Preservation Measures for Katskhi and Ubisa Monasteries Sub-Project Environmental Review for the Preservation Measures for Katskhi Monastery Environmental Screening and Classification Katskhi Savior Cathedral is located in West Georgia, Imereti Region, Chiatura municipality, near the town of Chiatura. It is located 190 km west from Tbilisi. The site is accessible from Tbilisi- Chiatura or Tbilisi-Zestaponi Highways. Katskhi Savior Cathedral is built in X-XI centuries by Rati Baghvashi, the national leader of Argveti. Later the adjacent structure was built to this Cathedral with Shirimi and limestone quadras. The Cathedral is a domed premise, built with the square limestone blocks. Today it has almost original shape. The north-west round part and the church tower are damaged, and the part of the gate wall is ruined. In 1980-ies, while repair works, the interior walls were covered with facing, the Cathedral coverage was changed. Environmental Review for the Ubisa Monastery restoration has been prepared as separate document. Consequently, this Environmental Review is prepared for the civil works for preservation measures for Katshkhi Cathedral. Restoration of buildings of Katskhi Cathedral complex foresees: Cathedral: - Installation of non-reusable scaffolds inside the cathedral, to be dismantled on the completion of the works; - Removal of the internal modern plaster of the church & further processing with lime mortar; - The local crack-repairs with lime in the interior and facades; - Replacement of the unfit vent windows in the cathedral with new windows to be made of dried oak; - Replacement of the old exterior and interior doors (5 items) with new wood-metal doors; - Partial rearrangement of the stone floor; - Restoration of the wall arch in the northern exterior of the cathedral with travertine; - Replacement of the concrete pavement around the Cathedral with the natural stone tiles; - Reinforcement of the foundation of the outside wall of the north-east part of the ambulatory. Church Belfry: - Removal of existing timber bell frame and installation of a new one; - Paving the belvedere floor with odd-shaped flooring slabs; - Replacement of the surface coarse on the West façade with lime stones; - Installation of the travertine cornice on 1st floor; plastering walls and ceiling with lime mortar; paving floor with Georgian brick; Laying roofing tiles; Installation of the wood railing; - Replacement of the concrete floor with limestone slabs on the ground floor of the belfry; - Replacement of the old doors with new wood-metal doors; - Replacement of the window with new one; - Replacement of the bell tower metal stairs with the timber one; - Reinforcement of the foundation of the bell tower. Fortified wall around the Cathedral: - Stripping off plants covering the south-western part of the wall; 1 - Rearrangement & restoration of some parts of the walls; - Crowing the top of the wall with roofing tiles. - Installation of the new metal-wood gate; Cathedral site improvement: - Replacement of the iron roofing with tiles on the auxiliary building; - Installation of the benches/seats on courtyard terrace and correction of terraces walls; - Ordering the grave stones. The restoration design will be submitted for approval to the Patriarchy Architectural and Arts council and to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia before announcing of the tender. Permit for Works on Cultural Heritage Monument will be issued by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia after signing contracts with contractor. (A) IMPACT IDENTIFICATION Has the subproject a tangible impact The SP has a minor negative environmental impact and on the environment? is expected to have tangible long term positive impact on the social environment. What are the significant beneficial SP is expected to have positive long term social impact and adverse environmental effects of through rehabilitation and conservation of Katskhi the subproject? Cathedral Cultural Heritage site. Conservation works will preserve the monument from further damage, natural disasters and severe weather. The main risk associated with the implementation of this SP is damage to the authenticity, historic and aesthetic value, and structural integrity of Katskhi Cathedral. Other negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short term and typical to medium scale rehabilitation works in modified landscape: noise, dust, vibration, and emissions from the operation of construction machinery; generation of construction waste; disruption of traffic and pedestrian access. Increased tourist flows may have indirect negative environmental impacts: waste generation, vandalism, etc. In operation phase, proper management of generated solid waste and waste water should be ensured to reduce impact on the environment. 2 May the subproject have any No new land take and resettlement are expected. significant impact on the local communities and other affected The long term social impact will be beneficial (growth people? of tourist flow, attraction of private sector investment in tourism infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, etc.). Negative impacts are short term and limited to the construction site. They are related to the possible disturbance described above. (B) MITIGATION MEASURES Were there any alternatives to the Consideration of alternatives was irrelevant for sub-project design considered? this SP. What types of mitigation measures To avoid loss of historic value and unintended damage are proposed? to the CH site, design and methodology of restoration works will be cleared with the Church and the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation. Removal of the surface facing in the interior of the Cathedral and belfry will be done with the utmost caution to prevent damage of the ancient travertine masonry underneath. Cutting of earth for underpinning the foundation will be done by hand and will supervised by an archaeologist. All other expected negative impacts of the SP can be easily mitigated by demarcation of the places under restoration, proper storage and disposal of construction waste, observance of the established working hours, proper using of personal protective gear. Materials will be obtained from licensed providers; construction waste will be disposed on the nearest municipal landfill or in an alternative location approved by local (municipal) governing bodies in written. What lessons from the previous The initial design has been amended and specific similar subprojects have been changes were made. The aim of the amendments was incorporated into the project design? to provide for maximum likeness with the original state. Have concerned communities been Chiatura population was informed about the upcoming involved and have their interests and projects in a meeting held in Chiatura Governor’s office knowledge been adequately taken (06.06.2012) and generated positive reaction of the into consideration in subproject beneficiary community. preparation? 3 Draft ER of the presented SP was made available for local community and on November 19, 2015 a public consultation meeting was held in the public school of Chiatura Municipality. (D) CATEGORIZATION AND CONCLUSION Based on the screening outcomes, Subproject is classified as environmental Category A B C Conclusion of the environmental screening: 1. Subproject is declined 2. Subproject is accepted If accepted, and based on risk assessment, subproject preparation requires: 1. Completion of the Environmental Management Checklist for Small Construction and Rehabilitation Activities 2. Environmental Review, including development of Environmental Management Plan 4 Social Screening Social safeguards screening information Yes No 1 Is the information related to the affiliation, ownership and land use status of the sub-project site available and verifiable? (The screening cannot be ✓ completed until this is available) 2 Will the sub-project reduce people’s access to their economic resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services, sites of common public use or ✓ other resources that they depend on? 3 Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or ✓ permanently) for its development? 4 Will the project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit trees and household infra-structure (such as ancillary facilities, fence, canal, ✓ granaries, outside toilets and kitchens, etc.)? If answer to any above question (except question 1) is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is applicable and mitigation measures should follow this OP/BP 4.12 and the Resettlement Policy Framework Cultural resources safeguard screening information Yes No 5 Will the project require excavation near any historical, archaeological or ✓ cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable and possible chance finds must be handled in accordance with OP/BP and relevant procedures provided in the Environmental and Social Management Framework. 5 Environmental Review and Environmental Management Plan 1. Introduction 1.1. Background Information The Government of Georgia approved in June 25, 2010 (Government resolution no. 172), the State Strategy on Regional Development of Georgia for 2010-2017, prepared by the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (MRDI). The main objective of the strategy is to create a favorable environment for regional socio-economic development and improve living standards. These objectives will be attained through a balanced socio-economic development, increased competitiveness and increased socio-economic equalization among the regions. In order to better utilize the tourism and agriculture potentials that exist in Imereti and reduce internal socio-economic disparities, the Government of Georgia approached the World Bank with the request to provide financial support to the regional development in Imereti. A Regional Development Project II (RDP II) was prepared jointly by the Government of Georgia and the World Bank, and the latter is expected to provide a loan funding for the implementation of RDP II. Sub-project (SP) for Preservation measures for Katskhi and Ubisa Monasteries is a part of the RDP II and shall be prepared, reviewed, approved, and implemented in agreement with the requirements of the Georgian legislation and the World Bank policies applicable to the RDP II. 1.2. Institutional Framework The Municipal Development Fund of Georgia (hereinafter: the MDF) is a legal entity of public law, the objective of which is to support strengthening institutional and financial capacity of local government units, investing financial resources in local infrastructure and services and improving on sustainable basis the primary economic and social services for the local population (communities). MDF is designated as an implementing entity for the RDP and is responsible for its day-to-day management, including application of the environmental and social safeguard policies. MDF prepares and submits to the World Bank for approval the SP Appraisal Reports (SARs), with safeguards documents attached. These may include, as case may be, an Environmental Review (ER) along with an Environmental Management Plan (EMP), an EMP prepared using the Environmental Management Checklist for Small Construction and Rehabilitation Activities, and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). 1.3. Legislation and Regulations According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental Impact (2008) the SP does not require preparation of EIA and obtaining of Permit on Environmental Impact. The SP triggers to the OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment and OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources safeguard policies of the World Bank. 6 According to the above-mentioned safeguard policies and the Environmental Management Framework adopted for the current program, the SP has been classified as B (+) category and requires preparation of Environmental Review (ER) and environmental Management Plan (EMP). The restoration design will be submitted for approval to the Patriarchy Architectural and Arts council and to the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia before announcing of the tender. Permit for Works on Cultural Heritage Monument will be issued by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Georgia after signing contracts with contractor. 2. Subproject description ER for the Ubisa Monastery restoration has been prepared as separate document. Consequently, this Environmental Review is prepared for the civil works for preservation measures for Katshkhi Cathedral. Restoration of buildings of Katskhi Cathedral complex foresees: Cathedral: - Installation of non-reusable scaffolds inside the cathedral, to be dismantled on the completion of the works; - Removal of the surface facing of the dome, apses and portal in the interior & further processing with lime mortar; - The local crack-repairs with lime in the interior and facades; - Replacement of the unfit vent windows in the cathedral with new windows to be made of dried oak; - Replacement of the old exterior and interior doors (5 items) with new wood-metal doors; - Partial rearrangement of the stone floor; - Restoration of the wall arch in the northern exterior of the cathedral with travertine; - Replacement of the concrete pavement around the Cathedral with the natural stone tiles; - Reinforcement of the foundation of the outside wall of the north-east part of the ambulatory. Church Belfry: - Removal of existing timber bell frame and installation of a new one; - Paving the belvedere floor with odd-shaped flooring slabs; - Replacement of the surface coarse on the West façade with lime stones; - Installation of the travertine cornice on 1st floor; plastering walls and ceiling with lime mortar; paving floor with Georgian brick; Laying roofing tiles; Installation of the wood railing; - Replacement of the concrete floor with limestone slabs on the ground floor of the belfry; - Replacement of the old doors with new wood-metal doors; - Replacement of the window with new one; - Replacement of the bell tower metal stairs with the timber one; - Reinforcement of the foundation of the bell tower. 7 Fortified wall around the Cathedral: - Stripping off plants covering the south-western part of the wall; - Rearrangement & restoration of some parts of the walls; - Crowing the top of the wall with roofing tiles. - Installation of the new Metal-Wood Gate. Cathedral site improvement: - Replacement of the iron roofing with tiles on the auxiliary building; - Installation of the benches/seats on courtyard terrace and correction of terraces walls; - Ordering the grave stones. 3. Baseline Environmental Conditions Katskhi Savior Cathedral is located in West Georgia, Imereti Region, Chiatura municipality, near the town of Chiatura. It is located 190 km west from Tbilisi. The site is accessible from Tbilisi-Chiatura or Tbilisi-Zestaponi Highways. The Katskhi Nativity of the Savior Monastery is a medieval monastery in Georgia. It was built at the behest of the Baguashi family in the period of 1010–1014. 30 years later from three sides it was surrounded by the entrance. The church is surrounded by a pentagonal wall (restored in 1937), which contains a free-standing bell tower in its eastern corner, which also serves as gates. This monastery is one of the most original and outstanding monuments of Georgian architecture. The similar architectural forms cannot be found in any other place in Georgia. The Cathedral is a domed premise, built with the square limestone blocks. Today it has almost original shape. The north-west round part and the church tower are damaged and the part of the gate wall is ruined. In 1980ies, while repair works, the interior walls were covered with facing, the Cathedral coverage was changed. Katskhi Monastery is located in the eastern part of the southern slope of Racha Mountain Range, in the gorge of river Katskhura (right tributary of the river Kvirila), at 650 m altitude above sea level. 4. Analysis of Potential Impacts 4.1. Construction Phase 4.1.1. Social Impacts • General set of social issues. No significant social issues are associated with implementation and operation of this SP. • Resettlement Issues. SP does not imply private land acquisition and no permanent impacts are envisaged on private or leased agricultural lands and private assets or businesses. • Positive impact related to Job opportunities for construction workers. Limited and temporary during construction and limited during operation. • Health issues related to noise, emissions, and vibration. Limited and temporary. • Traffic Disruption. Local traffic can be impacted limited and temporary by transport activities related to the SP. • Safety and Access. There will be reduced access to areas adjacent to rehabilitation and potential hazards to vehicles and pedestrians during rehabilitation downtime. 8 4.1.2. Impacts on the physical Cultural Property The main risk associated with the implementation of this SP is damage to the authenticity, historic and aesthetic value, and structural integrity of Katskhi Cathedral. Restoration will be undertaken on the surface coating layers of the exterior and interior walls, external ladder and door or the tower building. Therefore, the risk of negative impacts on the structural integrity and historical value of the Monastery complex is moderate. There is likelihood of encountering chance finds. In such cases works will be taken on hold immediately, the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection will be informed in writing, and activity will resume upon formal permission from the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation. Conservation works will preserve the monument from further damage, natural disasters and severe weather. 4.1.3. Environmental Impacts Improper handling, storage, use and disposal of construction materials and wastes could pose a risk of water and soil contamination at the construction site and storage site. The later impact is less probable. Soil Pollution Potential pollutants from a project of this nature include the following (this list is not exhaustive): dismantled stones, concrete, wood materials, gravel, cement and concrete residue, lime mortar. Water Pollution Water pollution may result from a variety of sources, including the following: - Silt suspended in runoff waters (“construction water�) - Washing of vehicles or equipment Air Pollution and Noise Air pollution and noise will be caused by dismantling works of existed structures and processing of the stones, transportation of materials and waste. Construction Related Wastes The following types of construction waste are anticipated to be produced from these activities: - Inert materials (removed concrete and stones, rock, wood); - Packaging materials. Transport related impacts - Noise & Vibration Impacts - Traffic congestion (nuisance) - Air pollution - Mud on roads - Refueling, maintenance and vehicle cleaning and related risks of soil and water contamination. 9 Vegetation and Landscape The SP design does not envisage any substantial changes of landscape. Potential impact on vegetation is minimal, although the SP design envisages. 4.2. Operation Phase Increased number of visitors after the site rehabilitation may possibly result in the increased volume of waste and noise. Positive social impact will be related to the increasing of the tourist infrastructure that will have positive effect on the local population, in terms of employment. 5. Environmental Management Plan This Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been prepared to ensure that negative environmental impacts associated with this SP are minimized. The contractor is required: 1. To obtain construction materials only from licensed providers; 2. If contractor wishes to open quarries or extract material from river bed (rather than purchasing these materials from other providers), then the contractor must obtain licenses for inert material extraction; 3. If contractor wishes to operate own concrete plant (rather than purchasing these materials from other providers), then the contractor must prepare technical report on inventory of atmospheric air pollution stationary source and agree with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection (MoENRP); 4. Construction waste must be disposed on the nearest municipal landfill or in an alternative location approved by local (municipal) governing bodies in written. The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. Copies of extraction licenses (if applicable), agreed technical report on inventory of atmospheric air pollution for operating concrete plants (if applicable), and waste disposal agreement must be submitted to the MDF prior to the commencement of works. A number of restrictions and mitigation measures are to be taken into account during the construction process: 1. Application of the heavy machinery and equipment is prohibited; The machinery should move only along the preliminarily agreed route. The maximum allowed speed will be restricted; The frequency of movement of the machinery will be restricted; 2. Any construction or municipal wastes produced during restoration works should remove from the site frequently, site shall be kept clean and tidy; 3. After completion of the rehabilitation works scaffolding should be removed and disposed in written agreement with local municipality administration; 4. Removal of surface facing in the interior of the Cathedral and belfry will be done with the utmost caution to prevent damage of the ancient travertine masonry underneath; 10 5. Cutting of earth for underpinning the foundation will be done by hand and will supervised by an archaeologist; 6. In course of restoration activities, in case of observing any suspicious object, the rehabilitation works will be suspended and will restart only upon issuance of the permit by the National Agency for Cultural Heritage Preservation. Noise The following measures will be implemented for noise reducing: - The maximum speed should be restricted to the safety level during the pass of the trucks; - Proper technical control and maintenance practices of the machinery should be applied; - Activities should be limited to daylight working hours; - No-load operations of the vehicles and heavy machinery are not allowed. Proper mufflers will be used on machinery. Pollution Prevention Measures: - Contractor is required to organize and cover material storage areas. The material storage sites should be protected from washing out during heavy rain falls and flooding through covering by impermeable materials. - Wet cement and/or concrete will not be allowed to enter any watercourse, pond or ditch. - No fuel, lubricants and solvents storage or re-fueling of vehicles or equipment will be allowed near the cultural heritage site. Waste Handling - Construction waste shall be removed frequently from the SP site and site shall be kept clean and tidy. Temporary storage area of the construction waste should be enclosed and protect from the washing out. - Construction waste must be disposed on the nearest municipal landfill or in an alternative location approved by local (municipal) governing bodies in written. The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. - Municipal waste (rubbish, plastic or glass bottles, glasses, waste food, etc.) should be placed into plastic containers and removed from the site every day. - Burning of waste on construction site is forbidden. Dust and emissions - During demolition works destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site; - The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust; - Materials and waste will be covered/ wetted down while transportation to reduce dust; 11 - The construction site will be watered if deemed necessary in dry conditions or where significant quantities of dust are being or are likely to be produced; - Protective equipment will be provided to workers as necessary; - There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site; - There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites. Mitigation measures for Site safety access The contractor will ensure that the construction site is properly secured and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to: - Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the public warned of all potential hazards; - Alternate safe pavement will be provided for visitors. - Construction site and all trenches should be fenced and properly secured to prevent unauthorized access (especially of children); - Appropriate lighting and well defined safety signs should be provided; - Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement. 5.2 Operation Phase ▪ For proper management of the increased volume of waste generated due to the increased number of visitors, additional containers shall be placed and penalty sanctions against littering on the site shall apply. - The traffic will increase in the area adjacent to CH sites resulting in the increased local emissions and noise as well as traffic safety issues. Within the SP for Integrated Revitalization of Cultural Heritage Site of Katskhi Monastery, also included into the RDP II work program, arrangement of the parking area for cars and buses is envisaged. 6. Monitoring MDF carries overall responsibility for monitoring of the implementation of the environmental mitigation measures. A consulting firm hired for supervision of works will be tracking environmental and social compliance of works undertaken under this SP. Field monitoring checklist will be filled out and photo material attached on monthly basis. Narrative reporting on the implementation of EMP will be provided on quarterly basis as part of the general progress reporting of MDF. MDF will also be expected to obtain from contractors and keep on file all permits, licenses, and agreement letters which contractors are required have according to the Georgian law for extracting material, operating asphalt/concrete plants, disposing various types of waste, etc. 7. Costs of Implementation Costs of applying the proposed mitigation measures are small and difficult to single out from the costs of construction operations. Nonetheless, it is recommended that Bill of Quantities included in the tender documentation carries a line item for the disposal of waste and excess material. Other costs of adherence to good environmental practice and compliance with this EMP are expected to be integrated into the pricing of various construction activities. 12 8. MONITORING MANAGEMENT PLAN When What Where How Why Who Activity (Define the (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for frequency / or monitored?) to be monitored?) be monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?) continuous?) CONSTRUCTION PHASE Supply with Purchase of construction In the supplier’s Verification of During conclusion of To ensure technical MDF, construction materials from the officially office or warehouse documents the supply contracts reliability and safety of materials registered suppliers infrastructure Construction supervisor Transportation of Technical condition of vehicles Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit pollution of soil and air MDF, construction and machinery inspections during work from emissions; materials and hours and beyond Construction supervisor, waste Confinement and protection of Limit nuisance to local truck loads with lining communities from noise and Traffic Police Movement of vibration; construction Respect of the established hours machinery and routes of transportation Minimize traffic disruption. Earthworks Temporary storage of excavated Construction site Inspection In the course of earth Prevent pollution of the MDF, material in the pre-defined and works construction site and its agreed upon locations; surroundings with Construction supervisor construction waste; Backfilling of the excavated NACHP material and/or its disposal to the Prevent damage and loss of formally designated locations; physical cultural resources 13 When What Where How Why Who Activity (Define the (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for frequency / or monitored?) to be monitored?) be monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?) continuous?) In case of chance finds immediate suspension of works, notification of the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection, and resumption of works exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry. Sourcing of inert Purchase of material from the Borrowing areas Inspection of In the course of Limiting erosion of slopes MDF, material existing suppliers if feasible; documents material extraction and degradation of ecosystems and landscapes; Construction supervisor Obtaining of extraction license by Inspection of works the works contract and strict Limiting erosion of river compliance with the license banks, water pollution with conditions; suspended particles and disruption of aquatic life. Terracing of the borrow area, backfilling to the exploited areas of the borrow site, and landscape harmonization; Excavation of river gravel and sand from outside of the water stream, arrangement of protective barriers of gravel between excavation area and the 14 When What Where How Why Who Activity (Define the (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for frequency / or monitored?) to be monitored?) be monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?) continuous?) water stream, and no entry of machinery into the water stream. Generation of Temporary storage of Construction site; Inspection Periodically during Prevent pollution of the MDF, construction construction waste in especially construction and upon construction site and nearby waste allocated areas; Waste disposal site complaints area with solid waste Construction supervisor Timely disposal of waste to the formally designated locations Traffic disruption Installation of traffic At and around the Inspection In the course of Prevent traffic accidents; MDF, and limitation of limitation/diversion signage; construction site construction works pedestrian access Limit nuisance to local Construction supervisor Storage of construction materials residents and temporary placement of construction waste in a way preventing congestion of access roads Clearance of Site Clear up all working areas both At and around the Inspection After works completion Landscape protection MDF, on Completion within and outside the SP site and construction site accesses, removal of all surplus Construction supervisor soil and materials temporary sheds, fencing, filling of all holes and restoration of the surface of the ground as near as practicable to its original condition 15 When What Where How Why Who Activity (Define the (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for frequency / or monitored?) to be monitored?) be monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?) continuous?) Workers’ health Provision of uniforms and safety Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit occurrence of on-the- MDF, and safety gear to workers; inspections in the job accidents and course of work emergencies Construction supervisor Informing of workers and personnel on the personal safety rules and instructions for operating machinery/equipment, and strict compliance with these rules/instructions 16 Attachment 1. Pictures of the Katskhi Cathedral 17 Attachment 2. Minutes of public consultation November 20, 2015 Chiatura Municipality, Georgia Preservation Measures for Katskhi and Ubisa Monasteries Public Consultation Meeting of Draft Environmental and Social Review and Environmental and Social Management Plan In order to discuss environmental documentation (Environmental and Social Review and Environmental and Social Management Plan) prepared for the sub-project- Preservation Measures for Katskhi and Ubisa Monasteries, on November 19, 2015 a public consultation meeting was held in the public school of Chiatura Municipality. The meeting aimed at keeping local population abreast of sub-project related planned activities, the expected negative impacts on the natural and social environment and the ways and means of preventing them. Those present at the meeting: Representatives of Public School: Elza Modebadze, Ketevan Kupatadze, Marine Kupatadze Locals: TsarTsidze M., Japaridze Tamazi, Chikhlazde Sasha, Karpe Modebadze, Fridon Modebadze, Tariel Tchankvetadze, Shota Bregvazde, Lia Kapanadze, Bregvazde Elza, Nino gvekhidze, Emzari Modebadze, Murmani Khvedelidze, Anzori Khvedelidze, Gela Khvedelidze, Malkhazi Chikheladze, Giorgi Japaridze, Modebadze Ivane, Goga Tsitsvidze, Koba Bregvadze, Zauri Chikhladze, Ramini Modebadze. Representatives of the Municipal Development Fund of Georgia: Nino Patarashvili - Environmental Safety Specialist Niniko Isakadze- Contracted Specialist Juansher Shvelidze- Project Appraisal Specialist Nino Patarashvili, Environmental Safety Specialist, opened the meeting, she informed the attendees about the MDF, purpose of the meeting, main goals of the sub-project and the planned works envisaged under the SP. In the process of the meeting, she conducted presentation of the Social and Environmental Review and Social and Environmental Management Plan prepared for the sub-project. She shortly explained to the public about the social and environmental screening procedures applied for the WB and environmental and social requirements of the presented SP. There were discussed also 18 the mitigation measures in order to minimize the potential negative impacts which may arise during the SP implementation process. N. Patarashvili mentioned that according to the Georgian law on Environmental Impact Permit the SP does not require any kind of permits and agreements with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources protection and/or obtaining of Environmental Impact Permit. Due to the above- mentioned fact, and to ensure environmental and social safety of the SP, MDF is responsible for implementation of all environmental and social procedures in accordance with the WB safeguard policies and Operations Manual prepared for the Regional Development Project. N. Patarashvili discussed the structure and content of Social and Environmental Review. She noted that ER forms an integral part of the contract made with the civil works contractor. The last one is obliged thoroughly implementation of the measures specified in the ER to protect social and natural environment. She also discussed the environmental monitoring criteria, responsible parties for the environmental supervision and reporting procedures during the sub-project implementation. N. Patarashvili informed the participants about the contact persons for communication, in case of existence of any complaints concerning environmental or social issues. After the presentation, the audience was given a possibility to express their opinions and/or participate in Q&A session concerning presented issues, they posed the following question: Questions and remarks Answers and comments When will works for Project materials have already been prepared, although preservation of Katskhi tender has not been announced yet. For the next year, Monastery complex commence? after the mobilization of companies, construction works will be launched. Who is responsible for removing Construction company is required to remove the construction waste and construction or municipal wastes produced during keeping the construction site restoration work from the site frequently. Site will be clean and tidy? Who will kept clean and tidy. Construction waste will be monitor the appropriately disposed on the nearest municipal landfill or in an implementation of the alternative location approved by local (municipal) mentioned procedures? governing bodies in written. And the responsible parties for the monitoring are MDF and the construction-supervisor company Eptisa. 19 How can locals hurry up starting To start implementation of the sub-project it is implementation of the presented required to pass certain procedures and stages, due to sub-project? this fact locals are not able to hurry up this process. At the end of the meeting the audience expressed their positive attitude towards the project and dissatisfaction with the protraction of starting construction. They hope that their living and economic conditions will be improved as a result of the sub-project implementation. Photo materials and copy of meeting participants’ registration list are hereby enclosed. Minutes was prepared by Niniko Isakadze November 20, 2015 20 Photos: 21 List of Participants : 22 23 24 Attachment 3: Agreement on construction waste disposal 25