Public Disclosure Authorized - EE543
World Bank/TACIS Joint Environment Programme
Natural Resource Management and Poverty Reduction Project, Armenia: Draft Environmental Assessment Report
January 2002 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized
Environmental Resources Management 1730 K Street, NW, Suite 1300 Washington DC, 20006 Telephone +1 202 466 9090 Facsimile +1 202 466 9191
Public Disclosure Authorized Email [email protected] http:/ / www.erm.com World Bank/TACIS Joint Environment Programme
Natural Resource Management and Poverty Reduction Project, Armenia: Draft Environmental Assessment Report
January 2002
Reference 6536.13
For and on behalf of Environmental Resources Management
Approved by:
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Date:
This report has been prepared by Environmental Resources Management the trading name of Environmental Resources Management Limited, with all reasonable skill, care and diligence within the terms of the Contract with the client, incorporating our General Terms and Conditions of Business and taking account of the resources devoted to it by agreement with the client. We disclaim any responsibility to the client and others inrespect of any matters outside the scope of the above. This report is confidential to the client and we accept no responsibility of whatsoever nature to third parties to whom this report, or any part thereof, ismade known. Any such party relies on the report at their own risk. CONTENTS
I INTRODUCTION I
1.1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND I 1.3 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EA 3 1.4 STUDY APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY 3 1.5 CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT 4
2 INSTITUTIONAL, REGULATORYAND POLICY FRAMEWORK 6
2.1 INTRODUCTION 6 2.2 POLIcY FRAMEWORK 6 2.3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 8 2.4 INSTITUTIONAL SETTING 10 2.5 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 14
3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT 18
3.1 INTRODUCTION 18 3.2 OVERVIEW 18 3.3 PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 19 3.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 23
4 PROJECTALTERNATIVES 25
4.1 INTRODUCTION 25 4.2 BACKGROUND 25 4.3 WITH THE PROJECT 25 4.4 No PROJECT SCENARIO 26
5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE 27
5.1 INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL APPROACH 27 5.2 CONSULTATION METHODOLOGY 27 5.3 PHASE I - INITIAL CONSULTATION 28 5.4 PHASE 2 - FORMAL DISCLOSURE 29
6 COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 31
6.1 INTRODUCTION 31 6.2 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION 31 6.3 IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS 33 6.4 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 35
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGCEMENT WORLI) BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRCONMENTALPROCRAM 99 6.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 40 6.6 IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENT 55
7 STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT COMPONENT 58
7.1 INTRODUCTION 58 7.2 BACKGROUND 58 7.3 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION 59 7.4 SITE IDENTIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS 61 7.5 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 63 7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 67 7.7 IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENT 78
8 PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION 81
8.1 INTRODUCTION 81 8.2 COMPONENTDESCRIPTION 81 8.3 INTENDED IMPACTS OF THIS COMPONENT 83 8.4 IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS 85 8.5 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS 85 8.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 90 8.7 IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENT 94
9 ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION RISK MANAGEMENT 96
9.1 INTRODUCTION 96 9.2 INTEGRATION AND CO-ORDINATION OF PROJECTMANAGEMENT 96 9.3 ENSURING EFFECTIVE INVOLVEMENT AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION 96
ANNEXES
ANNEX A MEMBERS OF THE EA TEAM ANNEX B LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ANNEX C STRUCTURE OF KEY ORGANIZATIONS ANNEX D PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE MINUTES ANNEX E ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR CONTRACTORS
ENvTRONMENTAL RESOuRCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 100 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
BACKGROUND
This Category B environmental assessment (EA) report zoas commissioned by the World Bankfor the Natural Resources Managemenit and Poverty Reduction Project in Armenia (the NRMPR project) with supportfronz the Tacis Joint Environmental , r,;-r,i,,i (JEP). The EA report was prepared by Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The project's development objective is to alleviate rural poverty and promote sustainable natural resource management practices in degradedhilly and mountainous areas of Northern Armenia in Gegharkunik and Tavoush Marzas. The project will help preventfurther deterioration of the natural resource base (soil, water, grasslands,forest and biodiversity) and stabilize the local economy. Key performance indicators or measures of project effectiveness will include: * Increased community participationin natural resource nmanagement decisions; * Increased crop and livestock productivity; * Increased extent and quality offorest and rangelandvegetative cover; * Increased household incomes in participatingcommunities; * Implementation of protected area management plansfor Dilijan Nature Reserved and Lake Sevan National Park; and * Itmproved biodiversity conservation of globally significantspecies.
Performnance indicators measuringprogress towards achieving the biodiversity conservation objective include: (i) implementation of landscape-level watershed management plans linking protected areas and critical ecosystems; (ii) conversion of at least tulo protected areas (Dilijan Nature Reserve and Lake Sevan National Park) to effectively managed protected areas; and (iii) stabilizationof key tlhreatened ecosystemls and critical habitats in the project area.
PROJECT COMPONENTS
The project includes three main components which were addressed in this environmental assessment: * Community Based Natural Resources Management; * State Forest Managemtient, and * ProtectedAreas Management and Biodiversity.
PROJECT IMPACTS
The NRMPR project objectives are to achieve a range of positive environmental and social impacts, and thze components of the project have been designed to enhance thle
ENIIRONN2ENTALRE>OURCFESNIANAGEhIENT WIORLDBANK/ TACI5JOINT ENVIRONMENTALPROGRAM positive outcomes and to also include mitigation measuresfor possible adverse or negative impacts. Hence, the EA process involved a secondary assessment of possible impacts, both positive and negative, as well as an assessment of the proposed enhancement and mitigation measures. When possible,further enhancement measures were identified.
The major, expected positive and potential negative impacts identified in the EA are summarized in the boxes below. The primary major impacts are not individually significant but have the potential to be cumulatively significant. The main mitigation measures are increasedinstitutional and management capacity, and the project components incorporate these miitigation measures.
Box 1 Intended PositiveImpacts
Comm Bi" SNa.ftza . -l 1 Community forest management Increased understanding of forest conservation needs. Biodiversity conservation of forest buffer zones, pastures and arable land. * Establish multi purpose indigenous species in forest buffer zone. * Reduction of pressure on pasture land. * Provide sustainable wood and non-wood products, and alternative energy sources to wood leading to conservation of forest habitats. * Provide short and long-term income generating opportunities. Promote sustainable management practices and raise environmental awareness 2 Community pasture management * Increased food security * Long-term income generation. Provide short and long-term income generating opportunities. * Stop further degradation of soil resources (forest, arable and grazing lands) leading to increased soil fertility and a reduction in watershed sediment yield/erosion. Promote sustainable management practices and raise environmental awareness. 3 Sustainable agricultural practices * Increased food security * Increased opportunities for cash or barter income. Improved productivity will reduce pressure on marginal areas. Halt decline in soil fertility 4 Community infrastructure and income generation Increase cash surplus available for re-investment in sustainable agriculture practices Increased productivity will reduce pressure on marginal areas Increase food security Help to realize non-timber forest values Reduction in erosion caused by poor management of water resources Pasture improvement leading to reduced erosion, increased fertility, increased carrying capacity, biodiversity preservation. 5 Development of community institutions Establishment of resource user groups and village watershed management board Strengthening the capacity of exiting community and marz level organizations Community awareness
State Fortst Magaemqnt. 1 Sustainable forest management practiced in selected pilot areas on state forest land
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM
11 Avoid cumulative environmental impacts of forest production and rehabilitation activities (e.g. soil erosion, sedimentation of watercourses, biodiversitv loss). Enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management in forest and grazing lands. Employment opportunities in road construction, workforce programs, rehabilitation activities etc. Alleviate the rapid degradation of forest resources. Reduction in environmental impacts of existing road construction practices. Carbon sequestration. Increase contribution of forests to the state budget. Reduction in illegal activities related to forests. Recreational and amenity value of land increased. 2 Legal, institutional, policy and human capacities for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction established in Hyantar, FREC, Ministry of Nature Protection and village councils Legal and institutional framework for sustainable forest management established. Institutional capacity strengthened in key institutions. Establishment of effective monitoring systems for forest management and planning. Legislation reformed to enable community and private sector ownership and management of forest resources. Alleviation of corruptive practices. Forest products markets and prices reformed. Forest extension services for non-state forest owners and community members created.
Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation 1 Strengthen institutional capacity at the national level Improved legal and regulatory framework for protected area management. Strategic planning and integration of biodiversity into sectoral policies. Strengthened stakeholders' institutional capacity. Sustainable management practices developed. Monitoring unit established and monitoring improved. Better communication equipment and transport provided. Environmental education implemented and environmental awareness raised. Transboundary co-operation on protected areas with Georgia improved. 2 Strengthen the management of Dilijan State Reserve and Lake Sevan National Park Protected areas at Lake Sevan National Park and Dilijan Nature Reserve with management plans and new zoning under implementation. Enhanced management of protected areas through public-private partnerships. Equitable sharing of financial benefits with local communities. Revenues for sustainable management and conservation program s generated. Stabilization of key threatened ecosystems and critical habitats in the project area. In -situ conservation of biological resources improved. Monitoring of key endangered species as indicators for ecosystem regeneration. Illegal hunting and logging decreased. Public awareness raised and community involved in biodiversitv conservation. Increased protection of cultural and biodiversity values. Short- and long-term income generation provided. 3 Establish basic infrastructure for park management Short and long-term income generating opportunities provided. Facilities for visitors, education and management improved. In -situ conservation of biological resources improved. Strictly protected areas better protected to reduced access. Roads and trails improved. Cultural heritage sites upgraded.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROCRAM
III 4 Community grant program (small grants program for community based activities in the protected areas and their buffer zones) * Short and long-term income generating opportunities provided. * Equitable sharing of financial benefits with local communities. Increase awareness of biodiversity values and involvement of communities in biodiversity conservation. * Further degradation of resources (forest, arable and grazing lands) mitigated.
Box 2 PrimaryPotential Negative Impacts
Camau DauledN* hu1- u_t'*u-4 --;p* * Environmental impacts of construction (field track rehabilitation and gully control) * Increased grazing pressures on pasture from livestock herd increases due to access to credit or other sources of funds * Environmental impacts related to overuse of chemical fertilizers * Environmental impacts of increased irrigation * Increased pressure on and pollution of water resources sta* a3nt>'- . . '''L'. * Environmental impacts of road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance * Environmental impacts of felling activities (thinning, sanitary cuttings, etc) * Environmental activities of illegal forest activities
P r o . .; . * Environmental impacts of facility construction - likely minor and manageable through improved institutional and staff capacity, monitoring and other component elements * Impacts of increased visitation and usage on protected area resources - long term possibility and manageable through implementation of new protected area management plans and improved institutional and staff capacity and monitoring * Environmental impacts of road and trail rehabilitation and construction - likely minor and manageable through improved institutional and staff capacity and monitoring Environmental impacts associated with increased economic activities - long term possibility and manageable through implementation of new protected area management plans and improved institutional and staff capacity and monitoring
PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE
The World Bank held an extensive series of public meetings during the project identification and design process. The dates and locations of the meetings are listed in the table below. In addition, a series offormal Public Consultation and Disclosure meetings which presented the mainfindings of the EA of the NRMPR project were held in Armenia after completion of the draft EA report. These PCD meetings are also listed in the table below. The meetings are listed in chronological order.
ENVIRONMENTALRESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTALPROGRAM IV Table 1 Public meetings held during project identification and design and the EA Public Consultation and Disclosureprocess.
Date Event/Purpose Location Participants Community / Marz WVait r,hed hii3nagement Cornp. Rapid Rural Appraisal -Within the project preparation Selected Villages Project Preparation Team (community development 19Feb - framework the main goals of application of Rapid Rural specialist, social specialist, natural resources specialist, 16March/2001 Appraisal method were agricultural/grazing specialist), community leaders, reveal the potential capacities of participant communities community members - meetings were held in schools find out the environmental problems of the communities and other public buildings and residences. find out the watersheds' main problems and the ways to resolve them make micro-watersheds natural resource appraisal and inventory evaluate selection criteria for each community
19-23/Feb/2001 See above Vardadzor, Yeranos / See above Gegharkunik, 27Feb- See above Khachardzan / Tavoush See above OlMarch/ 2001 27Feb- See above Gosh / Tavoush Seeabove 02March/ 2001 27Feb- See above Dprabak / Gegharkunik See above 02March/2001 5-8 March/ See above Berdavan / Tavoush See above 2001 5-9 March/ See above Koghb / Tavoush See above 2001 6-7 March See above Antaramej / Gegharkunik See above /2001 7-8 March / See above Kalavan / Gegharkunik See above
E\VIRO\NEN\ AL REnOLINCULsA\AC&I\P, I WORI D BANK/ TACISJOI\I ENVIRCL\NIIN Al PROGRAM V Date Event/Purpose Location Participants Community/ Marz 2001 8-9 March / See above Aygut / Gegharkunik See above 2001 8-9 March / See above Aghavnavank / Tavoush See above 2001 13/Feb/2001 See above Dzoravank / Dzoravank See above 13-16 / See above Tsakkar,Dzoragyukh, See above March/2001 Gegharkunik / Gegharkunik 14-15 / March/ See above Paravakar / Tavoush See above 2001 Lanjaghbyur / Gegharkunik 15-16 / March/2001 15-16/March / See above Varagavan / Tavoush See above 2001 17-18 / March See above Tsaghkavan/ Tavoush See above /2001 18Apr- Participatory Planning Workshops - In selected villages PP Team / Participation specialist from PIU, 25May/2001 Hold the meeting in each community to: Com.Dev.Specialist, Social Specialist, Nature resources Carry out a complete and ranked census of the problems for Specialist, Agricultural/ Grazing Specialist/, All individual households and the village as a whole, community members, in some case representative from Carry out census of the community's proposed solutions marz administration (relevant activities) of these problems, Present options menu (was prepared by PP team) Identify relationship (overlap) between communities' priorities and project activities proposed by PP team, and define ranked list of activities of common interest, Discuss in detail each solution or set of solutions for preparation of draft management plan for given villages, Identify those community proposals which being outside the
ENVIRONMENIAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLDBANK/ TACISJOINTENVIRONMENIALPRCXGRAM VI Date Event/Purpose Location Participants Community/ Marz project mandate, are eligible for other on-going projects for further consideration and discussion with those projects. Study and submit proposals related to implementation of pilot demonstration activities, as well as issues related to funding of those activities.
18/April/2001 See above Khachardzan, Axavnavanq / See above Tavoush 19/April/2001 Sec above Gosh / Tavoush See above 24/April/2001 See above Aygut /Gegharkunik See above 25/April/2001 See above Dzoravank, Kalavan / See above Gegharkunik 26/April/2001 See above Antaramej /Gegharkunik See above 27/April/2001 See above Dprabak /Gegharkunik See above 02/May/2001 See above Dzoragyugh, Vardadzor / See above Gegharkunik 03/May/2001 See above Tsakkar, Yeranos / Gegharkunik See above 15/May/2001 See above Paravakar /Tavoush See above 16/May/2001 See above Varagavan, Tsakhkavan / See above Tavoush 17/May/2001 See above Koghb / Tavoush See above 18/May/2001 See above Berdavan / Tavoush See above 25/Mav/2001 See above Lanjaghbyur, Gegharkunik / See above Gegharkunik 02/June/2001 Presentation of main findinigs by WMC Team: Ycrevan, Ministry of nature WB Pre-appraisal Mission Team, PPU, Arcadis Team, The main goal: presentation and discussion of project progress P'rotection Representatives of the Central Staff of the Ministry of Presentation of RRA's, PPW's results and selection criteria Nature Protection, including Deputy Minister, head of Presentation of menu of options/activity budget, watershed Staff, heads of department / bioresources, normative- management plans methodology, economic, international cooperation etc./, Presentation of legal, institutional aspects, and stakeholders State Environmental Inspection, FREC, VISTAA expert
B\V IKOWN,\ I AL REsOURCLS MA\ACEENIL\ W(OLD BANK / TACICJOINI ENvI Fx\NIE\I AL PKT'UXAM VII Date Event/Purpose Location Participants Community/ Marz Presentation of the credit scheme center, SHEN NGO, Tavoush Agricultural Support Center, and some International organizations and projects / ARD Inc., USDA, IFAD, Marketing Assistance Project /, Forestry Management Component. 27-28/Feb/2001 Training on Project Preparation: Was carry out for Yerevan, Ministry of Nature PPU, Independent consultants, Staff from the Ministry The study team and some stakeholders' representatives Protection of Nature Protection, NGO, "Hayantar" CJSC, FREC, expected to be involved in the project. WB and Tacis offices in Yerevan The objective of the training was: To give the opportunities for better understanding of the World bank activities To explain the context and scope of work To provide high quality of research job To provide preparedness of consultants from the beginning of the project To give opportunities for asking questions EA Publii4$onsultaUtn and DisLosure .-. 26/Nov/2001 Consultation and disclosure to the public regarding the main Village Gosh / Tavoush Interested local stakeholders (see Annex D of EA report findings of the EA for listing of participants and questions and answers) 26/Nov/2001 " Village Dprabak / Gegharkunik 26/Dec/2001 " Village Koghb / Tavoush Pending: " To be added after completion delayed by winter weather
ENVIRONMENITALRE.SOURCESMANAGEMENr WORLDBANK/ TACISJOINI ENVIRONMENIALPROGRAM VIII I INTRODUCTION
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This Category B environmental assessment (EA) report was commissioned by the World Bank for the Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction Project in Armenia (the NRMPR project) with support from the Tacis Joint Environmental Program (JEP). The EA report was prepared by Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
1.2 PROJECT BACKGROUND
The NRMPR project's development objective is to alleviate rural poverty and promote sustainable natural resource management practices in degraded hilly and mountainous areas of Northern Armenia (see Figutre 1). The project will help prevent further deterioration of the natural resource base (soil, water, pasture, forest, fisheries and biodiversity) and will stabilize local incomes. The project offers incentives for adoption of sustainable practices which are expected to reduce pressures on environmentally sensitive areas in selected watersheds located in Gegharkunik and Tavoush Marzas. Watershed in the context of this project is the geographical landscape that feeds the water to a drainage line and from which area communities within the watershed make their living, dependent on the local natural resources. Watersheds are also referred to as river basins or catchments. The watershed management approach is a strong, functional tool for integrating natural resource management with the livelihoods of the residents of a river catchment or sub-catchment.
More specifically, the project will: (a) develop and implement participatory micro- catchment plans in selected local communities; (b) support implementation of on- site technical packages that would promote sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity and natural resources while generating economic benefits for local communities; and (c) strengthen the capacity of local institutions responsible for natural resource management and moderate conflicts between various resource users.
The project components are inextricably linked with one another in as much that they have the same overall objective and are based on an integrated watershed approach. Sustainable farming and grazing practices resulting in increased crop and livestock productivity, together with income generating opportunities and improved forest management, will result in alleviation of rural poverty in project locations and eventually lead to enhancement and preservation of the natural resource base and to improved biodiversity. Forest management and biodiversity are part and parcel of watershed management and as such are contributing to the integrated ecosystems approach taken by the project.
ENVIRON NIFNT AL RESOULRCFSMANAC FFNT WORLD BANK / TACILJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROG;RAM 1 |~~~~~~~~~~ - .*
r E-1C-E @ *' ~~~~ ;X--W ' 's ,* r
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| -@_ - X ~~REFt,tUC . --.. e I | *. ,., ( OF IRAN ~~~~~~~~~FI T, T
Figure 1. Physical and politicalmap of Annenia (from NEAP, 1999).
ENVIKONMENIAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENr WORLDBANK/ TACISJOINI ENVIRONMENI AL PK0KAM 2 1.3 SCOPE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EA
The scope of the EA encompasses an environmental assessment and an environmental mitigation and monitoring plan as required by the Bank operational policies. Given that the project is a natural resource management project, the EA was based on the project preparation reports for each of the three components (Participatory Watershed management, Forest Management, and Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation) which were in the final stages of preparation during the EA process.
The EA tasks as presented in the terms of reference (TOR) are presented in the box below.
Box 1.1 EA Tasksfrom the Terms of Reference
1. Description of the Proposed Project 2. Description of the Environment 3. Legislative and Regulatory Considerations 4. Deterinitationtof thte Potentialimpacts of the Proposed Project 5. Pesticide lUse and Management under the Proposed Project 6. Analysis of Alternatives to the Proposed Project 7. Development of Environmental Management Plan 8. Assist in Inter-Agency Co-ordination and Public/Noni Governmental Organizationt Participation
1.4 STUDYAPPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
The EA study followed the terms of reference and standard practice. The general approach is described below followed by the methodology employed.
1.4.1 Approach
The NRMPR project objectives are to achieve a range of positive environmental and social impacts, and the components of the project have been designed to enhance the positive outcomes and to also include mitigation measures for possible adverse or negative impacts. Hence, the EA process involved a secondary assessment of possible impacts, both positive and negative, as well as an assessment of the proposed enhancement and mitigation measures. We have also, where possible, identified further enhancement measures.
Also, under each component we have included a section on potential risks to successful project implementation and delivery of the project's stated social and environmental objectives. The risks identified are mainly process management or institutional in nature, but unless addressed within the project design/implementation framework in a timely manner have the potential to a) compromise the achievement of the project's stated objectives, and/or b) compromise the relevance and efficacy of the proposed mitigation and enhancement measures. These project or management risks are identified in the
ENVIRLONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONNIENTALPROGRA.M 3 last section of the three project component chapters (Chapters 6, 7, and 8). Chapter 9, Additional Recommendations for Project Risk Management, summarizes the risks and also presents recommended measures for institutional management of the project in Armenia.
1.4.2 Methodology
The methodology follows the World Bank's policies on environmental assessment (OP 4.01 and related policies and guidance documents).
Available project background information including aide memoirs and draft project preparation reports, as well as related information, such as, the National Environmental Action Program (NEAP 1999) for Armenia, were collected and reviewed. Several meetings were held with World Bank staff in Washington, D.C. who were involved in the project to discuss background and potential issues. A scoping mission to Armenia was carried out by the EA project manager and the forestry specialist in mid August, 2001. During this mission there were extensive liaisons with the project preparation unit (PPU) as well as a series of field trips to the project areas with specialists involved in project preparation. In addition, informal meetings were held with a number of stakeholders including national ministries and villagers in the project area. Last, local consultants to support the EA preparation were identified and interviewed and four local consultants were selected.
Subsequently, a series of missions over a 6 week period in September and early October 2001 by international EA specialists were carried out to Armenia. These missions were used to conduct further fieldwork to the various sites involved in the project, collect additional information, work with the local consultants, and to liase with the various stakeholders including the government ministries. In addition, the EA team were able to liase with the international consultants working on both the watershed management and protected areas management and biodiversity conservation components.
During the above missions, the Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan for disseminating the results of the draft EA was developed with the local consultants.
The ERM Team was comprised of four international and four local experts. Annex A lists the members of the EA team.
1.5 CONTENTS OF THIS REPORT
The content and structure of the MRMPR project EA is presented herein. The organization reflects the structure of the NRMPR project which consists of three separate components with different specific objectives and prepared by different project preparation consultants. The structure of the report is listed below:
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 4 * Chapter 1 presents an introduction to the EA and the NRMPR project;
* Clapter 2 presents the background institutional, regulatory and policy framework;
* Chapter 3 presents the general baseline environment in Armenia;
* Chlapter 4 presents project alternatives;
* Chapter 5 presents a summary of the public consultations which took place during project preparation and the Public Consultation and Disclosure of the EA;
* Chapter 6 presents the Community Based Natural Resources Management Component of the NRMPR project including component description, positive and negative impacts, enhancement and mitigation measures, the environmental management plan for the component, and potential risks related to implementation of the component;
* Chapter 7 presents the State Forest Management Component of the NRMPR project including component description, positive and negative impacts, enhancement and mitigation measures, the environmental management plan for the component, and potential risks related to implementation of the component;
* Clhapter 8 presents the Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Component including component description, issues and impacts, enhancement and mitigation measures, the environmental management plan for the component, and potential risks related to implementation of the component;
* Chapter 9, Additional Recommendations for Project Implementation Management, presents a summary of implementation risks for each of the three components and makes recommendations for improving institutional management of the project during implementation; and
* Chapter 10 presents a summary of conclusions and findings including a summary of the environmental management plan for the project.
ENVIRONMNENTALRESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACb1lINT EN\IRONOIENTAL PROCRAM 5 2 INSTITUTIONAL, REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter addresses the current institutional, regulatory and policy framework for environmental management in Armenia, with a particular focus on the relevant framework for this EA. The chapter is organized as follows:
* Policy framework * Legal and Regulatory framework * Institutional framework * Institutional setting for project implementation
Each section provides an overview of the current situation and lists the main issues concerning the different frameworks. The activities defined in the three components project descriptions are designed to address these issues. They are highlighted here to provide a better understanding of the project background.
Additional recommendations for project risk management and improving institutional management of the project during implementation are provided in Chapter 9.
2.2 POLICY FRAMEWORK
2.2.1 Overview
NEAP and Lake Sevan Action Program
With financial assistance from the World Bank's Institutional Development Fund, the Government of Armenia prepared the National Environmental Action Plan and the Lake Sevan Action Program, adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers in 1999. The NEAP identified Armenia's environmental goals, objectives and priority activities to prevent further degradation of its natural resources. Key areas of action include policy and program development, legal and regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening and capacity building, environmental awareness and education, ensuring effective implementation of the Action Program and financing and co-operation with other organizations.
The Lake Sevan Action Program identifies four phases to implement a sustainable management of the lake to provide opportunities for development for tourism and recreation, to protect and enhance biodiversity, to improve fisheries in a sustainable manner, to control and minimize pollution discharges, to improve institutional arrangements to more effectively integrate all user groups within the watershed and to restore the strategic value of Lake Sevan.
ENVIRONMENTALRESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 6 Biodiversity Strategy and Action Program
Armenia's strategy for biodiversity conservation, as identified in the NEAP and Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), focuses on sustainable development of landscapes, building human capital and increasing financial investments to achieve improvements in four key areas: (i) institutional and community know-how in sustainable development and its enabling legal framework; (ii) public awareness and participation; (iii) protected area network planning and management; and (iv) safeguard flora and fauna by mainstreaming biodiversity conservation into agriculture, forestry and other economic sectors.
Forestry Policy
The GOA declared the 21st century as "the century of Armenia's forestation". A Forest Policy was developed in 1996 and aims to satisfy objectives related to environmental protection, economic and rural development, and land use. A corresponding forest strategy to meet the declared policy objectives in the medium and long run is to make the Armenian forestry sector self-reliant, in both financial and economic senses, thus justifying future capital investments and also relieving offsetting the shortfalls in government support for recurrent budgets.
There are four major and interrelated strategic objectives: * the integration of Armenian forests into the national economy; * afforestation, regeneration and rural forestry; * improvement of the effectiveness of the management of the forests; * conservation and protection of the environment.
Agricultural Policy
The GoA has taken actions to liberalize the country's agriculture and to arrest the deterioration of agricultural infrastructure. A Government Strategy for Sustainable Agricultural Development is currently being prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and will be presented to the Cabinet discussion in the beginning of 2002. Specific objectives of the strategy are to: (i) provide food security in the country; (ii) improve social conditions in the country, reduce poverty; (iii) establish an agricultural system smoothly functioning under market economy conditions and principles; (iv) support the development of production and marketing of Armenian agricultural production, which will ensure the entrance into the international market and competitiveness; and (v) increase profits and improve livelihood of rural population. The strategy will focus on the following: (i) agricultural policy and macroeconomics; (ii) crop production; (iii) livestock breeding; (iv) processing and marketing of agricultural products; (iv) financing of agriculture; (v) rural infrastructure and management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAAGEMNENT WORLD BANK/ TACIS JOINTENS IRONNMENTALPROGRAM 7 2.2.2 Main Issues
Although many relevant policies have been and are being developed over the last 5 years, many of these are overlapping and were developed without sufficient co-ordination between the involved agencies. In addition, implementation of the policies is problematic due to unrealistic goal setting and inadequate costing. Most strategies are fully dependent on availability of international funding. The general lack of co-ordination between agencies drafting policies could create a risk to the current project. It is important that new policies or management plans which will be prepared under each component will be developed in an integrated manner to prevent overlap or contradiction.
2.3 LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
2.3.1 Overview
The main legislative framework for environmental management relevant to the current project is contained in the following laws: * Law on Principles of Environmental Protection (1991) * Law on Specially Protected Areas (1991) * Water Code (1992) * Forest Code (1994) * Law on Environmental Expertise (1995) * Law on Payments for Nature Protection and Use of Natural Resources (1998) * Law on Flora (1998) and Fauna (draft) * Law on the Protection and Use of Fixed Cultural and Historic Monuments and Environment (1998) * Law on Lake Sevan
The table in Annex B sets out the main provisions of the laws mentioned above as well as other relevant regulatory instruments.
Armenia is also a party to the following multilateral environmental agreements: * Convention on Biological Diversity (1993) * Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1993) * United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1993) * Convention on the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1993) * Convention on Combating Desertification (1997) * Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (signed in 1997 not ratified yet) * Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement and Disposal of Hazardous Wastes (1999) * Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (1996)
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 8 2.3.2 Main Issues
* The "Law on Environmental Expertise" is not properly implemented and does not reflect the actual procedure which is followed. Contribution of independent experts and NGOs is minimal and public hearings are never held. Apart from lack of implementation, the Expertise law is also incomplete. Assessment criteria, requirements for preliminary environmental studies and the procedures for public hearings still have to be developed.
* The "Law on Protected Areas' does not account for the changing socio- economic and political situation, particularly with regard to land privatization and the establishment of the private sector. The implementing regulations needed for each protected area are non-existent (except for Sevan National Park for which regulations were passed this year). Clear plans for boundaries and zoning, conservation regimes and opportunities for sustainable use are not included, and the precise definition of what constitutes the allowed activities in each area has not been considered. The current system is restrictive and might benefit from a broader range of types of protected areas being recognized.
* There are no regulations for registration and cadastre maintenance of biodiversity, which should govern the conservation of biodiversity and ensure the guarantee for setting up quotas for utilization of natural resources.
* Legal constraints for community level developments include lack of or inadequate regulations for land tenure, pasture renting, taxation of non-profit and agricultural organizations, status of farms and rehabilitation of irrigation and other water facilities. A law on agricultural co-operatives is lacking. The set up of water management boards which are in charge of all natural resources under the watershed is not possible under the current legislation. Tax exemptions, for non-for profit organizations are not regulated.
* In the Forest Code, all forests have a protecting, sanitary and health role, therefore forest cannot be used for production. The forest may be cut only for sanitary and care purposes. The code neglects the actual situation and the productive role of forests in the country. Amendments to the Forest Code are badly needed. It is necessary to have implementing legislation on forest use adopted under Forest Code which grants the use of forests for leasing, grazing, etc. Furthermore, the present Forest Code does not provide for private forest land ownership or community management (providing opportunities for cash flowing back to e.g. forest user associations). Procedures for forest preservation services and monitoring are lacking as well. With regard to implementation of the forestry component activities forest regulations supporting SFM activities such as correct felling techniques, road construction, sustainable planning etc. have to be developed before any logging activities take place.
ENV IRONMIENTAL RES0LRCH MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 9 * The Law on Rental and Regulations on Utilization of Natural Pastures, Hay Meadows and Other Land Types has a number of problems. The leasing terms provided are too short for sustainable pasture management, possibilities for privatization of pastures and most of the hay meadows is not provided and there is no pasture use control. The law should provide for an obligation for improvement of land and its protection. Rent fees should be used for pasture rehabilitation and improvement.
2.4 INSTITUTIONAL SETTING
2.4.1 National Level
Ministry of Nature Protection
The protection, sustainable use and regeneration of natural resources and the improvement of the environment is the formal responsibility of the Ministry of Nature Protection (MONP). The following departments have responsibilities of particular importance to the project: * Department of Flora and Fauna Protection and Specially Protected Areas * Land Protection Department * Water Resources Protection Department * Environmental Policy and Scientific Education Strategy Department * Normative Methodological Department Hazardous Substances and Waste Management Department
The MoNP is responsible for environmental policy preparation, implementation of nature protection policy and supervision over natural resources utilization, development of environmental standards and norms, environmental enforcement, monitoring the state of the environment, providing public information and co-ordination of environmental research and public education.
In terms of biodiversity and natural resource use, the MoNP implements State policy relating to biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and species regeneration, and oversees environmental regulations, the development of principles for and monitoring of biological resource use. The MoNP has responsibility for a number of protected areas, and oversees and supervises activities of other government agencies in relation to biological resource use. The MoNP issues licenses for hunting and collection of medicinal plants, and there are plans to extend the licensing system for other forms of natural resource use, involving further regulations relating to data, appropriate collection methods and fees. The Ministry is also responsible for inter-ministerial co-ordination and international collaboration on this issue.
The Department of Flora and Fauna Conservation and Protected Areas of the MoNP is the main department responsible for activities on biodiversity conservation. The Department oversees and co-ordinates the activity of a number
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 10 of protected areas, such as Sevan National Park, Dilijan, Khosrov, Sev Lich, Erebuni and Shikahogh State Reserves. Other responsibilities include the granting of permits for the utilization, import and export of bio-resources, as well as for fishing and hunting, maintenance of the Red Books, drafting of plans for the special protected areas and co-ordination of monitoring in the bio-resources sector. Relevant sub-divisions of the MONP include: * The State Environmental Inspectorate and its 11 Regional Environmental Inspectorates who perform the enforcement of the laws and regulations on air and water pollution, land use, biodiversity conservation and forest protection; * State Environmental Expertise, body responsible for EIA; * Environmental Monitoring Center, responsible for air and surface water quality monitoring; * Hydromet, responsible for monitoring of water flow, water balance and water level fluctuations, organization of research in the field of environmental pollution and weather forecasting; * Hyantar, Closed Joint Stock Corporation with its State Forest Enterprises; * Forest Research and Experimental Center (FREC) is responsible for conducting scientific research and information collecting on forest inventory and classification, forestry extension as well as development of methodological guidance on forest conservation and use; focused on traditional forestry * Lake Sevan National Park; * Dilijan State Reserve.
Hyantar
Hyantar is responsible for conservation, protection, reproduction and utilization of all forests outside the protected areas. It manages the relationships between the state and the forest utilizes and is both regulator and enforcer. A State Procurement Agency was recently established to be responsible for wood sales.
Ministry of Agriculture
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is responsible for implementation of agricultural policy and realization of agricultural production objectives, management of state agricultural lands and development of land use schemes, overseeing agro-processing procurement and food policy and supporting farmers of privatized land. In addition, the MoA oversees management of agro- biodiversity, seed-production, fish breeding farms, veterinary and plant protection services.
State Committee on Water Managemlent
The State Committee on Water Management manages irrigation, drinking, mineral water resources and the sewage system, registries all artesian sources and
ENVIRONMENTAL RES1URCES MANAGEMENT WOR[ D BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONNIENTAL PROGRAM 11 owns all available water infrastructures. It develops the water use fee policy, usage quotas for all main water users and implements investment projects in all subordinated agencies. It is divided in a Water Supply Agency and a Drainage, Irrigation and Management Agency who are both established as state closed joint stock companies. The tables in Annex C set out the full structures of the above mentioned institutions.
2.4.2 Marz and Local Level
Armenia has 10 counties or provinces, known as Marzas, which are subdivided into communities, Hamainks. The city of Yerevan constitutes an additional political entity in itself. General marz administration functions include supervising the constitutionality and legality of decisions taken by local self- governing bodies, assuring the implementation of decrees, implementing regional economic and social development programs, coordinating the activities of state agencies, overall planning, organizing and providing infrastructure services, and securing protection of state property, natural resources, and cultural heritage.
In the field of the environment the marzas: * participate in development of national environmental programs and make provisions for their implementation in the marz areas * are responsible for enforcement of legislation in the marz, * support specially protected areas, natural resource utilization, and executing measures against illegal hunting, fishing and logging, * co-operate with environmental NGOs,
Agricultural Support Centers have been established in all marzas under a different World Bank project. The Centers work in close co-operation with the MoA are provide extension services to farmers, manage information data bases on agricultural issues, develop nurseries and distribute seeds and promote public awareness.
The Hamainks are in charge of managing the property in their district and resolving problems of local significance. They have significant authorities in land management and water management. It is their responsibility for instance to maintain the irrigation systems and assist to prevent crop and livestock diseases.
2.4.3 Main Issues
* Human capacity and financial constraints limit the environmental authority's ability to fulfil its role, especially at the local level. The functions as well as the
ENVIRONM§ENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROCRAM 12 prevailing attitudes of the management are based on one-way administration and implementation from central to local level. There is a considerable need for further training and improved management skills at all levels. Knowledge and understanding of the market economy, modern management principles, community participation in natural resources management and human resources development are poor. Budget limitations and general lack of financing is a continuous constraint to build adequate technical and management capacity. Capacity in key areas such as environmental planning, management and law drafting within the MoNP are weak.
* Co-operation among relevant sectoral agencies is weak, with several agencies sharing overlapping responsibilities of resource use. Institutional co-ordination and collaboration for sustainable natural resources management needs to be improved and the enabling framework should be provided through legislation and institutional set up.
* The monitoring capacity of the relevant agencies is inadequate. Monitoring equipment is obsolete and sampling is conducted according to guidelines from the Soviet era. Monitoring for forestry and biodiversity is performed in an ad hoc manner and is very weak. Scientific studies within protected areas are not well integrated into park management decisions. There is no proper monitoring of the utilization of non-wood forest resources. Reference data is needed to support the environmental authorities technical functions. Management planning and zoning can not be carried out without proper information. There are no basic rules for information management and the existing monitoring agencies or academic institutions lack co-operation. An information network is needed to ensure the regular exchange of information between the management authorities and the users of the natural resources
* Generally the public awareness on the importance of biodiversity and natural resources conservation is weak. Mistrust of government agencies, combined with often conflicting regulations and unclear property rights have further weakened the ability of local communities to manage their resource base on a sustainable basis.
* The Structure of MoNP is outdated and unclear. A strategic planning process leading to a mission statement should be carried out as suggested by the current project. The present institutional set up for forestry management does not provide for transparency and opportunities for change. One of the main problems is that enforcement and utilization are the responsibility of the same organization. Such functions should be separated. Although Hyantar is part of the structure of the MoNP, real integration has not been accomplished so far. In addition, the current legal status of Hvantar is not optimal for implementation of a number of the project objectives. For example, the proposed changes envisaging Hyantar as a purely state funded entity with limited responsibilities for wood sales would hamper the development of a
ENVIRON'MENTALRESOLRCES MANAGEM1ENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTALPRC1CRAM4 13 successful state enterprise managing state forest land. Hyantar's commitment to new management attitudes and restructuring would be a pre-requisite for successful implementation of the project. The role of the State Procurement Agency, with respect to Hyantar has yet to be defined and might add additional institutional problems. Last, higher management of Hyantar is very unstable. For example, the head of Hyantar was changed at least 4 times over the past two years.
* The Agricultural Support Centers are currently fully dependent on international funding. The NRMPRP could provide an opportunity to guaranteeing their sustainability after the project that currently supports them finishes.
* The present status of Dilijan Nature Reserve, which prohibits all economic activities within the Reserve, does not reflect the actual situation of the protected area. Activities occurring within the limits of the existing protected areas are not consistent with the site management objectives. A major town with many economic activities, as well as numerous villages and major road are currently comprised in the Reserve. A proposal for the change of its status, possibly to a national park, is currently under discussion in parliament. Most stakeholders support the change in status. However, the new draft zoning, with economic, recreational and protected zones, has been proposed for the area is based on very old maps and data. Definitions of what constitutes an economic or recreational zone and what specific types of economic activities would be allowed in the protected area have not been developed.
* Lake Sevan National Park suffers from a weak legal framework, lack of financial and human resources for management, lack of co-ordination with other regional agencies and an impoverished local population which uses the natural resources in violation of regulations.
* Low salaries and non-payment of salaries over the last two years for forest and protected areas staff is a serious problem leading to corruption and illegal logging. Corruption has to be addressed through stricter law enforcement, adoption of an efficient monitoring system which allows public involvement, transparent and accountable administration, clear allocation of responsibilities and access to information.
2.5 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
2.5.1 Overall structure
The Ministry of Nature Protection (MoNP) will be the leading agency responsible for project oversight and implementation the project activities in close co- ordination with the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and other stakeholder agencies and beneficiary groups. Forest management and protected areas
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 14 activities will be the responsibility of the Department of Forestry (Hyantar) and the Department of Protected Areas, respectively within the MoNP. A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established in the MoNP with core technical units which will supervise and provide technical advice for the implementation of the project.
MOA will be directly involved in implementation of sustainable crop and livestock production activities at the watershed level through their existing network of Agricultural Support Centers, who will have a critical role in dissemination of technical packages through establishing demonstration activities, farmers training and extension. The mechanisms for coordinating the activities of the two ministries and the two departments within MONP will be developed during preparation. Partnerships between locally based NGOs and society groups, research organizations and community groups would be used in planning and implementation of community-level activities. The implementation of the project will build on NGO experience and existing community arrangements.
2.5.2 ProjectImplementation Unit
The Project Preparation Unit would be expanded and strengthened to take over project management and implementation responsibilities. The PIU will be headed by a full time director and will include technical and administrative staff. Its responsibilities would include: (i) through the Project Management Board, ensure the co-ordination and timely support of the main project stakeholders in implementing the project; (ii) preparation of annual work plans and budget; (iii) recruitment and management of foreign and national consultants; (iv) approve disbursements of project funds for various activities; (v) prepare and submit to the Bank progress reports, consolidated withdrawal applications, detailed project account and audits; (vi) arrange procurement; (vii) undertake project monitoring of physical and financial progress and evaluation of project impact. The PIU staff will consist of technical and administrative staff. Organizational and functional structure and responsibilities will be developed in detail during appraisal.
The PIU will procure services for implementation support to communities from local NGOs which have good track records and experience in community development. The project implementation consultant will be responsible for providing technical support and supervise the implementation of annual community programs at the field. In particular this will involve the supervision of field work undertaken by contractors, technical supervision, quality control, liaison with local governments and institutions, handling complaints, public relations, assistance with planning and budgeting. The contracted local NGOs will bc authorized to make limited decisions, beyond which they will seek the PIU's clearance. This interim level of project management is justified given the complexity of project implementation and the need for local beneficiaries, stakeholders and contractors to accumulate experience with the project and have
ENVIRONMENTAL RENOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACIS)IINTENVIRONMFNTALPROCRAMI 15 a local point of contact. Stronger involvement of local NGOs would be valuable to achieve desired results through building on local knowledge and capacity and wider involvement of civil society. It would also have the effect of establishing a project presence at local level. Delivery of project inputs will mainly be through established institutions working either under direct contractual terms or in formal collaboration with the project. Inter alia these would include rural credit providers, local NGOs and society groups involved in community development, other donor projects, and specialist agencies.
2.5.3 ProjectManagement Board
The Project Management Board (PMB) established for the preparation of the project will continue functioning during project implementation. The Minister of Nature Protection will be the Chairman of the Board. According to Armenian regulations, the representatives of the Ministry of Finance and Economy, as well as the Staff of the Government should be represented there. However, taking into consideration the multi-sectoral nature of the project, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Social Welfare, State Department of Cadastre will also be represented in the Board. Representatives of Tavoush and Gegharkunik marzas will have a deliberative voice in the Board. The PMB will have the following functions and responsibilities: (i) supervision of the PIU activities; (ii) supervision of the use of financial resources; (iii) after the approval of the Credit/Grant Agreement by the National Assembly, discussion and approval of the annual work schedule and budget of the project; (iv) endorsement of the project reports; (v) approval of the results of work, services and goods procurement tenders; (vi) presentation of the proposals to the Government of Armenia on the use of saved financial resources (upon discussion and agreement with funding institutions); (vii) identification of shortcomings in the reports presented by PIU and development of measures for rectifying them, as well supervision and control over the implementation of those measures; (viii) meeting and discussions with the representatives of project funding institutions, and presentation of the results of those consultation to the Government of Armenia; (ix) wrap-up of the results of the project upon completion of the project, and presentation of the results to the Government of Armenia.
2.5.4 Specific Implementation Structuresfor the Three Components
Community Based Natural Resource Management Component
The project implementation arrangements for planning and activity implementation at the local level for the Community Based Natural Resource Management Component are set out in the Guidelines for Participatory Watershed Management, developed during preparation. The establishment of community level institutions will be contracted out. Resources User Associations
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 16 (for water, grazing and forestry use) and Watershed Management Boards have been planned.
Establishment of a Management Board is proposed to co-ordinate the Government functions and project implementation. This would be a forum, where stakeholders from all levels of administration and project management meet four times annually in order to change views and experiences of project implementation. The Ministries of Natural Resources Protection, Agriculture and Finance & Economy as well as marz level contracted management units, marz administration, Watershed Management Boards and Village Councils should nominate their representatives to this Forum. The role of Management Forum would be to convey feedback from local levels to central administration and vice versa. The PIU would function as organizer of the meetings and prepare agenda and minutes for distribution among the stakeholders.
State Forest Management Component
For the management of this component, a State Forest Management Component Implementation Support Team (SFMCIST) is suggested within the PIU. This team would co-ordinate project activities with the executing agencies Hyantar, FREC and the MONP Department for Protected Areas as well as with their sub-units and the communities, existing village structures, NGOs and the proposed Forest Users Associations.
Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation Component
Detailed implementation structures were not yet developed for this component at the time of preparation of this EA.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANACEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINTEN\IRONMENTALPROGRAM 17 3 BASELINE ENVIRONMENT
3.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides an overview of the general environmental conditions in Armenia relevant to this EA. The main source for the information presented in this section was the National Environmental Action Program for Armenia, published by the World Bank in 1999 and NEAP Working Group reports 6, Land Resources Management, 7, Forestry and 8, Biodiversity. Additional sources included NRMPR project preparation studies and reports.
As the working group reports and the various project preparation reports contain extensive and detailed baseline information, we have only summarized the key aspects relevant to the project and the project area herein. Where relevant, additional, component specific environmental baseline information is provided in the following chapters devoted to those components.
3.2 O VER VIEW
The Republic of Armenia is a mountainous and landlocked country with a territory of 29,000 sq. km and a population of 3,740,000 people. More than 50% of the population is rural and the majority of these live in poverty. Geologically, Armenia is part of the Alpine-Himalayan fold mountain system, and the country is predominately mountain highlands. Seventy two percent of the country is above 1,500 m elevation, and only 24% of the land has slopes averaging less than 3%. Armenia has a sub-tropical, continental climate characterized by hot dry summers and cold winters. Annual precipitation ranges from 1,000 mm in the mountains to less than 300mm in the lowlands of the Ararat Valley. Most of the precipitation falls during April and May. Given the semi arid climate, water is a limiting resource.
The Republic of Armenia has a total area of 29,740 km2 (2.97 million hectares), making it the smallest of the former Soviet republics. The country is dominantly mountainous with 72% of land above 1500 m, a maximum altitude of 4,095 m on Mount Aragats, and only 24% of land with slopes of 30 or less. Approximately 47% of the total area is under agricultural use or grazing, and the cultivated land is located between 600 and 2,500 m.
In spite of the relatively small size of Armenia, a diverse geology combined with the large amplitude of relief and climatic variation associated with mountainous terrain has given rise to a wide variety of soil types. The combination of landform, climate and soil conditions has, in turn, given rise to a number of natural ecosystems and a to variety of conditions which determine the use of land for cultivation, grazing, forestry or other uses. In some cases, improper use of land for human activities has led to environmental degradation, in the form of soil
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 18 erosion, soil compaction, salinization, or contamination with industrial or domestic waste. In the project area, the main forms of environmental degradation are soil erosion, overgrazing, and deforestation.
3.3 PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1 Land use/Land Cover
Armenia is an ancient land which has long been inhabited by man. As a result the land cover is very much a result of anthropogenic influences. Furthermore, the combination of rugged terrain and semi-arid climate, with rainfall tending to occur in intense storms of short duration, creates landscape conditions highly susceptible to erosion.
Agriculture and Land Resources
Agriculture is the dominant land use in Armenia, and approximately 47% of the land area (1,391,000 ha) is devoted to agricultural usage. Agricultural land use is distributed among the following categories:
* Pasture (694,000 ha); * Arable or cultivated land (494,300 ha); * Hayfields (138,900 ha); * Fruit orchards and vineyards (63,800 ha); and * Fallow land (800 ha).
Arable land is typically located between 600 m to 2,500 m in elevation. Above 2,500 m, agricultural usage is limited to grazing and/or hay production.
Both agricultural productivity and yield have declined in Armenia since independence, and this is in spite of Armenia's aggressive privatization program (NEAP 1999). Reduced agricultural efficiency and sustainability may have been a direct result of the rapid privatization in conjunction with the difficult post independence economic transition period and resultant decline in institutional resources and agricultural extension services. Also, since independence, agricultural production has shifted to a subsistence bias versus the former Soviet era export market orientation.
The NEAP identified the main land use and policy problems and issues which are presented in the box below.
ENVIRONMENTAL REsoURCE5 MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PRC;RANI 19 Box 3.1 Main land use and land management relatedproblems and issues
Main Issues * Land degradation (soil erosion and compaction, fertility decline, salinization, alkalinization) * Land contamination (less relevant in project area) * Landslides, soil creep, rockslides, etc. * Limited extension services for farmers Main Policy Issues * Weak land administration and regulation * Lack of clear policy planning framework on land use * Inadequate legislation * Limited awareness of rights and responsibilities by land users * Poorly defined institutional responsibilities
These problems are further compounded by the background rates soil erosion. An estimated 60% of the country's agricultural lands are affected by soil erosion resulting from deforestation and poor agricultural practices including overgrazing. Pastures proximal to villages are often under pressure from overgrazing while more remote summer pastures in alpine meadows remain underused. Tracks and roads into the high pastures are often poorly sited leading to severe erosion. The farmers and herders abandon the severely degraded roads, which continue to degrade further, and establish new tracks adjacent to the old. Integrated land and range management is absent.
These circumstances are particularly acute in Gegharkunik and Tavoush marzas which are the most mountainous areas of Armenia and where land resources are under extreme pressure. These background problems have become more acute in recent years due to the transitional economy and the war with Azerbaijan which has resulted in a large influx of refugees to the two marzas, putting further pressures on the resource base.
Forests
Armenia has approximately 485,000 ha of forests and woodlands, mainly in the north (62%) and northeast (26%) of the country (NEAP 1999). About 70% is true forests dominated by beech, oak and hornbeam. The remaining woodland component consists of coppice forests and shrub forest, which are poorly stocked and degraded, and pine plantations. Rates of natural regeneration and the success of reforestation efforts have been poor, mainly due to grazing pressure.
Armenia's forests have been in decline throughout history as result of the semi- arid climate and slow growth rate, unsustainable rates of timber harvest, agricultural clearance and grazing pressure. The long term trend estimate is that total forest cover declined from 25% to 10% over the last several hundred years. In the last 10 years alone, the total forest area has declined by 10%. An important contributing factor to the most recent deforestation was the reliance on fuel wood as a principal source of heating and cooking during the last five years as a result
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 20 of the energy crisis. Illegal logging for timber and fuelwood remains a major issue in the forest sector. In addition to losses of timber, wildlife, and other non-timber forest products, deforestation and overgrazing has exacerbated the already serious soil erosion problem. Deforestation has also resulted in a reduction in the natural, beneficial watershed/water resource functions associated with forest cover including reduced runoff and erosion, increased infiltration, and reduced downstream flood frequency, especially in the mountain areas. This function represents a non-quantified contribution to soil conservation and the security of national water resources as well as hydro- electric generated power, particularly in the case of Lake Sevan.
Sustainable management of forests is constrained by a poorly equipped and trained forest administration (Hayantar). Improper forest road planning, siting, design and maintenance has resulted in severely degraded roads and in places slope failures of entire road sections. Poor skidding and extraction practices also adversely impact forest quality and regeneration as well as contributing to erosion. Management, record keeping and monitoring, and regulatory enforcement are poor, which contributes to the serious illegal logging problem. Furthermore, the legal and policy framework for forest management is incomplete, and by-laws to operationalize the forest management functions of Hyanatar are still missing.
The NEAP identified the following main forestry related problems and issues.
Box 3.2 Main forestry relatedproblems and issues
Main Issues * Large areas in need of reforestation * Potential of fruit and nut trees is underutilized * No extension service to farmers * Degradation of forests * Forestry machines and equipment are worn out and outdated • Improper road planning and construction * Low success rate of natural regeneration and reforestation programs Policy Issues * Weak forest management and enforcement capacity * Lack of policy for management of privately owned or managed forests * Inadequate forests resource data * Forestry managers carry out both protection and production (conflict of interest) * Little awareness of the need for forest conservation * No proper monitoring of the utilization of non-wood forest resources * Inadequately trained staff
Biodiversity
Armenia is located in the Caucasus eco-region, one of the Global 200 Eco-regions, which is located at the crossroads of three biogeographic provinces or biomes: European, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern. As a result and despite its small size, the country is characterized by a remarkable diversity in landscapes, habitat,
ENVIRONNIENTALRE5OURCES MANAGENMENT WORLDBANK/ TALINJOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROCRAM 21 flora and wildlife. Armenia also lies in the heart of one of the principal centers of origin of domestic crops and forage plants in Southern Caucasus, and while it covers only 5% of the Caucasus region in area, it contains nearly all plant communities found in the southern Caucasus and 50% of the region's floral diversity. Armenia's agrodiversity, particularly of cereals and forage legumes is of global significance. It hosts significant population of fauna species of high international conservation importance (350 species of birds, 83 mammals, 53 reptiles, 8 amphibian, and 30 fish). Twelve percent of the flora and 19% of the vertebrate fauna are included in Armenian Red Data Books. The threatened vertebrates include mouflon (Ovis orientalis gmelinii), wild goat (Capra aegagrus), marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna), European otter (Lutra lutra), brown bear (Ursus arctos), manul (Felis manul), lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus), imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), great bustard (Otis tarda), little bustard (Tetrax tetrax), and Caucasian black grouse (Tetrao mlokosiwiczi). The territory of Armenia is also located in the crossways of migratory ways of birds.
The project area includes a variety of mountain, forest, meadow and steppe ecosystems in Gegharkunik and Tavoush marzas, which host a significant share of the country's biodiversity resources. Specifically, forests in these districts have a significant role in fauna conservation and creation of the transboundary wildlife corridor between Armenia and Georgia. Two main protected areas in the geographic area of the project are the Sevan National Park (1,500 sq.km) and Dilijan State Preserve (280 sq.km). Lake Sevan National Park harbors a unique alpine lake ecosystem and its littoral habitats. Dilijan National Reserve is a unique forest ecosystem which hosts some 900 species, some of which are considered endangered species in the southern Caucasus. The area also has significant cultural heritage resources. Hence, it is believed that there is significant potential for developing eco- and natural heritage tourism.
The protected area network in Armenia is fragmented and the management effectiveness poor. There is little or no planning for conservation programs in protected areas and neither parks or reserves are required to develop and implement management plans. Scientific studies within protected areas are not well integrated into park management decisions. Infrastructure maintenance is poor due to insufficient funding. Staff wages and salaries are often lower than the subsistence level and staff are often unpaid for extended periods lack of funds.
The degradation of globally significant biodiversity has also been caused by increasing pressures on critical rangelands and forest habitats, which have further isolated the existing protected areas, making the movement of wildlife increasingly difficult. Alpine meadows in Armenia often have biodiversity of global significance. Their conservation requires intensive management and intervention because of the background interaction with traditional agriculture practices (grazing and hay mowing). Forest biodiversity is subject to heavy pressures through deforestation and overgrazing. Illegal felling threatens forest flora and fauna as it often leads to complete removal of dominant trees which
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 22 alters the forest habitat qualities. As noted above in the section on forests, silvicultural management is of poor quality and contributes to forest degradation and loss of biodiversity. Finally, the population is largely unaware of the protected areas system and communities in the vicinity often feel alienated by the protected area program.
The NEAP identified the following main biodiversity conservation related problems and issues.
Box 3.3 Main biodiversity conservation related problemns and issues
Main Issues * Degradation of internationally significant biodiversity of domesticated and wild species * Pressure on range of habitats including forests, rangelands and wetlands * Key habitats, especially wetlands, under-represented in existing protected areas * Pressures on relatives of domestic crops, fruit trees and medicinal plants .Non-point sources of pollution from fertilizers and organic and inorganic chemicals on agricultural and forestlands * Point source pollution from mining plants, metal and chemical service industries Policy Issues * Lack of adequate legal framework * Lack of adequate and updated information data bases Lack of planning and operational capacity * Lack of financial resources * Inadequate organizational structure * Fragmented system of protected areas * Lack of political will to co-ordinate regional biodiversity conservation activities * Lack of clear management guidelines for protected areas
3.4 SocIo-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
In common with many of the FSU countries in transition, but exacerbated by special factors including the aftermath of the 1988 earthquake and the mid nineties energy crisis, the economy of Armenia contracted in real terms by 86.5% in the six years from 1990 to 1996. The reported per capita income for 1995-1996 was only $420-440. In 1996 Armenia's total imports were$861.5 million, and exports were only $290.3 million. As a consequence of the economic situation, the government's ability to adequately fund its recurrent and development activities was dramatically curtailed compared to the soviet era, when subsidized activities were prevalent. Although the economy has begun to recover, the government remains critically short of financial resources.
Some 55% of the Armenian population is classified as poor. Rural poverty is particularly evident among those living in high altitude areas such as Tavoush and Gegharkunik. The rural economy has provided a "safety net" during the crisis years, by absorbing the excess labor (employment in agriculture almost doubled between 1991 and 1996). Rural communities have been able to buffer themselves through their access to natural resources.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESoURCESMANA;EMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS.JOINTENVIRONNMENTAL PRLGRA.M 23 The primary activity of approximately 70 percent of rural households in the project area is subsistence farming with small amounts of agricultural surplus bartered in local markets. The most important source of income (including self- consumption, cash, barter and processing) is crop agriculture and only about 10% of the population engage in cash sale of their agricultural production. Remittances, pensions and day labor (other income) provide primary source of cash to buy goods and services. The majority of farmers are cash constrained and are unable to invests in their land and pasture. This situation is likely to lead to a gradual decent into poverty once productive natural assets are over-exploited.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 24 4 PROJECTALTERNATIVES
4.1 INTRODUCTION
The NRMPR project has been designed to improve natural resource management and reduce rural poverty in Armenia. A natural resource management project of this type does not lend itself to conventional alternative analysis given its three components and the multifaceted nature of each. Hence, this alternative analysis addresses only two possibilities, with the project or without the project.
4.2 BACKGROUND
Since the collapse and dissolution of the Former Soviet Union, Armenia has suffered a number of serious setbacks which have led to the impoverishment of many rural communities, especially the remoter of these as in the project areas. Not least of these setbacks has been the collapse of industries which provided employment together with the collapse of market infrastructure, rural infrastructure and reduced overall purchasing power of the population.
Thrust into such a situation, rural populations have had little choice but to resort to exploiting their natural resource base for their survival and subsistence as, generally, it is available at little or no cost: in other words, a virtually free good. This is manifested in extensive low-input/low-output crop and animal production leading to inappropriate cultivation practices, and overgrazing of pastures, especially those closer to the viUage or homestead. Use of hardwood trees for fuel, due either to the cost or unavailability of alternatives, is also exerting pressure on forests resulting in reduced ground cover and water absorption. Generally speaking, the poorer the population, the more dependent they are on the natural resources, a situation which demonstrates a direct link between poverty and environmental degradation.
Land use regulations are still embryonic in Armenia and the capacity to enforce them is extremely limited. Thus, rural communities have had almost unlimited access to natural resources, i.e. private use of common resources, which has led in very many instances to severe degradation of forests, pastures and soil erosion with the consequent loss of habitat for indigenous flora and fauna. It can, therefore, be seen that this process is an accelerating downward spiral of increasing poverty resulting in increasing resource degradation resulting in increased poverty etc. etc. If this continues unchecked, the time will come when the natural resource is unable to sustain any form of life, including humans.
4.3 WITH THE PROJECT
In order to reverse the degradation of Armenia's rural natural resource base, it would appear imperative that the problems of poverty are addressed which in
ENVIRONMENTAL RES)URCES MANAGEMENr WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINTENVIRONM1ENTALPRPC)RAM 25 turn will lead to a steady reduction in pressure on the natural resources until the situation is reached where exploitation and regeneration are in balance. In this context, the aims and objectives of the project, alleviating poverty through the improved and sustainable use of natural resources, provides a pilot program to begin to reverse the current trend.
4.4 NO PROJECT SCENARIO
Without the project it would appear likely that the existing negative trends in critical natural resources, agricultural productivity, and rural poverty would continue and worsen as the resource base is further degraded. In the extreme case, the natural resource base may be degraded to such a degree that desertification is triggered, resulting in abandonment of the rural areas and migration of people to urban areas such as Yerevan, creating problems of even greater magnitude. If such a point is reached, very costly interventions will be required to reverse the trend.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 26 5 PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND DISCLOSURE
5.1 INTRODUCTIONAND GENERAL APPROACH
According to the World Bank's Operational Directive on Environmental Assessment (OD 4.01), affected groups and NGOs must be consulted as part of the environmental assessment process, and the draft EIA must be disclosed to the public for review and comment prior to finalizing the report. In order to ensure that this is carried out in a systematic way and that that the views and interests of all project stakeholders are taken into account, a Public Consultation and Disclosure Plan (PCDP) was prepared for the project (outlined below).
The objective of the PCDP was to ensure that all stakeholders and interested parties were fully informed of the environmental assessment process and that they had the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on environmental issues and management during the EIA preparation process.
Consultation has been carried out at two levels:
* At the national level: interested government bodies, NGOs, and other interested members of civil society were consulted during the EIA preparation process. Additionally, the draft EIA and non-technical summary was disclosed such that the above stakeholders could obtain the document and submit comments.
* At the local level: government authorities, water users associations, potentially affected nearby villagers, and other interested stakeholders were consulted in some depth during the EIA preparation phase. Public hearings were held at the local level in the second phase of consultation when the draft EIA report was disclosed and discussed.
5.2 CONSULTATION METHODOLOGY
Public consultation took place in two phases. Firstly, consultation during the EIA preparation process helped to identify key environmental issues and provide information on stakeholders' concerns about and views of potential environmental impacts. Secondly, consultation at the draft EIA stage allowed stakeholders to review findings and comment on proposed mitigation and management options.
Plase One - EA Preparation:As discussed in the introduction, the main objectives of this project are environmental and social in nature, and the project was designed in response to needs identified during comprehensive public consultation conducted at the inception of project design. As a result, the EA team did not visit all of the villages. Furthermore, consultation was carried out with
ENvIRONNIENTAL REBOURCELMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVWIRONMENTALPR(XIRAM 27 local and regional government authorities and NGOs active in the relevant local areas.
Therefore, within the context of the EA preparation no further formal village level consultation took place, however, meetings were held with local government officials and village representatives in five villages.
At the national level, consultation took place on both a technical level and a general project input level in Yerevan. Technical staff working on the EA had meetings with government personnel, NGOs, academia, international program representatives and other experts. At the same time, consultation with a wider interested audience was undertaken as a method of disclosing information about the project and the EA, and to gather feedback on either the process or specific aspects of the project.
Phase Two - Disclosureand Discussion of Draft EA Report: After the draft EIA was completed, incorporating World Bank comments, the non-technical summary was translated into Armenian and with the assistance of the World Bank/PIC, was made widely available through government and non-government networks at the national and local level. Full copies of the EIA text, in English, were circulated along with the translated non-technical summary to key stakeholders. Additionally, a series of public meetings (in the two Marza) were held, and advertised to the public at large in order to disclose the draft EA and the proposed environmental management plan. The minutes of the public meetings held are summarized in Annex D. Last, the Final EA report was translated into Armenian to allow review by the Department of Ecological Expertise within the MoNP as required under Armenian EA regulations.
5.3 PHASE 1 - INITIAL CONSULTATION
5.3.1 Identification of Key Stakeholders
Key stakeholders were identified at the international, national and local levels and are shown in Box 5.1.
Box 5.1 Key Stakeholders
National Department of Nature Protection Ministry of Agriculture Ministry of Health NGOs United States Department for Agriculture Hyantar Regional Village Councils NGOs
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 28 5.3.2 Local Level Issues: Derivedfrom Local Attitudes and Opinion
In addition to the public consultation carried out as part of EA preparation meetings, interviews were held with representatives of Hyantar and members of several village councils. In addition, some informal conversations took place between the EA team and local villagers.
* Expectations. Many villages have received multiple groups of consultants and project representatives; this combined with the extensive consultation process has produced very high levels of expectations.
* Misunderstanding of project impacts. The changes in project concept, particularly in the Community Based Natural Resources Management component, since the last round of formal consultation created the potential for misunderstanding of this project amongst the village beneficiaries. The project development processes (RRAs and PPWs) at the village level gave rise to an understanding that this project would be principally centered around the provision of credit.
* Need for training and demonstration. Villagers expressed a strong desire primarily for credit to fund agricultural inputs but in addition for assistance with market development and irrigation scheme construction. No villages identified training or demonstration as a need during the project consultation, and therefore there may be a lack of support for interventions based around these activities.
* Different levels of need. There are radically different levels of need for demonstration in the different project areas. Whereas certain populations who recently arrived from Azerbaijan were are not formerly farmers, the majority of the local populations were involved in Soviet Style farming and therefore have a more sophisticated understanding of farming practices. Furthermore, there are high numbers of university educated scientists and agronomists in most of the villages.
5.4 PHASE 2 - FORMAL DISCLOSURE
5.4.1 Disclosure of the EIA and Non-Technical Summary
As stated above, the non-technical summary of the draft EA report (in Armenian) was disclosed in full to an identified number of key stakeholders, including relevant government agencies and departments, NGOs, and representatives of related projects. Copies of the full draft EA report, in English, was also available for review at the PIU and Hyantar offices in Yerevan and the local marz offices of the Ministry of Nature Protection. In addition, copies of the non-technical summary in Armenian, was made available at all of the aforementioned locations as well as village council offices and schools in all villages included in the project.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOL RCESMANA(.EMENT WORID BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PRCXIR,M 29 The non-technical summary was made available for two weeks prior to the public disclosure meetings and remained available for a period of not less than 45 days.
5.4.2 Organizationof PublicHearings
Based on what was learned during the first phase of consultation, public disclosure meetings were held with two meetings in each marza. The villages were Gosh and Koghb in Tavoush, and Dprabak and Dzoragugh (1) in Gegharkunik.
The villages were selected for the following reasons:
* firstly, to provide a geographical spread over the two Marza and thus to reduce travel difficulties; and * secondly, to include a range of villages in terms of the number of components of the project which will affect them.
The public disclosure meetings were advertised in the newspaper and on radio, and notices were posted at government offices, schools and libraries. Transport to the meeting locations was arranged for those without transport. The main objectives of the meetings were to disclose the findings of the EA and the key elements of the EMP as required under World Bank policy. The minutes of the meetings held (including persons in attendance, questions and answers) are presented in Annex D.
(1) At the time of the release of this 30 January edition of the Final EA Report. the PCD meeting in Dzoragugh had been delayed due to heavy snows; this meeting will be carried out as soon as conditions permit and results will be added to a final edition.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 30 6 COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT
6.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter comprises the EA of the Community Based Natural Resource Management Component of the NRMPR project in Armenia. The chapter is organized as follows:
* Section 6.2 Component description; * Section 6.3 Implementation process; * Section 6.4 Identification of Environmental and Social Impacts; * Section 6.5 Environmental Management Plan (for component); and * Section 6.6 Implementation Risk Assessment (for component).
6.2 COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
The Community Based Natural Resource Management Component of the project aims to introduce new agricultural methods to ensure the sustainable use of soil and pasture resources for both crop and livestock production. In addition, the project aims to assist farmers to access credit and markets in order to generate cash income and reduce poverty.
The intervention unit for this component will be the micro-watershed: Micro- watershed management plans will be developed by participating communities, these plans will them dictate which activities are selected from a menul of options that covers the following activity groups:
* community forest management; * community pasture management; * sustainable agricultural practices; and * community infrastructure and income generation.
In addition, an activity group entitled development of community institutions will be implemented in each micro-watershed in order to provide the local level institutional framework for project implementation.
For each of the five activity groups, a set of activities have been developed (see Box 6.1). However, the precise activities selected for each micro-catchment will depend upon the outcome of the participatory development of the micro- watershed management plans.
ENVIRONNMENTALREVOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 31 Box 6.1 Menu of Options
Sub-Components
1, ' !,'4un -v L.a Plantation of multi-purpose bush and trees L.b Enrichment planting & sustainable use of non-wood forest products l.c Improvement and rehabilitation of forest pastures L.d Sustainable pig-beech-oak silvo agro forestry system l.e Demonstration of biogas production systems Coa ndjjsw-2 sgm; - T_-. :. ; - 4 2.a Construction of stock watering points in high summer pastures 2.b Sustainable management of high summer pastures 2.c Improvement and rehabilitation of village hay meadows 2.d Re-introduction of forage legumes into crop rotations
3.a Demonstration and training for sustainable production of winter wheat and spring barley 3.b Demonstration and training for sustainable production of food and seed potato 3.c Demonstration and training in orchard management and establishment 3.d Demonstration and training for sustainable production of vegetables 3.e Demonstration and training for sustainable cattle and sheep production
4.a Demonstration and training in sustainable irrigation management 4.b Restoration of existing field tracks 4.c Stabilization of areas at risk from land slides and rehabilitation of gully erosion 4.d Demonstration and training in milk handling for processing 4.e Demonstration and training in fruit and non-timber forest products processing and drying 5p ------'I- . g~. 5.a Establishment of resource user groups 5.b Strengthening the capacity of existing community and marz level organizations 5.c Community awareness
While the activities within each of the four categories vary, their primary objectives in terms of positive environmental and social impacts are similar. These objectives are summarized in Box 6.2.
Box 6.2 Summary of intended positive environmental and social impacts
1 Cam alt7 foresjni3Ui FB .l Increased understanding of forest conservation needs. Biodiversity conservation of forest buffer zones, pastures and arable land. Establish multi purpose indigenous species in forest buffer zone. Reduction of pressure on pasture land. Provide sustainable wood and non-wood products, and alternative energy sources to wood leading to conservation of forest habitats. Provide short and long-term income generating opportunities. Promote sustainable management practices and raise environmental awareness 2 Commiidty pasture nunagement -s-:-,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 32 * Increased food security * Long-term income generation. * Provide short and long-term income generating opportunities. * Stop further degradation of soil resources (forest, arable and grazing lands) leading to increased soil fertility and a reduction in watershed sediment yield/erosion. * Promote sustainable management practices and raise environmental awareness. 3 Sustainable agricultunl practices * Increased food security * Increased opportunities for cash or barter income. * Improved productivity will reduce pressure on marginal areas. * Halt decline in soil fertility 4 Community infrastructture and income generation * Increase cash surplus available for re-investment in sustainable agriculture practices Increased productivity will reduce pressure on marginal areas * Increase food security * Help to realize non-timber forest values Reduction in erosion caused by poor management of water resources * Pasture improvement leading to reduced erosion, increased fertility, increased carrying capacity, biodiversity preservation. 5 Development of community institutions Establishment of resource user groups * Strengthening the capacity of exiting community and marz level organizations * Community awareness
The project will also support a workfare (1)program, which will pay poor community members in cash, for the labor necessary to support investments in community infrastructure, nature protection and conservation.
Eight micro watersheds (2) have been selected for the pilot phase of this project; it is currently envisaged that this will be expanded to 40 during the project's lifetime.
6.3 IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
In each of the forty micro-watersheds the same project process will be followed(3 ). The main attributes of this process are depicted in Figure 6.1 and outlined subsequently.
(1) The precise details of this program, relating to the mechanisms of payment and institutional responsibilities had yet to be worked out at the time ot writing. (2) The micro-watershed concept within the confines of this project reflects the fact that all of the eight pilot project sites share common water resources, rather than strictly concurring to the theoretical hydrological delineation watershed definition. (3) In the eight pilot watersheds the process has reached the end of the second stage: selection of activities from Menu of Optioas.
ENVIRONMENTAL REr)s RCES MANAG:EMENT WORLD BANK/ TACIIJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 33 Figure 6.1 Watershed Component Project Process
Participatory Planning Workshops
Selection of Activities from Menu of Options
Implementation of Development of Environmental Project Monitoring Menu of Options User Associations Education and and Review activities Training
Project Evaluation
ParticipatoryPlanning Workshops (Completed for the 8 pilot micro-watersheds)
Workshops are held in each of the villages pre-selected by the project team. The aim of these workshops is to assist the villagers to identify needs within their own micro-watershed.
Selection of Activities from Menu of Options (Completedfor the 8 pilot micro-watersheds)
Using the combined assessment of need from each village in the micro-watershed, the project preparation consultants then selects the most appropriate set of activities from the menu of options (See figure 6.1, above).
Implementation of Menu of Options activities
The menu of options activities will be implemented principally by the following actors: * the PIU - the PIU will set up two Marz level PIUs to deal with the implementation of the project, these will either be newly formed entities or contracted local NGOs;
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 34 * other internationalprogram s - several of the activities, particularly those relating to irrigation and marketing, will be implemented by other international programs. In the case of irrigation it is anticipated that IFAD will carry out the implementation, while in the case of the marketing activities USAID and USDA are highlighted as potential implementation partners; * credit institutions - while the project will not be providing credit directly, it will be assisting farmers to access credit sources available from both international and national institutions; and * private sub-contractors- the construction and/or repair of community infrastructure will be carried out by private sub-contractors after a competitive bidding process.
Development of User Associations
During the implementation period, a key objective is to assist villagers to form user associations, primarily for water and grazing management. These user groups shall hold resource property rights, and in return will be responsible for associated maintenance activities. In general village activities will be coordinated by, the Village Council.
Environmental Education and Training
All villagers involved in this component will take part in environmental awareness raising courses.
Project Monitoring and Review
Both environmental and social indicator monitoring will be carried out during the project lifecycle. In addition, mid-term and final reviews will be carried out.
Five categories of indicators have been selected: social, environmental, sustainability, input and output. A draft list of indicators has been drawn up in the interim report, however, the exact timetable and assignation of the responsibility for this monitoring has not yet been devised
6.4 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
The primary objectives and intended beneficial impacts of this component are environmental and social in nature, and have been summarized above in Box 6.2. The objective of this environmental assessment is not to re-identify or analyze those impacts, but to identify issues within the main project activities which may lead to negative environmental or social impacts, or instances where identified positive impacts could be enhanced.
This section has been divided into several sub-sections: firstly, an outline of potential negative impacts is given (these in turn have been divided into two
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PRO1GRAM 35 categories: primary and secondary); and secondly, those positive impacts, for which enhancement measures will subsequently be recommended, are outlined.
6.4.1 PrimaryPotential Negative Impacts
Impacts are classed as being primary for one of the following reasons:
* individually of primary concern - these are impacts which are of concern as potential one-off significance; and
* cumulatively of primary concern - these are impacts which present concern in terms of the cumulative impact of many actions.
In the context of the Community Based Natural Resource Management Component all of the eight impacts identified fall into the later cumulative category.
Each of these eight impacts are outlined below, in addition to an overview of the impact a table is included covering the following information:
* contributing sub-components - these are the sub-component activities (as outlined in Box 6.1: Menu of Options) which, to some extent, contribute to the impact identified.
* mitigating sub-components - the project has been designed in such a way that some sub-components already aim to mitigate the impact identified(1 ), these sub-components are also identified.
Inipact 1: Eniriror,mentalimnpacts of -0ostruction
Potential key environmental impacts of construction include: erosion and sedimentation, water quality impacts and soil pollution, noise, dust and air pollution, damage to existing installations, worker injuries, disruption to local residents and disruption of agricultural activities. Where construction activities necessitate the setting-up of temporary construction yards, there is a slight risk of permanent alteration of land caused by improper management of fuels or, topsoil compaction from vehicles.
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components 4.b Restoration of existing field tracks None 4.c Stabilization of areas at risk from land slides and rehabilitation of gully erosion control.
(1) These impacts have been included in this assessment because the ERM team believes that further measures, over and above the mitigating sub-components, are necessary to further ensure that the potential negative impacts do not occur.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACOSJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 36 Impact 2 lntreti7edo:rLin1S prrtsnrt oni pa,itires
Despite the significantly lower livestock numbers currently seen in the 2 marza compared with the levels present in the Soviet era, the current condition of pastures is poor. Therefore increased access to credit, provided as part of the activity 4.d Demonstration and training in milk iandlingforprocessing, has the potential to increase the number of animals in the watershed, which would lead to an increase in pressure on land, particularly pastures. While the sustainable practices to be demonstrated, and the conservative estimates of pasture production (to minimize the risk of overgrazing), will mitigate this impact, it is essential that the pasture management plans (included as part of the overall micro-watershed management plans) are developed successfully to ensure that the increased pressure does not exacerbate the situation prior to the increase in pasture quality expected after the replication of the demonstration activities. Additionally, it is critical that the pasture user-associations, designed to reduce the risk of common property degradation, are established and operational.
It is important to note that the maximum carrying capacities calculated in the watershed management plans produced as part of the final interim report for this component, use yields that are 2 or 3 times greater than the yields currently being produced. Any carrying capacities calculated are therefore gross overestimates of the current carrying capacity of the watersheds.
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components 4.d Demonstration and training in 3.e Demonstration and training for sustainable milk handling for processing cattle and sheep production
Izjimpact 3: Enz',ron,en'lrIZ tmpait-; v0 1rtrllur uI.t
Many of the demonstration activities promote the use of chemical fertilizers. This is advocated on the grounds that the soils in participating villages have had limited nitrogen fertilizer and no phosphate fertilizer during the past 10 years and thus phosphorus deficiencies are starting to appear as the soil reserve is mined and fully depleted. However, the application of chemical fertilizers, combined with an increase in access to credit, leads to the conclusion that the level of application will increase during the course of the project. Since there is little recent history of expertise with fertilizer usage, this could lead to over-application and subsequent pollution of receiving surface waters (possibly leading to eutrophication problems downstream) and/or groundwater bodies (for example, nitrate pollution of groundwater supplies is a common problem in agricultural areas in Western Europe). Moreover, where the water table is close to the surface there is the potential issue of contamination of local wells used for domestic supply.
ENV IRONMENTAL REuRcES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENV]RONKIENTAL PRC GRANI 37 Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components 2.c Improvement and rehabilitation of 3.a Demonstration and training for sustainable village hay meadows production of winter wheat and spring barley. 2.b Sustainable management of high 3.b Demonstration and training for sustainable summer pastures production of food and seed potato.
Impact 4: Environmnental inipac;t of increased irrigatiokn
The increased irrigation included in this project refers solely to tertiary drainage systems. As a result, the principal environmental impacts relate to the poor management of water application leading to nutrient leaching, waterlogging and salinization. Where schemes are built near housing, there is also a potential for localized increases in water-borne and water-related diseases. Other impacts relate to the increased need for fertilizers, See Impact 3. It is therefore essential that the demonstration projects and promotion of best management practices provide the appropriate training before IFAD sponsored construction commences.
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components 4.a Agreement with IFAD regarding 4.a Demonstration and training in sustainable irigation rehabilitation irrigation management
Impact 5: Increased pressureoen andl pollition of water resoiurces
The menu of options includes sub-components that risk impact upon water resources both in terms of quantity (e.g. increased irrigation) and quality (e.g. increased use of fertilizers). While other sub-components should mitigate these impacts (e.g. promotion of best management practice, demonstration and training in sustainable irrigation management), it is recommended that further measures are necessary to respond to the potential negative, cumulative impacts of these sub-components.
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components All sub-components including some 4.a Demonstration and training in sustainable agriculturalactivity. irrigation management
6.4.2 Secondary PotentialNegative Impacts
The secondary potential negative impacts are those that are not of primary concem either individually or cumulatively, but for which it is recommended certain mitigation measures are carried out to prevent their occurrence.
The secondary impacts are outlined in Box 6.3 and have been categorized according to the menu of options sub-component to which they are relevant.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TAcISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 38 Box 6.3 Secondary potential negative imnpacts
Negative Impact
1. Conmnunity forest management I ai Plant.atln o:1rmnirri-pUirpose bud,h and trees * Increased pressure on localized water resource as a result of tree water demand I b Enrichnicnt planming & 4ustainabltr use of non-t,occd torest products o Further encroachment into forest areas, potentially encouraging non-sustainable harvesting of non-wood forest products I d Sustainable pig beecho03k siR o-ps-toral agroforestrv s%stem * Further encroachment into forest areas, potentially encouraging non-sustainable harvesting of non-wood forest products I.e Demon,tration ot bio--gas production s%stvrns * Increasing economic disparity * Impacts arising from potential gas explosions, including health and economic loss. * Liquid manure spillages, leading to water course pollution. 2 Community pasture management ,.a Construction cf stock wvaterng points in high summer pasruxes * Localized waterlogging at watering point, others may occur as a result of deliberate breaking of the pipes to access the water supply on-route. * Localized increase grazing pressure on those areas provided with watering points 2.b Sustainable nianagrement of high uunimer pastures Increased economic disparity as the very poor may not have enough stock to warrant the journey to the high pastures or they may not be able to make use of privately owned high pastures owing to the cost of rental. 2.c lmpro%enient and rehabilaUtiu'n ot village hasrmeadokw s * Negative impacts associated with over or incorrect use of fertilizers. 2 d Reintroduchon cI tlorige legumles into crop rotations * Initial economic impact as a result of the lower market value of alfalfa, in comparison to potatoes. 3. Sustainable agricultural practices 3a Demonetrabon & traming tor suztuimnblo product;onotci inter %heat and spnng barley * Reduces pressure on pasture biodiversity and establishes management for sustainable use. 3.b Demon;tran,'n &iTainnlg tor -u,tainabli prc.du.:non of tood and seed potato * Persistence of potato diseases as a result of local seed potato production and use of pesticides and negative health and environmental impacts as a result of increased need for pesticides. 4. Commnunity infTastructure and income generation 4 c Stabilization ot areas at risk fromland shdes and rehabilttat,on ct gull erosi.on control * Increased erosion due to over-topping of Gabon's * Increased on-farm land erosion at point of gully discharge (1)
(1) The budget for the construction of culverts to rehabilitate the tracks covers a Sm pipe, which will only bridge the width of the track itself. Where the tracks directly border agricultural land there is a risk that at the point of discharge new points of incre.ased erosion are created
ENVIRONNIENTAL RESOURCEsMAN ACENIENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENrAL PRECXRAM 39 6.4.3 Positive Impacts
There are two positive impacts of the project, outlined below, which should be highlighted as the ERM team believe that there is significant scope to enhance them.
ProvisionL ofuvod ad tree products
Trees are to be planted both to provide environmental objectives and socio- economic objectives. In order to ensure that the environmental benefits are not jeopardized for the socio-economic benefits, recommendations regarding sustainable management will be made.
Corlnninitw Forest Management
The transfer of former Kolchoz and Sovchoz forest land to villages along with the preparation of participatory community forest and pasture management plans will provide an opportunity for communities to realize to a greater extent the full value of the forest resource through forestry and agro-forestry activities. Furthermore, the villages will ultimately benefit from the indirect environmental and watershed protection benefits that forests provide. In order to ensure that the maximum benefits can be realized, a community forest management plan will be developed but further recommendations have also been made in the Community Management Plan below.
Incomtie generation
Many of the sub-components contain activities to be included in the work fare program; it is recommended that these opportunities should be expanded to include many of the activities required for environmental monitoring and management.
6.5 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The environmental management plan can be found in Table 6.1. For all impacts the management plan incorporates:
* institutional roles and responsibilities in relation to each of the mitigation and monitoring measures; • any additional training which will be required to successfully undertake the measures described; * timing in relation to the project process; and * provisional cost estimates (including any required training).
For each of the menu of options sub-components, both key and secondary negative impacts are listed, and, where appropriate, the positive impacts to be enhanced.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 40 In order for the reader to be able to quickly identify the type of impacts referred to, the key negative impacts are indicated by an N, the secondary negative impacts by an n and positive impacts with enhancement measures by a P.
In the case of the primary negative impacts and the positive impacts, individual management plans have been worked out in detail for each issue. These are referenced in the body of the table and described in detail in a series of stand- alone boxes located at the end of the table.
In the case of the secondary impacts, the mitigation measures are described in the body of the table.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESoURCESMANAGPEOENT WORLD BANK/ TAUIS1OINTENVIRONMENIALPRCXRAMI 41 Table 6.1 Community based natural resources management component environmental management plan
Impact Mitigation/ Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Total Cost' Responsibility IT' Cibjmmpulttafarm6 - nmut, Mt -'__ N N.v "I T ,," pit_ ' 1 a Plantation of multipurpose bush and trees Increased pressure on n Water resources management plan: See Section Marz level PILU Water quality N/A on-going low localized water resource as a 6.5.7 and WMBs and quantity result of tree water demand monitoring.
Loss of area for cultivation n Area encircled by tree borders should be Marz level PIU N/A N/A design none maximized.
Provide wood and non- P Production of wood and non-wood products Marz level PIU Annual Farmers to on-going medium wood products should be in line with the Community Forest monitoring of receive Management plans, see Section 6.5.9. harvest levels sustainable Sustainable agroforestry harvesting limits: See by village forestry and Section 6.5.10. inspectors. agroforestry training
I b Enrichnlent planting & sustainable use oi non-%vood torest producLs Further encroachment into n In protected areas this activity should only take Marz level PIU N/A Forest design low forest areas, potentially place in forest buffer zones. conservation encouraging non- training sustainable harvesting of should be non-wood forest products given to all villagers taking part.
Income generation. P Planting and care of these products should be PIU none none design none included in the workfare program: See Section 6.5.11
1.d Sustainable pig-beech-oak sih o-pastoral agrolorestrn sstern
(I) Costs unider $1,00D,for the five year project, are classified as low, costs between $1,000 and $10,000 for the five year project period are classified as medium and costs over $10,000, for the five year period, are classified as high,
ENVIRON:MVNVAi RvlSuRcvsMANAGLMENT WORLDBANK/ TACISIOINrENVIRONMENTALPROGRAM 42 Impact Mitigation / Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Total Cost, Responsibility Further encroachment into n In protected areas this activity should only take Marz level PIU N/A Forest design low forest areas, potentially place in forest buffer zones. conservation encouraging non- training sustainable harvesting of should be non-wood forest products given to all villagers taking part.
i.e DenIons1IatIon .f FLO*ga. prod uctlor ; stems Impacts arising from n Systems should be constructed and maintained Marz level PIU Safety Safety design / on- low potential gas explosions, to avoid the potential risks. inspections (to training to be going including health and be carried out given to all economic loss. by National Gas householders Authority) involved.
Liquid manure spillages, n Systems should not be constructed within 50 Marz level PIU N/A N/A design none leading to water course meters of a water course. Secondary containment pollution. should be provided, at least double the volume of the primary storage.
2 Communit) pasture management 2 a C.:1irusuinlt cOI9tOck v.atelrnig pomnri in high Sumnletr paL'ureA Environmental impacts N Construction management plan: See Section 6.5.1. Construction Spot checks none construction low arising from construction Construction works will be supervised and/or Sub-Contractors during duration carried out by licensed contractors under the construction by existing Marx permitting regulations. Marz level PIU.
Localized waterlogging at n The size of the trough should provide for the PIU Marz level PIU N/A design none watering point, others may maximum grazing load of cattle, as calculated by /WMB to occur as a result of a grazing management plan: See Section 6.5.2 monitor plans deliberate breaking of the in concordance pipes to access the water with grazing supply on-route. management plan.
ENVIUON\?o \ IAL XEr¶)1RCVSM.\AGNAILXIJ WORLD BA\K / TACIO JOIN I ENIRONMEN I Al PROCGRAM 43 Impact Mitigation / Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Total Cost' Responsibility Need for water points along the route PIU or sub- Marz level PIU None design none constructed for the watering point should be contractors, /WMB to analyzed, and where appropriate taps should be whoever is monitor plans included in the design, in concordance with responsible for in concordance water resources management plan See Section design. with water 6.5.7. resources management plan. Increase pressure on grazing n Ensure that enough watering points are provided Marz level PIU N/A N/A design none on those areas provided to support the grazing management plan: See / WMBs with watering points Section 6,5.2
2 b Sustainable mnanagement ol high cummer pa,tures Environmental impacts of N Fertilizer management plan: See Section 6.5.3 Marz level PIU Water quality Training in on-going medium fertilizers. / WMBs monitoring, as the part of water application resources and use of management fertilizers for plan: See Section all villagers 2.17. seeking credit for fertilizers. Increased economic n A post of stock minder should be included as N/A N/A N/A on-going medium disparity as the very poor part of the workfare program (See Section 6.5.11) may not have enough stock to take groups of stock to the high pastures, to warrant the journey to the when low pastures have been identified as unfit high pastures or they may for grazing in the grazing management plan (See not be able to make use Section 6.5.2) privately owned high pastures. I.t Improvemenn andl rehat'ifiLition of illage hay meadOWS
ENVIRONCMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENF WORLD BANIC / TACEISjOIr ENVIRO.\XfE.\ IAL PROGRAM 44 Impact Mitigation/ Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Total Cost' Responsibility Environmental impacts of N Fertilizer management plan: See Section 6.5.3 Marz level PIU Water quality Training in on-going medium fertilizers. / WMBs monitoring, as the part of water application resources and use of management fertilizers for plan: See Sectiou all villagers 2.17. seeking credit for fertilizers. 2.d R intiod ucti,-n of fvragt: ]Eunie, jint - rop rolatioin. Environmental impacts of N Fertilizer management plan: See Section 6.5.3 Marz level PIU Water quality Training in on-going medium fertilizers. / WMBs monitoring, as the part of water application resources and use of management fertilizers for plan: See Sectiorr all villagers 2.17. seeking credit for fertilizers. Initial economic impact as a n Crop rotation using higher value legumes should Marz level PFU N/A N/A design / on- none result of the lower market be investigated on a watershed bv watershed going value of alfalfa, in basis. comparison to potatoes.
3. Sustainable agricultural practices 3 a Deno.rtr.atioii & trainijng for -uttaui.ible pr,duation ol :.inter u lie.lt and spring barlek Environmental impacts of N Fertilizer management plan: See Sectioni 6.5.3 Marz level PIU Water quality Training in on-going medium fertilizers. / WMBs monitoring, as the part of water application resources and use of management fertilizers for plan: See Section all villagers 2.17. seeking credit for fertilizers. 3.b VEnlon tratircr & nIa lIliig t.-r uLat.mnailt prodtic ton ol I ccd anJd .,l PtahIL
ENrsIRONMErNAI REsouRcEsNMANAGCFIEN WORLDBANK/ TACIsJoINi. EVIlRONMENFPALPROcGRAM 45 Impact Mitigation /Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Total Cost' Responsibility Environmental impacts of N Fertilizer management plan: See Section 6.5.3 Marz level PIU Water quality Training in on-going medium fertilizers. / WMBs monitoring, as the part of water application resources and use of management fertilizers for plan: See Section all villagers 2.17. seeking credit for fertilizers. 3 c Demonstration and training in orchard managenment & establishment Increased pressure on and N Water resources management plan: See Section Marz level PIU N/A on-going none pollution of water resources 6.5.7 and WMBs Income generation. P Demonstration plots should be managed by PIU N/A N/A design none those who are landless or who have fallow lands, focus should be made on the benefits of consolidation of lands.
3.e Demnontration and training tor su,tainahle cattle and sheep production Increased pressure on N Grazing management plan: See Section 6.5.2 Marz level PIU Village WMBs and on-going none grazing. / WMBs Inspectors village grazing management inspectors to receive rangeland management training.
4 X m yt ; ,IL - <,. 4 Zr : .t' .t.*i 2.e.gjL . 4.a Demonstration and trainLng in sustainable iMg3tion management (including credit facliltation through [FA:I for irrigation rehabilitation) Increase in impacts N Demonstration & training in sustainable N/A N/A N/A N/A low associated with irrigation irrigation management - Sub-Component4.4. Initial environmental scoping of any new IFAD PIU N/A design none irrigation sites. Water resources management plan: See Section Marz level PIU N/A on-going none 6.5.7 and WMBs
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENr WORLDBANK/ TACISJOINI ENVIRONMENIAL PROGRAM 46 Impact Mitigation/Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Total Costl Responsibility Fertilizer management plan: See Sectionf 6.5.3 and Marz level PIU Water quality Training in on-going medium Implementation of integrated pest management / WMBs monitoring, as IPM and practices: See Sectionz 6.5.4 part of water fertilizer use resources for all management villagers plan: See Section involved in 2.1.7 the activity or seeking credit to finance similar activities. 4.b I-t-toraiti.n F n-ruin huLl track; Environmental impacts N Construction management plan: See Sectiicn 6.5.7 Construction Spot checks none construction low arising from construction Sub-Contractors during duration construction by Marz level PIU.
Increased on-farm land n Discharge from gullies should not be directly PIU none N/A design none erosion at point of gully onto agricultural land; design should ensure discharge. culverts discharge into natural or irrigation channels.
4.c Stitilization oI are.4 3i rnik c0ilanrdclidet :chabiititionooh guhlI ero'ion Environmental impacts N Construction management plan: See Sectioni 6.5.1 Construction Spot checks None construction low arising from construction Sub-Contractors during duration construction by Marz level PIU.
Increased erosion due to n Cabions should be filled with rocks, not concrete. PIU N/A N/A design none over-topping of gabions i.d D.r.iei.,i4tratlon and tr3inig In milk handling ior procc.;Iiig 4 .z Ijem.rrisnrrati-n and training in Iruil N Wl-' dr%ing Health impacts of sulfur n Training for operators should include Marz level PIU N/A N/A design low dioxide inhalation. management of sulfur dioxide to minimize potential for adverse health impacts.
ENVIRON\MLN IAL RESOURcEESMANAENAEMr WORLD BANK/ TACISjfIXU E\xIRU IA\I PROGRA.M 47 6.5.1 ConstructionManagement Plan
Issue/!inpaci .Analwsis Environmental impacts of construction
Best Practice/lMigahton All sub-contractors should be subject to contractual clauses to manage the environmental impacts, as outlined in Annex E. In addition, clauses should be entered into the contract to allow the PIU to respond to the results of monitoring activities, as outlined below. All construction works should be supervised and/or carried out by licensed contractors under existing Marz permitting regulations.
Inhstutional RerpernsibEldh, The PIU should, depending upon individual construction contractors' scope of work, incorporate an appropriate set of clauses into each contract given.
Aloniforing The Marz level PIU should monitor the construction activities through random spot-checks (at least monthly during long construction periods, or at least once during shorter construction activities). Where violations of the contractual agreements are noted the central PIU should be notified. The PIU should formally notify the contractors of the violations, outline the necessary corrective measures and set a period for correction. Where this is not adhered to, it is recommended that contractors be subject to contractual penalties (i.e. payment with held) or in severe cases the contracts should be terminated.
It is also recommended that a final site inspection should be carried out before final payment is made, in cases where the sites have not been properly cleared or remediated where necessary, final payment should be withheld until such time that this has been carried out.
Traiiiying In order to avoid the need for further training it is recommended that the Marz level PIU include an individual with experience in environmental management and auditing as part of the team, or as an external contracted for a fixed term to undertake the activities required to monitor sub-contractors.
6.5.2 GrazingManagement Plan
ssue/ Ipnpac Increased pressure on grazing.
Btst Practicel/AitIgatwon Grazing management plans for each watershed are identified project activities. However it is worth mentioning here some best practices and mitigation measure which could be included in the development of such plans. These plans, updated annually prior to the grazing season, should identify all of those areas that must be allowed to rest immediately to prevent irreversible degradation. In addition, the watershed should be zoned according to the maximum carrying capacity. This plan should include both private and public lands.
Those farmers whose lands are identified as needing rest need to be provided with access to state lands or provided with assistance to rent alternative lands. Where farmers can demonstrate that they need credit to let pastures rest, improve them or to rent other lands they should be able to access credit with better terms and conditions.
The ERM team found that a pilot project has been started upon these lines in one of the villages included in the project, a scheme such as this could be used as a demonstration.
Local high forage value species should be used to improve pastures.
ENVIRONMENTAL REsouRCEs MANAGEMENT WoRLDsBANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTALPRoGRAM 48 In order to ensure the long-term viabilitv of a grazing plan, it is necessary that the plan be developed in a wholly participatory manner. It should be presented as the response to the identification of reduction in productivity of pasture and increase in agricultural land erosion. The short-termn individual benefits (financial or otheTwise) for those forced to rest pasture land should be clearly presented to the cornmunities involved,
Once support has been garnered for the scheme, the ,.' I,.. .. ; 1 i the village mayor and other kev individuals should, with technical assistance from the PIU, develop the initial grazing zones and select grazing plan inspectors (2 n. n . II T'he inspectors should receive payment from the project as part of the workfare programn
It is envisaged that this activity will initially be carried out on a village by village basis. However, the need for r ,r. .- renting of lands will demonstrate the benefits of a watershed approach, and therefore the village schemes could be developed into a watershed wide grazing management programn once the watershed management board has been established.
It is recommended that grazing plan inspectors be appointed for a fixed term. Their responsibilities would include annual assessment of the pastures, on-going monitoring, and identification of those violating the plan.
'I[he grazing inspectors would also be responsible for monitoring of the land which would take place monthly throughout the grazing season Penalties should be imposed upon those who violate the grazing plan. Where those fotnd to be violating the plan have loans, this penalty could involve the:;., n c. of preferential tenns and conditions. The imposition of penalties should initially lie with the 1 ! : mayors and subsequently the watershed management board,
In order to monitor the impact of the grazing management plan, the annual assignation of grazing zones should be monitored, which will by default monitor the changes in pasture quality over the watershed.
The concepts above outline the basic structure of rangeland :r. . nr rr . . implenmented in many countries. It is recommended that key village personnel and the inspectors should be given training in rangeland management: approxinmatelv a total of 6 persons per village. This could be carried out on a watershed by watershed basis which will also assist develop the understanding of the benefits of watershed management as opposed to village level management.
6.5.3 FertilizerManagemnent
Issueinmpact Enviromnental impacts of fertilizer use
Mitigation The first requirement to ensure that proper application rates of chemical fertilizers are observed is to ensure that the correct dosage is known. The national Unit for Agrochemical Management was established during the Soviet Union and was responsible for analyzing a soil sample from every 4 hectares of land on a 4 yearly basis. From this the precise nutritional requirement of the soil was calculated.
It is recommended that this unit is once again used to carry out similar analysis for each watershed area. It is reconmmended that the information outlining the nutritional need of the soil he provided
l."\,RONrAFN, AL RE'-'usc FSMANA(AMrFNf WOSRLDIAN: / TACI 101NT ENYIRONENTO LPRCtRAM 49 to all farmers. At the beginning of the project a complete survey of the entire watershed area could be carried out, and the information made freely available to farmers.
In order to ensure that this information is utilized, when farmers apply for credit to purchase fertilizers they should receive more favorable loan conditions if they prove that this data have been used for their calculations of how much fertilizer they require. Once the data are no longer valid (after four years) farmers would be responsible for updating this analysis and would have to provide such proof in order to be granted further loans. In addition, it would be recommendable that loans are not granted unless farmers can also demonstrate adequate storage facilities for the fertilizer concerned.
In addition, it is recommended that training courses in the proper management of chemicals are provided. Once again, it is recommended that in order to get credit for fertilizers, farmers must demonstrate that they have attended such a course, which it is suggested should be held on a yearly basis. A suggested outline for such a course would include:
* soil productivity - practical methods to determine soil productivity; * different methods to improve productivity - advantages and disadvantages of traditional and alternative methods including; physical methods, chemical fertilizers, manure, bio-humus and domestic wastes; * chemical fertilizer - calculation of dose and analysis of application methods; determination of nutritive sufficiency and need for fertilization during vegetation (grow) period; and determination and limits of nitrate content in agricultural products. * manure - methods to maximize efficacy including assessment of manure readiness; and * negative environmental and health risks offertilizers
Mlontonuig Surface water and groundwater quality should be sampled as outlined in Section 6.5.7.
Training It is recommended that the local PIU have the capacity to undertake the required training courses, or extension services already available could also be utilized to avoid the need for training of trainers to undertake this activity.
6.5.4 Environmental management of irrigation
I 5Me,J1mpac I Analysis Environmental impacts of irrigation
Alitigahon /iBesl Practice The training should emphasis the link the environmental issues and the impact upon agricultural yield sustainability, at a minimum the following topics should be included:
* Use minimization through precise application (the project incorporates irrigationbest management practices) * Waterlogging and salinization; * Erosion; * Eutrophication(soil and water); and * Water pollution.
In the case that the scheme does move to the construction of primary or secondary schemes, or increases the amount of water released from any rivers, it would also be recommended that environmental flows be calculated. In the case where these levels are contravened it would be recommended that the increased irrigation is not included as part of the project.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 50 Althcugh the credit is to be 5upplied by IFAD), for the sake ol projectcontintity it is advise d that all trainig courses be lead by the Marz level Pls sith techrical assistance fronrt IFAD, where appropriate.
Calculation ot rnviTrnmental flows, in the fort's outlined above, is not A5requirervent of Armcnman law Therefore it is recommended thatcalculatiorin of enrJfonmenitV1 flow be unidertken by th, :cntralt pTjJ before the inclusion of any irrigation development which may sigrificantly reduce river flovss below the rniniroal flowss which support environmentaf functions.
he Marz level PiU should undertake'spot checksc(i newly irrigated land at least twice during the irrit;aiin season. The objective sthuld be to identify plaaceswhere ovec-wvakrting or wasteful managesmetit of water is ccurring. Where this occurs, farniers shoruld ind-ividuialv be advisied of the lically observable negative impactsk Where the probletim results trot's poor inteastru,tere aintenlasrwe the project should movc, to carry out the Comvtrirclion wssirks necessary as part of the workfiae pyogram.
in order to avoid th e need fur further tr.rinrig it is reconuriended that the hIatt levsl MI iculude an individual with expeienrce in agricultural water management as part of the trAna, or as an extiersa contracted tlwa lixed term to undettase the acbvities required.
6.5.5 Wfater retSfrcts mttatrgemrent ptan
Issur/lmpvcf Neg,tive insparts upon walter esourcesv such as increased pilution and sedinsent
Waster sesoorresemanatgement plans for ach wateshed are identified pto1ect actiitixes. hinweserit is worth metlitnniog hefe omenbeat practi Žs and mitigation measure whihe ould tle inclded in s'uch plansr litiii?zjg the data coilected for the watershed managensent plans cricci tring the qeantih ot wearerrcsources availabe, . water balaice' shoauld bh caiceutated ifr each rsic-o catchoreot. In aldditiorn a water quality sutrvey should be earned out to provide a baseline for subsequent monitoroig.
The impacts upon thhiswater balance of plans forifuture increased ise onwater for iorigation, domestic water supply, industrial water suply arnd stock nuutibeis ,nould he assessed using this water balance. Nhis activity should provide the basis for subsequent decisions taken by the
It iS suggested that this information be cCompiled into an annual resiew of the status ot the water t resources within the nmiro-catchinent. This would then be diisiriboted o all hous,hiolds in the cachlrment to itcrrtase awareness of the crmslartiv impact of their actions upon their eater
hoe mceiatbetsof eavh village should be assisted technically by the Pill to develop the seater budget for theit catchnient. Tli,s ould be conhbitred with the gracing plan aned the as'essment uf areasat risk of erosion hi proside an analysis of poitits of umtec-coonectin between the eneirimnental pr,oblcms i:tn-tifid bi the villag,er duringthe participatory planningtsorkshops.
Water quattly samples should be taken at the noairl mutflow of each ti-catchtnenn, and at an'v other key points of l,aer qudlity or quatity transtformnation iparticularIY where drinking water supplies uligifi'ste,. At a ibnimuill analysis if pff, DO,.tIOD Coiifrtmms/Fcoli, Aumonia, Tota ))) Nitrates and Pesticides. While some water quality analysis requires laboratory equipment basic analysis could be done by villagers as part of the work fare program.
Where the flow is not measured at the point of exit from the micro-catchment this should be implemented by the project. It is recommended that flow be measured each month, using basic flow measuring techniques which could be undertaken by the same villagers as those responsible for water quality monitoring.
Members of villages should be selected, based on both academic and practical experience, as part of the workfare program, to carry out these activities and produce the annual bulletin. and report the monitoring activities to the other inhabitants of the watershed and the local PIU.
Altmitontig The Marz level PIU would need to monitor the activities of the villagers involved in this activity, who would probably need significant support during the first year.
Where the results of water quality monitoring indicate that drinking water exceeds national standards the PIU should notify the Ministry of Nature Protection, who will then stop the supply.
6.5.6 Enhancement of Community Forest Management Plan
Isiue/7rnpacr
Ownership, access, utilization and income generation resulting from community forest management plans.
Miti gation
The first stage of the Community Forest Management component is to transfer the former Kolchoz and Sovchoz forest land to villages and prepare participatory community forest and pasture management plans. It was felt appropriate to draw attention to some key issues and mitigation measures that may be enhanced.
With the supportive legislation, communities can be involved in forest management activities such as small scale logging, collection of fuel wood, planting of fruit trees, collection of non-wood forest products. With a revised market structure and monitoring and evaluation, training etc, in sustainable forest management techniques, incomes from forest resources can be greatly enhanced. The real value of the forest resource can be realized to the communities who live and use the forest, and can then be used as capital for other development activities in the community. By empowering the local communities and providing a degree of ownership of the resource to the communities, there is a greater incentive for the local population to assist with the control of illegal logging and use of the forest resource for grazing.
Community forestry activities are beginning to be developed. For example, the EA team were shown a site where community forest and agro-forestry activities were introduced in Spring 2001 and were continuing with enthusiasm. The community members were undertaking planting of fruit trees and other trees. However, the land for these activities was assigned to the communities by the Forest Enterprise (as it falls within the forest enterprise land) by a verbal agreement. The comnmunities have no legal agreement that would enable them to have long-term guaranteed access to the land. The one request by the community members was for a legal agreement.
The following actions are recommended: * ensure the legislation for land tenure, forest resource use and sale etc is developed and adopted prior to the initiation of community forest and agro-forest activities * develop of local markets for wood and non-wood products
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 52 * transportation to markets is developed * transparent and gender equality involvement/employment * adequate training in agro-forestry and forestry provided * full participation of communities in the decision making processes and planning made by key forest stakeholders and institutions, such as Hyantar, Forest Enterprises, Forest Reserve staff etc. * ensure close co-ordination across project components, especially for grazing activities.
Monitoring of the forest activities should be undertaken at least annually. Communities should be required to provide annual managenment plans, as with the forest enterprise operations - sirnilar monitoring should be undertaken.
In addition, the PIU should monitor the relationship of the forest enterprises, Hyantar and MoNP with the communities.
TraIIlIlJ4
Training in sustainable forest management practices, adapted to the meet the needs of the community forestry plan should be provided prior to the implementation of the community management plans.
6.5.7 Sustainable agroforestryharvesting
Issue/Impact Analysis Sustainable provision of wood and tree products
Best Pra.:tr.x .AA i gh hI, For all trees planted sustainable harvesting rates should be calculated and observed: For trees planted to protect agricultural land and to stabilize areas at risk of landslides, limits should be expressed as trees per meter.
'znLtilri.,.'n. . is . rt''i ,lit Where trees are planted on private land the responsibility should lie with the individual farmer or groups of farmers concerned. Where trees are planted on state or community land the responsibility for the management of trees planted should be clearly defined: it is recommended that the responsibility for managing these trees form part of the workfare program.
It is recornmended that monitoring of the number of trees and cubic metro produced/harvested should take place twice per year: at the beginning and the end of the winter season. The responsibility for this should fall with the watershed management board; however, until the existence of this institution it is recommended that monitoring be the responsibility of the local PIU.
Where it is found that the harvesting limits, or any other required sustainable management practices, are not being observed, it is recommended that initially a period of grace should be given for those persons to respond to the corrective action identified as appropriate, if at the end of this time period corrective action has not occurred one of the following courses of action should be followed:
* -where trees have been purchased by individualfanrers usinig credit: the terms of the environmental credit should be returned to standard credit terms and conditions.
ENVIRONM1ENTAL RESTLRcEs MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PR(CKRAMA 53 * where trees have been given to individualfarmers in theform of a grant: that farmer should not be supplied with any further trees under the project, until such time as the project recognizes that appropriate corrective action has taken place.
* where trees have been given to communities in theform of a grant: the community should be subject to a penalty, this could either be monetary, or it could be suspension of other beneficial actions implemented as part of this project. In the case where responsibility for the management was assigned as part of the workfare program this person should be given a period of warning before being relieved of their responsibilities.
Monitoring of non-wood forest products should also be included in this plan.
Trra:iniig When trees are provided, whether free of charge or in the form of credit, the basis for the harvesting limits should be explained to those who will be responsible for the management of those trees. This explanation should be provided at the point of delivery of the trees:
* Trees provided to individualfarmers: in order for farmers to either receive trees paid for by a grant or to receive credit to buy trees they should be required to take part in a short training course (2 hours) outlining the sustainable management practices required to ensure environmental objectives are met.
* Trees provided to the village or watershed: the person or persons assigned to this task should take part in the same course as that given to the farmers.
It is suggested that courses be provided once a year prior to the planting season.
6.5.8 Expansion of workfare program
lscue ,'lmpact Increase direct income generation.
Besl Practhce/Mlngahbon The high level of professional capability identified in all the villages by the rapid rural appraisals, indicates that persons with the capacity necessary to undertake these tasks exist in each of the watersheds.
tnvshutisonal Rn-ponsibilitv It is recommended that these posts be created and advertised within each watershed. Applicants should be short-listed and interviewed, following standard procedures by the central PIU. Once the watershed management board exists these people should be included in its staff.
Monfalonnig All persons employed should be reviewed by the PIU initially after 3 months, then after 6 months and then on an annual basis. Where it is found that the work is either not being carried out or is not of a sufficient standard, then the persons involved should be subject to disciplinary proceedings ultimately leading to the withdrawal of their contract. This appraisal process should be the responsibility of the head of the watershed management board once that institution exists.
Training Once the best candidates have been identified, an assessment of their individual training need should be made by the PIU.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURcES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 54 6.6 IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENT
As outlined in Section 6.4, the objective of this environmental assessment is not to re-identify or analyze the positive environmental and social impacts of the project, which form the project's overall objectives, but to identify issues within the main project activities which may lead to negative environmental or social impacts, or instances where identified positive impacts could be enhanced.
It is, however, felt that within the contexts of this project it is important to additionally identify and mitigate a set of process based risks which, in the opinion of the ERM team, have the potential to seriously jeopardize the component's overall effectiveness.
These are outlined individually below, with proposed mitigation measures. To ease the reader's appraisal of these recommendations, they have been provided in the same format as the stand-alone management plans in Section 6.5.
6.6.1 Demonstration activities are not replicated quickly enough to mitigate the impact of the increase of animals purchased arisingfrom improved access to credit
I1 ,,C liuii c All demonstration activities have a time lag between implementation and benefit realization; therefore, it is necessary to examine strategies to demonstrate benefits in the shortest time possible. In addition, the benefits of the demonstration plots themselves should be targeted upon those most in need to maximize the poverty reduction potential.
S.- t Pa,L. t litI r 'iOciii Prior to the implementation of any new demonstration activities, a survey of activities already implemented in the watershed should be carried out. Where instances of the activity to be demonstrated already exists, these should be utilized as the demonstration plot.
Use of other demonstration activities, both in terms of agricultural techniques and collective organization, already implemented within Armenia should also be investigated. Where these have been successfully established, arrangements should be made for inhabitants of the watersheds to visit them. For example, the "Sermnabuyts" collective farm, Vardablur, Lory Marz.
Where new demonstration plots are implemented, the labor for these should be selected from the poorest villagers, especially those without land or those who have been unable to maintain their own land in production.
In cases where activities to be demonstrated are identical to those carried out on Soviet Kolkhos and Sovkhos, the focus should be on demonstrating the benefits of collective action as opposed to simply the techniques involved.
The Marz level PIU should carry out a survey focusing on the identification of examples of agricultural best practice for each watershed prior to project implementation. In all new projects, this should be a principal objective of the rapid rural appraisals.
ENV'IRONMENTALRESOL'RCES MANAGEM1ENT WORLD BANK / TAoISJOINT ENVIRONMENTALPR(X;RAM 55 The central PIU should identify examples of best practice within Armenia, and develop relations to allow key members of villages, or those responsible for the implementation of demonstration activities to visit.
Where demonstration plots are implemented the local PIU should identify those members of the community who do not have lands or whose lands are not productive to take part in the demonstration activity.
6.6.2 Farmers are not able to access credit in order tofinance the inputs necessary to improve their livelihoods, and therefore no cash surplus is createdfor replication of demonstration projects
Issue linpact The key issue for all of the communities concerned is access to credit. From the participatory workshops that have taken place to date the communities all believe that credit will be provided as part of this project. Without an increased access to credit, farmers, firstly, will not be able to fund any replication of demonstration projects, and, secondly, in the pilot projects are likely to lose faith in the project as a result of such a major failure to meet expectations.
During the field visits for this project, the ERM team identified several key barriers to currently existing credit sources in Armenia. If the project is not to provide credit, these are some of the barriers which will have to be bridged in order to improve farmer's access to credit.
Best Practice/lltigation
a financial management understanding -farmers do not understand the credit system, while they do want credit, many do not understand how to budget future cash flows. Capacity building dealing holistically with personal financial management would be beneficial.
* project preparation - in the case of large scale projects or initiatives, the farmers do not understand the various sorts of assistance e.g. the difference between commercial banks and donor agencies, and how to prepare their ideas in order to apply to those organizations involved. Capacity building in project preparation is thus required, especially for the more senior members of the villages who would be in the position to access small-scale donor funds.
loan collateral - in many instances credit organizations do go to the villages, or the villages have information regarding the requirements to access the credit. However, villagers either cannot afford the collateral or do not feel confident enough to manage their future finances to put up collateral. Therefore, it will often be necessary for the farmers to organize themselves into co- operatives to jointly put up the collateral necessary. Unfortunately, in many cases the structure of these organizations currently demanded by the co-operative banks is considered to be unworkable by the farmers. There has been some work in Armenia evaluating collective projects that have tried and failed (1), and it is suggested that a closer inspection of these could provide assistance. In addition, it is suggested that the demonstration projects actually focus on piloting schemes of organization with added assistance and security provided by the project as incentive for initial involvement.
hWituhtl,71,71 ReNp.n7sibilrty The PIU should investigate these barriers within the context of project preparation, and prior to any further contact with the communities involved. This includes the disclosure of this environmental assessment.
(1) For example, by Dr Naruba Kurkchiyan, Center for Socio-Legal Studies, University of Oxford.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 56 6.6.3 Fannersdo not choose to access credit to support environmentally sustainable practices, instead opting to use the increasedaccess to support accelerated investment in environmentally endangeringactivities.
In the case farmers do gain access to credit, there is a further risk that not only do they not replicate the sustainable practices included in the demonstration projects, but they also choose to invest in fertilizers, pesticides, stock and agri-processing, without any regard for the environmental implications of their activities.
In some ways the provision of credit as part of this project provided a final control, whereby, replication of activities, or meeting certain environmental requirements would have allowed farmers to access credit with more beneficial terms and conditions. Without this final safeguard, it is even more imperative to examine mechanisms to ensure that the increased credit is used in an environmentally sustainable manner.
St I PrAt,a t. AIn l As is outlined in the environmental management plan in Table 6.1, several instances where it would be effective to have a some control over the credit sources have been identified. It is therefore recommended that in removing the barriers to credit access, the project analyses ways that project finances could be used to provide farmers with financial incentives to carry out the actions developed in the environmental management plan. For example, would it be possible to pay for an environmental officer to be included in the main banks offering credit, or to part finance loan funds with lower interest rates, providing certain environmental criteria have been met?
1?;Itl1titroetal Fe±- lI,I ,bl;rtv The PIU should investigate mechanisms to provide farmers with financial incentives to implement environmentally sustainable practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESE*MRCESMANAGENIENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINTENVIRONMIENTALPROCRAM 57 7 STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT COMPONENT
7.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter comprises the EA of the State Forest Management component of the NRMPR project in Armenia. The chapter is organized as follows:
* Section 7.2 Background; * Section 7.3 Component description; * Section 7.4 Site Identification and Implementation Process; * Section 7.5 Identification of Environmental and Social Impacts; * Section 7.6 Environmental Management Plan (for component); and * Section 7.7 Implementation Risk Assessment (for component).
7.2 BACKGROUND
One of the key objectives of the project is to realize the potential value of the forest resources, so as to provide much needed revenue to the Govemment of Armenia (MoNP) and to the communities within the identified watersheds. In addition, this project address one of the priority investment activities identified in the NEAP (1999) - to invest in forestry and biodiversity management programs and the construction of forest roads.
As discussed in the introductory sections, the forests of Armenia are being rapidly degraded, primarily from legal and illegal forest activities and extensive grazing in community lands. The State Forest Management Component (FMC) is designed to address these issues, however, the EA has highlighted two primary potential key negative impacts of the FMC. These are:
* increased access to the forest (new and improved access); and * construction and maintenance of forest roads.
While the FMC incorporates mitigation measures for both of these potential impacts, it is suggested that certain mitigation measures be further enhanced. The two most important mitigation measures proposed in this EA are:
* development of a Best Practice Manual for Forest Road Construction and Maintenance, and * provision for independent review (with possible certification, using internationally defined criteria and indicators) by national or international certifying bodies, such as the Forest Stewardship Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TAcis JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 58 The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) in Table 7.1 and complementary management plans discuss in detail these and other recommended mitigation measures.
The FMC is linked with the other two project components (i.e., Community Natural Resource Management, and Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation), and where possible areas of overlap are addressed within the project design and in the discussion of institutional framework and project implementation in Section 2.
7.3 COMfPONENTDESCRIPTION
The FMC component of the project aims to deliver social, economic, environmental and global biodiversity benefits through sustainably managing the pressures that threaten forest resources in Armenia . The component aims to address these issues by building local capacity, rehabilitating degraded forests, applying sustainable forest management and biodiversity practices.
The project activities to be undertaken within the component have been designed to meet the two specified outputs in the Aide Memoire (October/November 2001):
* sustainable forest management (SFM) practiced in selected pilot areas on State forest land; * establishment of legal, institutional, policy and human capacities for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction in Hyantar, FREC, Ministry of Nature Protection (MONP) and village councils.
The activities used in this EA have been taken from the Second Draft Final Report for the FMC (Logical Framework), August 2001, along with the Aide Memoire. The set of activities under the fourth component, "Forest Biodiversity Conservation im7proved and Protected7 Areas efficiently mtianaged" is removed from the 3rd draft of the FMC report and from the Armenia Natural Resources Management Brief (September 2001). Therefore, the EA has not included activities listed under this Output in the second draft of the FMC. The activities and issues are now dealt with by the Protected Areas Component. However, biodiversity remains fully incorporated across all forestry activities.
Furthermore, the activities have been modified in response to the version of the Aide Memoire dated October/November 2001. In this version of the Aide Memoire the community forestry activities relating to the rehabilitation of over- grazed and /or over-logged stands in the vicinity of villages (former Kolchoz and Sovchoz lands) have been incorporated into the Community Based Natural Resources Management Component (Sectiont 6). Thus all activities originally in
ENVIRONMFN IAL REXOURCESMA',AGENIENf WORLDBANK/ TACI',JOINT ENVIRONMENTALPRVCVRAM 59 this component relating to community forestry are now incorporated into Section 6.
The set of activities particular to each output are listed in Box 7.1.
Box 7.1 Forest Management Activities
Sub-Components X- Susutinable fard unag-ien practiced In oeectd pilot as on statieieut land 1.1 Preparation of state forest management plans 1.2 Reforestation of over-logged, scarcely stocked stands and afforestation of blanks 1.3 Pre-commercial thinnings and thinning of pole stands in naturally regenerated stands 1.4 Regeneration of over-mature, partially disintegrated stands through group selection fellings and application of low impact harvesting methods for the purpose of SFM demonstration 1.5 Rehabilitation of degraded and construction of new, forest roads, for implementation of forest management plans 1.6 Independent certification and auditing of the Zikatar experimental and demonstration forest 1.7 Application of innovative methods of biodiversity conservation in forest management activities, on State, community, private and reserved forest land 1.8 Restore and strengthen operational capacities of the forest service (Hyantar), Ministry of Nature Protection and villages involved in project operations 2 upwtliqMpaMa
Mfl2- of h 2.1 Reform and adapt legal framework for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and communal involvement 2.2 Develop a national forest policy, strategy and program 2.3 Restructure the forest administration, including separation of, administrative and commercial functions 2.4 Introduce innovative marketing and pricing methods 2.5 Launch program against illegal logging and corruption including strengthening of inspection services 2.6 Develop and implement training program for key forest stakeholders including participatory management of planning methods 2.7 Develop Zikatar center for demonstration and dissemination of environmental education for foresters and students
Note: FREC standsfor Forest Research and Experimental Center
While the activities within each of the four output categories vary, their primary objectives in terms of positive environmental and social impacts are similar. These objectives are summarized in Box 7.2.
Box 7.2 Summary of intended positive environmentaland social impacts
I-;Sutahble for,t mana4ennt practiced in selected pilot areas an state forest land
ENVIRoNMENi'ALRESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 60 * Avoid cumulative environmental impacts of forest production and rehabilitation activities (e.g. soil erosion, sedimentation of watercourses, biodiversity loss). * Enhance biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management in forest and grazing lands. * Employment opportunities in road construction, workforce program s, rehabilitation activities etc. * Alleviate the rapid degradation of forest resources. * Reduction in environmental impacts of existing road construction practices. * Carbon sequestration. Increase contribution of forests to the state budget. Reduction in illegal activities related to forests. * Recreational and amenity value of land increased. 2 Legal, institutional, policy and human capacities for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction established in Hyantar, FRtC, Mtinist of Nature Protection and village councils Legal and institutional framework for sustainable forest management established. Institutional capacity strengthened in key institutions. Establishment of effective monitoring systems for forest management and planning. Legislation reformed to enable community and private sector ownership and management of forest resources. * Alleviation of corruptive practices. Forest products markets and prices reformed. * Forest extension services for non-state forest owners and conmmunity members created.
Many of the project activities assist in the alleviation of poverty through providing employment opportunities. The Community Based Natural Resource Management Component refers to a workfare program where the project related employment opportunities will be used to provide the much needed cash resources to community members for use in investments in community infrastructure, nature protection and conservation. Forestry related employment opportunities are further discussed in Section 7.6.4.
7.4 SITE IDENTIFICATION AND IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
7.4.1 Site Identification
Forest sites for FMC activities have already been identified. The sites are located either within, or adjacent to, watersheds for community forest activities, or in suitable forest areas on State land for the sustainable forest management activities. The site selection process should take into consideration the issues of ensuring sufficient (%) areas of forest land set aside for the conservation of biodiversity and address the tension of old-growth forests versus regeneration of decaying beech forests. In summary the sites chosen are, * four sites currently on community and private lands (between 70 and 110 hectares in size) in both Marzas, with current problems of erosion and unsustainable land use, are identified for the implementation of activities to arrest soil erosion and improve the hydrological regime; * four sites currently under Hyantar Ownership that were former Kolkhoz and Sovkhoz lands, ranging in size from 200 to 500 hectares, are identified for the
ENVIRONMENTALRESOURCE5 MANAGEMIENT WORLD BANK/ TACISIJONT ENVIRONNIENTALPROCRAM 61 enlargement of the community capacity to promote environmentally friendly natural resource community management, to assist in the arresting of unsustainable land uses, illegal logging and intensive grazing; * five sites on Hyantar and MoNP lands (between 500 and 3000 hectares), currently used by the Forest Enterprises but with problems of illegal cuttings, lack of pre-commercial thinnings and poor regeneration of dominant wood species )oak, beech) are identified for the promotion of SFM practices and forest rehabilitation; and * six sites within Protected Areas varying from 5 to 500 hectares, with key problems of erosion, rare species under threat, illegal cuttings and poor natural regeneration of key species (e.g. yew and pine), are identified for activities to improve the forest biodiversity via the Community Biodiversity Stewardship Plan.
7.4.2 Implementation of FMC activities
The FMC will be implemented over the five years of the NRMPRP. However, the timing of the individual activities is critical to the successful implementation of the project, with, for example, the need to develop and adopt a forest code that supports the application and enforcement of SFM practices, prior to any SFM activities being initiated. With these issues in mind, the following timing for activities is planned.
* Years 1 - 2: development and adoption of all necessary legislation and enabling frameworks, the development of markets and pricing mechanisms and the provision of training to key stakeholders and implementing bodies. * Years 2-5: begin implementation of forest based activities.
7.4.3 Main executing bodies
For the management of the forestry component, a Forestry Management Component Implementation Support Team (FMCIST) is suggested within the PIU. This team of forest professionals will co-ordinate the project activities with executing agencies Hyantar, FREC and the MONP, MONP's Department for Protected Areas as well as with their sub-units and the communities, existing village structures, NGOs and the proposed forest user associations. The FMCIST will also be the technical coordinator for possible donor activities supporting the Bank's FMC.
In summary, the following actors are involved in implementing the activities under the FMC: * the PIU - the PIU will set up two Marz level PIUs to deal with the implementation of the project; these will either be newly formed entities or contracted local NGOs;
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 62 * CJSC Hyantar/includingState Forest Enterpriseswill be responsible for the implementation of sustainable forest management plans, monitoring and evaluation; * FREC, Forest Researc)h and Experimental Center including Zikatar Experimental Eniterprise will provide demonstration plots, research, forest management plans, training etc.; * MoNP, Departmient of Protected Areas, including Lake Sevan National Park, Dilijan State Reserve and the Reservations; * private enterprises will be involved in the implementation of sustainable forest management and rehabilitation activities, utilization of forest areas; * local user groups, single persons, entire villages will be able to obtain long term lease agreements, and paid labor, enabling the traditional use of the forest and the introduction of small-scale forest operations. This will require the professional support of the above mentioned agencies; * NGOs - actors in the proposed field activities, but also for monitoring of specific project activities
If the proposed institutional state reform to allocate wood sales from state forests to the State Procurement Agency is implemented, then this agency will be included into the FMC of the project.
7.4.4 Project Monitoring and Review
The FMC has identified key performance indicators, such as, job creation, increased contribution of forests to the State budget, and a defined area under sustainable forest management plans, as specified in the logical framework, for monitoring during the project lifecycle. The project design also contains an additional set of indicators against which to measure technical, ecological, legal and economic progress. In addition, mid-term and final reviews will be carried out.
The FMC has begun to identify groups of stakeholders who will assist in the monitoring. For example, local NGOs will assist with monitoring social and environmental impacts of the FMC and MoNP will monitor Hyantar activities. The monitoring responsibilities are further addressed in the EMP.
7.5 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
By the very nature of the design of the FMC, to assist in the arrest of forest degradation and alleviation of rural poverty, potential negative environmental and social impacts are limited. Where activities in the FMC will result in environmental and social negative impacts, mitigation measures are suggested.
7.5.1 Primary PotentialNegative Impacts
The objective of this environmental assessment therefore, is not to re-identify or analyze the environmental and social impacts already identified (above and in the
ENVIRONMAENTALREsOLRCES MANACEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACII.JOINTENVIRONNMENTALPRLXTRAM 63 FMC document), but to highlight the main project activities which may lead to negative environmental and social impacts, or to instances where positive impacts could be enhanced.
This section follows the same format as the Watershed Component in Chapter 6. Again, the section is divided into several sub-sections: firstly, an outline of the potential negative impacts is given (these in turn have been divided into two categories: primary and secondary); and secondly, those positive impacts, for which enhancement measures will subsequently be recommended, are outlined.
Impacts are classified as being primary for one of the following reasons:
* individually of primary concern- these are impacts which are of concern as potential one-off significance; and * cumulatively of primary concern - these are impacts which present concern in terms of the cumulative impact of many actions.
For the FMC the impacts of individual primary concern are related to road construction and maintenance. The other impacts outlined below fall into the later category.
Below, in addition to an overview of the 3 key impacts identified, a table is included for each impact, covering the following information:
* contributing sub-components - these are the sub-component activities (as outlined in Box 7.1: Forest Management Activities) which, to some extent, contribute to the impact identified, * mitigating sub- components- the project has been designed in such a way that some sub-components already aim to mitigate the impact identified (1), these sub-components are also identified.
Impact 1: Env'ironmental inmpacts of road con,lructiion,reltabilitation and maintenance
Potential key environmental impacts of forest road construction and operation include: erosion and sedimentation, water quality impacts, noise, dust and air pollution, soil compaction, potential risk of fuel spills, disruption to local residents and of agricultural activities. As a result of new road construction and rehabilitation of existing roads, there is a risk of secondary impacts from the advancement of illegal logging activities and development of settlements (e.g. for upper pastures). The impact of illegal logging is discussed in Impact 3.
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components
(1) These impacts have been included in this assessment because the ERM team believes that further measures, over and above the mitigating sub-components, are necessary to further ensure that the potential negative impacts do not occur.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 64 1.5 Rehabilitation of degraded and 1.1 Preparation of sustainable forest construction of new forest road for management plans implementation of forest management plans 2.1 Reform and adapt legal framework for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and communal involvement 2.3 Restructure forest administration, including separation of administrative and commercial functions 2.5 Launch program against illegal logging and corruption including strengthening of inspection services 2.6 Develop and implement training program for key forest stakeholders including participatory management and planning methods 2.7 Develop Zikatar center for demonstration and dissemination of environmental education for foresters and students
The FMC project activities include, the preparation of sustainable management plans and reform and modifications to the legal framework, restructuring of key forest administrations, anti-corruption programs and the implementation of training programs, which are all designed to ensure the minimization of any negative environmental impacts that may arise from road rehabilitation and construction within forest areas. However the ERM EA team feel that these mitigation measures can be strengthened through the development of a Best Practice Manual (BPM) for forest road construction, as outlined in Section 7.6.1.
Itnpact 2: EnZi;'i0,1t t,enIzIill1i,Uptt offelling L?CtiZ'itit'; (0t1Iilil S. 'n[Miinln ClIttil,z' etc)
Potential key impacts of felling activities include: damage of neighboring trees and plants due to poor directional felling; felling of hollow trees; felling trees below the required dbh (l) as stated in the sustainable forest management plan; and over-extraction per hectare (i.e. extraction rate greater than Annual Allowable Cut (AAC)).
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components 1.3 Pre-commercial thinnings and 1.1 Preparation of sustainable forest thinning of pole stands in management plans naturally regenerated stands 1.4 Regeneration of over-mature, 2.1 Reform and adapt legal framework for partially disintegrating stands sustainable forest management, through group selection fellings biodiversity conservation and communal and in applying low impact involvement. harvesting methods for the purpose of demonstrating SFM
(1) dbh stands for diameter at breast height and is the method used to measure the size of a tree and to set minimum cutting sizes for SFM
ENVIRONNIENTAL REsOL RCESMANAGEMENr WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRO N MENTAL PROGRAM 65 2.3 Restructure forest administration, including separation of administrative and commercial functions 2.6 Develop and implement training program for key forest stakeholders including participatory management and planning methods 2.7 Develop Zikatar center for demonstration and dissemination of environmental education for foresters and students
The project aims to minimize these negative impacts through mitigation measures such as: development of sustainable management plans, restructuring of key forest institutions and the rehabilitation of the Zikatar training and demonstration center.
Impact 3: Environmental impacts of illegal forest activities
A key potential risk identified as a negative impact under road construction and rehabilitation activities would be the new or improved access to forest areas, potentially resulting in increased illegal logging activities. Additionally, the introduction of innovative marketing and pricing methods may also encourage illegal forest activities. The Project, however, intends to launch a program against illegal logging and corruption. This issue is further discussed in Section 7.7.1.
Contributing Sub-Components Mitigating Sub-Components 1.5 Rehabilitation of degraded and 2.5 Launch program against illegal logging construction of new forest roads and corruption including strengthening of for implementation of forest inspection services management plans 2.4 Introduce innovative marketing and pricing methods
7.5.2 Secondary Negative Impacts
In addition to the key potential negative impacts outlined above, several other secondary negative impacts have been identified. These are outlined in Box 7.3.
Box 7.3 Secondary negative impacts
Negative Impact 1 , ,Sitainableforest ne cdint suected pilet a Lstte forest land - -- 1 2 Reforestation of over-logged, scarcely stocked stands and afforestation of blanks" Reduction in total grazing lands, leading to increased pressure on remaining pastures 1.3 Pre-comrnercial thinnmngs and thinning of pole stands in naturally regenerated stbnds Over-extraction of timber in the upper timber-line area 1.4 Regenerabon of over-mature. partallv disintegrating stands through group select3on fellings and in applying low impact harvesting methods for the purpose of demonstrating SFM Loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitat
ENVIRONMENTALRESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 66 Negative Impact 2. Legal, institutional, policy and human capacities for sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation and poverty redaction established in Hyantar, FREC, Ministry of Nature Protection and village councils 2 4 Introduce inrno'ah%e niarketing and pricing niethcds 2 7 De. elop Zikatar center for dernon,trahon and disseminatin ol en' irorarnental educanotn [or tE'rec.tcrs and srudcnts Construction impacts (air, water, noise, solid and liquid waste)
7.5.3 Positive Impacts
As outlined in the component description, the main objectives of the project are to improve environmental and social conditions. However, there are two positive impacts that are highlighted here below, as there is significant scope to enhance these benefits.
hicorneQnet( tr.ationF
Many of the activities in the forest management component provide opportunities for employment of local village residents. For long term sustainability, it is recommended that, where possible, community members be given long-term employment through, for example, forest enterprises, instead of "cash for planting trees". Additionally, it is essential that the employment procedure is transparent and adequately addresses gender equality issues. As with the Watershed Component, it is also recommended that employment opportunities be expanded to include many of the activities required for environmental monitoring and management.
Increased revenue to Ilie Stiet
The removal of market restrictions, for example price setting by and sale of forest products, by Hyantar (and possibly the State Procurement Agency in the near future), will provide an opportunity for the State to generate increased revenues. The development of, for example, an effective taxation system to capture the stumpage value of timber will greatly enhance the income received by the State from forest production activities.
Additionally, the launching of a program to assist in the curtailment of illegal forest activities provides an opportunity for the State to collect more revenues from forest activity taxes that are currently being avoided.
7.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The environmental management plan (EMP) can be found in Table 7.1. For all impacts the management plan incorporates:
* institutional roles and responsibilities in relation to each of the mitigation and monitoring measures;
ENVIRONMENTALRESOURCES MANACGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PRCESRAM 67 * provisional cost estimates and timing in relation to the main rehabilitation schemes; and * any additional training which will be required to successfully undertake the measures described.
For the activities under each sub-component, both key and secondary negative impacts are listed, and, where appropriate, the positive impacts to be enhanced are also listed.
In order for the reader to be able to quickly identify the type of impacts referred to, the key negative impacts are indicated by an N, the secondary negative impacts by an n and positive impacts with enhancement measures by a P.
In the case of key environmental impacts and positive impacts, individual management plans have been worked out in detail for each issue. These are referenced in the body of the table and described in detail in the Notes section found at the end of the table. In the case of secondary environmental impacts, simple mitigation measures are described in the body of the table.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 68 #lTable 7.1 Forestry Comnponent Environmnental Management Plan
Impact Mitigation / Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Cost Responsibility I Sustainable foresl management (SFMI) practiced in selected pilot areas on state forest land 1.1 Preparation of sustainable forest management plans N/A 1.2 Reforestation of over-logged, scarcely stocked stands and afforestation of blanks Increased pressure on n Through collaboration with the Marz level PIU Water quality and N/A Design/ Low localized water resource WMC, apply the water resources Forest Enterprises quantity monitoring Ongoing as a result of tree water management plan, see Sectioni 6.5.7. WMBs demand Reduction in total n Selection of sites for rehabilitation Marz level PIU N/A N/A Design / None grazing lands, leading should be carried out in concordance ongoing to increased pressure on with the grazing management plan, remaining pastures see Sectiont 6.5.2. 1.3 Pre-commercial thinnings and thinning of pole stands in naturally regenerated stands Environmental impacts N lImplement SFM plan, see Activity 1.1 I lyantar, Forest Number of trees, Training in Design / Low of felling activities Enterprises wastage, felling SFM techniques Ongoing damage by FREC Over extraction of n Implement SFM plan, see Activity 1.1 Hyantar, Forest Location and number Training in Ongoing Low timber in upper timber Enterprises of felling activities, SFM techniques line area. thinnings etc by FREC, Marz level PIU 1.4 Regeneration of over-mature, partially disintegrating stands through group selection fellings and in applying low impact harvesting methods for the purpose of demonstrating SFM Environmental impacts N Implement SFM plan, see Activity 1.1 Ilyantar, Forest FREC monitoring, Training in Design / Low of felling activities Enterprises Marz level PIU, SFM Ongoing external auditor/ techniques. certifying bodies (national or international) Loss of biodiversity and n Implement SFM plan, see Activity Hyantar, Forest Biodiversity Training in Design / Low wildlife habitats 1.1. Enterprises inventory by FREC biodiversitv ongoing conservation and awareness.
FNV IK(\%%LN I AL RE9OUKCESNIA\AAEMEN I WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINI ENVIRONMENIAL P'ROCRAM 69 Impact Mitigation / Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Cost Responsibility Income generation: P Ensure transparent recruitment, with Hyantar, Forest Number of N/A Ongoing None employment gender equality, where possible Enterprises, Marz employees of ensure long-term jobs provided. level PIU Hyantar/ Forest Enterprise from community Unemployment statistics at community Increased revenue to P Remove market distortions see PIU Annual State revenue N/A Ongoing None State Activity 2.4 under Output 3. Ministry of from forest taxes. Implement innovative market and Nature Protection Export revenues. pricing schemes. Hyantar State Procurement Agency 1.5 Rehabilitation of degraded and construction of new forest roads for implementation of forest management plans Environmental and social impacts of road construction and rehabilitation,includes thefollowing specific impacts: Increased erosion N Implement Best Practice Manual for Forest Water and soil Forest Construction See Note resulting from poor Forest Road Construction, see Section Enterprises/ quality monitoring managers, road Duration below for siting and construction 7.5.1. 1-lyantar by WMBs, FREC, construction costs of of forest roads leading Undertake an EA prior to new road Marz level PIU planners and implementin to siltation of water construction. laborers to g BPM courses receive training Medium in application of the Best Practice Manual Increased soil N Implement Best Practice Manual for Forest Water and soil As above Construction Medium compaction, from Forest Road Construction Enterprises/ quality, run-off, re- Duration temporary road Hyantar growth of vegetation activities Disturbance to wildlife, N Implement Best Practice Manual for Forest Biodiversity As above Construction Medium due to construction Forest Road Construction, which Enterprises/ monitoring/ Duration / noise and dust, includes wild life corridors in road Ilyantar inventories by FREC, ongoing potential damage to areas and logging activities Marz level PIU wildlife habitat
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAAGFMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONMEN I AL PROGRAM 70 Impact Mitigation/ Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Cost Responsibility Increased pressure on N Develop and implement a hunting Forest Enterprises Biodiversity As above Ongoing Medium biodiversity resulting license and quota system. / Hyantar monitoring by FREC, from increased access Marz level PIU and tourism (e.g. hunting) Increased development N Ensure co-ordination between forest Forest Enterprises Monitoring of new N/A Ongoing Medium along access roads, e.g. activities and watershed with WMBs, Marz settlements and upper pasture management plans/activities for level PIU population by Marz temporary housing. upper pasture management level PIU
Pollution due to N Implement Best Practice Manual for Forest Water and soil Forest Construction Medium inadequate Forest Road Construction. Enterprises/ quality monitoring managers, road Duration management and Hyantar construction disposal of solid and planners and liquid wastes from road laborers to construction receive training in application of the Best Practice Manual Alteration of N Implement Best Practice Manual for Forest Enterprises Water course Training in Best Construction Medium drainage/natural Forest Road Construction. / Hyantar alterations monitored Practice Duration / hydrological regime Watershed Component activities?? by WMBs Manual ongoing Water training?? Slope instability and N Implement Best Practice Manual for Forest Enterprises Visual evidence, Training in Best Construction Medium landslides Forest Road Construction, e.g., / I lyantar erosion, Practice Duration / regulation for construction on steep sedimentation Manual Ongoing slopes. Increased noise, N Assessment of cumulative impacts of Forest Noise pollution, Driving skills Construction Medium disturbance and roads on surrounding areas, Enterprises, number of accidents training Duration / accidents from forestry especially populated sites. Hyantar Ongoing traffic on village Consultation with local communities roads/public roads for siting of roads.
EN VISO\\1E\ IAL RESOURCEESNtA NAGENIE\I WORLD BANK / TACSJ0lIN i EN\ IRPNM UN AL PROGRANI 71 Impact Mitigation / Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Cost Responsibility Visual impacts N Good site management. Forest N/A N/A Ongoing Medium Implement Best Practice Manual, e.g. Enterprise/ not to build roads less than X meters Hayantar from main road, buffer zones around water courses and lakes etc Increased risk of illegal N Enforce anti-illegal logging activities, Marz level PIU Continual monitoring N/A Ongoing Medium harvesting of wood and empowerment of local forest staff IIyantar by spot checks, non-wood forest etc, see activities under Section 7.7.1. enforcement of fines, products from increased revenue collected access. from fines Income generation: P Employment of local population Forest Enterprise Number employed, Specific Ongoing Low employment should be maximized, where / Hlyantar community training possible providing long-term jobs Marx level PIU unemployment provided to with training. statistics employees 1.6 Independent certification and auditing of the Zikatar experimental and demonstration forest N/A 1.7 Innovative methods of biodiversity conservation applied in forest management on state, community, private and reserved forest land N/A 1.8 Restore and strengthen operational capacities of forest service (Hyantar), Ministry of Nature Protection and villages involved in project operations N/A 2. toies jr susu.i bLe fare* i , eablsedln'hy d n ff y n 3r b E F, i iE, A ' -: 1 Retorm and adapt legal trnior k for sumta inble tore t manigement, brodiversit) con.er ation and conmmunal inol emennt N/A 2.2 Develop national forest policy, strategy and program N/A 2.3 Restructure forest administration, including separation of administrative and commercial functions N/A 2.4 Introduce innovative marketing and pricing methods Freeing-up the market n Ensure enforcement procedures in Hyantar, Marz Quantity of wood N/A Design / Low may result in an place, legislation for private and level PIU products gathered ongoing increase in felling communal ownership from the forest. activities in the short term.
ENVIRON MN I ALRESOURC S MANAGEMENF WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINI ENVIRONMEN I AL PROGRAM 72 Impact Mitigation/ Best Practice Institutional Monitoring Training Timing Cost Responsibility Income generation: P Implement innovative market and PIU, Ministry of Annual State revenue N/A Design / None revenue to pricing schemes, enhancement Nature from forest taxes. Ongoing communities, private measures outlined below. Protection, Export revenues. sector and to State Hyantar, 2.5 Launch program against illegal logging and corruption including strengthening of inspection services Increase revenue to the P Empowerment of I lyantar, State PIU Annual State revenue N/A Design / Low State budget Reserve staff and local communities. I lyantar from forest taxes and Ongoing Link with the anti-corruption project. activities. 2.6 Develop and implement training program for key forest stakeholders including participatory management and planning methods N/A 2.7 Develop Zikatar center for demonstration and dissemination of environmental education for foresters and students Construction impacts n See Construction Management Plan, FREC, Marz level Soil, air and water Training in best Construction Medium (air, water, noise, solid in Watershed Component, Section PIU quality practice for Duration and liquid waste) 6.5.1. construction. Income generation: P Ensure transparent recruitment, with FREC, Marz level Number employed, N/A Design / None employment gender equality, where possible PIU community Ongoing ensure long-term jobs provided. unemployment statistics
Note: the cost of implementation of the Best Practice for Forest Road Construction, may have higher short-term costs compared with current practices, but in the long term will reduce costs through efficient planning, lower maintenance costs etc.
Glossary:
Hayantar is the state-owned Closed Joint Stock Comiipany (ARMFOREST) currently responsiblefor the core part of tieforestfilnd land in Armenia. Kolkhoz is the nn7ame given to co-operativefarnms operatingon conmmunity owned land during the Soviet era. Marz is thie term usedfor a region of Arnmenia. Project is focusing on7Tavoush and Gegharkuniik Sovklioz is the name given to statefarrms during the Soviet era. Thley were even operating on non-state owned lands.
ENVIRRONMEN [AL RESOURCES MANACEMEN I WVORLDBANK / lACIS JOI\ I EN%'IRONME\ I AL PROCRAM 73 7.6.1 Best PracticeManualfor Forest Road Construction, Rehabilitationand Maintenance
issue/' nIpact Analksis Environmental impacts of forest road construction and maintenance.
Best Practice, Mitigation The FMC project description outlines mitigation measures, such as the undertaking of an EA prior to road construction and the use of the EA Sourcebook Update on Biodiversity and EA, and of the World Bank's web-based toolkit for the treatment of biodiversity in EA.
However, in addition to these mitigation measures, the ERM EA team recommend the development and application of a Best Practice Manual (BPM) for Forest Road Construction. The BPM can be developed based on the existing Road Construction manual that exists for general road construction in Armenia available from Central Administration and incorporate other BPMs developed in Europe and North America, for example the BPM for Forest Roads in Romania (currently being devised for another World Bank project), adjusted to reflect the situation in Armenia. The BPM will consider the construction of roads in the following stages:
* planing and siting, and design (for example, review terrain, water courses, inventory of tree extraction, soil type, rainfall, alternative routes, buffer zones, biodiversity and wildlife corridors); * construction (e.g. culverts, bridges, surface run-off, worker health and safety, cost); * use and maintenance (number and size of vehicles, vehicle maintenance to minimize fuel or oil spills, cost of and equipment/materials for maintenance); and * closure (especially for skid trails, secondary forest roads, how to revert back -replanting of trees etc).
One of the primary tasks in developing the BPM for forest road construction is to actually define what constitutes a forest road, e.g. a primary road, secondary road and skid trail.
The implementation of the BPM will also take account of the long-term maintenance (cost, procedures etc) of the roads constructed and rehabilitated.
In4Stuticnzal Responsiiility The BPM should be devised by FREC with Hyantar and the Forest Enterprises. The PIU should ensure, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Nature Protection, that the BPM is recognized in the Forest Code.
MoLnitoring
Monitoring should be responsibility of the MoNP and Hyantar with the assistance of FREC. Under SFM, the forest enterprises (state and private) will be required to produce management plans, both long-term (5 to 10 years) and annual. It is recommended that no forest activities be permitted to take place prior to the approval by MoNP/Hyantar, of a SFM plan. The annual plans should only be approved if road construction in the current year have been done in line with the BPM.
Incentive schemes can also be used whereby forest enterprises pay an annual bond which is refundable if the SFM annual plan is achieved with minimal environmental and social impacts.
Training
MoNP/Hyanatar staff need to be trained in best practice manual and monitoring.
ENV7RONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TAOS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 75 7.6.2 Independent certification and auditing of suistainableforestmanagement activities
I/ir, 7rl a I .-nali 1 I
Environmental impacts of felling activities and unsustainable forest management practices through illegal cutting activities.
Mitigation, Ft PraicI,;c
All State Forest Enterprises and private companies, should be subject to independent certification and auditing by either national or international certifying bodies, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
The international certification process has a set of criteria and indicators used for assessment and monitoring. These criteria and indicators can be adapted to the Armenian conditions and applied.
An advantage of advocating the use of international criteria is that it enables the Armenian industry to use the certification qualification in European markets, which are increasingly demanding certified products. Certification requires the clarification and monitoring of the chain of custody and can therefore be used to assist in curtailing and monitoring illegal cutting activities.
InstitutionalRC-,p"sit'llt,J
The MoNP/Hyantar can encourage the application of certification and independent auditing through the assessment of the annual SFM plans. The PIU can assist the forest enterprises with accessing national and international certifying bodies.
Monitoring should be the responsibility of MoNP/ Hyantar in conjunction with the national and international certifying bodies.
Training
National certifying bodies (if exist) can be trained in the international standards and staff of Hyantar and MoNP can be trained in the international criteria and indicators used in the certification process. These criteria and indicators can also be used in the design and monitoring of SFM plans.
The following two management plans outline recommendations for enhancing the positive impacts of the FMC.
7.6.3 Income Generation
I f 41,, ; ?I'JmI;: \I,lhll ,:.
Income generation through employment, access to non-wood and wood products etc.
Aa-,1'ahooltl S,,t Praail,,
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCacMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JoiNT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 76 for Many of the activities in the forest management component provide opportunities it is recormended that, r . I .-A 1. A X1'.i -J LrI Forlongtermsustainability, where possible, cemmornity mnembers be given tong-teri eznplovmnent through. for it is essential example, forest enterprises, instead of 'cash for planting trees'. Additionally, th,at the ernploymnet prtcedure i, transparent and adequately addresses genider equality issues. As with thle Watetshed Component, it is also reeormnertded that employment opportunities be expanded to include many of the activities required for environmental rnonitoring and mastagernent,
To ensure that the poorest of the community tnembers are reached, employment opportunities should he targeted towarts this group of the population.
Marz level PIU sholid monitor the employmerint procedures and number of jobs created.
It is recommended that the.se employment opporturities be created and advertised within each watershed. Applicants should be short-listed and iiterviewed, following standard procedures bv the central PIU.
All persons employed should be reviewed by the PIU initially afteY 3 rtonths, thert after 6 Enterprise miionths and then on an annual basis, in conjunction with Ifyantar and the Forest management where appropriate. Where it is found that the work is etther not being carried to out or Is tiot of a sufficient standard, then the persons involved should be subject disciplinary proceedings ultimately leading to the withdrawal of their contract.
basis. At the employerlevel, the employmentprocedures should be reviewed on a sirialar SFPM pian. Incentives to provide local employment should be a zionditiooatity in thte annual
Once the bestcandidate has been identified, an assessment of their individual training needsi should be made by the PIU and forest enterprise (state anid privaite).
Training should also be provided to the employer orgariiation ornissues such as employnient law atid conditions.
7f6.4 Increased Revenue to the State
I *w l -I!
Currently the State forgoes revenue from loss of reveute from illegal forest activitiee, ineffective taxation system etc.
The removal of market restriction!s, for example price setting by and sale of forest prodiucts, by Hfyantar (anid possibly the State Procurement Agency in the near future). will provide of, for an opportunity for the State to generate increased tevenuers. The developnment
enhance the income received bg the State from forest production activities.
Other incomze increasing measures include: * auctioning of forest entezrprises *forest charges ased on sturnpage value
tsviscR,ic;MFsAL5FOnSmcEMAtAtssMFst iSOiZ.D 5;..ii/ rsstst,.vin E'e'ii.siNir,u.Pxocsv,n 77 * market and price innovations * taxation payments from private logging companies * curtailment of illegal logging legislation and enforcement of tax payments
The MoNP/Hyantar, working with the Ministry of Finance and Economy and the Forest Economist in the PIU should work to implement the above recommendations. The key to success will be the revision and enforcement of the legislation.
The State budget contribution by the forest sector will be the obvious source to see if the revenue generation measures are being successfully implemented. Continual domestic market analysis, monitoring of prices and production levels will provide an overview of the market and price innovation measures introduced.
Training
The training requirements will vary depending on what measures are introduced.
7.7 IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENT
In addition to highlighting the environmental and social impacts of the project, it is however, felt that within the contexts of this project it is important to additionally identify and mitigate a set of process based risks which, in the opinion of the ERM team, have the potential to seriously jeopardize the component's overall effectiveness. The FMC project design has highlighted some key risks to the project, however, further process based risks are discussed here below, with proposed mitigation measures. To ease the reader's appraisal of these recommendations, they have been provided in the same format as the stand-alone management plans in Section 7.6.
7.7.1 Illegal cutting activities are not curtailed
I -imO"J,11%;iL I
Rapid depletion of Armenia's forest resources accelerated by extensive illegal cutting activities.
Best I 'r,;L,C/ l 1zat.,/.iLi\
Activity 2.5 in the FMC project design involves the launching of a program against illegal logging and corruption, which includes the strengthening of the inspection services. This issue is critical to the successful implementation of the Project. Some recommendations for mitigation measures are: * Anti-corruption program s * Statement of support from the Government * Raise public sector salaries and benefits * Monitoring and enforcement * Empowerment of Hyantar and Forest Reserve Staff
ENpORONMIENTAL RESOURCES M ,NAC;FMENT WORLD B \NK / TACS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PRCORAM 78 Community ownership of resource will assist in controlling illegal activities as the communities will have a greater willingness to protect their forest resources.
In,ttiitio,nallRespontisibity
The responsibility for the resolution of the problem lies ultimately with the Government of Armenia, who need to make a clear statement of support to the whole country. Additionally, empowerment of Hyantar and the MoNP is essential.
7.7.2 Forest activities, e.g. thinnings and introduction of new technologies such as cable cranes, takes place prior to the development & introduction of SFM guidelines, training, appropriatelegislation and market development
IF.,Ue /IMip7ct
The FMC project design discusses the introduction of logging operations into currently unlogged areas and of new technologies such as cable cranes. There is a risk that these new activities and practices will be introduced before adequate training, legislative and market support exists. This will result in areas being logged by inadequately skilled personnel and with limited legislative support and market opportunities.
Besl Prachce,'AMitl..dhon
Whilst the FMC is designed to enable the legislation, market development and training to occur in the first one to two years, the ERM team feel that some recommendations for the implementation of the project should be made. These are: * develop and adopt forest code with supporting regulations; * develop effective market and pricing system; * improve through training and enforcement current forest production activities; • ensure implementation of sustainable forest management techniques, especially the requirement to undertake a forest inventory before determining extraction rates (AACs); * ensure the full involvement of communities and private companies; and * if unable to meet demand, then introduce logging in new areas using low impact technologies such as cable cranes.
Where possible it is suggested that conditionalities be placed on the procurement of new technologies such as cable cranes. For example, procurement should only occur after demonstrable improvements in the practice of sustainable forest management, reduction in corruption and black market activities, innovative market and pricing initiatives have been introduced and the necessary legislation (forest code) and regulations have been devised and enforced.
IntisttuhtioialRe:-on4bihlity
The PIU should ensure that the implementation of various activities is coordinated and will effectively support sustainable forest management and not lead to an acceleration in forest resource degradation.
7.7.3 Markets and prices are not establishedprior to the introduction of new and expansion offorest activities - loggingfor the sake of logging and not to meet a demand
1;iie/ Impact
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOiNT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 79 At present Hyantar determine the prices for all forest products, such as fuel wood and sawn wood. If introduced, the State Procurement Agency may become the sole buyer of all forest products produced, which will introduce a monopoly situation in the market. This will result in a more rigid market structure and counteracts the Project activity to develop new and innovative pricing and marketing systems. As highlighted in the FMC project design, the wood processing industry is weak and poorly developed, thus providing a limited market for forest product producers and there is a recognized need for a market- orientated sustainable management of State forests.
FEt Practice/A fir ,t,riol
For successful development of the Armenian forest industry there is a need to develop a new and innovative marketing and pricing system before the introduction of new and expansion of existing forest activities and especially before the introduction of new technologies such as cable cranes.
It is essential that forests are logged not just for the sake of logging, but to supply a real demand (i.e., not "if we don't log then the forest will rot").
Alongside the development of the market and pricing systems, it is essential to develop the taxation systems to ensure that the Government of Armenia receives a fair share of the value of the forest resource.
There is a systematic risk which results from weak and inadequate pricing policies at the national level. Therefore fixing wood pricing regimes is an issue across the board which has to be addressed at the macro structural level.
Within the constraint of the need for macro-level structural change, the PIU should be responsible as far as possible, for ensuring that the market and pricing innovation schemes are developed and implemented prior to enhanced logging activities, especially the in new areas. The MoNP and Hyantar should work in close co-operation with the PIU in developing appropriate taxation schemes (based on stumpage value) and auctioning procedures for forest enterprises.
ENVIRONMENT,AL RESOURCES MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONNMENTAL PROCRAM 80 8 PROTECTED AREAS MANAGEMENT AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION
8.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter comprises the EA of the Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation component of the NRMPR project in Armenia. The chapter is organized as follows:
* Section 8.2 Component Description; * Section 8.3 Intended Impacts of this Component; * Section 8.4 Implementation Process; * Section 8.5 Identification of Environmental and Social Impacts; * Section 8.6 Environmental Management Plan (for component); and * Section 8.7 Implementation Risk Assessment (for component).
8.2 COMPONENTDESCRIPTION
The protected areas management component proposes to:
* improve the role of two key protected areas (Lake Sevan National Park, 1,500 sq. km, and Dilijan State Reserve, 290 sq. km) in conserving the region's rich biodiversity and in generating revenue for local communities and park maintenance; and
* ensure effective linkages are achieved with the investments under the Community Based Natural Resources Management Component and the State Forest Management Component.
Implementation of modem park management programs for the two protected areas was defined as a priority in both the Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (1998) and National Environmental Action Plan (1999). In addition, the project aims to establish basic eco-tourism infrastructure, including cultural heritage sites, in the protected areas and buffer zones.
The component activities have been divided into four categories:
* Strengthening of institutional capacity at the national level to administer the system of protected areas and public awareness for biodiversity conservation; * Strengthening the management of Dilijan State Reserve and Lake Sevan National Park; * Establish basic infrastructure for park management; • Establish a small grants program for community based activities in the protected areas and their buffer zones.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACIS JOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROCRAM 81 At the time of the development of this Environmental Assessment, the preparation of the protected areas management component was ongoing. Therefore, the activities to be implemented under each category were not yet fully defined. The preliminary set of activities listed below is based upon the component description in the November 1 Draft Project Appraisal Document (PAD), and consultations in Armenia with the consultants preparing the component. This set of activities is referred to as the Suib-components and Elements (See Box 8.1). The final set of activities will depend on the results of the finalized protected areas component description and the protected areas management plans to be developed during project implementation.
Box 8.1 Sub-coinponents and Elemnents
Sub-Components
I Strengthen institutional capacity at the national level 1.1 Strengthening of institutional and human resources capacity of the MoNP including: * Improved capacity of the MoNP to implement project activities specifically and national biodiversity conservation programs and policies in general; * Improved thematic mapping and monitoring capacity for national biodiversity conservation and specific protected areas; and * Implementation of a nation wide public awareness campaign to build awareness and support for protected areas management and to mainstream biodiversity conservation goals into the GOA national policy planning process. 1.2 Improving the national legal, policy and regulatory framework for protected areas and biodiversity conservation including: * Clarification of policy and regulatory roles and responsibilities of the MoNP over protected areas and biodiversity conservation relative to other national bodies; * Changes in existing policy, legal and institutional framework that would contribute to more efficient protection of Lake Sevan National Park and Dilijan State Reserve and other protected areas in the country; * Changes in the existing legal framework to capture the relevant use and non-use values of biodiversity in protected areas and retain a portion of revenues to sustain long-term biodiversity conservation programs and enhanced capacities; and * Improved legal and regulatory flexibility to change protected area boundaries and zoning, consistent with evolving protected area management goals. 1.3 Grant funding for applied research to support implementation of protected areas management. Eligible topics will include: * Species and ecosystem research to support more effective management planning, zoning and monitoring consistent with protecting globally important biodiversity; * Studies to quantify the total economic value of biodiversity in the protected areas, and to foster socio-economic development and poverty reduction through carefully managed and low-impact uses of local natural resources; * Studies to facilitate local resource allocation and access, develop more efficient policies for benefit-sharing to local communities, and increase revenues for sustainable financing of protected areas. 1.4 Strengthening of regional transboundary co-operation with Georgia in protected areas management 2 Strengthen the management of Dilijan State Reserve and Lake Sevan National Park
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISCJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 82 Sub-Components 2.1 Preparation and implementation of new protected area management plans including: * Implementation of new management plans in consultation with local and national stakeholders * Rationalized land zoning plan to accommodate multiple uses in protected areas * Development and implementation of carefully managed and low-impact economic activities (i.e., eco-tourism) in certain zones within protected areas * Implementation of appropriate management interventions at the site level, in consultation with local and national stakeholders 2.2 Improving protected areas management capacity including: * Improved law enforcement and resource use monitoring within the protected area; * Improved scientific research and biodiversity monitoring carried out by the protected area staff; and * Improved communication with communities living within and adjacent to protected areas. 2.3 Environmental education and public awareness including: * Development of appropriate approaches and education materials for community participation and outreach and general awareness raising; and * Implementation of local environmental awareness programs.
43- Eb tfor. ! . 4'rj-. . 3.1 Rehabilitation of protected area/park administration offices at Dilijan and Lake Sevan 3.2 Rehabilitation of suitable structures at Dilijan and Lake Sevan to serve as modern visitor, education and training centers 3.3 Provision of suitable infrastructure to facilitate low-impact tourism development in appropriate zones in each protected area (e.g., kiosks, signage, recreation sites, toilets, etc) 3.4 Upgrading of roads associated with high value cultural heritage and low-impact recreation sites 3.5 Construct and upgrade hiking trails in areas suitable for low-impact recreation 3.6 Provide fencing and gates to manage access to highly sensitive areas
The community projects financed by the grant program will be developed and implemented by local communities, NGOs and individuals living around the two protected areas. The program would finance model projects or provide seed funding for sustainable activities that can develop an alternative income stream for local communities while mitigating pressures in the natural resources base.
8.3 INTENDED IMPACTS OF THIS COMPONENT
The Protected Areas Management and Biodiversity Conservation component is the most "environmental" component of the project and is intended to create positive environmental and social impacts. In addition, the majority of activities defined within the sub-components are either institutional/regulatory or management planning related. Therefore, most of the activities are conceived and being designed to have entirely positive or neutral environmental and social impacts. Furthermore, the activities incorporate mitigation measures for any anticipated potential minor environmental or social impacts that some of the activities may cause.
In this sense, this component is quite different than the two previous components. We have therefore chosen a different structure for this chapter. After a listing of the intended positive impacts, we have identified a number of potential minor environmental and social impacts which to a large extent will be mitigated by the project design itself. Where necessary
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENMRONMENTAL PROGRAM 83 we have developed extra management plans and mitigating measures to enhance this process. An EMP table for this component was not prepared as potential negative or cumulative impacts of the activities defined in this component should be inconsequential to non-existent.
The intended positive environmental and social impacts of the sub- component activities are summarized in Box 8.2.
Box 8.2 Summnary of intended positive environmental and social impacts
I Strengthen institutional capacity at the national level Improved legal and regulatory framework for protected area management. Strategic planning and integration of biodiversity into sectoral policies. Strengthened stakeholders institutional capacity. Sustainable management practices developed. Monitoring unit established and monitoring improved. Better communication equipment and transport provided. Environmental education implemented and environmental awareness raised. Transboundary co-operation on protected areas with Georgia improved. 2 Strengthen the management of Dilijan State Reserve and Lake Sevan National Park Protected areas at Lake Sevan National Park and Dilijan Nature Reserve with management plans and new zoning under implementation. Enhanced management of protected areas through public-private partnerships. Equitable sharing of financial benefits with local communities. Revenues for sustainable management and conservation program s generated. Stabilization of key threatened ecosystems and critical habitats in the project area. In -situ conservation of biological resources improved. Monitoring of key endangered species as indicators for ecosystems regeneration. Illegal hunting and logging decreased. Public awareness raised and community involved in biodiversity conservation. Increased protection of cultural and biodiversity values. Short- and long-term income generation provided. 3 Establish basic infrastructure for park management Short and long-term income generating opportunities provided. Facilities for visitors, education and management improved. In -situ conservation of biological resources improved. Strictly protected areas better protected to reduced access. Roads and trails improved. Cultural heritage sites upgraded. 4 Community grant program (small grants program for community based activities in the protected areas and their buffer zones) Short and long-term income generating opportunities provided. Equitable sharing of financial benefits with local comrnmunities. Increase awareness of biodiversity values and involvement of communities in biodiversity conservation. Further degradation of resources (forest, arable and grazing lands) mitigated.
The project will also support a work fare program, which will pay poor community members in cash for the labor necessary to support investments in protected areas infrastructure, nature protection and conservation.
ENDVIRONMENTAL.RF_OURCES MANAGEMENET WORLD BANK / TACISJOCMNTENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 84 All the work under this component is planned to be carried out in Dilijan State Reserve and Sevan National Park. However, there might be opportunities to extend the eco-tourism activities to certain areas outside the protected areas during project implementation. In addition, the two other project components also address biodiversity conservation issues and aim to implement biodiversity related activities outside as well as inside the protected areas.
8.4 IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
8.4.1 GeneralImplementation of the Component
A particular implementation process for the protected areas management component has not been designed yet. However, it is clear that the first two years of project implementation will mainly focus on development of the protected areas management plans, zoning, necessary legal and institutional changes, development of a screening process for potential economic activities and mitigation measures for any potential negative environmental impacts, and extensive training to build implementation capacity at all levels.
Implementation of economic activities is not expected to be started until the zoning and management plans are in place.
8.4.2 Community Grants Program
The potential activities to be carried out under the Community Grants Program sub-component will be defined during the first year of project implementation working in close collaboration with NGOs and local communities. It is expected that activities will include sustainable activities that have the potential to develop an alternative income stream for local communities and at the same time mitigate pressures on their natural resources base. Examples are activities such as the development of model or pilot projects for sustainable grazing and forestry practices with direct incremental biodiversity benefits, or the provision of seed funding for activities that have the potential to develop alternative livelihoods which reduce pressure on protected areas and their biological resources. The program will also finance biodiversity conservation initiatives (bird counts, training hunters to avoid rare species etc).
8.5 IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS
8.5.1 PotentialImpacts
As mentioned above, the proposed activities in this component are all intended to create positive environmental and social impacts. However, some minor potential negative environmental and social impacts which the project design will aim to address can be identified and are listed below. These concern mainly minor potential impacts from increased
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOLRCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACaSJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 85 usage and related economic activities, including eco-tourism, and the construction and rehabilitation of buildings, roads and trails. The cumulative effects of these activities can expected to be very low.
Furthermore, many of the project activities proposed will provide mitigating measures for these potential impacts. In some cases these activities provide opportunities to be enhanced by management plans developed specifically for this component or by referring to management plans developed for the other components (c.g., construction, road and trail rehabilitation). These management plans are presented in Section 8.6.
The tables below list the component elements which might potentially cause impacts. Other component elements which comprise effective mitigation measures are listed in the right column of the tables.
Eiw;ironenlalX llfll 111',7 0S.fcon4ractrionDi
Contributing Elements Mitigating Elements 3.1 Rehabilitation of protected Strengthen the management of Dilijan State area/park administration offices at Reserve and Lake Sevan National Park Dilijan and Lake Sevan 3.2 Rehabilitation of suitable structures at Dilijan and Lake Sevan to serve as modern visitor, education and training centers 3.3 Provision of suitable infrastructure to facilitate low-impact tourism development in appropriate zones in each protected area (e.g., kiosks, signage, recreation sites, toilets, etc) 3.4 Upgrading of roads associated with high value cultural heritage and low-impact recreation sites 3.5 Construct and upgrade hiking trails in areas suitable for low- impact recreation 3.6 Provide fencing and gates to manage access to highly sensitive areas
Potential environmental impacts of construction include: erosion and sedimentation, water quality impacts, noise, dust and air pollution, damage to existing installations, worker health and safety effects, disruption of local residents, disruption of agricultural activities, and wildlife disturbance. Where construction activities necessitate the setting- up of temporary construction yards, there is risk of permanent alteration of land caused by fuel spills and topsoil compaction from heavy vehicles. In addition, construction may cause damage to biodiversity and cause disruption of habitats of protected species where sites for new structures are poorly chosen.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK / TACISTJOINT EN;VIRONTMENTAL PROGRAM 86 Inimpacts of increased presslLre onr environmental anZd cultural touirism sites and services
Contributing Elements Mitigating Elements 2.1 Preparation and implementation 1.1 Strengthening of institutional and human of new protected area resources capacity of the MoNP management plans 3.1 Rehabilitation of protected 1.2 Improving the national legal, policy and area/park administration offices at regulatory framework for protected areas Dilijan and Lake Sevan and biodiversity conservation 3.2 Rehabilitation of suitable 1.3 Grant funding of applied research to structures at Dilijan and Lake support implementation of protected areas Sevan to serve as modern visitor, management education and training centers Construct Sevan visitor and education facilities 3.3 Provision of suitable infrastructure 2.1 Preparation and implementation of new to facilitate low-impact tourism protected area management plans development in appropriate zones in each protected area (e.g., kiosks, signage, recreation sites, toilets, etc) 3.4 Upgrading of roads associated 2.2 Improving protected areas management with high value cultural heritage capacity and low-impact recreation sites 3.5 Construct and upgrade hiking 2.3 Environmental education and public trails in areas suitable for low- awareness impact recreation 3.6 Provide fencing and gates to 3.1 Establish basic infrastructure for park manage access to highly sensitive to management areas 3.6 4 Community grant program (for 4 Community grant program (for community community based activities in the based activities in the protected area and their buffer protected area and their buffer zones) zones)
Environmental impacts
The assistance provided with marketing, combined with increased access to environmental and cultural tourism sites will potentially lead to an increased number of visitors to these sites. The main negative impacts likely to result from such increased pressure result from improper disposal of solid wastes and sewage, changes in land use and damage to the cultural sites. Improper disposal of waste can lead to spread of diseases, affecting flora and fauna as well as the adjacent communities. The pressure on habitats of wildlife will be increased and the improved access to remote sites may increase the level of illegal activities in these areas (poaching, logging etc.).
Social impacts
The generation of economic benefits to local communities may be limited if the people employed in the tourism industry are employed are not from the local community. There could also be an economic impact if the goods
ENVIRONM1ENTALRESOUIRCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 87 used to service the tourists trade are entirely sourced from outside of the local community.
There can be a degradation of the local cultural heritage and a loss of a sense of cultural identity if there is undue commercialization and modification of local arts, crafts and traditions. Tourism areas may become unattractive because of inappropriate design of tourist facilities, garish advertising signs and littering by tourists.
Mitigation
The sub-components also provide many activities providing mitigating measures for the above listed potential negative impacts. When properly implemented, the new protected areas management plans, stakeholder consultation, improved human capacity etc. should all ensure that the above listed impacts do not occur. In addition, an eco-tourism management plan is suggested to enhance mitigation in Section 8.6.2.
EnviirOnlirtell i,7tnLacts of road rl'/rabllialbnlin andfieldI tradil dezvloplzirnt
Contributing Elements Mitigating Elements 3.4 Upgrading of roads associated 2.1 Preparation, implementation and with high value cultural heritage monitoring of new protected area and low-impact recreation sites management plans 3.5 Construct and upgrade hiking 2.2 Improved protected areas management trails in areas suitable for low- capacity impact recreation
Newly constructed trails may cause erosion and the increased human pressure may effect water quality. In addition, improvement of existing roads and trails and creation of new trails cause the potential risk for easing the access to previously inaccessible areas for illegal uses (e.g. cuttings, livestock pasturing, unsustainable collection of wild plants and animal poaching). Soil erosion may occur through heavier use of the trails and roads or through poor siting. New and rehabilitated field tracks may cause disturbance to wildlife and an increased pressure on biodiversity in general. Rural life may be disturbed by the increased visitation.
The proper design and implementation of the new protected area management plan will provide mitigating measures and ensure proper siting. To enhance this, further mitigating measures for road and trail construction are described in Section 8.6.3.
En;'iroitueltnali,n'pac5 o.f incrnaseel COLIOnIIC a17tiCiZ1L-
Contributing Elements Mitigating Elements 2.1 Preparation and implementation 1.1 Strengthening of institutional and human of new protected area resources capacity of the MoNP management plans
ENVIRONNMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL KROCRAM 88 4 Community grant program 1.2 Improving the national legal, policy and regulatory framework for protected areas and biodiversity conservation 1.3 Grant funding of applied research to support implementation of protected areas management 2.1. Preparation and implementation of new protected area management plans 2.2 Improving protected areas management capacity 2.3 Environmental education and public awareness 3.3 Provision of suitable infrastructure to facilitate low-impact tourism development in appropriate zones in each protected area (e.g., kiosks, signage, recreation sites, toilets, etc) 3.6 Provide fencing and gates to manage access to highly sensitive areas
Environmental impacts
Increased economic activities to be developed in the protected areas may cause a number of potential negative environmental impacts. These potentially include increased: grazing, harvesting of wood and non-wood forest products, soil erosion and reduction of productive capacity, pressure on and destruction of biodiversity, disturbance of wildlife, environmental and human health impacts through use of fertilizers and pesticides, adverse impacts due to bad siting etc. In general, increasing human pressure on natural resources poses a continuous threat to biological resources.
Mitigation
A large number of the activities proposed in the protected area component should serve to mitigate the minor, potential negative impacts listed above. Mitigating activities include the implementation of the new zoning and protected areas management plans, enhanced capacity and public awareness, community participation and studies which should define which activities would provide the least impact. We suggest however, that when and where impacts may occur from increased grazing or community forestry activities etc., that best practices as defined in the other two components and the additional best practices with a particular focus on economic activities in protected areas, as listed in Section 8.6.4 will be applied.
8.5.2 Positive Impacts to be Enhanced
As explained above, the main objectives of the protected areas management component are environmental and social in nature. The related intended positive impacts are listed in Section 8.5.1 above.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 89 However, the positive income generating impact has the potential to be further developed as outlined below.
As in the two other components, the protected areas component offers many activities which can be included in the workfare program. It is recommended that these opportunities should be expanded to include not only low-skilled labor for construction but also environmental monitoring and management activities.
8.6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.6.1 Construction ManagementPlan
Environmental impacts of construction
B,o Pra ci ' te!i tro;i
All sub-contractors should be subject to contractual clauses to manage the environmental impacts. In addition, clauses should be entered into the contract to allow the PIU to respond to the results of monitoring activities, as outlined below.
n-it-i,tl i.nal Rt pon;rPibilu The PIU should, depending upon individual construction contractors' scope of work, incorporate an appropriate set of clauses into each contract let.
The Marz level PIU should monitor the construction activities through random spot-checks (at least monthly during long construction periods, or at least once during shorter construction activities). Where violations of the contractual agreements are noted the central PIU should be notified. The PIU should formally notify the contractors of the violations, outline the necessary corrective measures and set a period for correction. Where this is not adhered to, it is recommended that contractors be subject to contractual penalties (i.e., payment with held) or in severe cases the contracts should be terminated.
It is also recommended that a final site inspection should be carried out before final payment is made, and in cases where the sites have not been properly cleaned up and or restored, final payment should be withheld until such time that this has been carried out satisfactorily.
Training In order to avoid the need for further training it is recommended that the Marz level PIU include an individual with experience in environmental management and auditing as part of the team, or engage an external contracted for a fixed term to undertake the activities required to monitor construction contractors.
8.6.2 Eco-tourism ManagementPlan
l 'SiC IiUiti.v Increased pressure on protected areas.
Best Prja itl AI,e,i,n
ENvRONNIENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORID BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMIENTALPROGRAM 90 An eco-tourism management plan should be developed for each area where eco-tourism is planned. Developments can only take place in the especially identified recreational zones in the protected area management plans. The eco-tourism management plan should identify all of those areas in the recreation zones of the protected areas which are closed for tourists because of their particular importance as wildlife habitats or biodiversity value. In addition, the areas that are available for development should be zoned according to the maximum carrying capacity. Siting for construction of kiosk, camp sites, interpretation boards, the Sevan visitor center and any other possible construction should be done aiming at the lowest possible environmental impacts possible. Proper plans should be developed for waste and sewage disposal.
The plan should include measures for the maintenance and up-keep of the eco-tourism zones and assign responsibilities to park rangers for ensuring that the maintenance measures are carried out.
Legal and institutional arrangements will need to be made for charging fees (multiple pricing schemes for foreigners and nationals) for entrance to the parks, eco-tourism zones and cultural sites. A fair percentage of the revenues should flow back to the protected area management to cover operational costs as well as further investment for enhancement and future development of the sites. Cash flow back to the protected areas management is critical for the sustainability of the project. The level of the percentage that should flow back is a policy decision. Ideally it should range from 50-80%.
A hub-system can be used linking the various sites with a central point/visitor center where tourists can acquire information about acconmmodation, the sites themselves, hiking routes, etc. The plan should build on already existing cultural sites and link these with trails which aim to optimize the overall experience for the visitor. Any construction of campsites or picnic places, etc. should be carried out by using natural materials and environmentally friendly and aesthetically attractive designs.
There is a key need for marketing activities. The impediments for market access would include:
* Local community awareness and market information
* Competition.
The project would facilitate market access activities through training. Comprehensive and clear printed materials, guidebooks and maps should be developed. A professional website should be developed and Armenian tourist officials and local tour operators should participate in international tourist fairs.
In h tu thonal Respons;ibihtl't The development of the plan will be organized through the PIU. In order to ensure the long-term viability of an eco-tourism management plan, it is necessary that the plan be developed in a wholly participatory manner. It should be presented as the response to the increased poverty, under-developed tourism opportunities and lack of financial resources for protected area management. The short- and long-term individual benefits (financial or otherwise) should be clearly presented to the communities and park management. By involving communities, they will understand tourism, be better able to cope with this development and participate in its benefits.
Once support has been obtained for the scheme amongst tour operators and local communities and the protected areas management, the protected areas management and other key individuals should, with technical assistance from the PIU, develop the eco- tourism management plan and appoint responsibilities to inspectors/park rangers.
ENVRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOIN ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 91 The necessary legislation and institutional framework will have to be put into place at central government level to ensure possibilities of flow back of revenues into park management.
The park rangers would be responsible for monitoring of the tourism areas which should take place monthly throughout the tourism season. Penalties should be imposed upon those who violate the eco-tourism management plan. Violations include improper waste disposal, destruction of sites, non-payment of park fees, etc.
Tren, n It is recommended that all stakeholders including tour operators, park management local communities, and key village personnel should be given extensive training in eco-tourism management. Training topics would include marketing, training of guides, interpretation, hospitality services, etc.
8.6.3 Road and Trail Rehabilitationand ConstructionManagement Plan
f-. 1,,e/1 ./cf Environmental impacts from trail and road construction.
%fit :ili.nl, Section 7 of the EA which addresses the State Forest Management component proposes that a key mitigation measure should be the development of a forest road construction and maintenance best practice manual tailored to the Armenian conditions. Where roads and trails in the protected areas will be rehabilitated or where new trails will be developed, the works should be done according to the standards proposed in this manual. Siting of new trails should be done on the basis of protected areas management plans and eco-tourism management plans and should ensure the lowest possible impact on the protected areas. This includes building on the network of existing trails and avoiding critical habitats of key protected species. Siting should be based on a sound assessment of the biodiversity in the areas identified. In addition, mitigation measures such as safeguards against illegal logging, illegal pasture use and corruption are required to ensure that the increased access caused by new trails or improved roads does not cause new problems or impacts. Activities would include improvement of governance, awareness building amongst the local population and strict law enforcement.
The protected areas management should oversee the rehabilitation of the roads and trails and carry out the siting and supervision of new trail development in co-operation with the PIU taking the road construction and maintenance best practice manual into account.
%1t'i I t ,ri',.^ The Marz level PIU should monitor the road and trail building activities and confirm that siting is in accordance with the management plans. Where violations of the management plans and road construction best practice manual are noted, the central PIU should be notified.
Traininc Protected areas management should receive training on implementation of the road construction and maintenance best practice manual and sustainable trail development.
8.6.4 Econo,nic Activities Management Plan in ProtectedAreas
I/.,,, JhtbI Lt .1 tt,1114;S
ENvIRONNIENTAL RESOURCES MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINI ENVIRONNIENTALPROGRAM 92 Environmental impacts from economic activities
Alitigahon The economic activities to be developed under the protected areas component will all be aimed at small-scale local initiatives related to biodiversity conservation aiming to reduce pressure on the protected areas and biological resources while at the same time improving local livelihoods and enhancing socio-economic development. Therefore, the project design in itself will provide mitigating measures for any potential negative impacts.
Economic activities to be introduced under the protected areas component, through the Community Grants Program or otherwise should only be carried out in the designated economic zones, laid out in the zoning and protected area management plans that will be developed under the project.
In addition, we recommend the development of a screening process to select the economic activities which will have the least negative environmental impacts. A number of factors should be considered in this screening process. Proposed activities should, inter alia: - be small scale and benefit local communities; - promote sustainable solutions to income generation; - not include the wide scale use of pesticides and fertilizers; and - not include any major construction.
Where they are related to eco-tourism, the eco-tourism management plan should be applied.
If and where the economic activities to be developed in the economic zones or the activities supported by the Small Grants Program lead to the sustainable provision of wood and tree products or to increased grazing, there are potential negative environmental impacts on the protected areas. These will have to be managed in accordance with the sustainable community forestry, and grazing management plans designed in Section 6.5.
Instiffhon1 l responszInlity The protected areas management in co-operation with the MoNP and the PIU will have the responsibility for development of the new zoning and protected areas management plans. The Community Grants Program and the screening process for eligible economic activities should be developed by the Marz level PIU in co-operation with NGOs and local communities.
.blonrJornng The PIU should monitor the development of the screening process and in co-operation with the Marz level PIU monitor the implementation of economic activities.
Training Training for protected areas management and local communities on sustainable development of economic activities.
8.6.5 Expansion of workfare program
Isue l'n pacl Increase direct income generation.
Best Practicel/Mitigation Implementation of the protected areas management plans, the eco-tourism management plan and the improved infrastructure development should make use of the local communities living within the protected areas. This will improve the local community's understanding of biodiversity and community values and will improve implementation and enforcement of the plans and activities. In fact implementation of the protected areas
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOLRcEs MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 93 management plan, the eco-tourism management plan and the Community Grant Program offers wide opportunities to involve local communities in direct biodiversity conservation activities (monitoring, guiding, up-keeping of sites, control etc.).
hi,littit/ .ioral Pczp,on;*ibJt., The protected areas management will have to establish close links with local communities and involve them in biodiversity conservation activities where possible. It is recommended that certain posts will be created and advertised within each protected area. Applicants should be short-listed and interviewed, following standard procedures by the central PIU.
All persons employed should be reviewed by the PIU initially after 3 months, then after 6 months and then on an annual basis. Where it is found that the work is either not being carried out or is not of a sufficient standard, then the persons involved should be subject to disciplinary proceedings ultimately leading to the withdrawal of their contract.
Traitivlll, Once the best candidates have been identified, an assessment of their individual training need should be made by the PIU.
8.7 IMPLEMENTATION RISK ASSESSMENT
As in the other component chapters, process based risks and accompanying mitigation measures can be identified for the Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation component. These are listed below.
8.7.1 Zoning and developmnent of the protected areas managementplans are not finalized prior to new construction or new economic activities which might impact the protected areas.
Under the protected areas management component, a new zoning and development of protected area management plans are foreseen. This process could take up to two years before being ready for implementation. However, the project proposes a set of activities whiclh might impact the protected areas before the zoning has been finalized and before precise definitions have been developed of what type of activities can be developed, to which extent and in which areas.
Best Practice/ A.lm,r,at.cl i No new economic activities or construction planned within the protected area component (eco-tourism, community grants program) should be initiated prior to finalization of the new zoning and protected areas management plans. Activities planned in villages within the protected areas under the Community Based Natural Resource Management Component should be carried out in full consultation with protected areas management and the people involved in development of the new zoning and protected areas management plans.
The protected areas management plans themselves should be developed in full consultation and with participation of all stakeholders. They should take account of watershed management plans and forestry management plans to be developed under the other components.
IThe new zoning plans should be based on new mapping, monitoring, data and scientific information gathering to be supported through the project. The protected area management plans should define all activities allowed or prohibited to be undertaken in certain zones
ENVIRONMENTAL RESCOURCE5MANAGEMVENT WORLD BANK / TACIS IOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 94 including economic activities, road and trail construction, construction in general, use of fertilizers and pesticides or other harmful substances, hunting and fishing, etc. The plans should distribute responsibilities for implementation and enforcement, including options for community management, as well as costing of necessary activities (training, equipment, human resources development etc.). A system for funding of the implementation of the plan will have to be developed as well with all necessary institutional or legal changes.
When the plans are ready, a broad public awareness raising exercise will have to be carried out and, where possible, local communities should be involved in its implementation.
Jn4ibitunal Responsibility The central PIU in co-operation with the MoNP, and especially its Department of Protected Areas and its regional departments, scientific institutions and all other stakeholders are responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of the protected area management plans.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 95 9 ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION RISK MANA GEMENT
9.1 INTRODUCTION
In addition to the specific project implementation risks listed under the three components in chapters 6, 7 and 8, two more general project implementation risks have been identified. This chapter proposes recommendations to effectively manage these risks and ensure a successful project implementation.
9.2 INTEGRATION AND CO-ORDINATION OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Successfully integrating the management structures of the three project components and their relationships with the relevant agencies and stakeholders at all levels will be a major challenge. A strong and committed coordinating structure between all relevant agencies will need to be developed.
In this respect, it is of great importance that besides the MoNP, other ministries and agencies, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Hyantar, develop a sense of ownership of the project. The importance of the agricultural and forestry authorities becomes evident through the potential involvement of Agricultural Support Centers, FREC and Hyantar itself in the implementation of the project. Also, legislative and institutional changes will be required by the project for which their support is needed. Strong day-to-day co-operation between the agencies and the PIU has to be established to ensure sustainability of the project.
Box 9.1 Recommnendation
Currently the relevant agencies are represented in the PMB which will meet only 4 times a year. To ensure a better day to day integration and co-ordination, a technical advisory board to the PIU, consisting of representatives from all relevant ministries and agencies, should be established.
In addition, a co-operation structure to ensure co-ordination between the different project implementation support groups for each component should be established and could take the form of bi-weekly meetings.
9.3 ENSURING EFFECTIVEINVOLVEMENTAT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The project aims to introduce community based management of common natural resources by community organizations representing users and authorities charged with these functions. Involvement of local communities is essential in the planning and management process. However, the level of public awareness and experience in community
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOLJRCES MANAGEMENr WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT EVIRONMNIENTAL PRCXGRAM 96 involvement in natural resources management as well as technical and implementation capacity at the community level is currently limited.
In addition, a number of different governing structures are already active at the local level at present (village councils, village elders, mayors) and several new additional structures have been planned (user group associations, water management boards). There is a concern that the project would introduce these new structures without building on what is already in place and a concern that the different existing structures have not all been involved to the same extent in project preparation process, thereby creating opportunities for misunderstanding, lack of commitment and missing valuable capacity. In general, it can be said that institutional development proposals should be based on the principle to capitalize on what has already been achieved in institutional development and further strengthen these existing institutions, enabling them to become self-reliant development agencies.
Last, there is a general poor feedback from the local to central level and little respect for and trust in the central government. There is also some misunderstanding at the local community level as to the project activities that will be implemented and a possible lack of interest on their side. The current institutional structure for project implementation does not address this properly. There are no direct linkages between the central PIU and the local level, neither is the local level represented in the PMB. This creates a risk of local level priorities and issues not being reflected at the central level. However, having 19 communities represented in the PMB would not be feasible. The Marz level PIUs will be the institutional unit with the most direct linkages with the local level and could possibly fulfil this role.
Box 9.2 Recommendations
Before any new institutional structures at the local level are set up, a clear analysis of existing institutions and capacity should be carried out in each village. New structures should build on what is already there and should aim at involving and integrating the capacity at hand (possibly coming from both village councils and village elders) to maximize efficiency and ensure a successful implementation at the local level. In addition, training, awareness raising and demonstration projects at the local level will be key for successful implementation and should be carried out before any new institutional structures at local level are set up.
Marz level PIU representation within the PMB, in addition to the Marzpetaran governors, should be proposed to ensure better linkages between local and central levels of project implementation.
ENVIRONMENTAL REsOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM 97 I Annex A
Members of the EA Team Al INTERNATIONAL AND ARMENIAN TEAM MEMBERS
InternationalExperts
Eamonn Barrett Category I: Study Manager/EA Specialist Reed Huppman Category I: Study Manager (Scoping Mission only) Emily Fripp Category II: Forestry Specialist Sabine Hoefnagel Category II: Institutional Specialist Joanna Cochrane Category II: EA Expert Sara Browning Category III: Watershed Specialist / Engineer
Arnenian Local Experts
Karen Ter-Chazaryan Forester Julietta Glichyan Institutional Specialist Vardges Kurkchyan Agricultural Specialist / Engineer Lusine Tadevosyan EA Specialist / Coordinator Ruzanna Martirosyan Administrator / Coordinator Anahit Maryanyan Interpreter, Translator
ENVIRONMENTAL REuOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM Al Annex B
Legal and Regulatory Framework for Environmental Management in Armenia LAWS AND Promu Main provisions and issues REGULATIONS Igation dates
FRAMEWORK LAW 1991 Establishes obligation of State to care for environment, prescribes institutional framework for environmental management, and lays down principles, approaches and instruments for environmental protection. The Law has a minimum normative value - it Law on has been used as an environmental policy document. Environmental Principles, the The aims of nature protection are: Green Constitution . ensure a right to a clean environment protection of the natural resources, support to improving flora and fauna protection of ecological balance of the natural systems and land diversity protection and effective use of natural minerals recourses protection of special natural ecosystems and national properties etc.
article 25 Protection of updated The article ainms to protect the plants and animals which are includes in Red Book. uncommon and 02.04.199 disappearing flora 6 and fauna
CODES, LAWS
Land Code 1991 Divides land of Armenia into categories based on planned use. Presents the conditions for ownerslhip or lease of land of land in these updated categories, how these rights may be transferred, end stipulates the requirements to conserve land and protect it from degradation or in 2000 contamination.
Deprivation of ownership if an owner fails to protect the land, is far too strict. Lack of developed land sale mechanisms and absence of an information base prevents the establishment of a proper land market. The centrally driven land categorization system is often in conflict with the system of land master plans executed by regional and local govemments.
Water Code 1992 The Water Code aims at (I ) guaranteeing the water supply for the residential and industrial needs; (2) preventing contamination and exhaustion of the water resources; (3) improving water facilities; (4) protecting the rights of local self-governing authorities and citizen; (5) strengthening legal protection of water. The water legal framework is struggling with the same difficulties as the rest of environmental legislation: unrealistic policy goals, obsolete standards, insufficient economic instruments, legislative failure to consider capacity of the administrative structure and difficulties with enforcement.
Law on Specially 1991 The Law distinguishes three types of zones -protected, recreational and economic ones, and four types of specially protected areas: "state Protected Areas reserves" (no economic activities allowed), "national parks" (an area which comprises natural systems and units of special ecological, cultural or scientific significance), "state reservations" (no economic activities allowed which can threaten or damage ecosystems) and "natural monuments". Currently protected areas suffer from illegal economic activities, weak institutional capacity and inefficient management of the related governmental agencies, as well as undeveloped legislation and lack of enforcement. The following tasks are listed: * protection and reproduction of the ecosystems . protection of natural monuments * preservation of the biodiversity * scientific research of natural phenomena . regulation of the state of the environment * ecological education * etc. Forest Code 1994 The Code guarantees protection of forests. The objectives of forestry protection are threefold: (1) to protect forest natural resources, (2) to increase forest regeneration rates, and (3) to define the role of the state in forest protection. The Forestry Code is based on the presumption that forests in Armenia do not have a productive function, thus it ignores the reality of timber harvesting and fuelwood collection. Besides, the Code does not address the compatibility of forests' land use and grazing.
Law on 1995 Establishes a framework to define impacts of intended activities on environment, assess feasible altematives, minimize negative Environmental consequences and ensure public involvement. Contains a list of activities subjected to the expertise process. The State Agency for Expertise Environmental Expertise, subordinate to the Ministry of Nature Protection, is responsible for carrying out the relevant procedures.
The main aim of the expertise is foresee, prevent and minimize the negative impacts of plannin-g activity to human health, environment, economic and social normal development. The tasks of the expertise are: o Analysis of the alternatives and usefulness of the planning activity o Assessment of environmental impacts of planning activity or that's alternatives o Checking of the possible consequences of the planning activity, and what activities they planning to do for mitigation of negative impacts, are those realistic or not o Ensure the effective use of natural resources o Stop activities which have negative environmental impacts o ensure public participation and information on expertise.
The list of activities which require expertise include: . Wood and paper production,(if the production exceeds certain limits) * Community (city) building (construction) * Buildings, constructions and complexes which exceed certain limits . Waste water stations * Improving and restoring of natural eco-systems, which are damaged by anthropogenic affect * Introduction of new sorts of flora and fauna . Agricultural * Land improving, construction of irrigation or drainage networks (systems), land protection from erosion and other affects, these activities are beyond to expertise, if are exceed the limits * Restoring of forest and improving of quality of the forest * Construction of water tanks and other constructions * Extraction of underground water * Substructure * Roads, tunnel, bridge, underground, railway, airport construction exceeding certain limits * Services . markets and supermarkets, which volume more than limit * hotels and tourist complexes -more than limit (MTL) * every petrol station . restaurants, cafes, etc MTL * railway and car stations * morgues and cemeteries.
The expertise must forecast, describe and assess the: * direct and indirect impacts of planning activity * alternative variants, including the zero-impact variant, and choose which one is more effective * the mitigating activities for the negative environmental impacts * the assessment of environmental impacts of socio-economic development when zero-impact variant is chosen . the local properties of each area during the expertise (cultural, socio-economic and environmental )
However, in reality, the legal procedure is not being followed. Especially public hearings are not being carried out. Regulation on the 30.03.199 Sets out the limits to decide whether activities need to be expertised. limits of the activities 9 which must be expertised Law on Under Will pursue such principles as general protection of all species and commercial utilization of nature based on licensing. It should be said that Conservation and parliame nature protection legislation fails to comply with declared goals. Use of the Fauna nt hearings Law on Protection 1998 The Law on Flora outlines the GOA's policies for the conservation, protection, use, regeneration and management of natural of Flora populations of plants and for regulating the human impacts on biodiversity. The law on Flora and Draft Law on Fauna aim to ensure sustainable conservation of plants and animals, natural habitats and biodiversity, to develop scientific assessments of levels for sustainable use of natural populations, and to protect the rights of those involved in conservationi and management, The implementation of this law will be overseen by the Ministry of Nature Protection, and by local government and other agencies. The law provides for: inventory, study and monitoring of flora and fauna populations; development of their State listing and their use; further elaboration of the Red Data Book; investigation of issues relating to flora amd fauna conservation; conservation of rare and threatened species; use of plants and animals; measures for dealing with disputes over use of plants and animals; and international agreements relating to conservation issues. Code on mineral 1992, Establishes rights and conditions of exploitation of underground resources, defines terms of contract, licensing responsibility, resources, 93,94,97 and schedule of fines for infringements. amended by Cabinet decisions 374 (1993) and 504 (1993), 221 (1997) sub-act on natural resource extraction. Law on Land tax 1994 Describes the principles on which land taxation is based, the rates of taxation, privileges and exemptions, and procedures for (draft collection and payment. revision Sept. 1997) Law on Real Estate Jan. 1996 Establishes rights to possess, use, alter, exclude access to, dispose of, and mortgage land and immovable property, the of the Republic of eligibility to such rights and the conditions under which they may be applied. Specifies that court proceedings are required for Armenia the State to alienate land against wishes of right holder. Establishes registration and cadastre system. Law on the 1998 This law provides the basis for the protection and use of monuments in Armenia and regulates the relations among protection Protection and Use and use activities. Article 15 of the Law describes procedures for the discovery and state registration of monuments, the of Fixed Cultural assessment of protection zones around them, and the creation of historic-cultural reserves. Article 22 requires the approval of and Historic the authorized body before land can be allocated for construction, agricultural and other types of activities in areas containing Monuments and monuments. Environment Presidential Decree May 1997 Defines the powers of the provincial government (marzpet) on Provincial (Marz) Government. Law on Local Self July, 1996 Defines conditions for appointment, service and dismissal of the Chief of Community and the Community Council, and Government describes their powers and responsibilities. DECREES, RESOLUTIONS and DECISIONS Decree on the rate 1995??? of fines for illegal logging The Resolution of Adopted stipulates that the term of lease should be agreed between the lessor and the lessee and confirmed by the relevant authorities. the Government on on April The Regulation also states the right of the lessor to demand from the lessee implementation of nature protection activities on Provision and 12, 2001 the leased land. Alienation of State- owned Lands Cabinet Decision on June 1997 Establishes RPSUCD and defines responsibilities for land cadastre and registration. the Creation of a Real Property State Unified Cadastral Department (RPSUCD) of the Republic of Armenia.
OTHER RELEVANT LEGISLATION
Civil Code 1998 All legislation, adopted prior to 1999, should be revised in conformity with the Civil Code by the end of 2001. However, nothing seems to have been done so far.
The situation changed with the introduction of a new Civil Code and a complementary Civil Code Enforcement Act. According to that Act farms and collective farms registered prior to January 1, 2001 are subject to reorganization and re-registration. However, up to now these organizations have neither reorganized nor re-registered. Villagers are reluctant to register. Consequently, the legal status of farms is not clear, which appears to be an impediment for farms to participate in civil and legal activities, e.g. signing contracts and receiving loans. The new Civil Code does not envisage any legal status for farms. According to the Code the only legal entities in the sphere of agriculture are agricultural co-operatives. However, there is no legislation on agricultural co-operatives. Creation of co- operatives is also hampered by tax legislation, as Acts on Profit Tax, Income Tax and Value Added Tax have incentives for stand-alone farms, which are not liable to pay either profit or value added taxes. Co-operatives as legal entities will have to pay those taxes. Law on Rental 2000 The Law on Rental Payment and Regulations on Utilization of Natural Pastures, Hay Meadows and Other Land Types, and the Payment Resolution on Renting State Pastures Placed out of Administrative Borders of a Community regulate renting of remote pastures on a short-term (up to 3 years) and on a medium-term (from 3 to 10 years). Privatization Law 1990 Lays down conditions for transfer of state assets to private individuals and groups
Law on Farms and 1991 Establishes conditions for ownership of farms by individuals, and lays downi principles for management of farms by individuals and Collective Farms collectives. detemiines the economic, organizational and social conditions and legal framework of farms and collective farms. According to that Law and the Law on Enterprises and Entrepreneurial Activities the farms have not had a status of a legal body, however, they have enjoyed all the rights and respective responsibilities assigned to a legal body. A collective farm is considered to have a status of a lcgal body from the moment of its registration.
OTHER SECTORAL LEGISLATION 1992
Law on Sanitary- Epidemiological Safety Law on Energy 1997 Law on State 1997 Statistics Law on 1998 Standartization and Certification Code on 1999 Administrative Infrimgements Law on Lake Sevan 2001 This law includes all the buffer zones within the national park area. Special measures for the short and long term have been identified. Different regimes are proposed for a strictly protected zone, immediate impact zone and an indirect impact zone. Law on Protection 1999 "Law on protection of selection achievements" regulates relationships related to the creation of new plant breeds, their legal protection and of Selection use. The Law is consistent with the requirements of UPOV, as presented at the 1997 intemational Geneva conference on the protection of Achievements new breeds of plants. The law regulates questions connected with the rights of the patent holder, the rights of the author of the new plant breed and entitlement to use of the new plant breed. However, Armenia does not have a National system of intellectual property right protection.
Law on Plant 2001 "Law on plant protection and plant quarantine" addresses issues of diagnosis and prevention of virus-caused and parasite Protection and Plant diseases of plants as well as defines the stakeholder institution responsible for control of norms of quarantine. Quarantine Annex C
Structure of Key Organisations ORGANIZATION CHART OF THE CENTRAL STAFF OF THE MINISTRY OF NATURE PROTECTION
M I N I S T E R
MINISTER'S OFFICE COLLEGIUM
I____ DEPUTI_ DEPUTY DEPUTYI PUBLIC RELATIONS NMINISTER { MINISTER NMINISTER DEPARTMENT ei DEPARTMENT - ~~~~------~----~ ------r------~------.
LEGAL FLORA and FAUNA UNEGOUDPOTCINATMOSPHERE PROTECTION DEPARTMENYT i PROTECTION AND SPECIAL UNDERGROUND PROTECTION __ __iPROTECTED NATURAL AREAS DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT
______DEPARTMENT i - ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT i i ji f MINERAL RESOURCES WATER RESOURCES
______ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND DEPARTMENT PROTECTION
i_ i DEPARTMENT INTERNATIONAL CO- g | SCIENTIFICSTRATEGY DEPARTMENTEDUCATIONAL | _____DEPARTMENT_ DPRMN OPERATION DEPARTMENT IREPUBLICAN ______I ~~NORMATIVE-METODO- SPECIAL DIVISION LAND PROTECTION FUND LOGYGEOLOGICALL DOCUMENTS |___ DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES AND WASTES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT ______|
------.------I- VlNgW'dV JO NOIJD3,LO'dd 3qNLVN AO A'diSININ ]HI JO I'dVHD NOIIVZINVD'd0 Structure of "Hayantar" State Closed Joint-Stock Company (Central staff) I~~~~~~
I~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ORGANIZATION CHART OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
STERl~N Legzal Department
FrstDeprtnent |~
First Deputy Minist Deputy Minister |inisterDeputy
Science and Education Agrarian Policy Financial and Budgeting No Department 00 Departnient 10 Department
External Relations Licensing and Qualit) Agricultural Ser ices Departmentt Control Department Department
Ground Construction Agricultural Products Agrobusiness Support Department Development Principal Department Directorate
Slale.4grarnnl Invpec lio__ on .4gric illiala Equipm&"al State .4grian Inspection Srate Vereninary on A,d,rnedrr /Inspec"ion
Food and Processing Industry De%elopment Pnncipal Directorate STATE WATER COMMITTEE
ENCY1DRAINA&GE, IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT AGENCY (DIMA), -
.ter R=a i _
Stadolug (160)~- |Pumping Siations nii w,tetgiytaIEiziked for-
...... '.- t.. -... ORGANIZATION CHART OF THE MINISTRY OF NATURE PROTECTION
MARZ ADMINISTRATION
Staff of the Marzpet (Govemor) Chancellery
Legal Division B k eingz
Department of Finance .nd Econi.iro ] Department it Lithrn Dtvelopment
De0paftme"t of Coocundon of Acivides oaRegionalAgencies wider Div-sirjr, of Information and Publc Nadb*7a1JDrmt#vv Aughontes and *0 *|Relations LocalselfGvmneAutbodes.
Department of Educaumon, Culture and Departrmncno Public Hcialth and Socal Sport ecurity
Departnent of Transport and Road Gener Service Di. isicn Development * * rDeparwwieni of.4griculture.and Nature Pcr%.ir,ncl Di'.1,itrn Protection No Annex D
NRMPR EA Public Consultation and Disclosure Minutes INTRODUCTION
This annex presents the results of the public consultation and disclosure program (PCDP) undertaken for the Natural Resource Management and Poverty Reduction environmental assessment (EA) process. For each public meeting, the persons in attendance and the questions and answers are provided. The draft Executive Summary, translated into Armenian, served as the basis for each meeting, though the presenters were also able to add additional detail based on their in depth knowledge of the project. The PCDP is described in greater detail in Section 5 of the EA report.
Four meetings were scheduled to take place during November and December 2001. However, due to first the Christmas holidays and then winter weather conditions, only three of the four meetings had taken place as of 30 January when the final EA report had to be submitted. The fourth meeting will be carried out as soon as conditions permit, and the results will be included in a revised annex to be attached to the EA report.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM Dl PCD MEETING 3
26.12.2001 Tavoush Marz, Village Koghb
Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction Project Environmental Impact Assessment Public Consultations
Participants
Delegation members
Georgi Arzumanyan PIU participationexpert Lusine Tedevosyan Environmental impact assessment expert
Community representatives 1. Abovyan Aramayis (head of village) 2. Abovyan Pavel ("Verelk"(Uprise) NGO) 3. Ananyan Sedrak (peasant) Karapet (village council, head of agricultural 4. Aghababyan department)deprtmnt 5. Abovyan Jemma (village council, accountant) 6. Khasikyan Armik (village council, utilities engineer) 7. Yerknapeshyan Albert (unemployed) 8. Ghulijanyan Armen (member of the village council) 9. Gharagiozyan Marine (teacher) 10. Hairapetyan Lida (director of kindergarten) 11. Barseghyan Emma (school headmaster) 12. Khasikyan Armen (unemployed) 13. Khasikyan Haik (head of village, secretary) 14. Gharakhanyan Vahram (teacher) 15. Abovyan Suren (director of the museum) 16. Ghulijanyan Andranik (Director of the forest research experimental center /FREC/)
Agenda items
1. Introduction of the list of the project goals and measures (Georgi Arzumanyan) 2. Introduction of the environmental impacts (Lusine Tedevosyan)
The opening of the meeting was announced by Georgi Arzumanyan who introduced the members of the delegation to the community population. He introduced the purpose of the meeting convened to the community members, i.e. the introduction of several changes made in the list of actions. The detailed description of the changes in the list of the actions of the program was presented in detail, and particularly it was emphasized what would those
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM Dl actions give to the communities, what global benefits they would gain, what opportunities would be opened for them...
Lusine Tadevosyan introduced the environmental impact assessment results to the community representatives, referring to the negative and positive impacts, by presenting the contents of the "Non-technical executive summary" in the brief provided to the locals prior to the meeting.
A possibility was provided to the participants after the presentations for questions and answers.
The matters of concern to tile commnuinity members were: V Emma Barseghyan, a headmaster of one of the schools, raised the question on if the school that was currently in hard financial conditions would have a possibility to construct a drying facility and bee-hive in the area under the scopes of the project. In the opinion of the headmaster the incomes generated from the activity would significantly improve the financial status of the school.
Answering to the question, Georgi Arzumanyan stated that this or that solution of the mentioned question would mostly depend on the decision of the community representatives. Once found to be a rational solution, it would be possible to undertake that action.
V Mrs. Barseghyan was also interested whether the global nature of the project is actually realistic.
Georgi Arzumanyan answered that the resolution of most of the problems depended on the community members, and on the fact to what extent they would collaborate, and how conscientiously they would undertake the measures planned under the project. The PIU would be in charge of the preparation of the project, but the main implementation activities of the project would be the duty of the community representatives.
V Pavel Abovyan ("Verelk" NGO) was interested in how much would the daily remuneration rate for each worker would be.
Mr. Arzumanyan clarified the matter by stating that the pay per day would amount to US$2 equivalent drams.
V After the clarification Pavel Abovyan asked if the social security payments and income tax would be deducted from that salary and whether there are certain tax privileges planned for the local population.
That question was followed by an answer that the details were not clear yet (Georgi Arzumanyan), however, in any case, that would be within the framework of the RoA legislation.
V Khasikyan Haik (village council, secretary) was interested in whether it would be possible to start the project implementation in 2002.
ENVIRONMENTAL RE50URCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TAC15 JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D2 The implementation process would most probably start from March 2002 (Georgi Arzumanyan).
V Mr. PavelAbovyan a representative of "Verelk" NGO was interested in who would carry out the conservation of the field protection forest cover.
Mr. Arzumanyan answered that, according to the project, those responsibilities will fall on the community representatives.
V Pavel Abovyan asked what resources would be available after the completion of the project, to protect the trees planted.
As explained by Mr. Arzumanyan, as a result of the project actions there would be additional incomes generated for the community, e.g. from the use of those newly established tree nurseries, at the expense of which it would be possible to conserve them in the future.
v Mr. Haik Khasikyan was interested in what the project budget was and how many communities it would be shared between and what was the procedure for distribution.
GeorgiArzumanyan answered that the overall project budget would amount to about US$16 million and roughly US$5 million would be planned for this component for 6 years of duration, and the total number of the communities involved will be 100. An important factor for the selection of the communities and the distribution of the funds would be the willingness of the communities to participate in the project implementation process.
V Mr. Khasikyan asked what was the responsibility of the community representatives in the current stage of the project preparation.
In this stage the community representatives should present their recommendations and comments on the package introduced to them, and should actively participate in the meetings held (Georgi Arzumanyan).
V Haik Khasikyan was interested in what the role of the Marzpetaran would be in the project implementation process.
Georgi Arzumanyan clarified the matter that the Marzpetaran's objective was to coordinate and to some extent to also monitor the actions implemented in the Marz area within the scopes of the project, to participate in the drafting of the management plans and in the selection process of the new communities etc.
V The next problem that was a matter of concern for Mr. Khasikyan, was whether the monitoring planned under the project would be undertaken by the Marzpetaran or not.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D3 The Marzpetaran would naturally on its part, ndertake a monitoring of the project. That obligation is mostly set on the PIU (Georgi Arumnanyan).
There were opinions stated that: * In reality this project is a well-developed and mature project and that the population of the neighboring Koti and other villages would also benefit from this project (Andranik Ghulijanyan). * Even if one hundred jobs are planned to be opened within the scopes of the project, the community population would be highly satisfied ("Verelk" NGO, PavelAbovyan).
At the end of the meeting the head of the village (Aramayis Abovyan) expressed his appreciation to the delegation members and the community representatives. In his speech he also emphasized the significant importance of this project and stressed that the community is ready to support and participate in its implementation.
Words of gratitude were also stated on behalf of the delegation by Georgi Arzumnanyan.
ENNIRONMEN-rAL RETOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BAN1K/ TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROC.RAM D4 PCD MEETING 2
26.11.2001 Gegharkunik Marz, village Dprabak
Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction Project Environmental Impact Assessment Results of Public Consultation and Disclosure Meeting
Participants
Delegation members
Gayane Minasyan The World Bank, Armenia Resident Mission Gohar Ghazinyan PIU Director Georgi Arzumanyan PIU participation expert Lusine Tedevosyan Environmental impact assessment expert
Community representatives Last Name First Name Last Name FirstName 1. Mkrtumyan Vova 13. Zakharyan Kamo 2. Hovsepyan Aramayis 14. Lazaryan Hambartsum 3. Arzumanyan Viktor 15. Safaryan Hrachik 4. Hovsepyan Sergo 16. Aghajanyan Nikolay 5. Vardanyan Aghavard 17. Nazlukhanyan Hovhannes (head of the village) 6. Vardanyan Gurgen 18. Aghasaryan Piotr 7. Hovsepyan Makich 19. Khondrakyan Makich 8. Shahnazaryan Valer 20. Poghosyan Iurik 9. Yeritsyan Jora 21.Dallakyan Aram 10. Tavartsyan Viktor 22. Balayan Ararat (deputy head of village) 11. Poghosyan Shushanik 23. Nazlukhanyan Vasil 12. Mnatsakanyan Elmira 24. Julhakyan Tolla
Agenda items were:
1. Introduction of the list of the project goals and measures (Georgi Arzumanyan) 2. Introduction of the environmental impacts (GeorgiArzumanyan)
Georgi Arzumanyan announced the opening of the session by the introduction of the delegation members to the community representatives. They mentioned that the main goal of the session convened, was to introduce the community members several changes made in the list of the project measures and the Project environmental impact assessment outcomes, with the reference to the negative and positive factors. The changes made in the list of the project measures were presented in detail and emphasizing in particular what those actions will give to the communities, what would their universal benefits be, and what possibilities will be opened in front of them. Also, the
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOuRCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D5 possible environmental impacts of the actions planned in the program were presented.
After Mr. Arzumanyan's speech, there was a question and discussion period.
The questionsfrorn the communiity members were:
V When will the project implementation start?
In answering to this question Mr. GeorgiArzurnanyan stated, that the project implementation will possibly start in spring of the next year and will continue for 5-6 years. The community representatives were interested in which of the listed actions planned would start first. Gayane Minsayan clarified the issue, stating that for the implementation of any action, a corresponding institutional ground should be prepared. For example, to undertake the action related with the livestock production sector development, it is first of all necessary to improve the pastures, for the necessary feed base to be provided prior to increasing the number of the livestock in the future.
However, the peasants objected to that sequence, stating the fact that their community, at present, utilizes only 1/4 of the total pastures, and the pastures that are left idle are mostly a major cause of the fire outbreaks in the summer months. Also there was an opinion stated that if the number of the livestock increases in the first priority manner, then the unused 3/4 of pastures could be used to meet the feed requirements of those additional heads of livestock, and the utilization of those pastures will have another positive impact (e.g., if the animals graze in those pastures in spring months, then in the summer months the incidence for the fire outbreaks will decrease).
V Gohar Ghazinyan asked, whether they would like to get joined into collective farms.
There was an answer following this question, that the locals are not favoring the recovery of the collective farms of the Soviet period, while as far as the collective organization of the agricultural practices is concerned, then there is already such experience applied in the following way: the individual privatized land parcels are cultivated with joint efforts, and the yield is distributed among the members at the amount of each one's contribution.
V The concerns of the peasants were mnostly relating to thefollowing:
* The corresponding markets for the sale of the agricultural products by the peasants themselves are inaccessible, as a result of which they tend to produce less than the potential that they have, while if they had access to the markets, then they could produce more agricultural products with the same resources. * Under the development of the milk processing activities in the community, the resulting whey from that activity may serve as a feed for the pigs. The availability of such additional feed resources also will create conditions for the reduction of the pressures on the forests.
ENV'IRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D6 * In the event the livestock numbers grow, the animals in the grazing period will not return home every day from the pasture, they will instead stay in the remote pastures during the whole grazing period, which will also leave comprehensive positive impacts on that. * There was a recommendation made to increase the numbers of the livestock in the coming years, based on the existing natural pastures, after which only to think about the creation of planted grasslands, and their crop rotations. * One part of the community houses is located in the land-sliding zone. * One of the priority objectives of the peasants is, that the generation of cash revenues locally is very insignificant and the community representatives in the priority manner require implementation of such actions, that will allow them create ways for the generation of cash revenues. * The main livestock product at the moment is the meat, and in the event there are possibilities for milk processing and corresponding storage and transportation, dairy products production could add value to the livestock farmers. * One of the issues of concerns to the peasants is also what financial mechanisms will be applied and when will their specific forms and conditions become clear? * One of the wishes was, that the timings for the preparation activities were to the possible extent reduced, and immediate actions for the implementation of the core activities launched. * Of course, there was the desire of the community representatives to resolve all the matters of their concern within the scopes of this single project, however, Gayane Minasyan clarified that it is not possible to resolve all the matters of concern to the peasants within this single environmental project, but this project will create prerequisites for the future resolution of those unresolved issues: linkages will be established, information exchange will be provided, demonstration of new experience will be undertaken. * The community population has some mistrust towards this project, which is attributed to the results of the former projects they have experienced.
ENVIRONMFNTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D7 PCD MEETING 1
26.11.2001 Tavotushl Marz, Village Gosh
Natural Resources Management and Poverty Reduction Project Environmental Impact Assessment Public Consultations
Participants
Delegation members
Gayane Minasyan The World Bank Armenia Resident Mission Gohar Ghlazinyan PIlU Director Georgi Arzumanyan PIU participation expert Lusine Tedevosyan Environmental impact assessment expert
Community representatives
1. Sargsvan Norair 12. Grigoryan Manvel 2. Grigoryan Levon 13. Grigoryan Shushanik 3. Zakaryan Robert 14. Ghazaryan Liza 4. Amirkhanyan Martik 15. Grigoryan Khandut 5. Amiryan Aramayis 16. Zakaryan Rafael 6. Grigoryan Aghamayis 17. Davtyan Derenik 7. Sargsyan Misha 18. Arzumanyan Lena 8. Grigoryan Suren 19. Amirkhanyan Sanasar 9. Amirkhanyan Serioja 20. Arzumanyan Nver (head of village) 10. Arzumanyan Movses 21. Arzumanyan Garnik 11. Grigoryan Vardan
Agenda items
1. Introduction of the list of the project goals and measures (Georgi Arzumnnyan) 2. Introduction of tlze environmental impacts (Georgi Arzumanyan)
The opening of the meeting was announced by Gayane Minasyan. She presented the purpose of the meeting and introduced the members of the delegation to the community population. Afterwards, the floor was given to Georgi Arzumanyan. The latter introduced the participants to several changes made in the list of the Project measures and the Project environmental impact assessment outcomes, with the reference to the negative and positive factors.
During and after the presentation, the peasants expressed the following opinions, recommendations and issues:
ENVIRONMIENTALRESOURCFS MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D8 / The only road for taking the livestock to the pasture passes through the forest. When talking about the establishment of certain protection hedges around the paths for the animals not to cause any damages when passing through the forest, there was a recommendation made to establish those hedges by planting dewberry bushes, which could also be used by the population.
/ When speaking about the fuel, some of the people expressed their opinion on the fact that they would prefer to have some other type of fuel for use, e.g. liquid fuel. Today there are significant difficulties to procure firewood, since the only source is the area of the state reserve, and in most cases, the acquisition of the wood in legal manner is impossible. Recognizing that fact, the population when having excess cash, will be able to buy other fuel, thus also facilitating their problems in acquiring fuel, meanwhile avoiding causing any damages to the forest.
V/ There are serious problemns in relation to the access to pastures. The peasants unintentionally are forced to violate the border of the State Reserve on their way of taking the livestock to the pasture (since there are no other roads available), for which they are penalized.
/ Gayane Minasyan asked the community representatives whether there had ever been any irrigation system in the village. The locals answered that they never had such a system in place while under the availability of the latter the process of erosion would have been significantly prevented.
/ There was a robust reaction by the peasants to the question raised about the sanitary cuttings of the forest. vz To Gayane Minasyan's question on what would the community members do, if the forest area of their village belonging to the Dilijan SR is given on some conditions to the community, the peasants answered, that (1) first of all, the money generating from the wood procurement of that forest may address numerous problems faced by the community, (2) as well as, it is most likely that the forest will be cut with more care, by undertaking sanitary cuttings. v To Georgy Arzumanyan's question on whether they knew what techniques should be applied when undertaking sanitary cuttings, the peasants gave a positive feedback. However, they found it difficult to specifically explain how would the selection of the trees, subject to cutting, be made.
V/ When during his speech Mr. Arzumanyan mentioned about the agricultural machinery, the community representatives stated that the village needed new agricultural machinery. The existing ones are obsolete and they do not meet the present needs of the village.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TAGISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM D9 V At the end of his presentation Mr. Arzumanyan spoke about the small grants that planned to be provided, within the scopes of the project. In this regard, the community members raised a question about how, whom and how much would these grants be provided. Gayane Minasyan, replied that these questions could be more specifically answered in late winter-early spring. But at this point, we can state that those grants will be provided for the performance of those actions, which are primarily targeted at the reduction of any type of pressure on the biodiversity, and its conservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISIOINT ENVIRONMIENTALPROGRAM D10 Annex E
Environmental Management Guidelines for Contractors PREFACE
The recommendations that are presented in this annex are fully comprehensive having been designed to cover all possible construction considerations. It is recognised that not all of these recommendations will be relevant to individual construction contracts. It is, however, suggested that these guidelines be supplied in their entirety to contractors who will then be responsible for devising appropriate environmental management plans in accordance with the scope of their individual contracts.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES FOR CONTRACTORS
Introduction
Pu rpose The purpose of these environmental management guidelines (EMG) for contractors are to define minimum standards of construction practice acceptable to the Project Implementation Unit (PIU).
Applicable Codes, Standards and Legislation There are various environmental regulations and standards which cover environmental and related matters and these are referred to as applicable in this EMG. Notwithstanding those references, compliance with them shall not discharge the Contractor from complying with any other legislative requirements applicable at the time of construction activities.
Thle Site The Site, for the purposes of these EMG, is defined is any land which has been included in the construction area, as defined on the PIU plans which will be provided to the contractor.
Site Environmnental Managemnent Plan (SEMP) Prior to the start of construction activities, the Contractor should, on the basis of these guidelines, draw up a Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP), which must be approved by the PIU before construction or rehabilitation activities can commence. This plan should include or address all the components of these guidelines, with the caveat that the SEMP must justify or explain if and when certain guideline components are not relevant to a specific, individual project and any variance(s) agreed with the PIU.
When the SEMP has been prepared, the Contractor should also undertake appropriate training of their workforce to ensure that every member of the
ENNIRONMENTAL RESOURCESMANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME El workforce is aware of the SEMP prior to going on site, and will adhere to the SEMP at all times. The PIU will advise and assist the contractor as necessary.
Roads and Footpaths
Temporary and Permanent Closures and Diversions In order to carry out some works, it may be necessary to close or divert certain specified highways and footpaths, either permanently or temporarily during the construction period. It is the Contractor's responsibility to finalise the arrangements for these closures and diversions with the PIU.
After breaking up, closing or otherwise interfering with any street or footpath to which the public has access, the Contractor shall make such arrangements with the PIU as may be reasonably necessary so as to cause as little interference with the traffic in that street or footpath during construction of the Works as shall be reasonably practicable. This includes consideration of the agricultural timetables (e.g., livestock movements, access to fields for tilling or harvest).
Wherever the works interfere with existing public or private roads or other ways over which there is a public or private right of way for any traffic, the Contractor shall construct diversion ways wherever possible. The standard of construction and lighting shall be suitable in all respects for the class or classes of traffic using the existing ways, and the widths of the diversions shall not be less than that of the existing way unless otherwise agreed with the PIU.
Diversion ways shall be constructed in advance of any interference with the existing ways and shall be maintained to provide adequately for the traffic flows.
The Contractor shall be responsible for supplying, erecting and maintaining for the requisite periods all statutory and public information notices. The nature and location of such notices shall also comply with the requirements of the PIU.
The provisions of this Clause shall not apply to any temporary access or accommodation works, which the Contractor may construct for his sole use in the execution of the works.
Pedestrian Routes The Contractor shall ensure that reasonable pedestrian routes are provided throughout the construction period, where those routes are interrupted by the works.
Maintenance and Repair of the Highway The Contractor shall take every possible precaution to prevent its operations, whether by carting or otherwise, from damaging the roads and footpaths in the vicinity of works.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E2 The Contractor shall carry out all such maintenance works as are necessary to maintain the roads and footpaths in the vicinity of the works in a serviceable condition to the approval of the PIU.
Lorry Movements The Contractor, its sub-contractors and suppliers moving large and/or heavy loads, construction plant, materials and spoil (including vehicles used for carrying such when running empty) shall limit the use of public highways as far as is reasonably practicable.
Routes will be agreed with the PIU in advance. Vehicles arriving or leaving the Site shall do so during normal working hours, unless otherwise agreed with the PIU.
The Contractor shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that delivery vehicles do not park on the highways prior to entering the Site.
The Contractor when entering into any sub-contract for the execution of any part of the works or the supply or transport of heavy loads, construction plant, materials or spoil shall incorporate in any such sub-contract provisions requiring the sub-contractor or supplier to comply with the requirements of this Clause.
Mud on Roads The Contractor shall take strict measures to minimise the spillage of mud on roads arising from excavation works.
These may include, but not necessarily be limited to:
1. The provision of wheel washing facilities. 2. Regular cleaning to remove any mud or debris deposited by site vehicles on roads, footpaths, gullies or drains in the vicinity of the site. 3. The complete sheeting of the sides and tops of all vehicles carrying mud or debris. 4. The Contractor shall ensure that vehicles are loaded in such a manner as to prevent spoil falling off during their journey.
The Contractor shall also comply with the requirements regarding dust outlined in this EMG.
Traffic Safety and Control (Traffic Safety Measures) The Contractor shall provide, erect and maintain such traffic signs, road markings, lamps, barriers and traffic control signals and such other measures as may be necessitated by the construction of the Works to the approval of the PIU.
The Contractor shall not commence any work that affects the public highway until all traffic safety measures necessitated by the work are fully operational.
ENVIRON'MENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT EVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E3 The Contractor shall keep clean and legible at all times all traffic signs, road markings, lamps, barriers and traffic control signals and he shall position, reposition, cover or remove them as required by the progress of the works and to the approval of the PIU.
Site Access All access from the Site onto the highway shall be of sufficient width to accommodate two-way traffic wherever practicable. Traffic signs shall be provided for each access as follows:
1. As advance warning of the approach. 2. "Give Way" signs for control of traffic leaving the Site.
The precise location of each sign shall be determined by the Contractor to the satisfaction of the PIU.
Access Across Site and to Frontages In carrying out the Works, the Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent or reduce any disturbance or inconvenience to the owners, tenants or occupiers of adjacent properties, and to the public generally.
Subject to the provisions of these guidelines, the Contractor shall maintain any existing right of way across the whole or part of the Site and public and private access to adjoining frontages in a safe condition and to a standard not less than that pertaining at the commencement of the contract.
Alternatively, the Contractor shall provide acceptable alternative means of passage or access to the satisfaction of the persons affected. The Contractor shall provide and maintain any guard rails, fences, gates, lights, bridges, pavings, steps etc. needed and they shall be of such size, strength and construction as will be adequate for their purpose.
In carrying out the work immediately adjacent to occupied premises outside the Site, the Contractor shall proceed with minimum inconvenience and disturbance to occupiers and users. Access to and from such premises shall be maintained at all times, except as may be essential.
The Contractor shall render every assistance to occupiers of premises affected by the works to enable them to get materials or goods into or out of their premises.
Access to Agricultural Lands The Contractor must liaise with local farmers to ensure that construction plans are scheduled to minimise disturbance (eg through reducing access or interrupting irrigation water supply) to existing agricultural lands during key periods in the crop timetable, such as sewing and harvest. These schedules must be agreed with the PIU as part of the SEMP before construction commences.
ENWRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK/ TACISJOINT ENwRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E4 Water and Soil Protection
Waste Water and Groundwater Provisions for construction site drainage along the route of the Works will be achieved via the development and implementation of an appropriate site drainage plan. The plan will include measures to ensure that surface water runoff is contained and managed appropriately, as described below. Such provisions will also prevent washout from temporary construction laydown and storage areas into local watercourses.
All waste water and site discharges shall only be permitted where the effluent quality and discharge location is acceptable to the PIU. Any effluent produced will pass through treatment facilities such as sediment traps and/or settlement lagoons, as appropriate, before being discharged. The Contractor will ensure that all treatment facilities are regularly inspected and maintained.
The Contractor shall make provisions to ensure that oil drums and containers or other potential contaminants stored on the Site are properly isolated and bunded and that no oil or other contaminants are allowed to reach watercourses or groundwater, including aquifers. In particular, soil bunds should be constructed around fuel or chemical storage areas to isolate spillages (110% volume of stored chemicals); covers should be used to prevent erosion from exposed heaps, which should themselves be positioned away from watercourses; and adequate sanitation facilities (eg latrines) should be in place for the workforce. In addition, an appropriate fuel and chemical handling protocol and contingency planning to prevent and limit impact from spills should be in place prior to any construction taking place.
The Contractor will also have due regard for underlying aquifers, and wherever appropriate, measures to prevent groundwater contamination will be agreed with the PIU.
Control and Managemnent of Foul Drainage Any foul water and sewage effluents produced by the construction workforce will be contained by temporary foul drainage facilities to be installed. All foul water will be disposed of properly in accordance with local regulations and off-site.
Water Supply Conflicts The Contractor must ensure that the workforce have adequate access to a safe water supply, which is not provided to the detriment of services to the local population. If there is a risk of competition for limited water resources, then the Contractor must ensure that the local supply is not affected, and that workforce is provided with an alternative source if necessary (eg tankered and stored water).
ENvIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E5 Soil Protection The Contractor must also take every precaution to avoid unnecessary soil compaction, (e.g., by minimising the use of heavy equipment, use of wooden matting to spread weight in soft soils).
Noise and Working Hours
Working Hours The normal working hours shall be 0700 - 1900.
These hours of work do not apply to equipment which is required to operate continuously (e.g. for safety reasons).
At certain sites, different working hours shall apply. These will be as agreed between the Contractor and the PIU.
In general, night-time working shall be kept to a minimum. However, for some sites where night-time working is required it shall be agreed with the PIU.
Additional or alternative working hours needed for emergency reasons shall be advised to the PIU.
Noise Control The Contractor shall have a general duty to take all practicable measures to minimise nuisance from noise. This includes:
1. Respecting normal working hours in or close to residential areas. 2. Maintaining equipment in good working order so that extraneous noises from mechanical vibration, creaking and squeaking are reduced to a minimum. 3. Shutting down equipment when it is not directly in use (except where the equipment is required to run continuously).
Dust and Air Pollution
Dust The Contractor shall take all necessary measures to avoid creating a dust nuisance during both construction and demolition works.
Measurers to prevent dust shall include the following practices:
1. The enclosure of material stockpiles at all times and damping down of dusty materials using water sprays during dry weather. 2. Control of cutting or grinding of materials on site. 3. The complete sheeting of the sides and top of all vehicles carrying spoil and other dusty materials. 4. Watering of unpaved surfaces and roads.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINT ENVRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E6 5. Limit vehicle speeds on unpaved surfaces to 35 kph.
Air Pollution The Contractor shall take precautions to prevent the occurrence of smoke emissions or fumes from site plant or stored fuel oils. Plant shall be well maintained and measures shall be taken to ensure that it is not left running for long periods when not directly in use.
Disposal of Waste and Contaminated Materials
Waste As part of the SEMP, the Contractor will develop a management plan which will identify:
* the waste category and quantities of materials generated; * opportunities for recycling and/or re-use; and * disposal routes and licensing requirements.
Spoil arising from the works which is classed as "acceptable fill" will wherever practicable be used in construction works.
Disposal sites will be identified by the Contractor in consultation with the PIU.
Ecology
Encroaclhment into Wildlife Areas The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of relevant nature conservation legislation. The following general principles will be applied where practicable: 1. Standards of dust, noise and air pollution control, as set out in previous sections shall be applied to protect adjacent wildlife habitats. 2. Habitat loss will be minimised by restricting the working width to a necessary minimum. 3. Suitable precautions shall be taken to prevent the entry of pollutants into any bodies of water - adjacent habitat will be fenced off and staff given awareness training, where appropriate. 4. Any unauthorised felling or trees, clearance of fauna, or trapping or killing of any wildlife (excepting vermin) in the vicinity of the Site by members of the workforce is strictly prohibited, and could lead to termination of contract if not controlled. The Contractor must make sure that the workforce have adequate resources and fuel supplies on site at all times to prevent such an occurrence
Protectionof Mature Trees Loss of trees will be avoided wherever possible. Adverse effects on all trees within or in the vicinity of the Site shall be minimised by the adoption of
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGENMENT WORLD BANK / TACIS JOINTENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E7 suitable mitigation measures, including, but not limited to the following (where appropriate): 1. selective removal of lower branches in an approved manner, to reduce mechanical damage by construction equipment; 2. the use of matting around the root zone to prevent excess soil compaction; 3. the use of paling around the trunk to prevent damage; and 4. notwithstanding (ii) above, construction activities shall be controlled in the vicinity of all trees so as to minimise excessive compaction of the ground beneath the entire canopy of the tree. No heavy materials or plant shall be stored, and construction traffic movements shall be controlled, within the areas.
Tree Replacement Any tree that is damaged or cut down without approval or dies as a consequence of the construction shall be treated or be replaced by a suitably sized transplant to the approval of the PIU.
Site Boundaries/Hoardings The Contractor shall liaise with the PIU to decide upon which (if any) areas of the site should be fenced from public ingress.
Site Activities
Good Housekeeping The Contractor shall follow a "good housekeeping" policy at all times. This shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following requirements:
* Open fires will be prohibited at all times; * Rubbish will be removed at frequent intervals and the site kept clean and tidy; * Hoardings shall be frequently inspected, repaired and re-painted as necessary; * Adequate toilet facilities shall be provided for all site staff. Toilets shall be kept clean; * Food waste shall be removed frequently; * The wheel washing facilities area shall be brushed clean frequently. * Lorries shall enter and exit the Site in a forward direction. * All loading and unloading of vehicles shall take place off the public highway wherever this is practicable
Living Accommodation No living accommodation will be permitted on the Site except with the approval of the PIU.
Clearanceof Site on Completion The Contractor shall clear up all working areas both within and outside the Site and accesses as work proceeds and when no longer required for the carrying out of the Works.
ENVTRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E8 All surplus soil and materials, temporary roads, plant, sheds, offices and temporary fencing shall be removed, post holes filled and the surface of the ground restored as near as practicable to its original condition.
Pest Control The Contractor shall ensure that the risk of infestation by pests or vermin is minimised by adequate arrangements for the disposal of food waste or other material attractive to pests. If infestation occurs he shall take the necessary action to deal with it.
Use of Existing Structutres The Contractor shall not locate stockpiles for materials, stores, plant or temporary works upon or adjacent to or under existing structures such as bridges, viaducts, towpaths, walls and embankments in such a way as to endanger these structures.
Safety
Emergency Contacts and Procedures The Contractor shall prepare and maintain an Emergency Contacts Set of Procedures for each work site which shall be displayed prominently at each site. These Procedures shall be followed in any site emergency.
They shall contain emergency phone numbers and the method of notifying local authorities/services for action by the Contractor and the PIU. Copies of the Procedures will be issued to the PIU and the Police.
Emergency telephone numbers for the Contractor's key personnel shall also be included for the PIU's use in an emergency.
Use of Explosives The use of explosives shall not be permitted except in exceptional circumstances. Prior approval from the PIU shall be obtained.
Protectionof Existing Installations
Informnation The Contractor will be required to make his own investigations and to take all appropriate actions concerning existing foundations, buildings, structures, walls, roadways, sewers cables and other services, apparatus and installations.
Safeguarding The Contractor shall properly safeguard all buildings, structures, works, services or installations from harm, disturbance or deterioration during the concession period. The Contractor shall take all necessary measures required for the support and protection of all buildings, structures, pipes, cables, sewers, railways and other apparatus during the concession period.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT WORLD BANK / TACISJOINT ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMME E9