The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) Combined Project Information Documents / For Official Use Only Integrated Safeguards Datasheet (PID/ISDS) Appraisal Stage | Date Prepared/Updated: 20 February 2020| Report No: PIDISDSA26033 20 February 2020 Page 1 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) BASIC INFORMATION OPS_TABLE_BASIC_DATA A. Basic Project Data Country Project ID Project Name Parent Project ID (if any) Sudan P169003 Sustainable Natural P129156 Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control Parent Project Name Region Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Sudan Sustainable Natural AFRICA 20 February 2020 15 May 2020 Resources Management Project Practice Area (Lead) Financing Instrument Borrower(s) Implementing Agency Environment & Natural Resources Investment Project National Council for Ministry of Agriculture For Official Use Only Financing Environment and Natural Resources GEF Focal Area Land degradation Proposed Development Objective(s) Parent The Project Development Objective (PDO) and Global Environment Objective is “to increase the adoption of sustainable land and watermanagement practices in targeted landscapes�. Components Component 1: Institutional and Policy Framework Component 2: Community based sustainable management of rangelands, forests and biodiversity Component 3: Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation PROJECT FINANCING DATA (US$, Millions) SUMMARY -NewFin1 Total Project Cost 5.94 Total Financing 5.94 of which IBRD/IDA 0.00 Financing Gap 0.00 DETAILS -NewFinEnh1 20 February 2020 Page 2 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) Non-World Bank Group Financing Trust Funds 5.94 Global Environment Facility (GEF) 1.37 Least Developed Countries TF for Climate Change Activities 4.57 Environmental Assessment Category B-Partial Assessment OPS_TABLE_SAFEGUARDS_DEFERRED Decision For Official Use Only B. Introduction and Context Country Context 1. Sudan is situated in North East Africa with a coastline bordering the Red sea. It is the third largest country in Africa with a population of 39 million, according to World Bank 2014 estimates. The government administrative structure is composed of a federal government, 18 states and 176 local government councils. The federal level has a national assembly and Council of States composed of two representatives of each state. Each state has its own constitution, and local governments are governed by the Local Government Act (LGA) enacted by the federal government. The federal and state constitutions as well as LGA stress the principle of autonomy at various levels of government and the need for mutual respect of this autonomy. 2. Sudan has been in conflict for most of its independent history. While the defining conflict between the north and south was largely resolved by the secession of the latter to form the Republic of South Sudan in July 2011, several other conflicts continue at various stages of intensity, stalemate, or resolution. Most of these conflicts involve competition over ownership and access to natural resources, and are between pastoralists, agropastoralists and settled farmers (including commercial farms). This contributes to a localized conflict-prone environment where violence easily erupts in the context of weak institutions. 3. The South’s secession has had fundamental repercussions on Sudan as evidenced by significant stresses in the macro-fiscal situation and the structure of the economy. The most important and immediate impact was the loss of oil revenue, made all the more critical as the secession was preceded by several years of oil-export driven growth, extravagant public investments, and expanded public employment. The legacy of the civil war, limited infrastructure and the inequitable distribution of public goods and services, continues to present obstacles to strong and inclusive growth. Sudan's arrears to several bilateral and multilateral creditors, including International Development Association (IDA), severely limit the country's access to concessional development finance. 20 February 2020 Page 3 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) Sectoral and Institutional Context 4. Sudan faces environmental challenges due to its geographic location within the fragile Sudano- Sahelian and sub-Saharan African zones. Short variable erratic rainy seasons, arid lands, and poor sparse vegetative cover contribute to the country’s vulnerability. In addition, the soils are highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. The steady increase of both human and livestock populations puts pressure on natural resources, and has resulted in desertification, land degradation, water pollution, soil erosion and nutrient loss and deterioration of biodiversity across large tracts of the country. Occasional floods, such as the flood in August 2013 which affected more than 300,000 people, further exacerbate the precarious environment. 5. Like in other Sahelian countries, livelihoods in Sudan depend heavily on soil, water and vegetation resources. It is estimated that agriculture (crops, livestock and forestry) contributes 35-40% of GDP (with livestock accounting for 50% of the production) and employs more than 80% of the total population. Traditional farming accounts for 60-70% of the agricultural output and is largely subsistence production based on shifting cultivation and livestock rearing. The wildlife of Sudan presents a rich base of biodiversity For Official Use Only of high value. The country is also rich in mineral resources. Oil discovery and oil export had fueled unprecedented growth in the last decade and fed massive public investment, although not in a sustainable way. Agriculture and livestock are thus essential to the country’s growth and economic diversification and overall macroeconomic stability especially with the dwindling revenues from oil. Employing over 80% of the total workforce, investments in these two key sectors also provide space for creating jobs and improving livelihoods especially in rural areas, attracting potential private sector investments in soil, land and water management, as well as in human development. 6. Unplanned, non-sustainable and poorly managed use of land and water along with natural climate variability and frequently occurring droughts, has exacerbated the problems. Rainfall in some areas of the country has been steadily decreasing over the last 40 years, and the Sahara Desert is advancing at a rate of about one mile a year, dwindling the availability of grazing land and water. Forest ecosystems throughout Sudan have been deforested and degraded due to fire, uncontrolled grazing, overcutting, and encroachment by agriculture. 7. Increasing pressure on land by the expansion of mechanized and rain-fed farming, as well as overgrazing, have restricted access to rangelands and increased vulnerability of farmers and pastoralists. In addition, the greatest damage to wildlife has been inflicted by habitat destruction and fragmentation from farming and deforestation. The degradation of the country’s natural resources has caused serious negative impacts on agricultural productivity and the livelihoods of the poor, particularly those that depend on livestock and rain-fed agriculture. Additional challenges resulting from increasing vulnerability to climate change elevates the need for ensuring that sectoral planning and interventions in these sectors cater to strengthening adaptive capacity and resilience of both the sectors and the dependent rural communities to climate induced natural disasters. 8. Policy and investment responses are fragmented and inadequate. Federal, state and local governments and their constituencies are overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of the problems confronting production and conservation landscapes. Attempts within most tiers of government to address these problems have generally been ineffectual in the face of the following challenges: (a) lack of sufficient financial resources; (b) unclear and overlapping mandates of institutions responsible for various 20 February 2020 Page 4 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) components of the rural landscape; (c) insufficient technical capacity in these institutions; (d) insufficient knowledge and updated data to address such complex issues; (e) absent or weak land-use planning; (f) limited research capacity; (g) weak regulatory compliance and enforcement; (h) weak community involvement in prevention and restoration activities; (i) insufficient attention to alternative livelihood issues; and (j) insufficient attention to transparent governance, corruption, and local participation. The different challenges are interwoven and require integrated solutions. The fragmentation of institutions, information, and incentives weakens the ability of government institutions and the communities that they serve to address the issues in a strategic and integrated manner. C. Proposed Development Objective(s) PDO 9. The Project Development Objective (PDO) and Global Environment Objective remains the same as in the parent project: “to increase the adoption of sustainable land and water management practices in targeted landscapes�. For Official Use Only Key Results 10. The Second Additional Financing (AF-2) will scale up implementation of SSNRMP activities in two additional States; Gadarif and Khartoum States. Key outputs will include: a) rehabilitation of degraded grasslands and rangelands, (b) establishment of demonstration farms to showcase climate resilient farming, shelterbelts and high economic value trees, (c) promotion of climate-resilient alternative livelihoods for the most vulnerable people, (d) development of management and zoning plans for grazing and rangeland areas, and (e) studying possible response to the spread of malaria. D. Project Description 11. The project integrates innovative technology transfer activities in support of the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification and Sudan’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. Such activities include (i) supporting the production of highly nutritive food crops and drought resistant varieties through awareness raising to local communities and strengthening existing production cooperatives, including women’s cooperatives, (ii) setting up small-scale irrigation infrastructure (hydro- pumps) supported by high-efficiency off-grid solar PV, (iii) the establishment/rehabilitation of seasonal water harvesting and storage facilities, and (iv) construction of additional boreholes for local groundwater extraction and management. Phase 3 will support innovations in malaria control through Sudan-centric studies, informing decision-makers and stakeholders about their findings and recommended steps in this area. Phase 3 will also support providing jobs and employment opportunities for local communities as well as improving their incomes through direct payments and indirectly through provision of inputs and trainings. 12. Theory of Change (ToC). Communities in Gadarif and Khartoum states are vulnerable to impacts of climate change while facing land degradation. Phase 3 aims to bring a total of 57,000 ha of landscapes under improved practices and reach 25,000 direct beneficiaries (at least 45% women). The project is intended to strengthen the resilience of poor communities and support Sudan's effort to enhance its adaptive capacity through; (i) mainstreaming climate change and resilience into policy and planning, and 20 February 2020 Page 5 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) (ii) reducing vulnerability and increasing resilience through innovation and technology transfer. In addition, the AF is intended to address drivers of land degradation and desertification through; (i) reducing pressures on land use, and (ii) improving agro-ecoystem services. The success of the project is dependent on the adoption of a number of sustainable land and water management practices as well as conducting a number of community development activities to strengthen people's resilience. 13. The project is structured in four components: Component 1: Institutional and Policy Framework 14. This component finances technical assistance, workshops, goods, services and operational costs to build or strengthen national, state and local level capacities to strengthen policy and regulatory frameworks, remove critical knowledge barriers, and develop an enabling environment for the on-the- ground activities. The project design hinges on improving the vertical and lateral coordination from the federal to the local community levels and between the various government, non-government and community players. The project design will also address the sustainability concerns providing tailored solutions. Component 1 supports: For Official Use Only 15. Institutional capacity building: The project supports key institutions involved in NRM by strengthening their capacity to formulate, implement and monitor programs and projects in this area. The capacity development program is flexible and modular. Institutional, technical, and administrative training needs are determined through consultative mechanisms at all levels. The project provides institutional support to MANR, Forest National Corporation (FNC), Range and Pasture Administration (RPA): (i) develop effective interagency collaboration mechanisms at the central and state level; (ii) assist communities in preparing and implementing investments under integrated land management plans; and (iii) manage, monitor, and maintain infrastructures by VDCs. 16. Information and knowledge management: The project has drawn the MANR and FNC much closer together at the central and state levels. Lessons of implementation are to be disseminated through regular events (in country) and through South-South knowledge exchanges in the Horn of Africa Region; knowledge exchange happens through IGAD Drought Resilience Initiative regional platform. The project supports the Pressure State, Impact Response analysis of land and biodiversity degradation, including assessment of land management practices. 17. A communication plan will be developed and implemented to disseminate information on project results and lessons learned to key stakeholders. SSNRMP receives support from the Building Resilience through Innovation, Communication, and Knowledge Services (BRICKS) Project (P130888) in strategic communication and contribute to knowledge exchange initiatives benefiting project implementation, within the TerrAfrica platform and other exchange initiatives. 18. Malaria. Although there are global models of climate change which predict changes in malarial incidence spatially and temporally in Sudan, there are no studies based on available local data. Therefore, an AF activity will include a call for proposals to national universities to underwrite locally-relevant studies. The call will focus on identifying and explaining current and future changes in conditions for malaria incidence, how irrigation and water harvesting facilities can be protected from becoming larvae breeding grounds for mosquitos, and other relevant topics in the malaria – climate change – water management nexus as well as gender impacts of malaria. The project will facilitate the discussion of their findings with governmental agencies, international organizations and recognized experts in order to identify actionable 20 February 2020 Page 6 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) recommendations. A synopsis of these studies, to include potential policy response measures and practical steps to address climate-induced diseases through sustainable NRM, will be disseminated. The AF Results Framework includes a dedicated indicator to reflect on the progress of this activity. Component 2: Community based sustainable management of rangelands, forests and biodiversity 19. This component works on incorporating innovative technologies in community-based sustainable NRM from the menu of interventions that would match socio-economic and physical conditions of specific localities. Subcomponents include: (i) addressing climate change impacts on water resources and agriculture by promoting innovative climate-smart NRM technologies; and (ii) alleviating negative impacts of environmental degradation and climate change on human health. 20. Rangeland management: Given the importance of livestock in Sudan and its impact on land degradation, sustainable rangeland management activities related to husbandry and livestock are crucial. Activities include establishment of shelter belts for sand dune fixation, demarcation of animal migration routes and grazing land rotations, establishment of nurseries for rangeland rehabilitation, clearing and opening of fire lines to protect rangelands. Community level project activities may include rehabilitation and cultivation in open spaces and seeding rangelands to improve range condition with fodder grasses. For Official Use Only 21. Integrated land management plans: The project will support the preparation of NRM plans for the gazetted Om Seraig reserve in the Butana area in the Central Gadarif locality of Gadarif State, Sharg Elneel locality (Sayal Elfaki Saad Area); a forest Reserve and shelterbelt in Khartoum. 22. Protection and use of water resources. SSNRMP designed a collaborative management system between communities and the water authorities, where communities manage the operation of the water structure and the State Water Corporation provides technical back-stopping. The project design will take into account concerns for integrated water resources management. Community level project activities may include rehabilitation of existing hafirs and water sources, using other water harvesting techniques to utilize the water from wadis and khors (seasonal streams). Even though the rainwater harvesting structures hold a small amount of water, due diligence will be applied to make sure rainwater would not be blocked from flowing down stream. Groundwater recharge capacity will be assessed before operations are put in place. 23. Forest ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration: In Khartoum State, the project will gazette and rehabilitate 3,750 ha of the Sharg Elneel Forest Reserve & Khartoum shelterbelt, while in Gadarif State, 12,000 ha of the gazetted Om Seraig reserve in the Butana area will be rehabilitated. Proposed sites can support many of the original small mammals, birds, reptiles, and diverse flora species of the Sahel biome. The project is expected to indirectly benefit biodiversity conservation through the gazetting of forest reserves, restoration of native vegetation by reforestation, enrichment planting, natural regeneration and effective implementation of management plans. 24. Strengthening resilience of communities through establishing multiple water harvesting structures, including with the application of GHG technologies (solar panels), strengthening the asset base of rural farmers including natural and financial capital, increasing the diversity of smallholder farming systems through the promotion of mixed cropping-livestock systems and diversification of crops; enhancing household food security and wellbeing through the introduction and improvement of home gardens; promoting equity and inclusion of vulnerable and marginal groups especially women; enhancing local institutions through support to VDCs; diversifying access to alternative sources of energy, and improving the availability of/and smallholder access to climate information. Phase 3 will explore the demand for 20 February 2020 Page 7 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) biogas technologies, which convert biological waste into energy. In addition to having a clean renewable energy provide gas for household needs, many families make extensive use of the fertilizer by-product that biogas digesters provide. 25. Engaging the private sector. Since the beginning of SSNRMP, the project has linked public agencies, private sector and financial institutions through workshops, conferences and trainings to exchange perspectives and understand the role of private and public actors in community resilience activities. Component 1’s focus on regulatory frameworks and policies has facilitated market entry of climate resilience technologies. Some of these include: (i) solar panels to replace diesel pumps for remote village communities; (ii) gas cylinders to replace firewood for village cooking; (iii) non-forest product marketing to reduce transactional costs to market; and (iv) a piloting of biogas technology in SSNRMP3. The introduction of environmentally sound technologies is encouraging communities to establish further micro-finance capacities and the local private sector to further invest in commercializing these same technologies. 26. Development of locality extension approaches based on incentive structures established for supporting and promoting SLWM. Capacity of new extension agents will be built through training in (i) appropriate SLWM technologies and current extension approaches and (ii) in best technologies for root For Official Use Only and tuber crops. Existing training materials have been revised to incorporate lessons learnt during previous project support. An incentive system for extension staff based on performance assessment has been developed and implemented, to promote excellence of extension support. Study tours to countries with relevant SLWM experiences and local study tours to best SLWM practice sites will continue to be supported. The key elements of the extension approach are: (a) establishment of demonstration plots for select SLWM technologies in target communities, and (b) supporting formation of farmer groups or individuals interested in applying similar technologies. 27. This component also finances technical assistance, training, investments, goods, works, services and operational costs related to the promotion of wider adoption of community-based SLWM practices in forests and rangelands in the targeted communities. Local communities will acquire the capacity to effectively participate in selection of rangeland activities, negotiation of access to grazing grounds, setting the guidelines for formation of local organization and associations (cooperatives) around specific NRM livelihood initiatives. Component 3: Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation 28. Project Management. MANR is the implementing agency for the project. Support is provided for day- to-day project implementation and management including procurement, FM, environmental and social safeguards aspects, preparation of annual work plans and organization of supervision missions. The component provides support for office operating costs including annual audit costs and supervision missions. 29. Monitoring and Evaluation. Under this component, support is provided for an M&E system tracking the expected project’s results. AF resources will finance the monitoring of the scale up activities in LD and Climate Change Mitigation focal areas. The M&E system established for the project coordinates with the SAWAP Program so that key indicators are aggregated from the country level to the regional Sahel level. An M&E expert in the PCU coordinates and aggregates monitoring and reporting from M&E Officers in the SPIUs. Component 4: Contingency Emergency Response Component 20 February 2020 Page 8 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) 30. This contingency component can be triggered by a joint Government and World Bank agreement in case of an emergency. This component had been embedded in the project to finance early recovery and/or specific emergency works, goods, and services, in case of eligible emergencies/crises/disaster caused by natural or man-made hazard including public health crisis. The mechanism is designed to support enhancement of preparedness, early recovery activities, and provision of rapid response to disaster that can be implemented in a relatively short period. This component was considered necessary because of the inherent risks in Sudan’s current socioeconomic and climate related hazards (unexpected flooding or drought, an aggravation of the state of fragility, as a result of influx of large groups of displaced people, including both (cross boarder and internal displacements) that could potentially shift priorities. Reallocation of funds to CERC can only be done when there is a serious disruption of the functioning of a community or society causing widespread human, economic, or environmental losses that exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. Following such a disaster event where both the region and national resources cannot sufficiently and adequately address the situation, the Government of Sudan may trigger activation of CERC according to national law and subject to the World Bank’s activation policy. GEF grant funds awarded under this project cannot be reallocated to the CERC. This component can only be activated if there where TF and/or IDA which could be added to For Official Use Only the project through restructuring. Incremental and Additional Reasoning for GEF/LDCF Resources 31. The proposed AF contributes to the Land Degradation (LD) Focal Area objectives “Maintain or improve flow of agro-ecosystem services to sustain food production and livelihoods through Sustainable Land Management� (LD-1-1) and “Reduce pressures on natural resources from competing land uses in the wider landscape� (LD-1-4). In addition, the project contributes to Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) objectives “Reduce vulnerability and increase resilience through innovation and technology transfer for climate change adaptation� (CCA-1) and “Mainstream climate change adaptation and resilience for systemic impact� (CCA-2). 32. The proposed AF addresses LD and CCA challenges in Khartoum and Gadarif States by promoting a landscape approach to natural resources management. The project strengthens select policy and regulatory frameworks, removes critical knowledge barriers, and develops institutional capacities creating an enabling environment for the on-the ground activities. GEF resources add value to achieve global environmental benefits (GEBs). The project facilitates a variety of SLWM practices such as soil conservation techniques, crop and rangeland management, agroforestry practices, water harvesting and improved livestock management activities. 33. The GEF/LDCF alternative comes at a time of political transition in Sudan. It solidifies a partnership based around long-term economic and sustainable development goals with environmental considerations. GEF support helps expand to new states the institutional capacity to support local SLWM development in a manner that is participatory and community-based helping address underlying roots of conflict. The project consists of three components: (i) Component 1: Institutional and policy framework; (ii) Community based sustainable management of rangelands, forests and biodiversity (iii) Component 3: Project management, Monitoring and Evaluation. 20 February 2020 Page 9 of 17 The World Bank Sudan Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project (P169003) E. Implementation 34. Implementation arrangements and closing date. There are no changes planned for the safeguards or fiduciary arrangements. Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and Process Framework (PF), as well as the procurement plan, have been updated and disclosed in Sudan on 20 February 2020 and on the World Bank website – on 21 February. The Social Assessment will be updated to reflect project implementation in Khartoum and Gadarif States. The project will continue the devolution of implementation responsibilities to the lower level, i.e. state and locality levels. The PCU will hire SPIU heads through competitive process instead of hiring governmental secondees to avoid any overlap of interests. In addition, the team will adopt evolved implementation modalities for Khartoum state; given that it represents a special case in a sense that it is densely populated, its demography is influenced by displacement from other parts of Sudan, affecting traditional farming practices due to rapid urbanization. Existing youth committees and community committees will be considered. During implementation, the team will consider an appropriate form for an innovative institutional mechanism to engage private sector and communities. The closing date of the project is proposed to be extended to November 30, 2023, which For Official Use Only is within 10 years of the parent project approval. . F. Project location and Salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis (if known) In Khartoum State, project activities will support range and pasture development in Sharg Elneel locality (Sayal Elfaki Saad area). The project will also support the preparation of natural resource management plans for the gazetted Om Seraig reserve in the Butana area in the Central Gadarif locality of Gadarif. G. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists on the Team Tamene Tiruneh Matebe, Senior Environmental Specialist Samuel Lule Demsash, Social Development Specialist SAFEGUARD POLICIES THAT MIGHT APPLY SAFEGUARD _TBL Safeguard Policies Triggered? Explanation (Optional) Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 Yes Performance Standards for Private Sector No Activities OP/BP 4.03 Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 Yes Forests OP/BP 4.36 Yes Pest Management OP 4.09 Yes Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11 No Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 No Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12 Yes 20 February 2020 Page 10 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 Yes Projects on International Waterways No OP/BP 7.50 Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP 7.60 No KEY SAFEGUARD POLICY ISSUES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT OPS_SAFEGUARD_SUMMARY_TBL A. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues 1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts: Project activities are expected to have positive environmental impacts by rehabilitating and restoring degraded rangelands and forest ecosystems, improving the sustainability of land and water management practices, promoting innovative climate-smart natural resources management technologies, introducing agroforestry systems, restoring and For Official Use Only rehabilitating rangelands and forest reserves. Activities such as reforestation and enrichment plantings, legal gazetting of reserves, developing a management plan, legally gazetting rangeland, stabilize sand dunes with appropriate grass species, establish and manage nursery for rehabilitating the rangeland, and develop rangeland management plans will have positive impacts on the environment. Some livelihoods activities improvement can cause some negative impacts which will be addressed through environmental and social management plans (ESMP) to be produced based on the ESMF guidance. Training and capacity building for local government staff on the preparation of simplified ESMP and supervision of its implementation will be provided. The main potential risk in this project is that sub-project activities including afforestation/reforestation, legal gazetting of reserves, and legally gazetting rangeland may temporarily restrict access for people using the land for grazing animals or for extracting non-timber forest products, such as honey. On the other hand, none of the sub-projects are expected to result in the displacement of people. Mitigation measures for potential negative social impacts have been addressed in the PF outlining key principles to manage access and use restriction to natural resources, which will be used along with the ESMF. 2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project area: The overall impact of SSNRMP on both the biophysical and social environments is expected to be positive because the project focuses on rehabilitation of degraded rangelands and forest reserves through appropriate land and water management technologies and practices. Potential negative impacts, although temporary, reversible and mitigable may emerge during construction work related to small scale irrigation, hafirs, and other similar livelihood interventions. There are no any likely long-term negative impacts associated with these activities of the project. 3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize adverse impacts. The alternative that was discussed but discarded was to put the forest reserves under strict protection devoid of any 20 February 2020 Page 11 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) human and livestock interference. This alternative is not feasible, as the forest reserves support the livelihood of a large number of local people living in and around the proposed project areas. 4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide an assessment of borrower capacity to plan and implement the measures described. The key environmental law, which provides the overarching framework for environmental management and assessment in Sudan is the Environmental Conservation Act, enacted in 2001. The Act includes general principles and guidelines to be considered in implementing development projects and stipulates that project proponents carry out an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) or at least conduct an environmental screening, before embarking on any development activity. The Higher Council for Environment and Natural Resources (HCENR), established in 1991, is the federal regulatory body which reviews and approves ESIAs. However the capacity and representation of HCENR at the state and local levels are limited. It was noted that HCENR is represented in just 3 states out of 18. The safeguard performance under the parent project has been consistently assessed as Moderately Satisfactory for the slow progress in implementing GRM as well as insufficiently proper sub-project screening documentation. Also, E&S For Official Use Only annual audit was included in the parent project, but has not been implemented.The PCU has a Safeguards Specialist who provides support in the application of the safeguards instruments in the proposed project states. He provides hands-on support to the SPIUs in the application of the PF and ESMF, coordinates training to stakeholders, and regularly monitors the implementation of both these instruments, including the screening of sub-projects and the implementation of mitigation measures, if any. Specialist will also oversee the functioning of GRM and will coordinate activities at local level with Community Facilitators, employed by the respective SPIU, who are responsible for the application of the safeguards instruments including first line screening of sub project activities. Under the parent project, training on the ESMF and PF was provided to the Community Facilitators, and there was a marked improvement in the application of safeguards policies. Sub-projects were vetted for their environmental and social impacts, and the ESMF screening forms were completed and documented. The hiring of the Safeguards Consultant and Community Facilitators has contributed significantly to the improved application of the agreed safeguards instruments over the last year. The ESMF and PF recommended mitigating measures aimed at ensuring sub-projects are executed in an environmentally and socially sound manner. Mitigation measures suggested in the ESMF are geared towards addressing potential environmental and social impacts arising from project activities such as small-scale irrigation and nurseries establishment. The checklist of impact and mitigation measures for typical sub-projects, in the ESMF, will serve as a guide to develop location-specific mitigation measures during sub-project design. With respect to pest management, the operational policy for pest management will be followed and the use of integrated pest management (IPM) encouraged. As a result of the recent government change, the project implementation agency is now the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR), which will be responsible for ensuring that environmental and social safeguards commitments, as provided in the ESMF and PF, are implemented effectively. It is therefore important to identify the institutional capacity gaps in environmental and social management and assessment, including taking stock of implementation capacity at state and local levels, and the identification of any areas for improvement. Going forward, the Ministry should recruit a fulltime Environmental and Social Safeguard specialist to ensure the effective implementation of the requirements of the ESMF and PF. 5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure on safeguard policies, with 20 February 2020 Page 12 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) an emphasis on potentially affected people. The Project will create coordination mechanisms at each administration level for the implementation of the activities under the Project. These include Steering Committees and project implementation units at national and state levels. Sub-projects identification and preparation will be participatory involving all stakeholders, particularly local communities. Key stakeholders include the following: - Agro-pastoralists practicing crop and livestock production within the project area; - Village development committees; - Locality administrations; - State administrations and federal government including MANR, Higher Council for Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Range and Pasture Administration, Wildlife Administration, and Forest National Corporation - Civil society, including research and academia, non-profit organizations, and development partners. Stakeholder consultations at all levels from the federal and local levels were carried out in the two new states during designing of project activities and updating of the ESMF and PF with the aim of explaining the objectives and scope of For Official Use Only the project as well as to identify, discuss and respond to issues of concern of different stakeholders. The consultations were conducted with the participation of community leaders and members from the potential project areas as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations. In Gadarif, consultations involved 53 officials of which 14 were women, in Khartoum State – 44 officials of which 3 were women. OPS_SAFEGUARD_DISCLOSURE_TBL B. Disclosure Requirements (N.B. The sections below appear only if corresponding safeguard policy is triggered) OPS_EA_DISCLOSURE_TABLE Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other Date of receipt by the Bank Date of submission for disclosure For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive Summary of 19 February 2020 21 February 2020 the EA to the Executive Directors "In country" Disclosure 20 February 2020 OPS_RA_D ISCLOSURE_T ABLE Resettlement Action Plan/Framework/Policy Process Date of receipt by the Bank Date of submission for disclosure 19 February 2020 21 February 2020 "In country" Disclosure 20 February 2020 20 February 2020 Page 13 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) OPS_ PM_D ISCLOSURE_TAB LE Pest Management Plan Was the document disclosed prior to appraisal? Date of receipt by the Bank Date of submission for disclosure Yes, as the Guidelines on the 19 February 2020 21 February 2020 Implementation of Integrated Pest Management within ESMF C. Compliance Monitoring Indicators at the Corporate Level (to be filled in when the ISDS is finalized by the project decision meeting) (N.B. The sections below appear only if corresponding safeguard policy is triggered) OP/BP 4.01 - Environment Assessment Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) report? Yes [ X] No [ ] N/A [ ] For Official Use Only If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Sector Manager (SM) Yes [ X] No [ ] N/A [ ] review and approve the EA report? Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated in the Yes [ X] No [ ] N/A [ ] credit/loan? OP/BP 4.04 - Natural Habitats Would the project result in any significant conversion or degradation of Yes [ ] No [ X ] N/A [ ] critical natural habitats? If the project would result in significant conversion or degradation of other (non-critical) natural habitats, does the project include mitigation measures acceptable to the Bank? OP 4.09 - Pest Management Does the EA adequately address the pest management issues? Yes [X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] Is a separate PMP required? Yes [ ] No [X ] N/A [ ] If yes, has the PMP been reviewed and approved by a safeguards Yes. The Guidelines on the specialist or Sector Manager? Are PMP requirements included in project Implementation of Integrated Pest design? If yes, does the project team include a Pest Management Management are included in ESMF Specialist? OP/BP 4.11 – Physical Cultural Resources Does the EA include adequate measures related to cultural property? Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] 20 February 2020 Page 14 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) Does the credit/loan incorporate mechanisms to mitigate the potential adverse impacts on physical cultural resources? OP/BP 4.10 - Indigenous Peoples Has a separate Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework (as Yes [ ] No [ X ] N/A [ ] appropriate) been prepared in consultation with affected Indigenous Peoples? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector N/A Manager review the plan? If the whole project is designed to benefit IP, has the design been N/A reviewed and approved by the Regional Social Development Unit? OP/BP 4.12 - Involuntary Resettlement Has a resettlement plan/abbreviated plan/policy framework/process Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] For Official Use Only framework (as appropriate) been prepared? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Sector Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] Manager review and approve the plan/policy framework/process framework? OP/BP 4.36 – Forests Has the sector-wide analysis of policy and institutional issues and Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] constraints been carried out? Does the project design include satisfactory measures to overcome Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] these constraints? Does the project finance commercial harvesting, and if so, does it Yes [ ] No [ X ] N/A [ ] include provisions for certification system? OP/BP 4.37 - Safety of Dams Have dam safety plans been prepared? Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A [ X ] Have the TORs as well as composition for the independent Panel of N/A Experts (POE) been reviewed and approved by the Bank? Has an Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP) been prepared and N/A arrangements been made for public awareness and training? OP/BP 7.50 - Projects on International Waterways Have the other riparians been notified of the project? Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A [ X ] 20 February 2020 Page 15 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) If the project falls under one of the exceptions to the notification requirement, has this been cleared with the Legal Department, and the memo to the RVP prepared and sent? What are the reasons for the exception? Please explain: Has the RVP approved such an exception? OP/BP 7.60 - Projects in Disputed Areas Has the memo conveying all pertinent information on the international Yes [ ] No [ ] N/A [ X ] aspects of the project, including the procedures to be followed, and the recommendations for dealing with the issue, been prepared Does the PAD/MOP include the standard disclaimer referred to in the OP? The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information For Official Use Only Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the World Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] Bank's External Website? Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public place in a Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] form and language that are understandable and accessible to project- affected groups and local NGOs? All Safeguard Policies Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional responsibilities Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] been prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard policies? Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included in the Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] project cost? Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project include the Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] monitoring of safeguard impacts and measures related to safeguard policies? Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed with the Yes [ X ] No [ ] N/A [ ] borrower and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal documents? 20 February 2020 Page 16 of 17 The World Bank Sustainable Natural Resources Management Project: Climate-Resilient Technologies and Malaria Control (P169003) CONTACT POINT World Bank Dora Nsuwa Cudjoe, Senior Operations Officer Tracy Hart, Senior Environmental Specialist Borrower/Client/Recipient Implementing Agencies Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources Isa Osman Sharif Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources For Official Use Only FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects APPROVAL Dora Nsuwa Cudjoe Task Team Leader(s): Tracy Hart Approved By Safeguards Advisor: Nathalie Munzberg Practice Manager/Manager: Ruxandra Floroiu Country Director: Carolyn Turk 20 February 2020 Page 17 of 17