing will be provided for activities to support regional collaboration efforts in order to contribute to landscape restoration that benefits both Tajikistan and the wider Central Asia region with which the country shares and contributes critical resources and infrastructure. Sub-component 1.1. Strengthen Institutions and Policies This component will finance consulting services, goods and equipment to support the strengthening of national institutional policies and legal frameworks, developing of knowledge and skills of government, communities and other stakeholders for landscape management, and improving the capacities of government partners to operate effectively. Under this component, financing will be provided for activities to support regional collaboration efforts in order to contribute to landscape restoration that benefits both Tajikistan and the wider Central Asia region with which the country shares and contributes critical resources and infrastructure. Sub-component 1.2. Strengthen Regional Collaboration The objective of this sub-component is to promote collaboration among Central Asia countries on transboundary landscape restoration given the critical need to address new emerging threats at the regional level, such as the impacts of climate change. This sub-component will help, inter alia, to manage shared resources, exploit economies of scale related to regional tourism, and facilitate collective action to address these and other common goals. It will allow countries to come together to address challenges, find regional solutions for challenges faced by multiple countries, and thus promote global public goods. Component 2. Enhance Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods Overall, this component will finance works, consulting services, non-consulting services, goods, and grants. Both government institutions and communities will implement a range of landscape restoration investments. To support the selection of investments, assistance will be provided for landscape restoration planning. Organizations will help in the local appraisal and design of investment proposals, as well as any necessary permissions or technical support from local authorities. Organization/firms will work with jamoat-level government specialists and CEP IG, to assist and train PUUs, to prepare, implement and monitor participatory plans. 6 Sub-component 2.1 Forest Restoration and Sustainable Forest Management National Forest Inventory. Forest management plans. Implementation of sustainable forest management plans Sub-component 2.2 Integrated Pasture Management and Restoration Geobotanical surveys and pasture inventories. Forage seed demonstration plots. Pasture/livestock Management Plans Sub-component 2.3 Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation. Priority PA Management Plans. Implementation of PA management plans Sub-component 2.4. Landscape Restoration and Livelihoods Climate-smart crop production practices and technologies Component 3. Project Management and Coordination This component will finance the operating costs of project management functions to be carried out by the Implementing Group (IG) within the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) Land degradation and unsustainable use of natural resources pose considerable constraints for rural development. In mountainous areas, the conversion of steep slopes to cereal production has contributed further to land degradation, which, in turn, affects forests and rainfed agriculture. Climate change will likely exacerbate the intensity and spread of land degradation in the country. Another significant but understudied risk relates to air pollution (and resultant health risks). Rural poverty remains concentrated in communities dependent on natural resources – particularly on land, forest, pasture, water resources and agriculture. At least 10% of Tajikistan’s population is living on degraded lands while soil erosion affects about 70 percent of arable land. In the agriculture sector, wasteful irrigation and/or inadequate drainage, amplify challenges of soil degradation and stagnating yields. Pasture stocks are also rapidly deteriorating, especially in the Khatlon and RRS regions, where pasture makes up 80 percent of the agricultural land. Pasture degradation, partly due to overgrazing, remains a serious threat. Tajikistan’s limited forest cover (about 3%) is diminishing rapidly due to overexploitation and uncontrolled grazing. For 70 percent of the population, fuelwood is the primary energy source due to an inconsistent energy supply. Additional constraints in the sector include open access to resources, inefficient heating and cooking devices, and lack of land tenure security and forest ownership awareness. Currently, about 22% of Tajikistan is demarcated as protected areas and recreational zones, with limited use of natural resources or full prohibition of land with valuable ecosystems. Due to inadequate financing and technical capacity, protected areas lack management plans, proper boundary mapping, and measures to prevent or reduce degradation, and opportunities for co-management with stakeholders. The Project aims to strengthen national and regional integrated landscape management. At the national level, the project aims to increase adoption of sustainable land management, and access to improved livelihood opportunities for rural communities in selected areas. As part of sustainable landscape management, the project will also finance small-scale green climate resilient infrastructure. . Regionally, the project aims to strengthen collaboration with neighboring countries in key aspects of landscape management. To achieve these objectives, the project will adopt an integrated landscape management approach at the basin scale (at national and more broadly at regional scales), build capacities of agencies, local authorities, farmers and communities and develop an investment framework for landscape restoration. Project location. Project areas/districts have been selected based on a combination of criteria. An initial pre-screening of districts has been conducted using the following criteria - poverty incidence, potential for integrated landscape restoration (incorporating pasture, agriculture, water, forestry, biodiversity), regional and transboundary corridors, and complementarity with government and donor-funded initiatives potential project sites fall in the following river basins: a) Zarafshon basin covering three districts – Ayni, Panjekent, and K. Mastchoh (in Sughd oblast, bordering Uzbekistan); b) greater Panj covering four districts – Vanj, 7 Rushon, Shughnon, and Murghab (in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous oblast, bordering the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan); and c) Lower Kofarnihon covering three districts – Shahrituz , Nosir Khosrov, Qubodiyon (in Khatlon oblast, bordering Uzbekistan and Afghanistan). Potential positive environmental and social impacts. The project is expected to have positive impacts as it is expected to support restoration of degraded landscapes and promote climate change resilience. It will aim at increase of the adoption of effective agricultural and natural resource management practices, including, but not limited to, aforestation; agro-forestry; watershed management and watercourse buffer zones; windbreaks; pasture and rangeland management; and climate smart irrigation. Rural communities and community-based organizations -Pasture User Unions (PUUs), Common Interest Groups (CIGs) and Forest User Groups (FUGs) within the landscapes will be mobilized, trained, and receive grants for community-based pasture management, joint forest management, climate-smart agriculture, and small-scale ecotourism. These communities and groups will benefit from technical and financial support to implement technologies and approaches that improve their livelihoods, increase their resilience, while also contributing to the restoration of ecosystem functions. Within the landscapes’ protected areas (PA), the project will improve the management capacities, and finance PA management and recreation/ecotourism to improve the management as further means of conservation and income generation. Project outcomes are expected to support increased resilience of transboundary landscapes in Central Asia, with regional spillovers on the connectivity and integrity of natural resources across borders, resilience of key national and regional infrastructures, and resilience and livelihoods of cross-border communities. Overall project environmental and social risks. Both the environmental and social risks are assessed as Substantial, making the overall environmental and social risk rating Substantial. Environmental risks and adverse impacts The proposed project activities could have adverse environmental impacts associated with noise, dust, pollution of air, soil and water, solid waste management, health and safety hazards, community health and safety risks, etc. Some potential environmental risks may include temporary local disturbances to biodiversity and living natural resources; habitat disturbances, especially in Protected Areas (PA). It is expected that environmental risks will be typical for small construction works and the work on the creation of protective plantations and agroforestry demonstration sites. Environmental risks will be temporary in nature and specific areas and can be easily mitigated by applying best building and/or environmentally friendly methods and appropriate mitigation measures. It is expected that they all be typical of small-scale construction/rehabilitation work, temporary in nature and site-specific, and they can be easily mitigated by applying the best construction methods and appropriate mitigation measures. To address these risks the project has prepared several instruments, including: Environmental and Social Environmental Management Framework (ESMF) is prepared to provide guidance and check-lists on how and when to prepare any necessary site specific environmental and social instruments including Environmental and Social Assessments and Management Plans (ESIA/ESMP), Biodiversity Management Plans, and special provisions for Protected Natural Areas. Social risks and adverse impacts Project interventions will require extended interface with the local communities and government bodies. It is likely that project will have to address potential conflicts in order to bring together differing perspectives. This would mean that the project will have to develop appropriate strategies and implementation plans to ensure that the local communities are provided with an opportunity to participate in decision making and derive full benefits. The substantial risk relates to these risks as well risks and impacts related to the financing of resilient infrastructure rehabilitation, including protected areas, roads and river banks, which may cause minor economic and resettlement impacts and restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas. The contextual issues which may impact project implementation and outcomes to be considered during project implementation include: (i) accessibility – to poor and near-poor people, specially, in rural and mountainous areas; (ii) equity challenges due to geographic, socio-economic, and inter regional disparities; 8 (iii) fragility and conflict situation in some border areas; (iv) gender inequity – which could affect outreach to women in general and female headed households, in particular; (iv) adequate and appropriate facilities provision and service quality; and (v) regulation and governance, specially with regard to integrating forestry with other livelihood department activities. This would demand an inclusive information, education and communication (IEC) campaign and technology demonstrations and dissemination. The key potential labor risks would be associated with labor influx, child and/or forced labor, inequity and discrimination in employment and terms and conditions, and lack of ability to organize favorable working environment. The project proposes rehabilitation of some small/ medium scale infrastructure of forest agency buildings, special protected areas, and improvement of access to remote pastures; therefore, the majority of contractors are expected to be from the local vicinity. The expectation is that the majority of labor will be locally hired with the exception of a few skilled workers. Therefore, the labor influx risk is considered low. The risk of child labor/forced labor is also rated low, as based on the national legislation the contractors have to comply with the minimum age of employment and mutually agreed written contracts. The special attention will have to be paid to ensure that working atmosphere is community friendly and all labor management practices are in accordance with the provisions of ESS 2 – all workers will be hired fairly and without discrimination. There is a risk that the current practice of unaccounted working hours and lack of compensation for overtime will continue. The IG will track the staff working hours by completing the timesheets and restricting overtimes. The IG has prepared, consulted upon and disclosed the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) prior the Project Appraisal. The Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH) risk is rated moderate based on the SEA/SH Assessment completed during project preparation as the project will rely exclusively on local labor force for all the landscape and resource management activities. Small to medium quantity of small- scale construction/rehabilitation work are planned. The project sites are located in peri-urban, rural and remote areas. Civil works involve rehabilitation of forest agency buildings, infrastructure of special protected areas, and improvement of access to remote pastures. The construction sites will be far from schools and other social facilities. No female workers will be in close proximity of male workers without supervision. Contractors will conduct trainings\instructions on SEA/SH risks and sign code of conduct with all workers before the planned small-scale construction/rehabilitation works. The IA will engage its local branches and local NGOs for SEA/SH monitoring purposes. Wide public awareness on the works carried out in the field and community involvement in the project implementation process will reduce the risk of SEA/SH occurrence. GRM also includes separate window for addressing SEA/SH complaints with a survivor-centric approach. Though the domestic GBV risks are rated substantial in the country, social norms and legal protection of women in working environments being in place make the SEA/SH risk rating Moderate. Social Inclusion. Social risks and impacts related to social inclusion, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and the dependence of their livelihoods from selected resources are assessed through social assessment conducted during project preparation and considered in the project design to ensure that stakeholders have equal access to project benefits. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), which includes a grievance redress mechanism (GRM), has been prepared, disclosed and consulted upon and which provides an appropriate approach for consultations and disclosure that actively involves project-affected people and other interested parties, reaching out to them in a timely manner, and that each group is provided opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns. Community health and safety. Since local communities will be in the forefront of implementing the pilot activities, thus community health and safety issues may arise. The ESMF includes sections on these risks, including those that might involve local communities - road safety due to increased volume of project related traffic; HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases by workers; SEA/SH measures, COVID-19; noise and dust levels and general safety risks at construction sites. Misuse and inappropriate storing and handling of pesticides and fertilizers are also a potentially serious risk to the safety, livelihoods and well- being of local communities; site safety awareness and access restrictions; and labor influx. 9 Resettlement impacts. Components 1 and 2 will not fund any activities that may result in land acquisition, involuntary resettlement or livelihood displacement. However, project activities, afforestation, improvement of resilience of infrastructure (roads, dams), pasture management activities (establishment of seed demonstration plots) for native forage species, rehabilitation of office buildings, introduction of new agroforestry and climate smart agriculture practices, and small-scale livelihood investments may cause temporary restriction of access and minor economic impacts and resettlement risks. To address these risks a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been prepared, disclosed, and consulted upon prior the Project Appraisal. Access restriction. The project activities may also cause restriction on land-based resources and access to natural resources that cause a community or groups within a community to lose access to resource usage in legally designated protected areas to be restored in connection with the project. To address this risk, a Process Framework has been developed, disclosed, and consulted upon prior Project Appraisal, and will be implemented to ensure community participation. It outlines the ways local communities, who have a stake, especially in protected areas, may participate in land and natural resources management through informed and meaningful consultations and negotiations to develop and implement Action Plans. Relevance of World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The Project will be implemented in accordance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) made of ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The ten ESSs are: ESS 1) Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts; ESS 2) Labor & Working Conditions; ESS 3) Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management; ESS 4) Community Health and Safety; ESS 5) Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement; ESS 6) Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources; ESS 7) Indigenous Peoples / Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities; ESS 8) Cultural Heritage; ESS 9 Financial Intermediaries; and ESS 10) Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure1. ESSs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10 are deemed relevant to the project. The project also triggers Operational Policy 7.50, namely the Projects on International Waterways. All investments to be financed by this Project will apply national environmental laws and regulations as well as the relevant World Bank environmental and social standards. Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) The ESMF outlines the guiding principles of environmental and social screening, assessment, review, management, and monitoring procedures for the landscape restoration and pasture management activities. The ESMF will provide guidance and checklists on how and when to prepare any necessary site specific environmental and social instruments including Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and Management Plans (ESIA/ESMP), Biodiversity and Flora Management Plans, and special provisions for Protected Natural Areas. respectively, in accordance with the ESS1, has been prepared, which specifies rules and procedures for the activities and subprojects' Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and for preparing adequate Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs). The main goal of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is to define the measures, ways and mechanism for avoiding, minimizing and/or mitigating potential negative environmental and related social impacts that may occur as the result of implementation of the project. The ESMF ensures that the identified subprojects in the course of project implementation will be correctly assessed from environmental and social perspective to meet WB's Environmental and Social Standards alongside with Tajikistan's Environmental and Social Laws and Regulations. The ESMF will guide the site-specific ESIA process and in this regard covers the following: (i) rules and procedures for environmental and social screening of project activities and subprojects to be supported under the project; (ii) guidance for conducting subprojects ESIA and/or preparing ESMP or ESMP Checklist including monitoring plans; (iii) mitigation measures for possible impacts of proposed subprojects; (iv) safety measures while handling treated seeds and applying pesticides and a guiding principles for the Pest Management Plan (PMP); (v) requirements for preventing risks and impacts related to biodiversity and ecosystem services by introducing new seed varieties2; (vi) implementation and 1Detailed information on the ESF and ten ESSs can be found at https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects- operations/environmental-and-social-framework and https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/environmental-and- social-framework/brief/environmental-and-social-standards 2 As per FAO guidelines: http://www.fao.org/agriculture/crops/thematic-sitemap/theme/biodiversity/en/ 10 monitoring arrangements for ESIA/ESMPs; (vii) overview of the capacity of CEP for environmental and social risk management and measures to fill any gaps in capacity. The project has also prepared such documents, as SEP, LMP, RPF, PF and ESCP. The ESMF serves also to provide details on procedures, criteria, and responsibilities for subproject environmental and social screening, preparing, implementing and monitoring of subproject site-specific ESIAs/ESMPs. Institutional Arrangements for ESF Implementation Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established during project implementation and will include representatives of Forest Agency, Pasture Reclamation Trust, Protected Areas Enterprise, Ministry for Energy and Water Resources, State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy, Committee of Emergencies, Ministry of Finance and Economy, University of Central Asia (UCA) and representatives of PUUs and FUGs. Chaired by [insert], the PSC will provide oversight and guidance on project management and ensure coordination of project activities among various agencies. PSC will also provide strategic guidance on policy decisions on landscape management. A Project Management Committee (PMC) will provide a technical level support and coordination and will be chaired by the IG coordinator. PMC will include Project Director, coordinator, focal persons from the IA, project partners and other technical institutions relevant for project implementation and additional technical staff from IG as necessary. Details of these arrangements will be provided in the Project Operations Manual (POM). Implementing Agency. The project will be implemented by CEP. The overall responsibility for project management will be with CEP and its Implementation Group (IG). The IG will be responsible for project coordination and will act as the lead agency given its mandate on natural resource management, environmental monitoring and climate change. The CEP/IG will be responsible for fiduciary management, environmental and social risk management, contract management and monitoring and evaluation and supervision of implementation of project activities under Components 1, 2 and 3. The IG will manage the Project Designated Account in the Central Bank and be responsible for overall project reporting to the World Bank. CEP Central and Field Support. At the central unit of the IG, staff will comprise: Project Director Chair, IG Director, project field coordinator and component coordinators. The project will support procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists, technical specialists (e.g., forestry, pasture, PA management, water resources, agriculture), and environmental specialist and social/gender Specialists. Implementation will also be supported through project-financed field-based focal points located target project districts. The appointed Project Director and the component coordinators will be civil servants who will be supported by local specialists. CEP will be main coordinating body and will be staffed with necessary resources and technical capacity to support overall ESF implementation. Integration of the ESMPs into project documents. All sub-project bidding documents shall include a requirement for implementation of the ESMP/checklist, and the documents shall be attached to the bidding documents and then to the construction contracts. The ESMF requirements will be integrated in the Project Operational Manual while the ESMPs requirements, - in construction contracts for all sub-projects, both into specifications and bills of quantities, and the Contractors will be required to include the cost for ESMP implementation in their financial bids. Based on the ESMF there will be highlighted the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties in the ESA process. Lastly, based on the ESMF and ESMPs requirements, monitoring and evaluation of mitigation/avoidance measures identified in the site-specific review and in the ESMPs will constitute integral part of the subproject implementation, including into them the contracts binding the and the contractors will need to carry out the environmental and social obligations during civil works. Furthermore, all contractors will be required to use environmentally acceptable technical standards and procedures during carrying out of works. Additionally, as specified in the ESMF, the contract clauses shall include requirements towards compliance with all national construction, health protection, environmental and social risk mitigation procedures, and rules on environmental and social protection. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). The Project GRM aims to enable beneficiaries and citizens to 11 register any grievances on all project-related issues of concern. The GRM will operate at the local and national level. At the local level, citizens can submit their grievances through project-financed field-based focal points located in project districts. If the grievance has not been considered or the complainant has not received a satisfactory response, s/he may file a grievance to the CEP/IG at the national level, including in writing, texting or calling to relevant phone numbers. Every grievance shall be tracked and assessed if any progress is being made to resolve them. It is expected that project will receive many grievances and should ideally have an electronic system for entering, tracking, and monitoring grievances. The project monitoring and evaluation information system should also include indicators to measure grievance monitoring and resolution. Public consultations and information disclosure. For ESMF development, project sites were visited, and a number of meetings were conducted with the main stakeholders during July-August 2021. Draft ESF documents were disclosed late August at the CEP website for comments, as well as the executive summary and the power point presentations on ESMF, RPF, LMP, and SEP were forwarded to the targeted local governments for any comments. Late October 2021 the Implementing Agency had second round of consultations at the local level, where Process Framework (PF) was also presented together will all ESF documents. All comments received were reflected in the updated then ESF documents. The SEP is an instrument intended to serve as a practical guidance to support public consultation and engagement activities carried out by the CEP in relation to the Project development and implementation. The SEP aims to ensure that the engagement activities are conducted effectively, fairly, and in a transparent manner, cover all relevant stakeholders, as well as employ consultation methods that promote active participation and are appropriate within the local context. It requires inform about the project and communicate the relevant environmental and social data; provide useful and clear information for people affected by the project; conduct public consultations; take into account the views expressed during the public consultations in the implementation of the project. National Public Consultation was held on September 3, 2021 in Dushanbe. Second round of consultations with wide participation of stakeholders took place in 3 districts: Aini, Qubodiyon and Rushon on October 28-29, 2021. Heads of communities, forestry departments, collective farms, special protected areas, irrigation department, women and family affairs departments of district administration participated. Second round of consultations included all ESF documents. Public consultation presented the project's objectives, planning activities, anticipated environmental and social impacts and proposing mitigation measures, compensation measures in the event of any impacts, and grievance redress mechanism to participants. Based on suggestions received during the consultation workshop the ESMF, other environmental and social instruments, including RPF, LMP, PF and SEP have been updated, finalized and will be redisclosed on CEP’s website and further disclosed on the external WB website. ESMF Implementation Budget. The ESMF depicts the guidelines on environmental assessment and screening, potential impacts and mitigation measures, training plan and reporting requirements. It is expected that detailed environmental and social assessments for project sites will be carried out by the CEP. Being the implementing agency, CEP IG is responsible for ensuring the ESSs compliance of the project. The IG will have full time Environmental and Social Specialists, who will be responsible for the ESF compliance and capacity building. ESF training will require roughly USD15,000, while implementation of ESMF is roughly USD100,000. These costs will be covered under Component 3. Costs of Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) implementation will be included into the relevant contracts. 12 II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Project aims to strengthen national and regional integrated landscape management. At the national level, the project aims to increase adoption of sustainable land management, and access to improved livelihood opportunities for rural communities in selected areas. Regionally, the project aims to strengthen collaboration with neighboring countries in key aspects of landscape management. To achieve these objectives, the project will adopt an integrated landscape management approach at the basin scale (at national and more broadly at regional scales), build capacities of agencies, local authorities, farmers and communities and develop an investment framework for landscape restoration. The project will build on the GoT’s experience and projects such as Environmental Land Management and Rural Livelihoods Project (ELMARL) and Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Programme for Aral Sea Basin (CAMP4ASB), and other Bank and donor-funded projects on agriculture, forestry, irrigation, disaster risk mitigation, rural economy and tourism development in the country. Livelihood development activities will be deployed as both short-term and long-term responses. This will enhance the resilience of local communities and ecosystem services to climate risks. In keeping with good practice in landscape management planning, the project will implement a participatory planning process to consider inputs from different stakeholder groups. This approach will allow for coordination and integration of solutions among various government agencies and local stakeholders. Using a community-driven development approach, village and community-based/resource user groups and organizations will take responsibility for the choice, design and management of smaller-scale landscape and livelihood investments. At the same time, the project will work across sectors, e.g., with the Forestry Agency (FA), the Pasture and Reclamation Trust (PRT) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MEWR), State Committee on Land Management and Geodesy (SCLMG) and Ministry of Finance (MoF), as well as local administration and organizations (district, sub-district) to incorporate a landscape approach for investment planning and implementation. Project areas/districts have been selected in consultation with government and other stakeholders based on a combination of criteria - poverty incidence, potential for integrated landscape restoration (incorporating pasture, agriculture, water, forestry, biodiversity), regional and transboundary corridors, and complementarity with government and donor-funded initiatives. When overlaid on the current arrangements of river basins, project sites fall in the following river basins: a) Zarafshon basin covering three districts – Ayni, Panjekent, and K. Mastchoh (in Sughd oblast, bordering Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic); b) greater Panj covering four districts – Vanj, Rushon, Shughnon, and Murghab (in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast - GBAO, bordering the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan); and c) Lower Kofarnihon covering three districts – Shahrituz , Nosir Khosrov, Qubodiyon (in Khatlon oblast, bordering Uzbekistan and Afghanistan) as shown in the map below. These sites include protected and forest areas that share boundaries with the above countries, along with sub-basins and watersheds that form upper catchments and include tributaries of regionally important rivers. 13 Figure 1. Project Areas 2.1. Project Components The project will be implemented over a period of 5 years and its activities will be grouped into the three inter-related components. Component 1. Strengthen Institutions and Policies, and Regional Collaboration. This component will finance consulting services, goods and equipment to support the strengthening of national institutional policies and legal frameworks, developing of knowledge and skills of government, communities and other stakeholders for landscape management, and improving the capacities of government partners to operate effectively. Under this component, financing will be provided for activities to support regional collaboration efforts in order to contribute to landscape restoration that benefits both Tajikistan and the wider Central Asia region with which the country shares and contributes critical resources and infrastructure. Sub-component 1.1. Strengthen Institutions and Policies. a) Strengthening policy, legal and implementation frameworks. The project will finance analysis and revisions of existing policy, legal and implementation frameworks for forests, pastures, and PAs to help align these with national and international obligations including NDC commitments. Areas for potential revision that would support new and innovative approaches to integrated landscape management will also be explored, e.g., for expanding the areas in which JFM can be implemented. The Project will support (i) drafting of by-laws, standards, and regulations to operationalize the Pasture Law, and (ii) analyses of the contradictions between the Forest and Land Codes and amendments that would increase o reforested/afforested areas under Joint Forest Management (JFM). The project will support CEP to work with other relevant agencies in their continuing role of environmental monitoring and reporting on environmental status, including LDN, sustainable development goals, climate change commitments etc. This will include a review of Tajikistan’s stated LDN targets, which will be refined based on new information from inventories on the degradation status of the country, including submission of a revised communication document for government approval. Landscape Restoration Strategy and Action Plan. The project will finance preparation of a national landscape restoration strategy and action plan. This activity will build on the results of the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM).3 Other important inputs into the strategy will include the WBG-supported climate resilience risk assessment of forestry plantations national forest program, water sector reforms and the PA program, as well as the experiences of conducting sub-basin diagnostics and 3 ROAM provides analytical outputs on (i) land degradation and deforestation geospatial/ biophysical aspects and; (ii) economic modeling within a framework that assess the social, political and institutional readiness to implement large-scale restoration. 14 catchment level community action plans. This strategy and action plan seeks to complement on-going river basin planning while still using the basin as an organizing principle and sub-basin as a unit for landscape planning and investments. Protected Area Strategy and Action Plan. There is no overall national PA strategy and action plan to guide the development and management of the PA system. Similar in scope to the National Forest Strategy and Action Plan, the strategy will define the intentions, priorities and measures for the reform and key development of the country’s PA system for the next 15-20 years. b) Institutional Capacity Building. The project will finance a range of important and necessary capacity building activities to improve and increase knowledge and skills of staff, as well as equip central and field units with essential equipment, materials, vehicles, and investment to improve working conditions. These activities will be elaborated during preparation and reviewed regularly during implementation to ensure that they remain relevant to staff of the participating institutions. Work in curriculum development by other donors (notably GIZ) will also be incorporated where possible. The project will support: i) on- the-job training of operational and technical staff on landscape restoration, and a range of related topics through short courses, workshops, seminars, etc., on a range of topics to build capacities to engage in landscape restoration; ii) post-graduate studies for qualifying students for study in the region, or elsewhere, in key topics, e.g., landscape management, forest conservation, pasture management; and iii) curricula development for universities in the country to improve formal training. Rehabilitation and improvement of state forest enterprise (SFE) offices, district-level Pasture Commissions and selected Special PA units. The project will finance the purchase and installation of office and field equipment, as well as vehicles to improve field operations of field and district units. For select offices, the project will finance the purchase of machinery such as tractors for field operations, as well the construction of living quarters for field staff. Initial estimates of requirements from the various government agencies have been prepared and will be elaborated during project preparation. c) Strengthening research and knowledge management. The project will support a range of analytical and data generation activities to strengthen the country’s research base and knowledge m anagement for landscape management approaches. These activities include: i) research and analytical studies to be carried out in partnership with research and academic institutions on topics such as assessing drivers of land degradation, climate risk assessment, market development and access, PES feasibility assessment and piloting, ecological fiscal transfers; ii) knowledge management through support for platforms, such as Sustainable Land Management Tajikistan (SLMTJ), and dissemination focusing on exchange and learning and similar initiatives, and annual review meetings; and iii) study tours and exchanges within the country, with neighboring countries, and further afield to other countries, building on WBG’s presence in the region and globally, as well as other projects and initiatives. Sub-component 1.2. Strengthen Regional Collaboration. The objective of this sub-component is to promote collaboration among Central Asia countries on transboundary landscape restoration given the critical need to address new emerging threats at the regional level, such as the impacts of climate change. This sub-component will help, inter alia, to manage shared resources, exploit economies of scale related to regional tourism, and facilitate collective action to address these and other common goals. It will allow countries to come together to address challenges, find regional solutions for challenges faced by multiple countries, and thus promote global public goods. This sub-component will contribute to Regional Platform for harmonization of policies and capacity building programs related to interventions that provide regional and global public goods. It will support Tajikistan’s participation in the implementation of several key regional activities identified by the five countries in the 2020 10-year Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development (endorsed under the auspices of the Interstate Commission on Sustainable Development- ICSD), including: (i) exchange of experience between interested government agencies, as well as local authorities and communities from the targeted districts of the Central Asia countries, (ii) development of MoUs for facilitating border-crossing for ecotourism in protected areas and unique natural sites, (iii) development of MoUs for using common modern methods of inventory of flora and fauna diversity, and ecosystem condition along transboundary corridors, (iv) development of a joint transboundary management plan for 15 ecological corridors for migratory animals and cooperation agreements for addressing issues of protection of key species and habitats, (v) development of MoUs for using nature-based solutions for landscape restoration; (vi) development of a joint protocol of activities on protection and preservation of sites, as well as potential “Peace Parks”; and (vii) conducting regional fora, conferences, and symposiums on landscape restoration, protected area management, ecotourism, etc., In addition, the sub-component will contribute to the management of a regional level M&E system for RESILAND CA+ to monitor, evaluate, and report on the Program’s regional impact. The Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC) will execute this sub-component under a contract with the GoT given its regional mandate and capacities. CAREC will partner with other entities, such as FAO, UNDP, UCA, and International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), to execute specific activities. CAREC will work with the countries to mobilize political commitment and support for activities that provide regional public goods. It will do so by providing technical expertise, supporting analytical work, including feasibility studies, organizing training, dialogues and regional workshops, serving as a regional platform for sharing data and promoting common policy and practice, and harmonizing with national data platforms such as SLMTJ. CAREC will also be responsible for aggregating results from the RESILAND CA+ national operations against program targets. Component 2. Enhance Resilient Landscapes and Livelihoods. Overall, this component will finance works, consulting services, non-consulting services, goods, and grants. Both government institutions and communities will implement a range of landscape restoration investments. To support the selection of investments, assistance will be provided for landscape restoration planning. Organizations will help in the local appraisal and design of investment proposals, as well as any necessary permissions or technical support from local authorities. All planning will encourage women’s leadership, will follow citizen engagement mechanisms, and will be based on good practice principles for a landscape approach when reconciling different and often competing land uses. CEP and Tajik organizations have considerable prior experience in participatory planning with both WBG’s and other donor-support projects. The participatory planning processes will build on lessons learned from the range of past and current projects and programs in rural development, as well as from natural resource management and climate resilience projects.4 5The project will finance the preparation of basin and sub-basin diagnostics in the project locations. The purpose will be to identify patterns and types of degradation, as well as boundaries for catchment plans which will place proposed sectoral interventions, such as forest and PA management plans (see above) within the selected landscapes in project districts. Sub-component 2.1 Forest Restoration and Sustainable Forest Management. The Forestry Agency will lead on the technical aspects of this subcomponent, while the financial and procurement management responsibilities will remain with CEP. This subcomponent includes the following key activities. National Forest Inventory. The project will finance a national-level systematic National Forest Inventory (NFI) using a low sampling density. The NFI exercise will employ state of the art methodologies for conducting forest inventories, including geospatial and earth observation data. Forest management plans. The project will finance the preparation and implementation of up to 8sustainable forest management plans for SFEs in the project sites. Preparation of the plans will build upon experience of earlier methods 6. Stakeholder engagement is a critical component for development of these plans, providing a more bottom-up and participatory dimension. Based on these activities, 10-year plans will be elaborated, with measures and costs identified for sustainable forest management (including JFM plans) and corresponding maps developed. Development of plans at this scale for forestry will be coordinated with pasture management plans. Sustainable forest management plans will be operationalized through the SFEs’ annual plans. 4 Caritas (2019) Disaster Risk Reduction- Opportunities for sustained action to reduce vulnerability and exposure, Policy Brief TJ19-101 5 GIZ), Integrative Land Use Management Approaches in Tajikistan, 2019 6 Under the KfW supported project “Climate Adaptation through Sustainable Forestry in Important River Catchment Areas in Tajikistan ” a methodology for the preparation of participatory forest management plans for SFEs has been developed. At present only Khovaling SFE, a project site for KfW has a such a plan. 16 Implementation of sustainable forest management plans. Once the plans have been prepared, SFEs will implement the plans. This will include carrying out silvicultural treatments such as assisted natural regeneration, grazing management, thinning, stand management, fire management, forest protection and so on. Activities to be supported directly with project financing include: : a) Afforestation and fuelwood plantations. State Forest Enterprises will carry out afforestation in approximately 4,120 ha (including 220 ha of fuelwood plantation) through JFM. JFM essentially involves leasing forest land to local people over the long term. The tenants rehabilitate and use their forest plots according to management plans, with SFEs advising on forest rehabilitation. Based on experience, SFEs will look to develop contracts primarily with Forest User Groups (FUGs) rather than individual households. FUGs will sign contracts for the land use rights with the SFEs for a period of at least 20 years. A suitably qualified organization will be contracted to mobilize participants and groups, develop plans and provide support to FUGs. There are several organizations in the country that have wide experience in facilitation of similar activities. Plans will be developed jointly by the SFEs with the FUGs for a consolidated area. Assessments and plans will be prepared of proposed locations, species to be planted, and risks and mitigation measures will be established. Sub-grants will be provided to FUGs to carry out the afforestation works including for fuelwood plantations which will use fast-growing native species planted on both SFF and non-SFF lands, to supply growing demand of fuelwood, b) Assisted natural regeneration. SFEs will further improve SFF land through assisted natural regeneration in 8,000 ha. SFEs will carry out activities which will include measures such as fencing to protect regenerating areas, soil improvement and enrichment planting to increase the quality and number of trees and/or species diversity. c) Forest nurseries. The project will support semi-modernization measures in eight SFE-operated nurseries in the project sites. The project will also promote the development of private backyard nurseries to bolster seedling supply for afforestation and natural regeneration, and as an income generation activity for rural households. About 50 backyard nurseries are expected to be established in the project sites. Sub-component 2.2 Integrated Pasture Management and Restoration. The Pasture Reclamation Trust (PRT) of the Ministry of Agriculture will lead on technical aspects of this sub-component, which includes the following key activities. (a) Geobotanical surveys and pasture inventories. SCLMG has responsibility for monitoring pasture areas under the authority of the PRT. The project will finance cadastral assessment of pasture resources and geobotanical surveys in the project districts, with data digitized for planning and monitoring purposes. Within this activity, the project will pilot the use of ‘smart inventories’ based on up dated methods and statistical analysis. Staff at the SCLMG and PRT will conduct the assessments. Outputs will be used for the overall monitoring system for pasture in the country, and in the preparation of pasture management plans (PMPs) that are mandated by the Pasture Law. (b) Forage seed demonstration plots. Establishment of seed demonstration plots for native forage species in two project locations, each covering 100ha. These plots will be under the management of the PRT, and serve to demonstrate the production of forage seeds, as well as to supply suitable seeds for forage production by PUUs and others. (c) Pasture/livestock Management Plans. To help slowing land degradation processes, the project will support sustainable pasture/fodder-based livestock production systems in selected areas. The focus of support will be PUUs, whether these are to be created or existing unions are to be strengthened. Where PUUs are to be created, these will be primarily at village and jamoat levels (and at district level, if needed, depending on resource use regimes). In the project districts, financing will be provided for the development and implementation of up to 65 PMPs by PUUs in line with the requirements of the Pasture Law. The PUUs will be responsible for implementing the plans and will operate at the scale (district, jamoat or village) considered appropriate for the resource use regime. Within specified budget limits, the plans supported by the project will identify and finance investments to support: (a) measures to improve pasture productivity and sustainability, such as protecting areas for regeneration, pasture rehabilitation, improving access to 17 remote pastures, and needs for supplementary fodder production; (b) grazing utilization levels; (c) animal health requirements and breed improvement measures; (d) investment needs; and (e) implementation responsibilities, targets and indicators. Sub-component 2.3 Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation. This subcomponent will be technically led by the State Institution of the Specially Protected Natural Areas (SISPNA), as part of CEP, and includes the following key activities. (a) Priority PA Management Plans. Management plans will be prepared or updated for selected protected areas. Potential PAs include Tajik National Park and Zorkul Special Reserve in GBAO (which borders the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan), Yagnob National Park in Sughd and State Natural Reserve Tigrovaya Balka in Khatlon (bordering Afghanistan). Management plans are not in place for all PAs, and if they exist, they are outdated. These plans are critical investments for PAs to be managed effectively for the benefit of the country and region. Plans will comprise standard elements, management arrangements, conservation and restoration measures, protection and enforcement, monitoring, education and awareness, stakeholder engagement, ecotourism and recreation, prioritized actions, and associated costs. Planning activities will involve boundary mapping, spatial planning, economic and financial analysis, and stakeholder consultations. (b) Implementation of PA management plans. The project will support selected activities including a) establishment of monitoring systems and protocols including remote and field-based monitoring; b) visitor interpretation of PA assets and attractions; c) habitat restoration and conservation for key species such as snow leopard, Bukhara deer, Marco Polo sheep, ibex, Tibetan snowcock, Indian goose; and d) general PA management, e.g., boundary demarcation, mapping. As part of PA management, the project will support the development of a rare species conservation plan to cover the four PAs. For households in the vicinity of PAs in the project sites, community-based nature tourism is an income-generation opportunity, while providing incentives to conserve biodiversity when planned in line with PA objectives. Small-scale tourism activities will be considered including a) development of homestays and small cafes; b) training of tourism guides; c) development of ecotourism activities, e.g., trekking routes, horse trekking, nature trails; and d) associated products such as handicrafts, promotional materials, interpretation. Sub-component 2.4. Landscape Restoration and Livelihoods. The project will provide sub-grants to farmers organized as CIGs to implement small-scale livelihood investments based on Village Development Plans. CEP IG will provide the technical lead for this sub-component and oversee the management of sub- grants to beneficiaries. Climate-smart crop production practices and technologies. The project will support crop land-based livelihoods, through sub-grants for sub-projects identified and selection in the above plans to groups of farmers that form common interest groups (CIGs), o Both will be eligible for grants to address degradation issues such as on-farm salination, erosion, and low productivity in ways that can increase income for members and reduce degradation impacts and increase climate adaptation. The focus will be the adoption of practices such as: a) diversification of agricultural/horticultural crops; b) improved crop varieties and biotechnology that reduce emissions; c) adoption of water-efficient crops and varieties, and cultivation methods; d) erosion control measures such as increasing vegetative cover along the sides of linear infrastructure such as roads and planting of shelterbelts; e) harvesting and processing of different crops, including cooling, storage; f) reduced tillage intensity and cover crops, crop rotation, perennial cropping systems, cultivation of deep rooting species; g) higher inputs of organic matter to soil, processing and application of manure. Activities and CIGs would be prioritized and identified during a participatory planning process and supported to prepare proposals. Project financed sub-grants to CIGs will not exceed US$10,000 and will require a match of 5% if provided in cash, or 10% if provided in-kind as beneficiary contributions. Component 3. Project Management and Coordination. This component will finance the operating costs of project management functions to be carried out by the Implementing Group (IG) within the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). Key functions include procurement, financial management, coordination, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation. The CEP IG will also be responsible for ensuring project meets the requirements of environmental and social standards, attention to gender aspects, and18 citizen engagement for their respective components. The central CEP IG will be supported by project- financed province-level technical units with core staff in key areas such as pasture management, forestry and biodiversity conservation as needed. Financing will be provided for fixed and or short-term specialists in procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and technical assistance in environmental management, social development and in other areas as per approved work and procurement plans. Financing will also be provided for targeted training and other activities in areas such as participatory planning, integrated land management, participatory resource management and other relevant areas to help build the capacity of existing CEP staff, especially those with project responsibilities. The project will support office furniture and equipment, incremental operating expenses (including travel), and partial operating costs for CEP district offices participating in the project. 2.2. Project Beneficiaries Primary beneficiaries. The project’s primary beneficiaries are expected to be rural communities, private farmers and farmer groups, villages and village communities, including women and youth, and resource user groups (e.g., for pasture, forest) interested in adopting landscape restoration practices while improving their livelihoods and job opportunities. Under Components 1 and 2 Government agencies are expected to benefit from technical support and capacity building for integrated landscape planning in ways that attempt to reconcile different land uses at national and regional scales. Staff in these agencies at both central and field-levels will also benefit from investments in improved equipment and infrastructure, improved and more accessible data to support timely decision-making related to landscape restoration. At the regional level, the main beneficiaries are governments of the five Central Asian countries, who will gain knowledge about landscape restoration and other solutions for emerging regional issues and will be provided with opportunities to create and foster partnerships around these issues of common interest. Geographic focus and selection criteria. Project areas/districts will be selected based on a combination of criteria. An initial pre-screening of districts has been conducted using the following criteria - poverty incidence, potential for integrated landscape restoration (incorporating pasture, agriculture, water, forestry, biodiversity), regional and transboundary corridors, and complementarity with government and donor- funded initiatives. When overlaid on the current arrangements of river basins, potential project sites fall in the following river basins: the Zarafshon basin covering three districts – Ayni, Panjekent, and K. Mastchoh (in Sughd oblast, bordering Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic); b) greater Panj covering four districts – Vanj, Rushon, Shughnon, and Murghab (in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous oblast, bordering the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan); and c) Lower Kofarnihon covering three districts – Shahrituz, Nosir Khosrov, Qubodiyon (in Khatlon oblast, bordering Afghanistan) 2.3. The scope and objectives of Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) As the technical evaluation (e.g., feasibility studies, detailed designs) and specific intervention locations under the project are not identified and/or ready and their specific impacts are not known by project appraisal, a framework approach is adopted. Respectively, in accordance with the ESS1, ESMF is prepared. which specifies rules and procedures for the activities and site-specific subprojects' Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and for preparing adequate ESMPs. The main goal of the ESMF is to define the measures, ways and mechanism for avoiding, minimizing and/or mitigating potential negative environmental and related social impacts that may occur as the result of implementation of the project. The ESMF ensures that the identified subprojects are correctly assessed from environmental and social perspective to meet the WB's ESF and Environment, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSGs) requirements alongside with Environmental and Social Laws and Regulations of the Republic of Tajikistan for adequate mitigation residual and unavoidable impacts (if any). ESMF provides guidelines for the development of appropriate mitigation and compensation measures for adverse impact caused by project activities. In this document the background/context, the policy and regulatory framework are described as well as environmental and social impacts of possible subprojects. 19 This includes site-specific ESIA/s procedures and guidelines, institutional arrangements, consultation and disclosure procedures. The ESMF guides the implementation of project activities by the following: (a) Guidelines and procedures to avoid, mitigate, or minimize adverse environmental and social impacts of the potential activities. (b) A description of implementing arrangements including details on how environment and social risks, will be managed. (c) The criteria for determining acceptable environmental and social risks and pest management procedures for the proposed sub-projects. (d) Spelling out national rules and procedures for use of agricultural chemicals and pesticides. (e) Descriptions of the environmental and social screening or pest management screening processes that will help to define the required site-specific ESF instruments. (f) Checklists for preparing site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments/Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESIAs/ESMPs). (g) ESMP checklists for the small- scale construction (h) Environmental and social monitoring and reporting requirements. (i) A section on proposed capacity building activities to help the implementing agencies comply with the ESF. Annexes to be the part of ESMF: 1. Rules, criteria and procedures for environmental and social screening of project activities and subprojects to be supported under the project; 2. ESMP checklists for the smaller interventions like facility repair/rehabilitation or construction of small-scale existing infrastructure. 3. Sample Code of Conduct and List of Do’s and Don’ts for workers and tourists in Protected Areas The policy and regulatory framework consider the compliance with the national laws and needs to meet the WB requirements. ESA guidelines and procedures serve to define the responsibilities for sub-project preparation, screening, appraisal, implementing and monitoring. With the help of these guidelines the requirements for the sub project Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP) is outlined. The ESMF serves also to provide details on procedures, criteria, and responsibilities for subproject environmental and social screening, preparing, implementing and monitoring of subproject specific ESIAs. Towards addressing the potential resettlement impacts, the CEP has developed an RPF. The key objective of the RPF is to provide a framework to appropriately identify, address and mitigate adverse socioeconomic impacts that may occur due to the implementation of subprojects. LMP covering a worker grievance procedure, prepared for the Project include measures to ensure their labor and working conditions and occupational health and safety are consistent with ESS 2. The project activities may also cause restriction on land use and access to natural resources that cause a community or groups within a community to lose access to resource usage in legally designated protected areas, forests, or biodiversity areas to be restored in connection with the project. To address this risk, a Process Framework has been developed, which outlines the ways local communities, who have a stake, especially in protected areas, may participate in land and natural resources management through informed and meaningful consultations and negotiations to develop and implement Action Plans. Such Action Plans will: • Identify restrictions of access to natural resources in the proposed protected areas; • Identify and quantify the impact that these restrictions may have on various segments of the local community; • Propose, implement, and monitor remedial measures to compensate the loss of these assets and the associated income; Provide grievance mechanisms to address any problems that may arise due to limited access to resources 20 during the project implementation. The SEP identifies different stakeholders and provides an approach towards engaging with them throughout the project’s life. The plan includes the following: (i) stakeholder identification and analysis; (ii) planning for stakeholder engagement for implementation; (iii) grievance mechanism; (iv) engagement during preparation including disclosure and consultation on E&S instruments; and (v) continuous interface with and reporting to the stakeholders. 21 III. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT 3.1. Tajikistan National Environmental Legislation and Procedures Tajikistan has a well-developed environmental legal and regulatory framework. Current environmental legislation in Tajikistan includes statutory acts and laws on the following: • Protection of the environment; • Ecological audit and monitoring; • Protection of flora and fauna; • Environmental information and education; • Soil, water, and air quality; • Biological safety; • Human health and safety, including occupational health and safety; and • Waste and chemicals management. These laws, along with the regulations approved by the Government, create a favorable legal framework for environmental protection and for the use and protection of the country’s natural resources. They also enforce the rights of citizens to environmental safety, organic products, eco-friendly environment, access to environmental information, and the possibility of investing (moral, material, and financial) to improve the ecological situation in the country. Environmental legislation in the Tajik Republic includes the Constitution and codes and laws on air quality, noise, mineral resources, land management, forests, health and safety, and waste and chemicals management. The Tajikistan Framework Environment Law was adopted in 1993, enacted in 1994, and amended in 1996, 1997, 2002, 2004, and 2007, and replaced by a new law in 2011. The Water Code was enacted in 2000 and amended in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2012. The Land Code was enacted in 1996 and amended in 1999, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, and 2012. The Forest Code was enacted in 1993 and amended in 1997 and 2008. Other important environmental legal acts, laws and regulations relevant to the project are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Relevant Environment, Health, and Safety Laws in Tajikistan Enacted and Law Responsible Agency Brief Description Amended Law on No.760 enacted on CEP and its The Law defines the state principles of Environmental August 2011 subdivisions at the environmental protection and sustainable Protection district level social and economic development, guarantees of human rights for healthy and friendly environment, law enforcement strengthening, prevention of negative impact of business and other operations on the environment, management of rational use of nature resource and securing environmental safety. Chapter 6 requires an Environmental Impact Assessment and Chapter 7 specifies requirements for the location, design, construction, reconstruction and commissioning of enterprises, buildings, and other facilities. 22 Enacted and Law Responsible Agency Brief Description Amended Law on No.1448 enacted on CEP and its The Law establishes the legal and Environmental 18 July 2017 subdivisions at the organizational framework for assessing Impact district level environmental impacts, relationship with state Assessment environmental expertise, and the procedures for registering and classifying environmental impacts on the environment. Law on No. 707 enacted on CEP and its The Law defines the organizational, legal, Environmental 25 March 2011 subdivisions at the economic and social bases for ensuring Monitoring district level environmental monitoring in the Republic of Tajikistan and regulates relations between state authorities, self-government bodies of settlements and villages, public associations and citizens in this area. Law on No. 705 enacted on CEP and its The Law defines the legal, organizational, Environmental 25 March 2011 subdivisions at the economic and social basis for providing Information district level environmental information in the Republic of Tajikistan, promotes the right of legal entities to receive complete, reliable and timely environmental information, and regulates relations in this area. Law on No. 818 enacted on CEP and its This Law defines the principles and procedure Environmental 16 April 2012 subdivisions at the for conducting environmental expertise and is Expertise district level aimed at preventing the harmful impact of planned economic and other activities on the environment and related social, economic and other consequences of the implementation of the object of environmental expertise. Land Code Enacted in 1996, last Committee on Land Land legislation governs the relations of land amended in Management and use and protection, land use and property 2016 Geodesy (CLMG) relations, which arise from getting and its subdivisions at (acquisition) or conveying land use rights. the district level Law on Special Enacted on 26 State Institution on The Law defines the legal, organizational, and Protected December 2011, last Specially Protected economic principles of specially protected Areas amended in Natural Areas of natural areas and establishes the assignments, 2014 Forestry Agency activity operations, and zoning. and its subdivisions in the districts Law on Plant No. 1567 enacted on CEP and its The Law defines the legal, organizational, and Quarantine and 2 January 2019 subdivisions at the economic basis for plant quarantine and Protection districts; Ministry of protection, conducting quarantine Agriculture (MoA); phytosanitary measures, handling plant Forestry Agency protection products, and is aimed at preserving (FA); Tajikistan agricultural products, protecting the health of Academy of people, animals, and the environment Sciences (TAS) Law on Enacted on 17 CEP and its The Law establishes the state policy on the Protection and May 2004, last subdivisions at the protection and efficient use of plants; defines Use of Plants amended in districts; MoA; and legal, economic, and social principles 2008 TAS governing the preservation and reproduction of plants. 23 Enacted and Law Responsible Agency Brief Description Amended Law on Enacted on 29 Ministry of The Law regulates the legal protection of plant protection of December 2010, Agriculture (MoA); varieties and defines the legal basis for the plant varieties last amended in Tajikistan granting and protection of the breeder’s righ ts. 02 January 2018 Academy of Sciences (TAS) Law on Enacted on 01 Ministry of This Law establishes the legal framework for collection, August 2012 Agriculture (MoA); state policy in the field of genetic resources of conservation, Tajikistan cultivated plants and their wild relatives, and and rational use Academy of regulates relations regarding their collection, of genetic Agricultural Sciences conservation, research and rational use for the resources of (TAAS) purpose of conducting the agricultural cultural plants industry, ensuring food, environmental and biological security, carrying out research , breeding, educational activities, as well as ensuring the safety of social, cultural and historical heritage in the interests of the present and future generations. Forestry Code Enacted on FA; CEP and its The Law regulates the protection, possession, 2 August 2011 subdivisions at the sustainable use, and reproduction of forests in districts; MoA Tajikistan. It defines prohibited activities in protected forest zones and their regimes and conditions when undertaking allowed activities in the utilization zone of forests and their regimes. Law on Enacted on Ministry of Culture; The Law provides the legal framework for Conservation 3 March 2006 TAS; CEP; FA conservation and use of historical and cultural and Usage of heritage objects in Tajikistan as being national Historical and property of the Tajik people. Cultural Heritage Law on Enacted on Geology Head The Law regulates the use and protection of Subsoils 20 July 1994, last Office; CEP subsoils for the interest of present and future amended in 2013 generations. Law on Soil Enacted on CEP; CLMG; MOA The law defines main principles of state policy, Conservation 16 October 2009 legal framework of public authorities, individual and legal entities for the efficient and safe use of soils, preservation of quality, fertility and soil protection from negative impacts and regulates the variety of relationship related to soil protection. Water Code Enacted on 20 CEP, Ministry of The aims of the Water Code are: (i) protection October 2000, last Energy and Water of state water fund and state water fund lands amended in Resources for the improvement of the population’s social 2012 (MEWR), MOA; condition and environment; (ii) water pollution Geology Head control, impurity, depletion, prevention, and Office; MOHSP control of water adverse effects; (iii) enhancement and protection of water objects; (iv) strengthening legality and rights protection of individuals and legal entities in the water management field. 24 Enacted and Law Responsible Agency Brief Description Amended Law on Enacted in 1995 and CEP; MOHSP; The Law regulates the relations of individuals Protection of amended on Hydrometeorology and legal entities, irrespective of ownership Atmospheric 28 December Agency form, with the aim of conservation, Air 2012 rehabilitation of atmospheric air, and securing environmental safety. Public Health Enacted on 30 May MOHSP The Code regulates public health relations and Code 2017 aims to implement constitutional rights and health protection of citizens. Chapter 17 of the Code secures sanitary and epidemiological safety Law on No. 109 enacted on CEP; MOHSP; State The Law regulates the relations arising from Production and 10 May 2002, last Unitary Enterprise the process of waste generation, collection, Consumption amended in 2011 “Khojagii Manziluvu storage, utilization, transport, and deactivation of Waste Kommunali (Housing and landfilling of wastes and state and Communal management, supervision and control of waste Utilities) (SUE KMK) management. It aims to prevent the negative impact of production and consumption wastes on the environment and human health, and when handling these, their involvement in economic and production turnover as an additional stock source. Law on No. 1269 enacted on State Inspection of The Law establishes the legal basis for Inspection of 25 December Technical conducting inspections, the procedures or Economic 2015 Supervision, CEP, conducting them, the rights and Entities MOLME obligations of business entities, officials of inspection bodies, and is aimed at protecting the health, legal rights, and interests of citizens, the environment, national security, and protection of the activities of the audited business entities, regardless of ownership forms. Protection of Enacted on Committee for The Law defines the organizational and legal Population and 15 July 2004 Emergency framework for the protection of the population Territories from Situations and and persons without citizenship in the territory Natural and Civil Defense of the Republic of Tajikistan, as well as the Man-made (CESCD) and its lands, interiors, water, airspace, animals and Emergencies structural plants, and other natural resources of subdivisions Tajikistan; objects of industrial and social purpose; and environment from natural and man-made emergencies. It regulates public relations on prevention, occurrence and development of emergencies, reduction of damages and losses, elimination of emergency situations and timely notification of populations in danger zones during natural and man-made emergencies. Law on Wildlife Enacted on CEP; MOA; The Law regulates public relations in the 5 January 2008 Academy of protection, restoration, and reasonable use of Sciences; FA wildlife; and establishes the legal, economic, and social framework for the protection and restoration of wildlife resources. 25 Enacted and Law Responsible Agency Brief Description Amended Labor Code of Enacted on MOLME; MOHSP The Code regulates labor and other relations the Republic of 23 July 2016 and is directly aimed at the protection of the Tajikistan rights and freedoms of the parties in labor relations, securing minimal guarantees of labor rights and freedoms Law on Fire Enacted on Main Department of The Law defines the general legal, economic, Safety 20 April 2008, last the State Fire social, and organizational principles of fire amended in 2010 Prevention Agency prevention in Tajikistan; regulates the relations (SFPA) of the between state Ministry of Internal authorities, local authorities, organizations, Affairs (MIA) other legal entities irrespective of organizational and legal forms as well as between public entities, officials, and citizens of the Republic of Tajikistan, foreign citizens, and persons without citizenship. 3.1.1. Environmental Assessment Framework Framework environment law. The Law on Environment Protection No. 208 (2011) states that national environmental policy should prioritize environmental actions based on scientifically proven principles and integrates nature preservation and sustainable resource use with economic development. The Law defines applicable legal principles, protected objects, and the competencies and roles of Government, local authorities, public organizations, and individuals. It also stipulates measures to secure public and individual rights to a safe and healthy environment and requires a combined system of ecological expertise and environmental impact assessment to reach a decision on any activity with potential adverse environmental impacts. The Law defines environmental emergencies and ecological disasters and prescribes the order of actions in such situations, defines the obligations of officials and enterprises to prevent occurrences and eliminate consequences, and the liabilities of the persons or organizations that damage the environment or otherwise violate the Law. The Law establishes several types of environmental enforcement: state control, ministerial control, enterprise control, and public control. State control is performed by the CEP, the Sanitary Inspectorate of MOHSP, the Inspectorate for Industrial Safety, and the Mining Inspectorate. Public control is carried out by public organizations or trade unions and can be exercised with respect to any government body, enterprise, entity, or individual. State ecological expertise. The Law on Environment Protection No. 208 (2011), the Law on State Ecological Expertise (2011), and the Procedures on Organization and Performance of Environmental Assessment (2014) stipulate that all types of economic and other activities shall be implemented in accordance with environmental standards and norms and shall have sufficient environmental protection and mitigation measures to prevent and avoid pollution and enhance environmental quality. They define a state ecological expertise (SEE) process that examines the compliance of proposed activities and projects with the requirements of environmental legislation and standards and the ecological security of the society. SEE is a mandatory cross-sectoral process that must be scientifically justified, comprehensive, and objective. It precedes decision making about activities that may have a negative impact on the environment. Financing of programs and projects and decisions on siting, construction, or reconstruction are allowed only after a positive SEE finding has been issued. If these requirements are violated, the CEP and/or other duly authorized control bodies may terminate construction until necessary improvements are made. SEE for investment projects is the responsibility of the CEP and its regional offices. Environmental assessment administrative framework. The Law on Environmental Protection (2011) states that SEE is to be conducted by the State Committee for Environment Protection. A unit in the ministry is entrusted with guiding and managing both EIA and SEE. EIA studies. Preparation of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) study is the responsibility of the 26 project proponent. EIAs are to analyze the short- and long-term environmental, genetic, economic, and demographic impacts and consequences of projects and must meet the standards of other sectors and environmental media line agencies (sanitary epidemiological, geological, water, etc.). Environmental clearance. The CEP is the authority responsible for the state’s review of EIAs and the environmental clearance of civil works. 3.1.2 Environmental Assessment Requirements of Tajikistan Tajikistan does not specify environmental assessment categorization criteria. There are two laws in the country that stipulate all aspects of environmental assessment: (i) Law on Environmental Protection (2011); and (ii) Law on Ecological Expertise. Chapter V, Articles 3539 of the Law on Environmental Protection (2011), introduces the concept of state ecological review (literally, state ecological expertise or SEE), which seeks to examine the compliance of proposed activities and projects with the requirements of environmental legislation and standards and ecological security of the society. The following activities and projects are subject to state ecological review: 1. Draft state programs, pre-planning, pre-project, and design documentation for economic development; 2. Regional and sector development programs; 3. Spatial and urban planning, development, and design; 4. Environmental programs and projects; 5. Construction and reconstruction of various types of facilities irrespective of their ownership; 6. Draft environmental quality standards and other normative, technology, and methodological documentation regulating economic activities; and 7. Existing enterprises and economic entities. An EIA is a component of the SEE, as set out in the 2011 Environmental Protection Law and in the 2012 Law on State Ecological Expertise, which comprise both the department within the CEP and the process. Conducting the EIA is the responsibility of the project proponent. The state ecological review, which comprises the process component only for all investment projects, is the responsibility of the CEP and its regional offices. Furthermore, according to the 2012 Law on State Ecological Expertise, all civil works, including rehabilitation, should be assessed for their environmental impacts, and the proposed mitigation measures should be reviewed and monitored by the CEP. According to the 2012 Law on Ecological Expertise, ecological expertise is intended to prevent negative impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed activity, forecast impacts from activities that are not considered as necessarily damaging to the environment, and create databases on the state of the environment and knowledge about human impact on the environment. The Law on Ecological Expertise and the Law on Environmental Protection envisage two types of ecological expertise: SEE and public ecological expertise, which are not given equal importance. While SEE is a prerequisite for beginning any activity that may have an adverse environmental impact, public ecological expertise becomes binding only after its results have been approved by a SEE body. The SEE body is authorized to invite leading scientists and qualified outside specialists to participate in the review. Approval should be issued within 30 days, unless the project developer agrees to an extension, and remains valid for two years, if the decision is positive. For very complicated projects, the term of consideration and approval can be extended till 60 days. According to the Law on SEE, the public ecological expertise of economic activities or other activities, the implementation of which can negatively impact the environment or population living in the relevant area, can be carried out by any public organization and citizen. They have the right to send the proposals to the responsible government bodies concerning environmental issues of implementing planned activities and to receive information on the results of the conducted SEE from relevant responsible bodies. The materials reflecting the public expertise delivered to the experts’ commission should be taken int o consideration in the preparation of the conclusion of SEE and decision making on the realization of the SEE object. Public 27 ecological expertise is carried out under the state registration of application of public organizations. The registration can be done by local executive authorities (within seven days) in place where the expertise activities are planned. Public organizations, which are organizing the SEE, should inform the population of the initiation of the expertise and its results. The legal and regulatory system for EIAs also includes: 1. Procedure of EIA (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 509 of 1 August 2014); 2. Procedure to implement SEE (approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 697 of 3 December 2012); 3. Guidelines on the composition and order of development of content and structure of the documentation to be submitted for review (SEE), as well as coordination and approval of all projected budget or investment estimations, design drawings or documentation that must be developed in coordination with the SEE, buildings and structures and EIA chapters, Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and feasibility documents; and 4. List of objects and types of activity for which preparation of documentation on EIA is mandatory (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan No. 253 of 3 June 2013). The elaborated existing normative legal base is intended for determination of legal basis for project implementation and their compliance with state requirements for environmental protection and mitigation of environmental impact. In the Republic of Tajikistan, the organizations with most responsibility for environmental monitoring and management are the CEP, the Sanitary Inspectorate of MOHSPP, the Inspectorate for Industrial Safety, and the Mining Inspectorate. An environmental licensing system exists in relation to handling hazardous waste and mineral extraction. An environmental permitting system regulates the use of natural resources. The Environmental Protection Law states that a SEE should be conducted by CEP, which is the authorized state environmental protection body. The CEP has a comprehensive mandate that includes policy formulation and inspection duties. It has divisions at the oblast (region), city, and rayon (district) levels in the form of Departments of Environmental Protection within the khukumat (local administration) at each city or rayon/district. 3.1.3. EIA Procedure Governing laws and activities subject to state ecological (or environmental) expertise (SEE) that may involve an EIA or activities subject to SEE may involve the conduct of an EIA. The following impact types are considered in EIA: 1. Direct impact, immediately influenced by the main and subsidiary types of planned activities within the territory of the site; 2. Indirect impact influenced by intermediate (secondary) factors emerging as a result of project implementation; and 3. Cumulative impact, which is of specific nature and emerges within the project implementation period. EIA are reviewed by the state environment expertise in conformity with the assessment objective and classification up to 60 days. The decision on determining the appropriate procedure for SEE of EIA documents is taken by the authorized agency within a period of not more than 10 days after submission of the documents for registration. The decision on SEE related to EIA documents is obligatory for implementation by the Client for any planned economic or other activity. There are four categories of environmental impact of facilities subjected to SEE and EIA: I, high risk; II, medium risk; III, low risk; and IV, local impact. Requirements and terms of SEE and EIA differ according 28 to the category of a facility. 3.2. Key National Social Legal Provisions and Citizen Engagement Law on Freedom of Information is underpinned by Article 25 of the Constitution, which states that governmental agencies, social associations and officials are required to provide each person with the possibility of receiving and becoming acquainted with documents that affect her or his rights and interests, except in cases anticipated by law. Per the Law on Public Associations, a public association may be formed in one of the following organizational and legal forms: public organization, public movement, or a body of public initiative. Article 4 of this law establishes the right of citizens to found associations for the protection of common interests and the achievement of common goals. It outlines the voluntary nature of associations and defines citizens’ rights to restrain from joining and withdrawing from an organization. August 2015 amendments to this legislation require NGOs to notify the Ministry of Justice about all funds received from international sources prior to using the funds. Law on Public Meetings, Demonstrations and Rallies (Article 10) bans persons with a record of administrative offenses (i.e., non-criminal infractions) under Articles 106, 460, 479 and 480 of the Code for Administrative Offences from organizing gatherings. Article 12 of the Law establishes that the gathering organizers must obtain permission from local administration fifteen days prior to organizing a mass gathering. Land Code contains basic provisions on land acquisition for public and state purposes. The Code allows the state to seize the land from land users for the needs of projects implemented in the interests of state and at the state scale, and describes methods, system and order of protection of rights and interests of persons whose land is subject for withdrawal for the purposes of the project and provides for the complex of compensatory measures to cover the land users’ losses. The Regulation about an order of compensation of the land users’ losses and losses of agricultural production, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan # 641, dd. 30th December 2011, establishes concrete and detailed order of reimbursement of the land users’ losses. Law on Physical and Legal Entity Addresses contains legal provisions on established information channels for citizens to file their complaints, requests and grievances. Article 14 of the Law sets the timeframes for handling grievances, which is 30 days from the date of receipt. Labor Code of the Republic of Tajikistan is the fundamental legislative act aimed at regulating all labor issues arising in the Republic of Tajikistan. This Code governs employment relationships and other relations, directly related, directed to protection of the rights and freedoms of the parties of employment relationships, establishment of the minimum guarantees of the rights and freedoms in the sphere of work. Article 7 of the Code prohibits discrimination and guarantees that all citizens have equal rights to work; discrimination in labor relations is prohibited. Any differences, non-admission or preference, denial of employment, regardless of nationality, race, gender, language, religion, political beliefs, social status, education, property, leading to a violation of equality of opportunities in the field of labor, are prohibited. Labor Code prohibits forced labor (Article 8). The Labor Code also sets the minimum age at which a child can be employed as well as the conditions under which children can work (Articles 113, 67, and 174). The minimum employment age is 15, however, in certain cases of vocational training, mild work may be allowed for 14-year-olds (Article 174 of the Labor Code). In addition, there are some labor restrictions on what type of work can be done, and what hours of work are permissible by workers under the age of 18. These limitations are consistent with the ILO Convention on Minimum Age. In addition, Law on Parents Responsibility for Children’s Upbringing and Education makes parents responsible for ensuring their children not involved in heavy and hazardous work and they are attending school. Occupational health and safety are also governed by the Labor Code. Section 5 of the Law narrates the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees related to occupational health and labor safety. The law requires employers to: • Be responsible for ensuring safe working conditions and safety of work at every workplace; 29 • Apply the means to protect workers individually and collectively (including protective clothing and equipment); • Provide appropriate work and rest regimes; • Training workers in their jobs and safe methods of work; • Provide instructions on labor protection; • Test and verify the knowledge of workers in working safely; • Provide certifications of workplaces at least every five years; • Investigate accidents; • Provide sanitation and medical services; • Provide access to premises by state officials; and • Providing social insurance for accidents and diseases. 3.3. National Sectoral Legal Framework Tajikistan also has key policies and strategies which detail road maps for the country’s short-term and long- term development. The National Development Strategy 2015-2030 prioritizes the development of “green economy,” and the Medium-term development program for 2016-2020 focuses on achieving the SDGs and adopting adaptation measures to climate change as transition to green economy. For the transition, forestry and agriculture are recognized as two of the key sectors. Some of the conditions identified for green economy include efficient economic management, careful use of natural resources and involvement of civil society institutions in monitoring, control and use of natural resources7. Table 2: Government policies and agreements relating to seed and seedling certification, production, and importation8 Responsible # Policy Purpose Authorities Sustainable development of the forest Forestry Agency sector to ensure a balance of ecological, under the The Strategy for the Development of the economic and social functions of the 1. Government of Forest Sector for 2016-2030 forest, the implementation of which the Republic of contributes to the solution of important Tajikistan aspects of the forest reform of Tajikistan. Resolution “On Regulation about the Food Stipulates that the Committee has control Security Committee under the Government over importation of pests and diseases Food Safety 2. of the Republic of Tajikistan” of and control over the import, transit and Committee December 29, 2017, No595 export of GMOs. Governmental Decree No. 793 validating Multi- 4. the Program of Development of Gardening Allocation of investments in the sector. departmental and Viticulture for 2016 – 2020. (2015) Governmental Decree No. 724 Validating Improving the condition of grazing Programs of the Development of the Ministry of 5. pastures and the provision of fodder Pasture of the Republic of Tajikistan for Agriculture crops (derived from seed). 2016 – 2020. (2015) Strategy for climate change including Strategic Program for Climate Resilience. 6. agriculture and sustainable land Government (2015) management. 7NATIONAL REVIEW TOWARDS A «GREEN» ECONOMY IN TAJIKISTAN. Elaborated in preparation for the UN International Conference on Sustainable Development (RIO+20) https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/1021tajikistan.pdf 8 Tajikistan National Investment Plan for the Agriculture Sector Assessment of the Seed and Associated Systems of Tajikistan, 2020 30 3.4. International Treaties and Obligations Under the Republic of Tajikistan unified (monist) legal system, international agreements and treaties, once ratified or acceded to by the Government, have the same force as national legislation. Tajikistan is party to several international environmental and social conventions and protocols. It has passed state laws to implement the terms of these international conventions, with the provision that, “If an international treaty to which Tajikistan is a party is inconsistent with this law, then the provisions of the international treaty shall prevail.” International environmental conventions. In recognition of its global responsibilities, Tajikistan is a party to several international environmental conventions. The major ones are shown in Table 3. Table 3: Relevant International Environmental and Social Conventions Year of International Convention Accession UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 1997. Related updates to the CBD are 1997 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity, 2004; Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity, signed in 2011 and ratified in 2013. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1998; A related update is the 1998 Kyoto Protocol accessed on 29 December 2008 and entered into force on 29 March 2009. UN Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) 1997 Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, 1996 and updated by the 1996 Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (Montreal), 1998; London Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 1998; Copenhagen Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 2009; Montreal Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 2009; Beijing Amendments to Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depleting Substances, 2009. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) 2016 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (ratified 2007); Related 2007 updates: 2009 amendments listing 9 new POPs, 26 August 2010; 2011 amendment listing endosulfan, 27 October 2012; and 2013 amendment listing HBCD, 26 November 2014. UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural 1997 Heritage Aarhus Convention (joined 2001); A related update is the Kiev Protocol on Pollutant 2003 Release and Transfer Registers to the Convention on Access to Information on 21 May 2003. Bonn Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (joined 2001 2001); A related update is the Bukhara Deer Memorandum, 2002. International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants UPOV Convention 2012 (1961), as revised at Geneva (1972, 1978 and 1991) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights 1999 Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) 1993 Convention on Minimum Age for Admission to Employment 1993 Convention on Worst Forms of Child Labor 2005 31 Abolition of Forced Labor Convention 1999 Employment Policy Convention 1993 Labor Inspection Convention 2009 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child CRC 1993 Tripartite Consultation (International Labor Standards) Convention 2014 Occupational Safety and Health Convention 2009 Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) 1993 International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and 2002 Members of Their Families. 3.5. World Bank's Environmental and Social Standards and their requirements The World Bank is committed to supporting Borrowers in the development and implementation of projects that are environmentally and socially sustainable, and to enhancing the capacity of Borrowers' environmental and social frameworks to assess and manage the environmental and social risks and impacts of projects. To this end, the Bank has defined specific ESSs, which are designed to avoid, minimize, reduce or mitigate the adverse environmental and social risks and impacts of projects. ESSs define the material standards of protection, procedural requirements, and individual rights of the project-affected communities, which borrowers must comply with and whose fulfilment the World Bank supports and works with borrowers to ensure compliance during implementation. The standards carry over numerous environmental and social requirements. The ESF enables the World Bank and Borrowers to better manage environmental and social risks of projects and to improve development outcomes. It was launched on October 1, 20189. The ESF offers broad and systematic coverage of environmental and social risks. It makes important advances in areas such as transparency, non-discrimination, public participation, and accountability—including expanded roles for grievance mechanisms. It brings the World Bank’s environmental and social protections into closer harmony with those of other development institutions. The ESF consists of: - the World Bank’s Vision for Sustainable Development, which sets out the Bank’s aspirations regarding environmental and social sustainability; - the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy for Investment Project Financing (IPF), which sets out the requirements that apply to the Bank - 10 ESSs, and Annexes, which set out the requirements that apply to Borrowers and projects; - Bank Directive on Addressing Risks and Impacts on Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups Borrowers and projects are also required to apply the relevant requirements of the World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHSGs). The ten WB ESSs establish the standards that the Borrower and the project will meet through the project life cycle, as follows: • ESS 1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts; • ESS 2: Labor and Working Conditions; • ESS 3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management; 9 https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/environmental-and-social-framework 32 • ESS 4: Community Health and Safety; • ESS 5: Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement; • ESS 6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources; • ESS 7: Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities; • ESS 8: Cultural Heritage; • ESS 9: Financial Intermediaries; and • ESS 10: Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure. The requirements of these ESSs and their implications for the current project are presented in Table 4 below. This ESMF found that eight ESSs are relevant to the proposed project activities, namely ESS1, ESS2, ESS3, ESS4, ESS5, ESS6, ESS8 and ESS 10. In addition, the OP/BP 7.50 “Projects on international Waterways” is relevant to the project, particularly Component 2 activities that are expected at the transboundary rivers. 33 Table 4: The WB Environmental and Social Standards relevant to the Project ENVIRONMENTAL RELEVANCE AND SOCIAL MAIN REQUIREMENTS ADDRESSING ESSs RATE STANDARDS (ESS) ESS 1. Assessment Relevant ESS1 sets out the Borrower’s responsibilities for assessing, This ESMF prepared by the Project shows that, overall, the and Management of managing and monitoring environmental and social risks project will provide a series of positive social and environmental Environmental and and impacts associated with each stage of a project impacts. It would support technical assistance and capacity Social Risks and supported by the Bank through Investment Project building activities on improving quality of seeds which would Impacts Financing, in order to achieve environmental and social reduce environmental and health risks in agricultural production outcomes consistent with the Environmental and Social in the country, while at the same time creating new economic Standards (ESSs). opportunities. As required by this standard, the ESIA should be conducted Anticipated risks, are expected to be easily mitigable, include dust based on current information, including a description and and minor soil loss during planting, use of pesticides for nurseries delineation of the project and any associated aspects, and or during planting, possible encroachment on natural habitats, environmental and social baseline data at an appropriate issues related to small-scale construction/ rehabilitation of level of detail sufficient to inform characterization and existing facilities (dust and waste disposal etc.). identification of risks and impacts and mitigation measures. The project may generate some adverse environmental impacts The assessment evaluates the project’s potential associated with noise, dust, pollution of air, soil and water, solid environmental and social risks and impacts, with a waste management, biodiversity degradation, health and safety particular attention to those that may fall disproportionally hazards, community health and safety risks, etc. It is expected that on disadvantaged and/or vulnerable social groups; examine environmental risks will be typical for small construction works project alternatives; identify ways of improving project and the work on the creation of protective plantations and selection, siting, planning, design and implementation in agroforestry demonstration sites. Environmental risks will be order to apply the mitigation hierarchy for adverse temporary in nature and specific areas and can be easily mitigated environmental and social impacts and seek opportunities to by applying best building and/or environmentally friendly enhance the positive impacts of the project. methods and appropriate mitigation measures. Social risks and impacts related to the financing of resilient infrastructure rehabilitation, including protected areas, roads and riverbanks, which may cause minor economic, and resettlement impacts and restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas. The key potential labor risks would be associated with labor influx, child and/or forced labor, inequity and discrimination in employment and terms and conditions, and lack of ability to organize favorable working environment. There is also a risk of social exclusion, as some individuals or groups have limited access to a variety of opportunities and resources, such as women and young people having weak links with government because of their remoteness, lack of education or lack of interest in public life. Other participants may also suffer social isolation. As all activities are not yet defined, in accordance with the ESS1, the borrower prepared an an ESMF, which specifies rules and procedures for the activities and subprojects’ ESIA Given that some of the project activities are expected to be implemented in or within close vicinity ESMPs will be complemented by Biodiversity Management Plan Other ESF instruments prepared include SEP, PF, RPF and LMP. ESS2. Labor and Relevant ESS2 recognizes the importance of employment creation To meet the requirements of ESS2, an LMP has been prepared to Working Conditions and income generation in the pursuit of poverty reduction describe main labor requirements and risks associated with and inclusive economic growth. Borrowers can promote project implementation and to help the CEP to determine the sound worker- management relationships and enhance the resources necessary to address labor issues. development benefits of a project by treating workers in the LMP provides an overview of labor use in the project, legislative project fairly and providing safe and healthy working framework governing labor employment in Tajikistan and a gap conditions. analysis with that of the World Bank’s ESS 2, key potential labor ESS2 applies to project workers including fulltime, part- risks and mitigations measures, implementation arrangements, time, temporary, seasonal and migrant workers. roles and responsibilities, and procedures are outlined. Worker Considering specified requirements, the Borrower must grievance mechanism set up and contractor management develop and implement written labor management requirements are presented in the last two chapters. procedures applicable to the project. These procedures The Project will encompass the following categories of workers: should set out the way in which project workers will be direct, contracted and community workers. managed, in accordance with the requirements of national Direct workers. The IA will follow the national labor legislation law and this ESS. The procedures should address the way and practices when hiring project staff. in which this ESS will apply to different categories of Contracted workers. The Contractors follow the legal provisions project workers including direct workers, and the way in of the national Labor Code. IA will also procure services of local which the Borrower will require third parties to manage service providers/civil works vendors at the national and local their workers in accordance with ESS2. level. They will recruit local staff and issue employment contracts and service contracts for the employed people. The Contractors will have to follow Occupation Safety and Health rules. Community workers. Local community members will be engaged in community works under the project on a voluntary basis as a result of an individual or collective agreement, and third parties (contractors/subcontractors) may hire local community members in non-complex seasonal, large-scale work that must be performed within a short period of time according to agro- technical terms (e.g. forest planting, planting, weeding, harvesting, etc.). Subcontractors may be involved by contractors to carry out work on the construction of a forest nursery or structures of the irrigation network. Subcontractors are expected to be selected from among local companies and community members. The subcontractor will be guided by national legislation, regulations and the Labor Code of Tajikistan. The key labor risks would be associated with occupational health and safety risks (OHS) related to the rehabilitation of field offices and buildings such as exposure to physical, chemical and biological hazards during construction activities, use of heavy equipment, trip and fall hazards, exposure to noise and dust, falling objects, exposure to hazardous materials and exposure to electrical hazards from the use of tools and machinery. Persons under the age of 18 will not be employed in civil works. All civil works contracts will include industry standard Codes of Conduct that include measures to prevent Gender Based Violence (GBV) including SEA/SH and forced or child labor. GBV assessment too has been done. A locally based GRM specifically for direct and contracted workers will be provided. It also includes OHS requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic situation and a reference to the WBG’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines that do apply to this project. The link can be found here: https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect /topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability- at-ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines ESS3 Resource Relevant ESS3 recognizes that economic activity and urbanization The ESMF includes sections on Pollution Prevention and Efficiency and often generate pollution to air, water, and land, and Management with a focus on those issues which might arise while Pollution Prevention consume finite resources that may threaten people, conducting small-scale civil works for facilities construction and and Management ecosystem services and the environment at the local, rehabilitation activities. Assessment of associated with civil regional, and global levels. The current and projected works risks and impacts and proposed mitigation measures atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) related to relevant requirements of ESS3, including raw materials, threatens the welfare of current and future generations. At water use, air pollution, hazardous materials, organic and the same time, more efficient and effective resource use, hazardous waste included. Waste Management Plans will be pollution prevention and GHG emission avoidance, and prepared to manage these risks. Safety measures for handling mitigation technologies and practices have become more treated seeds and applying pesticides have been reflected in the accessible. Misuse and inappropriate storing and handling ESMF section related to Pest and pesticides Management of pesticides and fertilizers are also a potentially serious risk to the safety, livelihoods and well-being of local communities. ESS4: Community Relevant ESS4 recognizes that project activities, equipment, and To address environmental risks and impacts that might affect Health and Safety infrastructure can increase community exposure to risks community Health and Safety, the ESMF includes guidance for and impacts. In addition, communities that are already risk management on road safety; excessive noise and dust levels, subjected to impacts from climate change may also site safety awareness and access restrictions; and labor influx. All experience an acceleration or intensification of impacts due these issues were required to be included in the site specific to project activities. ESMPs to be prepared once the investments are identified. ESS4 addresses the health, safety, and security risks and ESMPs required that fencing should be installed around all impacts on project-affected communities and the construction sites and areas where there is a risk to community corresponding responsibility of Borrowers to avoid or health and safety. Contractors developed and adhered to Codes of minimize such risks and impacts, with particular attention Conduct, including requirements for respectful behavior and to people who, because of their particular circumstances, interaction with local communities and within work sites, may be vulnerable. prohibition from engaging in illicit activities, SEA/SH. Additional activities to prevent and mitigate risks of SEA/SH, COVID-19 to be conducted by implementation agency, include establishing GBV sensitive grievance redress mechanism, training and awareness-raising for staff, contractors, and local communities (neighboring sites of construction sites) on SEA/SH risks, available support services, Codes of Conduct to be followed by implementation agency staff and contractors, and available GBV-sensitive grievance mechanism. COVID-19 Management plan to be developed as part of HS management plan and followed by Contractors and followed. The SEP includes the public awareness and educational campaign before the project activities launch, including community outreach before pesticide use, planning around other, non-project activities that could be affected by massive pesticides (particularly bee keeping, poultry, etc.). Outreach activities will be implemented considering the Covid-19 precautions. Increased exposure of farmers and their families to dangerous agrochemicals could also be considered as a significant community health and safety risk. Farmers’ exposure mainly occurs during the preparation and application of the pesticide spray solutions and during the cleaning-up of spraying equipment. Farmers or their family members who perform manual labor in areas treated with pesticides can also face major exposure from direct spray, drift from neighboring fields, or by contact with pesticide residues on the crop or soil. This kind of exposure is often underestimated. The project-specific Pest Management Plans to be prepared during the project implementation will address these issues. Furthermore, as per requirements of this ESMF, site specific ESMPs will include the necessary measures to ensure efficient waste management and prevent inadvertent spread of animal diseases along with training requirements in this regard. ESS5: Land Relevant ESS5 recognizes that project-related land acquisition and The project activities may cause restriction on land use and Acquisition, restrictions on land use can have adverse impacts on access to natural resources that cause a community or groups Restrictions on Land communities and persons. Project-related land acquisition within a community to lose access to resource usage, including Use and Involuntary or restrictions on land use may cause physical displacement legally designated protected areas, forests, or biodiversity areas Resettlement (relocation, loss of residential land or loss of shelter), to be restored in connection with the project. To address this risk, economic displacement (loss of land, assets or access to a Process Framework was developed to outline the ways local assets, leading to loss of income sources or other means of communities, who have a stake, especially in protected areas, livelihood), or both. The term “involuntary resettlement” may participate in land and natural resources management refers to these impacts. through informed and meaningful consultations and negotiations Experience and research indicate that physical and to develop and implement Action Plans. economic displacement, if unmitigated, may give rise to Components 1 and 2 will not fund any activities that may result severe economic, social and environmental risks: in land acquisition, involuntary resettlement or livelihood production systems may be dismantled; people face displacement. However, project activities, may cause temporary impoverishment if their productive resources or other restriction of access and minor economic impacts and income sources are lost; people may be relocated to resettlement risks at the project sites outside protected areas. environments where their productive skills are less The CEP has also prepared an RPF to guide in this regard. The applicable and the competition for resources greater; RPF will define the procedures for: (i) acquiring land (after all community institutions and social networks may be technical alternatives have been exhausted), (ii) dealing with any weakened; kin groups may be dispersed; and cultural residual impacts from land acquisition (i.e. identifying, identity, traditional authority, and the potential for mutual establishing the valuation of, and compensating people that help maybe diminished or lost. Where involuntary suffer economic losses or loss of private property), (iii) resettlement is unavoidable, it will be minimized and monitoring and verification that policies and procedures are appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on followed, and (iv) grievance redress mechanisms. Where displaced persons (and on host communities receiving resettlement-related impacts have been identified, site-specific displaced persons) will be carefully planned and RAPs will be prepared by the CEP/IG in accordance with the implemented. RPF. ESS6: Biodiversity Relevant ESS6 recognizes that protecting and conserving This ESS is relevant. The proposed pilot activities in landscape Conservation and biodiversity and sustainably managing living natural restoration, reforestation, and pasture management are likely to Sustainable resources are fundamental to sustainable development. involve sustainable use of natural resources that may include Management of Impacts on biodiversity can therefore often adversely affect innovative pasture management, forestry, and orchard Living Natural the delivery of ecosystem services. ESS6 recognizes the development. It may also support investment in rehabilitation of Resources importance of maintaining core ecological functions of existing degraded forests and woodlands to restore protective habitats, including forests, and the biodiversity they cover and to make these and other forests more productive. support. The project will not finance activities that involve any conversion All habitats support complexities of living organisms and or degradation of critical natural habitats. The project will also vary in terms of species diversity, abundance and not finance industry-scale commercial harvesting operations. importance. This ESS also addresses sustainable The ESMF also contains checklists and guidance to help the client management of primary production and harvesting of deal with issues related to ESS 6 for the different types of living natural resources. activities being piloted. Given that some of the project activities This standard aims to safeguard natural habitats and their are expected to be implemented in or within close vicinity of biodiversity; avoid significant conversion or degradation of protected areas and natural park with rare species, ESMPs will be critical natural habitats, and to ensure sustainability of complemented by Biodiversity Management Plan. Additionally, services and products which natural habitats provide to site-specific ESIA/ESMP will include, where necessary, human society. biodiversity assessment and requirements for detailed mapping and, where necessary, identification of species and habitats and to prevent risks and impacts to critical natural habitats. ESS8: Cultural Relevant ESS8 recognizes that cultural heritage provides continuity ESS 8 may be relevant, and as a precautionary measure, chance Heritage in tangible and intangible forms between the past, present find procedure is included in the ESMF and where appropriate and future. It sets out measures designed to protect cultural will be part of mitigation measures to be provided in site-specific heritage throughout the project life cycle. ESMPs. The site-specific assessments will determine the baseline condition of proposed project locations and further assess any potential risks and impacts on and restriction of access to cultural heritage (tangible and intangible). The assessment will be informed through engagement with communities, including women and girls, to identify spaces of cultural value and significance to them. The chance finds procedure will be developed in participation with key stakeholders, taking into consideration views of communities including women and girls, and included in the site-specific management plans. ESS10: Stakeholder Relevant ESS 10 recognizes the importance of open and transparent Stakeholder engagement is an inclusive process conducted Engagement and engagement between the Borrower and project throughout the project life cycle. Where properly designed and Information stakeholders as an essential element of good international implemented, it supports the development of strong, constructive, Disclosure practice. Effective stakeholder engagement can improve and responsive relationships that are important for successful the environmental and social sustainability of projects, management of a project’s environmental and social risks. enhance project acceptance, and make a significant Stakeholder engagement is most effective when initiated at an contribution to successful project design and early stage of the project development process and is an integral implementation. The client will engage with stakeholders part of early project decisions and the assessment, management, throughout the project life cycle, commencing such and monitoring of the project’s environmental and social risks engagement as early as possible in the project development and impacts. process and in a timeframe that enables meaningful The CEP has prepared the SEP that includes full stakeholder consultations with stakeholders on project design. mapping, outlines the activities and timeframe for engaging with The nature, scope and frequency of stakeholder different stakeholder groups throughout the life of the project, engagement will be proportionate to the nature and scale of defines roles and responsibilities, human resources and budget the project and its potential risks and impacts. In needed for implementing SEP activities. The SEP has been consultation with the Bank, the CEP is required to develop prepared with inputs from stakeholders with applying of COVID- and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) 19 precautionary measures during consultations. proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and its The new project will undertake stakeholder engagement activities potential risks and impacts. to ensure that vulnerable groups, including women, youth, female headed households, people with disabilities are not disproportionately affected and have equal opportunity in partaking in project benefits. Such activities will include awareness and information campaigns including targeting women and mahalla-level meetings where community members of all backgrounds can join, distributing information materials through multiple channels such as media, social media, and mahalla leaders, emphasizing the rules and principles of equity and non- discrimination for example in relation to employment opportunities in all training and consultation activities. Where ethnic and linguistic minorities are present, the project will ensure that information materials and consultations are accessible in the simple language common to the local groups. Where gender balanced consultations cannot be ensured, the project will undertake separate consultations with women in order to record and consider their feedback, questions, and concerns. 3.6. World Bank Legal Policies Operational Policy (OP) 7.50 – Projects on International Waterways is also relevant. It describes the types of waterways and projects that the policy applies, and the requirements and conditions of financing projects on international waterways. OP 7.50 is triggered due to the project’s small-scale activities under Component 1 and 2, such as irrigation of forest plantations. The project triggers OP 7.50 because it uses water for activities such as afforestation, pasture improvement and climate smart agriculture from tributaries of the Amu Darya, which is an international waterway. The proposed interventions will, however, focus on the rehabilitation and improvement of existing schemes and will not involve works or activities that will exceed the original schemes, change their nature, or alter or expand their scope and extent to make them appear new or different. Given the general scope and nature and upstream location of works proposed for financing, the project will not adversely affect water flows to other riparians and will also not be adversely affected by other riparian’s water use. The project therefore falls within the exception to the riparian notification requirement under paragraph 7(a) of OP 7.50. The exception is currently being processed for approval. In accordance with the ESSs, the World Bank Group’s Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines should be applied to the project. Therefore, this project will apply the relevant requirements of the EHS Guidelines. The applicable WBG EHS Guidelines for the Project, depending on the specific type of subprojects, include but are not limited to the following: • World Bank Group’s EHS General Guidelines (2007); • World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation (2007); • World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines for Forest Harvesting Facilities (2007); • World Bank Group’s EHS Guidelines for Perennial Crop Production (2016). 41 IV. NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK 4.1. National Institutions involved in the Environment Sector To create an effective system of governance strategic planning and sustainable socioeconomic development of the country and in accordance with Article 69 of the Constitution, the environmental institutional and management system has been established by the GoT which includes various state agencies. Tajikistan's current environmental institutional and management system includes the following institutions: • Parliament, • Presidential Administration, • Committee for Environment Protection (CEP) under the Government of Tajikistan, • State Committee of Statistics, • Ministry of Agriculture, • Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, • Ministry of Healthcare and Social Protection, • Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, • Ministry of Finance, • Agency for Land Reclamation and Irrigation, • State Committee for Land Use, Geodesy, and Cartography • Tajik Standard Agency, • Tajik Forestry Agency, • Tajik Meteorological Service under CEP, • Tajik Academy of Science and its research Institutes, • Tajik Academy of Agricultural Science and its research institutes, and • other minor institutions. A brief description of key institutions and their role within the public administration is provided below: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Tajikistan (namely the Committee for Nature Protection of the Tajik Soviet Socialistic Republic) was established for the first time in August 1989. Its mandate included coordination of the activities related to environmental protection among government agencies and the control over natural resource use, land protection, subsoil, forests, water, and other resources. In 1994 EPA's legal status was improved and reorganized into the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Tajikistan with the same mandate. However, 10 years later due to restructuring of the GoT the Ministry became again a State Committee for Environmental Protection and Forestry (SCEPF) in 2004. The EPA mandate was expanded slightly by including the former Forestry Management agency. In 2006 due to further restructuring of the GoT EPA was merged with the Ministry of Agriculture, which became the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection. EPA's mandate within the new Ministry was kept the same. During 2008 EPA became the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. CEP coordinates all activities related to environmental protection among GoT and oversees natural resources use, land protection, subsoil, forests, water, and other resources. The decisions of CEP are considered mandatory for all legal entities and individuals. Currently CEP has a total of 400 staff of which about 50 in Dushanbe Headquarter. The Parliament of Tajikistan plays a key role in determining policies, strategies and rules for sectors that may affect and be affected by environmental factors. It consists of two chambers - (Majlisi Namoyandagon), Lower Chamber, and (Majlisi Oli), Higher Chamber. The Parliament involves relevant executive agencies related to environmental and social risk management which overview relevant sectoral legislation with 42 active role in endorsing supporting laws and regulations (sub-laws). Several committees are of particular relevance: • The Ecological Committee, which oversees environment-related legislation; • The Education Committee, which oversees the Law on Environmental Education and laws regarding post-secondary education and professional (vocational) training; and • Sectoral committees covering environment-sensitive sectors, for example Agriculture Committee, which will be essential to integrating environmental social risk management issues into agriculture, land use, water, and other policies. Parliament's facilities include an information library for members of the Lower Chamber that contains more than 16,500 publications. Among 63 Parliamentarians, 6 are members of the Ecological Committee which work directly on environment-related legislation. The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) develops and coordinates agricultural and regional policy, strategic plans, state and sectoral programs in the agricultural sector. Beyond that, the Ministry oversees a significant segment of the economy that is vulnerable to climate change, land degradation, POPs, biodiversity and other areas. The Ministry has a total of 3.583 staff; 104 of them work in the central management unit, in Dushanbe. MoA also oversees the activities carried out by the Academy of Agricultural Sciences, which serves as the scientific and coordination centre for agrarian science in Tajikistan. The Ministry is also linked with the Tajik Agrarian University consisting of nine faculties. Both of these provide opportunities for applied research and knowledge transfer. The activities of the Academy of Agricultural Sciences are directly relevant to various environmental issues. The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (MEDT) is the government agency with task in overseeing the system of state economic planning and forecasting and facilitating the effective implementation of socio-economic development priorities in Tajikistan. One of the main tasks of this Ministry is to develop and implement economic development programs and strategies of the Republic of Tajikistan with the aim of reducing poverty and stabilizing socio-economic conditions. According to governmental regulations, the Ministry of Economy is to be included in all working groups that develop sustainable strategies, plans and budgets. Representatives of the Ministry are headed the editing group to prepare the country's National Development Strategy and the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Ministry also monitors the implementation of the two strategies. Among its other roles, MEDT is one of the co- executive bodies of the National Action Plan for Climate Change Mitigation. The Ministry of Finance aside from economic and financial functions is responsible to review and approve the budgets of state agencies including those related to the environment and climate change. The Ministry of Industry and Innovative Technology is involved with environmental issues despite its role as Designated National Authority for Clean Development Mechanism projects conducted under the Kyoto Protocol of the UNFCCC in Tajikistan. The Ministry is responsible for data flow coordination, monitoring, and analysis under the National Development Strategy process. The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources is responsible for the water policy in the country. It is involved in almost all emerging policies in the country, including the discussion of program action plans focusing on the environmental protection. The Ministry is participating in the development of the national water strategy based on the Millennium Development Goals. The National Water Strategy includes the development of energy sources without negative environmental impact. The activities of the Ministry are interlinked with the construction of hydropower plants and their reservoirs in areas related to trade-off between development and environmental issues with the strategic purpose of: a) providing the necessary flow regulation during the fluctuation and changes in water volume; b) reducing the negative impacts of silt on existing reservoirs; and c) reducing the potential negative impacts of construction of new reservoirs. 43 According to the Public Health Law, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection provides sanitary- epidemiological services to the public. It conducts the state sanitation-epidemiological supervision, carries out activities on environmental safety, environmental protection and sanitation as well as develops national industry health norms, regulations and hygiene standards. The Ministry has an affiliated research institute, the Institute of Epidemiology and Sanitation, and it also manages about 73 sanitary- epidemiological observation stations. The State Epidemiological Service is an independent agency participating in a WHO regional project on health and climate change. The project team has drafted a Strategy for Health and Climate Change. The Ministry of Education deals with environmental issues because of its mandate under the Law on Environmental Education, which instructs it to develop and carry out environmental education projects. The Ministry oversees schools, which can serve as effective entry points for awareness about climate change issues. The Ministry of Transport is responsible for the implementation of transportation policy. The environmental impact of the transport infrastructure, as well as transport traffic. At the same time the impact of the climate change on the state of road infrastructure is considered considering roads and bridges washout by mudflows and avalanches. Additionally, the Ministry is relevant to environmental issues because of its participation in the development of a National Strategy for Sustainable Transport. The State Committee for Land Use, Geodesy, and Cartography was established in 2011 and is responsible for developing land use policies and reforms. It is one of the main agencies being responsible for the enforcement of the Land Code. The Committee's functions include: • Monitoring of land resources; • State control on efficient use and conservation of land; • Introduction of land inventory; • State registration to legal land use; • Promotion of rational ways of the land use; • Definition of land tax and land use fees for violation of land legislation; • Participation in decision-making regarding the rehabilitation of degraded land; and • The preparation of documents for the distribution of land among various executive agencies. In addition, the Committee oversees two institutes that conduct applied research relating to land use change, including land use inventories and mapping. The Committee has a main office in Dushanbe with approximately 70 staff and district level offices with nearly 200 staff. The Committee for Emergency Situations and Civil Defense is the government agency with the task for disaster risk reduction and response and coverage of climate-induced natural disasters. The Committee conducts reviews and analysis of disaster risk assessment in light of climate change, and it has a department that focuses on evacuation and re-settlement. In terms of facilities, the Committee has its headquarters in Dushanbe and representatives in every region and district of the country. The Committee has its own training facilities, and it offers in-service training for its employees. It also has its own chemical-radiometric laboratory. It participates in several CIS-wide initiatives to share good practice, and it has previously used international experts on an extended-term basis through technical assistance projects with good results. The Agency of Land Reclamation and Irrigation (ALRI) is responsible for sustainable operation of the national irrigation system and the land reclamation. It also monitors the use of water resources, being responsible for the distribution of water to farmers for agricultural purposes and provides data on water consumption to the Committee of Environmental Protection. Finally, the Agency is in charge of the operation and infrastructure maintenance of irrigation and rural water supply. It has offices in Dushanbe and also oversees the Institute of Water Improvement. The Academy of Sciences is the main source of scientific information and data that possesses highly 44 qualified specialists and researchers. Fifteen research institutes including the Institute of Water Problems, Hydropower, and Ecology are operational under the umbrella of the Academy. The institute has the capacity to develop long term action plans in different sectors of the economy, and Academy researchers are involved in developing the National Action Plans on biodiversity and climate change mitigation. The Academy includes institutes that conduct research related to the environment (climatology, glaciology, hydrology, radiation safety, hydropower, biodiversity conservation and water resource management); fourteen institutes are located in Dushanbe, and one is located in GBAO. 4.2 National Institutions involved in Social Risk Management Identified government institutions to be engaged in the project implementation are outlined in Table 5 below. They are divided into categories based on at what administrative level(s) the institutions represent: national, oblast, and district authorities. Table 5: Relevant Government Institutions Institution Oblast Role and Engagement National level Rayon (district) Category (region) Government Cabinet of Ministers Governor’s office District and town Approvals and strategic Administrations administrations, planning including chairman’s Land management and office resettlement issues; and child/forced labor monitoring Line Ministries Ministry of Agriculture Oblast Agricultural District Agricultural Pasture Reclamation and Agencies (MoA) Department Department Trust under the MoA will support project activities under Component 2 Labour Inspection under Regional Department District Department Controls compliance to the Ministry of Labour, occupational safety Migration and norms and rules, labor Employment conditions and rights The State Committee for Chief Oblast Chief District Controls compliance to Architecture and Architect Architect the construction Construction (SCAC) standards for social infrastructure and Local Master Plans State Committee for Regional District Department Land Certification Land Management and Department for Land for Land Management Issues Geodezy Management and and Geodezy Geodezy Women and Family Regional/Oblast District Office for Support women Affairs Committee Department for Women Affairs engagement and GBV Women and Family prevention and Gender Affairs Action Plan implementation support 45 V. BASELINE INFORMATION 5.1. Physical Environment Topography and geology. Tajikistan has a mountainous terrain that accounts for 93% of its land area. Its rugged topography ranges from a few hundred meters to 7,000 meters above sea level (masl). China borders the Eastern Pamir Plateau and Uzbekistan borders the Fergana Basin in the north Kyrgyzstan Border. The main elements of Tajik geography are the following: the Kuramin Mountain Range and the Mogoltau Mountains, Fergana Depression, Hissar-Alai Mountains (the South Tian Shan), the depressed area in southwestern Tajikistan (Tajik depression), and Pamir. Altitudes range from 300-7,495 meters above sea level (masl) (Figure ). The modern relief of Tajikistan is the result of activities of alpine tectonic movements of the earth surface and the denudation process. The majority of plain territories in the country are the broad areas of river valleys or the vast depressions between the mountains. Most of the country’s population is concentrated in these particular areas along with the main fields of industrial and agricultural production of the country. Figure 1: Elevation Map of Tajikistan Seismicity. Tajikistan is located near the border between the Eurasian and the Indian plates, a region where relatively large earthquakes occur. It is a country of intense tectonic movements and high seismicity. According to records of the International Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, there have 46 been seven earthquakes with a magnitude of over 6.5 with epicenter in Tajikistan since 1900. There are many earthquakes near the Afghanistan border in southern Tajikistan. Earthquakes are dependent on many factors: geotechnical conditions, nature of the soil, presence of groundwater, landforms, etc. Major seismic zones in Tajikistan are with 7, 8, and 9-degree seismic intensity on the MSK-64 scale10. In each of these zones, earthquakes at the mentioned levels are possible. Most southern districts are in seismic Zones 7 or 8. Northern districts are in Zone 8, except for Mastchoh District, which is in Zone 7. Dushanbe, the districts of Republican Subordination, and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) are in Zone 9. Soils. As a typical alpine country, Tajikistan has vertical variability of soil cover. Three major vertical belts of soil distribution can be found in the country: (i) gray soils of valleys and idle fields; (ii) brown soils of middle belts of mountains; and (iii) soils of highlands. There is a distinguished gradient from the more humid northern part of the study area to the very dry southern part. The soils of the study area are highly productive, with much of the area used for agriculture. In the dry southern part of the subproject area, agricultural use is, however, only possible when soils are irrigated. Soil erosion is a major environmental concern throughout the country due to seismic activity, steep slopes, the fragility of soils, and human activities such as inappropriate livestock management, the removal of protective vegetative cover, and poor water management practices. Soil profiles are typically loess, loamy sands, and loamy soils, occasionally bench gravel of the upper quaternary age, classically formed through wind deposition over arid or semi-arid areas. Soils are brown- gray, light gray. The humus layer of the loess and loamy sands is fairly fertile, and agriculture is possible. For these soils to be converted into agricultural use, they require irrigation and the mineral fertilizers (Figure 2). Figure 2: Soil Map of Tajikistan Air quality. The problem of air quality is one of the basic ecological issues of industrial and urbanized 10 This normative map of seismic zoning was compiled in 1978 by А.М. Babayev, T.A. Kinyapina, K.M. Mirzoev, R.S. Mikhailova and G.V. Koshlakov under the guidance of S.Kh. Negmatullaev 47 areas in Tajikistan. The main stationary sources of air pollution in Tajikistan are mining, metallurgy, chemical industries, buildings, mechanical processing, light industries, heat and power generation, and agriculture. In 2005, the share of motor transport emissions was 170,300 tons (t) or 83 % of the total amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. Motor transport is the main source of substances accumulating in the atmospheric surface layer. Products of fuel combustion are released to the atmosphere and generate smog. Old vehicles with increased toxic gas emissions comprise 30-40% of the total number of vehicles for road transportation. The exhaust emissions include about 200 chemical components and dangerous substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrocarbons, lead, etc. Typically, a vehicle with an internal combustion engine using 1,000 liters (l) of fuel emits about 200 kilograms (kg) of carbon monoxide, 20 kg of nitrous oxides, 1 kg of ash and solid particles, and 200-400 g of lead components. In urban conditions, emissions from road transport potentially rise because of frequent changes in operation mode and traffic jams. Illegal burning of leafage, street litter, and household wastes contributes to the pollution of urban atmospheric air. It is dangerous as leaves absorb harmful elements and heavy metals, such as lead, while household wastes contain rubber, plastic, and other organic substances that emit 40 harmful and toxic components when burning. The emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere potentially affects many natural and societal objects not depending on the pollution source and distance. As a result of air pollution, cultural values, vulnerable ecosystems, agricultural lands, and population might be damaged. Climate. Tajikistan has three major climate zones: continental, subtropical, and semiarid, with some desert areas. The climate changes drastically according to elevation, however. The location of the country in the middle of Eurasia, its remoteness from oceans and seas, and proximity to deserts predefine its climate, which can be characterized as continental, with considerable seasonal and daily fluctuations in temperature and humidity. The climate in the central and southwest regions of Tajikistan is characterized by rather hot summers and mild winters. The cold period lasts for 90-120 days, and the warm period, 235-275 days. Of the annual precipitation, 75-85% occurs from December to May. The country‘s very complicated relief structure, with huge variations in elevation, creates unique local climates with great temperature differences, as shown in Figures 35-37. The country's capital, Dushanbe, and Khatlon provinces, are classified as having a continental climate, where it is hot and dry from June to September in the plains with a maximum temperature exceeding 35˚C. On the other hand, snow is observed from December to February with minimum temperatures below 0˚C. Wind. Tajikistan is characterized as having few strong winds from large-scale lows, such as typhoons, although there are relatively many seasonal winds with dust. The wind speed is similar to that in South Asia at about 40 m/sec (mps). The wind direction and average wind speed in the subproject areas are shown in Table 6. Table 6: Wind Direction of the Cardinal Points and Average Wind Speed (m/sec) Location / Wind N NE E SE S SW W NW Direction Dushanbe 1.9 1.5 1.9 1.8 1.6 1.6 1.9 1.7 Khujand 2.2 4.6 4.5 2.2 3.1 5.7 3.9 2.1 Bokhtar 1.6 1.4 1.6 2.2 2.0 1.6 1.5 1.6 Source: Construction Climatology (MKC 23-01-2007). 48 Figure 3: Climatological Map of Tajikistan Figure 4: Average Annual Temperature Map of Tajikistan 49 Figure 5: Mean Annual Precipitation in Tajikistan Hydrology. The rivers of Tajikistan are important sources of fresh water for the Aral Sea. The glaciers and permanent snow feed the rivers of the Aral Sea basin with over 13 cu km of water a year. The major rivers are: (i) Syr Darya with a total length of 2,400 km, which flows for 195 km across the Fergana Valley in the north; (ii) Zaravshan, which runs through central Tajikistan; and (iii) Kafirnigan, Vakhsh, and Panj rivers, all of which together drain more than 75% of Tajikistan’s territory. Groundwater reserves are extensive in the Gissar valley. Aquifers are located at depths of 5-40 m, generally. 5.2. Biological environment Flora and Fauna The territory of Tajikistan is one of the world centers of origin of cultivated plants and various animal species. Rare relatives and many types of cultural, technical and ornamental plant species have been preserved on the territory. Along with this, it is one of the world centers of speciation of a number of wild plants and various animal species. Natural landscape diversity creates an opportunity to inhabit a relatively small area of more than 5 thousand species of flowering plants, over 11 thousand species of insects, 49 forms of fish, 348 species of birds, 44 species of reptiles, 84 species of mammals. Moreover, many species of animals, especially invertebrates and plants, are endemic. The flora is represented by 226 species of rare endangered species belonging to 129 genera and 52 families, of which 4 are fungi, 14 are mosses and ferns, 27 are trees and shrubs, 181 are herbaceous plants. The fauna of Tajikistan is characterized by a great genetic diversity. Mountain fauna are richer than in the plains and contain a substantial number of European-Siberian and East Asian elements. The fauna of the 50 hot, lowland deserts comprises plenty of Indo-Himalayan, Ethiopian, and Mediterranean species. On the territory of the Republic there are 58 species of representatives of invertebrates and fish, 21 species of reptiles, 37 species of birds and 42 species of mammals with the status of rare, endangered species. Figure 9 shows the distribution of rare mammals in Tajikistan. Due to the fact that most of the territory is made up of mountain ranges and places inaccessible to humans, the Republic is currently a place of concentration and development of numerous species of plants and animals in their natural habitat. This is facilitated by the belt diversity of landscapes and ecosystems: a combination of glaciers with eternal snowfields, numerous lakes with river valleys, alpine meadows with mountain steppes, broad-leaved forests with small-leaved and evergreen conifers, prickly upland xerophytes with thorny cushions, low grass with hummock and ephemeral bogs, and ephemeral vegetation with semi-savannas and low-grass savanna bogs with sandy desert flora and fauna, aquatic and near-water biodiversity, combined with sultry, sometimes poorly expressed desert life. Protected Areas The project area covers 10 administrative districts of 3 river basins: upper Pyanj, Zarafshon, and lower Kofarnigan. 4 types of protected areas were selected in these territories - the Tajik National Park-Park covers an area of 306 613 hectares in the Tavildara region, 69 912 hectares in the Lyakhsh region and 2,235 149 hectares in GBAR, including four districts: 1,487,049 hectares in Murghab, 128,100 hectares in Shugnan, 350,000 ha in Rushan and 270,000 ha in Vanj. The Zorkul reserve is mainly located on the territory of the Murghab Ishkashim region and occupies 87.7 thousand hectares. The Yagnab NP still occupies only 57.5 thousand hectares. The Tigrovaya Balka nature reserve occupies 49.7 hectares and is located in the administrative territories of Jilikul, Shahritus and Kabadiyan. The protection of valuable species of animals and plants in almost all natural landscape zones of Tajikistan is provided by the state institution of protected areas (Table 7). Table 7. Types of specially protected natural areas and conservation of valuable plant and animal species Name Type Species in need of protection Nature reserves 1. Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), bustard (….), Hyena (Hyaena hyaena), Tigrovaya Balka Tugayny gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa), Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus), gray monitor lizard (Varanus griseus) and waterfowl 2. Golden eagle (Aguila chrysaetus laphanea), brown bear (Ursus arctos), Romit Complex snow leopard (Uncia uncia), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica) 3. Brown bear (Ursus arctos), urial (Ovis vignei bochariensis), horned goat Complex Dashtijum (Capra falconeri), chuck (Alectorius kakelik), snow leopard (Uncia mountain-forest uncia) 4. Mountain goose (Anser indicus), argali (Ovis ammon polii), Siberian Zorkul Zoological ibex (Capra sibirica), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), red wolf (Canis lupus) 5. Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus), horned goat (Capra falconeri), urial Khutalon Zoological (Ovis vignei bochariensis), pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and other species of wild animals. Reserves Landscaping, Snow leopard (Uncia uncia), urial (Ovis vignei bochariensis), birch 1. Iskanderkul mountain-forest (Betula) Mountain- Juniper (Juniperus) 2. Sayvotin forest Mountain- Brown bear (Ursus arctos), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), trout (Salmo 3. Kamarov forest trutta morfa fario) Landscaping, Juniper (Juniperus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), urial (Ovis vignei 4. Childukhtaron mountain-forest bochariensis), partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis), wild boar (Sus 51 scrofa) Landscaping, Juniper (Juniperus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), urial (Ovis vignei 5. Dashtijum mountain-forest bochariensis), partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis), wild boar (Sus scrofa) Zoological Urial (Ovis vignei bochariensis), Siberian salmon (Alectoris kakelik), 6. Karatav Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus) 7. Sangvor Alpine Arkhar (Ovis ammon polii), Tibetan snowcock (Tetraogallus tibetanus) Zoological Mountain goose (Anser indicus), argali (Ovis ammon polii), Siberian 8. Muzkul ibex (Capra sibirica), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) Mountain- Juniper forests (Juniperus) 9. Kusavlisay forest Zoological Urial (Ovis vignei bochariensis), gyurza (Vipera lebetina), peregrine 10. Oktash falcon (Falco peregrinus), balaban (Falco cherrug) Complex, tugai Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Bukhara deer (Cervus elaphus 11. Zarafshon forests bactrianus) 12. Almasi Botanical Ungernia victoris Complex, Urial (Ovis vignei bochariensis), brown bear (Ursus arctos), partridge 13. Nurek mountain-forest (Ammoperdix griseogularis), snow leopard (Uncia uncia) Parks 1. Tajik National Complex, Alpine meadow-steppe, desert ecosystems, mountain tugai, argali (Ovis Park landscape, ammon polii), Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), snow leopard (Uncia botanical uncia), red wolf (Canis lupus) zoological 2. Shirkent Mountain Walnut (Juglans) and juniper forests (Juniperus), Victor's ungernia Historical and forest, (Ungernia victoris), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), urial (Ovis vignei Natural Park landscape, bochariensis) biodiversity 3. Sarikhosor Mountain Walnut (Juglans) and juniper forests (Juniperus), fruit trees and shrubs, natural park forest, Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), urial (Ovis vignei bocharensis), stone landscape, marten (Martes foina), otter (Lutra lutra), Turkestan lynx (Felis lynx) , biodiversity snow leopard (Uncia uncia) 4. Yagnob Mountain On the northern slopes of the Zarafshon, and partly the Gissar ridges, Historical and forest, the vegetation is observed as follows, according to the zonation: the Natural Park landscape, belt of solyanka-wormwood deserts; - a belt of deserted steppes and biodiversity juniper forests; a belt of subalpine steppes and juniper dwarf trees; a belt of low-grass meadows, cushions, in places thorns, along the left bank of the Zarafshon. 1 species of tailless - green toad (Bufo viridis), large water redstart (Chaimarrornis leucoceph-ala). Background species here are long-tailed marmot, Siberian ibex, snow leopard, ermine, tolai hare, badger Source: NGO Znanya, expert grouping, 2021 52 Figure 6: River Basins in Tajikistan Figure 7: River Network in Tajikistan Figure 8: Vegetation of Tajikistan Figure 9: Distribution Map of Rare Mammals in Tajikistan 5.3. Land Resources and Management Practices Tajikistan’s total land area is 141,380 square kilometers, of which less than 7 percent is arable. Approximately 412,000 hectares of Tajikistan is forested, constituting nearly 3 percent of total land area.11 Most stands of forests are sparse and fragmented. According to the Global Forest Watch, as a result of reforestation, from 2001 to 2012 the country gained 143 hectares of tree cover. Government source indicates that as of 2019, the country developed and performed rehabilitation work on about 1714 hectares of forest land. The majority of forest land managed by the state is set aside for grazing, even though grazing has been shown to threaten forest resources.12 There are unclear responsibilities and jurisdictions, lack of reliable forest data, weak administrative, managerial and law enforcement capacities, and lack of sustainable forest management schemes.13 Table 8 below represents land resources available in target districts. Table 8: Land Resources by Districts, hectares Availability of Forest Arable lands, Resource Region/ Basin District Pasture lands, ha Forest lands, ha nurseries, ha Management ha Plans Sughd/Zerafshan Ayni 1441 141459 177472 0 n/a Panjekent 18901 132156 108066 663 n/a K. Mastchoh 2571 79310 54462 0 n/a Shahrituz 9630 107544 407 29 n/a Khatlon/Vakhsh N. Khisrov 7164 55409 18548 0 n/a Qubodiyon 13393 89209 28565 0 n/a GBAO/ Vanj 1145 12091 58833 0 n/a Panj Rushon 1392 21636 4173 0 n/a Shughnon 1689 48180 2931 2 n/a Murghab 0 511078 87770 0 n/a Source: Social Assessment, NGO Znaniye, 2021 Government of Tajikistan (GoT) has adopted participatory approaches to natural resources management, particularly forest and pasture management. In forestry, the 1993 Forestry Code expressly permitted leasing to individuals, although the instrument was rarely used. Through the efforts of development partners (notably GIZ) this approach was developed in the last 10 years whereby formal 20-year contracts are agreed between individual households and the relevant State Forestry Enterprise (SFE) to restore and maintain forest cover. In return for their commitment to maintain the re-established forest, the beneficiaries are entitled to a share of the yield of timber and non-wood forest products. The process is now fully piloted and ready for upscaling. Outside of SFE land, Dekhan farms are also receptive to tree planting efforts to support food security and supply fuelwood and shelter. The approach was widely supported with the implementation of the Agriculture Reform Program of Tajikistan 2012- 2020 that aimed at scaling-up successful practices in joint pasture and forest management focusing on rehabilitation, conservation and rotational use is crucial to success in the sector. Similarly, Pasture Law 2013 delegates management of pasture to local communities. The Joint Forest Management (JFM) approach in Tajikistan focuses strongly on the participation of local communities in forest management. This participatory forest management approach enables the local population – either individuals or groups – to become involved in forest management and support the rehabilitation of degraded natural forests over the long term. Earlier JFM approaches in the country focused on contracts with individual households. The Forest Code adopted in 2011 specifically provides for the participation of local people in JFM and since 2018 the required subsidiary regulations and by-laws are now also in place. The SFEs are now obliged to support JFM and report on its implementation. The forest agency, forest enterprises and forest users in the previous project areas have gained a comprehensive understanding of JFM and are now able to share this approach more 11 FAOSTAT 2020; Forest Sector Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan for the Years 2016-2030 12 https://www.land-links.org/country-profile/tajikistan/#land 13 GTZ (2010). Forest Sector Analysis of the Republic of Tajikistan 57 widely within and beyond the target areas, paving the way for full national rollout. The Pasture Reclamation Trust (PRT) of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan is responsible for pasture management supervision. For this purpose, PRT works in close cooperation with Pasture User Unions (PUUs) being established with the funding and support of international partners. A large number of PUUs are not yet fully legalized, have no registration at the tax authorities and do not fully functional. Pasture User Unions (PUU) develop usually a 5-year Pasture Management Plans (PMPs), and become collectively responsible of the management of pasture. A PMP normally comprises of the following: (i) a pasture map, (ii) a carrying capacity and stocking rate calculation, (iii) a plan for rehabilitation of infrastructures, and (iv) a pasture rotation plan. There are around 430 active PUUs in the country. PUUs are proving to be an appropriate and potentially cost-effective system for the management of pasture, but some areas for improvement and challenges remain; their operationality remains limited by issues of land tenure which do not provide a conducive environment for PUUs to operate optimally. Table 9: Resource Management Groups in Target Areas Water JFM Basin/Region District WUA PUUs FUGs WBO # of HHs Hectares Sughd/Zerafshan Ayni 1 5 0 48 38.77 Panjikent 13 0 0 82 211.01 K Mastchoh 0 3 0 5 16 Khatlon Shahritus 10 0 0 _ _ Vakhsh N. Khusrav 5 0 0 _ _ 1 Kabadiyan 11 0 0 _ _ Vanj 4 0 0 220 1022 GBAO Rushon 0 0 0 1 Pyanj Murghab 2 6 0 Shughnon 0 0 0 671 2945 TOTAL 46 14 0 1026 4232,78 Source: Social Assessment, NGO Znaniye, 2021 There are only 14 Pasture User Unions, 46 Water User Associations and no FUGs in the target areas. The total number of beneficiaries of the JFM is 1026 households, managing over 4 thousand hectares of forest area. Land degradation is also a threat in protected areas. Currently, about 22% of Tajikistan is demarcated as protected areas and recreational zones, with limited use of natural resources or full prohibition of land with valuable ecosystems. Due to inadequate financing and technical capacity, protected areas lack management plans, proper boundary mapping, and measures to prevent or reduce degradation, and opportunities for co-management with stakeholders. Responsibility for monitoring and preventing land degradation is fragmented across sectoral ministries and agencies; expert capacity exists in the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy to make, obtain and analyze remote sensing data, but a robust assessment is not possible without key geobotanical expertise and community involvement. Thus, no official synoptic map products (covering the territory of the Republic of Tajikistan) are available around land degradation, nor is there any data sharing platform to publish such maps. The project will cover four protected areas, including the following: Table 10. Protected Areas in Target Areas Name of PA Location Year of Area Tasks of the organization foundation (thousand ha) State Nature Reserve Murgab district, GBAO 14.03.2001 87.7 Conservation of rare animals, including the “Zorkul” Bukhara mountain sheep, the Pamir mountain sheep (arkhar) and Indian goose. Yagnob Nature Park Ayni district, Sughd 2.05.2019 57.0 Protection and preservation of natural and Oblast cultural folk monuments. Regional Murgab, Vanj, Rushan, 20.07.1992 2200.0 Preservation of natural ecosystems and rare 58 Administration of Tajik Shugnan districts, animals, including snow leopard, Pamir National Park in GBAO GBAO mountain sheep (Arkhar). State Nature Reserve Dusti and Jaykhun 4.11.1938 49.7 Preservation of riparian forests and rare “Tigrovaya Balka” districts, Khatlon fauna, including Bukhara deer. Province 5.4. Social and Economic Characteristics To better understand and address social development issues, including the requirements of poor and vulnerable groups and ensure accomplishing the outcomes – inclusion, cohesion, equity, decentralization and accountability, a Social Assessment was conducted by the CEP supported by the NGO Znaniye during project preparation. The project preparation recognized that the beneficiary profile is not homogeneous, rather, quite diverse comprising a number of sub-groups identifiable on the basis of their differential endowment, gender, different economic groups and other regional features. There are multiple stakeholders to the project, who would have varying degrees of influence and impact on project activities and outcomes. This makes it necessary for the project to provide a framework for participation of all key stakeholder groups and solicit their contributions towards project design and delivery mechanisms. The social assessment helped in identifying key social development issues and to assess potential impacts of the project. This led to drawing necessary measures that the project is expected to take up to ensure inclusion and addressing equity in accessing project benefits, strengthening decentralized governance system. Broad elements of the SA, including social and economic context in the country and target districts, stakeholder analysis, social impacts, institutional assessments and risks analysis, have been ingrained into ESMF, RPF and SEP, and essentially designed to provide inputs such as to influence the designing of the project. 5.4.1 Population The Republic of Tajikistan is one of the countries with a rapidly growing population; in 2019, it reached 9.1 million people (49% of them are women, 40.6% are children under 18 and 66% are young people under 30). The average permanent population in Tajikistan has increased from 6.1 million., people (2000) to 9.1 million people (2019), or 49 percent. About 74 percent of the population lives in rural areas. The population of Tajikistan is very young. Table 11. Population of the provinces of Tajikistan according to census results Name Capital Area A Population Population Population Population Population (km²) Census (C) Census (C) Census (C) Census (C) (C) 2021- 1979-01-12 1989-01-12 2000-01-20 2010-09-21 01-0114 Tajikistan Dushanbe 141,400 3,801,357 5,109,000 6,127,493 7,564,502 9,506,300 Khatlon Bokhtar 24,700 1,220,949 1,701,380 2,150,136 2,677,251 3,425,500 Dushanbe Dushanbe 100 500,966 605,135 561,895 724,844 880,800 Gorno-Badakhshan Khorugh 62,900 126,783 160,860 206,004 205,949 231,400 Districts of Republican 28,500 757,976 1,083,043 1,337,479 1,722,908 2,215,500 Subordination Sughd Khujand 25,200 1,194,683 1,558,158 1,871,979 2,233,550 2,753,100 Source: TajStat, 2021 Project areas/districts have been selected based on a combination of criteria. An initial pre-screening of districts has been conducted using the following criteria - poverty incidence, potential for integrated landscape restoration (incorporating pasture, agriculture, water, forestry, biodiversity), regional and transboundary corridors, and complementarity with government and donor-funded initiatives potential project sites fall in the following river basins: a) Zarafshon basin covering three districts – Ayni, Panjekent, and K. Mastchoh (in Sughd oblast, bordering Uzbekistan); b) greater Panj covering four districts – Vanj, Rushon, Shughnon, and Murghab (in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous oblast, bordering the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan); and c) Lower Kofarnihon covering three districts – Shahrituz , Nosir Khosrov, Qubodiyon (in Khatlon oblast, bordering Uzbekistan and Afghanistan). Below is the number of population by target districts: Table 12: Population by Targeted Districts Populati # of # of Region/ Youth ages 14- District Population Females on jamoats villages Basin 29 Density 14 TajStat, Annual publication on the total number of population as of 01.01.2021, page 11 https://stat.ww.tj/posts/August2021/macmuai_sumorai_aholi_01.01.2021_.pdf 59 in in in % in % number number Sughd/ Ayni 85033 42462 50% 28700 34% 16 8 62 Syr Panjekent 311270 151294 49% 104600 34% 84.1 14 135 Darya K. Mastchoh 26651 13171 49% 9883 37% 7.1 2 54 Shahrituz 133000 66100 50% 28454 21% 86.7 5 40 Khatlon/ Nosir 40643 20305 50% 15876 39% 49.1 3 31 Vakhsh Khisrov Qubodiyon 188340 96054 51% 60300 32% 104.5 7 45 Vanj 37078 17313 47% 18611 50% 7.8 6 57 GBAO/ Rushon 26214 10369 40% 4930 19% 7.2 7 43 Panj Shughnon 39781 19410 49% 16228 41% 0.11 7 65 Murghab 15895 8012 50% 4745 30% 0.4 6 11 TOTAL 10 903905 444490 49% 292327 32% 65 366 Source: District Khukumats, 2021 Based on the table above the largest densely populated districts are Panjekent, Qubodiyon and Shahritus. The least populated mountainous districts are Murghab, Rushon and Kuhistoni Mastchoh. Female population in target districts is 49 percent in average, while youth population is 32 percent in average. 5.4.2 Economy Agriculture is the main economic activity in regions where the majority of the population lives in rural areas. The main crops and agricultural products are cotton, cereals, oilseeds, potatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers, cabbage, melon, vine, milk, wool, honey and eggs. Vegetable gardens and small farms are also considered an important part of the local economy. These include apples, peaches, apricots, almonds, pears, pomegranates, mulberries, and walnuts grown in homesteads in addition to crops. Cotton makes an important contribution to both the agricultural sector and the national economy. Cotton accounts for 60 percent of agricultural output, supports 75 percent of the rural population, and uses 45 percent of irrigated arable land. Cotton is a cash crop that is widely grown in the project's target areas, but it involves high levels of irrigation and chemicals, while many local farmers make small profits from its sale (compared to intermediaries and dealers). With the declared freedom to cultivate agricultural land has declined dramatically, giving way to other crops preferred by farmers. The irrigation infrastructure inherited at the end of the Soviet era suffered from a lack of investment in routine maintenance, which led to the gradual loss of cultivated land and damage to embankments, water intakes, and canals. About 45 percent of the country's irrigated land is located in the Khatlon region. Cotton is the main crop grown in the area and accounts for 60 percent of the country's cotton crop. Its industry is represented by 334 enterprises specializing in chemical production, production and processing of agricultural and food products, as well as steel production. The Sughd region has 38% of the irrigated land in the country, together with the Khatlon region, they make up 83% of all irrigated land in Tajikistan. Its industry is represented by 459 enterprises. Sughd region has important industries such as uranium deposits, reservoirs, textile enterprises, gold mining and coal mining plants. The province's production rate is 31.5% of the country's total industrial output. About 44% of rice yield accounts for Zeravshan and the Ferghana valleys in Sughd oblast. In the North of the country, apricots, pears, plums, apples, cherries, pomegranates, figs and nuts are produced. Crops grown mainly include grain, wheat, barley, maize, rice, beans, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, grapes, forage, etc. The soils are mainly gray-brown serozems (gray soils), brown-carbonate and ermine. The regions of Republican subordination are engaged in the production of construction materials and agricultural products, mainly vegetables and fruits. Three-fourth of population of Tajikistan reside in rural areas and the agriculture employs over 70% of population. This means the main livelihood for many people is agriculture and their income much depends on agricultural production. Exception is Murgab district, where the key area of local economy is trade the other districts mainly engaged in agriculture and construction. The pastures per household in Panjakent, Shugnon and Vanj on average is 0.35 ha per household, which indicates the scarcity of the pastures in the mentioned districts. One can also see the fact of Scarcity of land in Rushon, Shugnon, Murghob and Panjakent, where on average 0.17 ha of cropland is available. To alleviate this, landscape 60 restoration, recovery of new lands, better land management are critical to prevent worsening the situation. The farms of Kuhistoni Mastchoh, Vanj and Shugnon districts use very scarce square of agricultural land, respectively, 0.02he, 0.02he and 0.03he. It shows first the limited access to land resources and secondly the limited availability of landscape resources. In the long run, the mentioned districts will face further deterioration in their production capacity, because they will not be able to expand their lands fort farming purposes. Tajikistan is renown as being the centre of diversity for a large number of grain cereals, legumes, vegetables and melons, spices, and fruit. It is also considered a source of unique accessions of wheat, pistachio, apricots, pears, spinach, apples, pomegranate, and figs4. With the drive towards maximizing crop production and the subsequent monocropping, the diversity of accessions used by farmers has decreased to the extent that some have been lost while others are in danger of being lost. Without proper maintenance of the genetic resources additional consequences could include the loss of diversity. Maintaining variety diversity is essential in supporting crop breeding programs in the future15. The ten major crops by planting area account for 86% of the total planting area and include wheat, cotton, barley, apples, potatoes, grapes, watermelons (includes melons), onions, maize, and tomatoes, all of which, with the exception of some apples and grapes, are generally propagated from seed. Overall wheat and cotton account for 53% of the total area cultivated. Table 12: Agricultural Capacity of Target Districts Total Land Grain Cotton Vegetabl Fruit Total # # of Region/ Agri Сrops Рotato, Grain, District Area, Use produ prod, e prod, prod, of female Basin Land, ha area, ha ha ha km2 Area, ha cts, ha ha ha ha farm farms Ayni 5200 515819 3686 2900 780.9 1371 0 135.01 786 1201 Sughd/Zer Panjekent 3700 28644.3 28644.3 80690 4939.5 7106.6 0 10057.1 2776.2 3.283 9329 4329 afshan K. Mastchoh 3683 346390 7065.2 2438 2834 244.4 0 207 52.1 4627.2 77 61 Shahrituz 1500 152537 15989 14143 521 4635 5380 1520 1734 1846 2200 х Khatlon/Va Nosir Khisrov 819 715200 9904 8783 136 3418 3234 3596 595 1121 1095 х khsh Qubodiyon 1085 22174 740 4509 7575 1486 2054 х GBAO/ Vanj 4430 4443047 3627 1493 476 414 0 169 188 1050 69 55 Panj Rushon 5870 11362 13746.29 1655.29 272 462 0 137 4041 1219 Shughnon 4560 24346 2247 2084 410 996 0 12 163 163 88 70 Murghab 37200 511078 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Source: Social Assessment, NGO Znaniye, 2021 Permanent pastures make up most of the remaining agricultural land area, and these constitute about 3.2 m ha. Within the livestock sector, pasture utilizing animals (sheep, cattle, horses, goat and yaks) dominate consistent with the pasture-based nature of their production systems. Pig and poultry industries which rely heavily on grain production are small in comparison and have diminished greatly since independence. There is also a significant peri-urban sector where fattening cattle/sheep and dairy cows are kept in household yards. Feeds supplies are sourced locally, and fattened cattle/sheep and milk are sold in local markets. After independence, the grain imports stopped, and the system became unsustainable without them. This combined with the civil war and changes in farm and livestock ownership, brought about large reductions in animal numbers, especially in the sheep flock and beef herd. Livestock numbers declined dramatically up to 1999 and have recovered somewhat since. Most of the country’s livestock are held in the household sector. In 2014, 94% of dairy cows, 87% of beef cattle, 69% of sheep and 82% of goats were in this sector. The household sector has also been responsible for most of the growth in livestock numbers since 1997. This is despite only having a tiny proportion of the country’s land. The poor availability of land for most of the animals of the country to graze or for conservation of hay/silage for their winter diets is the root cause of the very poor nutrition of these animals, and the low productivity that results directly from their poor nutrition. 15 Muminjanov, H. 2008. State of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA) in the Republic of Tajikistan. 61 In general, animal productivity in Tajikistan is very low. Milk yield of dairy cows have been reported to be as low as 1-2 kg/day; calving interval is 17-18 months, beef cattle can be up to four years old before slaughter, and carcass weights are small lambs are usually 1.5 years old before they are slaughtered. Furthermore, the wool industry has virtually disappeared. The picture that emerges is one of a major animal feed deficit, wide-scale animal health problems, poor knowledge of husbandry and management practices among farmers, and perhaps most importantly of all, a sector constrained by land availability and tenure. Animal productivity of target districts is outlined in Table 14 below. Table 13: Livestock Capacity of Target Districts Pasture/livestock Сattle, Sheep/Goats, Horses, Yaks, Region/ Basin District Management Plans heads heads heads heads Yes/NO commission for the Ayni 32514 131869 197 regulation of pasture use Sughd/Zerafshan Panjekent 83784 198276 909 64 No K. Mastchoh 142751 126824 265 905 No Shahrituz 42118 87054 1090 n/a Khatlon/Vakhsh Nosir Khisrov 18580 44412 455 n/a Qubodiyon 49078 114381 1256 n/a GBAO/ Vanj 15576 37400 7 n/a Panj Rushon 10379 44193 3 873 No Shughnon 20261 34840 27 2560 No Murghab 20559 82388 72 20559 No Source: Social Assessment, NGO Znaniye, 2021 With over half the target sites located at an altitude of 3,000 meters or more, much of the country’s geography is extremely challenging for sustainable farming. Mountainous terrain divides the country and makes travel and transport extremely difficult, limiting internal and external trade. Besides agriculture, the target areas are involved in mining, construction, cotton, and food processing. Table 14: Key Economic Areas of Target Districts Number of Total # Region/ enterprises # of another of SMEs District Key economic producing areas Basin (cotton/food SMEs processing) Ayni agriculture/construction/mining 11 11 Sughd/Zerafshan Panjekent agriculture/industry/mining n/a 4347 4347 K. Mastchoh agriculture/construction 1 15 16 Shahrituz agriculture/construction 5 n/a 5 Khatlon/Vakhsh Nosir Khisrov agriculture/construction 1736 3 1739 Qubodiyon agriculture/construction Not available n/a 0 GBAO/ Vanj agriculture/construction 2 20 22 Panj Rushon Agriculture 1401 2 1403 Shughnon Agriculture 18 54 72 Murghab Trade n/a 12 12 Source: Social Assessment, NGO Znaniye, 2021 Based on the available data, the most economically developed districts are considered Penjikent, Ayni, Rushon and Nosiri Khisrav. There are many joint stock companies with foreign shareholders engaged in extraction of gold, and other precious metals in the districts of Zerafshan valley. The limited natural resources, particularly landscape creating tense situation in the rural Tajikistan. Latest incidents 62 in Tajik-Kyrgyz border is one of the examples, where the root cause of the conflict is distribution and benefiting from natural resources. In the medium and long-term, the overexploitation of the pastures, water resources, forests and other types of landscape at the targeted districts further deteriorates their restoration and sustainable use. The ten target districts under the present Project grow various varieties of crops, such as grain, potato, cotton, vegetable and fruits. In order to use landscape and water resources, associations of dehkan farmers, PUAs and WUAs should be established, where do not exist, or to strengthen their functioning, if they already operate. Table 16. Statistical data on targeted districts, by population, household, pastures and crop land Numb Numbe Pastur Crop Wome Wome land er of r of Populati Househ Pastures, e per Сrop # Watershed District n led n led per jamoat village on olds ha HH, land, ha HH HH, % HH, in s s in ha ha 1 Kofarnigan Qubodiyon 7 45 165241 30996 949 3% 23431.2 0.76 12271.1 0.40 2 Kofarnigan Shahritus 5 40 115066 16878 1984 12% 54169 3.21 9045 0.54 3 Kofarnigan N.Khusrav 3 27 35714 7660 0 0% 35824.15 4.68 5241.27 0.68 4 Zarafshan Ayni 7 60 78314 17402 1694 10% 25398.41 1.46 2218.64 0.13 Kuhistoni 5 Zarafshan Mastchoh 2 21 15289 2517 267 11% 1905 0.76 1790 0.71 24677.33 6 Zarafshan Panjakent 14 135 264809 47241 4410 9% 3 0.52 8897.4 0.19 7 Panj Vanj 6 58 35493 4245 196 5% 1325.53 0.31 1535.91 0.36 8 Panj Rushon 7 42 26210 5375 716 13% 10303.51 1.92 1445.9 0.27 9 Panj Shugnon 5 48 30499 4921 561 11% 1062.59 0.22 1018.84 0.21 1 0 Panj Murgob 6 19 15895 3567 610 17% 85025 23.84 30 0.01 Total 62 495 782,530 140,802 11,387 8% 263122 1.87 43494.06 0.31 Source: TajStat, 2019 The farms of Kuhistoni Mastchoh, Vanj and Shugnon districts have scarce agricultural land, respectively, 0.02ha, 0.02ha and 0.03ha. It shows first the limited access to land resources and secondly the limited availability of landscape resources. In the long run, the mentioned districts will face further deterioration in their production capacity, because they will not be able to expand their lands fort farming purposes. According to the Table above, the pastures per household in Panjakent, Shugnon and Vanj on average is 0.35 ha per household, which indicates the scarcity of the pastures in the mentioned districts. One can also see the limited land resources in Rushon, Shugnon, and Murghob, where on average 0.17 ha of cropland is available. To alleviate this, landscape restoration, recovery of new lands, better land management are critical to prevent worsening the situation. Raising pasture yields depends vitally on a proper system of pasture management with the necessary resources to ensure maintenance and rehabilitation of pastures. The pasture management system in Tajikistan remains largely unchanged since Soviet times with the exception that the lowest rung in the management system (corporate farms) no longer has adequate resources for pasture upkeep. Although this system seems to cover many of the functions of a pasture management system, it is not well adapted to administering and maintaining a public good such as pastures in the post-independence period when over 90 percent of animals are held in household farms. 5.4.3 Migration and Employment by Gender Most Tajik people are forced to combine subsistence agriculture, labor migration and shuttle trade in order to earn a living. People try to find different ways of earning income by working in villages or elsewhere as a driver, a day 63 laborer, shopkeeper, tailor, obstetrician, shepherd, etc. The labor market at the local and district level is very limited, and the pay for temporary work is very low. Therefore, the most significant way to generate income is labor migration- mainly to Russia. The increase in migration since independence has created both challenges and opportunities for women. According to the interviews, the wives of migrant workers assume the role of head of household after the departure of their husbands and make most of the decisions. From numerous individual examples, it can be said that migration also led to an increase in the number of female-headed households (abandoned or divorced women) in Tajikistan. The right to make individual decisions in households, for example, concerning agricultural production, remains with men, and it is granted based on age, merit and experience. Women do most of the domestic and agricultural work in rural areas, in particular in areas where there is a migratory outflow among men. The proportion of officially registered labor migrants averages 5% in the Khatlon region and over 10% in the target regions of GBAO. A different level of migration is observed in the villages, where it makes up about 10% of the working population of villages. Mostly local residents migrate to the Russian Federation. Most migrants (over 90%) are men who go abroad for seasonal work. There are also people who leave for several years, or, as they are often called, long-term migrants. Despite the fact that only 10-15% of the total population of villages migrate, they send relatively high incomes to their households. The level of labor migration and its growth is associated with unemployment, which reaches 60% of the total working population of the community. Significant unemployment has led to large-scale migration, especially among men who leave women to manage their households, which makes them responsible for supporting their families, as well as for other household duties and caring for children. By the age of 25 years, 70% of women become inactive, which means that they do unpaid work at home, compared with 20% of men who also become inactive by this age. Over 43% of Tajik women do unpaid housework, work in the garden or care for other family members compared to 9% of men. The proportion of households managed by women is growing, often due to labor migration. A third of men aged 20 to 39 years emigrate for most of the year or more, and about 41% of men divorce their Tajik wives after leaving the country. According to the results of the divorce proceedings, about 80% of Tajik women are denied property rights and alimony. Women are forced to cope with the situation by performing, in addition to their traditional roles of caring for children and senior family members, traditionally male responsibilities, such as maintaining and maintaining the household, caring for fields and animals. These additional responsibilities limit their participation in education and income-generating activities outside the home. In addition, women's paid employment is hampered by a significant decline in the number of preschool educational institutions, especially in rural areas, which is the result of the collapse of the socialist system and the civil war in the country. Table 17: Migration and Employment Data by the Districts, people # of # of Region/ female # of # of females # of # of female District # of HHs employed Basin headed migrants employed unemployed unemployed people HHs Ayni 17402 1694 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a Sughd/Zeraf Panjekent 98768 n/a 3557 5463 1911 1911 n/a shan K. Mastchoh 4364 482 356 7560 3628 2150 1032 Shahrituz 26210 n/a n/a 64253 18105 n/a n/a Khatlon/Vak Nosir Khisrov 8781 4900 20 7642 n/a 134 56 hsh Qubodiyon 30996 949 15034 6311 2227 298 n/a GBAO/ Vanj 4261 n/a 4411 14069 2753 2753 645 Panj Rushon 5382 716 6017 7801 n/a 371 138 Shughnon 6135 725 8003 11270 720 417 n/a Murghab 3666 644 2636 3185 1787 3986 2132 Source: Social Assessment, NGO Znaniye, 2021 Social Assessment conducted showed that almost every household had at least one family member working abroad. Number of officially registered unemployed people is very low, as the actual figures are much higher. 64 5.4.4 Poverty and Vulnerability Despite various efforts to promote growth and development in Tajikistan, the country is still hampered by high levels of poverty and limited economic opportunities. In Tajikistan, 27.4% of the population lives below the national poverty line in 2018. There are significant variations in the poverty rates among the regions with poverty being predominantly the rural phenomena. The average poverty rate for urban areas is 21.5%, while the same indicator for rural areas was 30.2% in 2018. By regions, the lowest poverty rate is in Sughd, which is 17.5%, and the highest is 33.2% in the Districts in Republican Subordination, while in GBAO the poverty rate was 27.7%.16 Poverty rates fluctuate considerably during any given year resulting from the availability of the employment and remittance income. Job creation was slow and unable to keep pace with a fast-growing population. The issue of the working poor continues to be one of the dominant features of poverty in Tajikistan. Half of the employed in the domestic labor market are poor. Almost 80 percent of the working poor live in rural areas. Low labor incomes and high prevalence of temporary work arrangements, informality (no labor contract), and unpaid work are the main reasons there are so many working poor. Migration, mostly in the form of temporary work abroad, has become one of the key strategies for households to cope with poverty. The analysis indicates that a quarter of households have at least one migrant abroad. In households that have migrants, remittances account for as much as 35 percent of household consumption—and even more for the households in the lower deciles of the consumption distribution. The Tajikistan migration model is one of predominantly seasonal low-skill migration, with 96 percent of the migrants heading to Russia, and of those, 55 percent worked in the construction sector, and another 30 percent in other low-skill jobs.17 Against a background of high poverty and low employment, Tajikistan runs a rudimentary social protection (SP) system dominated by old-age and disability pensions. The largest program in terms of coverage is the old-age pension, which is received by one-third of households. Total social assistance spending is very low—at 0.5 percent of GDP it is the lowest in the ECA Region—and programs are small in size and benefit coverage. Less than 1 percent of households receive any of the smaller social assistance benefits, such as the gas and electricity compensation. To improve the SP system and its impact on poverty, the Government of Tajikistan introduced a targeted social assistance to achieve a higher coverage of the poor and vulnerable, though they are considered very small payments. The poverty rate has improved during last two decades in Tajikistan declining from 53% in 2007 to 31% in 201518. According to the Household Budget Survey (HBS) the national poverty rate dropped to around 30 percent in 2017. High unemployment rates recorded in Kuhistoni Mastchoh and Murghob districts, constituting 15% and 25 % respectively. Available data indicates the large proportion of population migrating to other countries, particularly the selected districts of GBAO, where on average, migrants constitute 20% of the total population. According to the official poverty estimates for 2015, Dushanbe has the lowest poverty rate in Tajikistan (20 percent) followed by Sughd (22 percent) while Khatlon (36 percent), DRS (37 percent) and GBAO (39 percent) can be deemed far poorer regions. Poverty and extreme poverty rates are much higher among rural (35 percent poor and 20 percent extremely poor) than urban populations (23 percent poor and 11 percent extremely poor). In addition, the poverty reduction rate since 2012 has been slower in rural areas than in urban areas. Overall, about 76 percent of Tajikistan’s poor population lives in rural settlements19. 16 https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/infographic/2019/10/17/poverty-in-tajikistan-2019 17 Jobs and Skills Assessment, 2018 18 National Development Strategy of Tajikistan for 2016-2030. Page 14. 19 WFP (2019). Vulnerability and Resilience Atlas. Page 20. 65 VI. POTENTIAL PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 6.1 Environmental and Social Risk Classification The project is expected to have positive impacts as it is expected to increase the adoption of effective agricultural and natural resource management practices, including, but not limited to, aforestation; agro-forestry; watershed management and watercourse buffer zones; windbreaks; pasture and rangeland management; and climate smart irrigation. In addition, other positive impacts are mitigating the risks of landslides, floods, and drought, and enhancing the resilience of the local population and ecosystems. There is hope that the project will open new prospects for local communities in the development of agribusiness and private forest breeding, namely agroforestry. The project also has a cross-boundary dimension through promoting regional activities in cross-border landscape management and data sharing with the neighboring countries. The project will finance series of institutional activities to provide longer term positive impact on landscapes management, land and forest resources. For instance, the project will support preparation of a National Landscape Restoration Strategy and Action Plan, which will include climate resilience risk assessment of forestry plantations, national forest program, water sector reforms and Protected Areas strategy and action plan. The overall environmental risk is rated as Substantial. Some of the proposed project activities may have environmental impacts associated with green and grey infrastructure: noise, dust, pollution of air, soil and water, solid waste management, biodiversity disturbance, health and safety hazards, community health and safety risks, etc. It is expected that environmental risks will be typical for small construction /rehabilitation works under Component 1 and 2, including forest enterprise office buildings, guest houses and small cafes, as well as the work on the creation of protective plantations and agroforestry demonstration sites. As the project areas are expected to be within or close vicinity of the protected areas or national parks, some disturbance to biodiversity, including rare species. There is also a risk of adverse impacts on potential sensitive archaeological areas, which are not known and legally not registered yet. The key labor risks would be associated with occupational health and safety risks (OHS) related to the rehabilitation of field offices and buildings such as exposure to physical, chemical and biological hazards during construction activities, use of heavy equipment, trip and fall hazards, exposure to noise and dust, falling objects, exposure to hazardous materials and exposure to electrical hazards from the use of tools and machinery. As the construction activities will involve hazardous work, persons under the age of 18 will not be employed in civil works. The IA will take steps to prevent accidents, injury, and disease arising from, associated with, or occurring in the course of work by minimizing, as far as reasonably practicable, the causes of hazards based on international industry practice, reflected also in the World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines. The client will address areas that include the (i) identification of potential life-threatening hazards to workers; (ii) provision of preventive and protective measures, including modification, substitution, or elimination of hazardous conditions or substances; (iii) training of workers; (iv) documentation and reporting of occupational accidents, diseases, and incidents; and (v) emergency prevention, preparedness, and response arrangements. Requirements to follow good industry practice and EHS Guidelines will be included in bidding documents of all civil works contractors. The site-specific ESMPs will include OHS measures and monitoring plans. Environmental risks will be temporary in nature and specific areas and can be easily mitigated by applying best building and/or environmentally friendly methods and appropriate mitigation measures. The social risk is substantial. It is likely that project will have to address potential conflicts in order to bring together differing perspectives. This would mean that the project will have to develop appropriate strategies and implementation plans to ensure that the local communities are provided with an opportunity to participate in decision making and derive full benefits. The substantial risk relates to these risks as well risks and impacts related to the financing of resilient infrastructure rehabilitation, including protected areas, roads and river banks, which may cause minor economic and resettlement impacts and restrictions in access to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas. The contextual issues which may impact project implementation and outcomes to be considered during project implementation include: (i) accessibility – to poor and near-poor people, specially, in rural and mountainous areas; (ii) equity challenges due to geographic, socio-economic, and inter regional disparities; (iii) fragility and conflict situation in some border areas; (iv) gender inequity – which could affect outreach to women in general and female headed households, in particular; (iv) adequate and appropriate facilities provision and service quality; and (v) regulation and governance, especially with regard to integrating forestry with other livelihood department activities. This would demand an inclusive IEC campaign and technology 66 demonstrations and dissemination. The key potential labor risks would be associated with labor influx, child and/or forced labor, inequity and discrimination in employment and terms and conditions, and lack of ability to organize favorable working environment. The project proposes rehabilitation of some small/ medium scale infrastructure of forest agency buildings, special protected areas, and improvement of access to remote pastures; therefore, the majority of contractors are expected to be from the local vicinity. The expectation is that the majority of labor will be locally hired with the exception of a few skilled workers. Therefore, the labor influx risk is considered low. The risk of child labor/forced labor is also rated low, as based on the national legislation the contractors have to comply with the minimum age of employment and mutually agreed written contracts. The special attention shall be paid to ensure that working atmosphere is community friendly and all labor management practices are in accordance with the provisions of ESS 2 – all workers will be hired fairly without discrimination. The project will support investments in rural livelihood development and landscape management selected through a multi-stakeholder planning process, and the bulk of which will be designed and managed primarily by communities, farmers, and resource user groups through the small grant program. Issues of social inclusion, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and the dependence of their livelihoods from selected resources are assessed through social and environmental assessment and considered in the project design to ensure that stakeholders have equal access to project benefits. A summary of potential environmental and social risks and impacts during the implementation of the project that, along with the recommended mitigation measures, is presented in Table 18. The proposed measures can be used to develop site specific ESMP for selected subprojects. 6.2. Potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures The project may generate some environmental impacts and risks that could arise from the sub-projects during small- scale construction or operational phases. Mainly relates to activities on green infrastructure, nurseries, small-scale grants to communities, on renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Special consideration should be paid to tourism-based investments, such as guest houses and cafes, and construction works within close vicinity of Protected Areas. These impacts will be assessed when conducting site-specific E&S assessment. Mitigation measures will be developed to avoid, reduce and mitigate the impacts. Impact on biodiversity: During the forest planting and small-scale construction work, soil processing (deep ploughing, cultivation, harrowing) will be carried out, which can damage the vegetation cover and lead to the vegetation loss. Moving and storage of construction materials, removing surplus, waste and building rubbish can disrupt wildlife, including affecting natural habitats. The project areas include Protected Areas and Natural Parks, that are areas of natural and critical habitats. In order to minimize the potential risks, once the project sites are identified, the project will conduct site-specific ESIA, which will include technical and financial feasibility, assessment of alternatives, cumulative Impact Assessment, Biodiversity Assessment, as well as site-specific ESMP. Such assessment will be outsourced to a consulting firm with appropriate capacity. Natural habitats and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the proposed activities will not be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. For large trees in the vicinity of the activity, mark and cordon off with a fence large tress and protect root system and avoid any damage to the trees. Furthermore, the adjacent wetlands and streams will be required to be protected, from construction site run-off, with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales, silt fences. There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially in protected areas. Depending on the location of the sub-projects and impacts Biodiversity Management Plans will be developed, especially for the activities in the Protected Areas. Create awareness on pollution/ solid waste especially plastic reuse/ recycle), and to restrain from buying/ consuming wildlife/ products (List of Do’s & Don’ts, Annex 6). Pests and pesticide: Pose a certain potential risk to the project, especially its intention to conserve biodiversity within selected priority landscapes, but also on community health and safety. The project does not procure nor applies such agrochemicals directly, but village-based livelihood development and support including agricultural and forestry related activities, as well others, may indirectly contribute to a further increase of their application (e.g., due to procurement of pesticides by farmers and others). In case potential 67 adverse risks and impacts are detected during screening, they will be addressed by avoiding, mitigating, and reducing them to be described in site-specific ESMPs. Potential impact from tourism related activities: Project activities under Component 1 and 2, especially within close vicinity to natural forests, Protected Areas and National Parks, may have cumulative impact on environment as a result of increase of tourists. The project will follow selected best practices, such as: regulate inflow of tourists as appropriate; assess impact of increased tourists and accompanying demand on fuel wood from PA areas, increased harvesting of selected non-timber forest products, wild fruits, herbs for consumption and sale; assess location of tourist spots and ensure sites are not in fragile natural habitat areas; undertake orientation and training for local people involved in eco-tourism, especially with relation to negative impacts of tourism on the environment and forest resources; provide orientation and briefings to tourists about PA (Annex 7), make available awareness material in appropriate language; introduce Code of Conduct for tourists who are visiting PA within the priority landscapes; apply ESMP or ESMP checklist to physical renovation and construction works related to support tourism activity. Soil and water pollution. As a result of leakage of fuel and lubricants from tree-planting machines and construction equipment and stored waste, petroleum products and chemicals can contaminate the soil, penetrate groundwater or drain into surface water reservoirs. Maintenance and care of equipment and machinery near natural streams can lead to water pollution. If temporary settlements of developers are established on the construction site, pollution can be caused by sanitary conditions in settlements. The project will invest in improving the quality of sanitary conditions in the areas where workers take food and rest. Inadequate management and operation of sanitation facilities can lead to increased stream and groundwater pollution. In the event of an accidental spill, immediate cleaning will be carried out. All cleaning materials must be stored in a safe place on the site where hazardous waste can be disposed of. Air pollution. The dust will form as a result of logging and construction work, mechanical agrotechnical tending, transportation of construction materials/waste and movement of tractors, tree-planting machinery and heavy vehicle, renovation of buildings, etc. In particular, the risk of dust pollution will increase in windy weather. The magnitude of the impact will increase when construction/rehabilitation works are carried out in the vicinity of a populated area. Given the nature of most of the works, this impact is expected to be short-term, low-risk and can be mitigated by implementing the measures recommended in Table 18. However, additional measures (most often watering, installation of a dust screen) may be required for subprojects involving the dismantling of existing buildings. Particular care should be taken when coming into contact with toxic asbestos dust, which may occur when removing thermal insulation or roofs containing asbestos gaskets. Personnel should wear protective masks. Adverse impacts can be prevented by applying best construction practices and appropriate mitigation measures. Noise and vibration pollution. Strong increase in noise and vibration is expected when planting, construction, transporting materials, operation of construction equipment, in particular, in earthworks, pneumatic drilling and operation of construction cranes. Noise and vibration will cause concern among local residents if the work is carried out in close proximity to residential areas. Noise levels are not expected to exceed the established limits during project activities. Noise pollution can be mitigated by using recommended measures. Given the specific nature of the project, vibration is not expected to affect human health and structural integrity as there will be no significant vibration generation activities. Sanitary Norms CH 2.2.4/2.1.8.562-96 are used in Tajikistan to ensure acceptable noise levels for residential areas. These rules and regulations establish permissible noise parameters for residential and public buildings and residential development of inhabited areas created by external and internal sources and the noise level should not exceed 55 dB(A) during the day and 45 dB(A) at night. Construction waste. During the construction of wells and forest nursery it is assumed that the amount of waste and garbage will be a little, as excavated wells will be created manually from concrete and brick, and maintenance buildings of the forest nursery will be built using modular structures. The following possible types of wastes that may be generated during construction work have been formed: (i) construction waste and waste as a result of transportation, recycling, compressor operation, jackhammers and other construction equipment; (ii) soil and stones, cut trees, bushes, household waste, outdated equipment and materials; (iii) hazardous waste - construction rubbish containing asbestos plaster, asbestos slate, mineral wool plate and Ruberoid roofing felt, worn tires, filters and oils of construction equipment and transformer substations. Construction waste will be removed in a timely manner and properly transported to special sites in local authorized landfills. Hazardous waste will be removed and disposed of carefully to avoid further impact on the health of workers and surrounding communities. Waste disposal sites should be 68 carefully selected at the construction site, and waste classification and recycling rules should be prepared in environmental management plans. Waste Management Plan will be prepared to adequately handle all types of waste generated during Project implementation. Pollution with asbestos dust - asbestos dust generating during demolishing of old roofs from rehabilitated/re- innovating buildings may cause a serious risk for health of people living in houses next or close to construction sites. For such cases prior conduction construction works, contractor will have to develop a measures on Asbestos Management as a part of ESMP, the format of more detailed Asbestos Management Plan (ACMMP) is provided in Annex 4. The WB ESS 3: Resources Efficiency and Pollution Prevention requires that WB- funded projects apply pollution prevention and control technologies and health and safety measures that are consistent with international good practice, as reflected in international standards such as the IFC/World Bank Environmental, Health and Safety General Guidelines (2007). If national legislation differs from these standards, the borrower is required to achieve whichever is more stringent. The only regulation of Tajikistan on asbestos, the regional multi-state agreement, Interstate Standard GOST 12871-93 signed by Tajikistan, regulates interstate trade and transport of chrysotile asbestos. However, the procedure does provide clear description of handling ACM, therefore, the items related to ACMMP follows the World Bank Guidelines Chance finds - some of the project cities may be located in places where presence a chance of finding archeological heritage. It is expected that during construction and renovation of small-scale facilities which would involve excavations, movement of earth, or other changes in the physical environment, during which unexpectedly might be found cultural tangible and intangible resources. To address this issue all such subprojects' ESMP, will have special clauses in all contracts for civil works on “chance finds procedure” which will set out how chance finds associated with the subproject will be managed. 6.3 Potential Social Impacts and Risks 6.3.1. Positive Social Impacts and Risks Rural communities and community-based organizations (PUUs, WUAs and FUGs) within the landscapes will be mobilized, trained, and receive grants for community-based pasture management, joint forest management, climate-smart agriculture, and small-scale ecotourism. These communities and groups will benefit from technical and financial support to implement technologies and approaches that improve their livelihoods, increase their resilience, while also contributing to the restoration of ecosystem functions. Within the landscapes’ PAs the project will improve the management capacities, and finance PA management and recreation/ecotourism to improve the management as further means of conservation and income generation. Overall, the purpose of the Project is in line with priorities of the Central Asian (CA) countries and their population. Upon successful initiation and implementation of the Project, there will be positive social impacts and effects at different levels (regional, country, district, community). It is envisaged to design and implementation of agreements, memorandums, action plans, bilateral and multilateral cooperation frames, which supposed to secure participatory approach and community driven development. People living in poverty, the communities prone to climate change impacts and natural disasters, women and adolescent girls, children, youth, ethnical minorities and other vulnerable segments of society will benefit from the Project implementation. The project will create employment opportunities, capacity building and training courses, technical assistance for starting up income generating activities for the institutions and people in need. Last, but not least, peace and security in bordering zones, good inter-country relationships on transboundary interventions, will be strengthened and social cohesion in CA+ shall be enhanced. This is much more needed considering the latest developments with neighboring countries. 6.3.2. Adverse Social Impacts and Risks The project’s interventions are unlikely to result in any adverse impacts. Project interventions will require extended interface with the local communities and government bodies. It is likely that project will have to address potential conflicts in order to bring together differing perspectives. This would mean that the project 69 will have to develop appropriate strategies and implementation plans to ensure that the local communities are provided with an opportunity to participate in decision making and derive full benefits. The following issues assume significance in the context of the project: Access restrictions. The project activities may cause restriction on land use and access to natural resources that cause a community or groups within a community to lose access to resource usage, including legally designated protected areas, forests, or biodiversity areas to be restored in connection with the project. To address this risk, a Process Framework was developed during project preparation to ensure community participation. It outlines the ways local communities, who have a stake in protected areas, may participate in land and natural resources management through informed and meaningful consultations and negotiations to develop and implement Action plans. Land acquisition. Components 1 and 2 will not fund any activities that may result in involuntary resettlement or livelihood displacement. However, project activities, afforestation, improvement of resilience of infrastructure (roads, dams), pasture management activities (establishment of seed demonstration plots) for native forage species, rehabilitation of office buildings, introduction of new agroforestry and climate smart agriculture practices, and small-scale livelihood investments may cause temporary restriction of access and minor economic impacts and resettlement risks. To avoid, minimise, and mitigate those impacts, an was prepared, consulted upon and disclosed prior the Appraisal and will be implemented throughout the project. The RPF defines the procedures for: (i) acquiring land (after all technical alternatives have been exhausted), (ii) dealing with any residual impacts from land acquisition (i.e., identifying, establishing the valuation of, and compensating people that suffer economic losses or loss of private property), (iii) monitoring and verification that policies and procedures are followed, and (iv) grievance redress mechanisms. Where resettlement-related impacts will be identified, site-specific RAPswill be prepared by the CEP/IG in accordance with the RPF. Project activities that will cause physical and/or economic displacement will not commence until site specific RAPs acceptable to the Bank will be consulted upon and implemented. Exclusion of locations. Choosing one location for agroforestry demonstration sites over others to attract investment in agribusiness and infrastructure for farmers and local communities can lead to some risk of dissatisfaction of stakeholders. In this regard, extensive consultations with public and private stakeholders on the location for the construction of the forest nursery and agroforestry sites will be conducted following the Proj ect’s SEP. Representatives of CEP and local authorities should organize a campaign to inform the public about grants for agroforestry demonstration sites among the target groups. CEP/IG will use existing information channels (local administrations of districts and rural districts, media, non-governmental organizations, mailing lists, social networks) to reach potential participants. Exclusion of vulnerable groups. Some individuals or groups have limited access to a variety of opportunities and resources, such as women and young people having weak links with government because of their remoteness, lack of education or lack of interest in public life. Other participants may also suffer social isolation. The main contributors include income, employment status, social class, personal habits and appearance, religion and political affiliation. The risk will be prevented and/or reduced by conducting outreach and awareness-raising campaign in line with the project SEP. Training programs are expected to target younger groups of population who will be given priority access to these programs. Women headed and disabled households are expected to benefit from the support provided under the small grants program. They will be provided with technical assistance in the establishment of agroforestry demonstration sites and subsequent support during the implementation. The risk of exclusion will be addressed to a large extent through SEP supplemented with community mobilization and an effective IEC. Disadvantaged and vulnerable groups under the project are likely to include farmers in remote areas and women groups, especially women engaged in seasonal agricultural work, female-headed households and women farmers who by virtue of constraining social norms and social networks may find it harder to obtain information about the project benefits. SEP will envision measures to ensure that disadvantaged and vulnerable groups have equal opportunity to obtain information and benefit from project activities, as well as have channels for grievance and redress if negatively affected. Such activities will include tailored awareness and information campaigns including targeting women and mahalla-level meetings which community members of all backgrounds and remote areas can join, distributing information materials through multiple channels such as media, social media, and mahalla leaders, emphasizing the rules and principles of equity and non-discrimination for example in relation 70 to employment opportunities in all training and consultation activities. Labor risks will be associated with labor influx, child and/or forced labor, inequity and discrimination in employment and terms and conditions, and lack of ability to organize favorable working environment. The project proposes rehabilitation of some small/ medium scale infrastructure of forest agency buildings, special protected areas, and improvement of access to remote pastures; therefore, the majority of contractors are expected to be from the local vicinity. The expectation is that the majority of labor will be locally hired with the exception of a few skilled workers. The labor camps will be small in size and no residential labor camps are anticipated at this stage. Therefore, the labor influx risk is considered low. The risk of child labor/forced labor is also rated low, as based on the national legislation the contractors have to comply with the minimum age of employment and mutually agreed written contracts. The special attention shall be paid to ensure that working atmosphere is community friendly and all labor management practices are in accordance with the provisions of ESS 2 – all workers will be hired fairly without discrimination. There is a risk that the current practice of unaccounted working hours and lack of compensation for overtime will continue. The IG will track the staff working hours by completing the timesheets and restricting overtimes. The CEP/IG has prepared LMP, which outline the type of project workers, labor conditions and associated labor risks, as well as mitigation measures. Provisions are also made to train and hire as many as possible workers from local communities where the activities are taking place. The LMP was disclosed, consulted upon, and adopted prior the Project Appraisal and the IG will supervise the contracts, while the Contractors will be required to commit to the LMP provisions in their contracts. Occupational Health and Safety risks maybe be caused by safety and health non-compliance at construction sites. The Contractors will have to follow Occupation Safety and Health rules, which include among others strictly implementation established norms and procedure H&S which depends on type on conducting works, usage of PPE, training activities and monitoring. In addition, all workers need to be introduced to working procedure with hazardous materials. Contractors have to provide workers with appropriate working conditions: PPEs, safe water supply, washing conditions, rooms for rest and etc. Community safety. Inadequate lighting and fencing of construction sites inside of settlement areas can be dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles especially during the night-time. Increasing of traffic due to trucks and vehicles movements to construction sites may cause inconvenience for local population as well. In addition, some construction/rehabilitation activities will cause temporary blockage of household access. Untimely and inefficient disposal of solid waste and improper sanitary conditions generated by the construction workers at construction sites and labor camps may cause pollution of the surrounding environment and affect the health of local people. Moreover, a movement of heavy tracks may destroy or deteriorate conditions of roads inside settlements. The ESMF also includes emergency preparedness and response plans to manage natural or man-made hazards/incidents (floods, fires, etc.) in the intervention areas during both implementation and operational stages of the project. Community Health. The COVID-19 pandemic also presents a risk to the project and the beneficiary communities due to increased interaction with stakeholders and interested parties from outside a particular location. The project will mitigate this risk by strictly following the World Bank Group Interim Note on COVID-19 and related WHO guidelines. Sexual Exploitation and Abuse/Sexual Harassment (SEA/SH) risk is assessed as moderate mostly due to the status of national Gender-Based Violence (GBV) legislation, gender norms, and the rural location of most project activities. All the contracted workers have to take the SEA/SH training and sign the code of conduct. The SEP will also describe the project-specific Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) which will accept, review, and seek to resolve any project related concerns or feedback, and be easily accessible to project-affected parties and local communities, among other stakeholders. GRM will have a special window to address SEA/SH complaints such as to ensure privacy and dignity of the affected persons. The project specific risks are to be viewed in the light of contextual issues as well. The contextual issues which may impact project implementation and outcomes to be considered during project implementation include: (i) accessibility – to poor and near-poor people, specially, in rural and mountainous areas; (ii) equity challenges due to geographic, socio-economic, and inter regional disparities; (iii) fragility and conflict situation in some border areas; (iv) gender inequity – which could affect outreach to women in general and female headed households, in particular; (iv) adequate and appropriate facilities provision and service quality; and (v) regulation and governance, specially with regard to integrating forestry with other livelihood department activities. Contextual challenges at border communities. Considering the recent geopolitical developments in Tajik-Kyrgyz 71 border (during spring 2021) and Tajik-Afghan border (in summer 2021), the Component 1 will cause effects on people residing at those communities. During the implementation of the activities under the Component 1 and its sub-components, it is recommended to avoid ignorance of the socio-economic conditions of the targeted 10 districts, particularly those villages that live across the borders. Institutions and stakeholders – to be capacitated – should use participatory approach when entering regional cooperation frameworks and developing necessary strategies or plans for landscape restoration. When designing policies, strengthening institutions and enhance regional cooperation, districts, communities and public associations concerned will be affected as a result of the mentioned interventions and different consequences. Policies, respective stakeholders and regional cooperation arrangements might ignore the most vulnerable group of population, remote jamoats and/or villages bordering with neighboring countries. One of the pragmatic operation tools is to develop a risk log for registration of potential social risks and track on a regular (e.g. monthly, quarterly, etc.) basis. The risk log must pre-identify mitigating measures against each risk. Regional collaboration for CA+ is becoming more and more important, considering the peculiarities – both political and social – of bordering regions of Tajikistan with Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. The social effects and consequences of the regional cooperation will be having direct impact on Water Users Associations, Pasture Users Unions, private sector dealing with ecotourism, smallholder farmers and individual households. Joint trans- boundary landscape restoration plans and/or programs between two or more states may help targeted districts by involving their communities, civil society organizations, local authorities and other drivers. The recommendation is that when entering regional arrangements and cooperation frameworks, the interests and conditions of relevant communities residing in bordering zones should be taken into account. When citizens feel they are part of the joint discussions and planning, there will be less social risks, such as tensions and conflicts between communities and between nations. Regional educational events and workshops should include participation of representatives of civil society, who can, along with government officials, advocate for the benefits of disadvantaged people, vulnerable communities, women and children. 6.4 Institutional Capacity to Comply with new ESF CEP has previous experience in meeting environmental and social safeguards requirements in similar environmental management, disaster risk management, irrigation management and livelihoods development projects with the Bank Environmental Land Management and Rural Livelihoods Project (ELMARL) and other donors. The environmental and social safeguards performance had been rated as satisfactory almost throughout the whole project implementation, thus showing readiness and commitment of the CEP to comply with set environmental and social standards. CEP and ELMAR representatives in field increased their capacity on environmental safeguards, which was reflected in the ICR. The project will build on lessons learned and planning and small grant management and may use similar arrangements at sub-district and village levels for implementation, particularly for community- driven development. However, this is the first project CEP preparing under the Bank’s Environment and Soci al Framework (ESF). The IA capacity to deliver an ESF based project is limited; therefore, capacity building for the IA including other line agencies, district authorities and contractors is included in the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and ESMF. 6.5 Potential Cumulative Impacts of the Project Natural and human-caused disturbances are increasingly putting forest and pasture health and use at risk. Individually, these disturbances affect the ecosystems. When combined, greater “cumulative effects” to the environmental, cultural, social and economic values derived from rehabilitated forest and pasture areas can occur. Many natural and human-caused events that disturb resources areas include: • wildland fires • forest pest infestations • climate change • resource development (e.g. forestry, mines, oil and gas, agriculture) • linear disturbances (e.g. roads, pipelines, seismic-exploration lines) • recreation and human activity • urban expansion Cumulative impacts which are of specific nature and emerge during the project implementation period. During site- specific ESA, the cumulative effects will be assessed by analyzing how landscape disturbances interact with each 72 other, and whether these interactions are positive or negative and measure the risk to the environment. It will also determine how multiple disturbances change the resource areas by examining indicators such as tree health, species, socio-economic status of resource users and neighboring communities. Each resource sector must understand how their activities interact with other activities sharing the same landscape. When forest or pasture ecosystems are affected, these impacts extend into rural user communities. The economies and regional well-being of these communities are linked to the health and productivity of local resources. By understanding the accumulated impacts of landscape disturbances, decision-making related to the sustainable use of the country’s natural resources is better informed. To understand, assess and reduce risk of cumulative effects, the Implementing Agencies are committed to conduct the following: • Develop strategies and tools to assess, prevent and minimize the risks and impacts of cumulative effects on forests. However, there are gaps in knowledge and data for understanding, assessing, predicting and managing the cumulative effects of resource development projects. The natural resource sectors must close these gaps to uphold their strong environmental reputation. • Work with national partners, jurisdictions, local communities and other stakeholders. These collaborations will help determine the issues, needs, existing gaps and opportunities. • Consult with resource users and neighboring communities. The impact of cumulative effects on the rights and interests of local communities and resource users must be considered. Their knowledge and values can play an important role, alongside the technical designers, in informing natural resource management decision-making. • Create and develop knowledge and tools to restore ecosystems. The Project is designed and well equipped to develop and implement evidence-based tools (PA Management Plans, Biodiversity Management Plans) and techniques to improve land reclamation and forest landscape restoration. These processes are necessary to return damaged ecosystems to their original state or into a sustainable landscape. • Identify climate change impacts and mitigation measures. Climate change is one of the biggest factors driving the impacts of cumulative effects in the project sites. The ultimate challenge in cumulative effects assessment will be to understand how these impacts unfold with a changing climate and improve current approaches to monitoring and managing cumulative environmental effects in the context of climate change. For that, climate change vulnerability assessments will be carried out at project sites, where necessary. 73 Table 18: Potential Environmental and Social Impacts and Mitigation Measures Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation COMPONENT 1: STRENGTHEN INSTITUTIONS AND POLICIES, AND REGIONAL COLLABORATION 1 Subcomponent 1.1 Strengthen No environmental impact - Limited coverage of Moderate SEP will be developed, implemented and negligible Institutions and Policies Ineffective and unsystematic non-state actors by reported. stakeholder engagement IEC Rehabilitation and Moderate Wildlife, Moderate Proper design, careful selection of low improvement Construction of buildings biodiversity appropriate construction sites based on of SFE offices, district-level may result in increased disturbance management plan/ PA zoning (at least 50 Pasture Commissions and pollution of air/water (e.g. m away from wildlife areas and water selected Special PA units dust, waste) if near water bodies, not on steep slopes), Careful bodies and soil erosion selection of processing site (at least 50 m (i) civil works, such as the (impacts on fish and away from water bodies), apply site- construction and/or disturbance of biodiversity) specific ESA (ESIA/ESMP), prepare rehabilitation office Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP), buildings, other facilities More tourists, the presence of Moderate Areas around Moderate Collect/dispose of wastewater/ sewage Low (ii) procurement of office project workers/ staff may works, wildlife, as properly as will be defined in ESMP, furniture, field and result in increased pollution well as cumulative Waste Management Plan (WMP). List of laboratory equipment, (e.g. solid waste, wastewater) impact in PAs and Do’s and Don’ts and Code of Conduct for vehicles and farm and sale/consumption of Parks PAs included into the Contracts for machinery wildlife/ products for food/ workers. Create awareness on pollution/ souvenirs (impacts on solid waste (iii) consultancy services biodiversity). especially plastic (reuse/ recycle) and to restrain from buying/ consuming wildlife/ products (iv) capacity building and capability development of technicians, and other associated personnel through participation in individually targeted training Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Impact from cutting/clearing Low Trees and Moderate Cutting of trees will be undertaken as per low of trees and other vegetation vegetation at the approved design and only upon approval. site The cutting of trees will be avoided as much as possible and damage to vegetation minimized. Impact on historical and Low Archaeological Low Contractor will ensure that the workforce negligible archaeological sites such as artefacts and is briefed that in the event of accidental damage to relics and artefacts cultural heritage finds of relics, they should immediately during the conduct of the sites cease any works in the area and promptly works report the find to their supervisor. Chance fund procedures will be followed Temporary disruption of Low Residents and low Walking access will be maintained to the Negligible existing community roads, owners of affected properties and access routes. pathways, and limited access commercial/ Particular attention will be given to to facilities businesses in the ensuring safety along roads and paths surrounding areas used by locals. The contractor will be required to immediately rehabilitate the excavated areas and any damaged road and path sections. Traffic Management Restriction on land use and Plans as a part of ESMP, to be prepared, access to natural resources RPF will be implemented to reduce and that cause a community or mitigate the impacts on the land use, groups within a community economic impacts and temporary limited to lose access to resource access to facilities, where required, RAPs usage in legally designated will be prepared, adopted, communicated, protected areas and implemented. Process Framework will be implemented to ensure community participation in resource management through informed and meaningful consultations and negotiations to develop and implement perspective Action Plans, Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Air pollution from dust Moderate Residents and Moderate • The contractor will be required to Minor (PM10 and less) and air owners of cover materials with tarpaulin or other emissions from earthworks commercial/ suitable materials while in transit to and movement of vehicles businesses in the avoid spillage of materials. posing nuisance and health surrounding areas • Earthen roads, particularly roads near risk to nearby communities. residences, commercial and agricultural business areas will be moistened during dry and dusty conditions. • Speed limits will be imposed on construction vehicles. • Construction equipment and vehicles will be regularly maintained to control air emissions during vehicle operation Noise and Vibration from Low Workers and Moderate • Construction activities, particularly Negligible operation of construction residents and operation of noise generating equipment causing excessive owners of equipment, will be limited to daytime. noise, resulting in nuisance to commercial/ • Noise suppression devices will be the communities. businesses in the installed in noise generating surrounding areas equipment. • Drivers will be required to minimize blowing of horns and to comply with speed limits. Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Contamination of the soil and Moderate Workers and nearby Substantial • Ensure that safe storage of fuel, other Minor nearby water courses may residential areas, hazardous substances consistent with result from the utilization of aquatic and national and local regulations to hazardous materials. terrestrial prevent soil and water contamination. Improper handling, storage ecosystems • Fuel storage tanks to be on impervious or utilization of hazardous surface with bund to catch spills, bund materials poses a significant shall have holding capacity of 110% health risk to the workers and of tank capacity. Fuel tanks etc. shall residents of nearby not be located within 50 m of a water settlement areas; course. • Ensure all storage containers are in good condition with proper labeling; • Used oil and other residual toxic and hazardous materials shall be disposed of in an authorized facility off-site; • Ensure availability of spill cleanup materials (e.g., absorbent pads, etc.) specifically designed for petroleum products and other hazardous substances where such materials are being stored; Spillage, if any, will be immediately cleared with utmost caution to leave no traces, Spillage waste will be disposed at approved disposal sites. Generation of construction Low Project site land Low • Contractor to develop and implement Negligible waste such as excavated soil Waste Management Plan • Surplus excavated material/cut soil from construction will be used as backfill material for low-lying portions per site development plan Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Generation of construction Low Land and any Low • Appropriate segregation bins or areas Negligible wastes such as solid wastes, nearby receiving for construction wastes will be inert construction wastes, body of water provided. during construction will (drainage channels) • The storage of all hazardous materials result in the pollution of land Exceedance of local including fuels will be secure and and receiving water bodies. capacity to treat or controlled. dispose of such • Recyclable construction wastes, such waste as wood, steel, and scaffoldings, will be reused or sold to junk shops. • Solid waste will be collected and disposed in the approved disposal site Impacts on community health Low Local residents Moderate • Contractor to develop a Traffic Negligible in the city. and safety such as from Management Plan. accidents risks to • Signage and appropriate speed limits surrounding communities • Requiring suppliers that delivery from vehicles transiting vehicles transporting construction territory adjacent to the materials are maintained in a safe residential buildings near the operating condition, loads are to be site. secured and all loads with fugitive materials (e.g. excavated soil and sand) are to be covered with tarpaulins. • All drivers and machinery operators Occupational health and Moderate Construction Moderate • The contractor will be required to Negligible act responsibly. safety hazards from operating workers, implement the construction health and using heavy machinery, contractors, and safety plan in accordance with the refueling hazards, traffic suppliers World Bank EHS accident hazards • Guidelines (http://www.ifc. org/ehs guidelines) as a minimum standard. Contractor will appoint an EHS officer to ensure implementation of the plan. • Workers will be provided with a safe working environment including conduct of safety induction, safety equipment appropriate for the task in which they are employed, medical and first aid facilities provided together with a person qualified in first aid. Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Labor risks, including Low / Project workers and Low • All contractors will be required to Low child/forced labor, labor Moderate communities comply with LMP requirements on influx, SEA/SH age of employment and no forced labor. No workers under 18 years, and signed labor contracts • All civil works contracts will include standard Codes of Conduct that include measures to prevent SEA/SH. • The Contractors will voluntary sign written labor agreements with all contract workers, including Code of Conducts to be part of their labor contracts. Low absorption capacity Substantia Social exclusion Substantial Social Inclusion Plan to be prepared a Moderate among project beneficiaries, l part of the POM will provide guidance to, as large entities are better off and enable the, national, regional and local actors to address the barriers (if any) and ensure that all the diverse individuals and groups access, specially the poor and vulnerable sections participate in, and derive benefits, from the project. Technologies to be developed will be more friendly for diverse range of beneficiaries/farmers. Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Worker health due to Substantia Construction Substantial • Check the health certification of low Covid19 virus outbreak at the l workers, worker before joining the site and project sites contractors, hold briefing at the beginning to suppliers discuss on Covid-19 virus. • Assign focal point to implement and monitor prevention measures (appoint medical staff) • Restrict entry to all visitors during the epidemic • If a worker or any other individua feels ill, they must stay home. • Take the temperature of all personnel and ensure they wash their hands before entering the construction site. • At the construction site, all people must: o Avoid handshakes, hugs and nay other forms of close contact o Maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters at all times o Avoid touching face without washing hands • The contractor must provide in sufficient quality liquid soap, alcohol- based gel, dry hand-wash agent, disposable towels and tissues; located stations for hand washing at various point of the site; closed containers or bags for disposable towels and tissues; masks, disposable gloves and Impact on community health Moderate Local people Substantial Watchmen/security personnel will be low protective glasses; remote or tape and safety from access and hired to secure the facilities on a 24-hour thermometers. intrusion of unauthorized basis. This will minimize the safety risks personnel. to the community. Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Equipping facilities Packaging materials waste Moderate Local people Substantial • Separation of waste into recyclable low and non-recyclable; • Recyclable waste shall be passed out / sold to relevant organizations; • Non-recyclable waste shall be disposed at municipal landfills; • Avoid the waste storage outside the territory of the facility; • Ensure timely disposal of all waste (within 1 day). Civil works, such as the Resettlement impacts Moderate Small scale land Moderate • Site-specific RAPs acceptable to the Low construction and/or acquisition and/or Bank will be prepared, consulted rehabilitation office buildings, temporary land upon and implemented by the other facilities acquisitions CEP/IG in accordance with the RPF Subcomponent 1.2 Strengthen No environmental impact - Limited coverage of Moderate • SEP will be developed, implemented negligible Regional Collaboration non-state actors by and reported. Ineffective and unsystematic IEC stakeholder engagement COMPONENT 2: ENHANCE RESILIENT LANDSCAPES AND LIVELIHOODS Subcomponent 2.1: Forest Restoration and Sustainable The same as for Component Forest Management 1.1 (i) technical assistance for the preparation of forest management plans, environmental and social impact assessments and; No other environmental impact except (ii) Implementation of Soil erosion: Moderate Land Moderate • Plowing across the hillslope Low sustainable forest • Horizontal tillage management plans • Avoid the creation of new terraces, as this is due to the loss of the topsoil, (iii) consultancy services etc. Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Natural habitat and loss of Low Moderate • Biodiversity Management Plan Low (iv) capacity building biodiversity • Avoid the use for crop production of activities workshops and natural or semi natural steppe areas conferences. intended for grazing. • Avoid cutting down trees and other natural vegetation, etc. if possible. • Minimize the loss of natural vegetation / vegetation protection during construction work. • Waste Management Plan negligible Packaging materials waste Low Local people Substantial • Separation of waste into recyclable and non-recyclable; • Recyclable waste shall be passed out / sold to relevant organizations; • Non-recyclable waste shall be disposed at municipal landfills; • Avoid the waste storage outside the territory of the facility; Ensure timely disposal of all waste (within 1 day). Resettlement impacts Moderate Small scale land Moderate • Site-specific RAPs acceptable to the Low acquisition and/or Bank will be prepared, consulted temporary land upon and implemented by the acquisitions CEP/IG in accordance with the RPF Access restriction in • Process Framework will be protected areas implemented to ensure community participation in resource management and Action Plans will be developed in 4 PAs. Generation of organic waste Moderate Substantial • Generation of organic waste and how low and how it will be handled; it will be handled; Ensuring ODS are not used Moderate Moderate • Ensuring ODS are not used for low for refrigeration facilities refrigeration facilities being being constructed; constructed; Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Subcomponent 2.2: Integrated Soil erosion: Moderate Land Moderate • Plowing across the hillslope Low Pasture Management and • Horizontal tillage Restoration • Avoid the creation of new terraces, as (i) Surveys, inventories; this is due to the loss of the topsoil, (ii) Consultancy services etc. (iii) Establishment of Faulty use of pastures. Moderate Consequences of Moderate • Pasture monitoring to timely detect Low forage seed demonstration Overloading pastures; lost pasture faulty use of pastures. plots. productivity degradation: • Community Pasture Management (iv) Pastures rehabilitation -loss of fodder base plans should include grazing plans (iii) Capacity development, and animal which workshops and production distress; define the number of livestock and conferences. -loss of original period of grazing for pasture areas mountainous based on an landscapes; assessment of the condition and -impoverished carrying capacity of pasture areas. biodiversity and • Introduction of environmentally genetic resources; justified Land, habitat and ecosystem Moderate biodiversity Substantial • Biodiversity - soil erosion. Land, pasture rotation with the observed Management Plans for Moderate degradation load close projects oroptimal. onto near critical habitats • Do not exceed the carrying capacity of pastures (on degraded lands it is 0.3-0.5 c / ha; on good lands - 1.5 c / ha); avoid overgrazing. • If possible, create artificial pastures or improve the sowing of fodder plants. • If possible, protect pasturelands for their restoration, subsequent use, etc. • Do not graze livestock in natural areas in early spring and late autumn, etc. • List of Do’s and don’ts Wildlife Trade and Consumption (as per ESS 6, Annex 6 of the ESMF) Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Production of seedlings for Moderate Soil and water Moderate • Careful selection of appropriate Low forest restoration/ nurseries: pollution nursery sites (at least 50 m away from may result in pollution of water bodies, not on steep slopes) soil/ water due to the use of • Avoid introducing pesticides into a pesticides/ strip 300 m wide along the natural insecticides and solid waste surface of water bodies. • Use guidelines on pesticide use in Annex 8 Forest or pasture restoration • Forest or pasture restoration sites, activities including feeder/ access roads to be carefully establishing or improving selected based on forest or pasture feeder/ access roads may management plan/ zoning (not in result in soil erosion/ nutrient HCVF zone, none-forest, avoid steep depletion and related slopes, at least 50 m away from water pollution of water bodies or sensitive areas); use of appropriate tree species/ nitrogen fixing, spacing, management scheme; SS-ESIA and SS-ESMP Social exclusion and social Substantia Social exclusion of Substantial Social Inclusion Plan to be prepared a part Low tensions among diverse l vulnerable groups of the POM will provide guidance to community groups enable the diverse range of stakeholders at the community level, specially the poor and vulnerable sections participate in, and derive benefits, from the project. Technologies to be developed will be more friendly for diverse range of beneficiaries. Gender Action Plan will be prepared and implemented. Participatory planning and implementation of pasture management plans Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Subcomponent 2.3: Protected Cumulative impact on the Substantia Limited access to Substantial Participatory planning and Moderate Area Management and economies and regional well- l PA resources and implementation of the Process Biodiversity Conservation being of neighboring benefits Framework, which outlines the ways communities local communities, who have a stake, (i) Preparation or update of especially in protected areas, may selected protected areas participate in land and natural resources management plans: boundary management through informed and mapping, spatial planning, meaningful consultations and economic and financial negotiations to develop and implement analysis, and stakeholder action plans. consultations Cumulative impact regarding Moderate Disturbance to Moderate • Careful selection/ delineation based Low pollution and natural wildlife, on PA (ii) implementation of PA habitat/biodiversity biodiversity, waste Management plans with key management plan/ zonation (only in disturbance by developing and wastewater in tourism zone). activities: tourism facilities, tourist facilities, trails in tourist residential signage, protection • Biodiversity Management Plans for PAs, signage, which will lead areas projects on or near critical habitats infrastructure. to increase of tourists in PAs • Collect/dispose of wastewater/ sewage properly as will be defined in ESMP, Waste Management Plan (WMP). • List of Do’s and Don’ts and Code of Conduct in PAs (Annex 8) included into the Contracts for workers. • Create awareness on pollution/ solid waste especially plastic (reuse/ recycle) and • to restrain from buying/ consuming The same as for wildlife/products among tourists and Subcomponent 2.2 workers. Sub-component 2.4. Landscape Restoration and The same as for Component Livelihoods 2.2 Provision of grants to common interest Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation groups (CIGs) for Soil erosion: Moderate Land Moderate • Plowing across the hillslope Low Climate-smart crop • Horizontal tillage production practices • Avoid the creation of new terraces, as and technologies this is due to the loss of the topsoil, etc. Land, habitat and ecosystem Moderate Land, biodiversity Moderate • Do not exceed the carrying capacity Low degradation of pastures (on degraded lands it is 0.3-0.5 c / ha; on good lands - 1.5 c / ha); avoid overgrazing. • If possible, create artificial pastures or improve the sowing of fodder plants. • If possible, protect pasturelands for their restoration, subsequent use, etc. 5) Do not graze livestock in natural areas in early spring and late autumn, etc. Social exclusion of specific Substantia Limited access to Substantial Grant Program Implementation Manual Moderate groups and locations l information and with wide outreach and engagement poor geographic mechanisms, as well as eligibility criteria coverage covering diverse range of resource users and vulnerable groups from difference geographic locations Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation Environmental impacts, such Moderate Surrounding area Moderate Grant Implementation Manual will Low as wastewater, waste, dust around households include description of the WB ESS and air pollution caused by requirements and relevant sections of establishment of guest houses ESMF applicable to Grants Program. In or cafes addition, a Letter of Commitment will be signed by each grant beneficiary and will be attached to the grant contract, indictaing that the benficiary will comply with the relevant WB ESS requirements. Simple screenign needs to be conducted in case of construction works, and simplified ESMP checklist prepared for small-scale construction/rennovation works. Special attention to be paid for wastewater, given that increased number of tourists will generate more wastewater and waste. Proper design, careful selection of appropriate construction sites based on management plan/ PA zoning (at least 50 m away from wildlife areas and water bodies, not on steep slopes), collect/dispose of wastewater/ sewage properly, apply site-specific ESA (ESIA/ ESMP). In addition: Biodiversity Management Plans for projects on or near critical habitats, Waste Management Plan, Labor Management Plan, Stakeholder Engagement Plan, List of Do’s and Don’ts Wildlife Trade and Consumption COMPONENT 3: PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION Potential Significance Significance Project components Impact Mitigation Measures and ESF No Environmental and Social Areas of Impact before after And activities Severity instruments Risks and Impacts Mitigation Mitigation The objective of this Insufficient capacity to apply Substantia Implementing Substantial E&S Risk Management Capacity Low component is to support ESSs at the national and local l agency, line Building Training Plan will be developed project management, levels ministries, local and implemented coordination, M&E, citizen authorities and local engagement, and contractors have implementation of limited experience environmental and social in implementing framework instruments and ESSs fiduciary aspects of the project. VII. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES According to WB ESF each project has to comply with national Environmental and Social regulatory framework and meet the requirements of WB Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The next para provides guidance on actions required for environmental and social assessment in accordance with national legislation and WB ESSs. To conduct Environmental and Social Assessment the following tools could be applied: Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) - is an instrument to identify and assess the potential environmental and social impacts – direct, indirect and cumulative - of a proposed project, evaluate alternatives, and design appropriate mitigation, management, and monitoring measures. In some cases, for small scale project Partial ESIA could be conducted in order assess its location relative to the protected areas or presence of habitats. Indicative outline of ESIA is presented in Annex 3. Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) – is an instrument to consider cumulative impacts of the project in combination with impacts from other relevant past, present and reasonably foreseeable developments, as well as unplanned but predictable activities enabled by the project that may occur later or at different location. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) - is an instrument that details (a) the measures to be taken during the implementation and operation of a project to eliminate or offset adverse environmental and social impacts, or to reduce them to acceptable levels; (b) the actions needed to implement these measures. Example of ESMP is presented in Annex 4. ESMP Checklist - simplified ESMP which as a rule used for construction and for reconstruction activities with more typical impacts. Example of ESMP is presented in Annex 5. Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) – Where the environmental and social assessment has identified potential risks and adverse impacts, the IAs will manage those risks and adverse impacts in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy and GIIP. Where significant risks and adverse impacts on biodiversity have been identified, the IAs will develop and implement a Biodiversity Management Plan. Labor Management Procedures - identify main labor requirements and risks associated with project implementation and helps the IA to determine the resources necessary to address labor issues. Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is a site-specific plan aimed to avoid, minimize and mitigate the resettlement impacts (economic and physical, temporary and permanent displacement) associated with land acquisition or conversion of land as a result of the project activities. Example of RAP is enclosed in the RPF. Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) sets out the resettlement (economic and physical, temporary and permanent displacement) objectives and principles, organizational arrangements and funding mechanisms for any resettlement, that may be necessary during project implementation. The RPF guides the preparation of RAPs of individual sub projects in order to meet the needs of the people who may be affected by the project. Organic Waste Management procedures for managing organic waste related to agricultural production, transport, and storage. Process Framework (PF) is required given the potential to restrict access to natural resources as a result of anticipated investments in land use planning. The purpose of the PF is to establish a process of informed and meaningful consultations and negotiations with members of potentially affected communities. The PF defines the procedures to allow project affected persons (PAPs) to participate in the determination of measures necessary to mitigate or minimize the impacts of restricted resource access. The PF provides guidelines for the development of Action Plans during project implementation. Stakeholder Engagement Plan - defines a program for stakeholder engagement, including public information disclosure and consultation, throughout the entire project cycle Gender Action Plan (GAP) is to ensure that the project will serve women’s strategic and practical needs. Ensure that women are given an opportunity to participate in the project and are represented in key planning and management structures. Scope of the GAP will be restricted to the project’s boundaries and as mapped around key 138 seed production centers and value chain facilities. Besides these WB's ESA tools, national environmental documentations must be prepared as part of national Environmental Impact Assessment. Content of national environmental documentation is presented in further paras. Waste Management Plan (WMP) – is to ensure will comply with existing requirements for management (including storage, transportation and disposal) of hazardous wastes including national legislation and applicable international conventions, including those relating to transboundary movement. Where such requirements are absent, the IAs will adopt GIIP alternatives for its environmentally sound and safe management and disposal. The project will finance development of Protected Areas Management Plans (PAMP), Landscape Management Plans (LMP), and Pasture Management Plans (PMP) which all will need to be guided by the ESF instruments developed for the project. 7.1. Environmental assessment and management procedure 7.1.1. E&S Screening of Sub-projects: Environmental and social management starts with the Environmental and Social (E&S) Screening of proposed sub-projects. The main purpose of the environmental and social screening is to identify and rate environmental and social risks at the early stage of sub-project preparation and design. E&S Screening will determine which sub- project specific ESF instruments (ESIA, ESMP, BMP) will have to be prepared. The proposed sub-projects will be screened by the respective PIG, with the help of professional E&S consultants/firms mobilized by the IAs. The ESF Team within the PIG will supervise the screening process and will finally review and compile the results of screening before submission to WB for no-objection. The screening report cleared by the WB then will be endorsed to PIG for implementation. The development of sub-project specific ESF instruments shall be initiated and implemented by the PIG once the exact locations and advanced draft designs and feasibility studies are designated for each sub-project. Guidance for monitoring process is described below. The monitoring of the sub-projects will be performed by the PIG. The regular ESMP monitoring reports for the sub-projects will be presented and to the WB by the PIG. During the screening process, ineligibility assessment will also be covered prior to the environmental and social categorization of sub-projects in line with the ESMF. Sub-projects that may have significant impacts on biodiversity values including protected species or protected areas; impacts on known cultural heritage areas, as well as “High Risk” sub-projects are considered as ineligible. The environmental and social screening would involve: (i) reconnaissance of sub-project area and its surroundings; (ii) identification of major sub-project activities; and (iii) preliminary assessment of the impacts of these activities on the ecological, physico-chemical and socioeconomic environment of the sub-project surrounding areas and considerations that need to be further investigated through site-specific ESIA or ESMP as appropriate. Screening Checklist is to be applied for all sub-projects, the format of the Checklist is attached to Annex 4. In cases where several separate investments (activities) are connected and constitute components of a single a sub- project, all activities will be evaluated as a single sub-project. The ESIA/ESMP prepared for such sub-project should combine all the activities to be implemented under the sub-project. In cases where components are technically independent of each other the ESIAs/ESMPs of the activities may be prepared separately and works may commence at separate times. Based on results of additional surveys and assessments, district level officers, in coordination with CEP/IG, will confirm and submit the proposed screening categories for the sub-projects to the IG for approval and transmitting to WB for clearance (No-Objection). 7.1.2 Risk Categorization and Preparation of ESF documents The type and content of the sub-project specific environmental and social assessment which would meet the requirements of ESSs will be defined by the risk rating and specific issues associated with sub-projects, as discussed above. Risk rating tools will be used as appropriate to assign the risk category. In accordance with the screening procedure, the sub-projects with High-Risk Category will be screened out from the project scope. Please see Annex 1 for screening criteria and for the range of risk categories. Environmental and social risk classification considers relevant potential risks and impacts, such as: • the type, location, sensitivity and scale of the Project including the physical considerations of the Project; type of infrastructure; waste management and disposal, etc. • the nature and magnitude of the potential E&S risks and impacts, including impacts on greenfield sites; impacts on brownfield sites including (e.g., rehabilitation, maintenance or upgrading activities); the nature of the potential risks and impacts (e.g. whether they are irreversible, unprecedented or complex); land requirement necessitating 139 land acquisition (including legacy of past land acquisitions) and existing land disputes; presence of vulnerable groups/people; and possible mitigation measures considering the mitigation hierarchy; • the capacity and commitment of the IA to manage such risks and impacts in a manner consistent with the WB ESSs, including the country's policy, legal and institutional framework; laws, regulations, rules and procedures applicable to the Project sector; the technical and institutional capacity of the IA; track record of past Project implementation; and the financial and human resources available for management of the Project; and • other areas of risk that may be relevant to the delivery of E&S mitigation measures and outcomes, depending on the specific Project and the context in which it is being developed, including the nature of the mitigation and technology being proposed, considerations relating to domestic and/or regional stability, conflict or security. For Substantial Risk Category sub-projects, detailed ESIA will be required. In addition to ESIA, Cumulative Impact Assessment shall be conducted. These should include site-specific information (e.g., environmentally sensitive areas, or need to better define and understand potential issues, brief description of impacts specifying well defined mitigating measures and adopting accepted operating practices and monitoring). The ESIA and CIA will also include site-specific information including but not limited to baseline information, the methodology for impact assessment, analysis of alternatives, and analysis of respective environmental and social impacts in accordance with the methodology, mitigation and monitoring plans and roles. An outline of the ESIA is given in Annex 2 to support the ESIA and ESMP documents designing. Preparation of an ESIA will be the responsibility of the consultants/firms under supervision and technical support of PIG; the implementation of ESMPs is the responsibility of IA, which need to ensure that the ESMPs are accurately implemented by contractors in due course of the sub-project implementation. For Moderate Risk Category sub-projects, a site-specific ESMPs will be required to ensure enhancements such as the ‘green projects’ are implemented. The ESMPs should clearly lay out: a) project description b) legislative framework c) Relevant environmental and social baseline d) Identification of potential environmental and social impacts e) the measures to be taken during both construction and operation phases of a sub-project to eliminate or offset adverse environmental and social impacts, or reduce them to acceptable levels; f) the actions needed to implement these measures; and g) a monitoring plan to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures employed; and h) respective responsibilities for implementation, monitoring and reporting. The structure for an ESMP is given in Annex 3. The IG will verify the results of sub-project ESIAs and ESMPs and will communicate to WB for approval. Preparation of the ESMPs will be the responsibility of the PIUs under supervision and technical support of the IG. The implementation of the ESMPs is the responsibility of CEP/IG. Low Risk Sub-Projects project are defined if its potential adverse risks to and impacts on human populations and/or the environment are likely to be minimal or negligible. Therefore, Low Risk Category sub-projects, with few or no adverse risks and impacts and issues, will not require further E&S assessment following the initial screening according to the World Bank’s ESF requirements. Completing a satisfactory ESIA/ESMP is the responsibility of the CEP/IG. They will fund the cost of the ESIA/ESMP from the own resources each IA as pertinent to the sub-project. The cost estimates of the site specific ESIAs/ESMPs will provide specifics about the responsible agency and relevant costs for each mitigation/monitoring activity. The IG will perform an overall quality assurance function that the documents prepared meet the World Bank requirements. In reviewing an ESIA or ESMP, IG will also confirm that it is clear, feasible and appropriate and in accordance with the requirements of ESSs relevant for the project. Additionally, the IG will monitor the implementation of the ESMPs and ensure that regular reporting tools are in place. 7.1.2. Main stages of national EA procedure Basic EA Laws. There are two laws in the country that stipulate all aspects of the EA: (a) Law on Environment Protection; and (b) Law on Ecological Expertise and (с) Law on the Environmental Impact Assessment. The Chapter V, Articles 35-39 of the Law on Environment Protection (2011), introduces the concept of state ecological review (literally, state ecological “expertise” – SEE) which seeks to examine the compliance of proposed activities 140 and projects with the requirements of environmental legislation and standards and ecological security of the society. The mentioned laws stipulate the mandatory cross-sectoral nature of SEE, which shall be scientifically justified, comprehensive, and objective and which shall lead to conclusions in accordance with the law. SEE precedes decision-making about activities that may have a negative impact on the environment. Financing of programs and projects is allowed only after a positive SEE finding, or conclusion, has been issued. The following activities and projects subject to state ecological review: a) draft state programs, pre-planning, pre-project, and design documentation for economic development; b) regional and sectoral development programs; c) spatial and urban planning, development, and design; d) environmental programs and projects; e) construction and reconstruction of various types of facilities irrespective of their ownership; f) draft environmental quality standards and other normative, technology, and methodological documentation that regulates economic activities; g) existing enterprises and economic entities, etc. The laws stipulate that all types of economic and other activities shall be implemented in accordance with existing environmental standards and norms and shall have sufficient environmental protection and mitigation measures to prevent and avoid pollution and enhance environmental quality. The EA studies analyzing the short- and long-term environmental, genetic, economic, and demographic impacts and consequences shall be evaluated prior to making decisions on the sitting, construction, or reconstruction of facilities, irrespective of their ownership. If these requirements are violated, construction will be terminated until necessary improvements are made, as prescribed by the Committee for Environmental Protection and/or other duly authorized control bodies, such as sanitary, geological, and public safety agencies. Environmental Impact Assessment. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study is a component of the State Ecological Expertise, as set out in the 2011 amendments to the Environmental Protection Law. In 2012 the new Law "On Environmental Expertise" was adopted. In pursuance of this law, the Government subsequently adopted the following: • the Procedure of environmental impact assessment (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan as of 01.11.2018 №532): Guidelines on the composition, order of development, coordination and approval of design estimates for construction of facilities, buildings and structures and EIA chapters, SEA and feasibility documents; • A List of objects and kinds of activity for which preparation of documentation for environment impact assessment is mandatory (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan as of 01.11.2018 №532). The List is very extensive: it contains 180 types of activities, grouped according to four environmental impact categories: from A (in Cyrillic sounds A) "high risk" to Г (in Cyrillic sounds G) "local impact"). If the facility/activity is not included in the list, then it is not required to pass either an EIA or a SEE. The EIA is the responsibility of the project proponent. The Procedure for carrying out the EIA (Government Resolution No. 532 of 2018) establishes general requirements for the contents of the EIA documentation. The State Ecological Expertise for all investment projects is the responsibility of the Committee for Environmental Protection under Government of Tajikistan (CEP) and its regional offices. Furthermore, according to the 2012 Law on the State Ecological Expertise, all civil works, including rehabilitation, should be assessed for their environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation measures reviewed and monitored by the CEP. The Law “On Ecological Expertise” and the “Procedure on Environmental Impact Assessment” of 2013 lays down the principles of performing the EIA in Tajikistan. Together with a detailed project description, the EIA study is the basis to go for the environmental permit and must be submitted to the Committee. As a rule, the Committee prepares an expertise to the project within one month. In preparation of this expertise, all subdivisions that might be involved in the project do participate. With this expertise, the permission is given, is not given or given with requirements and obligations that must be followed by the company during construction and/or during operation. If the Committee concludes that an environmental permit cannot be given because e.g. limit values are exceeded or other environmental aspects are not sufficiently mitigated, the developer can change its design and submit the impact assessment again. Types of Ecological Expertise. According to the 2011 Law on Ecological Expertise, ecological expertise is intended to prevent negative impacts on the environment as a result of a proposed activity, forecast impacts from activities that are not considered as necessarily damaging to the environment and create databases on the state of the environment and knowledge about human impact on the environment. This Law and the Law on Environment Protection envisage two types of ecological expertise – State ecological expertise and public ecological expertise, which are not given equal importance. While State ecological expertise is a prerequisite for beginning any activity that may have an adverse environmental impact, public ecological expertise becomes binding only after its results141 have been approved by a State ecological expertise body. The State Ecological Expertise is authorized to invite leading scientists and qualified outside specialists to participate in the review. Approval should be issued within 30 days, unless the project developer agrees to an extension, and remains valid for two years, if the decision is positive. For very complicated projects the term of consideration and approval can be extended till 60 days. According to the Law on SEE the public ecological expertise of economic activities or other activities implementation of which can negatively impact the environment of population which live in relevant area can be carried out by any public organization and citizen. They have right to send the proposals to the responsible government bodies concerning environmental issues of implementation planned activities; to receive information on results of conducted state ecological expertise from relevant responsible bodies. The materials reflecting the public expertise delivered to the experts’ commission should be taken into consideration under preparation of conclusion of state ecological expertise and decision making on realization of expertise object. The public ecological expertise is carried out under the state registration of application of public organization. The registration can be done by local executive authorities (for 7 days) in place where the expertise activities are planned. The public organizations which are organizing this expertise, should inform the population of initiation of expertise and then on its results. Screening categories. The laws on Environment Protection and EE stipulate the Government will approve a list of activities for which the full Environmental Impact Assessment is mandatory. The List of 2018 contains 180 types of activities, grouped according to four environmental impact categories (from (A) "high risk" to (Г (in Cyrillic)) "local impact"). The current system of environmental impact assessment does not provide for any preliminary assessment of the project to decide on the need for an EIA (screening), nor to define the scope of the issues covered and the content of EIA materials as specific procedural steps. The List of objects and activities for which the development of EIA materials is required is very detailed and, in the opinion of government bodies, for this reason there is no need to procedurally consider the issue of carrying out an EIA in each specific case. EA administrative framework. The Environmental Protection Law states that a SEE should be conducted by the CEP, which is designated as a duly authorized state environmental protection body. It has a comprehensive mandate that includes policy formulation and inspection duties. The CEP has divisions at oblast (region), city and rayon (district) level, in the form of Departments of Environmental Protection (DEPs), within the Hukumat (local administration) at each city or rayon. A small unit in the ministry is entrusted with guiding and managing both EIA and SEE. EIA preparation is the responsibility of the proponents of public- and private-sector projects, who, in addition to complying with various environmental standards, procedures, and norms, shall meet the standards of other sectors and environmental media line agencies, such as sanitary-epidemiological, geological, water, etc. Public participation. Article 12 of the Environment Protection Law proclaims the right of citizens to live in a favorable environment and to be protected from negative environmental impacts. Citizens also have the right to environmental information (Article 13), as well as to participate in developing, adopting, and implementing decisions related to environmental impacts (Article 13). The latter is assured by public discussion of drafts of environmentally important decisions and public ecological reviews. Public representative bodies have an obligation to take into consideration citizens’ comments and suggestions. The Law on the EE also provides the rights to the citizens to conduct a Public Environmental Expertise (art. 7). On 17 July 2001 Tajikistan acceded to the 1998 Aarhus Convention, the provisions of which have priority over domestic law that also stipulates the rights for Public EE. The public has the right to request public hearings to be carried out. For category "A" and "B" projects, the authorized state body should develop a stakeholder engagement plan with the possibility of conducting consultations and taking into account the opinions of citizens. In Tajikistan disagreements are resolved through Jamoats' (Hukumats') grievance mechanism or appeal to court. A grievance redress mechanism (GRM) capable of receiving and facilitating the resolution of affected persons' concerns and grievances related to the project is required as a formalized way for the CEP IG to identify and resolve concerns and grievances. Environmental norms and standards. Norms are set for air and water pollution, noise, vibration, magnetic fields and other physical factors, as well as residual traces of chemicals and biologically harmful microbes in food. The exceeding of their thresholds results in administrative action, including financial sanctions. Several ministries determine environmental quality standards, each in its field of responsibility. For example, admissible levels of noise, vibration, magnetic fields and other physical factors have been set by the Ministry of Health and social defense of population. Implementation and compliance. Several legal acts establish liability for violations of environmental laws, which can be enforced by several State bodies. In particular, the 2010 Code of Administrative Violations establishes 142 administrative liability for organizations, their officers and individuals for a range of violations, from the careless treatment of land to violation of the rules for water use or water protection or failure to comply with a State ecological expertise. The administrative sanctions for environment related violations can be imposed by the administrative commissions of khukumats, courts, the CEP’s inspectors, the Veterinary Inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy. The most common administrative sanction is a fine of up to 10 minimal monthly salaries for individuals and up to 15 minimal salaries to officers of organizations. The 1998 Criminal Code covers crimes against ecological safety and the environment, such as violations of ecological safety at work, poaching, and spoiling land, violation of rules for the protection and use of underground resources. The maximum fine is up to 2,000 minimal monthly salaries and the maximum sentence is up to eight years in prison. When detecting violations of environmental legislation, the CEP authorities apply penalties in accordance with the following articles of the Administrative Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. Namely: - Article 223. Violation of standards, rules, regulations, instructions and other environmental requirements for the protection of the environment and the rational use of natural resources; - Article 224. Release (discharge) of polluting substances into the environment with excess of standards or without a permit, waste disposal, physical and other harmful effects - Article 232. Violation of environmental protection requirements during transportation, disposal, use, disposal (dumping) industrial, household and other wastes into the natural environment. The fines can only be witnessed by the local CEP authorities 7.1.3 Environmental Assessment Procedures After the sites are identified, the Implementing Agency environmental staff will carry out a rapid assessment of the likely environmental impact based on the requirements of national legislation and WB ESSs, completing the screening form presented in the Annexes. Subproject activities will be also checked against WB criteria for High- Risk Projects. This will make it possible to identify the type and scale of potential environment impacts and determine to which risk category the subproject should be attributed. Generally, the significance of impacts and risks, contribute to resulting ESA categorization will depend on the type and scale of the subproject, its location, sensitivity of environmental issues, and the nature and magnitude of potential risks and impacts. Type and scale of projects. Subprojects that are considered as “High Risk Subprojects” will not be financed. A “High Risk” rating generally would entail the following impacts (a) significantly im pact on human populations, including settlements and local communities (b) alteration of environmentally important areas, including wetlands, native forests, grasslands, and other “critical” natural habitats and ecosystem services; (c) direct pollutant discharges that are large enough to cause degradation of air, water or soil, endangered species and “critical” habitats; (d) largescale physical disturbances of the site and/or surroundings; (e) extraction, consumption or conversion of substantial amounts of forest and other important natural habitats, including above and below ground and water-based ecosystems; (f) measurable modification of hydrologic cycle; (g) hazardous materials in more than incidental quantities; and (h) involuntary displacement of people and other significant social disturbances. Location. There are a number of locations which should be considered while deciding to rate the project as “High Risk”: (a) in or near sensitive and valuable ecosystems and “critical” habitats — juniper forests, wetlands, wild lands, vulnerable soils, and particular habitats of endangered rare and endemic species; (b) in or near areas with archaeological and/or historical sites or existing cultural and social institutions; (c) in densely populated areas, where resettlement may be required or potential pollution impact and other disturbances may significantly affect communities; (d) in regions subject to heavy development activities or where there are conflicts regarding the allocation of natural resources; along watercourses, in aquifer recharge areas or in reservoir catchments used for potable water supply; and on lands or waters containing valuable resources (such as fisheries, minerals, medicinal plants, prime agricultural soils). Subprojects located in the proximity of such areas will be classified as High-Risk projects and will not be considered for support by the project. Sensitivity. Sensitive issues may include (but are not limited to): conversion of wetlands, potential adverse effects on endangered species and habitats as well as protected areas or sites, involuntary resettlement, impacts on international waterways and other transboundary issues, and toxic waste disposal. 143 Magnitude. There are a number of ways in which magnitude can be measured, such as the absolute amount of a resource or ecosystem affected, the amount affected relative to the existing stock of the resource or ecosystem, the intensity of the impact and its timing and duration. In addition, the probability of occurrence for a specific impact and the cumulative impact of the proposed action and other planned or ongoing actions may need to be considered. Taking into account the scale of the proposed subprojects, it is expected that the magnitude of their environmental impacts will be low to moderate, and their social impacts will be moderate to substantial. Therefore, only subprojects that are rated as “Substantial Risk” or lower will be considered for the project support. In addition to High Risks subprojects the Bank will also not finance several types of subprojects which are specified in the WB exclusion list. Screening of sub-project activities and identification of EA Instrument For Substantial Risk subprojects a site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) (see ESIA Report Outline presented in the Annexes) or an ESMP will be required to identify, evaluate and to prevent potential environmental and social risks and impacts. The mitigation measures for the identified impacts and risks will be incorporated into the project design of the ESMP checklist The site-specific ESIA and ESMPs for Substantial risk subprojects will be prepared by the hired by the project under the supervision of the Implementing Agency, while for moderate and low risk subprojects by Implementing Agency. Such site-specific ESIA/ESMP will include Biodiversity Management Plan, Pest Management Plan, Waste Management Plans and etc. whenever necessary. The purpose of the ESMP is to improve the environmental and social aspects of subprojects by minimizing, mitigating or compensating for negative effects. Environmental and Social Management Plan Checklists will be used mostly for Moderate Risk subprojects that are likely to have minor environmental impacts, and that are typical for small scale construction and rehabilitation investments. The ESMP Checklist has three sections: (a) Part 1 constitutes a descriptive part (“site passport”) that descri bes the project specifics in terms of physical location, the project description and list of permitting or notification procedures with reference to relevant regulations. Attachments for additional information can be supplemented if needed; (b) Part 2 includes the environmental and social screening in a simple Yes/No EMS format as well as specifies mitigation measures; and (c) Part 3 is a monitoring plan for activities carried out during the rehabilitation activities. For Substantial and Moderate Risk subprojects it is necessary to disclose the EA documents and conduct public consultations with the project affected people and interested parties. For all projects that would require a site- specific ESIA and ESMP should be organized face to face consultations. For that purpose, it is necessary to disclose in advance the EA document (about two weeks) on the Implementing Agency and on involved municipalities websites as well as providing hard copies to local public administrations and key interested parties (environmental authorities). During the consultations, the subproject applicants will register all comments and suggestions on improving the site-specific ESIA/ESMP documents and will prepare relevant reports to be included in the final version of the EA documents. Furthermore, other specific information related to the project activities and ESA should be also publicly available on-line on the Implementing Agency website. In some cases, the public consultation can be done virtually receiving relevant questions/proposals on-line and taking them into consideration while finalizing the subprojects ESMPs, - such consultations can be done only in the case when it is clear no any direct impacts on local population is expected, - mostly when the proposed activities are located far away from the residential areas and will not have adverse impacts on environmentally sensitive areas such wetlands, forests, legally protected areas, etc. Similarly, in the case of ESMP Checklist for rehabilitation of existing facilities, the public consultation can be done virtually. 7.2. Social assessment procedures Social screening is a mandatory procedure in accordance with ESS 5 of the World Bank. The Implementing Agency will undertake social screening of each proposed subproject. Social screening is required to identify social risks and impacts including those that relate to land acquisition, restrictions on land use and involuntary resettlement. The screening may also identify other social risks and impacts such as those related to labor and community health and safety. The social screening is the one of the key steps in identification of further resettlement planning in the projects. 144 The social screening serves to ensure that the process for screening remains simple and concise. A template of a Social Screening Form is attached in Annex 6. Specific questions based on each activity of the project might be added as seen relevant by external consultants and the PIG Social Development Specialist. The list of project activities that have potential land acquisition, restrictions on land use and involuntary resettlement issues will then be subjected to a comprehensive social census and consultation process with the potentially impacted communities as per the RPF and the outcome of this process would be documented for each subproject. The list and the outcome of the consultative process for each site/project activity on the list would then be sent to the respective implementing agencies in the jurisdiction mandated to confirm, approve, disapprove, refer for further consultation and/or take a final decision on each proposed site/ project activities. Carrying out the screening process in this way is designed to give it the integrity and transparency it needs to allow all stakeholders to have confidence in the process. For project activities that do not have any land acquisition, restrictions on land use and involuntary resettlement and do not trigger ESS 5, the provisions of a RPF is applied. For restrictions in access in protected area Process Framework will apply. The screening and categorization of impact on land acquisition, restrictions on land use and involuntary resettlement be initiated by IG either with its own social specialist and other relevant staff or, if there are no such skills, with the help of external consultants. The social screening report will be prepared by the Consultant or IG’s Social Development Specialist and reviewed by authorized person of the Implementing Agency and IG Director for clearance. The Social Development Specialist and Director at the IG will finally endorse the social screening and confirm the necessity to develop the RAP for the proposed sub-project as described in the project’s RPF. For restrictions in access in protected area Process Framework will apply, an Action Plan will be developed. 145 VIII. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND CAPACITY FOR ESMF IMPLEMENTATION 8.1. Project coordination The project will be implemented by CEP. The CEP mandate is to coordinate policies and investments on sustainable natural resource management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental monitoring, and awareness. The IA will promote key aspects of landscape restoration efforts in the country and support a range of activities to address drivers of degradation and capitalize on opportunities to enhance sustainable land management. Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be established during project implementation and will include representatives of Forest Agency, Pasture Reclamation Trust, Protected Areas Enterprise, Ministry for Energy and Water Resources, State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy, Committee of Emergencies, Ministry of Finance and Economy, University of Central Asia (UCA) and representatives of PUUs and FUGs. Chaired by [insert], the PSC will provide oversight and guidance on project management and ensure coordination of project activities among various agencies. PSC will also provide strategic guidance on policy decisions on landscape management. A Project Management Committee (PMC) will provide a technical level support and coordination and will be chaired by the IG coordinator. PMC will include Project Director, coordinator, focal persons from the IA, project partners and other technical institutions relevant for project implementation and additional technical staff from IG as necessary. Details of these arrangements will be provided in the Project Operations Manual (POM). CEP Functions in Implementation. The overall responsibility for project management will be with CEP and its Implementation Group (IG). The IG will be responsible for project coordination and will act as the lead agency given its mandate on natural resource management, environmental monitoring and climate change. The CEP/IG will be responsible for fiduciary management, environmental and social risk management, contract management and monitoring and evaluation and supervision of implementation of project activities under Components 1, 2 and 3. The IG will manage the Project Designated Account in the Central Bank and be responsible for overall project reporting to the World Bank. CEP Central and Field Support. At the central unit of the IG, staff will comprise: Project Director Chair), IG Director, project field coordinator and component coordinators. The project will support procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists, technical specialists (e.g., forestry, pasture, PA management, water resources, agriculture), and environmental and social/gender Specialists. Implementation will also be supported through project-financed field-based focal points located target project districts. The appointed Project Director and the component coordinators will be civil servants who will be supported by local specialists. CEP will be main coordinating body and will be staffed with necessary resources and technical capacity to support overall ESF implementation. Role of CEP IG: • Review and approve screening of the sub-projects with regard to WB E&S risk categorization. • Coordinate acquisition of technical assistance for preparation of ESA documents in accordance with the World Bank’s ESF requirements. • Establish an ESF Team and organize training of ESF Team regarding World Bank’s E&S assessment standards and procedures, consultation and disclosure requirements. • Provide final review of ESA documents prepared by consultants and provide approval as per WB’s ESSs requirements. • Establish and ensure effective implementation of the grievance mechanism and coordinate with the regional branches, as well as monitoring and reporting; • Collect and compile implementation reports from district officers, and report to the WB on a regular basis regarding implementation of the ESMF and associated instruments (SEP, RPF, PF,, ESCP, LMP , etc.). • Undertake the screening process of the sub-projects regarding E&S risk categorization according to the World Bank’s ESF requirements. • Prepare ESA documents and present to CEP for final approval, CEP should have consolidated reports on all project activities. 146 • Report to the CEP IG as per implementation of ESIAs/ESMPs, SEP, LMPs, PF, ESCP, RPF and GRM quarterly during construction stage and semi-annually during the implementation/operation stage. • Report to CEP IG on records of chance finds, OHS accidents, received grievances, consultations. • Perform monthly supervision of the implementation of ESMF, SEP, RPF, PF, LMP, ESCP, site-specific E&S documents and any other ESSs requirements by their respective branches/regional Directorates (RDs) and Field Offices (FOs), and document performance, recommendations and any further actions required as part of overall project supervision reporting to the WB. • Monitor and audit environmental and social issues at the sites (including OHS issues) through data collected from the site visits. Other Key Project Partners. The CEP as the lead IA for the Project will be supported by and work closely with various beneficiary agencies: (i) Forest Agency for activities related to National Forest Inventory, forest management planning, afforestation, and JFM; (ii) Pasture Reclamation Trust (in the Ministry of Agriculture)Trust for pasture inventory activities and plans, and geobotanical surveys; and (iii) Protected Areas Enterprise for projected areas management planning and investments; and iv) the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy, primarily with its mapping unit, FAZO for natural resource inventories and general GIS services. Cooperation between the CEP and these agencies will be set out in Memoranda of Understanding that define the roles and responsibilities of each institution and will be signed by project negotiations. Regional offices of CEP will have the following roles and responsibilities: • Implement the ESIAs/ESMPs, SEP, LMPs, RPF, PF, BMP, relevant measures of ESCP • Be open and responsive to concerns raised by affected groups and local environmental authorities regarding environmental and social aspects of sub-project implementation. • Execute consultations with these groups during site visits, as necessary. • Compile and present quarterly Monitoring Reports to the IG • Inform central-level CEP IG promptly on the status of implementation of ESIAs/ESMPs and any anticipated changes to those • Carry out regular stakeholder engagement in line with the SEP and report to IG regularly • Ensure smooth and correct implementation of the ESIAs/ESMPs, SEP, LMP, RPF, PF, GRM, BMP. Ensure that contractors implement ESMPs, BMP, LMP and other tools and ensure that ESS standards are followed • Assist the central level IG for compiling and presenting regular monitoring Reports 8.2. ESF Institutional Capacity Building Activities The ESF instruments requires special knowledge from the beneficiaries and all project participants at each stage of the project. To ensure the effective implementation of the project and a clear understanding of the requirements for environmental and social risks managements to comply with the new WB ESSs, an ESF Training Plan is proposed under this project. The program provides training in both general environmental policy principles of the World Bank, relevant national legislation, and in certain specific aspects relevant to this project. It is planned to conduct training and provide information on such topics as the introduction of ESMF, reporting on ESMF/ ESMP, as well as on specific topics such as the use of pesticides in agriculture, integrated pest management, handling, storage and dispose of chemicals. CEP has experience in implementation of investment projects funded by various IFIs. Under these projects sets of training were provided as a part of capacity building. Nevertheless, taking into account specificity of the project, a wide range of planning activities it is essential to increase capacity of implementation agency to comply with the new ESSs requirements. For the said purpose, prior to commencement of construction work, CEP will hire a Consultant with knowledge of the national environmental and social management requirements, as well as substantial knowledge of the provisions and requirements of the World Bank’s ESSs, who will develop training materials and trainings themselves. The training will include key WB requirements, national rules and procedures for E&S risk management, as well as case studies in this regard. All developed training materials, after the first series of 147 trainings by the Consultant will be transferred to the Implementing Agency for further application. During discussions with stakeholders, it was revealed that it would be helpful to harmonize content of national Environmental Assessment procedures and Content of the EA report with WB requirements for ESMP. Particularly, inclusion of ESMP in the national EA report would simplify process of environmental documents preparation. The proposal for capacity-building of the Project on environmental and social risk management will cover the following activities: Table 19: Preliminary ESF& EA Training Plan The name of the training Time and estimated Target group Arranger Estimated duration cost 1. Review of WB ESSs and their During the first year of IG Staff, including Consultant 2,500 US implementation during the the Project regional project dollars project cycle. implementation offices, PTC Duration – 0.5 days National environmental requirements for project preparation and implementation 2. Implementation of ESMF, Prior to selection of IG Staff, including Consultant 2,000 US ESMP, RPF, PF, RAP, LMP, sub-projects regional project dollars SEP, GRM Duration – 2 days offices, PTC 3. Implementation of ESMF, Prior to selection of Local stakeholders Consultant 2,000 US ESMP, social screening sub-projects in three regions dollars Duration – 2 days 4. Environmental and social Immediately after Contractors Consultant 3,000 USD sensitivity of the project area. contract signing ESMF. ESIA, ESMP 5. SH/SEA training and awareness- Half-day workshops at CEP staff Consultant, IG 2,000 USD raising / implementation of GBV the regional level at Contractor and per each action plan the beginning and in Supervisor activity, the middle of the Local government/ Total 6,000 project mahallas/ USD for 3 community regions members 6. E&S Performance Reporting During the first half IG Staff, including Consultant 1,500 US year of the Project regional project dollars implementation offices, PTC Duration - 0.5 days members TOTAL 15000 USD 148 IX. MONITORING AND REPORTING ACTIVITIES 9.1. General requirements for environmental and social monitoring and reporting Environmental and social monitoring during the implementation of sub-projects shall contain information on key environmental and social aspects of sub-projects, their impact on the environment, social consequences of impacts and the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate the consequences. This information allows the IG/ Local District Officers (LDOs) to monitor the performance of implementation of environmental measures, assess the effectiveness of mitigation measures, and allow timely implementation of corrective action(s) that need to be observed how often, where and by whom monitoring shall be carried out. Monitoring of the implementation of environmental measures shall be carried out by IG Environmental Specialist and LDOs. Representatives of the Committee of Environment Protection may also be involved in monitoring. The aim is to verify the main points of compliance with the ESMF, the progress of implementation, the scope of consultations and the participation of local communities. The standard checklist prepared during the evaluation studies will be used for the activities report. In the medium term of the project implementation and at the end of the project, an independent audit will be carried out in the field of environmental, social, health and safety. The audits are necessary to ensure that (i) the ESMF has been properly implemented and (ii) mitigation measures are identified and implemented accordingly. The audit will be able to identify any amendments to the approach to the ESMF to improve its effectiveness. Monitoring for social risk management measure part will be done on the continuous basis by the IG Social Development Specialist to ensure, that there is no any unanticipated impact during construction works on land, productive assets, illegal users, people's livelihood, assess to the assets etc. Monitoring will also cover health and labor issues, as well as stakeholder engagement activities. If some issues are identified, the mitigated measures will be proposed in the progress reports or separate Corrective Action Plans (CAP) (details are presented in the below section on the Environment and Social reporting). 9.2. Environmental and Social Monitoring To ensure implementation of the environmental measures specified in the ESMP, the monitoring shall be carried out as follows: • Visual monitoring - during the construction stage of the sub-projects Environmental and Social Specialists shall continually monitor the performance of ESMP. This will be achieved through monthly inspections of construction / reconstruction projects by specialists throughout the whole construction period. The Specialists have the right to suspend work or payments if the contractor breaches any obligation on ESMP implementation. For monitoring, it is recommended to use special check lists, that can be compiled based on ESMP with the attachment of photos from the monitoring site. For functioning facilities, the ESF Specialists shall verify the timeliness of the contractors' reporting on discharges to water bodies, air emissions and solid waste, which the contractors shall submit on a periodic basis to the regional ecology and environment protection committees. • Instrumental monitoring of environmental quality, such as air and water quality. Taking into consideration the types of activities that will be implemented within the framework of this Project, instrumental monitoring may not be carried out. However, in the case of complaints of violations or inconveniences from the local population, instrumental measurements of air or water quality shall be carried out by the IG through the hiring of a certified laboratory. In case of national standards exceeding, the contractor shall be obliged to take additional measures to reduce the detected exceedances to meet the standards. Environmental and social issues included in the mitigation framework are monitored by designated specialists through the IG. Although the environmental and social impacts are expected to be not significant, the potential negative impacts on the environment are planned to be prevented or mitigated during the construction and operation phases. Monitoring is based on impact / mitigation / monitoring issues as defined in the ESMP and/or ESMP checklists of subprojects. Observation monitoring will be carried out through weekly audits of the environmental performance by contractors throughout the construction period. The IG has the right to suspend work or payments if the Contractor is in breach of any of its obligations to implement an ESMP. Separately, the World Bank experts will also annually visit certain sites to monitor the compliance with the measures agreed in the ESCP, ESMF and other relevant documents. As has been mentioned above, in the case of 149 non-compliance, LDOs/IG social Specialists will investigate the nature and cause(s) of the non-compliance and, if necessary, decide what is necessary to ensure the compliance with the sub-project or financing shall be suspended. 9.3. Environmental and Social Performance Reporting Environmental and social performance, including monitoring, shall be properly documented and reported. In accordance with national legislation for the facilities under construction each contractor shall keep a log with information on EHS training for workers and another log for the registration of accidents during construction works. In the case of instrumental monitoring, the original records of the results of the required instrumental environmental monitoring (air and water quality) shall also be stored in a separate file for records. For sub-components related to construction / rehabilitation, it is recommended that contractors, with the assistance of the IG, develop a format (checklist) for site inspection to optimize the environmental and social supervision process before commencement of the works. The format can be in the form of a checklist with a list of mitigation measures to be implemented at construction sites, the status of their implementation and some explanations on the status of implementation, as required. On monthly basis the contractor will present short reports on ESMP implementation. The list of measures that are checked by the E&S Specialists when visiting the site shall correspond to the measures specified in the ESMP for the controlled sub-project. Information on the results of the monitoring on the construction / rehabilitated facilities shall be submitted to the Local Officers to the IG on a quarterly basis. Based on received from the Local Officer's reports on semiannually basis the IG will prepare a brief report on ESMF and ESMPs implementation to be included in the regular progress reports to be submitted to the WB. Monitoring reports during the project implementation will provide information on key environmental and social aspects 20 of the project activities, especially regarding environmental impacts and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Such information will allow the IG and the World Bank to evaluate the success of measures to mitigate the consequences within the framework of project supervision, and allow, if necessary, to take corrective actions. The sub-projects ESMP monitoring section will provide: (a) details of monitoring measures, including parameters to be measured, methods used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures: to (i) ensure early identification of conditions requiring mitigation measures; and (ii) provide information on the progress and results of mitigation. The IG will provide brief information on the implementation of the ESMF and the environmental and social activities of the sub-project as part of the progress reports to be submitted to the WB every six months. If social monitoring identified any impacts, it should be mitigated immediately. If there is an impact on land, productive assets, illegal users, people's livelihood, assess to the assets etc. the construction works should be stopped, and the IG needs to be informed immediately. A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) needs to be developed. The CAP should contain information on the sub-component of the project, status of the civil works, impact types and social impact assessment, proposed mitigation measures. CAP should be prepared by the sub-component implementer and approved by the IG. All unanticipated impacts under the subproject, which have been occurred out of the RoW, should be compensated/mitigated by the Contractor. This needs to be reflected in the bidding documents. All impacts in the RoW should be compensated by the Subproject Implementer. IG Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist is responsible for overall compilation of progress and results. It is suggested that semi-annual reports and quarterly unaudited IFRs will be submitted to WB. These reports should include the scorecards of communities on project implementation and success along with financial records, project implementation records, social audit meetings, and feedback and grievances received. Results measurements are outcomes defined in the results framework and set of output indicators defined in POM. The IG will be responsible for producing a completion report. All environmental and social issues are monitored and supervised by IG or Local Officer. Despite of insignificant social impacts, the potential negative impacts must be prevented or mitigated during construction and operation stages. Environmental and social monitoring system starts from the preparation phase of the sub-component of project 20 Including the impact on the labor force, gender issues, impact on socially vulnerable groups, stakeholder and community engagement, social conflicts, GRM, impact on land resources and others. 150 through the operation phase in order to prevent negative impacts of the project and observe the effectiveness of mitigation measures. This system helps the WB and the CEP to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision and allows taking an action when needed. The monitoring system provides technical assistance and supervision when needed, early detection of conditions related to mitigation measures, follows up on mitigation results, and provides information of the project progress. Monitoring Plan identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, and their link to impacts and mitigation measures. Specifically, the monitoring section of the ESMP provides: (a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements; and, (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to: (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation. 9.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues reporting OHS issues must be covered in all supervision and monitoring activities. That means specifically observing whether the enterprise adheres to good OHS practices, asking whether all employees have received OHS training, whether there have been any incidents, checking logs and the availability and use of protective and preventative equipment. Respectively, the ESF sections of all progress reports include statements indicating that the IG have checked occupational health and safety issues, and existing procedures in this regard, and asked if there have been any serious incidents or fatalities. Similarly, the IG will ensure that at the project launch workshop and in the operational manual contain adequate provisions for occupational health and safety. Any incidents occurring on project sites and/or within project-supported activities should be reported immediately, e.g., by the contractor to the employer, IG and subsequently to CEP. All incidents should be reported to the World Bank no later than 48 hours from their occurrence. Details on any incidents that have occurred, or lack thereof, will be provided in regular progress reports to CEP and the World Bank. The relevant text on OHS to be included in the progress reports might be as follows: The project has reported X Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) incidents since its start. Of these, X are classified as SEVERE, X as SERIOUS, and X as INDICATIVE. All incidents are confirmed accounted through the Environment and Social Incident Response Toolkit (ESIRT) (see below). During this mission period, the IG checked with all contractors and consultants under all project activities, if any OHS incidents occurred, either reported or not yet reported. The IG found (EITHER) (i) no new incidents occurred during this supervision period, or (ii) X incidents occurred (include classification, brief description of event and follow-up actions, and confirmation event was reported via SIRT)]. Monitoring activities during the report period found that OHS practices have been observed / partially observed / not observed. The following deficiencies were found: The following recommendations have been made to [XX Contractor / farm / business] The World Bank Environment and Social Incident Response Toolkit helps to manage incidents consistently by providing clear guidance on how to classify the incident's severity, how to provide a proportional response according to severity, and clarifies roles and responsibilities. ESIRT also requires a root cause analysis to be done by the Borrower when there is a severe incident. “Incident” is defined as an accident, incident, or negative event resulting from failure to comply with identified risk management measures OR conditions that occur because of unexpected or unforeseen environmental or social risks or impacts during project implementation. Examples of environmental or social incidents include: fatalities, serious accidents and injuries; social impacts from labor influx; sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) or other forms of gender- based violence (GBV); major environmental contamination; child labor; loss of biodiversity or critical habitat; loss of physical cultural resources; and loss of access to community resources. In most cases an incident is an accident or a negative impact arising if the contractor does not comply with the WB security policy or unforeseen events which occurred during the Project implementation. The WB ESIRT does not replace monitoring procedures and implementation of regular monitoring of the implementation of the project ESF provisions. The document includes the following six stages of the incident management and reporting process: Stage 1. Initial informing about the incident. The contractor, executor, supervisor, is informing the IG, local authorities, the WB, the public, providing urgent health care and providing the necessary safety measures for workers. All measures must be taken immediately. In parallel, all necessary data about the incident are collected - its scope, degree of danger to public health and environment, location, cause of occurrence, duration, what decisions are taken by the Executor, what actions should be taken next, etc. 151 Stage 2. Assess severity of the incident. The Executor (should promptly provide information to the WB about the incident and its degree of danger. Stage 3. Notification. The Executor is preparing an incident notification for the WB. Submission of a notification in the event of an incident should be determined when signing a contract with the Contractor. Stage 4. Investigation of the incident. The Executor provides any information requested by the WB and does not prevent to visit the incidence scene. The Executor is also obliged with the assistance of the Contractor to analyze the causes of the incident and to document the information received. The Executor may need to involve external experts in investigation of the incident. The term of the investigation should not exceed 10 days after the incident. The findings of the investigation should be used by the Executor and the Contractor to develop corrective actions and draw up a corrective action plan (CAP) to avoid any future repetition of what happened. Besides, the conclusions should be submitted to the WB. Stage 5. Corrective Action Plan. The Executor develops a CAP with specific actions, responsibilities, implementation dates and monitoring program and discusses it with the WB. In case of serious incidents, the WB and the Executor agree on a set of measures to eliminate the major causes of sources for such incidents. The CAP indicates actions, duties and terms that should be performed by the Executor and the Contractor. The Executor is responsible for implementation of the CAP. The CAP may include development or modernization of technical measures to protect the environment and prevent further pollution, conduct training, including on issues of emergency health care, compensation for insurance claims of injury or death. If the WB considers that the CAP measures are not effective, and/or the Executor has shown unwillingness or inability to take corrective measures, the WB may consider a decision on complete or partial suspension of the loan payments until such actions are taken, or in some cases it may consider a question of cancellation of the whole or part of the Project after its suspension. Such decisions of the WB are transferred to the IG and the Committee on Environmental Protection authorities to determine the appropriate actions of the WB. Stage 6. Monitoring execution of the CAP. The Executor performs the CAP, monitors execution of individual CAP items and provides a report on implementation to the WB. It will be mandatory for all project participants immediately report on the OHS (on severe and serious) incidents (by sub/contractors - to employer, by project implementing entity - to the World Bank). It is required that World Bank is to be notified about each severe and serious incident within 24 hours. For supervision of OHS issues during the project implementation which include civil works, the IG Environmental Specialist may use, as appropriate, the “Health, Safety and wellbeing inspection Checklists”. 9.5. Integration of ESMF into the project documentation The ESMF requirements will be integrated in the Project Operational Manual while the ESMPs requirements, - into construction contracts for all sub-projects, both into specifications and bills of quantities, and the Contractors will be required to include the cost for ESMP implementation in their financial bids. Based on the ESMF there will be highlighted the roles and responsibilities of all involved parties in the ESA process. Lastly, based on the ESMF and ESMPs requirements, monitoring and evaluation of mitigation/avoidance measures identified in the site-specific review and in the ESMPs will constitute integral part of the subproject implementation, including them into the contracts binding the and the contractors will need to carry out the environmental and social obligations during civil works. Furthermore, all contractors will be required to use environmentally acceptable technical standards and procedures during carrying out of works. Additionally, as specified in the ESMF, the contract clauses shall include requirements towards compliance with all national construction, health protection, ESF procedures, and rules on environmental and social protection. The provisions of the ESMF will be used for the following: (i) Inclusion of the ESMF requirements into the Operational Manual of the project; (ii) The inclusion of environmental guidelines, ESMP into the construction contracts for individual sub-projects, both in the specification and in the bills of work, sub-borrowers shall include the cost of ESMF implementation in their financial proposals; (iii) The allocation of subsequent responsibility of ESMF within the framework of the IG; (iv) Specifying mitigation and prevention measures during the implementation of selected sub- component of the projects; 152 (v) Monitoring and evaluation of mitigation/prevention measures identified in the site- specific review and in the ESMP. The required mitigation measures will be an integral part of the sub- project, including contracts requiring contractors to meet environmental and social obligations during construction. All contractors shall use environmentally acceptable technical standards and procedures during the work. In addition, the contract provisions shall specify the requirements for compliance with all national building codes, health, protective procedures and regulations, as well as environmental protection. Contractors for the construction and/or rehabilitation works shall prepare a Contractors ESMP based on the ESIA/ESMP prepared as part of the bid preparation. 153 X. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM 10.1. Overview of Grievance Redress Mechanism The main objective of a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) is to assist to resolve complaints and grievances in a timely, effective and efficient manner that satisfies all parties involved. Specifically, it provides a transparent and credible process for fair, effective and lasting outcomes. It also builds trust and cooperation as an integral component of broader community consultation that facilitates corrective actions. Specifically, the GRM: ▪ Provides affected people with avenues for making a complaint or resolving any dispute that may arise during the course of the implementation of projects; ▪ Ensures that appropriate and mutually acceptable redress actions are identified and implemented to the satisfaction of complainants; and ▪ Avoids the need to resort to judicial proceedings. The CEP IG operationalise the project specific GRM to address all citizen complaints and requests related to the project. Day-to-day implementation of the GRM and reporting to the World Bank will be the responsibility of the IG. The Social Development Specialist/Consultant will be the key nodal officer for GRM in the CEP IG central office. Project would encourage receiving complaints by a variety of channels, including anonymous complaints, at different levels. The system and requirements (including staffing) for the grievance redress chain of action – from registration, sorting and processing, and acknowledgement and follow‐up, to verification and action, and finally feedback – are incorporated in the GRM. To ensure management oversight of grievance handling, the CEP IG M&E will be responsible for monitoring the overall process, including verification that agreed resolutions are implemented. Prevention and response measures in relations to complaints of SEA/SH will be included to the project Gender Action Plan. It is recommended to establish a separate GRM window for women at Mahalla (neighbourhood) Committees (MC) level. The Mahalla Committee is traditional public voluntary self-initiative association of citizens that resolves various local social issues. The MCs consist of local leaders including active women that deal with women issues. One of the active women of the respective MC will serve as a focal point for receiving, registering and processing the SEA/SH complaints in the project interventions areas. The information on this GRM channel, including the focal point contacts, will be communicated to local residents and contractors. The IG Social Development and Gender Specialists will be responsible to ensure that the mechanism is in place and disclosed to the community. 10.2 GRM Structure Grievances can be filed at the following two levels: To whom is the Form of Complaint management procedure Timelines complaint filed submission Local level: Local Verbal 1.Register complaint/ proposal in the 5 days government authorities Phone calls Log for registration of complaints and (district/jamoat / Written proposals; mahalla) and IG district Electronic format 2. Maintain and monitor the process Project Officers of reviewing and responding to complaints; 3. Reporting monthly in writing to the Monthly IG Social Development Specialist on reporting the status of work with complaints. If the issue cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant within 5 days, then it is taken to the next level. In the register of complaints and suggestions, a record is made about the solution of the problem or the decision to move it to the next 154 level. National level: IG Written, 1. Register a complaint in the Log for 14 days Social Development electronic, complaints and proposals; Specialist through websites 2. Maintain and monitor the process of reviewing and meeting the complaints; 3. Consideration of the complaint may 30 days for the require additional verification of the appeals that issue, including collection of need additional additional documents. study 3. Report on a monthly basis in written (depending on the nature of the issue) on the status of work with complaints. If, after receiving a response from the IG, the complaint is not satisfied, the Conflict Resolution Commission (CRC) to be established by IG or local khukumat at the PAP request. Project District Officer will function as the CRC Secretary at the local level. The CRC will consist of at least 5 members, including 2 staff members of IG, representatives of recognized local NGOs / CSOs, reputable individuals (for example, a respected lawyer or professor), if available, and representatives of the participating site. Decisions made by the commission and agreed between all parties are legalized in the form of an order of the participating khukumats. The IG ’s Social Development Specialist will function as the CRC Secretary and serve as national Grievance Focal Point (GFP) to file the grievances and appeals. S/he will be responsible for summarizing the number and types of all the complaints and issues received by the districts and possibly regions. The complainant will be informed of the outcome immediately and at the latest within 5 days of the decision. The project affected persons can also file their complaints with the central apparatus of the CEP directly. The timeline for the grievance processing is 15 days upon registration. CEP/Environmental Information Center of the Committee: • CEP website (http://tajnature.tj/) • email info@tajnature.tj • hotlines (+99237) 2354430 and • (+992) 777162275 WhatsApp, Telegram and Imo • official page of the Committee on the Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/tajnature.tj Citizens who notice a violation of the law can take a video or picture and send it to the CEP through the social networks. In this case, the Center, promptly registers the appeal and sends the materials to the responsible persons for further action and decision. Appeal Mechanism. If the complaint is still not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, then s/he can submit his/her complaint to the appropriate court of law. 10.3 Grievance Resolution Process Information about the GRM will be publicized as part of the public awareness campaigns. Brochures and leaflets will be displayed in the target district CEP departments, targeted jamoats, if appropriate, and local governments information boards, etc. GRM leaflets will also be posted online on the CEP websites and social media webpages. The overall process for the GRM will be comprised of six steps, as described below. Step 1: Uptake. Project stakeholders will be able to provide feedback and report complaints through several channels: contacting CEP\IG by mail, telephone, email, social media and messaging. 155 Step 2: Sorting and processing. Complaints and feedbacks will be compiled by the Social Specialist at IG at central or regional offices and recorded in a register. These are assigned to the respective individuals / agencies to address. They are expected to discuss/ deliberate with the complainant and arrive at a resolution, within 15 working days of receipt. Step 3: Acknowledgement and follow-up. Within five (5) working days of the date a complaint is submitted, the responsible person/ agency will communicate with the complainant and provide information on the likely course of action and the anticipated timeframe for resolution of the complaint. If complaints are not resolved within 15 days, the responsible person will provide an update about the status of the complaint/question to the complainant and again provide an estimate of how long it will take to resolve the issue. Step 4: Verification, investigation and action. This step involves gathering information about the grievance to determine the facts surrounding the issue and verifying the complaint’s validity, and then developing a proposed resolution, which could include changes of decisions concerning eligibility for mitigation, assistance, changes in the program itself, other actions, or no actions. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the process can include site visits, document reviews, a meeting with the complainant (if known and willing to engage), and meetings with others (both those associated with the project and outside) who may have knowledge or can otherwise help resolve the issue. It is expected that many or most grievances would be resolved at this stage. All activities taken during this and the other steps will be fully documented, and any resolution logged in the register. Step 5: Monitoring and evaluation. Monitoring refers to the process of tracking grievances and assessing the progress that has been toward resolution. The CEP/IG will be responsible for consolidating, monitoring, and reporting on complaints, enquiries and other feedback that have been received, resolved, or pending. This will be accomplished by maintaining the grievance register and records of all steps taken to resolve grievances or otherwise respond to feedback and questions. Step 6: Providing Feedback. This step involves informing those to submit complaints, feedback, and questions about how issues were resolved, or providing answers to questions. Whenever possible, complainants should be informed of the proposed resolution in person (communicating by telephone or other means). If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution, s/he will be informed of further options, which would include pursuing remedies through the World Bank, as described below, or through avenues afforded by the Republic of Tajikistan legal system. On a quarterly basis, the IG will report to CEP on grievances resolved since the previous report and on grievances that remain unresolved, with an explanation as to steps to be taken to resolve grievances that have not been resolved within 30 days. Data on grievances and/or original grievance logs will be made available to World Bank missions on request, and summaries of grievances and resolutions will be included in semi-annual reports to the World Bank. Grievance Logs will include at least the following information: • Individual reference number • Name of the person submitting the complaint, question, or other feedback, address and/or contact information (unless the complaint has been submitted anonymously) • Details of the complaint, feedback, or question/her location and details of his / her complaint. • Date of the complaint. • Name of person assigned to deal with the complaint (acknowledge to the complainant, investigate, propose resolutions, etc.) • Details of proposed resolution, including person(s) who will be responsible for authorizing and implementing any corrective actions that are part of the proposed resolution • Date when proposed resolution was communicated to the complainant (unless anonymous) • Date when the complainant acknowledged, in writing if possible, being informed of the proposed resolution • Details of whether the complainant was satisfied with the resolution, and whether the complaint can be closed out • Date when the resolution is implemented (if any). 156 The CEP has GRM focal points at the central and district levels that will allow the project to address effectively all grievances raised at grass root level, which will have countrywide scattered pattern including those in remote areas. PAPs will have an option of submitting grievance to the CEP/IG directly. 10.4 Monitoring and Reporting on Grievances The CEP/IG will be responsible for: • Analyzing the qualitative data on the number, substance and status of complaints and uploading them into the project databases established by CEP/IG • Monitoring outstanding issues and proposing measures to resolve them • Preparing quarterly reports on GRM to be shared with the WB. Semi-annual reports to be submitted to the WB shall include section related to GRM which provides updated information on the following: • Status of GRM implementation (procedures, training, public awareness campaigns, budgeting etc.) • Qualitative data on number of received grievances (applications, suggestions, complaints, requests, positive feedback), highlighting number of resolved grievances • Quantitative data on the type of grievances and responses, issues provided and grievances that remain unresolved • Level of satisfaction by the measures (response) taken • Any correction measures taken. 10.5 World Bank Grievance Redress Service Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a World Bank (WB) supported project may submit complaints to existing project-level grievance redress mechanisms or the WB’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS). The GRS ensures that complaints received are promptly reviewed in order to address project-related concerns. Project affected communities and individuals may submit their complaint to the WB’s independent Inspection Panel which determines whether harm occurred, or could occur, as a result of WB non- compliance with its policies and procedures. Complaints may be submitted at any time after concerns have been brought directly to the World Bank’s attention, and Bank Management has been given an opportunity to respond. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank’s corporate Grievance Redress Service (GRS), please visit http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress-service. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank Inspection Panel, please visit www.inspectionpanel.org. A complaint may be submitted in English, Tajik or Russian, although additional processing time will be needed for complaints that are not in English. A complaint can be submitted to the Bank GRS through the following email: grievances@worldbank.org Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a project supported by the World Bank may also complaints directly to the Bank through the Bank’s Country Office through the following channels. By phone: +992 48 701-5810 By mail: 48 Ayni Street, Business Center "Sozidanie", 3rd floor, Dushanbe, Tajikistan By email: tajikistan@worldbank.org The complaint must clearly state the adverse impact(s) allegedly caused or likely to be caused by the Bank- supported project. This should be supported by available documentation and correspondence to the extent possible. The complainant may also indicate the desired outcome of the complaint. Finally, the complaint should identify the complainant(s) or assigned representative/s and provide contact details. Complaints submitted via the GRS are promptly reviewed to allow quick attention to project-related concerns. 157 XI. ESMF DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ESMF, LMP, SEP, PF and RPF preparation has been highly participatory. The PIU had series of public consultations: during preparation of ESF and EA documents to discuss the drafts and final ESF documents. Consultations have been held with various stakeholders including the public communities, local/ district/ regional authorities, other departments and service providers. The draft ESMF, SEP, LMP, ESCP, PF and RPF in English and Russian languages were posted on the CEP IG website on August 27, 2021 (http://tajnature.tj). The PF was disclosed locally during public consultations held on October 28-29, 2021. Final versions of all ESF instruments was redisclosed on November 20, 2021 at the CEP website. Due to COVID-19 restriction to travel, first round of consultations were held in Dushanbe and due to poor internet connections in the regions, virtual consultations were challenging. These consultations were held in Dushanbe on September 3, 2021 with participation of government agencies and civil society organizations. Summary of ESMF, LMP, SEP presentation and RPF was sent to local hukumats (local governments) for any comments. All comments received were reflected in ESF documents. Second round of consultations was held with wider community participation on October 28-29, 2021 in three districts: Ayni, Shugnon and Qubodiyon .Public consultation presented the project's objectives, planning activities, anticipated environmental and social impacts and proposing mitigation measures, compensation measures in the event of any impacts, and grievance redress mechanism to participants. Due to COVID-19 risks, the public consultations were not massive, but included various stakeholders from government and communities with adequate representation. The district-level consultations were held with participation of heads of communities, local administrations, collective farms, representatives of the local department of women and family affairs, social protection, agricultural departments, special protected areas, irrigation departments, transport departments totaling about 70 persons. The CEP IG team presented the project components and contents of ESF documents, and then held Question and Answers session to get feedback from the participants. The participants expressed support in the project activities recognizing criticality of the land degradation and environmental protection, as well as expressed high interest in the ESF approach. The participants, suggested certain activities to be considered for the project funding and continue to raise awareness of population on climate change, environmental risks and mitigation measures, had clarification questions regarding ESS2, ESS5 and ESS10. Based on suggestions received during the consultation workshop the ESMF, other environmental and social instruments, including RPF, LMP, SEP and PF have been updated, finalized and will be published on CEP’s website and further disclosed on the external WB website. Social Assessment (SA) has also been finalized. The final versions will be officially submitted to the World Bank for disclosure in English on the WB external webpage. The English and Russian versions will be also redisclosed on the website of the CEP IG. The Client will follow Citizen engagement and Stakeholder Consultations during COVID-19 pandemic per the World Bank’s guidelines: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/factsheet/2020/12/01/citizen-engagement-and-stakeholder- consultations-during-covid-19. The final version of this document will be used by respective government agencies and other Project stakeholders during the project implementation. Minutes of the virtual disclosure workshop held on September 3, 2021 and October 28-29, 2021, are enclosed in Annex 5. As disclosure on the web may not be enough as it may not be accessible by communities and/or their representatives in rural areas, the copies should be physically kept/placed at locally acceptable places such as school libraries, local district offices/forestry offices with public announcements made about where they are made available. 158 XII. ESMF IMPLEMENTATION BUDGET Below are the estimated costs associated with implementation of the ESF capacity building, development and implementation of site-specific instruments, and monitoring. Trainings on ESF implementation estimated budget amd timeframe The name of the training Time and estimated Target group Arranger Estimated duration cost 1. Review of WB ESSs and their During the first year of IG Staff, including Consultant 2,500 US implementation during the the Project regional project dollars project cycle. implementation offices, PTC Duration – 0.5 days National environmental requirements for project preparation and implementation 2. Implementation of ESIA/ESMP, Prior to selection of IG Staff, including Consultant 3,000 US RPF, PF, RAP, LMP, SEP, sub-projects regional project dollars GRM Duration – 2 days offices, PTC 3. Implementation of ESIA/ ESMP, Prior to selection of Local stakeholders Consultant 2,000 US social screening sub-projects in three regions dollars Duration – 2 days 4. SH/SEA training and awareness- Half-day workshops at CEP staff Consultant, IG 2,000 USD raising / implementation of GBV the regional level at Contractor and per each action plan the beginning and in Supervisor activity, the middle of the Local government/ Total 6,000 project mahallas/ USD for 3 community regions members 5. E&S Performance Reporting During the first half IG Staff, including Consultant 1,500 US year of the Project regional project dollars implementation offices, PTC Duration - 0.5 days members TOTAL Around 15000 USD ESMF implementation budget and timeframe Activities Timeline Responsibility US$ Preparation of Site-specific TBC CEP IG 30,000-50,000 ESIA Preparation of ESMP TBC CEP IG 1,000 per site ESMP Monitoring With the start of works CEP IG 15,000 Total Around 100,000 159 Annex 1: Environmental and Social Screening Checklist Annex 1-A: Sample Environmental Screening Form Sub-project Information Sub-project name Procurement Plan Item No Type of sub-project Implementing authority/ies Location of sub-project (Neighborhood(s), District, Province) Brief Description of Subproject activities: (construction and operation/implementation activities) Geographical coordinates of the Site: Area of land that will be used for the sub-project: Current Land use Land ownership Access routes to the Site Baseline Environmental Conditions Is the subproject site located on or adjacent to any of the following (Provide information for all sites and alignment of the project components/subcomponents, associated activities; give details, mention distance to these features in km) Impacts Yes No Details Environmental Aspects 1. Sensitive ecosystems 2. Natural habitats 3. Areas with protection status (cultural/archaeological /natural) 4. Critical habitats 5. Describe the soil and vegetation on site Sensitive Receptors Are there sensitive receptors in the area of influence of the sub-project, such as: Impacts Yes No Details 1. housing units, schools, hospitals or other 160 sensitive receptors 2. culturally and/or socially important paths, areas/religious occupancies, burial grounds, tourist or pilgrim congregation areas, etc. 3. drinking water sources (groundwater wells, springs, surface water resources) 4. areas prone to flooding / landslides 5. downstream communities 6. areas affected by landslides 7. other sensitive receptors Current Environmental Status Impacts Yes No Details 1. Is the site in critical / over exploited condition? 2. Is the site covered with vegetation? 3. Is the site disaster-prone? If yes; list all disaster zone categories applicable. 4. Is the site suitable for proposed development? 5. Describe existing pollution or degradation in the sites 6. Any other remarks on baseline condition? Anticipated Environmental Impacts: Impacts on Land, Geology and Soils Will the proposed sub-project cause the following on land / soil? Impacts Yes No Details 1. substantial removal of top soil (indicate in sqm) 2. degradation of land 3. loss or impacts on cultural/heritage properties 4. physical changes in the project area (i.e. changes to the topography) due to cutting and filling, excavation, earthwork or any other activity 5.contamination or pollution of the Land? (indicate possible risks) 161 Impacts on Water Environment Will the sub-project or its components cause any of the following impacts on quantity or quality of water sources: Impacts Yes No Details 1. Will the sub-project involve dredging in the river environment? 2. Impacts on availability and access to water resources 3. Pollution of water bodies/ground water nearby or downstream 4. Impacts on river flow patterns 5. Will the project result in stagnation of water flow or pondage? Impacts on Biodiversity Will the sub-project or its components cause any of the following impacts on biodiversity? Impacts Yes No Details 1. cutting of trees or clearing of vegetation? 2. habitat fragmentation due to the clearing activities? (i.e. hindrance to the local biodiversity like disturbing the migratory path of fish, birds, mammals, etc.) 3. potential nuisance of noise and light pollution or any disturbance on surrounding habitats Impacts due to Storage and Wastes: Pollution and Hazards Will the subproject or its components cause any impact due to storage of materials, wastes or pollution due to releases during various project activities Impacts Yes No Details 1. Does the project include use or storage of dangerous substances (e.g., large quantities of hazardous chemicals/ materials like Chlorine, Diesel, Petroleum products; any other? 2. Will the project produce solid or liquid wastes; including construction/demolition wastes (including dredging, de-weeding wastes, muck/silt, dust); polluted liquids? 162 Environmental Pollution Will the process cause or increase the following? Impacts Yes No Details 1. air pollution 2. odor nuisance 3. environmental noise 4. visual blight or light pollution 5. water pollution (surface waters, groundwater) 6. coil contamination 7. other types of impacts on the ambient environment Suggested Environmental Enhancement Measures Has the subproject design considered the following enhancement measures? Impacts Yes No Details 1. Energy conservation measures/ energy recovery options incorporated in subproject design 2. Waste minimization or waste reuse/recycle options 3. Rainwater harvesting, water recycling and other water resource enhancement measures 4. Mitigations against extreme events, drought, flood, other natural disasters 5. License for water withdrawal from surface water source 6.License for transportation and storage of diesel, oil and lubricants, etc. 7.License for transportation of hazardous wastes Summary: CHECKED AND CATEGORIZED AS (LOW, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL, HIGH) The Exclusion List defines the types of projects that WB does not finance. The WB does not finance the following projects: ▪ Have negative environmental or social impacts that are irreversible, create cumulative 163 impacts and/or cannot be adequately mitigated; ▪ Require physical relocation or displacement; ▪ Are financed, or scheduled to be financed, by the government or other development partners; ▪ Production or trade in any product or activity deemed illegal under host country laws or regulations or international conventions and agreements, or subject to international bans, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides/herbicides, ozone depleting substances, PCB's, wildlife or products regulated under CITES. ▪ Production or trade in weapons and munitions. ▪ Production or trade in alcoholic beverages (excluding beer and wine). ▪ Production or trade in tobacco. ▪ Gambling, casinos and equivalent enterprises. ▪ Production or trade in radioactive materials. This does not apply to the purchase of medical equipment, quality control (measurement) equipment and any equipment where IFC considers the radioactive source to be trivial and/or adequately shielded. ▪ Production or trade in unbonded asbestos fibers. This does not apply to purchase and use of bonded asbestos cement sheeting where the asbestos content is less than 20%. ▪ Drift net fishing in the marine environment using nets in excess of 2.5 km. in length. A reasonableness test will be applied when the activities of the project company would have a significant development impact, but circumstances of the country require adjustment to the Exclusion List. Any subprojects that include activities that coincide with those included in the lists of excluded subprojects for financing and that which may have significant environmental and social risks will be disqualified. If the answer to one of the following questions is YES, the subproject application shall be excluded. Annex 1-B: Sample Social Screening Form Sub-project Information Sub-project name Procurement Plan Item No Type of sub-project Implementing authority/ies Location of sub-project (Neighborhood(s), District, Province) Brief Description of Subproject activities: (construction and operation/implementation activities) Geographical coordinates of the Site: Area of land that will be used for the sub-project: Current Land use Land ownership Access routes to the Site 164 Social Impacts on Communities Will the subproject or its components cause any of the following impacts on nearby communities? Impacts Yes No Details 1. Health & Safety risks in nearby communities (major accident risks such as explosions, fires, toxic releases, etc.) 2. Potential noise/vibration to nearby communities 3. Potential damages to common property, roads, etc. 4. Potential risks of traffic accidents 5. Labor risks 6. Other risks (please specify) Impacts on Land Use and Assets Activities Yes No Notes 1 Acquisitions of land, buildings (residential and business) If "Yes", and answers other questions "No", provide relevant documents, available for the final sales transaction 2 Acquisitions or expansion of the business, which will be implemented by the demolition/ relocation homeowners, renters, formal and informal If yes, provide more details user assets 3 Acquisition of assets, which will cause the loss of access of people or a particular community/groups, especially If yes, provide more details ethnic minorities to: · Natural resources · The traditional habitat · The traditional activities · Communal utilities 4 Acquisitions/or expansion of a business that can If yes, provide more details promote/increase the risk of: 1. Violation of the labor code and laws including the use of child labor 2. Harassment of ethnic minority groups in the areas of project (related to their identity, dignity and livelihoods of the system of subsistence, cultural 165 identity) 3. Human trafficking and forced labor 5 Will there be land acquisition using eminent domain If yes, provide more details law? 6 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of shelter and If yes, provide more details residential land due to land acquisition? 7 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of agricultural If yes, provide more details and other productive assets due to land acquisition? 8 Will there be losses of crops, trees, and fixed assets due If yes, provide more details to land acquisition? 9 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of businesses If yes, provide more details or enterprises due to land acquisition? 10 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of income If yes, provide more details sources and means of livelihoods due to land acquisition? 11 If land or private property is purchased through If yes, provide more details negotiated settlement or willing buyer-willing seller, will it result in the permanent or temporary removal or displacement of renters, or leaseholders? 12 If land or private property is purchased through If yes, provide more details negotiated settlement or willing buyer-willing seller, will it result in the permanent or temporary removal or displacement of informal land-users (people without legal rights on the land) or squatters? 13 Will the project involve any permanent or temporary If yes, provide more details restrictions in land use or access to legally designated parks or protected areas and cause people or any community to lose access to natural resources, traditional habitats, communal land, or communal facilities? 14 Will the project use government land or any public land If yes, provide more details or property, which will require the permanent or temporary removal of informal occupants or users (residential or economic)? 166 The Social Development Specialist confirms that the assigned land / proposed subproject Has Involuntary Resettlement (IR) impact, a Resettlement Action Plan is required Will not have IR impact Completed by (full name and contacts): _____________________________________ Signature: _________ Date:________________________ Annex 1-C. Results of Environmental and Social Screening Risk rating justification: Annex 2: INDICATIVE OUTLINE OF ESIA Where an environmental and social impact assessment is prepared as part of the environmental and social assessment, it will include the following: (a) Executive Summary • Concisely discusses significant findings and recommended actions. (b) Legal and Institutional Framework • Analyzes the legal and institutional framework for the project, within which the environmental and social assessment is carried out, including the issues set out in ESS1, paragraph 2621 21 27 ESS1, paragraph 26, states that the environmental and social assessment takes into account in an appropriate manner all issues relevant to the project, including: (a) the country’s applicable policy framework, national laws and regulations, and institutional capabilities (including implementation) relating to environment and social issues; variations in country conditions and project context; country environmental or social studies; national environmental or social action plans; and obligations of the country directly applicable to the project under relevant international treaties and agreements; (b) applicable requirements under the ESSs; and (c) the EHSGs, and other relevant GIIP. 167 • Compares the Borrower’s existing environmental and social framework and the ESSs and identifies the gaps between them. • Identifies and assesses the environmental and social requirements of any co-financiers. (c) Project Description • Concisely describes the proposed project and its geographic, environmental, social, and temporal context, including any offsite investments that may be required (e.g., dedicated pipelines, access roads, power supply, water supply, housing, and raw material and product storage facilities), as well as the project’s primary suppliers. • Through consideration of the details of the project, indicates the need for any plan to meet the requirements of ESS1 through 10. • Includes a map of sufficient detail, showing the project site and the area that may be affected by the project’s direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. (d) Baseline Data • Sets out in detail the baseline data that is relevant to decisions about project location, design, operation, or mitigation measures. This should include a discussion of the accuracy, reliability, and sources of the data as well as information about dates surrounding project identification, planning and implementation. • Identifies and estimates the extent and quality of available data, key data gaps, and uncertainties associated with predictions. • Based on current information, assesses the scope of the area to be studied and describes relevant physical, biological, and socioeconomic conditions, including any changes anticipated before the project commences. • Takes into account current and proposed development activities within the project area but not directly connected to the project. (e) Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts • Takes into account all relevant environmental and social risks and impacts of the project. This will include the environmental and social risks and impacts specifically identified in ESS2–8, and any other environmental and social risks and impacts arising as a consequence of the specific nature and context of the project, including the risks and impacts identified in ESS1, paragraph 28. • Direct, indirect and cumulative impacts should be identified and assessed. (f) Mitigation Measures • Identifies mitigation measures and significant residual negative impacts that cannot be mitigated and, to the extent possible, assesses the acceptability of those residual negative impacts. • Identifies differentiated measures so that adverse impacts do not fall disproportionately on the disadvantaged or vulnerable. 168 • Assesses the feasibility of mitigating the environmental and social impacts; the capital and recurrent costs of proposed mitigation measures, and their suitability under local conditions; and the institutional, training, and monitoring requirements for the proposed mitigation measures. • Specifies issues that do not require further attention, providing the basis for this determination. (g) Analysis of Alternatives • Systematically compares feasible alternatives to the proposed project site, technology, design, and operation—including the “without project” situation—in terms of their potential environmental and social impacts. • Assesses the alternatives’ feasibility of mitigating the environmental and social impacts; the capital and recurrent costs of alternative mitigation measures, and their suitability under local conditions; and the institutional, training, and monitoring requirements for the alternative mitigation measures. • For each of the alternatives, quantifies the environmental and social impacts to the extent possible, and attaches economic values where feasible. (h) Design Measures • Sets out the basis for selecting the particular project design proposed and specifies the applicable EHSGs or if the ESHGs are determined to be inapplicable, justifies recommended emission levels and approaches to pollution prevention and abatement that are consistent with GIIP. (i) Key Measures and Actions for the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) • Summarizes key measures and actions and the timeframe required for the project to meet the requirements of the ESSs. This will be used in developing the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). (j) Appendices • List of the individuals or organizations that prepared or contributed to the environmental and social assessment. • References—setting out the written materials both published and unpublished, that have been used. • Record of meetings, consultations and surveys with stakeholders, including those with affected people and other interested parties. The record specifies the means of such stakeholder engagement that were used to obtain the views of affected people and other interested parties. • Tables presenting the relevant data referred to or summarized in the main text. • List of associated reports or plans 169 Annex 3: ENVIRONMENTAL SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN and ESMP Checklist (Example) General Remarks. If an ESIA is required, then the ESMP should be an Annex to the ESIA. For smaller activities, only an ESMP or ESMP checklist is required. An Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) should outline the mitigation, monitoring and administrative measures to be taken during project implementation to avoid or eliminate negative environmental and social impacts. Description of the of the Environmental and Social Management Plan The Borrower will (a) identify the set of responses to potentially adverse impacts; (b) determine requirements for ensuring that those responses are made effectively and in a timely manner; and (c) describe the means for meeting those requirements. Specifically, the EMP’s content will include: Mitigation (a) identifies and summarizes all anticipated significant adverse environmental impacts (including those involving indigenous people or involuntary resettlement); (b) describes--with technical details- -each mitigation measure, including the type of impact to which it relates and the conditions under which it is required (e.g., continuously or in the event of contingencies), together with designs, equipment descriptions, and operating procedures, as appropriate; (c) estimates any potential environmental impacts of these measures; and (d) provides linkage with any other mitigation plans (e.g., for involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, or cultural property) required for the project. Monitoring Environmental monitoring during project implementation provides information about key environmental aspects of the project, particularly the environmental impacts of the project and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Such information enables the borrower and the Bank to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision, and allows corrective action to be taken when needed. Therefore, the EMP identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, with linkages to the impacts assessed in the EA report and the mitigation measures described in the EMP. Specifically, the monitoring section of the EMP provides(a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, detection limits (where appropriate), and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective actions; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation. Capacity Development and Training To support timely and effective implementation of environmental project components and mitigation measures, the EMP draws on the EA's assessment of the existence, role, and capability of environmental units on site or at the agency and ministry level. If necessary, the EMP recommends the establishment or expansion of such units, and the training of staff, to allow implementation of EA recommendations. Specifically, the EMP provides a specific description of institutional arrangements - who is responsible for carrying out the mitigation and monitoring measures (e.g., for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring of implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). To strengthen environmental management capability in the agencies responsible for implementation, most EMPs cover one or more of the following additional topics: (a) technical 170 assistance programs, (b) procurement of equipment and supplies, and (c) organizational changes. Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates For all three aspects (mitigation, monitoring, and capacity development), the EMP provides (a) an implementation schedule for measures that must be carried out as part of the project, showing phasing and coordination with overall project implementation plans; and (b) the capital and recurrent cost estimates and sources of funds for implementing the EMP. These figures are also integrated into the total project cost tables. Integration of ESMP with Project The borrower's decision to proceed with a project, and the Bank's decision to support it, is predicated in part on the expectation that the EMP will be executed effectively. Consequently, the Bank expects the plan to be specific in its description of the individual mitigation and monitoring measures and its assignment of institutional responsibilities, and it must be integrated into the project's overall planning, design, budget, and implementation. Such integration is achieved by establishing the EMP within the project so that the plan will receive funding and supervision along with the other components. The Environmental and Social Management Plan format provided in Form below. It represents a model for development of an EMP. The model divides the project cycle into three phases: construction, operation and decommissioning. For each phase, the preparation team identifies any significant environmental impacts that are anticipated based on the analysis done in the context of preparing an environmental assessment. For each impact, mitigation measures are to be identified and listed. Estimates are made of the cost of mitigation actions broken down by estimates for installation (investment cost) and operation (recurrent cost). The EMP format also provides for the identification of institutional responsibilities for "installation" and operation of mitigation devices and methods. To keep track of the requirements, responsibilities and costs for monitoring the implementation of environmental mitigation identified in the analysis included in an environmental assessment a monitoring plan is necessary. A Monitoring Plan format is provided and includes a row for baseline information that is critical to achieving reliable and credible monitoring. The key elements of the matrix are: • What is being monitored? • Where is monitoring done? • How is the parameter to be monitored to ensure meaningful comparisons? • When or how frequently is monitoring necessary or most effective? • Why is the parameter being monitored (what does it tell us about environmental impact)? In addition to these questions, it is necessary to identify the costs associated with monitoring (both investment and recurrent) and the institutional responsibilities. When a monitoring plan is developed and put in place in the context of project implementation, the CEP IG will request reports at appropriate intervals and include the findings in its periodic reporting to the World Bank and make the findings available to Bank staff during supervision missions. 171 Environmental and Social Management Plan Format Phase Environmental Mitigating Cost Institutional Remarks Impact Measure(s) Responsibility Install Operate Install Operate Construction • • • • • • • • Operation • • • • • • • • • Decommissioning • • • • • • • Environmental Management Plan Checklist (for small scale construction/rehabilitation sub- projects, forest and pasture management subprojects) General Guidelines for use of ESMP checklist: For low-risk construction projects, such as minor roads rehabilitation works or the construction of bicycle paths, the ECA (Europe and Central Asia) safeguards team developed an alternative ESMP (environmental and social management plan) format to provide an opportunity for a more streamlined approach to mainstreaming the World Bank’s environmental safeguards requirements into projects which (a) are small in scale or by the nature of the planned activities have a low potential environmental impact, (b) are located in countries with well-functioning country systems for environmental assessment and management. The checklist-type format has been developed to ensure that basic good practice measures are recognized and implemented, while designed to be both user friendly and compatible with the World Bank’s safeguards requirements. The ESMP checklist-type format attempts to cover typical key mitigation measures to civil works contracts with small, localized impacts or of a simple, low risk nature. This format provides the key elements of an ESMP to meet the minimum World Bank Environmental Assessment requirements for Category B projects under OP 4.01. The intention of this checklist is that it offers practical, concrete and implementable guidance to Contractors and supervising Engineers for simple civil works contracts. It should be completed during the final design phase and, either freestanding or in combination with any environmental documentation produced under national law (e.g. ESIA reports), constitute an integral part of the bidding documents and eventually the works contracts. The checklist ESMP has the following sections: Part 1 includes a descriptive part that characterizes the project, specifies institutional and regulatory aspects, describes technical project content, outlines any potential need for capacity building and briefly characterizes the public consultation process. This section should indicatively be up to two pages long. Attachments for additional information may be supplemented as needed. Part 2 includes a screening checklist of potential environmental and social impacts, where activities and potential environmental issues can be checked in a simple Yes/No format. If any given activity/issue is triggered by checking “yes”, a reference to the appropriate section in the table in the subsequent Part 3 can be followed, which contains clearly formulated environmental and social management and mitigation measures. Part 3 represents the environmental mitigation plan to follow up proper implementation of the measures triggered under Part 2. It has the same format as required for MPs produced under standard safeguards requirements for Category B projects. Part 4 contains a simple monitoring plan to enable both the Contractor as well as authorities and the World Bank specialists to monitoring due implementation of environmental management and protection measures and detect deviations and shortcomings in a timely manner. 173 Part 1. Project Information INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS Country Project title Scope of project and activity Institutional arrangements WB Project Management Local Counterpart and/or (names and contacts) (Project Recipient Team Leader) Implementation Safeguard Local Counterpart Local Contactor arrangements Supervision Supervision Inspectorate (Name and contacts) Supervision SITE DESCRIPTION Name of site Describe site location Attachment 1: Site Map [ ]Y / [ ]N Who owns the land? Geographic description LEGISLATION Identify national & local legislation & permits that apply to project activity PUBLIC CONSULTATION Identify when / where the public consultation process took place INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING Will there be any capacity [ ], if Yes, Attachment 2 includes the capacity building program building? (Yes/No) Beneficiary: Signature: Date: 174 ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Will the site activity Activity Status Additional references include/involve any of A. Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section B below the following: B. New construction [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section B below C. Individual wastewater treatment [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section C below system D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section D below E. Acquisition of land22 [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section E below F. Hazardous or toxic materials23 [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section F below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section G below areas H. Handling / management of medical [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section H below waste I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section I below ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST A. General Conditions Notification and Worker Safety (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming activities (b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (d) All work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) 22 The project will support construction of new buildings only in the case when land acquisition is not necessary and there are no any resettlement issues; for such cases the investor should have the landownership title as well as has to prove the land at the moment of sub-projects application is not occupied or used even illegally 23 Toxic / hazardous material includes and is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, removal of lead paint, etc. ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. B. General Air Quality (a) During interior demolition use debris-chutes above the first floor Rehabilitation and /or (b) Keep demolition debris in controlled area and spray with water mist to reduce debris dust Construction Activities (c) Suppress dust during pneumatic drilling/wall destruction by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site (d) Keep surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) free of debris to minimize dust (e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment should be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) C. Individual Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or wastewater treatment reconstruction) must be approved by the local authorities system (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST D. Historic building(s) Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, notify and obtain approval/permits from local authorities and address all construction activities in line with local and national legislation (b) Ensure that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds” encountered in excavation or construction are noted, officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. E. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition Plan/Framework(a) If expropriation of land was not expected and is required, or if loss of access to income or damage to assets of legal or illegal users of land was not expected but may occur, that the bank Task Team Leader is consulted. (b) The approved by the Bank Land Acquisition Plan (if required by the project) will be implemented prior to start of project works. F. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the project site, mark clearly as hazardous material (b) When possible, the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material is be stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled Toxic / hazardous waste management with details of composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances should be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (c) The wastes are transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used G. Affects forests and/or Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not protected areas be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. (b) For large trees in the vicinity of the activity, mark and cordon off with a fence large tress and protect root system and avoid any damage to the trees ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams will be protected, from construction site run-off, with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales, silt fences (d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. EXAMPLE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN WHEN HOW WHAT WHERE WHY is the PHASE is the parameter COST RESPONSIBILITY is the parameter to be is the parameter to be parameter to is the parameter to be monitored? monitored? be monitored? being monitored? monitored?? (frequency)? Prior approval Recommended due for Design project for Review of to national Implementation of ESMP construction CEP construction, elaborates and legislation Should be part guidelines as part of reconstruction and adaptation requiring a of the Project Designer, Contractor (RECOMMENDATIONS) project Designing adaptation. designs. construction monitoring permit. program. After the Social screening Project technical To comply with Resettlement impacts and risks Target sites of the proposed Management CEP IG/PROs designs are ESS5 sites costs finalized Regular review A part of regular stipulated in the During inspection by Law, and if any Included in Parameters given in construction Supervision Engineer, the Ministry of public complaint is the construction permit - all special Main Project and prior to inspectorate of the Environment sent to the construction conditions of construction documentation issuance of CEP and Construction and the Ministry of phase, costs of issued by different bodies the Operation Inspection Construction Environment, or Contractors permit Inspection the Construction Inspection. Expenditure of the A part of regular Supporting Ministry inspection by After Needed in Supervision Engineer, documents for waste, Environment the Ministry reporting on accordance with inspectorate of the Construction Construction waste management which is submitted to and the Environment waste the waste-related CEP and Construction (including hazardous) the competent Construction Construction management regulations Inspection communal enterprise Inspection and Inspection low costs for the Contractor WHEN HOW WHAT WHERE WHY is the PHASE is the parameter COST RESPONSIBILITY is the parameter to be is the parameter to be parameter to is the parameter to be monitored? monitored? be monitored? being monitored? monitored?? (frequency)? Project Labor conditions and contracts, Onsite observations, Site visits, desk During To comply with Management CEP IG OHS, Worker GRM Contractor office review construction ESS2 costs Community Project Neighbouring During the To comply with IG and its Regional Community Outreach, GRM meetings, GRM Management communities, PROs field site visits ESS10 offices logs costs After Based on the Should be Costs of the reporting to supporting documents monitored in line project Reports to the the Ministry Project beneficiary, for waste, which is with the beneficiary Waste management Ministry of of competent communal submitted to the regulations on and the Operation Environment Environment company and the CEP Ministry of waste Ministry of on waste Environment management. Environment management. Community Project Neighbouring During the To comply with IG and its Regional Community Outreach, GRM meetings, GRM Management communities, PROs field site visits ESS10 offices logs costs ACM MANAGEMENT PLAN (Example) А. Introduction 1. Management plan for asbestos-containing materials (hereinafter referred to as ACMMP), describes and assesses the risks of contractor organizations (as well as others) that have discovered asbestos-containing materials (hereinafter ACM) at construction sites during the project implementation period; and also, the plan provides procedures for the rapid and safe handling of any ACM that can be detected. В. Risk Assessment Risk 2. Asbestos is a fibrous material of natural origin, widely used in buildings and other infrastructure in the 20th century; the material is strong, resistant to heat and fire. The general use of asbestos was in the production of slate sheets, asbestos cement (hereinafter AC) pipes, as well as in some parts of cars. The risk of asbestos for human health began to be widely understood at the beginning of the 20th century from the 1980s onwards, increasing the number of countries that had begun to restrict, and then its use was banned. The supply and use of ACM is currently banned in most countries, although it is not yet prohibited in the Tajikistan. 3. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can lead to serious and fatal diseases, including lung cancer, mesothelioma (internal mucosa cancer), asbestos pneumoconiosis (inflammatory lung disease). The health safety risk generally increases with prolonged and repeated exposure, but the "US Occupational Safety and Health Act" (hereinafter referred to as OSHA) states that there is no "safe level of exposure" for any type of asbestos fibers24. 4. At workplaces, risks are usually the greatest, if the production of work with ACM is carried out in buildings or other enclosed premises, and also where the material is dry, old, or broken. This is because the collapsing ACM, as well as the cut or chipped edges of even a new material, can be fibrous (where the fibers are easily separated), especially when they are touched. С. Urgent measures 5. If an ACM is found on a facility, the Contractor should take the following actions: a) Stop all work within a radius of 5 m from the place of ACM, evacuate all personnel from the territory of this section; b) Mark the border of the territory within a radius of 5 m with a columnar safety fence, an alarm tape and easily visible warning signs notifying about the presence of asbestos; c) Inform the Project Engineers, as well as the Environmental Supervision Specialists, in order to organize an object inspection without delay. 6. Project Implementation Institution is needed to: Notify the State Administration of Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision. D. Equipment 7. In order to remove asbestos from the construction site, the Contractor shall be provided with the following equipment: 24Health and Safety Management. US Department of Labor. "Safety and health issues: Asbestos." (2014) Skammeritz, E. et al. "The impact of asbestos and survival during malignant mesothelioma: A description of 122 consecutive cases in a professional clinic." International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (IJOEM), Volume 2, No 4 October 2011 • Signal tape, strong fencing posts and warning signs; • Shovels; • Water supply and hoses equipped with garden sprinklers; • A bucket of water and rags; • Bags of transparent, durable polyethylene with strings; • Containers for asbestos-containing waste (empty, clean, sealed metal drums, with a clear designation - "contained asbestos"). E. Personal protective equipment (PPE) 8. All personnel involved in the process of handling ACM should be dressed in the following type of outfit, which must be provided by the Contractor: • One-time overalls, equipped with a hood; • Boots without laces; • New gloves made of durable rubber; Respirators are usually not required if only a few fragments of the ACM are present in a small area, and if the ACM is in a humid environment • In a large area with severe contamination, a respirator (not dust masks) is required, with a protective factor of 20 or more (eg a respirator with a RZ filter); It is not allowed to smoke, eat, or drink on an object with an ACM content. F. The procedure for preparing the work site 9. These procedures should be followed when working with ACM pipes (which includes cutting, drilling, clamping, etc.), in order to minimize fiber emissions during labor activity. All workers, technical personnel and outsiders should understand the requirements of these procedures before carrying out any work with the ACM sheets. The supervisor should be responsible for coordinating activities to ensure the use of personal protective equipment when necessary. It is necessary to draw up a written document available to workers at the work site that will determine the location of the ACM pipes and any other hazardous materials. 10. Before the entrance (exit) of the work area, locker rooms for personnel equipped with airtight containers for storing contaminated disposable coveralls should be organized. Contaminated clothing must be disposed of. Repeated use and cleaning with compressed air is prohibited. 11. A protective tape with the following warning should be placed around the work area at all entrances to the work site, using fasteners to hold it in place (such a fence must be in place immediately before performing any work): • CAUTION ASBESTOS • NO ENTRY FOR UNAUTHORISED PEOPLE • ENTRY ONLY IN RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. 12. Workers must have (at minimum) a half face-piece respirator with combination cartridges for particulate (P100) and organic vapours (OV). No single use respirators are allowed. Workers shall inspect and clean their respirators prior to each use. Workers must be fit tested and properly trained in the use, limitations, and maintenance of their respirators. 13. Labelled asbestos waste bags must be available and placed in the work area for disposal of protective coverall suits and contaminated waste such as sponges and rags. 14. Construction areas should be allocated to the individual site for garbage collection from the demolition work. Containers temporary storage of asbestos-containing waste must be sealed with tight-fitting lid and be labeled accordingly "asbestos". G. Disposal 15. ACM if any should be disposed of safely at a local hazardous-waste disposal site if available, or at the municipal dumpsite after making prior arrangement for safe storage with the site operator. a) The Contractor must arrange for the disposal site operator to collect the sealed asbestos waste containers if any as soon as possible and store them undisturbed at the disposal site. b) At the end of construction Contractors must arrange for the disposal site operator to bury all ACM containers in any in a separate, suitably-sized pit, covered with a layer of clay that is at least 250 mm deep. I. Personal Decontamination 16. At the end of each day, all personnel involved in handling ACM must comply with the following decontamination procedure: a) At the end of the decontamination operation, clean the boots thoroughly with damp rags; b) Peel off the disposable overalls and plastic gloves so that they are inside-out and place them in a plastic sack with the rags used to clean the boots; c) If a disposable respirator has been used, place that in the plastic sack, seal the sack and place it in an asbestos waste container; d) All personnel should wash thoroughly before leaving the site, and the washing area must be cleaned with damp rags afterwards, which are placed in plastic sacks as above. J. Clearance and Checking-Off 17. The decontamination exercise must be supervised by site supervisors (engineering or environmental). 18. After successful completion of the decontamination and disposal, the DSC Supervisor should visually inspect the area and sign-off the operation if the site has been cleaned satisfactorily. 19. The contractor should send a copy of the completion notice to the Project Implementation Institution, with photographs of the operation in progress and the site on completion. J. Training 20. Environmental Specialist may hire the specialized companies to conduct training on ACCMP implementation for Contractors staff and RPCU and IG. The training will include a session focusing on ACM, which covers: • Risks of contact with ACM; • Responsibilities for dealing with ACM on project’s construction sites; • The Project’s ACMMP and the Protocol for site clean-up; • Awareness-raising for the contractors’ workforce. Annex 4: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN CHECKLIST ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Will the site Activity Status Additional references activity J. Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section B below include/involve K. New construction [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section B below any of the L. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section C below following: M. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section D below N. Acquisition of land or loss of assets25 [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section E below O. Hazardous or toxic materials26 [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section F below P. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section G below Q. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section H below R. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section I below Labor Conditions and OHS [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section J below Occupational Health and Safety of Workers [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section K below Community outreach and GRM [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section L below Community health and safety [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section M below ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST A. General Notification and Worker (g) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming Conditions Safety activities (h) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (i) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (j) All work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (k) Workers will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (l) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. B. General Air Quality (g) During interior demolition use debris-chutes above the first floor Rehabilitation and (h) Keep demolition debris in controlled area and spray with water mist to reduce debris dust /or Construction (i) Suppress dust during pneumatic drilling/wall destruction by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust Activities screen enclosures at site (j) Keep surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) free of debris to minimize dust (k) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (l) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites 25The project will support construction of new buildings only when the construction will not result in the taking of land resulting in: involuntary land acquisition or displacement of third parties using land; loss of assets or access to assets; or loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether or not the affected persons must move to another location. Investors will be required to have landownership title as well as has to prove the land at the moment of subprojects application is not occupied or used even illegally. 26 Toxic / hazardous material includes and is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, removal of lead paint, etc. Noise (c) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (d) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment should be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (b) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste management (f) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. (g) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (h) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (i) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (j) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) C. Individual Water Quality (d) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) wastewater must be approved by the local authorities treatment system (e) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (f) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out D. Historic Cultural Heritage (c) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated building(s) historic district, notify and obtain approval/permits from local authorities and address all construction activities in line with local and national legislation (d) Ensure that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds” encountered i n excavation or construction are noted, officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. E. Acquisition of (c) If the activity will result in the taking of land resulting in: involuntary land acquisition or displacement of third land or loss of Activity will not eligible parties using land; loss of assets or access to assets; or loss of income sources or means of livelihood, whether assets or not the affected persons must move to another location it will not be financed. (d) F. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (g) If asbestos is located on the project site, mark clearly as hazardous material (h) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (i) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (j) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (k) If asbestos material is be stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately (l) The removed asbestos will not be reused Toxic / hazardous waste(e) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled with details management of composition, properties and handling information (f) The containers of hazardous substances should be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (g) The wastes are transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (h) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used G. Affects forests Protection (e) All recognized natural habitats and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not be damaged and/or protected or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. areas (f) For large trees in the vicinity of the activity, mark and cordon off with a fence large tress and protect root system and avoid any damage to the trees (g) Adjacent wetlands and streams will be protected, from construction site run-off, with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales, silt fences (h) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. H. Disposal of (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or rehabilitated Infrastructure for medical medical waste waste management health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to: ▪ Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps”, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and ▪ Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and ▪ If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational I Traffic and (b) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly secured Direct or indirect hazards Pedestrian Safety to public traffic and and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to pedestrians ▪ Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the public warned of by construction activity all potential hazards ▪ Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes. ▪ Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement ▪ Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public. ▪ Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public. S. Labor Child and Forced Labor, Labour relations: The workers involved are considered to be the contractor's labor force and therefore the Conditions Working conditions, following requirements must be met: Worker GRM - Child labor (children under 18 years of age) to perform any type of work at the facility is completely prohibited; - Attraction of community members as public works within "khashars" is prohibited; - The contractor signs contract with each worker, which will have rights and obligations with observance of labor norms, that is • 8-hour working day, and if it exceeds the set time, take into account extra-time with appropriate payment; • 40-hour work week; • 1 hour for lunch; - The Contractor shall sign with each worker a code of conduct consistent with international practice which should be followed, otherwise dismissal of workers and collection of proportionate financial penalties are possible; - Raise workers' awareness of the general principles of communication management with the local population; - Organize access of workers to toilets and areas for hand washing, which should be provided with hot and cold water, soap and a hand dryer in sufficient volume; - Develop a system for workers grievance redress. Living conditions: Given that planned work is short-term, unskilled workers should, whenever possible, be recruited from local communities, and women should be recruited to do light work. If local workers will be involved in the work, then there is no need to provide jobs for temporary residence, but there is need to provide them with adequate conditions (sleeping places, kitchen, showers, toilets, etc.). If workers from other regions or cities and villages who do not have their homes in the place of repair work will be involved in the work, then the contractor must provide them with housing. Housing must be provided with the following conditions: - Bedrooms with beds; - Kitchens with the ability to cook food, store food; - Sanitary conditions (shower or bath, toilet, place where clothes can be washed); - In the cold season - heating; (c) - Central power supply. T. Occupational Covid prevention Health protection: Health and measures, safety measures - At the construction site, it is necessary to have a medical first aid kit for persons who have been injured. Safety of - Daily measurement of the temperature of employees before the start of work on the construction site. Workers - Regular activities with all employees at the construction site regarding compliance with the requirements for COVID-19 prevention; Safety of employees: -Provide safety training prior to commencement of each type of work and regularly check safety compliance. - Provide special clothing (masks, gloves and safety glasses, for repair work also helmets and protective shoes), personal protective equipment, tools, materials; - Provide necessary equipment for high-altitude works (temporary fences, safety belts and ropes, etc.) U. Community Public relations and The contractor will appoint one of his employees as a contact person who is responsible for communication with Outreach Grievance Redress the local community, as well as for receiving complaints / complaints from the local community. Mechanism The contractor is obliged to consult with local communities to resolve conflict situations between interested parties, including between workers and local communities. Inform the nearby population about the repair schedule. Limit construction work at night. (d) Provide a Grievance Redress Mechanism for stakeholders and communicate information to them. V. Community Exposure to dangerous (e) Prepare, consult and disclose the site-specific Pest Management Plans health and agrochemicals (f) Implement and report on information and education campaigns among farmers or their family members who safety perform manual labor in areas treated with pesticides, and can also face major exposure from direct spray, drift from neighboring fields, or by contact with pesticide residues on the crop or soil. ANNEX 5: MINUTES OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS A. Minutes of the ESF public consultation workshop at the National Level with Key Stakeholders (Mixed live and online formats: round table + zoom video call) Organizers: IG/CEP Date: September 03, 2021. Venue: Dushanbe Serena hotel, 2nd floor conference room Participants: 35 attendees, including members of the internal ministerial working group, representatives of various government agencies, partner organizations and civil society organizations, as well as the representatives of NGO Znaniye, IG/CEP and WB working group (via zoom video call). (The list of workshop participants attached) Purpose: ➔ To familiarize workshop participants with Environmental and Social risk management instruments, which have been developed through the World Bank’s Environmental and Social (E&S) Standards (ESS) frameworks in order to identify gaps, risks and potential actions ➔ To obtain and consolidate the participant’s feedback/expectations/concerns on E&S instruments with further update, finalization and publishing on the CEP and WB websites. Workshop Agenda: • Welcoming speech and providing brief information on the main objectives of the TRELLIS project (by T.Murodov); • Presenting the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) (by Z.Fayazova); • Presenting the Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) (by M.Abdulvasieva); • Presenting Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) (by Z.Fayazova); • Presenting Labour Management Procedures (LMP) (by M.Abulvasieva). • Questions/Feedback/Comments • Wrap up and closing remarks by the T.Murodov. The meeting was opened by the Mr. T. Murodov, the team leader of the IG/CEP, who welcomed workshop participants and introduced environmental and social aspects of the TRELISS project. He emphasized important role of stakeholder engagement in reviewing the key project documents, approaches and plans as a main guarantee of the social and environmental safety of the project. The brief information was also provided on the project goals, objectives and project components. At the end of the speech, the floor was given to the presenters. The project ‘Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)’ was presented by Ms. Z.Fayazova, the PMU/ALRI social consultant. Prior to presentation, she thanked the WB consultants for providing technical support in developing four project documents/frameworks – ESMF, RPF, SEP and LMP. It was stated that these documents are developed through the frameworks of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social (E&S) Standards (ESS) in order to prevent and manage the environmental and social risks and negative impacts throughout the project life cycle. The document was presented in Power Point format and it was noted that the Framework approach had been applied because the specific locations of project activities are not identified yet, and their specific impacts are not known. It was mentioned that the ESMF ensures the environmental and social assessments for each subproject in the course of project implementation to meet the World Bank’s E&S standards alongside with Tajikistan's Environmental and Social Laws and Regulations. Participants were briefly introduced with the ESMF goal, E & S assessment rule and procedures, with the measures and mechanism for avoiding, minimizing potential negative environmental and social impacts that may occur in the result of project implementation; as well as with the grievance redress mechanism. Ms. Fayazova also noted that the implemented agencies already have an experience of using timely preventative mitigation measures. The project “Resettlement Framework (RF)” was presented by Ms. M.Abdulvasieva. In the beginning, it was outlined that the framework approach was applied because there will be no land acquisition during the project implementation. Further, participants familiarized with the main goals and principles of RPF, which was developed with the requirements of WB Social & Environmental Standard 5 (ESS 5) on Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement. The brief comparative review/analysis of the Tajik legislation and the ESS 5 and the existing gaps were presented. It was noted that in case of any discrepancies on the involuntary ressetlement issues, the principles and procedures of ESS 5 will be applied. Also the information about compensation procedures and grevience redress mechanizms for people affected under the project was specified and the steps for preparation process of the Ressetlement Action Plan were briefly described during presentation. Next presentation on “Stakeholder Engagememt Plan” (SEP) project was provded by Ms.Fayazova. It was noted that SEP was developed in the first turn since it required at first to identify the project stakeholders and to establish close and constructive interaction with them and to take into consideration their opinions during the project design. Ms. Fayazova mentioned that SEP was developed with the requirements of ESS 10 and intorduced the participatns with the mechanisms of the engagemeng of different groups and methods for public consultation and information disclosure, as well as the grievience redress mechanisms. Finally, the project on “Labor Management Procedures» (LMP) was presented by Ms. Abdulvasieva. It was noticed that the document was developed with the requirements of WB ESS 2 “Labor and Working conditions” and defines the main requirements of national labor legislation and risks associated with project implementation. The participants were acquainted with key principals of ESS 2, with the types and preliminary quantity of labor resources involved into the project, as well as with potential labor risks, associated with project implementation. It was noted that the implementation of labor management procedures will be under the responsibility of IG/PIU (social and monitoring specialists) and the Contractors (NGOs and civil works). In addition, the LMP grievance redress mechanism at two levels was briefly introduced to the participants. It was mentioned that LMP will be further revised throughout project design and implementation. It was underlined that the information on ESMF, RF, SEP and LMP and handouts materials are presented in a very concise form. The electronic versions of PPTs in Russian language and full version of the ESMF, RF, SEP and LMP (available only in English) could be accessed on the CEP web page: www.tajnature.tj After the presentations, there were questions and feedback/comments from the workshop participants as follows: Representative of Ministry of Labor, Migration and Employment of Population of RT (MLMEP) (Azizov Amir): • In LMP document in the section of labor risks “In case the project activity involves heavy work, persons under 18 years are not be allowed” it is necessary to include additional paragraph, that women are not allowed to be employed in heavy works. (Reference: Labor Code of the Republic of Tajikistan) Ms. Fayazova commented: Agencies that are implementing the projects, possessing sufficient capacity to ensure successful implementation of project activities. All the requirements of the Labor Code of RT are observed. The article, which states that no women labor in heavy works or at places with dangerous working conditions, is applied as well. Representative of MLMEP: • It is recommended to apply the GRM at the region level as well, not only at the project level, so, the citizen can refer/apply to the responsible local authorities in the regions. Ms. Fayazova commented: It was confirmed that the project will be using both levels - project and the regional. Representative of MLMEP: • On LMP is recommended to consider the financing of labor protection measures, including provisions of dietary nutrition and special uniform. • Recommendation on RF project - it is necessary to consider issues on “eco-migration” (natural hazards/disaster related resettlement) and cooperation with the specialists from the Ministry should be considered on the specific activities with regards to environmental migration. Representative of State Institute on Land Engineering “TajikZaminosoz”, (Obid Islomov) • Comments on the RF - in the section of the national legislation it is recommended to add the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On state registration of real estate and rights to it” (from 01.08.2012, #891); • In the section of comparison of Tajik legislation and ESS 5 it is recommended to add formulation, that comission will be formed in case of ressetlement; • In the section on comparison of legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan and ESS 5 of the World Bank, it is noted that there are no special laws or provisions in the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan on the restoration of livelihoods in connection with the alienation of land and the impact of involuntary resettlement. This wording is not accurate, because the resettlement commission is considering issues related to provision of compensation; • In the same section on the procedural mechanisms, it is noted that the Law on access to information requires disclosure of information on the regular basis; however, the resettlement issues are not addressed, as there are no specific requirements. This formulation is not accurate, as all decision on the withdrawal of land plots will be published in national newspapers in Tajik and Russian languages (Reff. Article 40, pr.1 of the Land Code). The representative from ALRI (Saidsayrova, Sh) noted that one of the key stakeholder is missing in the SEP document – the Committee on Emergency Situations of the Republic of Tajikistan During the discussion, it was emphasized by Ms.Fayazova, that the project does not include the land acquisition and resettlement activities; therefore, the framework approach was adopted for the Resettlement Policy Framework and was presented as an overview of WB requirements for investment projects. At the end of the workshop, Mr. T.Murodov thanked the participants for being active and requested to provide their additional comments, if any, by e-mail. The project materials were sent to the Hukumats of the 14 potential project districts and CEP units at district levels to increase awareness and visibility about the project. All stakeholder groups involved in the consultation were satisfied with the course of the public hearings and expressed their hope that the implementation of the project will make a positive contribution to the restoration of the landscape of Tajikistan and solutions based on nature will help reduce the risks of natural disasters. LIST of participants of the ESF public consultation workshop at the National Level with Key Stakeholders under the “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration Project” Dushanbe city Serena Hotel 03.09.2021 c. № Name surname Position 1 Murodov Turakul Head of Projects implementation Group, CEP 2 Yakubov Jamoliddin CEP Information Center 3 Rajabov A Representative of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan 4 Nazarov Safarali Head of the Pasture and Land Reclamation Trust of the Ministry of agriculture of the Republic of Tajikistan 5 Rustam Abdukaym Leading Specialist of the Main Department of Public Debt and Attraction of Public Investment of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan 6 Bobozoda Khurshed Director Design institute "Tojikzaminsoz" of the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy 7 Islomov Obid Chief Specialist of the Design Institute “Tojikzaminsoz” of the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy 8 Inomov O Representative of the PMU of the ARLI 9 Sodatsayrova Shahlo Head of the Department of Construction and Coastal Strengthening ARLI 10 Saidzoda Madibron Head Main Department of Forestry of the Forestry Agency RT 11 Azizov A Representative of Ministry of labor, migration and employment population of the Republic Tajikistan 12 Hamidova G Representative of Emergency Committee of the Republic Tajikistan 13 Kurbonov N. B Head of the Department of Physical, Mathematical, Chemical, Biological and Technical Sciences - Vice- President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan 14 Khudododov S Representative of Agency on Statistics under President of the Republic Tajikistan 15 Akramov Akhmadjan Сoordinator Youth Environmental Center of the SLM TJ 16 Gulomkhaydarov Akmal Representative of State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy 17 Hakimov S Representative of the NGO "Znanie" 18 Kurbonov Firuz Representative of State committee on investments and state property management of Tajikistan 19 Irgashev T Representative of the NGO "Znanie" 20 Akramov Abdugafor Representative of the NGO "Znanie" 21 Mahmudov Hakim Financial Management Specialist IG CEP 22 Aliev Bahrom Procurement Specialist IG CEP 23 Abdulvosieva Malika Social development Specialist IG CEP 24 Rahmatiloev Rahmonkul Water Management Specialist IG CEP 25 Amirbekzoda Mizrob Natural Resources Specialist IG CEP 26 Rahimov Rustam Environmental Management Specialist IG CEP 27 Kudratova Farzona Representative of the NGO "Znanie" 28 Zuhurov Bakhtiyor Representative of the NGO "Znanie" 29 Ahrorov A Consultant PMU ARLI 30 Salieva Naima Representative of the NGO "Znanie" 31 Fayazova Zamira Social development Specialist PMU ALRI 32 Saidov Mahmadi ALRI Projects implementation Group 33 Sharipov Davlatali Deputy Director of «Specially Protected Natural Areas» 34 Kholov I Environmental Management Specialist PMU ARLI 35 Rahmonov B Representative of the NGO "Znanie" A. Minutes of the ESF public consultation workshop at the District Level with Key Stakeholders in Ayni Date: 28.10.2021 Meeting Room of Ayni District Administration Agenda of the consultative workshop: Overview, potential impacts, mitigation measures and environmental and social commitments under the "Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project". The workshop was attended by 26 people (list of participants is enclosed). Based on the agenda, the workshop began with a discussion of the framework of environmental and social commitments of the Project "Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project". On behalf of the executive body of Ayni district administration, head of Environmental protection department of Ayni district administration, Mr. Bokiev Boki expressed his gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the World Bank for inclusion of Ayni district in this project. In his speech, the head of the sector noted that the issues of environmental protection and climate change, rational use of natural resources are currently in the focus of attention of various countries, influential organizations. The climate change has created serious challenges for Tajikistan, including Ayni, as the district is very vulnerable and has relatively low potential for climate change adaptation measures, and the project will provide the district with better opportunities for the environment and climate change adaptation. He wished the participants successful work for the day. The workshop participants suggested the below agenda to be, followed by a question-and-answer session and discussions with public organizations, environmental and financial institutions. Workshop Agenda Responsible persons Registration of participants District administration Opening remarks by the District administration representative Bokiev B General information about Project management and other Kakharov K activities The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) The Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF Kakharov K The Labor Management Procedures (LMP) The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) Kakharov K Process Framework (PF) Kakharov K Questions and answers, discussion For the issues discussed recommendations and suggestions of those present at the workshop, the floor was given to the representative of the public organization «Znaniya» Kakharov Kakhar. First, the speaker presented a brief overview of the project “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project", its goals, directions of the project implementation and its components. Summary of the E&S instruments, including ESMF, RPF, LMP, SEP, ESCP and PF were presented. After that the workshop participants moved on to discussions: Suggestions and recommendations of the participants of the public workshop: Head of the Ayni district Environmental Protection Department, Bokiev Bokimahmad, suggested that there are many natural resources in the area to improve the landscape, but these activities are difficult to implement due to lack of funding. The land in Ayni is mostly rocky and cannot be cultivated without irrigation, and there is a shortage of potable water, so communities from Rarz, Fondarya and Dar-Dar Jamoats should be included in the project. Answer: The existing problems will be considered during the project implementation and will be supported by the project based on the requirements of the project in case of priority of the proposed problem. Specialists will analyze the natural resources of the district and select rural communities based on the analysis. Representative of Shamtuch Jamoat Shokirov Kamol: He suggested that one of the main problems of the villagers Ayni lack of quality seeds, restoration of new orchards, restoration of irrigation systems and forests in Ayni district, is there any activity in this direction? Answer: The project consists of a "Landscape Restoration" component, which is divided into four sub- components. The reforestation sub-component is aimed at the development of forestry. In this regard, it is planned to support forest nurseries, create family nurseries, and restore forest lands in a natural way and through tree plantations. The project also includes the construction of drinking water and irrigation water lines. Chairperson of the Department of Women and Family Affairs of Ayni district: As for the employment of housewives and people with disabilities, she suggested creating clothing enterprises in rural areas, and the second issue is the creation of a landfill in the center of Ayni and other villages. There have been no complaints of sexual exploitation or involvement of minors in the district, and this issue is under control of the district administration and the relevant district authorities. Answer: Gender issues are the main focus of the project. If this is a problem in a village and its solution is supported by the villagers, it will be analyzed by the project experts. Landfills in the district center and its villages are under the jurisdiction of the district authorities. To the question Kakharov Kakhar, head of the Department of land reclamation and irrigation of the Zarafshon River Basin Nuriddinov Shamsiddin noted that the procedure for hiring and dismissal is carried out in accordance with the current legislation of the Republic. Tajikistan is constantly monitored by the relevant organizations of the republic and the district are under constant control. In the event of a labor dispute, the case will be considered by the management and the trade union. To date, the office has not registered any complaints about labor relations. Reduced labor intensity. Is there sexual exploitation and abuse in the workplace? Have any GBV cases been reported in your community? Chairman of the Jamoat Fondarya Jurazoda Ermahmad to the question " Is there a problem of involving minors and forced labor in projects implemented by international organizations?", the answer was that at the local level, there is no such affairs in Ayni district, and this issue is closely monitored by the relevant district authorities. List of participants of Consultative workshop to discuss Environmental and Social commitments of the Project “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project” in Ayni district District Ayni Date: October 28, 2021. № Name Position 1 Bokiev Bokimahmad Head of the district department for environmental protection (DEP) 2 Mavlonov Behruz Director of forestry department 3 Chakonov Ilyos DEP Specialist 4 Olimzoda Zarafshon Chairman of Anzob Jamoat 5 Subhonzoda Amir Chairman of Ayni Jamoat 6 Ustoev Ikromjon Chairman of Dar-dar Jamoat 7 Sanginzoda Abduahad Chairman of Rarz Jamoat 8 Nazarzoda Bahriddin Chairman of Shamtuch Jamoat 9 Qodirov Aliqul Chairman of Urmetan Jamoat 10 Jurazoda Yormahmad Chairman of Fondary Jamoat 11 Samizoda Aminjon Chairman of Zarafshon Jamoat 12 Nuriddinov Shamsiddin Department of land reclamation and irrigation of the Zarafshon River Basin 13 Karimov Niyoz Director of Specially Protected Natural Area of Yagnob 14 Bokiev Hojimurod Worker of Specially Protected Natural Area of Yagnob 15 Rahmonova Hilola Chairman of the collective farm "Somoniyon" 16 Rizoeva Akliya DEP Specialist 17 Shodiev Tuytimurod District Statistics Officer 18 Khalifaeva Sayora Head of the district Department of Women and Family Affairs 19 Gafurov Niyoz Agronomist of the agricultural Department of Ayni 20 Nuruloeva Fazolat Officer of the district Department of Women and Family Affairs 21 Shokirov Kamol Chairman of the collective farm "Tojikiston" 22 Shokirov Bahodur Chairman of the collective farm "Rarz" 23 Badalov Mahmad Chairman of the collective farm "Kh. Karimov" 24 Rahmatov Nemat Chairman of the collective farm "Shavatk" 25 Sokiev Soki Chairman of the collective farm "K. Karim" 26 Oymahmadov Olim DEP Specialist B. Minutes of the ESF public consultation workshop at the District Level with Key Stakeholders in Qabodiyon Date: 28.10.2021 in the meeting hall of Qabodiyon district administration. Agenda of the consultation workshop: discussion of social and environmental commitments and plans of the project "Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project" The workshop was attended by 17 participants (the list of participants is provided). The workshop started with discussion of the project's social and environmental commitments and instruments based on the meeting agenda. Firstly, the Deputy Chairperson of Qabodiyon district Sharifova Tojiniso expressed her gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the World Bank Group for their consideration of Qabodiyon district in this project. In her speech, the Deputy Chairperson noted that the issues of environmental protection and climate change, rational use of natural resources are now in the focus of attention of various countries, leading international organizations, environmental and financial institutions. The global climate change has created serious challenges also for Tajikistan, in particular for Qabodiyon district, as this area is very vulnerable and has a relatively low potential for climate change adaptation, and the project provides the district with good conditions for the environment and adaptation to climate change. In conclusion, he wished success to the participants of today's meeting. The workshop participants suggested that a question-and-answer session should be held after each presentation. At the beginning of the seminar, the floor was given to the representative of CEP Fasehzoda Islom. He gave a brief overview of the project “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project" from the beginning, its goals, local directions of project implementation and its thematic components. Speaking about the first item on the agenda of the seminar, "Environmental and Social Management Framework", he noted that the tasks set out in the World Bank's environmental and social standards assign the Executive Agency responsibility for assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and social risks. To do this, it is necessary to conduct public opinion surveys, improve the skills and awareness of the local population and stakeholders about possible environmental impacts at the district level. In this regard, it is necessary to develop social and environmental safety measures that meet the requirements and the environmental legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan and as well as the requirements of the World Bank. He also informed the workshop participants about ways and means of reducing the potential impacts on the environment. Addressing the first issue: Yusupov N., Chairman of Jamoat "Nazarov U." noted that the risks and potential environmental and social impacts to communities in their area are high, including Afghan hurricane that causes significant damage to the area's economy, as well as droughts, and what can the project do in this area? Respond: within the framework of the project, project institutes and support organizations will conduct research and analysis of natural disasters, geobotanical studies and inventory of pastures, as well as provision of recommendations on risk management. In this regard, a project will include proposed reduction of soil erosion, wind erosion and landscaping, funded by the project. As part of the project 50 hectares of demonstration plots of forage crops will be created in Qabodiyon district, which will be controlled by the land reclamation and pasture trust and will provide seeds to pilot plots. Saifullozoda Adolat noted that in the areas of the river basin Kofarnihan What mitigation measures are planned to prevent or reduce environmental and safety impacts? Are the proposed mitigation measures adequate and appropriate? Respond: Regarding this issue, it should be noted that due to the lack of budget funds, the environmental conditions in the lower reaches of the Kofarnikhon river basin is unfavorable. In order to avoid risky situations, the project provides certain amount of funds for purchase of small-scale machinery and equipment and other necessary materials that will help reduce the impact of the environmental impacts. The PUGs, FUUs, WUAs are also eligible for grants to address the problem of land degradation, salinization, erosion and low productivity, taking into account the income of members and reducing the impacts on the land. Leading Investment specialist of the district Abdusalomzoda S expressed his views on development of the project and asked the following questions. How is E&S requirements monitored? What role will PUGs, FUUs, and WUAs play in planning, implementing, and monitoring the project activities? Answer: Through grants, the WUAs establish farmers ' groups and climate-resilient agricultural groups. If there are no WUAs in the project territories, the general interested group at the expense of the farmer group, farmers, will have an advantage in receiving the grants. Also during the E&S requirements monitoring period, the focus will be on initiatives in coordination with district and local authorities and stakeholders, and to contribute to the achievement of project objectives, the PUGs, FUGs, WUAs, will play a role. What role will the district environmental protection department, local governments and rural representatives play in monitoring the environment and safety? The role of the Department of environmental protection and local governments in the implementation of the project is significant, which will be reflected in the memorandum of understanding in terms of tasks and responsibilities of the parties. For environmental monitoring of each project activities/sites, the Department of environmental protection gives its own conclusions. In case of non-compliance of the project activities/sites with environmental requirements, their implementation will be terminated. Speaking on the second agenda item of the workshop "Fundamentals of the Project commitments and plan for Resettlement Policy Framework "(RPF), Khakimov Sadullo, noting that this document meets the requirements of World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 5 (ESS - 5). It identifies the project risks and potential impacts related to land acquisition and access restrictions. The speaker explained to participants of the workshop the specific measures to reduce the potential impacts, the amount of compensation and the procedure for their implementation as the result of the project. As a result of discussing the issue of demographic policy, the participants noted that there is no such problem in our regions. In rural areas, about 80-90 % of the population has legalized their land plots, and in such cases, the damage will be compensated in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan. There are no such cases related to the sale of land in the district. What economic impact do you expect from the project activities? To this question, the Chairman of Zarkamar M. Jamoat, Abdiyeva O. replied that there are many lands in the jamoat that have been taken out of agricultural use. The reason is the increase in groundwater and its transformation into swamps. We believe that the project plans to clean up wastewater and as a result of improved land reclamation, productivity will increase and the local economy will improve. Is any need for capacity-building activity for implementation of the RPF? In this regard, to the head of the environmental department of the district Olimov S. responded that there is no need to conduct trainings and explanatory works on the implementation of resettlement policy framework. Fasehzoda Islom spoke on the third issue on the agenda of the seminar «The system of obligations for regulating labor relations in the project "(LMP). In his speech, he noted that the system of obligations for regulating labor relations was developed on the basis of environmental and social standards (ESS-2) of the World Bank. It defines the main requirements of the Project in the field of labor law and the risks associated with them. In his speech, he introduced the workshop participants to the requirements of the World Bank, which are included in the ESS-2 standards. He also noted that the requirements of the World Bank and the requirements of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan regarding obligations to regulate labor relations. Answering the question about involvement of children and minors, as well as in sexual exploitation and sexual violence, Jurakulov Ulugbek, head of the district’s general department, control and of citizens’ appeals, said that the issue is constantly monitored by their relevant organizations of the district and there have been no complaints registered from citizens in this issue so far. Are there issues of forced and child labor in any projects implemented in the district and funded by international financial organizations? Answering this question, the head of the forestry department of the district Gulov Khushvakht said that there are no such issues in our district, and we do not have such information. In connection with the fourth presentation the "Project Outline of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP)" Sadullo Khakimov informed the workshop participants that this issue is based on the World Bank's Environmental and Social Standard (ESS 10) and aims to actively involve project stakeholders and other stakeholders through consultation and giving each group an opportunity to express their views. In conclusion with this, it also uses different stakeholders, planning and institutional mechanisms for social and environmental management and consultation methods in terms of collaboration with Project stakeholders. Speaking about the rules of interaction with project stakeholders, the chief specialist of the social department of the district Sadriddinzoda Ilkhom said that the implementation of the project "Cooperation with stakeholders" is based on a mutual employment contractor a bilateral agreement based on legislation Republic of Tajikistan and requirements of the World Bank. Fasehzoda Islom made a presentation on the fifth topic of the workshop, "Process Framework (PF)" and said that the process framework was prepared for "Ensuring a sustainable landscape and economic activity in the Republic of Tajikistan" It is implemented by the Environmental Protection Committee (CEP) and funded by the World Bank. In addition, the framework describes the roles and institutional responsibilities for managing environmental and social risks within the project, as well as feedback and complaint mechanisms through which citizens and other stakeholders can collaborate with the project implementation agency. It was noted that Tajikistan has a comprehensive regulatory framework. These laws, issued by the Government, provide a favorable legal framework for the protection, use and conservation of the country's natural resources. They also ensure the right of citizens to environmental safety, environmentally friendly products, the environment, and access to environmental information to improve the environmental situation in the country. Speaking on the "Process framework" document, specialist of the Department of agriculture of the district Safarov Zafar noted that there is a need to study this issue in order to increase the awareness level of the local population. At the end of the workshop, Deputy Chairman of the district Sharifova Tojiniso made a speech and thanked the participants for their participation. Figure 1 photo with the participation of the workshop in Qabodiyon district Figure 2 Khakimov Saadullo made a speech at the workshop. Figure 3 Conversation with Deputy Chairman of the District, Sharipova Tojiniso List of participants of Consultative workshop to discuss Environmental and Social Commitments under the Project “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project” in Qabodiyon district Qabodiyon District Date: October 28, 2021. № Surname First name Position 1 Abdieva O chairman of jamoat zarkamar 2 Sahat S. chairman Navobad 3 Gulov H. forestry chairman 4 Rahmokulov M. chairman of the jamoat of the village of 20th anniversary of Istiklol 5 Nurmahmad U. village jamoat chairman Nazarov 6 Sayfiddinzoda F. Leading Specialist of the Science Department 7 Olimov N. Chief Technical Safety Officer 8 Olimov S. chief environmental accountant 9 Gaffurova B. Deputy Chairman N. Shahrak 10 Mirzoev D. leading specialist of the statistics 11 Safarov Z. chief specialist of the agriculture 12 Murokiev U. general department control and supervision 13 Sadriddinzoda I. Leading Social Protection Specialist, " 14 Umarhonova M. Polvontugay" Preserve in Kubadiyan Local branch specialist Kubodien 15 Hamraev S. Migration Service sector 16 Alimardonov S. Specialists in forestry 17 Abdusamadzoda S. Head of personnel Department C. Minutes of the ESF public consultation workshop at the District Level with Key Stakeholders in Shugnan Date: 10/29/2021 Location: Conference Room of Shugnan District Administration The agenda of the consultative workshop: Consideration of the plans and obligations within the social and environmental framework of the Project "Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project" The workshop was attended by 25 people (the list of participants is annexed). The workshop began with a discussion of the plan of social and environmental obligations of the Project "Ensuring the sustainability of landscapes and economic activities in the Republic of Tajikistan" 1. Chairman of Shugnan district Jumazoda Juma Shofakir opened the workshop and informed about the project "Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project", noting that in accordance with the signed Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the World Bank through the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan a new grant project "Preparation of Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project" was approved and Shugnan district was selected as a project target area. Therefore, today we need to discuss in this workshop, along with the documents of social and environmental frameworks of the Project, the relevant obligations, existing problems, risks and shortcomings of the sector and identify the necessary measures to address them and take further necessary actions. Also, justify the problems and shortcomings and submit them to the Committee or Republican Interdepartmental Commission for inclusion in the given Project. As you know, on September 20, 2021, a mudflow occurred in the village of Saddi, in Navobod Jamoat of Shugnan district, as a result of which the stream of the Gund River was blocked and created a lake. Currently, the village's artificial lake is destroying the left bank of the river, threatening to wash down more than 40 houses, the village's arable land and even the only bridge in the village. Such problems and other similar risks are high in the region, and in order to prevent and eliminate these dangerous events, it is necessary to carry out work to ensure security in these territories within the framework of the project “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project”. It is also necessary to plan and implement the repair and reconstruction of canals, strengthening the banks of rivers and streams, the construction of gardens and greenhouses, warehouses and cold storages and the establishment of workshops for processing agricultural products in Shugnan district. Also, the first deputy chairman of Shugnon district Shohzoda Latif Bozicha spoke on the issues of the workshop agenda, first of all he gave detailed information about the components and sub-components and explained the purpose and objectives of each of them. Then the topics of “Environmental and Social Management Framework”, “Fundamentals of the Resettlement Policy Framework”, “Project Labor Management Procedures”, “Stakeholder Engagement Plan” and “Process Framework” were discussed with stakeholders. Workshop participants suggested that each presentation be followed by a Q&A session and a discussion. To start the workshop, the floor was given to the representative of the NGO "Znaniya" Saadulo H. First, the speaker gave a brief overview of the "Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project", the purpose, areas of implementation of the project and its components. Referring to the first agenda issue of the workshop, Social and Environmental Management Plan, he noted that the objectives set out in the World Bank's Environmental and Social Standards place the Executive Agency responsibility for assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and social risks. To this end, it is necessary to conduct public opinion polls, increase the skills and awareness of the population and stakeholders about the possible environmental consequences at the district level. He also spoke about the prevention of mudflows in Saddi village of Navobod jamoat of Shugnan district and the issue of ways to break the artificial lake on the banks of the river Gund. The workshop participants were also briefed on ways and means to reduce environmental impacts. Consideration of the first issue: The head of the land reclamation and irrigation department Ismoilov Marat noted that one of the main issues today is to eliminate the risk of washing down the banks of the river Gund in Saddi village of Navobod jamoat if no measures are taken, in this case in the spring of 2022 there will be a risk of washing away private houses and irrigated arable land. It would be great if you could point out what the Project can do in this area. Answer: Within the framework of the project implementation, the Hukumat of the district should prepare proposals and show the endangered areas with pictures and facts. Shortcomings in the implementation of this project, which are aimed at improving the landscape, will be addressed and funded by the Project. Khusravov Umed, the head of the district's agriculture department, spoke about the regulation of pastures in the district, construction of bridges and issues related to food security in Shugnan district, and suggested that such issues be supported by this project. Answer: In the framework of the project, design institutes and public organizations will conduct research and analysis of natural risks, geobotanical surveys and inventory of pastures, and will provide guidance on risk management. In this regard, the population is working to reduce the risks and eliminate these dangerous phenomena and ensure food security in the district. the project will support the repair and reconstruction of green infrastructure, establishment of orchards and greenhouses, warehouses and cold storages, and the establishment of workshops for processing agricultural products. 2. On the second item on the agenda of the workshop "Fundamentals of the resettlement policy framework" (RPF), a representative of the NGO "Znaniya" Saadullo H. noted that this issue meets the requirements of the World Bank Standards on Environment and Social 5 (ESS-5), which identifies the risks and potential impacts of the project associated with land acquisition and access restrictions. The speaker explained to the participants of the workshop specific measures to reduce the potential impact, compensation rates and procedures for their implementation as a result of the project. As a result of the discussion of the issue of population policy, the participants noted that such an issue does not exist in our regions. In rural areas, about 80-90 percent of the population has legalized their plots, and in the event of such cases, the damage will be compensated in accordance with the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Tajikistan. There are no such cases related to land sales in the district. What economic impact do you anticipate from the project activities? To this question, the chairperson of Zarkamar jamoat, Abdieva O., answered that there is a lot of land in the jamoat that has been withdrawn from agricultural use. The reason for the increase in groundwater and their transformation into swamps: We believe that the project can support to clean drainages, and as a result of improved land reclamation will increase land productivity and improve the local economy. WUAs and FUGs are eligible for grants to address land degradation, salinization, erosion and low productivity, taking into account member incomes and reducing land impacts. Mr. Saadullo H. spoke on the third issue of the agenda of the workshop "Labor Management Plan" (LMP). In his speech, he noted that the system of obligations for the regulation of labor relations is designed on the basis of environmental and social standards (ESS-2) of the World Bank. At the end of the workshop, the chairman of Shugnon district Jumazoda Juma Shofaqir supported the suggestions of the speakers and noted that there is a need for training on this issue to improve the knowledge of the local population. At the end of the workshop, the Deputy Chairman of the district Shohzodaev Latif spoke and thanked the participants for their participation. LIST of participants of Consultative workshop for discuss the ESF documents and environmental and social commitments under the the Project “Tajikistan Resilient Landscape Restoration and Livelihood Project” Shugnon district Date: October 29, 2021 № Surname First name Position 1 Jumazoda Juma Chairman of the district 2 Shohzodaev Latif First Deputy Chairman of the District 3 Sandarobzoda Gulguncha Deputy Chairman of the District 4 Rajjabbekov Sarabek Chief of Staff of the District Chairman 5 Mirovalov P Chairman of Jamoat "M.Shirinjonov" 6 Qalandarbekov H Chairman of Jamoat "Porshnev" 7 Ayomatbekov K Chairman of Jamoat "Suchon" 8 Moyonshoev Ayoz Chairman of Jamoat "Navobod" 9 Miralibekova R Chairman of Jamoat "G. Shahbozov" 10 Suriev Nosir Chairman of Jamoat "Ver" 11 Darvoziev Farhod Chairman of Jamoat "Vonqala" 12 Farodshoev District doctor 13 Zevarshoev B District Land Management Committee 14 Khisravov Umed Head of the agricultural sector 15 Yormamadov R Specialist in agricultural sector 16 Abibuloev Kh Head of the Department of Environmental Protection 17 Yormamadova A Specialist of the Department of Environmental Protection 18 Ismoilov Marat Head of Land Improvement and Irrigation Department 19 Ibroimkhonov M Head of the forestry 20 Atomamadov Zemir Head of the State Unitary Enterprise "Housing and Communal Services" 21 Mardonov Aybkhon Director of the District Food Safety Center 22 Simikova S Deputy Director of the District Food Safety Center 23 Beknazarov I Head of economic and trade department of the district 24 Sobirov R Head of investment and state property department 25 ShosulaymonovA Head of the district emergency department ANNEX 6: The list of Do’s and Don’ts on Wildlife Trade and Consumption This list of Do’s and Don’ts’ on wildlife trade and consumption intends to avoid and minimize impacts and risks towards biodiversity within the project priority landscapes, such as Protected Areas, Game Preserves and National Parks and relates to ESS6. Such risks and impacts may occur due to duty mission by project staff, consultants and other personnel to the priority landscapes and villages, who may consume or trade wildlife or parts, or be involved in such activities. This would create additional market opportunity and potentially increases poaching/ hunting, finally resulting in reduced wildlife/ negative impacts on biodiversity. The trade of wildlife and parts, as well as consumption of wildlife is prohibited except for household consumption of manageable species in accordance to the Law on Wildlife (2008) and other related regulation. This list should prevent project staff, consultants and other project personnel becoming involved in wildlife consumption and trade related activities during duty missions to priority landscapes, and supported villages. The list will be handed out and explained to all project staff, consultants and others, and is expected to be signed to acknowledge/ commit to it. Don’ts • Do not buy and/ or sale wildlife, wildlife parts or products in markets, or directly from villagers; • Do not encourage, support or tolerate other colleagues or team members to buy and/ or sale wildlife, wildlife parts or products in markets, or directly from villagers or traders; • Do not consume wildlife meat or other edible wildlife parts in restaurants or in villages; • Do not invite, encourage or tolerate other colleagues or team members to consume wildlife meat or other edible wildlife parts in restaurants or in villages; • Do not be a middleman, or otherwise be involved, support or promote the sale wildlife, wildlife parts or meat; • Do not encourage and tolerate other colleagues or team members being a middle man, or otherwise be involved, support or promote the sale wildlife, wildlife parts or meat; • Do not take part or support poaching and hunting of wildlife; • Do not encourage and tolerate other colleagues or team members being involved and/ or supportive to poaching and hunting wildlife. • Do not take part in storage and processing of wildlife parts; • Do not encourage and tolerate other colleagues or team members being involved and/ or supportive to storage and processing of wildlife parts. Do’s • Inform yourself about laws and regulations related to wildlife conservation and protection; • Inform yourself about health and other risks due to the consumption of wildlife, edible parts and meat; • Promote conserving wildlife by informing other colleagues or team members about laws and regulations related to wildlife conservation and protection; • Promote conserving wildlife by informing other colleagues or team members about the health and other risks the consumption of wildlife, edible parts and meat; • Inform PIU and/ or relevant authorities if you become aware that wildlife, wildlife parts or meat is sold in markets, or on the road by villagers and traders; • Inform PIU and/ or relevant authorities if you become aware that wildlife, wildlife parts or meat is transported; • Inform PIU and/ or relevant authorities if you become aware that wildlife is kept alive in cages or other facilities, such as in restaurants, guesthouses or in villages; • Inform PIU and/ or relevant authorities if you become aware about poaching and hunting activities; • Inform PIU and/ or relevant authorities if you become aware about wildlife parts being stored and/ or processed. Annex 7: Code of Conduct for Tourists in PA (sample) Behavior inside Protected Areas should abide to the relevant national laws and regulations to minimize environmental and social impact an promote sustainable development. I, ______________________________, acknowledge that adhering to all relevant environmental and social regulations and laws related to the Protected Areas in order to minimize environmental and social impact an promote sustainable development. I agree that while working on the project I will: Regulations 1. Will not enter the Protected Areas without proper authorization 2. Will avoid littering (throwing away plastic bottles, shampoo recipient, plastic bags, etc.). 3. Will not burn rubbish inside the Protected Areas 4. Will not use speakers or loud equipment in protected areas 5. Will light firewood only in designated areas 6. Camping or bivouacking outside designated areas is not permitted. 7. Avoid wandering off recommended trekking routes. You may damage the grounds, step on nests, eggs, or mess up scents spread by wildlife, or even encounter toxic plants species and animals 8. Will not carry any types of weapons or illicit substances or drugs in the Protected Area 9. Will not disseminate any issues which are against the regulations and laws of the country Animals 1. Will not scare wildlife. Will not make loud noises among wildlife; females may leave their new-born behind. 2. Will not eat or consume wild animals (terrestrial or aquatic) 3. Will not remove, buy or sell parts, organs of protected animals, birds or fish. 4. Will keep distance at all times! Will not run or swim after them. Will not touch, put traps or use sound or call wild animals. Touching wild animals habituate them to human-beings, and paradoxically often result in aggressive behavior and once habituated to humans, they become an easy target for hunters. Plants 5. Will not cut trees, use or sell timber, Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) 6. Will not touch or collect wild-growing plants, flowers or trees or NTFPs from their natural place. (Some plants are highly toxic, it is a system of defense that can be very efficient, so better leave them alone. Unregulated tree/plant/flower collection from the wild is not acceptable because wildlife feeds itself with the products of nature and some are dependent on certain kind of trees/plants/flowers; if these trees, plants, flowers get damaged and die, the animals depending on them will die too. People 7. Engage with communities based upon mutual trust and respect cultural practices, position of authorities, customary law and practices, rituals and culturally significant areas. 8. Will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, ethnic or national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital or family status, civil status, pregnancy or other grounds National heritage 12. Will not remove, acquire or trade any national cultural, historical and natural heritage (immovable or movable, tangible or intangible) from the project target areas. Signature: _________________________ Printed Name: _________________________ Title: _________________________ Date: _________________________ Annex 8: Pesticide Use The main goal of pest management is to control pests and diseases that can damage crop production, so that they remain at a level below the threshold for economic injury. Pesticides must be managed to reduce human exposure and health hazards, to avoid their migration to land or water outside the site, and to avoid environmental consequences such as the destruction of useful species and the development of pesticide resistance. Alternatives to Pesticide Use. If possible, the following alternatives to pesticides should be considered: • rotate crops (crop rotation) to reduce pests and weeds in the soil ecosystem; • use pest-resistant cultivars; • use a power-driven method of weed control and/or thermal weeding; • support and use beneficial organisms such as insects, birds, mites and microbial agents to implement biological pest control; • protect natural enemies from pests by providing a favorable habitat, such as bushes for nesting and other original vegetation that may contain pest predators, and avoid using of broad-spectrum pesticides; • use animals for grazing and vegetation cover management; • use power-driven management tools such as manual removal, traps, barriers, lighting, and sound to kill, move, or repel pests. Pesticide Use. If the pesticides use is reasonable, users are encouraged to take the following actions: • Training staff to use pesticides and ensuring that staff receive appropriate certificates or equivalent training if those are not required; • Review and follow manufacturer's instructions for maximum dosage or treatment, as well as published reports on reducing speed for pesticides use without losing the effect, and apply the minimum effective dosage; • Avoid regular calendar-based application and use pesticides only when necessary and useful based on criteria such as field observations, weather data (e.g. appropriate temperature, light wind, etc.). • Avoid the use of highly hazardous pesticides, especially by non-certified, untrained, or under-equipped users. This includes: • Pesticides of hazard class 1a and 1b recommended by the World Health Organization should be avoided in almost all cases. They should only be used if there are no practical alternatives and when the processing and use of products will be carried out in accordance with national laws by certified personnel due to monitoring of health and environmental impacts; • Avoid using pesticides listed in Annexes A and B of the Stockholm Convention, except in cases specified in the Convention and those subject to international bans or phase-out; • Use only those pesticides that are produced under license, registered and approved by the relevant authority and in accordance with the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); • Use only those pesticides that are labeled in accordance with international standards and regulations • Select application technologies and practices designed to reduce unintentional drift or runoff only • Maintain and calibrate the pesticide application equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Use application equipment registered in the country of use; • Create untreated buffer zones or strips along water sources, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and ditches to help protect water resources; • Avoid using pesticides that are associated with local environmental problems and threats. • The national pesticide registration list should also be used. Treatment and storage of pesticides. Contamination of soil, underground or surface water resources due to accidental spills during the transfer, mixing and storage of pesticides should be prevented by following the recommendations for storage and handling of hazardous materials. These are the following: • Store pesticides in their original packaging, in a designated, dry, cool, frost-free and well-ventilated place that can be locked and properly marked. Only authorized persons can access it. You can't store human or animal food in this place. The storage area must also be designed with consideration of spill containment measures and placed with possible contamination of soil and water resources; • Mixing and transfer of pesticides should be carried out by trained personnel in well-ventilated and well-lit areas using containers designed and intended for this purpose. • Containers should not be used for any other purpose (e.g. for drinking water). Contaminated containers should be treated as hazardous waste and placed in designated areas for hazardous waste. Ideally, containers contaminated with pesticides should be disposed of in accordance with FAO guidelines and manufacturer's instructions; • Buy and store no more pesticides than the necessary amount, and change stocks on a first-in-first-out basis so that the pesticides are not outdated. In addition, the use of obsolete pesticides should be avoided at all times; The Management Plan, which includes measures for the containment, storage and final destruction of all obsolete stocks, should be prepared in accordance with FAO guidelines and with countries' obligations under the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Basel conventions; • Collect wash water from the cleaning equipment for reuse (e.g. dilution of identical pesticides to concentrations used for application); • Make sure that protective clothing worn during the application of pesticides is cleaned or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner; and • Keep records of the use and effectiveness of pesticides.