World Bank Document

Public Disclosure Authorized

RURAL ECONOMY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

Public Disclosure Authorized ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK (ESMF)

Public Disclosure Authorized

April 18, 2019

Public Disclosure Authorized TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Abbreviations & Acronyms ...... 6 Executive Summary ...... 7 1. Introduction ...... 13 1.1 Purpose of the ESMF ...... 13 1.2 Rationale for the ESMF ...... 13 1.3 Approach and Methodology for Preparation of ESMF ...... 14 1.4 Project Description ...... 14 1.4.1 Sectoral and Institutional Context ...... 14 1.4.2 Project Overview ...... 15 2. Baseline Data ...... 20 2.1. Location and Size ...... 20 2.2 Physical Environment ...... 21 2.2.1 Climate ...... 21 2.3 Topography and Drainage ...... 22 2.3.1 Hydrology ...... 22 2.3.2 Soils and Geology ...... 23 2.4 Land Use ...... 24 2.5 Biological Environment-Ecosystems ...... 24 2.5.1 Flora ...... 29 2.5.2 Fauna ...... 29 2.6 Seismic Hazards ...... 30 2.7 Natural Protected Areas ...... 31 2.8 Socio-Economic Background ...... 32 2.8.1 Population ...... 33 2.8.2 Economic Growth & Setting ...... 35 2.8.2.1 Agribusiness ...... 35 2.8.2.2. Tourism ...... 37 3. Description of the Administrative, Policy and Regulatory Framework ...... 45 3.1 The Legal, Regulatory and Policy Framework ...... 45 3.1.1 Relevant National Laws and Regulations and International Treaties ...... 45 3.1.2. Overview of Key National Environmental Legal Provisions ...... 47 3.1.3 Key National Social Legal Provisions and Citizen Engagement ...... 49 3.2 Relevant Institutions ...... 50 3.2.1 Environmental Assessment Administrative/Institutional Framework ...... 51 3.2.2 Social and Resettlement Administrative/Institutional framework ...... 52 4. Relevant World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) ...... 53 4.1 ESS 1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ...... 53 4.2 ESS 2 – Labor and Working Conditions ...... 53 2 4.3 ESS 3 – Recourse and Efficiency, Pollution Prevention and Management ...... 54 4.4 ESS 4 – Community Health and Safety ...... 54 4.5 ESS 5 – Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use, and Involuntary Resettlement ...... 54 4.6 ESS 6 – Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources ...... 55 4.7 ESS 7 - Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities ...... 55 4.8 ESS 8 – Cultural Heritage ...... 55 4.9 ESS 9 – Financial Intermediaries (FI) ...... 56 4.10 ESS 10 – Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure ...... 56 5. Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ...... 58 5.1 Positive Impacts ...... 58 5.2 Adverse Risks and Impacts ...... 59 5.2.1 Adverse Environmental Impacts and Risks ...... 59 5.2.2 Adverse Social Impacts and Risks ...... 61 6. Environmental and Social Risk Management ...... 63 7. ESMF Implementation Arrangements ...... 68 7.1 ESMF Process Flow at the Project Level ...... 68 7.2 ESMF Process Flow at the Grant Level ...... 71 7.2.1 Selection of Grant proposals ...... 71 7.2.2 Screening of Subprojects for Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ...... 72 7.2.4 ESIA/ESMP Review Process ...... 76 7.2.5 Pest Management and Mineral Fertilizers Issues ...... 77 7.3 ESA Monitoring and Reporting ...... 78 7.3.1 Monitoring Plans ...... 78 7.3.2 Monitoring and Reporting Responsibilities ...... 79 7.4 Institutional Capacity for ESMF Implementation ...... 80 7.4.1 MOF PIU and TDC/PIG ...... 80 7.4.2 Grant Manager (GM) ...... 81 7.4.3 Business Development Service Providers (Enablers) ...... 81 7.4.4 Local Structures ...... 82 7.4.5 Other Relevant Government Agencies...... 82 7.4.6 Other Relevant Stakeholders ...... 82 7.5 Training and Technical Assistance ...... 82 7.6 ESMF Implementation Budget ...... 83 8. Public Consultations and Disclosure ...... 84 8.1 ESMF Disclosure ...... 84 8.2 Public Consultations ...... 84 8.3 Grievance Redress Mechanism ...... 84 8.3.1 Overall Process...... 84 8.3.2 Procedures: ...... 85 8.3.3 Grievance Log ...... 86

3 8.3.4 Monitoring and Reporting on Grievances ...... 86 8.3.5 World Bank Grievance Redress System ...... 87 Annex 1. Examples of Adverse Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts and Proposed Mitigations Measures ...... 88 Annex 2. Risk Categories of Proposed Subprojects and Relevant ES Instruments ...... 92 Annex 3. Environmental Screening Checklist ...... 94 Annex 4. Social Screening Checklist ...... 97 Annex 5. Results of Environmental and Social Screening ...... 98 Annex 6. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report Outline ...... 99 Annex 7. ESMP Content and Format ...... 100 Annex 8. Examples to be used in ESMPs for Assessment of Impacts, Causes, Consequences and Mitigation Measures for Subprojects in Agroprocessing & Food Production ...... 103 Annex 9. Examples to be used in ESMPs for the Assessment of Impacts, Causes, Consequences and Mitigation Measures for Construction Activities & Subprojects in Manufacturing Sector ...... 114 Annex 10. Environmental and Social Management Checklist for Small Construction and Rehabilitation Activities ...... 123 Annex 11. Template for Grievance Redress Log ...... 137 Annex 12. Cultural Heritage Management Plan Content and Format ...... 138 Annex 13. Voluntary Land Donation Criteria and Form ...... 139 Annex 14. Principles of IPM, Use and Handling Pesticides ...... 141 Annex 15. Recommended Structure of a Pest Management Plan ...... 144 Annex 16. Minutes of Consultations on Draft ESMF ...... 147

Tables Table 1. Main Climate Characteristics of Khatlon Region 22 Table 2. Floral Species in the Project areas (past and/or present) 25 Table 3. Basic Socio-Economic Indicators for Khatlon and GBAO regions 34 Table 4. Crop Production (Tonnes) in Tajikistan (2015-2017) 36 Table 5. Crop Production per Region 36 Table 6. List of National Laws and Regulations 45 Table 7. List of International Treaties and Convention ratified by Tajikistan 46 Table 8. Relevant Government Institutions to be engaged in REDP implementation 50 Table 9. Process Cycle for Agribusiness 68 Table 10. Process Cycle for Tourism Development 69 Table 11. List of Non-Eligible Activities for REDP Subprojects 72 Table 12. Environmental and Social Instruments Development for Grant Program 76 Table 13. Roles and Responsibilities in ESIA/ESMP Review and Implementation 76

Figures Figure 1. Proposed Implementation Arrangements under the REDP 19 Figure 2. Map of Tajikistan 20 Figure 3. Type of Soil in GBAO 24 Figure 4. Seismogenic Zones of Tajikistan 31 Figure 5. Seismogenic Zones of Khatlon Region 31 Figure 6. Natural Protected Areas of Tajikistan 32

4 Figure 7. Yamchun Fortress in GBAO 38 Figure 8. Chiluchorchashma springs, Khatlon 39 Figure 9. Khoja Mashad Complex, Khatlon 40 Figure 10. Hulbuk Castle, Vose District, Khatlon 40 Figure 11. Average satisfaction ratings of the homestay services in Tajikistan 43 Figure 12. Historical and Cultural Sites to be rehabilitated under REDP 60 Figure 13. The ESMF Process Cycle at the Grant Level 71

5 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS

ACM Asbestos-containing materials BP Bank Procedures (World Bank) CEP Committee for Environmental Protection CDD Community-Driven Development DEP Department on Environmental Protection DMOs Destination Management Organizations DRS Districts under Republican Subordination EE Ecological Expertise EHS Environmental, Health and Safety issues ESIA Environmental & Social Impact Assessment ESA Environmental and Social Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESF Environmental and Social Framework ESS Environmental and Social Standard GBAO Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast FI Financial Institution FP Focal Point GP Good Practice (World Bank) GOT Government of Tajikistan GFP Grievance Focal Point GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism IDA International Development Association / World Bank LMP Labor Management Procedures M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MIS Management information system NGO Non-Governmental Organization MOF PIU Project Implementation Unit under Ministry of Finance Удалено: PCU MSMEs Micro, small and medium enterprises Удалено: Coordination OP Operational Policies (World Bank) O&M Operations & Maintenance PAP Project Affected Person PCR Physical Cultural Resources PDO Project Development Objective PIG Project Implementation Group under the Tourism Development Committee Удалено: PCU ... PFI Participating Financial Institution Удалено: U RMR Risk Mitigation Regime RPF Resettlement Policy Framework RAP Resettlement Action Plan RSP Resilience Strengthening Program REDP Rural Energy Development Project PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls SEE State Ecological Expertise SERSP Socio-Economic Resilience Strengthening Project SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan TA Technical Assistance TDC Tourism Development Committee TOs Tour Operators WB World Bank

6 Executive Summary

1. Project objective. The initial project development objective is to improve the sources of livelihood for local populations in Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) and Khatlon through tourism and agribusiness, and to promote and preserve the local culture.

2. Rationale of the Proposed Project. The Rural Economy Development Project (REDP), being a part of the Resilience Strengthening Program (RSP) included in the upcoming World Bank Country Partnership Framework for the Republic of Tajikistan for the period FY19-23. It will contribute to the Risk Mitigation Regime’s (RMR) higher-level objectives of strengthening resilience, defined as a person’s, community’s and/or country’s capacity to adjust or respond to, and recover from, difficulties, adverse impacts, and/or exogenous shocks, reducing perceptions of exclusion, and preventing fragility risks. The project will support tourism and agribusiness in two regions that still suffer from security outbreaks and are exposed to recruitment by radical groups. In complementarity with other RMR interventions, the project, through its cultural heritage angle, will contribute to the mitigation of some of these risks by strengthening self-identity and a sense of cultural pride. The project will provide employment opportunities for at-risk youth as an alternative to recruitment by radical groups.

3. Expected Beneficiaries. The direct beneficiaries of the activities under the project are the targeted vulnerable groups, namely, women, youth and migrant workers; however, the benefits of the project extend to other stakeholders also. The interventions under the project are expected to create income earning opportunities for these groups. Other beneficiaries of the project include: public markets, museums, communities and cultural fairs (under Component 1); agri-related stakeholders, including farmers, farmer groups and associations, processors, agricultural micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as tourism-related stakeholders, such as homestays, craftsmen, artists, restaurants and other service providers (under Component 2); and start-ups, tourism guides and tour operators, low-skilled, semi-skilled and high-skilled workers, as well as agriculture students (under Component 3).

4. Project components. The project components and activities are the following:

Component 1—Improve public infrastructure for development of tourism, agribusiness and related sectors (US$11,700,000). It includes three subcomponents:

 Subcomponent 1.1: Public investments in historical and cultural tourism sites: This subcomponent will finance the rehabilitation, beautification, landscaping, and general improvement of four cultural and historical sites. One site is in GBAO and three in Khatlon. The project will finance the investments, as well as the technical design and commercialization plans, the associated social and environmental assessments, and the supervision of the works.  Subcomponent 1.2: Grants to communities, municipalities, and nongovernmental organization (NGOs) to improve tourism and agribusiness infrastructure and develop local tourism attractions. The objective of this subcomponent is to solicit local communities’ proposals to develop tourism and agribusiness in Khatlon and GBAO and to involve citizens in designing and implementing these proposals, ultimately increasing citizens’ engagement and opportunities for productive employment. The Grant Management Company (GMC—

7 financed under subcomponent 4.2) will administer the grants according to the principles and rules in the Grants Manual. Grants under this Subcomponent will include: - Grants for communities, municipalities, or NGOs to improve tourism infrastructure or develop local tourism attractions. The GMC, PIG, and grant enablers will advertise the availability of grants in all districts in GBAO and Khatlon. The grants might fund rehabilitating local recreational sites, improving hiking or cultural trails, or organizing local fairs. - Grants for communities or municipalities to improve infrastructure in public agricultural markets (bazaars). The GMC, PIG and grant enablers will advertise the availability of grants in all districts in GBAO and Khatlon for communities or municipalities interested in improving local bazaars by, for example: (i) building or improving trading areas, (ii) building or improving sanitary facilities, (iii) building or improving (cold) storage facilities, and (iv) repairing of facilities or buying equipment for food safety control labs in the bazaars.  Subcomponent 1.3: Public investments in touristic signage. This subcomponent will fund the preparation, purchase, and installation of tourist signs across the major travel routes and for key tourism sites in Khatlon and GBAO, including road signage and entrance and interpretative signage. These interventions can cover – but will not be limited to – the sites financed under subcomponents 1.1 and 1.2.

Component 2—Support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs in the tourism, agribusiness, and related services (US$8,200,000). This subcomponent will finance matching grants to private sector actors in agribusiness, tourism, and related sectors. Proposals from vulnerable citizens—youth, women, and returning migrants—and proposals that involve vulnerable citizens will have priority in the selection. Grant enablers (“enablers”) will be hired under subcomponent 3.2 to help applicants prepare proposals and implement selected ones. The GMC will collect the proposal and prepare the submission to the Grant Committee. The beneficiaries that submit a winning proposal will receive and be entitled to spend the grant money to achieve the objectives spelled out in their proposals.  Subcomponent 2.1: Matching grants to farmers and agribusiness MSMEs to support post- harvest storage and processing. Matching grants will be provided to formally registered individual farmers, farmers’ groups, or associations and MSMEs to finance goods (equipment) and services to facilitate small-scale post-harvesting activities. The matching grants can finance, for example: (i) drying or packaging machines, (ii) (cold) storage facilities, (iii) equipment to produce small-size uniquely packaged products that can be sold on the local market or bought by tourists as present, or (iv) changes to production processes to obtain food safety and quality certifications such as HACCP and ISO 22000.  Subcomponent 2.2: Matching grants to farmers and processors in two agribusiness value chains. These matching grants will support the development of two value chains by removing demand and supply bottlenecks. The first value chain is dairy, where the project will provide: - Matching grants to formally registered farmers, or associations to buy milking equipment, milk containers, improved fodder, and high-productivity cows to improve the quantity and quality of their milk. - Matching grants to processors to establish or acquire collection points, including quality control equipment. While grants will be provided to processors, they will benefit farmers

8 by increasing opportunities to continuously trade milk with processors. These grants could be offered through a reverse auction scheme, whereby the project will predetermine the requirements and processors will be invited to submit proposals.  Subcomponent 2.3: Matching grants to tourism-related MSMEs to improve services and offerings. The project will provide matching grants to formally registered tourism entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and NGOs so they can improve the quality of their products and services. Homestays,1 restaurants, tour operators, activity and service providers, artists and crafters could apply for the matching grants. The grants could fund a diverse set of initiatives, including: (i) improving access to basic sanitation services, (ii) upgrading kitchens to meet health standards, (iii) purchasing equipment that tourists want, and (iv) offering public services in rest areas. Matching grants to develop and promote agritourism will support farmers willing to diversify their income through tourism. Component 3 — Capacity building and business development services in tourism, agribusiness and related sectors (US$7,200,000). This component will finance capacity building and technical assistance to (i) promote the sectors by improving the capacity of public institutions and enhancing individual skills and (ii) provide business support services for implementing the grant and matching grant programs. It includes two subcomponents:  Subcomponent 3.1: Technical assistance to public agencies, service providers and operators in the tourism and agribusiness sectors. This subcomponent will finance three specific activities, among others. The first is training and advisory on tourism and agribusiness development for key stakeholders. The second activity is promoting tourism and agribusiness by organizing and taking part in trade fairs, familiarization or learning tours (for tour operators and agribusinesses), and media and marketing activities. The third specific activity under this subcomponent is providing training, retraining, and certification programs for skilled professionals, semi-skilled workers, and relevant entrepreneurs.  Subcomponent 3.2: Technical assistance to help beneficiaries of grants and matching grants design, submit and implement grant proposals. To maximize the outreach and the impact of all grant and matching grant programs offered under the project (including Component 2 and subcomponent 1.2), the project will competitively select enablers (“enablers”). The enablers could be local nongovernmental organizations, consulting companies, DMOs, or other providers of professional and knowledge services. The project will recruit three to five enablers2 to: (i) identify and train beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups, (ii) help beneficiaries prepare grant and matching grant proposals, and (iii) provide implementation support. To encourage proposals with positive impacts on the environment, the enablers will also conduct climate change awareness raising and knowledge sharing among beneficiaries.

Component 4— Project coordination and implementation, and grant management (US$2,900,000). It finances the overall implementation costs of the project, which include:  Project Coordination and Implementation. The implementation costs will cover (i) staff and experts at the Project Implementation Unit (PIG) at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), which will implement the entire project, (2) tourism experts for the Project Implementation Group at the Tourism Development Committee to be hired, and (3) regional coordinators in the

1 GBAO has an organized association of homestays (PECTA) financed by the Agha Khan Foundation. There is no similar association in Khatlon. 2 At a minimum, 2-4 enablers in total should ensure coverage of tourism and agribusiness beneficiaries in the 25 districts of Khatlon. Given the remoteness of GBAO, one facilitator should be dedicated to beneficiaries in those districts. 9 governors’ offices in Khatlon and GBAO. Component 4 will also cover operational costs related to implementation, such as office equipment, travel, communication, printing, and transportation. In addition, the costs will include monitoring & evaluation (M&E) and impact assessment activities to systematically track and measure the results of the project and to rigorously assess the impact of some pilot initiatives on incomes and jobs, with a focus on youth, women and returning migrants.  Grant Management Company. A dedicated company financed under this component will manage the grants and matching grants.

5. Location. The Project areas include all districts of Khatlon region (25) and GBAO region (7). Удалено: ¶ Удалено: 4 4. Project Risk Ratings. The Environmental Risk Rating is Substantial. Physical works envisaged Удалено: 8 under the project are of a medium scale and the expected environmental impacts associated with the proposed construction are expected to be easily mitigated. These impacts may include increased pollution due to improper care, handling and storage of construction material and waste, generation of excessive noise and dust levels, and, possibly, health impacts related to inadequate disposal of asbestos containing material. Developing community-based tourism will also deal with Tajikistan’s unique natural environment and cultural heritage. Although construction works will not have direct irreversible physical impacts on the heritage monuments, indirect impacts from the movement of construction machinery, presence of work force, etc. as well as permanent impact on the visual/aesthetic view and tourist experience during visitation of these sites are included in the potential environmental impacts. Public investments in historical and cultural tourism sites will finance the rehabilitation, beautification, landscaping, and general improvement of four cultural and historical sites. This will entail the preparation of site-specific Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP) or other appropriate means for those sites whose renovation will be included in the project. The project environmental risk is rated Substantial not because of the nature of proposed works and associated environmental risks, but because of remote and potentially fragile areas where the project activities are planned, the large number of expected small works, and the limited capacity of the implementing partners in understanding and application of Bank's ESF, and relevant Standards. The Social Risk Rating is Substantial due to the inherent fragile and conflict situation which could impact on the project’s efforts at reaching and working, especially, with poor and vulnerable sections. This is compounded by weak integration of youth (and women) and their participation in the institutions and limited prospects for employment. Hence the risk of exclusion looms large. Other key risks, land acquisition and resettlement as well as labor management risks are expected to be low given that: (i) project activities need not resort to involuntary resettlement; and (ii) no major civil works/ labor involvement is envisaged.

5. Purpose of Environmental Management Framework. The main goal of the ESMF is to avoid, minimize or mitigate, potential negative environmental and related social impacts caused by implementation of the project. The Framework approach is chosen as the project focuses on agribusiness and community-based tourism development through offering sub-grants on competitive basis to a wide range of local service providers. Hence, details of the sub projects are not identified during the project preparation stage. The Framework ensures that the identified subprojects are correctly assessed from environmental and social point of view to meet the WB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and its applicable Standards, as well as Tajikistan’s Environmental and Social Laws and Regulations for adequate mitigation of any residual and/or unavoidable impacts. The Framework serves as a guidance tool for the Ministry of Finance and Tourism

10 Development Committee, the implementing agencies, in identifying and assessing the potential environmental and social impacts of subprojects, in preparing environmental and social management plans that will summarize necessary mitigation measures to minimize or prevent them, and to provide guidance on environmental and social monitoring and reporting.

6. Institutional capacities to manage environmental and social risks and impacts. The existing Project Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Finance (MOF PIU)3 will be the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the REDP as a whole. Fiduciary responsibilities—including procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and social and environmental risk management tasks—will be placed in the MoF PIU, leveraging existing staff in the MoF. Another Удалено: The MoF PCU will also act as a Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for PIG will be established inside the Tourism Development Committee to implement tourism-related agribusiness components. activities under the REDP and endorse the PIU’s procurement selections for tourism work. The PIG will implement all technical work related to tourism activities under the REDP but delegate fiduciary, M&E and E&S risk management responsibilities to the MoF PIU. As this is the first project MoF preparing under the Bank’s new Environment and Social Framework (ESF), the client’s capacity to deliver an ESF based project is limited; therefore, capacity building for the client including local partners and contractors will be included in the ESMF, as well in other environmental and social instruments to be prepared during implementation.

7. Potential environmental impacts. Physical works envisaged under the project are of a medium scale and the expected environmental impacts associated with the proposed construction are expected to be easily mitigated. These impacts may include increased pollution due to improper care, handling and storage of construction material and waste, generation of excessive noise and dust levels, and, possibly, health impacts related to inadequate disposal of asbestos containing material. Developing community-based tourism will also deal with Tajikistan’s unique natural environment and cultural heritage. Although construction works will not have direct irreversible physical impacts on the heritage monuments, indirect impacts from the movement of construction machinery, presence of work force, etc. as well as permanent impact on the visual/aesthetic view and tourist experience during visitation of these sites are included in the potential environmental impacts.

8. Potential social impacts and resettlement issues. The project is expected to result in positive impacts on employment and livelihoods, on farm production and value chain activities, and on community-based tourism. It is hoped that the project could herald new vistas for communities in the fragile and conflict-ridden regions. The project areas are characterized by: (i) region and cross border risks; (ii) economic risks- predominantly dependent on remittances; and (iii) social risks - exclusion of women and youth – weak connect between youth and state structures. While the regional and border risks remain external, social and economic risks can be (and need to be) addressed by the project. The Project’s key risk relates to ‘exclusion’ which has four dimensions: 1) mountainous terrain rendering difficult reaching out to distant communities; 2) making it interesting for youth to be involved; 3) exploring new vistas for ensuring participation of women (as men migrate out for employment) in the project, and finally 4) elite capture could be high in tourism stream. Other key risks, like land acquisition and resettlement as well as labor management risks are expected to be low given that: (i) project activities need not resort to involuntary resettlement; and (ii) no major civil works/ labor involvement is envisaged. The proposed project activities under

3 MoF PIU is currently implementing additional financing to the Agriculture Commercialization Project 11 Components 1 and 2 could generate adverse social impacts associated with small infrastructure investments are temporary and could be easily mitigated.

9. Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF) structure. The document consists of eight chapters that outline environmental and social assessment procedures and mitigation requirements in line with the Bank’s ESF requirements and standards for the subprojects which will be supported by the Project. i. Chapter One includes the Brief Description of the Project Context and the project development objectives and components. It also outlines the rational and purpose of the ESMF prepared to provide guidance on adequate procedures to assess subprojects, which will be identified during the project implementation. ii. Chapter Two narrates the Baseline Data on enviromental and social background of Khatlon and GBAO provinces, providing analysis of current enrivonmental and social systems at the province and district level. iii. Chapter Three describes the Legal, Regulatory and Policy Framework and provides a overview of laws and regulations that have relevance for environmental and social issues for the REDP. iv. Chapter Four has a summary of the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that are designed to support Borrowers’ projects. The ESS requirements are related to the identification and assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing. v. Chapter Five analyzes Potential Positive and Adverse Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts related to the project activities implementation. vi. Chapter Six includes Environmental and Social Risk Management Instruments and specific measures or actions planned to prevent, avoid, minimize, reduce or mitigate the environmental and social risks and impacts of the project over the project cycle to meet the ESS requirements. vii. Chapter Seven describes the Implementation Arrangements. It provides details on procedures, criteria and responsibilities for subprojects preparing, screening, appraisal, implementing and monitoring viii. Chapter Eight underlines the public consultation procedures and grievance redress mechanisms.

Relevant Annexes are enclosed at end of this document to compliment the above-mentioned chapters.

10. ESMF disclosure and consultation. On April 17-18, 2019 MoF/PIU conducted consultations on Удалено: XX the results of social assessment survey and environmental assessment in two districts of Khatlon. The final ESMF will be disclosed on the MoF/PIU website on April 19, 2019 (www.greenfinance.tj). The MoF will also officially submit the final ESMF to the World Bank for Удалено: NSIFT disclosure in English and Russian on the WB external webpage by April 22, 2019. The final version of this document will be used by respective government agencies and other project stakeholders during the project implementation.

1. Introduction The Rural Economy Development Project (REDP), being a part of the Resilience Strengthening Program (RSP), is included in the upcoming World Bank Country Partnership Framework for the Republic of Tajikistan for the period FY19-23. It will contribute to the Risk Mitigation Regime’s (RMR) higher-level objectives of strengthening resilience, defined as a person’s, community’s and/or country’s capacity to adjust or respond to, and recover from, difficulties, adverse impacts, and/or exogenous shocks, reducing perceptions of exclusion, and preventing fragility risks.

The Risk Mitigation Regime (RMR) Window is dedicated to financing pilot development interventions as innovative prevention tools to mitigate fragility risks; and USD 87 million has been allocated for Tajikistan. The RMR window for Tajikistan is expected to support three complementary operations: (a) the Socio-Economic Resilience Strengthening Project (SERSP); (b) the Tajikistan Rural Electrification Project (TREP); and (c) the Rural Economy Development Project (REDP), which aims to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and create jobs for vulnerable groups.

The REDP has a geographical focus on the Khatlon Oblast and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), which have the highest levels of absolute and relative poverty measures, respectively, and which face fragility risks due to the proximity to unstable parts of Afghanistan, large youth populations, disparities in service delivery outcomes, and legacies of violent conflicts. The project recognizes the significance of, and adopts the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards, for identifying and assessing as well as managing the environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts associated with this investment project. The reviews undertaken by the Bank has classified environmental and social risks as substantial. As a response, Government of Tajikistan/ Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Tourism Development Committee (TDC), the implementing agencies, have developed several key instruments to address the same. One of them is the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).

1.1 Purpose of the ESMF

The main goal of the ESMF is to avoid, minimize or mitigate, potential negative environmental and related social impacts caused by implementation of the project. The Framework approach is chosen as the project focuses on agribusiness and community-based tourism development through offering sub- grants on competitive basis to a wide range of local service providers. Hence, details of the sub projects are not identified during the project preparation stage. The Framework ensures that the identified subprojects are correctly assessed from environmental and social point of view to meet the WB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and its applicable Standards, as well as Tajikistan’s Environmental and Social Laws and Regulations for adequate mitigation of any residual and/or unavoidable impacts. The Framework serves as a guidance tool for the MoF and TDC, the implementing agencies, in identifying and assessing the potential environmental and social impacts of subprojects, in preparing environmental and social management plans that will summarize necessary mitigation measures to minimize or prevent them, and to provide guidance on environmental and social monitoring and reporting.

1.2 Rationale for the ESMF

The ESMF provides guidelines for the development of appropriate mitigation and compensation measures for adverse impacts caused by the project activities. This document outlines the background / context, the policy and regulatory framework, a brief description of the environmental impacts of possible REDP sub-grant projects, Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) procedures & guidelines, institutional arrangements, and consultations and disclosure procedures. The policy & regulatory framework includes also a section describing both measures, which will be used to ensure compliance with the national laws and WB requirements. Under the ESA procedures and guidelines, there are details on responsibilities for subproject preparation, screening, appraisal, implementing and monitoring. These guidelines will assist in outlining what is required for the subproject Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs). It includes guidelines for proposed small-scale construction subprojects in the form of an ESMP checklist. Under institutional arrangements, the project will also support training and capacity building of subproject beneficiaries and their consultants / contractors. Lastly, under ESMF disclosure and consultation, there is an outline of what will be done both for the ESMF as well as for the sub-grant projects to be funded under the REDP.

This ESMF has been approved by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and cleared with the World Bank (WB). It is uploaded on WB’s external web-site and available locally through the development centre/Infoshop, in compliance with the WB’s policy. The ESMF will be translated into Russian or Tajik and further will be distributed in such a way as to be available to central and local government agencies and community members. Implementation of the planned project investments will only take place following these approvals and information sharing/consultations.

1.3 Approach and Methodology for Preparation of ESMF

During preparation of the ESMF the following research methods were applied: desk review of the available national regulatory and legal documents related for the environmental and social assessment; screening of secondary socio-economic statistical data available for the targeted provinces and districts, individual interviews with international and local experts, focus groups discussions, public meetings and consultations.

The MoF Project Implementation Unit staff conducted field visits to Khatlon target districts and was assisted by the Khatlon and GBAO Governors’ offices to identify potential environmental and social risks and impacts of the proposed Project in order to draft the ESMF. PIU staff also conducted consultations with national NGOs to get their insight on the design of diverse components and approaches. The Rural Economy Development Project (REDP) team also conducted a survey to better understand the challenges that are hindering the potential of tourism in country and get insights on the experience of Tour Operators (TOs) specialized in Central Asia.

1.4 Project Description

1.4.1 Sectoral and Institutional Context

Agriculture employs the poorest strata of the population4 and its insufficient income generation opportunity is one of the reasons behind labor migration. Agriculture in Tajikistan accounts for about 21 percent of GDP and employs some 550,000 people compared to 1.2 million Tajik migrants working in Russia. At the same time, it is estimated that livelihoods of 70 percent of the population directly or indirectly is dependent on agriculture. Of Khatlon’s formal labor force, 62 percent work in agriculture.5 The sector does not provide sufficient income, however. Agriculture has the lowest average monthly wage by sector, barely reaching 500 Somoni/month (approximately USD 50)— well below all other sectors, including transport, construction, education, health, and social services. This is Удалено: (Graph 1) an important factor in driving labor migration, mostly among men of working age, including youth. Due to low incomes earned in the sector and ensued migration of working age men, most of the agriculture work is currently being done by women or elderly people.6 The share of de facto female- headed households in Tajikistan is estimated to be more than 70 percent.7

4 Globally, workers who lack technical skills are pushed into agricultural work. UNDP. 2015. Human Development Report 2015, Work for Human Development. Statistical Annex, table 5: Gender Inequality Index. New York. 5 Khatlon accounts for half of the country’s agricultural land and pastures and produces half of the country’s agricultural output. 6 Program for Reforming the Agriculture in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2012-2020 7 http://www.fao.org/3/b-i3840r.pdf (Rural Women in Europe and Central Asia: Gender Gap in Agriculture) 14 Due to their economic and social importance, agriculture and agribusiness remain top priorities on the Government’s agenda. Although the Government retains its important role in the sector, the sector has evolved from commanding to market-driven principles of management. This started in late 1990s with the allocation of land plots to households and the launch of the private sector farming. Subsequently, reforms were introduced in the agriculture policy to allow for freedom of crop choice by farmers as opposed to mandatory cotton planting. Since then the Government’s position in the agriculture and agribusiness sector has been that the state should refrain from direct interventions but rather playing a stimulating role based on incentives. This envisions various types of support measures, such as state subsidies for priority areas, stimulating processing, creating favorable legal and business environment for investments, promoting innovations, etc. Whereas these programs have been focused so far on increase in volumes produced, the Government is now considering value addition economic activities (such as processing and storage) to maximize gains from surplus production.

Around the world, tourism has proven to be transformational through the creation of jobs and economic opportunities, including for women and youth, and could serve the same purpose for Tajikistan. Tourism is estimated to contribute to over 10 percent of global GDP and accounts for one in 11 jobs on the planet. The tourism industry is labor-intensive and, due to high demand for unskilled and semi-skilled labor, it allows for quick entry into the workforce. As such, tourism is particularly beneficial for women (who make up between 60 and 70 percent of the labor force in the hospitality sector worldwide) and youth (half of the global tourism workforce is under the age of 258). In Tajikistan, tourism contributes 1.2 percent to GDP and employs 20,000 people (about 1 percent of total employment in Tajikistan).9 Women account for about 60 percent of the tourism workforce in the country. Moreover, since 70 percent of Tajikistan’s population is under 30, tourism is a good source of employment for the country’s youth. Currently, youth account for less than 10 percent of jobs in tourism in Tajikistan.

1.4.2 Project Overview

Project Development Objective is to improve the sources of livelihood for local populations in GBAO and Khatlon through tourism and agribusiness culture. Удалено: , and to promote and preserve the local The Project areas include all districts of Khatlon region (25) and GBAO region (7). Удалено: 4 Удалено: 8 The project has four components. Three components finance activities to support agribusiness, community-based tourism, and related services, and one component finances project implementation. Component 1 funds public investment in infrastructure at cultural sites and grants to communities to improve small local agribusiness and tourism infrastructure. Component 2 funds matching grants to farmers and MSMEs in tourism, agribusiness, and related sectors. Component 3 funds technical assistance to public agencies, service providers, and operators in tourism, agriculture, and related

8 https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---gender/documents/publication/wcms_209867.pdf 9 Below peer countries such as Georgia (18 percent), Azerbaijan (8 percent), Kyrgyzstan (7 percent), and Nepal (3.6 percent). 15 sectors. Component 4 funds the Project Implementation Unit and a grant management company that will design and implement all grants and matching grants funded by the project.

Project Components

Component 1—Improve public infrastructure for development of tourism, agribusiness and related sectors (US$11,700,000) Component 1 aims to improve public infrastructure for development of tourism and agribusiness. Component one includes three subcomponents:  Subcomponent 1.1: Public investments in historical and cultural tourism sites (US$9,000,000): This subcomponent will finance the rehabilitation, beautification, landscaping, and general improvement of four cultural and historical sites. One site is in GBAO and three in Khatlon. The project will finance the investments, as well as the technical design and commercialization plans, the associated social and environmental assessments, and the supervision of the works. The investments will help: (i) attract more visitors, (ii) encourage new economic activity on and around the sites, (iii) enhance visitors’ experience at the sites, increasing their spending, and (iv) preserve local cultural assets. The construction works under this subcomponent will give jobs to youth and returning migrants,10 and will contribute to upskill them, making them ready for more specialized occupations in the construction industry in the future.  Subcomponent 1.2: Grants to communities, municipalities, and nongovernmental organization (NGOs) to improve tourism and agribusiness infrastructure and develop local tourism attractions (US$2,400,000). This subcomponent will finance grants for communities, municipalities, and NGOs to develop local tourism attraction and to improve infrastructure in public agricultural markets. The objective of this subcomponent is to solicit local communities’ proposals to develop tourism and agribusiness in Khatlon and GBAO and to involve citizens in designing and implementing these proposals, ultimately increasing citizens’ engagement and opportunities for productive employment. Proposals that involve vulnerable citizens—youth, women and returning migrants—will have priority. Grant enablers (“enablers”) will be hired under subcomponent 3.2 to help applicants prepare proposals and implement those that are selected. The Grant Management Company (GMC—financed under subcomponent 4.2) will administer the grants according to the principles and rules in the Grants Manual. The GMC will collect the proposal and prepare the submission to the Grant Committee, composed of public stakeholders and NGOs. Beneficiaries that submit winning proposals will receive the grant money to achieve the objectives in their proposals. Grants under this Subcomponent will include:

- Grants for communities, municipalities, or NGOs to improve tourism infrastructure or develop local tourism attractions (US$1,400,000). The GMC, PIG, and grant enablers will advertise the availability of grants in all districts in GBAO and Khatlon. The grants will be open to NGOs, communities, or municipalities interested in promoting tourism. As examples, the grants might fund rehabilitating local recreational sites (such as theatres, parks, and museums), improving hiking or cultural trails, or organizing local fairs. - Grants for communities or municipalities to improve infrastructure in public agricultural markets (bazaars) (US$1,000,000). The GMC, PIG and grant enablers will advertise the availability of grants in all districts in GBAO and Khatlon for communities or municipalities interested in improving local bazaars by, for example: (i) building or improving trading areas (e.g., fixing the roofs of the bazaars), (ii) building or improving sanitary facilities (e.g., building public toilets), (iii) building or improving (cold) storage facilities, and (iv) repairing of facilities or buying equipment for food safety control labs in

10 Contractors to be selected for such works will be required during the tender process to fulfill targets for specific groups. 16 the bazaars. In addition, any other public good need pertaining the bazaars identified during the project implementation can be addressed and financed under this subcomponent.  Subcomponent 1.3: Public investments in touristic signage (US$300,000). This subcomponent will fund the preparation, purchase, and installation of tourist signs across the major travel routes and for key tourism sites in Khatlon and GBAO, including road signage and entrance and interpretative signage. These interventions can cover – but will not be limited to – the sites financed under subcomponents 1.1 and 1.2.

Component 2—Support to MSMEs and entrepreneurs in the tourism, agribusiness, and related services (US$8,200,000)

Component 2 aims to facilitate entrepreneurial activities and increase MSMEs’ growth and employment in the tourism, agribusiness and related sectors. This subcomponent will finance matching grants to private sector actors (individual entrepreneurs, farmers or groups of farmers, and MSMEs) in agribusiness, tourism, and related sectors. The objective of this subcomponent is to facilitate investment in tangible and intangible assets (e.g. quality certification) that would improve their productivity, increase their offering, and produce opportunities to create jobs and add value. Proposals from vulnerable citizens—youth, women, and returning migrants—and proposals that involve vulnerable citizens will have priority in the selection. Grant enablers (“enablers”) will be hired under subcomponent 3.2 to help applicants prepare proposals and implement selected ones. The GMC will administer the grants according to the principles and rules in the Grants Manual. The GMC will collect the proposal and prepare the submission to the Grant Committee. The beneficiaries that submit a winning proposal will receive and be entitled to spend the grant money to achieve the objectives spelled out in their proposals.  Subcomponent 2.1: Matching grants to farmers and agribusiness MSMEs to support post-harvest storage and processing (US$2,600,000). Matching grants will be provided to formally registered individual farmers, farmers’ groups, or associations and MSMEs to finance goods (equipment) and services to facilitate small-scale post-harvesting activities. The matching grants can finance, for example: (i) drying or packaging machines, (ii) (cold) storage facilities, (iii) equipment to produce small-size uniquely packaged products that can be sold on the local market or bought by tourists as present, or (iv) changes to production processes to obtain food safety and quality certifications such as HACCP and ISO 22000. The equipment the matching grants finance will contribute to reducing product waste, extending product life, adding value, and improving market access, including exports. The equipment will increase incomes and generate new jobs, particularly for smallholder farmers, women, and youth. Priority will be given to goods and services that reduce the country’s vulnerability to climate change, such as energy-efficient processing technologies and storage facilities, or environmental certifications of MSMEs’ production processes. This will reduce carbon emissions and pressure on natural resources.  Subcomponent 2.2: Matching grants to farmers and processors in two agribusiness value chains (US$2,600,000). These matching grants will support the development of two value chains by removing demand and supply bottlenecks. The first value chain is dairy, where the project will provide: - Matching grants to formally registered farmers, or associations to buy milking equipment, milk containers, improved fodder, and high-productivity cows to improve the quantity and quality of their milk. - Matching grants to processors to establish or acquire collection points, including equipment (such as milk tanker trucks and quality control equipment). While grants will be provided to processors, they will benefit farmers by increasing opportunities to continuously trade milk with processors. These grants could be offered through a reverse auction scheme, whereby the project will predetermine the requirements and processors

17 will be invited to submit proposals. In awarding the matching grants, principles of inclusion and cognizance of climate change will be considered to the extent possible.  Subcomponent 2.3: Matching grants to tourism-related MSMEs to improve services and offerings (US$3,000,000). The project will provide matching grants to formally registered tourism entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and NGOs so they can improve the quality of their products and services. The objective of this subcomponent is to attract more tourists and increase their spending, ultimately increasing employment and income opportunities for local populations. Homestays,11 restaurants, tour operators, activity and service providers, artists and crafters could apply for the matching grants. The grants could fund a diverse set of initiatives, including: (i) improving access to basic sanitation services, (ii) upgrading kitchens to meet health standards, (iii) purchasing equipment that tourists want (such as mountain bikes), and (iv) offering public services (such as public bathrooms, benches, first aid, maps, and tourism information) in rest areas. Matching grants to develop and promote agritourism will support farmers willing to diversify their income through tourism.

Component 3 — Capacity building and business development services in tourism, agribusiness and related sectors (US$7,200,000)

Component 3 aims to (a) improve the capacity of tourism and agribusiness public agencies, operators, and service providers and (b) help beneficiaries apply for and implement the grants and matching grants the project funds. This component will finance capacity building and technical assistance to (i) promote the sectors by improving the capacity of public institutions and enhancing individual skills and (ii) provide business support services for implementing the grant and matching grant programs. It includes two subcomponents:  Subcomponent 3.1: Technical assistance to public agencies, service providers and operators in the tourism and agribusiness sectors (US$4,800,000). This subcomponent will finance three specific activities, among others. The first is training and advisory on tourism and agribusiness development (e.g., global trends, market analysis, public-private partnership for development of the sectors). The training will be for stakeholders such as the Tourism Development Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Culture, Destination Management Organizations (DMOs), and other project participants. The second activity is promoting tourism and agribusiness by organizing and taking part in trade fairs, familiarization or learning tours (for tour operators and agribusinesses), and media and marketing activities. Targeted marketing activities include designing and disseminating online, in-print and visual materials. The third specific activity under this subcomponent is providing training, retraining, and certification programs for skilled professionals, semi-skilled workers, and relevant entrepreneurs.  Subcomponent 3.2: Technical assistance to help beneficiaries of grants and matching grants design, submit and implement grant proposals (US$2,400,000). To maximize the outreach and the impact of all grant and matching grant programs offered under the project (including Component 2 and subcomponent 1.2), the project will competitively select enablers (“enablers”). The enablers could be local nongovernmental organizations, consulting companies, DMOs, or other providers of professional and knowledge services. The project will recruit three to five enablers12 to: (i) identify and train beneficiaries, particularly vulnerable groups, (ii) help beneficiaries prepare grant and matching grant proposals, and (iii) provide implementation support. To encourage proposals with positive impacts on the environment, the enablers will also conduct climate change awareness raising and knowledge sharing among beneficiaries.

11 GBAO has an organized association of homestays (PECTA) financed by the Agha Khan Foundation. There is no similar association in Khatlon. 12 At a minimum, 2-4 enablers in total should ensure coverage of tourism and agribusiness beneficiaries in the 25 districts of Khatlon. Given the remoteness of GBAO, one facilitator should be dedicated to beneficiaries in those districts. 18 Component 4— Project coordination and implementation, and grant management (US$2,900,000) Component 4 will support overall project coordination, implementation, and hiring a grant management company that will administer all grants and matching grants financed under the project. Component 4 finances costs pertaining the overall implementation of the project, which include:  Project Coordination and Implementation (US$900,000). The implementation costs will cover (i) staff and experts at the Project Implementation Unit (PIG) at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), which will implement the entire project, (2) tourism experts for the Project Implementation Group at the Tourism Development Committee will hire, and (3) regional coordinators in the governors’ offices in Khatlon and GBAO. Component 4 will also cover operational costs related to implementation, such as office equipment, travel, communication, printing, and transportation. In addition, the costs will include monitoring & evaluation (M&E) and impact assessment activities to systematically track and measure the results of the project and to rigorously assess the impact of some pilot initiatives on incomes and jobs, with a focus on youth, women and returning migrants.  Grant Management Company (US$2,000,000). A dedicated company financed under this component will manage the grants and matching grants.

Steering Committee for all three Risk Mitigation Regime projects

 PIU will perform fiduciary functions for the whole project Project Implementation Unit (PIU) at MoF Project Implementation Group (PIG) for Tourism

• Project Coordinator at TDC • FM Specialist • Tourism specialist/s • Social/Env Specialist Grant Management • Procurement Specialist Company • M&E Specialist • Project manager • Grant administrator • Tourism specialist(s) • Khatlon coordinator • GBAO coordinator • Agribusiness specialist(s) Figure 1. Proposed Implementation Arrangements under the REDP

19 2. Baseline Data

2.1. Location and Size

Tajikistan is a landlocked country in the mountainous part of Central Asia, between the latitudes 36°40'N-41°05'N and latitudes 67°31'E-75°14'E. The area of Tajikistan is 143.1 thousand km2. In the north and west, Tajikistan borders with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, in the south it borders with Afghanistan and in the east with China. The perimeter borders of the country extend to 3,000 km.

The Project will target the Khatlon and GBAO regions of Tajikistan, which have the highest levels of absolute and relative poverty measures, respectively, and which face fragility risks due to the proximity to unstable parts of Afghanistan, large youth populations, disparities in service delivery outcomes, and legacies of violent conflict.

U z b Kyrgyzstan e k i s t a n

Afghanistan China

Figure 2. Map of Tajikistan

Khatlon Region is situated in the south-western part of Tajikistan and it is the most populous of the four first-level administrative regions. It is situated in the southwest of the country, between the Hisor (Gissar) Range in the north and the Panj River in the south and borders Afghanistan in the southeast and Uzbekistan in the west. The capital is the city of Bokhtar, formerly known as Kurgan-Tyube. During Soviet period Khatlon was divided into Kurgantyube (Western Khatlon) and Kulob regions (Eastern Khatlon). Both regions were merged in 1992 into today’s Khatlon Region.

Khatlon has an area of 24,800 km2 and consists of 24 districts – 14 in Western Khatlon and 10 in Eastern Khatlon. The total population of Khatlon in 2018 was 3,198 500 people. The population in Khatlon is mainly engaged in agriculture.

Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast/Region (GBAO) is situated in the eastern part of Tajikistan occupying about 64.1 km2 or 44.9% of the area of Tajikistan with the population of about 223,6 thousands people (2018 estimates) making up only about 3% of the total country population. GBAO is a rural region with only 13.8% of urban population living in the capital city of Khorog.

20 2.2 Physical Environment

2.2.1 Climate

Generally, Tajikistan’s climate is continental, subtropical and semi-arid however, the climate conditions are diverse depending on the altitude and other geographical factors. By climatic conditions, Tajikistan is divided into several climatic belts. The locations of project sites within the deep valleys mainly relate to the areas with Western Asian insufficiently humid climate with warm summer and moderately cold winter. The surrounding mountainous territories of Western Pamir relate to the belt with dry climate, moderately warm summer and moderately severe winter.

Most of precipitation in the valleys falls in the form of rain and snow during the wintery spring season. The total annual precipitation in Vanj valley depends on the altitude ranging from 800-1200mm in the area of Medvezhy glacier to 180-200mm at the weather station Hamrogy at the lower part of valley close to the junction of Vanj and Pyanj rivers. At the area of proposed districts in GBAO within Vanj valley, an annual precipitation reaches 450-500mm.

The snow cover remains on the soil for up to 90 days in year at altitudes above 2000m above msl. The minimal wintery temperature may reach -30°C with maximal summer temperatures about +40°C. For 12 years of observations from 2005 to 2017 the maximal temperature for Vanj weather station +36.6°C was recorded in July 2013, the minimal temperature -20.5°C in January 2012 (www.gr5.ru).

The climate of the Khatlon region is continental. Among other areas of Tajikistan’s Khatlon is considered the hottest place in Tajikistan in particular areas in Shahrituz and Beshkent. Winter in the plains of the Khatlon region is quite mild and the temperature reaches at least -20 degrees Celsius and - 35 in the mountains. Summer in the plains is very harsh and the air temperature is up to +50 Celsius. Precipitation is less than the central areas of the country and is mainly rain from October to March.

The flood protection locations in Khatlon province are in the arid and semi-arid zones with very low precipitations, hot dry summer climate and moderate as well as relatively dry winter periods. This climatically condition determines the conditions for agricultural land use, which is very limited and dependent on irrigation and fertilization.

Climate conditions in Khatlon can be very harsh as the temperature could be from -20 to -30 C degrees in winter and from +28 to +45 C degrees in summer. There is a heavy winter season in GBAO with extreme snow-falls and avalanches that make access to roads and project sites difficult. Depth of frost penetration in soil is c. 30 cm.

Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme events particularly, intense rainfall events causing landslides, mudflows and severe floods. Decrease in precipitation is common in arid areas in the summer months. Most of precipitation in the valleys falls in the form of rain and snow during the wintery spring season. Snow cover is rarely more than 10 cm deep and melts very quickly. The period from June to October is the driest. Snowfall occurs mostly between mid-December and mid-February; rainfall from March to mid-May.

The Khatlon districts are most prone to natural disaster risks such as earthquakes which also can trigger landslides, mudflows, floods and avalanches. These events should carefully be taken into account when planning and constructing infrastructure. Figure below illustrates climate characteristics in Khatlon region.

21 Table 1. Main Climate Characteristics of Khatlon Region

Ambient Temperature (Outdoors) Minimum: -25° C and more Maximum: +45° C and more Daily Average: +35° C and more in July Annual mean: +16-17° С Relative Humidity January - 80%, July -40%, very dry Average Rainfall: From 100-200mm and from 400 to 800 mm Number of days with rain mist: About 100 days Maximum solar radiation: From 2.800 to 3.000 hours and more Maximum soil temperature: More than 36° C Surface: From 32° C to 36° C and can be more (July) Elevation (masl): Up to 1000m Wind speed: Up to 2,1 m/sec

2.3 Topography and Drainage

2.3.1 Hydrology

Hydrographic network of Tajikistan is made from more than 25 thousand streams and rivers with a total length of 69,200km, out of these, 947 rivers have a length from 10 to 100km, 16 rivers from100 to 500km, and 4 rivers are longer than 500km. According to the geographical status of Tajikistan's river network, the country is divided into the following major river basins -- Zarafshon, Surhandarya (Karatag & Sherkent rivers), Kofarnihon, Vakhsh, and Panj, (Gunt, Bartang, Yazgulem, Vanj, Southern Kizilsu).

The project region is a part of Amu Darya basin, which in the past was the major fresh water contributor to the currently shrunk Aral Sea. Project locations belong to the largest in Tajikistan Pyanj river sub-basin covering an area of over a hundred thousand square km. Panj River is a main water artery of GBAO which serves as a natural border between Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The GBAO target districts relate to different watershed separated by Vanj and Yazgulem mountain ranges areas of 2,070 km2 and 1,970 km2 respectively. Vanj and Yazgulem rivers are major right tributaries of Panj River.

In Khatlon the main river courses are located in the valleys and numerous short tributaries provide water down from the surrounding mountains. These tributaries have good quality water but many of them will dry up during the summer months. This problem has worsened as a result of climate change as snow-melt takes place now earlier in the spring time. Water is needed during the growing season but now less and less water is available.

Climate change will result in diminishing water volumes in mountainous rivers and completely dry summer periods will last longer in Khatlon. The modeling of climate change impacts show that rivers fed by glaciers (e.g. the eastern tributaries of Yakhsu) used to have discharges also during the summer months but because of diminishing ice volume in the mountains, the small rivers will now dry up in summer months. In addition, the snow-melt will take place a month earlier than before and rivers which do not have glaciers upstream could be dry 1-2 months longer than a decade ago.

Major mountain reservoirs (e.g. Nurek among others) and their downstream rivers usually have good quality water with very low sediment and pollutant contents. Irrigation canals and lowland rivers flow through widespread agricultural land and settlements and contain much humus and suspended sediments especially during snow melt and rainy season in autumn. They may also contain harmful agrochemicals such as pesticides, nitrogen as well as oil and other pollutants. Water may have been polluted because of discharges of community wastewater upstream. Rivers are vulnerable to environmental accidents and pollution releases from the communities, roads and industries upstream.

22 2.3.2 Soils and Geology

Mountains occupy 93% of the area of Tajikistan and comprise South Tian-Shan and Pamir mountain systems. Geographically, the Project region relates to Western Pamir where combination of geological and hydrological features formed exclusively irregular, rugged terrain with alternation of rocky steep mountainous and deep narrow valleys with prominent differences in true altitudes. The Pamir is as a part of Himalayan mountain system formed by collision of the Indian and Eurasian continental tectonic plates. This process continues at an average rate of about 5 cm per year.

Project areas in GBAO: Geological structure of project area is complex due to location near the main thrust type tectonic border between the structures of Central and Northern Pamir. The proposed sites are located within Vanj-Yazgulem subzone of Central Pamir composed by various rocks ranging from deformed and metamorphosed Precambrian and Paleozoic schist, gneiss, marbles to detrital and carbonate rocks deposited in the shallow waters from Paleozoic to early Jurassic. The area also contains intrusive rocks including gabbro, gabbro-diorite etc.

The region is abundant with mineral resources including nickel, molybdenum, gold, iron, piezoquartz, marble however the lack of investments and poor infrastructure hinder development, there is only one marble mining enterprise in Vanj district. The remains of ancient iron ore mines and primitive smelters were found in one of nearby side valleys.

The topography of Khatlon province, where the flood protections are located, is mostly characterized by planes, undulating lands and foothills with moderate slopes and a weak inclination on the southwest side. The with altitude range from 400m to 1,000m in Kulob district, respectively and from 300m to 450m for flood protections in other target districts in Khatlon, respectively.

The geology of the Khatlon area includes folded Cenozoic and mostly Miocene sedimentary rocks composed of thick units of proximal braided river deposits reflecting large fluvial plains. The subsequent folding has created the NE-SW oriented mountain and valley topography (fold-thrust belt). The valleys have later been filled with erosion sequences and proximal coarse fluvial sediments. Cenozoic strata include layers of evaporites (result of evaporated water body) and such salt deposits deteriorate water quality in many places.

In this part of Tajikistan, also natural geological salts and soluble minerals from sedimentary deposits are common. Usually mineralization is a typical for groundwater wells but may pollute also surface water in places. Water quality analyses are therefore necessary.

Soils in the project area primarily consist of sediments eroded from the mountains and comprise alternating layers of gravels, sands, silts and clays. Adjacent to the mountains, the sediments are dominated by coarse deposits such as gravels and pebbles, deposited by the runoff water from the mountains. Further, away from the mountains, the deposits would be expected to become increasingly dominated by finer sediments such as fine sands/silts.

According to Tajikistan’s classification, agricultural soils in the Project regions belong to two principle types: a) mid-altitude mountainous typical brown soils, and b) mountainous light brown soils. The first type evolves in the areas covered by trees and bush vegetation with relatively high precipitation up to 800 mm and widespread within the bed Vanj valley at altitudes from 1600 to 2600m. This type is characteristic with high soil fertility compared to other brown soils. The soil profile includes humus layer about 40 cm thick with humus content of 5-10%. The mountainous light brown carbonate soils are found at the agricultural lands of Yazgulem and Pyanj valleys with the lower levels of precipitation and less density of vegetation cover. The humus stratum is about 30-35cm with humus content of 3- 5%. This type of soil normally contains many of rocky particles.

Figure 3. Type of Soil in GBAO Soil profiles in the Khatlon districts are typically loess, loamy sands and loamy soils, occasionally bench gravel of the upper quaternary age, classically formed through wind deposition over arid or semi-arid areas. Soils are brown-gray, light gray, gray (Kulob and Panj districts). The humus layer of the loess and loamy sands is fairly fertile and agriculture is possible. For these soils to be converted into agricultural use, they require irrigation and the mineral fertilizers. The general overview of soil types in Tajikistan is presented in Figure 3.

2.4 Land Use

In the Khatlon valleys there are extensive irrigated fields receiving water from the main river courses. Surface irrigation is mostly used for cotton which require extensive amount of water. A problem in the irrigation in this area is that the collector water will usually be returned back to the main river. This water flows cross the fields and contains agrochemicals, salts and sediments washed from the fields. The deterioration of the water management structures has led to uncontrolled excessive irrigation, rise of groundwater surface, water logging and soil salinization.

The biggest irrigated lands are the Bokhtar area receiving water from the Vakhsh River and the Kulob- Vosse-Gulistan region using water from the Kyzulsu River. Between these two main plains there are extensive areas of rain-fed cultivation. The rainfall is e.g. in the Nurek region c. 1000 mm/v and crops can be cultivated. In the southern Khatlon the precipitation is c. 500 mm/v and irrigation is necessary for cultivation. Arid mountain areas are used as pastures.

Irrigated lands are scarce in GBAO: 1522 ha of irrigated lands in Vanj, 4426 ha in Ishkashim and 2121 ha in Shughnon receive water from the Gund and the Panj Rivers.

2.5 Biological Environment-Ecosystems

Tajikistan is distinguished with a rich biodiversity. Its biological richness is equivalent to nearby countries 20 times its size, with a wonderfully diverse array of fauna and flora, including a globally significant population of snow leopard. The country is recognized as a part of the ‘Mountains of Central Asia’ Biodiversity Hotspot.

However, its natural heritage is under severe threat from habitat fragmentation and degradation. 90 per cent of the forests have disappeared in the past 100 years, causing massive soil erosion and increased risk of landslides.

The country has ratified a UN Convention on Protection and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity and has prepared a National Strategy and Action Plan to preserve priority species and habitats. It has been reported that over 25,000 types of species are present in Tajikistan. Many of these species are included in the IUSN Red List, under the endangered and critically endangered categories, inhabiting or once inhabited Tajikistan.

Floral composition of the area is primarily characterized by the species shown in Table below. Only one species is known to be of conservation concern, the Dwarf everlasting (Helichrysum arenarium), which is a perennial flower. It is used as a traditional medicine in other regions, but it is not known if it is used in this area.

Table 2.Floral species in the project area (past and/or present)

# Species name Photograph IUCN Status (if listed) Medicinal herbs 1. Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.) Least concern (LC)

2. Mulberry (Morns Alba et morus nigra) LC

3. Rosa huntica Creshan Near threatened (NE)

4. Peganum harmala L. NE

5. Wormwoods (Artemisia persica) NE

25 # Species name Photograph IUCN Status (if listed) 6. Ephedra equisentina Bunge LC

7. Ultrica dioica LC

8. Mastericaria chamemilla LC

9. Glycyrrhiza glabra LC

10. Everlasting spp. (Helichrysum arenarium) NT

11. Sea buckthown (Hippopahe rhamnoides) LC

26 # Species name Photograph IUCN Status (if listed) Other species of plants, sedges, grasses, shrubs and trees 12. Salix pycnostachya LC

13. Populus pamirica NE

14. Elaeagnus orientalis NE

15. Birch (Betula tianschanica) Data deficient (DD)

16. Tuglans regia LC

17. Acantholimon spp DD

27 # Species name Photograph IUCN Status (if listed) 18. Needle grass (Stipa spp.). NE

19. Fescue grass (Festuca spp.). LC

21. Kobresia spp. LC

22. Carex spp. LC

Fruit trees (in Orchards) 23. Pear (Pyrus) LC

24. Plum (Prunus) LC

28 # Species name Photograph IUCN Status (if listed) 25. Cherry plum (Prunus sogdiana) LC

IUCN Red List (https://www.iucnredlist.org/): NT= Near threatened, EN= Endangered, NE= Not evaluated, DD=Data deficient

2.5.1 Flora

The western Pamir valleys have long history of human settlement and agricultural development. Due to the lack of land suitable for agriculture, most of forested areas have been converted to agricultural lands. The remained natural vegetation cover at the project area belongs to sub-alpine type (up to 3500m msl). Tugai are mainly shrub communities that occur along riversides and around springs at the altitudes up to 3500m. In the past the tugai forest of Vanj river flood plains was included in the list of Natural Heritage Sights of Western Pamir. Currently only scarce remaining fragments of tugai forests grow on the flood plains of Vanj and Yazgulem rivers. The dominant species are birch (Betula Pamirica), pulpous (Populus Pamirica). Within flood plains of Vanj River; there are stands of common sea buckthorn (Hipophae rhamnoides) and Beberis integerrima are preserved.

Most of natural forest has been cut by the local population in 1990-s to provide fuel wood due to lack of a reliable power supply during the severe winters. The rare archa (Juniper) trees grow on the steep, rocky slopes of the Vanj and Yazgulem ranges.

Nearby the Project areas there are small bush associations of willow (Salix turanica, Salix shunganica) and common sea buckthorn (Hipophae rhamnoides). Common sea buckthorn has some commercial value and local people harvest the berries for production of oil.

In Khatlon in early spring the valleys and foothills are covered with a bright carpet of flowers: poppies, buttercups, and bluebells. Saksaul (haloxylon), wormwood, artemisia, camelsthorn (alhagi camelorum), and numerous types of saltwort (salsola) add their green to the picture.

River flood-plains are filled with dense bushes composed of tamarisk, reed, thorny of Central Asian oleaster, and Asian poplar. Delights to the eye include the deep-green crowns of pistachio trees hawthorn, wild almond, maple, walnut, and juniper. Such valuable trees as wild pomegranate and fig can also be found occasionally

The deforestation of the Khatlon region has been dramatic since the independence of the country. The distribution of coal and oil was interrupted and people had to cut the forests for firewood. In many regions more than 70% from the forests were cut in a few decades. Only the most remote valleys still have natural forests. Deforestation has increased landslides and mudflows in this region.

2.5.2 Fauna

29 Tajikistan has diverse fauna and the Western Pamir hosts many its representative, including rare and endangered species.

Mammalia: The most prominent species - Urial (Ovis orientals), Snow Leopard (Uncia uncia), Tian- Shan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) are included both in the IUCN list and Red Data Book of Tajikistan. According to Navruzshoev et al, dhole (Cuon alpinus), the Turkestan Lynx (Felix lynx isabellinus), and Least Weasel Mustela Altai) inhabiting the Tajik National Park are also included in IUCN list.

Birds: Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is listed in Red Data Book of Tajikistan and IUCN list while Himalayan Griffon (Gyps himalayensis) is listed in IUCN as near Threatened and Egyptian Vulture ((Neophron percnopterus) and Saker Falcon (Falcon cherrug milvipes) as endangered species.

The reptiles include lizards (Asymblepharus alaicus), and Turan Blunt Nosed Viper (Macrovipera lebetina turanica).

The natural habitats of these species are located outside of the zone of project influence. The locally interviewed people mentioned about the accidental meetings of bears and wolves, and even complained about losses of cattle and damage to gardens from wild animals. However it happened at the significant distances from the proposed bridges location, mainly in the upper parts of Vanj valley.

Territories adjacent to the GBAO districts are inhabited with foxes and hares, eagles, small rodents, etc. According to the Department of Environmental Protection, there are no recorded rare or endangered species in the rural inhabited areas of either Khatlon or GBAO.

Fish, Fisheries and Aquatic Biology: It is observed that fish does not contribute much to local economy. In the uppermost rivers there are trout, which is also an important catch for the mountain community. For example, Turkestan catfish, Tibetan stone loach and Sattar snow trout are found in all the major rivers. Rivers have economically important fish but, in general, the consideration of fish in water management and aquaculture are now poorly developed. The main river courses have extensive flood plains and estuaries which are important for migratory and nesting wetland birds.

Fishing in rivers and streams at the project sites are found to be very limited, and information on the number of fishermen, fish species captures, yields and total catch does not exist. The fish species Schizothorax which is genus of cyprinid fish dominates in the major rivers. No fish species in this area are classified into endangered status.

2.6 Seismic Hazards

Tajikistan has generally a relatively high seismic potential due to the very active tectonic structure and its location within the thrusting tectonic border between Hindustan and Eurasian plates. As a result, it is the only part of continental Asia, which has earthquakes that originates deep below the earth’s crust, as well as crustal earthquakes.

In accordance with seismic zoning, the regions of Tajikistan are divided into three seismic zones. The seismic zones are based on the high risk of earthquakes ranging from 7 to 9 points at the Medvedev- Sponheuer-Karnik scale (MSK-64). The project area in Vanj valley relates to ‘9 points earthquake zone’, which is the zone of the high risk of earthquakes of highest intensity in Tajikistan.

The project sites are located within Vanj- Akbaital and Yazgulem seismogenic zones with high risk of disastrous earthquakes (9 points by MSK-64 scale). According to historical data, earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 7.5 occurred in the area including Sarez earthquakes in 1911, which triggered the collapse of rock and creation of Sarez Lake in 100km from project area. The strong earthquake with intensity of 5.5 points (MSK-64) took place in Vanj district Figure 4. Seismogenic Zones of Tajikistan in January 2015. The fatalities were not reported, but over a thousand of houses were damaged.

Figure 5. Seismogenic Zones of Khatlon Region

From the seismological point of view Afghan border districts of Khatlon are in a 7-degree seismic zone (relatively less dangerous seismic areas where earthquake intensity is unlikely to exceed 7 degrees), according to the MSK-64 scale, while Kulob, Panj districts and Bokhtar subregion are in an 8-degree seismic zone (earthquake intensity is unlikely to exceed 8 degrees).

2.7 Natural Protected Areas

The Tajik National Park in GBAO’s Pamir Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site, occupies area of 26,000 km2 or 18% of the area of Tajikistan and located within GBAO as well as Jirgital and Sangvor Districts of Republican Subordination (DRS). In surroundings of project area the National

31 Park includes watershed areas of Vanj and Yazgulom mountain ranges and wedges in upper part of Vanj valley approximately in 40 km from the project sites. It is unlikely that the project activities will directly affect any habitat or species within the Park.

There is a Ramsar site— 1084, at the Lower part of Panj River (68o 30’8.107 E 37o 10’ 30’.436 N). It is a wetland area valuable for its birdlife and tugai vegetation. This Ramsar site is right on the border with Afghanistan and has overlapping habitat with Imam Sahib IBA within the Afghanistan side.

There are two important protected sites upstream and downstream on the Project area in Khatlon: to the north east is the Dashti-Jum State Strict Nature Reserve and, Figure 6. Natural Protected Areas of Tajikistan adjacent to it, the Dashti- Jum Habitat and Species Management Area in Hamadoni district. These reserves were set up to protect the markhor and pistachio, almond, and cherry forests containing a wide range of iris, anemone, wild onions, and foxtail lilies. It is unlikely that the project activities will directly affect any protected sites.

2.8 Socio-Economic Background

Khatlon and GBAO are exposed to fragility risks, resulted from the civil war (1992-1997) and the 1,400 km border with Afghanistan. GBAO is the poorest, most sparsely populated and most geographically remote province that suffered significantly during the civil war. Unlike other regions of Tajikistan, the Pamiri population that constitutes the majority of GBAO’s residents has a distinct ethnic and religious identity. In recent times, GBAO has witnessed the reoccurrence of clashes between local non-state actors and the central government over influence in the region.13 Southern Khatlon also experienced heavy fighting during the Tajik civil war. These districts also share a border with the increasingly volatile Kunduz province in Afghanistan.

GBAO and Khatlon score the worst in access to basic services, such as a toilet inside the house, piped water, and sewage, with at least three-fourths of their populations being deprived along these indicators.14 The second and third highest prevalence of stunting is observed in Khatlon (22.6 percent) and GBAO (22.4 percent), while the lowest is observed in Dushanbe (10.5 percent). An analysis of remote sensing and crowd-sourced data yields observations on the unique challenges that Khatlon and GBAO are facing. Khatlon and a few of GBAO’s districts face high levels of exposure to natural hazards (air quality and flood, landslide and earthquake risks) and climate shocks (temperature and

13“Rival for Authority in Tajikistan’s Gorno-Badakhshan,” Crisis Group Europe and Central Asia Briefing No. 87, 14 March 2018. 14 Glass Half Full: Poverty Diagnostic of Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Conditions in Tajikistan. World Bank, Washington, DC, 2017. 32 precipitation variation). As measured by levels of road density and market accessibility, GBAO has the lowest levels of connectivity in Tajikistan. While a few districts in Khatlon have high levels of connectivity (e.g. Khuroson, Bokhtar and and Kulob), most have low levels. Data on nighttime lights and irrigation coverage suggest that GBAO has a relatively low level of economic activity. Agriculture in GBAO is limited by the terrain and the altitude. More than half of the land of each of GBAO’s districts – except Darvaz – is barren and not vegetated. Within Khatlon, there is a high degree of heterogeneity in district-level economic activity. In a few of Khatlon’s districts, more than 50 percent of the land cover is considered cropland indicating higher levels of economic activity.15

2.8.1 Population

Khatlon region has a population of over 3 124 400 people (2016)16 and is the most populous region in the country. It has the highest rate of population growth of Tajikistan regions. The average size of the household in Khatlon region is 8.5 people (2016 data). Most of the population lives in rural areas with almost equal number of men and women and equal number of both in working age.

The population in Khatlon is predominantly engaged in agriculture. Approximately 45 percent of the country’s irrigated land is located in this Region. Cotton is the major crop grown in the area and accounts for 60 percent of the cotton harvest in the country. Most of the population is below the age of 14, the unofficial unemployment rate (2016) is almost 33 percent resulting in large migration abroad from the region.

GBAO occupies about 64.1 km2 or 44.9% of the area of Tajikistan with the population of about 223,617 thousand people (2018) making up only about 3% of the total country population. GBAO is a rural region with only 13.8% of urban population living in the capital city of Khorog.

People in GBAO grow potato, tomato, beet, pumpkin, grains including wheat, barley beans. Apple and pear trees dominate in fruit gardens. All families keep a limited amount of cattle and graze it jointly by community’s shepherds during warm seasons. The lack of fodder and severe winter conditions restricts development of stock rising. By agreement with forestry people harvest buckthorn, walnuts, medicine plants and fire-wood. Due to lack of trees, people often have to collect the dry grasses and small shrubs at the mountainous slopes together with roots.

A very small percentage of people from targeted communities have jobs paid by the government. These are school teachers, health workers, forestry, jamoat’s administration etc. Remittances from the family members working abroad, mainly in Russian Federation account for the major part of the family income in all interviewed communities.

Languages: Tajik is an official language in Tajikistan and a native language of all inhabitants of target districts in both regions. All communities in the project area have a good command of Tajik. The communities of Ishkoshim and Shughnon districts also have their native languages, -Wakhi and Shughni respectively. However, the writing system for these languages is not developed and they are currently being used only for domestic communication.

Ethnicity: 70% of the project area population is ethnic Tajik, 25% is Uzbek, and 5% is from other ethnic groups (most are married to ethnic Tajiks.) Generally non-Tajik populations in southern Tajikistan speak Tajik as well as their native languages. Ethnic minorities enjoy the same rights as the Tajik majority and regularly intermarry with Tajiks. They are fully integrated into institutional, cultural, and economic processes in the country. Consequently they do not face discrimination, nor are

15 The task team conducted the analysis of the remote sensing and crowd source data for the purpose of project preparation. The analysis of cropland coverage draws on the following: World Bank. Forthcoming. Atlas of Tajikistan. 16 State Statistical Agency, Number of Constant Population by Regions, 2016 17 State Statistical Agency, Number of Constant Population by Regions, 2018 (estimate) 33 they sufficiently separate to justify classification as indigenous peoples. No specific actions for ethnic minorities are envisioned for this project.

Religion: All population in the project sites is Muslims. Residents of Ishkashim and Shughnan districts (including their neirboring areas, like Rushan and Roshtqala) are Shia Ismaili branch of Muslims, while population of all other districts mainly relate to Sunni Muslims.

Table 3. Basic Socio-Economic Indicators for Khatlon and GBAO regions

Key statistics Khatlon GBAO Latest data Source available (Year) World Bank (for total Tajikistan Population 3,124,400 220,200 2016 population); Gov request Urban population (% of Reinvigorating growth in the Khatlon total population) 17.20% 13.3 2011 region Rural population (% of Reinvigorating growth in the Khatlon total population) 82.80% 86.7 2011 region Border KM with Khatlon brief summary program 2020/ Afghanistan 420 km approx 880 km n/a RMR report Land surface (thousand sq Khatlon/GBAO brief summary program km) 24600 64200 n/a 2020 Land surface as percentage of the whole Khatlon/GBAO brief summary program country surface 17.2% 44.9% n/a 2020 Mountainous regions 93.0% n/a Population density (no 2010 Reinvigorating growth in Khatlon region/ people per 1 sq km) 127.01 3.43 GBAO brief summary program 2020 Administrative composition: no of cities 4 1 2016 Gov data request no of rayons 24 7 2016 Gov data request no of villages 21 0 2016 Gov data request no of rural communities/jamoats 133 43 2016 Gov data request Irrigated land (hectares) 227,000 29,000 2014 Khatlon/GBAO summary program 2020 No of employees (total): 403,800 23,600 2016 Gov sources No of employees in agriculture 250,300 800 2016 Gov sources No of employees in construction 5,200 300 2016 Gov sources No of employees in industry 17,600 11,800 2016 Gov sources No of employees in tourism 2016 Gov sources Agricultural statistics Percentage of employees in Agriculture 62% 3% 2016 Gov sources Total Agricultural output (Mil Somoni) 11,036.60 588.62 2014 Khatlon/GBAO summary program 2020 Share of Crop Production in total agri production 70% 60% 2014 Khatlon/GBAO summary program 2020 Share of Livestock Production in total agri production 30% 40% 2014 Khatlon/GBAO summary program 2020

34 2.8.2 Economic Growth & Setting 2.8.2.1 Agribusiness

The main part of the Khatlon region's lands consists of the floodplain lands of the Yakhsu River. Residential and industrial facilities are surrounded by the agricultural land on the area of 10,588 hectares. Irrigated land – 8,255 ha, out of which pastures are 2,333 ha.

Agriculture is the main economic activity in the regions with the major share of population living in the rural areas. The main crops sown and agricultural products are cotton, cereals, oilseed, potatoes, carrots, onions, cucumbers, cabbage, melons, vines, milk, wool, honey and eggs. Kitchen gardens and smallholdings are also considered an important part of the local economies. These include apples, peaches, apricots, almonds, pears, pomegranates, mulberries and walnuts produced from the homestead plots in addition to the crops.

The irrigation infrastructure, inherited at the end of the Soviet era, has suffered from a lack of investment in routine maintenance, resulting in a progressive loss of cultivable land and damage to embankments, intakes and canals.

Cotton is a cash crop widely grown in the Khatlon region, but it involves high levels of irrigation and chemicals while many local farmers receive little profit from its sale (compared to middlemen and dealers). With declared “freedom to farm” areas under cotton decreased drastically, giving way to other crops of choice for farmers.

Agriculture employs the poorest strata of the population and its insufficient income generation opportunity is one of the reasons behind labor migration. Agriculture in Tajikistan accounts for about 21 percent of GDP and employs some 550,000 people compared to 1.2 million Tajik migrants working in Russia. At the same time, it is estimated that livelihoods of 70 percent of the population directly or indirectly is dependent on agriculture. Of Khatlon’s formal labor force, 62 percent work in agriculture.18 The sector does not provide sufficient income, however. Agriculture has the lowest average monthly wage by sector, barely reaching 500 Somoni/month (approximately USD 50)— well below all other sectors, including transport, construction, education, health, and social services. This is an important factor in driving labor migration, mostly among men of working age, including youth. Due to low incomes earned in the sector and ensued migration of working age men, most of the agriculture work is currently being done by women or elderly people.19 The share of de facto female- headed households in Tajikistan is estimated to be more than 70 percent.20

Agricultural and livestock production in Tajikistan have increased and diversified over time, but only a small share of production is processed. Primary production in Khatlon increased steadily by 5 percent per year between 2010 and 2014. Cotton production has declined in response to the restructuring of agricultural enterprises and a change in the production mix, resulting in a steady increase in the production of cereals, vegetables, legumes, potatoes, melons, grapes, and other fruits. Crop production today accounts for about 70 percent of agricultural output, while the remaining 30 percent is covered by livestock (cows, sheep and goats, birds, and horses) and fishing.21

18 Khatlon accounts for half of the country’s agricultural land and pastures and produces half of the country’s agricultural output. 19 Program for Reforming the Agriculture in the Republic of Tajikistan in 2012-2020 20 http://www.fao.org/3/b-i3840r.pdf (Rural Women in Europe and Central Asia: Gender Gap in Agriculture) 21 Khatlon Program 2016–2020. 35 Table 4. Crop production (Tonnes) in Tajikistan (2015-2017)

Crop production (Tonnes) 2015 2016 2017 Wheat 896,362 917,081 899,653 Potatoes 887,418 898,116 782,892 Watermelons 592,435 594,170 631,393 Onions, dry 523,807 556,955 555,059 Tomatoes 369,243 361,531 409,398 Seed cotton 270,047 284,708 386,509 Vegetables, fresh nes 340,475 347,731 367,836 Carrots and turnips 286,636 301,371 315,690 Apples 227,531 220,949 230,443 Grapes 203,807 214,775 228,303 Maize 200,519 208,113 218,448 Cucumbers and gherkins 144,314 161,390 178,035 Barley 138,240 141,957 145,620 Cabbages and other brassicas 86,978 93,864 102,503 Rice, paddy 85,807 96,476 97,763 Pulses, nes 35,201 39,362 48,256 Fruit, fresh nes 32,789 34,422 36,346 Apricots 31,750 31,682 32,603 Peaches and nectarines 31,022 27,301 27,061 Beans, dry 22,885 18,283 19,980 Beans, green 22,885 18,283 19,980 Groundnuts, with shell 8,007 8,673 13,291 Sunflower seed 13,577 12,442 12,476 Peas, dry 8,007 8,411 10,438 Garlic 1,272 3,255 5,896 Plums and sloes 3,691 3,830 4,330 Lemons and limes 6,133 3,973 4,219 Almonds, with shell 3,313 3,285 3,314 Oats 2,922 3,265 3,251 Pepper (piper spp.) 280 1,075 3,046 Oranges 1,796 1,848 1,943 Safflower seed 1,301 1,917 1,677 Nuts, nes 1,547 1,559 1,547 Figs 1,244 1,300 1,285 Hazelnuts, with shell 985 989 1,000 Lentils 1,043 963 904 Sesame seed 551 876 872 Rapeseed 50 37 242 Tobacco, unmanufactured 253 179 168 Rye 83 88 134 Millet 97 82 65 Soybeans 22 21 23 Sorghum 15 16 17

Table 5. Crop Production per Region Crop production per region Khatlon GBAO Tajikistan (total) Main category/ Year 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 Grain and legumes production (thousand tons) 870.4 903.1 16.3 14.2 1435.8 1447.9 Vegetables (thousand tons) 954.4 1021.2 15.7 16.8 1748.3 1859.1 Grape (thousand tons) 99.9 101.4 0.0 0.0 214.8 228.3 Fruits and berries (including citrus) (thousand tons) 158.9 173.9 18.7 19.7 364.1 405 Source: FAOSTAT

Only 20 percent of Tajikistan’s fruit and vegetable production is processed and most agro-processing capacity is concentrated in the Sughd and Rayon of Republic Subordination (RRS) regions.22 Despite leading in vegetable and fruit production, Khatlon accounts for only 7 percent of canned vegetables and a much smaller percentage of processed fruits.23

GBAO has small-scale subsistence agro-production and a thriving livestock sector. Despite its large size, GBAO occupies only 17 percent of Tajikistan’s agricultural land. Due to the mountainous nature of its territory, productivity remains low and production is mostly for self-consumption.24 Crop production accounts for 60 percent of GBAO’s agricultural output, consisting of potatoes, onions, berries, apricots, apples, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, and medicinal herbs. The livestock sector

22 https://www.export.gov/article?id=Tajikistan-Food-Processing-and-Packaging. 23 Sughd is home to 94% of Tajikistan’s tomato processing, 97% of fruit processing (canning, dried fruit), and 20% of canned vegetables, and RRP accounts for 73% of canned vegetables. 24 FAO. 2011. “Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission Report Tajikistan 2011.” Dushanbe: FAO. 36 (accounting for about 40 percent of GBAO’s agricultural output) is well-developed, especially in high- altitude pasture areas, and includes a variety of animals such as goats, cows, and yaks, as well as beekeeping, fish farming, and poultry farming. Because of the precarious nature of the roads in GBAO and the high cost of transportation, these products generally are sold at local markets.

Due to the perishable nature of agricultural products and the shortage of processing/storage facilities, a significant portion of the crop production that is not consumed is sold at low prices at harvest, reducing the income-generating opportunities of farmers. A World Bank Group (WBG) Rural Investment Climate Assessment (2013) revealed that only a third of crop production in Tajikistan was sold. The lack of cold storage facilities (key for perishable products such as meats, dairy, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables), coupled with the absence of processing plants of adequate scale, means that agricultural products have to be offered to the market immediately after harvesting. Given the market’s limited absorption capacity, there will be an oversupply and a reduction in price immediately after harvesting, followed by an increase in price throughout the rest of the year, when the products are less available. This price volatility for agricultural products affects not only farmers but also consumers, who are unable to afford high prices at peak times. One of the ways of increasing the incomes and creating jobs in the sector is processing of agriculture products. The current share of processing is very low and estimated to be only at 7 percent19 while it has good potential for value adding, employment generation, exports and import substitution.

The domestic and export market for fresh and processed food has unexploited potential for value addition. Local supermarkets sell mainly imported fruit juices, canned tomatoes, milk, and milk derivatives (such as cheese and yogurt). If local processing were to increase at a high enough quality, these key imports could be replaced and Tajik producers could export to neighboring countries (in particular, Afghanistan).

Due to their economic and social importance, agriculture and agribusiness remain top priorities on the Government’s agenda. Although the Government retains its important role in the sector, the sector has evolved from commanding to market-driven principles of management. This started in late 1990s with the allocation of land plots to households and the launch of the private sector farming. Subsequently, reforms were introduced in the agriculture policy to allow for freedom of crop choice by farmers as opposed to mandatory cotton planting. Since then the Government’s position in the agriculture and agribusiness sector has been that the state should refrain from direct interventions but rather playing a stimulating role based on incentives. This envisions various types of support measures, such as state subsidies for priority areas, stimulating processing, creating favorable legal and business environment for investments, promoting innovations, etc.. Whereas these programs have been focused so far on increase in volumes produced, the Government is now considering value addition economic activities (such as processing and storage) to maximize gains from surplus production.

2.8.2.2. Tourism

Community-based Tourism and Services. Around the world, tourism has proven to be transformational through the creation of jobs and economic opportunities, including for women and youth, and could serve the same purpose for Tajikistan. Tourism is estimated to contribute to over 10 percent of global GDP and accounts for one in 11 jobs on the planet. The tourism industry is labor-intensive and, due to high demand for unskilled and semi-skilled labor, it allows for quick entry into the workforce. As such, tourism is particularly beneficial for women (who make up between 60 and 70 percent of the labor force in the hospitality sector worldwide) and youth (half of the global tourism workforce is under the age of 2520). In Tajikistan, tourism contributes 1.2 percent to GDP and employs 20,000 people (about 1 percent of total employment in Tajikistan).21 Women account for about 60 percent of

19 https://www.export.gov/article?id=Tajikistan-Food-Processing-and-Packaging 20 https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---gender/documents/publication/wcms_209867.pdf 21 Below peer countries such as Georgia (18 percent), Azerbaijan (8 percent), Kyrgyzstan (7 percent), and Nepal (3.6 percent). 37 the tourism workforce in the country. Moreover, since 70 percent of Tajikistan’s population is under 30, tourism is a good source of employment for the country’s youth. Currently, youth account for less than 10 percent of jobs in tourism in Tajikistan.

Tajikistan has a number of tourism assets which are just being noticed and are beginning to place the country on the global tourism map. Tajikistan has a lot to offer in terms of cultural, natural and historical assets, including in Khatlon and GBAO. There are 161 tourism assets registered in GBAO and 193 in Khatlon. Tajikistan is located along the ancient “silk road”, has historical assets that date as far back as 4-6 centuries before Christ, as well as two UNESCO protected sites (Sarazm in Sogd and Tajik National Park - Pamir Mountains in GBAO). It also houses beautiful mountains and hot springs and it is home to a friendly culture and people (the country’s tourism slogan “Feel the Friendship” reflects appropriately a culture of openness to foreigners). These assets have only recently started to be noticed: in 2018, the country was ranked as the 7th best adventure holiday destination by the British Backpacker Society, while the Daily Mail listed Tajikistan among the fastest-growing destinations in the world (UNWTO Tourism Highlights, 2016).

Tourism Sites to be invested by the project in Khatlon and GBAO. GBAO is likely to remain Tajikistan’s main pole of attraction for international tourists. The Pamir Mountains (also known as the Tajik National Park) in GBAO are included in the UNESCO Heritage List and in The Sustainable Destinations Global Top 100. From hiking and mountaineering opportunities along the Pamir range, to dozens of petroglyphs sites and several world-class archeological and historical sites, to thousands of mountain lakes, natural reserves, and parks, GBAO has the potential to attract adventure tourists, as well as eco- tourists.

GBAO is home to the Yamchun Fortress. Yamchun is considered an iconic historical site for GBAO and the country from approximately 2000 years ago. It has a Figure 7. Yamchun Fortress in GBAO panoramic view, and it is in the Wakhan Corridor and the silk road. It is in close proximity to other sites of attraction, such as Bibi Fatima that is a spring rehabilitated by Agha Khan. The site is located in the Pamirs, which is one of the main tourism areas of Tajikistan, and according to the WB Survey, the number 1 place of visit for tourists in GBAO.

Yamchun is probably the most impressive and eldest monument in Wakhan built on the top of the cliff overlooking the valley. It is thought to have been a greatest defense fortification in the ancient wakhan. The fortress dated to 3-1 century BC and had thick stone walls and round watchtowers. The fort is located above Yamchun village, on the rocky slope, separated from the main array of Wakhan Ridge with deep canyons of the two rivers Yamchun from the east and Vadkhud from the west 9 right inflow of Panj River. Designed in the form of a triangle, the citadel is fortified by 9 round towers, with slit- like loopholes. The foundation of the walls and towers are built of stone masonry with clay mortal. The upper part is built of adobe bricks. Although the fortress is not a great shape today, it is one of the best-preserved fortresses in the Wakhan. According to some historians, there was a Zoroastrian temple of eternal fire within the fortress. Since Zoroastrian was the predominant religion of the time, this would be hardly surprising, but there is no unanimous consensus as to whether there actually was a temple in the fortress. However, while the site already receives visitors, they, often, complain about the condition of the site. Investments are needed to bring the site to its potential magnificence, and to be able to both sustain and commercialize it to attract more tourism spending.

Although not as attractive as GBAO for international tourists on a stand-alone basis, Khatlon, too, could develop its tourism assets to cater foreign tourists who are visiting the country or the region

38 (Samarkand is just a few hours away) as part of a tour package. Additionally, Khatlon also has the potential to attract and benefit from the growing number of domestic tourists. Although less well- known for its cultural, natural, and ethnographic assets, Khatlon has much to offer to tourists including circuits that include sacred springs, shrines, and religious sites for pilgrimage.

Tajikistan also has a number of intangible cultural assets that are part of UNESCO protected assets, including Chakan embroidery, Tajik pilaf and shashmaqom music which could be preserved and commercialized through the development of a sustainable community-based tourism.

Khatlon is home to important sites such as Chiluchorchashma, Khoja Mashad and Hulbuk Castle, among others:

Chiluchorchashma means 44 springs. It is located in South of Tajikistan, near Uzbekistan border, about 10-12 km away from Shahrituz and 230 KM from Dushanbe. People all over Tajikistan visit this place for spiritual harmony and pilgrimage. Chiluchorchashma springs are believed to have healing effects from depression, headache, fertility, hypertonia, and other diseases. Chiluchorchashma is located in a desert-like area of Tajikistan. Five springs rise from the depth of earth (3,400 meters deep) and then are divided into 39 little waterways. For this reason, the site is called chiluchorchashma or 44 springs. The water coming from these springs then join together and create a water canal of 12-13 meters wide, which make it a conducive condition for fish to grow. Some elderly from the region believe that the appearance of these springs in a region with desert-like conditions that in the summer could reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius or more is a religious blessing and, for this reason, the site is considered a holy one for the local population. Some Figure 8. Chiluchorchashma springs, Khatlon evidences suggest that the spring existed since 129 BC, and some other evidence point to the existence of the springs since 4-5 thousand years ago. The water from the springs includes 16 different kinds of minerals. According to researchers, there are five different types of fish and various kinds of snake fish living in the waters. The locals do not catch the fish in these waters because they contain a level of silver that, under heat of 127 Celsius can turn into poison. This is considered another miraculous attribution of the site for the local populations. However, the water from the springs is drinkable. There is also a mosque and a Zoroastrian shrine located on the site. The Zoroastrian shrine is believed to represent the elements of water and air, while the element of fire is located in shrines farther away. The mosque has an important significant for the locals. The co-existence of a mosque and a Zoroastrian shrine demonstrate the cultural and historical diversity of the region, where different groups of people and religions co-existed, despite periods of conflict. An important Muslim leader is buried in the mosque, and those who served the site and the Imom are buried outside the mosque. The tomb of the Muslim Imom inside the mosque is long and large. This is due to the fact that, in the past, and during the periods of conflict, the tombs of Muslims were dug to bring out the bodies and burn them. For this reason, Muslims were making the tombs very long and large; to make it difficult for the culprits of these crimes to locate where exactly in the tomb the body of the buried is located. The site is also important and holy because it is considered to be the place where Imom Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, the fourth caliph from 656 to 661 by the Sunni Muslims and the immediate successor to Muhammad as an Imam by Shia Muslims stayed to preach Islam.

The Khoja Mashad complex is one of the most interesting architectural monuments in this area. Khoja Mashad was a renowned personality in the Islamic world. He came to Qabodiyon from Iran or some other Middle Eastern country in approximately the second half of the 9th to the first half of the 10th century (the exact date is not known). He was an Islamic missionary and a wealthy man.

39 According to some information, he paid for the construction of a madrassah and, after death, was buried there. It is a monument consisting of two independent mausoleums standing side-by-side connected by a vaulted passageway. Both mausoleums contain tombstones and were connected by an ellipse-shaped vault. Its uniqueness is in the fact that the “fir-tree” brickwork was done without any auxiliary wooden structures from the four corners Figure 9. Khoja Mashad Complex, Khatlon and is based on the joining of step-shaped bricks. As a result, the vault was made only one brick thick covering a relatively wide span.

Hulbuk Castle: The Fortress (sometimes referred to as Castle or Citadel) of Hulbuk lies approx 30 km southwest of Kulob. People settled in the area already in the Bronze Age. A first palace, which burned down at 950 AD was built at around 800 AD. In 970 AD, a second palace was built on the ruins of the first. The Banijuriden ruled here in the 9th and 10th centuries. After a revolt, the Samanids burnt down the palace. Later the Ghaznawiden took the power over the Samanids. Hulbuk was one of the largest cities in Central Asia at that time. Then came the Seljuks, which destroyed the city and the citadel. Between the 9th and 11th centuries, Hulbuk was the capital of Khatlon where different kinds of craftsmen such as potters, glass-blowers, masons, jewelers and blacksmiths lived and worked. Hulbuk Palace was the seat of the Shah of Khatlon. The palace guarded a giant salt hill which was of great value at the time as the source of one of three precious resources (together with gold and horses) traded along the silk routes. Hulbuk was located on the main trade route, going from south to north, east to west. Through Hulbuk, caravans went to Persia, Egypt, Syria with precious stones and other trading goods. In 2003, an excavation team found five bodies, one man and four women from the Bronze Age at the site. The excavations also found a large quantity of artifacts, which explained the flourishing artistic craftsmanship of the Khatlon region. The excavations also found that inside the palace, a wide network of plumbing system and heating pipes were installed. The living quarters included a harem. Some fireplaces were surrounded by seats. This point to the practices of Zoroastrianism, which was still prevalent here before Islam. The huge entrance gate is 13m high and 8.5m wide. The wall of the Hulbuk Citadel has been completely rebuilt since 2005. It is not an exact reconstruction but serves to illustrate the original size. Only the lower 1.5 m consists of original masonry. Across the street from the Citadel, there is a small museum that depicts the history of the site.

Figure 10. Hulbuk Castle, Vose District, Khatlon

The government of Tajikistan has been paying increasing attention to tourism, and the industry has started to professionalize. Tajikistan has increasingly benefitted from tourism inflows and this has also been recognized and supported on the policy side. In 2018, the country adopted its National Tourism Strategy 2030. The importance that the country is giving to tourism was furthered by the President’s declaration of 2018 as “The Year of Tourism and Folk Crafts,” a declaration that has since been extended to 2021. This spurred a series of reforms in the sector, including the introduction of electronic visas,22 which dramatically reduced the time to obtain a visa to 2 days, with a fee of only USD 50 for both the visa as well as the permit to reach GBAO.23 The improved relationship with Uzbekistan has also had a dramatic impact on arrival inflows24 since it allowed Tajikistan to become more integrated into multi-country tours. The Committee on the Tourism Development under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is responsible for managing and advancing tourism in the country, while the Ministry of Culture manages the historical sites around the country. The private sector has started becoming more organized as well: 150 tour operators are licensed in the country, a significant number of international hotels have opened in the capital, a network of 130 homestays cater to the needs of tourists outside Dushanbe,25 and a number of organizations support tourism development.

Nevertheless, Tajikistan is not yet a major destination and is not gaining enough from its tourism sector, while certain regions like Khatlon, only marginally benefit from it despite having significant assets. Tourism arrivals have increased significantly from 160,000 in 2010 to just over 1 million in 2018. Yet Tajikistan has a long way to go to maximize its tourism potential. Despite climbing 12 places in 2017, Tajikistan still ranks 107th among 136 nations in the global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. At only five tourists per 100 inhabitants Tajikistan attracts a significantly lower number of tourists than other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).26 Moreover, an online analysis of current adventure travel packages indicates that people are currently paying approximately USD 100-150 per day for adventure travel itineraries27 offered in Tajikistan by seven well-known adventure travel tour operators, compared to USD 287 per day for a similar package in a country such as Nepal. According to a World Bank 2018 survey of international and local tour operators conducted in preparation of the REDP project, 75 percent of the tour operators responded that Tajikistan has not reached its potential for tourism. Some regions in the country are at a greater disadvantage. For example, despite a rich set of historical assets dating as far back as 600 years Before Christ, Khatlon is almost completely excluded from travel itineraries other than serving as a passthrough for tourists to get to the Pamir Mountains in GBAO. Tajikistan is currently attracting a narrow segment of the broader adventure tourism market it could target, largely missing out on those who may be interested in cultural activities in addition to mountain tourism. Adventure tourism28 is one the fastest growing tourism market segments29 and has a strong impact on local economies. For example, of every USD 100 spent by an all-inclusive tourist, only USD 5 stays in a destination’s economy, whereas nearly 65.6 percent of the trip cost from an adventure package remains in the destination.30 Currently, Tajikistan’s unique draw is the Pamir mountains and related activities, and it attracts either young adventure tourists (in their 20s) who come mainly as backpackers and are interested in biking and mountaineering, or older professionals/retirees interested to a large extent in the mountain itineraries. This excludes adventure tourists who would like

22 The need to obtain visas used to be a critical constraint for foreign tourists willing to visit the country, especially those originating in a country where no embassy or consulate was present. The e-visas is valid for 121 countries and can be obtained online within 24-48 hours. 23 Since Soviet times the GBAO required a dedicated permit, whose issuance was previously very cumbersome and expensive since it required the support of a tour operator. Now the permit can be simply issued as part of the e-visa process at limited cost. 24 The total tourism arrivals (including personal as well as business/professional) increased from 431,000 in 2017 to over 1 million in 2018. A significant portion of the increase is believed to have come from Uzbekistan. 25 More homestays exist around the country, including in Khatlon, but they are not part of a network and are not organized. 26 Compared to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, which received 23, 37, and 48 visitors for every 100 inhabitants in 2016. 27 See worldexpeditions.com and bookmundi.com. 28 Adventure tourism is any ‘trip that includes at least two of the following three elements: physical activity, natural environment, and cultural immersion’ see: http://www.adventuretravel.biz/ 29 In 2010, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) and George Washington University conducted a study that established that the global value of adventure tourism was US$89 billion. A repeat of the study in 2013 revealed a 195 percent growth resulting in US$263 billion in value. 30 UNWTO (2014) 41 to combine nature-based activities with cultural tourism, and those who may be strictly interested in cultural tourism.31 According to the WB Survey, 35 percent of the current visitors to Tajikistan would be interested in visiting historical sites and participating in local culture and activities, if conditions at, around, and on the way to the sites were to improve. Since not enough offerings for such tourists exist, those interested in cultural activities most often come to Tajikistan as part of multi-country tours, visiting Uzbekistan (and sometimes the Kyrgyz Republic) before coming into Tajikistan for a shorter segment of their trip. As a result, Tajikistan receives a significantly smaller number of single-country tourists when compared to peers.32 Low investment in tourism sites reduces the country’s attractiveness and the opportunity to diversify current tourism offering to cultural activities along the “silk road”. A share of tourists is attracted to Tajikistan for its history and geographic location along the “silk road”. However, despite the existence of many sites with the potential to attract these tourists, Tajikistan lacks an easily recognizable “anchor site” that serves as a magnet for attracting tourists to the country. A number of sites could potentially fill this role, but the lack of commercialization and inadequate links to tourism markets prevent Tajikistan from reaching its potential in this market segment. According to the WB Survey, sanitation services at the sites, access to services (including rangers, first aid, shelter, emergency in remote areas, etc.), knowledge of the guides and poor signage are key impediments for why the sites are not visited more often. Additionally, very limited tourism activities and opportunities exist in the communities around the major points of attraction to spend money on, such as community-level cultural events or fairs to participate in, and, while there are many small museums with significant cultural and historical value spread across communities in Khatlon and GBAO, they are not adequately preserved and commercialized and offered as tourism activities for tourists to spend money on. Low investment in cultural and historical assets also prevent Tajikistan from diversifying its tourism offering geographically and attracting spending to regions with strong cultural assets, including Khatlon. Given the current focus on nature and mountain-based tourism in Tajikistan, regions like Khatlon are not benefiting from tourism in significant ways. Khatlon has a number of important historical sites that are not adequately maintained, preserved and commercialized to attract spending. Khatlon is home to the archeological ruins of Takhti Sangin (home of the Oxus treasure hosted at the British Museum in London), the mediaeval fortress of Hulbuk, the holy site of Chiluchorchashma (where Imom Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad stayed to preach Islam) or the Buddhist sanctuary of Ajina Teppa (where a 12 meter long Buddha was recovered). However, sites in Khatlon are often poorly maintained and lack any form of commercialization both at the sites and in the communities around them. Lack of attention to Khatlon’s cultural tourism potential also excludes those visitors who would be interested in exploring Tajikistan but do not appreciate long drives from Dushanbe to GBAO. Given the proximity to Dushanbe as the main point of entry to the country, these people could visit Khatlon and experience its rich culture and history. Poor sanitation conditions in rest areas and in the hospitality sector constrain tourism spending and could exclude who would require minimum standards of service. Based on the WB Survey, greater attention to accommodations, restaurants33, quality of crafts34, and rest stops on the way to the sites are priorities for tourists in Tajikistan,35 and, if improved, these elements could attract more tourism spending. Poor quality of sanitation services in homestays and the unavailability of rest stops make it difficult to increase tourism spending, and to attract high-end tourists who refrain from coming to Tajikistan due to lack of basic sanitary services. It also discourages visits to the sites in Khatlon and

31 A number of studies have shown that adventure travelers, often, behave the same way and have the same needs regardless of their country of origin. In light of this, the attraction of any particular geographic market segment is not the focus, but, it is expected that, when marketing to adventure tourists, the majority of the international tourists who come for leisure will continue to come from Europe. Improvements in basic services in homestays and restaurants will also provide an opportunity to explore the Chinese market, which require higher standards of service than an adventure traveler from Europe. 32 While cross-border collaboration is important and should continue, it is important for Tajikistan to be able to also attract more of those tourists who may be interested in single-country visits. According to a 2019 Indy Guides survey, only 23% of visitors participate in Tajikistan-only tours, compared to 74% in Mongolia, 39% in the Kyrgyz Republic and 55% in Kazakhstan who only visit these countries. 33 In a review of tour reviews on Trip Advisor by those who have visited Tajikistan, food received an average of 3.45 out of 5, the lowest of all the categories (including transport, accommodation, sanitation, etc.). 34 Handicraft received a satisfaction rating of 2.8 out of 5 which signals clear room for improvement. 35 In GBAO, homestays are the most frequently used accommodation services (79 % of respondents) as opposed to hotels or camping. In Khatlon, 57 % of the respondents said that they use homestays frequently. Better accommodation would not only improve the experience of tourists, but also directly help the small homestays, many of which are owned by women. 42 GBAO by those tourists who may not be amenable to long drives without adequate rest areas along the way.36 Access to basic sanitation in homestays and the non-existence of rest stops are of particular concern to tourists.

Figure 11. Average satisfaction ratings of the homestay services in Tajikistan (on a score of 1 to 5) Source: Survey, REDP Team Analysis, 2018

To allow Tajikistan to reach its potential, skills are lacking, communities are not well-informed about the benefits of tourism and their obligations, while entrepreneurship opportunities to innovate are constrained. The public sector lacks the capacity to develop and promote tourism, and to partner with the private sector to strengthen the country’s perception internationally as a safe destination, and there is a need for more support in identifying the most appropriate market segments and targeting them adequately. In the private sector, there is a lack of hard, soft, and language skills among high-skilled professionals (such as tour guides, tourism site managers, and hospitality managers); semi-skilled workers (such as cooks and drivers) and low-skilled employees (such as cleaning staff and waiters). Also, there are limited opportunities for financing and incentives for entrepreneurs to innovate, which limit the growth of tourism. Finally, communities do not understand tourism and the benefits that it can bring to them, as well as their rights and responsibilities towards their communities’ tourism assets and those who come to visit them. International connectivity also poses a challenge for tourism and requires policy-level decisions that are currently being supported by other donors. Although Tajikistan’s connectivity has improved over the past decade, the country still has fewer inbound international flights in comparison to neighboring regions. There are only two international carriers (Turkish and Emirates) that operate direct flights from Europe to Tajikistan, which is considerably low in comparison to the number of international airlines operating in neighboring countries. For instance, Kyrgyzstan has six international carriers that operate direct flights from Europe to Kyrgyzstan, while Georgia and Armenia both have 14 international carriers with cheaper prices37. In 2017, Tajikistan had the lowest number of air transports departures in Central Asia. While it is not clear how much of this trend is driven by lower demand for tourism in Tajikistan versus comparator countries, it would also be safe to argue that flights implicitly constrain the number of tourist arrivals. IFC advisory services are focused on increasing the number of flights from selected market segments through enhanced bilateral transit and transport agreements.38 The terrorist attack on tourists in the Khatlon region in summer 2018 had the potential to negatively affect the tourism sector; however, that effect seems to have been limited so far. In July 2018, four foreign cyclists were killed in a deliberate terrorism attack later claimed by Islamic State militants. This was the first terrorist attack in Tajikistan and one of the few acts of violence against foreigners ever reported. Research from Trip Advisor as well as academic research suggests that while both tourist arrivals and revenues are very responsive and sensitive to political shocks, tourism has a strong elasticity, and it bounces back faster than other sectors, especially if the threats are not repeated. This bounce back effect is faster in places that do not experience regular shocks, and those that have strong

36 Since ground transportation is the most commonly used method to reach Khatlon and GBAO, this makes having good rest stops critical for the long drives to these destinations. The drive from Dushanbe to GBAO can take up to 19 hours, and to Khatlon 4 to 5 hours. 37 This is according to a preliminary research from www.Skyscanner.net 38 While facilitating direct flights to GBAO would be a welcomed strategy, it is a policy decision that would need to be made by the government (the basic infrastructure, including landing strip, is already in place). However, even if support from the IFC and other donors lead to more in-bound flights into Dushanbe and not GBAO, this would still benefit tourism, as it would allow the dispersing of tourism in broader areas in the country, with Dushanbe serving as the central point. 43 tourism arrivals from countries within their region – conditions similar to what Tajikistan experiences. The WB Survey, deployed after the attack, confirmed that 63 percent of respondents remain satisfied (or extremely satisfied) with the current security situation, and reported no impact of the attack on their business in Tajikistan. Nevertheless, adequate campaigns by engaging international journalists, social media influencers and international tour operators will be critical in improving the security perception of the country. Tourism development is relevant not only from an economic standpoint, but also as a means to reducing fragility by promoting pride in one’s culture and self-identify, and facilitating social cohesion and tolerance for different cultures.39 A recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed that higher scores on the tourism index correlate with higher levels of positive peace for both conflict-affected and non-conflict-affected countries.40 Furthermore, development of the local culture encourages better self-awareness and cultural resilience,41 which, in turn, reinforces a sense of belonging and ownership that would contribute to deterring extremism. Finally, preserving and promoting cultural assets, will help to strengthen a sense of pride and self-identity, which would help in mitigating FCV risks. The project interventions will consider the following regional charasteristics during implementation of project activities:

 Both Khatlon and GBAO are mountainous and share a porous border of over 1,300 km with Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: 0 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, Afghanistan, a hotspot for drug trafficking. There are cross border illicit trades and skirmishes. маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Some border districts in GBAO are extremely difficult to access especially in winter period due to Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: harsh winter and poor roads. 1,27 см  Both regions are home to interesting endemic flora and fauna, including some protected species like the snow leopard; protected areas, like the Tajik National Park in GBAO’s Pamir Mountains (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); and a rich cultural tradition.  Khatlon is known for cotton production and related medium sized industry.  The majority belong to the Tajik ethnic group, however, GBAO, despite its sparse population, has a linguistic diversity. Besides linguistic diversity, there are also diversity in political orientations;  Nearly a third of the Tajik population is poor with GBAO and Khatlon having larger proportions of poor; there are low income and employment opportunities;  The rural economy is predominantly dependent on remittances;  There are interregional disparities: what will work in GBAO, may not work in Khatlon, and verse verca;  Unemployment of the youth and vulnerable peoples is quite high, which represents a source of instability that has resulted in extremism and clashes with the authorities.

All these will have a bearing on project's outreach efforts. The project will apply the following approaches for tourism and agribusiness development.

39 Smith, V. L., ed. 2012. Hosts and guests: The anthropology of tourism. University of Pennsylvania Press. 40 WTTC. 2016. “Tourism as a Driver of Peace,” https://zh.wttc.org/-/media/files/reports/special-and-periodic-reports/tourism-as-a-driver- of-peace--full-report-copyrighted.pdf 41 Theron, L.C., and Libenberg, L. 2015. Understanding culture contexts and their relationship to resilience processes. Youth Resilience and Culture Book Series, 23–36. 44 3. Description of the Administrative, Policy and Regulatory Framework

3.1 The Legal, Regulatory and Policy Framework

3.1.1 Relevant National Laws and Regulations and International Treaties

An overview of laws and regulations that have relevance for environmental and social laws25 regulating the legal relations between the parties engaged in the REDP implementation is as follows (see Table 5).

Table 6. List of National Laws and Regulations

Environment Framework Laws  Law on Environment Protection Отформатировано:  Law on Ecological Expertise маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Permit System 1,31 см Air quality  Law on Air Protection Отформатировано:  Law on Hydrometeorological Activity маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ: Mineral resources  Law on Mineral Waters Отформатировано:  Water Code маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ: Land management  Land Code Отформатировано:  Law on Land Administration маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Land Valuation 1,31 см Forests  Forestry Code Отформатировано: маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Animals and factories Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Protection and Use of Animals Отформатировано:  Law on Protection and Use of Factories маркированный + Уровень: 1 +  Law on Fishery, Fisheries and on the Protection of Fish Resources Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Factories Quarantine 1,31 см Health and safety  Law on Securing Sanitary and Epidemiological Safety of the Population Отформатировано:  Law on Veterinary Medicine маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Salt Iodization 1,31 см  Law on Quality and Safety of Food  Law on Industrial Safety of Hazardous Installations  Law on Radiation Safety Waste and chemicals management  Law on Production and Consumption Waste Отформатировано:  Law on Production and Safe Handling of Pesticides and Agrochemicals маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ: Biodiversity  Law on Biological Diversity Management and Production Отформатировано: маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Cultural Heritage Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ: 1,31 см  Law on Government Protection and Support of Cultural and Historical Heritage Отформатировано: Resettlement Issues маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Land Code 1,31 см  Law on Land Administration Отформатировано: маркированный + Уровень: 1 +  Law on Pastures Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Dekhkan Farms 1,31 см  Law on Land Valuation  Regulation # 641 “Order of compensation for losses of land users and damage of the agricultural production

25 Used source for updating – Third Environmental Performance Review of Tajikistan, UNECE, 2017 45 process”, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (2011)  Civil Procedural Code Access to Information and Public Meetings  Law on Physical and Legal Entity Addresses Отформатировано:  The Law on Freedom of Information маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0,63  Law on Public Associations  Law on Public Meetings, Demonstrations and Rallies Labour Issues  Labor Code, which includes Occupational Safety Chapter Отформатировано:  Law on Parents Responsibility for Children’s Upbringing and Education маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ: Agribusiness and Tourism  Law on Government Protection and Support of Entrepreneurship Отформатировано:  Tax Law маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  Law on Limited Liability Entities 1,31 см  Law on Trade and Public/Amenity Services  President’s Resolution on Moratorium on Inspection of Production Businesses Agrochemicals Usage  Law on the Factories Quarantine Law (N5, 12.05.2001), of 2001, revised in 2003. Отформатировано:  Law on Production and Safety Implications of Pesticides and Agro-chemicals law dated April 22, 2003. маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ:  The Decree on Factory Quarantine (N38, 4.02.2002) concerning creation of the Government Inspection (service) on factories quarantine of 2002.  The Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On Plant Protection" for No. 817 dated April 16, 2012.  The Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the Production and Safe Management of Pesticides and Agrochemicals" No. 2 dated April 22, 2003.  Government Decision "On the establishment of the Commission on Chemical Safety of the Republic of  Tajikistan" No. 92 of March 3, 2003.  A list of chemicals and biological preparations permitted for use in the Republic of Tajikistan, which was  approved by the decision of the Commission on Chemical Safety of the Republic of Tajikistan of June 11,  2004 No. 4.  Government Decision "On Approval of the List of Especially Hazardous Pests" No. 477 of August 31, 2012.  Resolution of the Government "On the Program for the Control of Pests and Diseases of Gardens and Vineyards for the Period 2011-2015" No. 625 of December 3, 2010.

In addition to national legislation and regulations on environmental and social issues26, Tajikistan is also party to several international treaties focused on environmental and social issues (see Table 6).

Table 7. List of International Treaties and Convention ratified by Tajikistan

 Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure (1998);  Signatory of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2002);  Convention on Biological Diversity (1997) and to its Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2004);  Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1992);  The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (1997);  The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1998);  The Ramsar Convention (2000);  The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (2001).  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (2016);  Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (2016)  Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (2006);  International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;

 Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women;  Convention on Minimum Age for Admission to Employment (1993);  Convention on Worst Forms of Child Labor (2005);  Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (1999);  Employment Policy Convention (1993);  Labour Inspection Convention (2009);  UN Convention on the Rights of the Child CRC (1993)  Tripartite Consultation (International Lbour Standards) Convention, (2014);  Occupational Safety and Health Convention (2009) 26 ILO Information System on International Labour Standards, checked on 16.02.2019 46

3.1.2. Overview of Key National Environmental Legal Provisions

The Law on Environmental Protection (2011, amended 2017) stipulates that Tajikistan’s environmental policy should prioritize environmental actions based on scientifically proven principles, and to balance consideration of economic and other activities that have an impact on the environment with that on nature preservation and sustainable use of resources. To secure public and individual rights to a safe and healthy environment, the Law requires that an environmental impact assessment for any activity that could have a negative impact on the environment. It also defines environmental emergencies and ecological disasters and prescribes the order of actions to be taken in such situations, including the obligations of officials and enterprises to prevent and eliminate adverse consequences, and liabilities of the persons or organizations that caused damage to the environment or otherwise violated the Law. The Law also establishes state, ministerial, enterprise and public control over compliance with environmental legislation, which is affected by the Committee for Environment Protection, the Sanitary Inspectorate of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Inspectorate for Industrial Safety and the Mining Inspectorate. Public control is carried out by public organizations or trade unions and can be exercised with respect to any governmental body, enterprise, entity or individual.

Article 12 of the Law on Environmental Protection proclaims the right of citizens to live in a favorable environment and to be protected from negative environmental impacts. Citizens also have the right to environmental information (Article 13), as well as to participate in developing, adopting, and implementing decisions related to environmental impacts (Article 13). The latter is assured by public discussion of drafts of environmentally important decisions and public ecological reviews. Public representative bodies have an obligation to take into consideration citizens’ comments and suggestions.

Public participation. Article 12 of the Environment Protection Law proclaims the right of citizens to live in a favorable environment and to be protected from negative environmental impacts. Citizens also have the right to environmental information, as well as to participate in developing, adopting, and implementing decisions related to environmental impacts (Article 13). The latter is assured by public discussion of drafts of environmentally important decisions and public ecological reviews. Public representative bodies have an obligation to take into consideration citizens’ comments and suggestions. The Law on the EE also provides the rights to the citizens to conduct a Public Environmental Expertise (Art. 7). On 17 July 2001 Tajikistan acceded to the 1998 Aarhus Convention, the provisions of which have priority over domestic law that also stipulates the rights for Public EE. The element of public participation in the ESIA procedure is described in detail in the Procedure (Order) for Conducting an ESIA of 2014. Public participation procedures are envisaged for all categories of projects, although in practice they are mainly applied to High Risk projects.

Law on Permit System (2011) establishes a unified procedure for obtaining permits/licenses for all types of activities that require authorization. Licenses are legal instruments to regulate certain potentially hazardous activities where minimal qualifications and strict adherence to rules are required to ensure that they are carried out efficiently, safely and do not result in potentially very significant and irreparable damage to the environment and human health. In particular, licenses are required for handling hazardous waste; for activities in industrial safety, sources of ionizing radiation, production and handling of pesticides and other agrochemicals. They are issued by the relevant industry regulator (ministry or committee) or an entity to which it has delegated such right. Licensing is also used to ensure the most efficient and sustainable use of natural resources. For example, licenses are required for prospecting, collecting or extracting mineral resources, or for constructing underground facilities not related to mining.

The Water Code (2000, last amendment 2012) stipulates the policies on water management, permitting, dispute resolution, usage planning and cadaster. It promotes rational use and protection of

47 water resources exercised by all beneficiaries and defines the types of water use rights, authority and roles of regional and local governments for water allocations among various users, collection of fees, water use planning, water use rights and dispute resolution.

The Land Code (1996, last amendment 2016) defines the types of land use rights, the authority and the role of regional and local governments for land allocation, collection of land taxes, land use planning, land use right mortgaging and settlement of land disputes. It defines the rights of land users and lease holders and specifies the use of a special land fund for the purpose of land privatization and farm restructuring. The law does not provide for purchase or sale of allotted land. The Land Code regulates land relations and it is directed at the rational “use and protection of land and fertility of the soil…27 .” The land may be used in a rational manner only and the Code allows local authorities to decide what constitutes “rational” land use. It also includes mechanisms that make it possible to take the land-use permit away from farmers, including in situations where land use causes land degradation. This decision is taken by the rayon administration.

Law on Land Administration (2008, last amendment 2016) obliges the authorities to map and monitor the quality of land, including soil contamination, erosion and logging.

Law on Sanitary and Epidemiological Safety of the Population (2003, amended in 2011) introduced the concept of sanitary and epidemiological expertise that establishes the compliance of project documentation and economic activities with the state sanitary and epidemiological norms and rules, as well as strengthened provisions on sanitary-hygienic, anti-epidemic and information measures.

Law on Pastures (2013) defines the basic principles of pasture use, including protection of pastures and the environment, and attraction of investments for more effective use and protection of pastures. The Law specifies the powers of local administrations to control environmental safety and pasture use in accordance with state regulations and standards. The law prohibits the implementation of a number of activities in pastures, such as cutting down trees or bushes, building roads, misuse of grazing land, pollution of the environment with waste, and grazing of livestock beyond the established rate. The law requires users to ensure effective use of pastures, including protection of pastures against degradation and pollution. It provides geobotanical research on pastures to assess the potential productivity of natural forage land.

The EA National Legal Framework Law on Ecological Expertise (2012) stipulates that the mandatory cross-sectoral nature of state ecological “expertise” (SEE) shall be scientifically justified, comprehensive, and objective and which shall lead to conclusions in accordance with the law. The SEE precedes decision-making about activities that may have a negative impact on the environment. Financing of programs and projects is allowed only after a positive SEE finding, or conclusion, has been issued. The following activities and projects will be subject to state ecological review: a) draft state programs, pre-planning, pre-project, and design documentation for economic development; b) regional and sectoral development programs; c) spatial and urban planning, development, and design; d) environmental programs and projects; e) construction and reconstruction of various types of facilities irrespective of their ownership; f) draft environmental quality standards and other normative, technology, and methodological documentation that regulates economic activities; g) existing enterprises and economic entities, etc. This law also stipulates that all types of economic and other activities shall be implemented in accordance with existing environmental standards and norms, and that sufficient environmental protection and mitigation measures will be put into place to prevent and avoid pollution and enhance environmental quality. ESA studies that have analyzed the short- and long-term environmental, genetic, economic, and demographic impacts shall be evaluated prior to making decisions on the selection of sites, construction or reconstruction of facilities, irrespective of their ownership. If these requirements are violated, construction will be terminated until necessary improvements are made, as prescribed by the Committee for Environmental Protection and/or other duly authorized control bodies, such as sanitary, geological, and public safety agencies.

27 Land Code of the Republic of Tajikistan (1992) 48

The Law “On Environmental Expertise” was approved in 2012 and the GoT the subsequently adopted the following in pursuance of this legislation:

 Procedure of Environmental Impact Assessment (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan as of 01.08.2014 #509 provides guidelines on the composition, order of development, coordination and approval of design estimates for construction of facilities, buildings and structures and ESIA chapters, SEA and feasibility documents;  List of objects and types of activities for which preparation of documentation on the environmental impact assessment is mandatory (adopted by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan as of 01.08.2014 #509). This extensive list contains 180 types of activities that are grouped according to four environmental impact categories (from (I) “high risk” to (IV) “local impact”). If the facility is not included in the list, then it is not required to pass an ESIA or a SEE.

3.1.3 Key National Social Legal Provisions and Citizen Engagement

Law on Freedom of Information is underpinned by Article 25 of the Constitution, which states that governmental agencies, social associations and officials are required to provide each person with the possibility of receiving and becoming acquainted with documents that affect her or his rights and interests, except in cases anticipated by law.

According to the Decree ‘Approval of the Order of costs reimbursements related to provision of information’ adopted on January 1, 2010, all state institutions are enabled to charge fees for providing any kind of information to journalists and public officials. The decree states that one page of information provided should cost up to 35 Somoni (US$8).

The decree enables state officials to charge for photocopying official documents or extracts of official documents and for obtaining information from government officials in writing. Payment can be collected not only for the supply of printed information, but also for verbal information and clarification of legislative acts, decrees and regulations28.

Per the Law on Public Associations, a public association may be formed in one of the following organizational and legal forms: public organization, public movement, or a body of public initiative. Article 4 of this law establishes the right of citizens to found associations for the protection of common interests and the achievement of common goals. It outlines the voluntary nature of associations and defines citizens’ rights to restrain from joining and withdrawing from an organization. August 2015 amendments to this legislation require NGOs to notify the Ministry of Justice about all funds received from international sources prior to using the funds.

The 2014 Law on Public Meetings, Demonstrations and Rallies (Article 10) bans persons with a record of administrative offenses (i.e. non-criminal infractions) under Articles 106, 460, 479 and 480 of the Code for Administrative Offences from organizing gatherings29. Article 12 of the Law establishes that the gathering organizers must obtain permission from local administration fifteen days prior to organizing a mass gathering.

Land Code contains basic provisions on land acquisition for public and state purposes. The Code allows the state to seize the land from land users for the needs of projects implemented in the interests of state and at the state scale, and describes methods, system and order of protection of rights and interests of persons whose land is subject for withdrawal for the purposes of the project, and provides for the complex of compensatory measures to cover the land users’ losses. The Regulation about an

28 ‘Commercial Laws of Tajikistan: An Assessment by the EBRD’. Office of the General Counsel. April 2012. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. 29 These provisions concern the hampering of gatherings (Article 106); disorderly conduct (Article 460); disobedience to police (Article 479); and violation of rules of conducting gatherings (Article 480). 49 order of compensation of the land users’ losses and losses of agricultural production, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan # 641, dd. 30th December, 2011, establishes concrete and detailed order of reimbursement of the land users’ losses. Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Law on Physical and Legal Entity Addresses contains legal provisions on established information Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: channels for citizens to file their complaints, requests and grievances. Article 14 of the Law sets the 1,27 см timeframes for handling grievances, which is 30 days from the date of receipt. Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Labour Code prohibits forced labour (Article 8). The Labor Code also sets the minimum age at which Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: a child can be employed as well as the conditions under which children can work (Articles 113, 67, 1,27 см and 174). The minimum employment age is 15, however, in certain cases of vocational training, mild Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, work may be allowed for 14 year olds (Article 174 of the Labor Code). In addition, there are some маркированный + Уровень: 1 + labour restrictions on what type of work can be done, and what hours of work are permissible by Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: workers under the age of 18. Examples of labor restrictions include: those between 14 and 15 cannot 1,27 см work more than 24 hours per week while those under 18 cannot work more than 35 hours per week; Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, during the academic year, the maximum number of hours is half of this, 12 and 17.5 hours, маркированный + Уровень: 1 + respectively. These limitations are consistent with the ILO Convention on Minimum Age. In addition, Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: Law on Parents Responsibility for Children’s Upbringing and Education makes parents responsible for 1,27 см ensuring their children not involved in heavy and hazardous work and that they are attending school. Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, маркированный + Уровень: 1 + 3.2 Relevant Institutions Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см The identified government bodies to be engaged in REDP implementation are outlined in the Table 87. Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Table 8. Relevant Government Institutions to be engaged in REDP implementation Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см Engagement Role in the Project Implementation Institution Удалено: Unit Level Удалено: Coordination Ministry of Finance National  Supervise the Project Coordination Unit;  Chair the Steering Committee. Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, Ministry of Agriculture National  Participate in the Project Steering Committee маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Ministry of Economic Development and Trade National  Participate in the Project Steering Committee Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: Ministry of Culture National  Participate in the Project Steering Committee 1,27 см Удалено: <#>Serves as a PIU for State Investment Committee National  Participate in the Project Steering Committee Agribusiness Component;¶ Tourism Development Committee National  Supervises the Project Implementation Group; Удалено: PIU  Participates in the Project Steering Committee Удалено: Unit Project Implementation Unit under the MOF National  Responsible to overall implementation and Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: coordination of all project activities; -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см,  Performs all the fiduciary functions; маркированный + Уровень: 1 +  Responsible for ESF instruments development, Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: implementation, monitoring and reporting; 1,27 см  Supervises 2 Regional Field Coordinators; Удалено: PIU  Facilitates the Project’s Grant Committee Удалено: <#>Supervises PIU Tourism Project Implementation Group under the National  Serves as a PIG for Tourism Component; Regional Field Coordinator;¶ Tourism Committee  Participates in the Project’s Grant Committee Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: and endorses the selections -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, Khatlon Regional Government Regional  Hosts and oversights the PIU Regional Field маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: Coordinator 1,27 см GBAO Regional Government Regional  Hosts and oversights the PIU Regional Field Удалено: (Agribusiness) Coordinator Отформатировано PIU Regional Field Coordinator in GBAO Regional  Responsible for project implementation in the ... region; Удалено: (Tourism) PIU Regional Field Coordinator in Khatlon Regional  Responsible for project implementation in the Удалено: (Tourism) region; Отформатировано ... Regional Branches of the Committee on Regional  Responsible for regional environmental Удалено: (Agribusiness) Environmental Protection expertise approval Отформатировано ... Отформатировано ... 50 Engagement Role in the Project Implementation Institution Level District Local Governments (khukumats) Local  Responsible for public awareness Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева:  Oversight of the project activities at the local -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, level маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ:  Establish the Grievance Redress Committee 1,27 см Regional Branch of the Committee for Local  Responsible for regional environmental Environmental Protection Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: expertise approval -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, Local self-governing bodies (jamoats) Local  Responsible for public awareness and outreach маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см

Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: 3.2.1 Environmental Assessment Administrative/Institutional Framework -0,01 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, маркированный + Уровень: 1 + ESIA responsibilities. Conducting the ESIA study is the responsibility of the project proponent. The Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: Procedure for carrying out the ESIA (Government Resolution No. 509 of 2014) establishes general 1,27 см requirements for contents of the ESIA documentation. The State Ecological Expertise for all investment projects is the responsibility of the Committee for Environmental Protection under Government of Tajikistan (CEP) and its regional offices. Furthermore, according to the 2012 Law on the State Ecological Expertise, all civil works, including rehabilitation, should be assessed for their environmental impacts and the proposed mitigation measures reviewed and monitored by the CEP.

Screening categories. The laws on Environment Protection and EE stipulate that the Government is to approve a list of activities for which the complete ESIA is mandatory. The current guidelines for ESIAs do not provide for any preliminary assessment of the project to decide on the need for an ESIA (screening) or define the scope of the ESIA’s contents. This is because the list of objects and activities for which the development of ESIA materials is required is already very detailed. Therefore, although under the REDP will not be required to prepare an ESIA per existing legislation rather on the WB ESF requirements, upon its approval it will be necessary to consult with the CEP experts for further guidance on compliance with the SEE.

The Law on EE provides for the rights of citizens to conduct Public Environmental Expertise (art. 7). Tajikistan is also a member party to the 1998 Aarhus Convention (July 17, 2001) that contains provisions for public EE. The 2014 Procedure (Order) for Conducting an ESIA also describes procedures for public participation. Public participation procedures are envisaged for all categories of projects, although in practice they are mainly applied to High Risk projects. The Procedure (Order) for conducting the ESIA of 2014 changed the focus and timing of public discussions. Compared to the 2006 version of the Procedure for preparing ESIAs which provided the opportunity for public inputs during the scoping stage while drafting the technical task, the 2014 version of the Procedure provides space for public discussions only after the preparation of the ESIA report by the project's customer.

Implementation of environmental laws. A number of legal acts establish liability for violation of environmental laws, which can be enforced by several State bodies. In particular, the 2010 Code on Administrative Violations establishes administrative liability for organizations, their officers and individuals for a range of violations, including careless treatment of land, violation of rules for water use or water protection or failure to comply with a SEE. Administrative sanctions for environment related violations can be imposed by the administrative commissions of khukumats, courts, CEP inspectors, the Veterinary Inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the State Committee for Land Management and Geodesy. The most common administrative sanction is a fine of up to 10 minimal monthly salaries for individuals and up to 15 minimal salaries to officers of organizations. The 1998 Criminal Code also covers crimes against ecological safety and the environment, such as violations of ecological safety at work, poaching and spoiling land, as well as violation of rules for the protection and use of underground resources. The maximum fine is up to 2,000 minimal monthly salaries and the maximum sentence is up to eight years in prison.

51 3.2.2 Social and Resettlement Administrative/Institutional framework

The Land Code articles contain basic provisions on land acquisition for public and state purposes. The Code allows the state to seize the land from land users for the needs of projects implemented in the interests of state and at the state scale, and describes methods, system and order of protection of rights and interests of persons whose land is subject for withdrawal for the purposes of the project, and provides for the complex of compensatory measures to cover the land users’ losses. The Regulation about an order of compensation of the land users’ losses and losses of agricultural production, approved by the Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan # 641, dd. 30th December, 2011, establishes concrete and detailed order of reimbursement of the land users’ losses.

District local governments (khukumats) in 32 target districts are responsible for addressing and solving the social and resettlement issues. An interdepartmental commission will be established at the district level where the acquisition will take place. This commission is chaired by the Deputy Head of District and members include representatives from various line departments, PIU Regional Field Coordinator, NGOs and community. Determination of losses of land users during the acquisition of agricultural lands should be established on the basis of corresponding documents, provided by the land user and the requirements of the WB Environmental and Social Standards.

Grievance Management Committee (GMC) will be established in each district administration (khukumat) to address and resolve complaints in collaboration with Business Development Service Providers/Enablers and Field Coordinators within 30 days of receiving complaints. GMC Secretary will be responsible for maintaining feedback logs, and if needed, for liaising with other local government structures. If the issue cannot be resolved by GMCs, then it will be escalated to the central MOF PIU GFP. Удалено: PCU

52 4. Relevant World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESS)

The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework sets out the World Bank’s commitment to sustainable development, through a Bank Policy and a set of Environmental and Social Standards that are designed to support Borrowers’ projects, with the aim of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity.

The Environmental and Social Standards30 set out the requirements for Borrowers relating to the identification and assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing. The Bank believes that the application of these standards, by focusing on the identification and management of environmental and social risks, will support Borrowers in their goal to reduce poverty and increase prosperity in a sustainable manner for the benefit of the environment and their citizens.

The standards will: (a) support Borrowers/Clients in achieving good international practice relating to environmental and social sustainability; (b) assist Borrowers/Clients in fulfilling their national and international environmental and social obligations; (c) enhance nondiscrimination, transparency, participation, accountability and governance; (d) enhance the sustainable development outcomes of projects through ongoing stakeholder engagement

The ten Environmental and Social Standards establish the standards that the Borrower and the project will meet through the project life cycle, as follows:

4.1 ESS 1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

ESS1 sets out the Client’s responsibilities for assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and social risks and impacts associated with each stage of a project supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing, in order to achieve environmental and social outcomes consistent with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs).

The environmental and social assessment will be based on current information, including a description and delineation of the project and any associated aspects, and environmental and social baseline data at an appropriate level of detail sufficient to inform characterization and identification of risks and impacts and mitigation measures. The assessment will evaluate the project’s potential environmental and social risks and impacts; examine project alternatives; identify ways of improving project selection, siting, planning, design and implementation in order to apply the mitigation hierarchy for adverse environmental and social impacts and seek opportunities to enhance the positive impacts of the project. The environmental and social assessment will include stakeholder engagement as an integral part of the assessment, in accordance with ESS10.

According to ESS1 the Client will manage environmental and social risks and impacts of the project throughout the project life cycle in a systematic manner, proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and the potential risks and impacts.

4.2 ESS 2 – Labor and Working Conditions

ESS2 recognizes the importance of employment creation and income generation in the pursuit of poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth. Borrowers can promote sound worker-management relationships and enhance the development benefits of a project by treating workers in the project

30 www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/environmental-and-social-framework/brief/environmental-and-social-standards and http://projects-beta.vsemirnyjbank.org/ru/projects-operations/environmental-and-social-framework/brief/environmental-and-social-standards 53 fairly and providing safe and healthy working conditions. ESS2 applies to project workers including fulltime, part-time, temporary, seasonal and migrant workers.

The Borrower will develop and implement written labor management procedures applicable to the project. These procedures will set out the way in which project workers will be managed, in accordance with the requirements of national law and this ESS. The procedures will address the way in which this ESS will apply to different categories of project workers including direct workers, and the way in which the Borrower will require third parties to manage their workers in accordance with ESS2.

4.3 ESS 3 – Recourse and Efficiency, Pollution Prevention and Management

ESS3 recognizes that economic activity and urbanization often generate pollution to air, water, and land, and consume finite resources that may threaten people, ecosystem services and the environment at the local, regional, and global levels. The current and projected atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) threatens the welfare of current and future generations. At the same time, more efficient and effective resource use, pollution prevention and GHG emission avoidance, and mitigation technologies and practices have become more accessible and achievable. This ESS sets out the requirements to address resource efficiency and pollution1 prevention and management throughout the project life cycle consistent with GIIP.

The ESMF should include sections on resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management. Assessment of risks and impacts and proposed mitigation measures related to relevant requirements of ESS3, including raw materials, water use, air pollution, hazardous materials, and hazardous waste are included within scope of the ESMF, and ESMPs as relevant.

4.4 ESS 4 – Community Health and Safety

ESS4 recognizes that project activities, equipment, and infrastructure can increase community exposure to risks and impacts. In addition, communities that are already subjected to impacts from climate change may also experience an acceleration or intensification of impacts due to project activities.

ESS4 addresses the health, safety, and security risks and impacts on project-affected communities and the corresponding responsibility of Borrowers to avoid or minimize such risks and impacts, with particular attention to people who, because of their particular circumstances, may be vulnerable.

4.5 ESS 5 – Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use, and Involuntary Resettlement

ESS5 recognizes that project-related land acquisition and restrictions on land use can have adverse impacts on communities and persons. Project-related land acquisition or restrictions on land use may cause physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential land or loss of shelter), economic displacement (loss of land, assets or access to assets, leading to loss of income sources or other means of livelihood), or both. The term “involuntary resettlement” refers to these impacts. Resettlement is considered involuntary when affected persons or communities do not have the right to refuse land acquisition or restrictions on land use that result in displacement.

Experience and research indicate that physical and economic displacement, if unmitigated, may give rise to severe economic, social and environmental risks: production systems may be dismantled; people face impoverishment if their productive resources or other income sources are lost; people may be relocated to environments where their productive skills are less applicable and the competition for resources greater; community institutions and social networks may be weakened; kin groups may be dispersed; and cultural identity, traditional authority, and the potential for mutual help maybe diminished or lost. For these reasons, involuntary resettlement should be avoided. Where involuntary 54 resettlement is unavoidable, it will be minimized and appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on displaced persons (and on host communities receiving displaced persons) will be carefully planned and implemented.

4.6 ESS 6 – Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources

ESS6 recognizes that protecting and conserving biodiversity and sustainably managing living natural resources are fundamental to sustainable development. Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity often underpins ecosystem services valued by humans. Impacts on biodiversity can therefore often adversely affect the delivery of ecosystem services.

ESS6 recognizes the importance of maintaining core ecological functions of habitats, including forests, and the biodiversity they support. Habitat is defined as a terrestrial, freshwater, or marine geographical unit or airway that supports assemblages of living organisms and their interactions with the nonliving environment. All habitats support complexities of living organisms and vary in terms of species diversity, abundance and importance.

This ESS also addresses sustainable management of primary production and harvesting of living natural resources.

ESS6 recognizes the need to consider the livelihood of project-affected parties, including Indigenous Peoples, whose access to, or use of, biodiversity or living natural resources may be affected by a project. The potential, positive role of project affected parties, including Indigenous Peoples, in biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of living natural resources is also considered.

4.7 ESS 7 - Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities

This ESS applies to distinct social and cultural groups. The terminology used for such groups varies from country to country, and often reflects national considerations. ESS7 uses the term “Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities,” recognizing that groups may be referred to in different countries by different terms. Such terms include “Sub- Saharan African historically underserved traditional local communities,” “indigenous ethnic minorities,” “aboriginals,” “hill tribes,” “vulnerable and marginalized groups,” “minority nationalities,” “scheduled tribes,” “first nations” or “tribal groups.”

ESS7 contributes to poverty reduction and sustainable development by ensuring that projects supported by the Bank enhance opportunities for Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities to participate in, and benefit from, the development process in ways that do not threaten their unique cultural identities and well-being.

4.8 ESS 8 – Cultural Heritage

ESS8 recognizes that cultural heritage provides continuity in tangible and intangible forms between the past, present and future. People identify with cultural heritage as a reflection and expression of their constantly evolving values, beliefs, knowledge and traditions. Cultural heritage, in its many manifestations, is important as a source of valuable scientific and historical information, as an economic and social asset for development, and as an integral part of people’s cultural identity and practice. ESS8 sets out measures designed to protect cultural heritage throughout the project life cycle.

55 The requirements of ESS8 apply to cultural heritage regardless of whether or not it has been legally protected or previously identified or disturbed. The requirements of ESS8 apply to intangible cultural heritage only if a physical component of a project will have a material impact on such cultural heritage or if a project intends to use such cultural heritage for commercial purposes.

The Borrower will implement globally recognized practices for field-based study, documentation and protection of cultural heritage in connection with the project, including by contractors and other third parties.

A chance finds procedure is a project-specific procedure which will be followed if previously unknown cultural heritage is encountered during project activities. It will be included in all contracts relating to construction of the project, including excavations, demolition, movement of earth, flooding or other changes in the physical environment. The chance finds procedure will set out how chance finds associated with the project will be managed.

The procedure will include a requirement to notify relevant authorities of found objects or sites by cultural heritage experts; to fence-off the area of finds or sites to avoid further disturbance; to conduct an assessment of found objects or sites by cultural heritage experts; to identify and implement actions consistent with the requirements of this ESS and national law; and to train project personnel and project workers on chance find procedures.

4.9 ESS 9 – Financial Intermediaries (FI)

ESS9 recognizes that strong domestic capital and financial markets and access to finance are important for economic development, growth and poverty reduction. The Bank is committed to supporting sustainable financial sector development and enhancing the role of domestic capital and financial markets.

FIs are required to monitor and manage the environmental and social risks and impacts of their portfolio and FI subprojects, and monitor portfolio risk, as appropriate to the nature of intermediated financing. The way in which the FI will manage its portfolio will take various forms, depending on a number of considerations, including the capacity of the FI and the nature and scope of the funding to be provided by the FI.

FIs are required to develop and maintain, in the form of an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), effective environmental and social systems, procedures and capacity for assessing, managing, and monitoring risks and impacts of subprojects, as well as managing overall portfolio risk in a responsible manner.

4.10 ESS 10 – Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure

This ESS recognizes the importance of open and transparent engagement between the Borrower and project stakeholders as an essential element of good international practice. Effective stakeholder engagement can improve the environmental and social sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, and make a significant contribution to successful project design and implementation.

The client will engage with stakeholders throughout the project life cycle, commencing such engagement as early as possible in the project development process and in a timeframe that enables meaningful consultations with stakeholders on project design. The nature, scope and frequency of stakeholder engagement will be proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts.

Stakeholder engagement is an inclusive process conducted throughout the project life cycle. Where properly designed and implemented, it supports the development of strong, constructive and responsive relationships that are important for successful management of a project’s environmental and social risks. Stakeholder engagement is most effective when initiated at an early stage of the project development process, and is an integral part of early project decisions and the assessment, management and monitoring of the project’s environmental and social risks and impacts.

In consultation with the Bank, the Borrower will develop and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) proportionate to the nature and scale of the project and its potential risks and impacts.

57 5. Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts

5.1 Positive Impacts

The proposed project is part of the Risk Mitigation Regime (RMR) included in the upcoming World Bank CPF for the Republic of Tajikistan to finance policy reforms and interventions for preventive support aimed at addressing FCV risks that have constrained development progress in Tajikistan.

Geographically, the proposed project will target Khatlon Oblast and Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO), these regions have the highest levels of absolute and relative poverty measures, respectively, and which face fragility risks due to the proximity to unstable parts of Afghanistan, large youth populations, disparities in service delivery outcomes, and legacies of violent conflict. The project is expected to result in positive impacts on employment and livelihoods, on farm production and value chain activities, and on community-based tourism. It is hoped that the project could herald new vistas for communities in the fragile and conflict-ridden regions.

The proposed project will invest in marketing and site rehabilitation, which will help increase overall tourism spending in Tajikistan. Upgrading sites, tourism attractions, and public areas (hiking trail services, rest stops, road signage, visitor center) will be in making the destination more accessible to visitors and establishing tourism friendly environment. It will invest in upgrading four sites in Khatlon and GBAO, as well as touristic signage around these selected sites. Given the critical shortage of skilled workers and diversified tourism product offerings, provision of tourism training has tremendously enhanced tourism service delivery. REDP will provide capacity building for public and private institutions to promote tourism and strengthen private sector skills.

The domestic and export market for fresh and processed food has unexploited potential for value addition and a three-pronged approach is proposed for increasing the sales of agricultural products by small farmers in GBAO and Khatlon. Three types of Interventions aim to stimulate trading opportunities (improvements to market sites and their operation, including warehousing, cold storage facilities and food safety labs), facilitate small-scale processing (purchase of basic post-harvesting technology for dried fruits), and improve the functioning of two selected value chains (dairy and second to be determined).

The sectoral interventions are designed to target the most at-risk groups, both directly and indirectly. Vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and returning migrants will benefit indirectly, as will the rest of the general population in GBAO and Khatlon from the expected improvements to the overall economic conditions. Furthermore, the design of the project interventions will directly target vulnerable groups in multiple ways:  Public works for the rehabilitation of public infrastructure (markets and tourist sites) will Отформатировано: маркированный + Уровень: 2 + leverage returning migrants, the large majority of whom are employed in construction. The Выровнять по: 0,16 см + Отступ: construction activities envisioned for the rehabilitation of tourism sites and the improvement of 0,79 см agribusiness infrastructure will offer a labor-intensive source of employment for migrant workers and youth. Selection of the providers for such works will include clauses to ensure that construction workers from local communities -- and particularly those who are among the vulnerable groups identified under the project -- will be employed to carry out these works. Moreover, the works could be implemented in parallel with a training program (including on-the- job training) related to the workers’ trade, carried out by a private company that would offer them a certificate.  Youth are expected to benefit from several types of grants. Community grants for organizing cultural events—including arts and music festivals, in particular—are expected to benefit youth, who will find an outlet to showcase their skills. This is expected to help keep them away from

58 undesirable activities, such as drug trafficking and extremist groups. Similarly, skill-building programs for tour operators, cooks, drivers, cleaning staff, waiters, and so on, are expected to target the younger strata of the population, who will be given priority access to these programs. Finally, matching grants for musicians, artists, and crafters will offer additional income-earning opportunities for young people.  Women, including those heading a household, are expected to benefit from the support provided through matching grants in agribusiness, tourism, and related services. The majority of MSMEs in the tourism sector (including homestays, restaurant, cafes, and crafters) are managed by women (and youth) and will be targeted by the matching grants programs.  A strong capacity building and entrepreneurship development component will support beneficiaries. Given the low capacity among the grant applicants and beneficiaries envisioned under the project—in particular, among vulnerable groups—business development support interventions are envisioned to provide them with technical assistance in preparing applications and follow up support during implementation.  The grant programs under the project will provide preferential access to vulnerable groups. The project will give preference to applications coming from vulnerable groups and will track the composition by age and gender of the beneficiaries. Additionally, the size of grants will be kept intentionally small to match the absorption capacity of these beneficiaries and the evaluation criteria will provide preferential access to those groups. Moreover, skills-building components will directly target the vulnerable groups by giving preference to these groups during the selection process.  The project will strengthen self-identity and sense of cultural pride. The project through its cultural heritage angle will contribute to the mitigation of some of these risks by strengthening self-identity and a sense of cultural pride. Development of the local culture encourages better self- awareness and cultural resilience, which, in turn, reinforces a sense of belonging and ownership that would contribute to deterring extremism. Increased awareness of cultural heritage results in efforts to protect and cherish it.  Public awareness campaign to combat pollution litter will be incorporated into the project. Component 1 will support grants on environmental education and awareness raising campaigns to combat pollution litter, including Subcomponent 1.4, which will invest in tourism signage and environment-friendly services and innovations to be initiated by youth.

5.2 Adverse Risks and Impacts

The proposed project activities under Components 1 and 2 could generate environmental impacts associated with noise, dust, air, soil and water pollution, solid waste management, biodiversity degradation, health hazards and labor safety issues, etc. The environmental risks are expected to be typical for small scale construction/rehabilitation works or business development and expansion activities, temporary by nature and site specific and can be easily mitigated by applying best construction and/or environmentally friendly practices and relevant mitigation measures.

5.2.1 Adverse Environmental Impacts and Risks

As a result of project implementation, the following main adverse environmental may occur: Water pollution. With the leakage of fuels and lubricants (fuel and lubricants) from construction machinery and stored waste, petroleum products and chemicals can pollute the soil, penetrate into groundwater or drain into surface water bodies. Maintenance and cleaning of construction machinery and mechanisms near natural streams can lead to water pollution. If temporary settlements of builders are formed on a construction site, pollution of the environment can be caused by sanitary facilities in settlements. The project will invest in improving quality of sanitation conditions in rest areas and in the hospitality sector. Inadequate management and operations of sanitation facilities can result in increased pollution to water courses and ground water.

59 Impacts on Biodiversity. During construction, the necessary earthwork for construction can damage the vegetation cover and lead to cutting down of green plantations. Carriers for building materials, disposal of excess material and waste can disturb the animal world, including affecting the natural habitat. However, since all works will be performed mainly on the developed territory, significant negative impacts on biodiversity or natural habitats are unlikely. Noise, vibration and temporary air pollution. Dust will be generated as a result of construction work, transportation of construction materials / waste and traffic of freight vehicles. Strong increase of noise level is expected during construction, material transportation, construction equipment operation, in particular, during excavation, pneumatic drilling, and work of construction cranes. Noise and vibration will cause concern to local residents if the work is carried out in the vicinity of residential areas. Formation of recovered material and construction debris. The following types of garbage will be formed during the constructions: (i) construction debris, transportation, handling, compressor works, jackhammers and other construction equipment, soil surpluses and stones, cut trees, bushes, household waste, obsolete equipment and materials, and; (ii) hazardous waste - construction debris containing asbestos plaster, asbestos slate, mineral wool and ruberoid, worn tires, filters and oils from construction equipment and transformer substations. The construction wastes will be removed on timely basis and disposed properly at the special areas within local landfields. Hazardous waste will be removed and disposed carefully to avoid further health impacts on the workers and surrounding communities. Dangerous production factors as a result of civil works. Direct impact on safety and health of people in civil works can be caused by various factors, for example, high-altitude work, the work of cranes and bulldozers, welding, and sanitary conditions, electric shock, etc. The potential impact on the safety and health of workers is also associated with occupational injuries during construction (falling structures, etc.) or contaminated drinking water or food. Road traffic. Any effort will be made to minimize the time spent on construction vehicles and trucks on the roads, in order to prevent any incidents or damage to property. Drivers will be warned that they should move with caution. Speed restriction in work areas and road traffic with heavy machinery will also be regulated. The proper organization of traffic will also prevent a negative impact on traffic, as far as possible. Historical and cultural heritage sites. Under Subcomponent 1.2 the project will finance the rehabilitation, beautification, landscaping, and general improvement of four selected sites (Yamchun Fortress, Hulbuk Castle, Khoja Mashad Madrassa, and Chiluchorchashma) to create a recognizable anchor site of historical/cultural significance for the country as a whole, and a religious/cultural tourism circuit easily accessible from Dushanbe. Technical assistance will be provided for the preparation of the technical design and commercialization plans, the associated social and environmental assessments and the supervision of the works. The extent of needed rehabilitation works differs significantly among the four sites supported under the project. Given that proposed sites are UNESCO-nominated sites, any works proposed and carried out will increase the chances of obtaining UNESCO designation for the sites. Figure 12. Historical and Cultural Sites to be rehabilitated under REDP Although construction works will not have direct physical impact on the heritage monuments, indirect impacts from the movement of construction machinery, presence of work force, etc. as well as permanent impact on the visual/aesthetic view and tourist experience during visitation of these sites will be closely looked at and mitigation measures

60 provided during the preparation of ESMF. The check-lists to help decide if a site specific Cultural Heritage Management Plan is needed are enclosed in Annex 12; and "chance find" procedures are to be included in site specific ESIA/ESMPs and Cultural Heritage Management Plans. Natural hazards and climate shocks: GBAO is extremely vulnerable to natural hazards and its geographic isolation leaves the region’s populace in a perilous position.31 In Khatlon, the risk of landslides, mudflows, floods and erosion is high.32 The feasibility study for the 4 cultural sites to be rehabilitated will include the DRM risk screening to avoid and mitigate them during the project implementation.

5.2.2 Adverse Social Impacts and Risks

Access restrictions. There will be some construction induced social impacts during the implementation phase. The construction activities envisioned for the rehabilitation of tourism sites and the improvement of agribusiness infrastructure may cause access restrictions to homes, land plots or other private or public property. Construction and /or rehabilitation of market places and parking lots might also trigger some inconvenience to the public. Even though most of such local level constructions under the project will be done though community centered organizations, municipalities, market associations, and similar entities, adequate care and measures will be taken to avoid any violation of use of labor, accidents, or disputes with local communities due to use of outside labor force for constructions. The site specific ESMPs prepared under the project will include, as necessary, mitigation measures to reduce potential adverse impacts and risks and the public constructions will be carried out each of the construction site before the civil works begin. Land acquisitions. No large-scale physical displacement or relocation of persons is allowed under the project. In addition to the ESMF, a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) is prepared for the project to address social impacts such as land acquisitions, access restrictions under the grants to be awarded. When details of the project sites and investments / subprojects are available, the need for further site- specific Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) or abbreviated RAPs (ARAPs) will be assessed, in accordance with the RPF. Voluntary Land Donations. Social risks could include issues related to voluntary land donations (such as depriving individuals of land and other assets in the guise of voluntary donations and in the name of the "common good"; women users of the land, settlers or migrant users being passed over in decision- making on land donations; and cross-generational conflicts on land ownership issues). To minimize such risks, any subproject that acquires land on the basis of voluntary donations will be required to first meet a set of strict criteria before the land donation is accepted (Annex 13).

Economic Risks. Majority of the community members in target districts predominantly dependent on remittances and have no sufficient funds to meet the matching grants requirements. High expectations of grant allocations from local entrepreneurs could lead to social tensions and resentment when expectations are not met. This risk will be mitigated through diversifying types of grants (full and matching grants) and preferential access for vulnerable groups, as well as wide communications and awareness-raising activities that clearly communicate diverse grant eligibility criteria to stakeholders within Project districts, and the operation of a project grievance redress mechanism (GRM) should applicants raise concerns afterwards.

Exclusion of locations. The choice of one location over others for the attraction of investment into market and storage infrastructure, large agroprocessing, or other facilities might lead to some risk of

31 For example, in 2015, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck GBAO caused widespread damage to infrastructure, blocking transportation routes, displacing 652 people, and leaving 4,000 more in need of assistance. Emergency response to this event was significantly constrained by the remote location of the affected area and lack of alternative routes to it. In GBAO, the international M41 route is Tajikistan’s only link to China, one of its main trading partners. M41 is frequently exposed to avalanches, mudflows, landslides, floods, and rock falls, making the transportation of goods generally unsafe and, at times, dangerous. World Bank. 2017. “Strengthening Critical Infrastructure against Natural Hazards Project”. Project Appraisal Document. 32 World Bank. Forthcoming. Atlas of Tajikistan. 61 stakeholder dissatisfaction. Equally, the choice of certain cultural heritage sites over others could engender resentment in some groups. However, the team has consulted widely with both public and private stakeholders on the selection of tourist assets to be rehabilitated. In addition, the team explored the use of existing free economic zones, markets, and cross-border markets for agricultural investments before settling on the design. Wide public awareness campaign will be arranged by the business development service providers/enablers to disseminate the grant information to the target groups. Enablers will use the existing information channels (district municipalities, jamoats, mahalla leaders, media, NGOs, list serves, social media) to reach out the potential grant applicants especially in remote and border areas of Khatlon and GBAO.

Exclusion of vulnerable groups. Certain individuals or groups will have no or limited access to various opportunities and resources that will be available to members of the target groups. For example, women and youth have weak connections with state structures due to remoteness of location, low capacity and no interest in public and community life. Others might be excluded due to elite capture and/or lack of sufficient educational background. Social exclusion might have many other contributors. Major contributors include income, employment status, social class, personal habits and appearance, religion and political affiliation. The risk will be prevented and/or mitigated through community grants for organizing cultural events for youth, who will find an outlet to showcase their skills. Wide outreach activities and efficient tools will be applied to reach the target groups in remote areas. Skill-building programs are expected to target the younger strata of the population, who will be given priority access to these programs. Women, including those heading a household, are expected to benefit from the support provided through matching grants in agribusiness, tourism, and related services. They will be provided with technical assistance in preparing applications on development of homestays, restaurant, cafes, craft workshops and followed up with support during implementation.

Child and forced labour risk. In rural areas, where child labor is broadly regarded as a support to parents rendered off school hours without disruptions to school attendance, there still remains the risk of its use in violation of the national legislation. The grantees’ compliance with the national legislation on the use of child/forced labor will be rigidly monitored by the Enablers, while efforts will be made to raise grantees’ awareness of the relevant legislation and the cost of non-compliance with it. A project- wide GRM will also be used for monitoring any cases of noncompliance.

Biased grant management (no transparency, centralized management). Given that the project anticipates a large grant program for diverse range of applicants, an international grant managing company will be procured to facilitate the selection process between MoF PIU and TDC PIG and to Удалено: PCU administer grant program on unbiased basis. The grant operational manual to be developed will Удалено: PIU describe the eligibility criteria by type of grants, public outreach tools, application selection and evaluation process, awarding and contracting procedures for diverse range of applicants (individuals, groups and entities). The Grant Manager will be responsible for transparent and fair administration of grants and wide public awareness to reach the target groups in remote areas.

Low capacity on ESF implementation. Given that the project is prepared under the newly adopted Bank’s Environment and Social Framework (ESF), the client’s capacity to deliver an ESF based project is limited; therefore, technical assistance has been provided by the WB team to the client (including agency(ies), PIU, and PIG) to prepare the ESF instruments package during preparation. And Удалено: M during implementation capacity building activities under Component 3 will include guidance on Удалено: PIU identifying environmental and social impacts and preparing ESIA/ESMPs and RAP/ARAPs. Удалено: s Additionally, the selection, design, contracting and monitoring and evaluation of subprojects will be consistent with the guidelines set out in the environment and social annexes.

To address identified impacts, the implementing agency, contractors, subcontractors, grantees, and grant beneficiaries have to undertake a series of risk mitigation measures, which are presented in the Annex 7 and which should be clearly defined in the site specific ESMPs to be prepared during project implementation.

62 6. Environmental and Social Risk Management

As part of the environmental and social procedures, The Bank classifies all projects into one of four classifications: High Risk, Substantial Risk, Moderate Risk or Low Risk. In determining the appropriate risk classification, the Bank takes into account relevant issues, such as the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project; the nature and magnitude of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts; and the capacity and commitment of the Client to manage the environmental and social risks and impacts in a manner consistent with the Environmental and Social Standards33.

The Environmental Risk Rating is Substantial. Physical works envisaged under the project are of a medium scale and the expected environmental impacts associated with the proposed construction are expected to be easily mitigated. These impacts may include increased pollution due to improper care, handling and storage of construction material and waste, generation of excessive noise and dust levels, and, possibly, health impacts related to inadequate disposal of asbestos containing material. Developing community-based tourism will also deal with Tajikistan’s unique natural environment and cultural heritage. Although construction works will not have direct irreversible physical impacts on the heritage monuments, indirect impacts from the movement of construction machinery, presence of work force, etc. as well as permanent impact on the visual/aesthetic view and tourist experience during visitation of these sites are included in the potential environmental impacts. The project environmental risk is rated Substantial not because of the nature of proposed works and associated environmental risks, but because of remote and potentially fragile areas where the project activities are planned, the large number of expected small works, and the limited capacity of the implementing partners in understanding and application of Bank's ESF, and relevant Standards.

Social risks are substantial due to the inherent fragile and conflict situation which could impact on the project’s efforts at reaching and working, especially, with poor and vulnerable sections. This is compounded by weak integration of youth (and women) and their participation in the institutions and limited prospects for employment. Hence the risk of exclusion looms large. Other key risks, land acquisition and resettlement as well as labor management risks are expected to be low given that: (i) project activities need not resort to involuntary resettlement; and (ii) no major civil works/ labor involvement is envisaged.

The following risk management instruments and specific measures or actions planned to prevent, avoid, minimize, reduce or mitigate the environmental and social risks and impacts of the project over the project cycle:

ESS 1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts The environment and social risks are both rated as substantial. The risk level is substantial due to the fragile social and environmental conditions, the remoteness of planned activities, and inexperience of the client delivering ESF. Towards addressing the risks, following instruments have been prepared: (i) Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF): (ii) Social Assessment-based Inclusion Plan; (iii) Resettlement Policy Framework; (iv) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); and (v) Labor Management Procedures (LMP). The ESMF covers applicable ESF Standards and the World Bank Group’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines. The ESMF has checklists for determining where and when site specific Environment and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs)/Management Plans (ESMPs) and Resettlement Plans (RAPs) will be necessary. The ESMF also contains generic ESMP checklists for each type of small-scale construction envisaged by the project, namely local roads improvement and maintenance, maintenance of water resources and water supply networks, waste disposal, and other investments that improve local living conditions, including those related to social infrastructure.

ESS 2 – Labor and Working Conditions

33 Only those ESS which are relevant for the project are covered 63

The ESS recognizes the following categories of workers: direct workers, contracted workers, community workers, and primary supply workers. Direct workers could be either government civil servants or those deployed as ‘technical consultants’ by the project. The former will be governed by a set of civil services code, the latter by mutually agreed contracts. Community workers figure in the case of community based civil works. Primary supply workers are those who will consistently supply certain materials to the project. And contract workers are those employed by contractors, subcontractors, and other intermediaries, details of which will be known as and when activities' implementation begins. For this project, the following categories of laborers are expected: Direct Workers and Contract workers. The former would include: government civil servants and consultants enlisted specially for the project. While government servants will be governed by the national code of practices, consultants will function as per a mutually agreed contract. The project proposes some medium-scale operations which could be community based while others might involve higher technologies (for example cold storage) and be in the hands of private operators. All the works will be contracted out. And, the expectation is that the majority of labor will be locally hired with the exception of a few skilled workers. Direct workers. The Ministry of Finance PIU and Tourism Development Committee PIG follow the national labour legislation and practices when hiring project staff. The legal provisions of the Labour Code of Tajikistan (1997, last updated 2012) apply to all. Except for the PIU and PIG Directors, the rest of the staff are not civil servants, and they are hired on contract basis for the implementation of a wide range of development projects. The PIU/PIG apply two types of employment contracts: one-year Удалено: s employment agreements and short-term service contracts. Majority of staff are permanent staff with one-year employment agreements with fixed monthly wage rates. All the recruiting procedures are documented and filed in the folders. Forty hour per week employment is practiced and recorded on paper. Payrolls (twice a month), paid sick leaves and annual leaves are filed in hard copies, as well as stored in e-version. The Labour Inspection from the Ministry of Labour implements biannual audits of the labour documentation of the organizations.

Contractors. The MoF PIU will recruit an international company/Grant Manager (GM) to manage all the grants for five years long. The GM local staff will follow the same legal provisions as the MoF PIU local staff based on the Labour Code of Tajikistan. Estimated number of staff is up to 10 people. The MoF PIU accounting specialist will request for copies of all the GM’s internal employment contracts and supportive documents to justice the accuracy of the employment and payrolls. The implementing agency, MoF PIU, undergoes annual accounting audit from the Chamber of Accounts, and therefore it keeps all the records accurately to avoid penalties and fines.

Subcontractors. The Grant Manager will select business development service providers (the so called “enablers”) among recognized international or local organizations based in Tajikistan that have experience in providing technical assistance in the agribusiness and tourism fields in Tajikistan. The GM will do identifying, interviewing, training, monitoring activities as they relate to grants. All fiduciary procedures, including procurement, will be performed by the MoF PIU.The enablers’ local staff to be recruited will follow the same labour provisions per the Labour Code of the Republic of Tajikistan. Estimated number of subcontractors’ staff is up 10 people.

Civil works contractors. The subprojects can recruit local companies to implement civil works at the regional and local levels. The Contractors do follow the same legal provisions as all subcontractors during hiring local staff based on the Labour Code of the Republic of Tajikistan; they will recruit up to 20 local staff and issue employment contracts and service contracts for the employed people. Skilled migrant works could be engaged; however no international technicians are expected to be recruited for civil works. For cultural sites rehabilitations, a few international architechts might be attracted on contract basis. To verify all labour /service agreements the MoF PIU accounting department will

64 request for copies of all employment and service contracts and supporting documents to justice the accuracy of the employment and payrolls and tax payments.

MoF PIU has prepared the Labor management procedure (LMP) which set out details for preparing Удалено: PCU the labor management plans and the principles of employment. The LMP also identifies main requirements for contracted workers to be employed in accordance with national Labour Code and the LMP. It underlines the risks associated with the project and determines the resources necessary to address project labor issues. Once agreed by the Bank, the Labor Management Procedure will be a stand alone document not annexed to the ESMF.

The MOF PIU will ensure that all contracts with workers, contractors, primary supply workers are Удалено: PCU consistent with the requirements of ESS2. The MOF PIU will incorporate ESS2 requirements into Удалено: PCU tendering processes and establish policies for monitoring the performance of contractors in relation to ESS2. Enablers will work closely with grant receipients to review contracts at the local level. Contracts will be randomly checked by the Field Coordinators/MoF PIU to ensure compliance with Удалено: PCU ESS2 requirements and to report to the World Bank on the status of ESS 2 implementation.

The ESMF includes sections on Environment Health and Safety (EHS) including specific instruments that will need to be prepared either by the client or the contractor prior to commencement of works (ESH checklists, codes of conduct; safety training etc.). The expectation is that the majority of labor will be locally hired with the exception of a few skilled workers and cultural heritage rehabilitation experts. Civil works contracts will incorporate social and environmental mitigation measures based on the WBG EHS Guidelines and the ESMF; other referenced plans e.g. Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), RPF etc. as well as specific language referencing the prioritization of the hiring of unskilled local labor. All civil works contracts will include industry standard Codes of Conduct that include measures to prevent Gender Based Violence/Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (GBV/SEA). GBV assessment too has been done. A locally based Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) specifically for direct and contracted workers will be provided. The MOF PIU will be ensure that the grievance Удалено: PCU mechanism is easily accessible to such project workers.

ESS 3 – Recourse and Efficiency, Pollution Prevention and Management The ESMF includes sections on resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management. Assessment of risks and impacts and proposed mitigation measures related to relevant requirements of ESS3, including raw materials, water use, air pollution, hazardous materials, and hazardous waste are included within scope of the ESMF, and ESMPs as relevant. Intergrated Pest Management check-lists and procedures for site-specific ESIAs/ESMPs, as well as lists of acceptable pesticides are included in the ESMF.

ESS 4 – Community Health and Safety (CHS) The ESMF includes assessment of work related health risks; works and road safety; HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases; excessive noise and dust levels, site safety awareness and access restrictions; GBV/SEA; and labor influx. Fencing will be installed around all construction sites and areas where there is a risk to community health and safety. If workers camp need to be built, the contractor will be required to employ measures to control labor influx risks based on Bank requirements, as well as the IFC/EBRD Good Practice Note. A GRM for the public was prepared and consulted on with local communities during project preparation.

Project will ensure that grant recipients are accountable for resource management and responsive to the preferences and needs of community members. Business development service providers (enablers) will be empowered to conduct monitoring from time to time which will cover CHS as well.

The project involves civil works, which require labor force to be fully supplied locally. The cultural heritage rehabilitation works will require a few experienced foreign experts. Labour influx can be also

65 accompanied by influx of other people who would follow the incoming local workforce with the aim of selling goods and services, or in search of business opportunities. It is anticipated that due to the nature and scope of rehabilitation activities the level of labor influx will be insignificant so the associated risks will be low and manageable.

ESS 5 – Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use, and Involuntary Resettlement The project does require lands, for establishing agricultural processing units and probably while repairing and restoring some cultural properties. Scale of operations in agriculture are quite low- each processing unit may require about half a hectare of land. Current plans are to either capitalize on the existing infrastructure (such as markets, bus shelters) and / or secure unused public lands. Hence, the project, in principle, may not resort to involuntary acquisition for agriculture stream. However, there could be some isolated instances wherein lands may have to be acquired. But, currently details about the requirements of land for agriculture- number, area, location etc—are not known. It will become known only during the implementation.

Nature and extent of lands required on the culture front are yet to be gauged. Given this scenario, towards managing involuntary land acquisition, the client has prepared a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF), sought approval from the Bank and disclosed the same. The framework clarifies resettlement principles, organizational arrangements, and design criteria to be applied to subprojects or project components to be prepared during project implementation. Once the subprojects or individual grants are defined and the necessary information becomes available, such a framework will be expanded into a specific resettlement action. Project activities that will cause physical and/or economic displacement will not commence until such specific plans have been finalized and approved by the Bank.

ESS 6 – Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources Community-based tourism is likely to involve interaction with protected areas, potential critical habitats, and endangered species, particularly in some of the remote mountainous areas of Tajikistan. As the specific locations of project activities are not yet known, the ESMF will contain check-lists and guidance to help the client deal with biodiversity issues for the different types of activities being financed. For activities involving nature based tourism, the ESMF will require environmental and social impact assessments that identify potential critical habitats and species. Additionally, ESMF criteria for working near protected areas and potential critical habitats will include requirements for detailed mapping and, where necessary, identification of species and habitats. Specific issues will include instructions for necessary sections in any site specific ESIA/ESMPs to be prepared and provision for protecting biodiversity project financed activities.

ESS 8 – Cultural Heritage Tajikistan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Site (the Tajik National Park in the Pamir Удалено: one Mountains in the GBAO, and the old settlement of Sarazm in Panjakent district) as well as nine candidate sites; therefore, it is clear that developing community-based tourism will also deal with Tajikistan’s unique cultural heritage. The Ministry of Culture oversees national programs and activities and will be important partner and stakeholder in implementing the project's activities. The project will make sure the benefits of community-based tourism are shared equitably among local communities especially among vulnerable and disadvantaged people within local communities. This entails preparation of a Cultural Heritage Management Plan or other appropriate means. Some rehabilitation works will have direct positive physical impact on the heritage monuments, while there are some indirect impacts from the movement of construction machinery, presence of work force, etc. as well as permanent impact on the visual/aesthetic view and tourist experience during visitation of these sites will be closely looked at and mitigation measures provided during the preparation of ESMF. The ESMF includes a section on protection of Cultural Heritage including check-lists to help MoF PIU Удалено: will Environmental Specialist/Field Coordinators/Enablers to assess if a site specific Cultural Heritage Удалено: PCU Management Plan is needed; and "chance find" procedures to be included in site specific ESIA/ESMPs Удалено: &S

66 both for agribusiness and tourism subprojects and template for Cultural Heritage Management Plans to be prepared for pre-identified historical places to be rehabilitated.

ESS 10 – Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Project preparation has made mapped the stakeholders. Individuals and groups likely to be affected (direct beneficiaries) have been identified. They include: (i) on the agricultural front- farmers, farming community, women, youth, traders, transporters etc., and (ii) on the tourism- tour operators, tour guides, home stay providers, hotels, transporters, cultural NGOs, and potential tourists. Mapping of other interested parties such as government agencies/authorities, rival/extremist groups, security personnel, NGOs and CSOs also has been done fully. International agencies like UNESCO and international vendors also figure in the stakeholder canvass. Given the highly diverse stakeholder profile and that their expectations and orientation as well as capacity to interface with the project are different, a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has been developed. This SEP has enabled the project to identify elaborately different stakeholders and provide an approach towards reaching each of the sub groups. SEP also identifies impediments to reaching out to stakeholders as well as reflects/builds capacity of the client in engaging with stakeholders. Results of the Social Assessment, especially, on the impacts likely to occur as a result of the project interventions as well as the institutional analysis, has also been made use of in defining the agenda for stakeholder engagement and the institutional responsibilities during project implementation. The SEP has been prepared by the client and disclosed publicly before completion of Appraisal. SEP will be updated from time to time as deemed appropriate. The client has developed and put in place a Grievance Redressal Mechanism (GRM) to enable stakeholders air their concerns/ comments/ suggestions, if any.

Risk Classification As part of the environmental and social procedures, the Client will adopt the WB’s categorization system for subprojects with clearly defined risk categories under the new ESF. The risk categorization will inform the scope and nature of the Implementing Agency’s environmental and social due diligence and risk management of its subprojects. Sample risk categories and mitigation measures are outlined in Annex 2 (Screening of Risk Categories for Proposed Types of Subprojects).

Towards addressing the risks, following instruments were prepared: (i) Environment and Social Management Framework (ESMF): (ii) Social Assessment based Inclusion Plan; (iii) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); (iv) Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF); and (v) Labor management procedures (LMP). Client has prepared and disclosed an ESMF since project is financing a broad range of small and medium scale activities, most of which will not be identified until implementation begins. The ESMF covers applicable ESF Standards and the World Bank Group’s Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines. The ESMF has checklists for determining where and when site specific Environment and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs)/Management Plans (ESMPs) will be necessary.

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) will identify feasible and cost-effective measures that may reduce potentially significant adverse environmental and social impacts to acceptable levels. The ESMP divides the project cycle into three phases: construction, operation and decommissioning. For each phase, the project team identifies any significant environmental and social impacts. For each impact, mitigation measures are to be identified and listed. Estimates are made of the cost of mitigation actions broken down by estimates for installation (investment cost) and operation (recurrent cost). The ESMP format (enclosed in Annex 7) also provides for the identification of institutional responsibilities for "installation" and operation of mitigation devices and methods. To keep track of the requirements, responsibilities and costs for monitoring the implementation of ESMP, a Monitoring Plan will be applied.

The ESMF also contains generic ESMP checklists for each type of small scale construction envisaged by the project, namely local roads improvement and maintenance, maintenance of water resources and water supply networks, waste disposal, and other investments that improve local living conditions, including those related to social infrastructure.

67 7. ESMF Implementation Arrangements

7.1 ESMF Process Flow at the Project Level

Overall, activities for the REDP will be predicated on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and responsive citizen engagement throughout the Process cycle. Citizen engagement values the right of citizens to have an informed say in the decisions that affect their lives. It is based on a two-way interaction and dialogue with government and emphasizes the sharing of power, information, and a mutual respect between government and citizens.

With regards to ESMF implementation, MOF PIU will: (i) support Grant Manager and Business Удалено: PCU Development Service Providers (Enablers) with information and capacity building (including the environmental criteria to be used, procedures to conduct the ESIA etc.); (ii) environmental and social screening and evaluation of grant proposal eligibility from the E&S point of view; (iii) communication and coordination with ESA competent authorities (Committee on Environmental Protection); (iv) ensuring proper implementation of the ESMP and ESMP Checklist requirements as well as social due diligence tasks during the subprojects’ realization; (v) addressing complaints and feedback from project stakeholders and the public, including grievances regarding environmental/social impacts of subprojects; (v) supervising (independently or jointly with the State Ecological Inspectorate) environmental protection and mitigation measures stipulated in the ESMPs; (vi) monitoring of environmental impacts as part of overall monitoring of the subproject implementation; and (vii) reporting on environmental and social impacts originated during implementation of subprojects and analyzing the efficiency of mitigation measures applied to minimize negative consequences. Together with subproject implementors and beneficiaries, MOF PIU Удалено: PCU and the Grant Manager are responsible for the implementation of above activities.

To implement the ESMF the project team will follow the below described Process Cycle by Sectors.

Table 9. Process Cycle for Agribusiness

PROCESS CYCLE FOR AGRIBUSINESS Activity Primary Secondary Associates 1. Capacity building of the WB E&S MoF PIU/ Local consultants Удалено: PCU PIU/PIG and implementing specialists PIG Удалено: PCU partners on the new ESF Удалено: PIU standards application 2. Incorporation of E&S MOF PIU MoF PIU/ Удалено: s requirements and guidelines PIG Удалено: PIU (including the list of Удалено: PCU subproject ineligible for grant Удалено: PCU support) into the grant manual Удалено: PIU 3. Clearance and approval of the WB REDP TTLs WB E&S Grant Manual Specialists 4. Incorporation of the E&S Grant Manager MOF PIU Удалено: PCU requirements and guidelines E&S into the Grant Application Specialists Packages 5. Stak eholder Engagement Plan MoF PIU Field Enablers, District Удалено: PCU Implementation Coordinators municipalities 6. Orientation of Business Grant Manager Field WB Development Providers MOF PIU E&S Coordinators Удалено: PCU (Enablers) on the Grant Specialists packages requirements and training on new ESF requirements 7. Establishing GRM at the Enablers, District Field MoF PIU Удалено: PCU

68 district, regional and national municipalities Coordinators levels 8. Outreach on grant application Enablers through Field MoF PIU/PIG through Удалено: PCU procedures, eligibility criteria district Coordinators, its website Удалено: PIU and the E&S requirements municipalities, farmer associations, jamoats 9. Grant application support, Enablers Field including the E&S Coordinators requirements guidance 10. First screening of grant Enablers Field proposals received for Coordinators eligibility, including E&S requirements 11. Second screening of grant Grant Manager MOF PIU Удалено: PCU proposals and business plans E&S received for eligibility, Specialists including E&S requirements 12. Final screening of grant Grant Committee proposals received for eligibility, including E&S requirements 13. ESMP Checklist and Social Enablers Field Screening completion for Coordinators awarded grant sites 14. ESMP Checklist and Social MOF PIU E&S WB E&S Удалено: PCU Screening Checklists Specialists Specialists verification 15. Development of ESS Enablers Field instruments (site specific Coordinators Удалено: PCU ESIA/ESMP, RAP if needed) Удалено: PCU 16. Quality control and submission MoF PIU Удалено: PCU of ESS instruments to the WB Удалено: PCU 17. Review and approval of ESS WB E&S Project TTLs instruments Specialists Отформатировано: нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 18. Implementation of ESMPs, Grantees Subcontracto 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + RAPs rs Выравнивание: по центру + 19. Monitoring and reporting on Enablers Field MOF PIU Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: 1,39 см ESMP implementation Coordinators, 20. Supervision of ESMP/ RAP WB E&S Удалено: PIU implementation specialists Отформатировано: нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Table 10. Process Cycle for Tourism Development Выравнивание: по центру + Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: PROCESS CYCLE FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 1,39 см Activity Primary Secondary Associates Удалено: PCU 1. Capacity building of the PIU WB E&S MOF PIU/TDC Local consultants Удалено: PIU and implementing partners on specialists PIG Отформатировано: нумерованный new ESF standards application + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2. In corporation of E&S MOF PIU TDC PIG 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: по центру + requirements and guidelines Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: (including the list of subprojects 1,39 см ineligible for grant support) into Удалено: PCU the grant manual Отформатировано: нумерованный 3. Clearance and approval of the WB REDP TTLs + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, Grant Manual 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + 4. Incorporation of the E&S Grant Manager MOF PIU E&S Выравнивание: по центру + Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: requirements and guidelines into Specialists 1,39 см 69 the Grant Application Packages 5. Development of ESIA/ESMP, MoF PIU External Отформатировано: нумерованный Cultural Heritage Management experts/firm + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Plan (CHMP), RAP if needed, Выравнивание: по центру + for 4 cultural sites pre-selected Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: 6. Orie ntation of Business Grant Manager Field WB 1,39 см Development Providers MOF PIU E&S Coordinators Удалено: PCU (Enablers) on the Grant Specialists Отформатировано: нумерованный packages requirements and + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, training on new ESF 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: по центру + requirements Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: 7. Establishing GRM at the district, Enablers, District Field MoF PIU/TDC PIG 1,39 см regional and national levels municipalities Coordinators Удалено: PCU 8. Outreach on grant application Enablers through Field TDC PIG through Отформатировано: нумерованный procedures, eligibility criteria district Coordinators, its website, social + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, and the E&S requirements municipalities, media, list serves 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + tourism Выравнивание: по центру + Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: associations, media 1,39 см 9. Stak eholder Engagement Plan MoF PIU/TDC PIG Field Enablers, District Удалено: PCU Implementation Coordinators municipalities 10. Grant application support, Enablers Field Grant Manager Удалено: PIU including the E&S requirements Coordinators Отформатировано: нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, guidance 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + 11. First screening of grant Enablers Field Grant Manager, if Выравнивание: по центру + proposals received for grant Coordinators received directly at Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: package requirements, including the national level 1,39 см E&S requirements Удалено: PIU 12. Second screening of grant Grant Manager MOF PIU E&S Отформатировано: нумерованный proposals and business plans Specialists + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + received for eligibility, Выравнивание: по центру + including E&S requirements Выровнять по: 0,75 см + Отступ: 13. Final evaluation of grant Grant Committee 1,39 см proposals received for (represented by Удалено: PCU eligibility, including E&S MoF PIU/TDC Удалено: PIU requirements PIG) Отформатировано 14. ESMP Checklist and Social Enablers Field ... Screening completion for Coordinators Отформатировано ... awarded grant sites Удалено: PCU 15. ESMP Checklist and Social MOF PIU E&S WB E&S Отформатировано ... Screening Checklists Specialists Specialists Отформатировано ... verification Удалено: PCU 16. Development of ESS MoF PIU External Удалено: PIU instruments (ESIA/ESMP, experts/firm Cultural Heritage Management Отформатировано ... Plan (CHMP), RAP if needed) Отформатировано ... 17. Quality control and submission MOF PIU E&S Удалено: PCU of ESS instruments to the WB Specialists Отформатировано ... 18. Review and approval of ESS WB E&S Project TTLs Удалено: PCU instruments Specialists 19. Implementation of ESMPs, Grantees Subcontractors Отформатировано ... CHMPs, RAPs Удалено: PCU 20. Implementation support, Enablers Field MOF PIU Отформатировано ... monitoring and reporting on Coordinators, Отформатировано ... ESMP, CHMPs, RAPs Отформатировано implementation ... 21. Supervision of WB E&S Удалено: PCU ESMP/CHMP/RAP specialists Отформатировано ... implementation

7.2 ESMF Process Flow at the Grant Level

Step 3. Step 2. Screening Step 1. Development of Step 4. & Determination Selection of Safeguard Implementation, of Relevant Instruments, Supervision & Grant Safeguards their review and M&E proposals Instruments approval

Figure 13. The ESMF Process Cycle at the Grant Level

7.2.1 Selection of Grant proposals

Subcomponent 1.1 will finance investments in selected tourism sites, including an “anchor site.” It will Перемещено (вставка) [1] finance the rehabilitation, beautification, landscaping, and general improvement of four selected sites Удалено: 2 to create a recognizable anchor site of historical/cultural significance for the country as a whole, and a religious/cultural tourism circuit easily accessible from Dushanbe. They have been already pre- identified at the project preparation stage.

Subcomponent 1.2 will finance investments in public market infrastructure to facilitate trade and Удалено: ¶ storage. Improvements to market sites and their operation, including warehousing, cold storage Удалено: 1 facilities and food safety labs would allow small farmers to sell more of their products at these markets, while reducing waste. Eligible grant proposals may include, but not limited to market improvements, (cold) storage facilities, and food safety control labs and other investment of public nature that would facilitate the agribusiness development to enhance opportunities for smallholder farmers to sell their products at harvest or to store them for longer periods of time, and to benefit consumers through enhanced product safety. Project through the Agribusiness Developers (Enablers) will outreach potential agribusiness development providers through district municipalities, farmer associations, jamoats and media to develop group or individual grants. Additionally, under this subcomponent entrepreneurship incubation services (and supporting tools such as including business plan competitions) will be rolled out in the two regions with the objective to further attract private sector enterprises in agribusiness, tourism and related services. The incubation provider will be in charge of outreach to communities to ensure good applications and ideas and will provide support for the preparation of the initial proposals.

Subcomponent 1.3 will support competitive grants to rehabilitate local-level tourism attractions and Перемещено вверх [1]: Subcompon ent 1.2 will finance investments in selected natural trails. This could involve the restoration of small museums or cultural centers, funding to hold tourism sites, including an “anchor site.” It music and art fairs and events, and improvements to hiking trails. Tourism development enablers (local will finance the rehabilitation, beautification, landscaping, and general NGOs/firms) to be recruited in two regions to reach and work with potential grant applicants. improvement of four selected sites to create a recognizable anchor site of Subcomponent 1.4 will invest in touristic signage. It will support the preparation, purchase, and historical/cultural significance for the country as a whole, and a religious/cultural installation of tourist signs across the major travel routes and for the key tourism sites in Khatlon and tourism circuit easily accessible from Dushanbe. They have been already pre- GBAO. Tourism development enablers (local NGOs/firms) to be recruited in two regions to reach and identified at the project preparation stage. ¶ work with potential grant applicants. Under Component 2 matching grants will be offered to support MSMEs and entrepreneurs in tourism, agribusiness, and related services. A series of calls for proposals will be issued to reach potential beneficiaries in the target sectors. Matching grants will be customized for the type of beneficiary, so that number of beneficiaries, selection criteria, size, percentage of matching contribution, number of calls, and the process of reporting results, will be customized for each scheme.

71 Subcomponent 2.1 will support Matching grants will be provided to individual farmers, groups, or associations for post-harvesting activities. This includes purchasing small- or medium-scale processing, drying, or packaging equipment, or (cold) storage facilities in both Khatlon and GBAO. Support under this window could also help farmers make their products available to tourists (e.g. if presented and packaged nicely, honey, dried fruits, or medicinal herbs could become souvenirs for purchase by tourists). Subcomponent 2.2 will support two agribusiness value chains by connecting small producers to large processors, and supporting improvements in processes, management or food safety and quality certification for processors. The first of these value chains will be in the dairy sector, while the second will be selected during project implementation. Subcomponent 2.3 will support tourism-related MSMEs in upgrading the quality of their products and services to tourists as a way to attract more tourism spending and higher prices, and thereby increase the income of local populations. (i) Homestays34 and restaurants (improved sanitation services, kitchens, places for tourists to stay or eat; (ii) Destination Management Organizations and tour operators (better packages, community-based tourism); (iii) Artists, crafters and activity providers (improved raw material, equipment, machinery to diversify products); (iv) basic sanitary services near tourist sites (public bathrooms, benches, first aid services, maps, and tourism information to tourists; and v) other service providers, such as health service providers and pharmacies, car and bike repair shops, hair and beauty salons, and so on.

Grant Manual will be developed to describe in details the grant eligibility criteria, selection and Удалено: Subcomponent 2.4 will support matching grants for agritourism. Farmers implementation procedures. willing to diversify their income-earning capacity through tourism will be supported through matching grants to develop and promote agritourism by providing 7.2.2 Screening of Subprojects for Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts agriculture-based activities to tourists. It will involve engaging tourists in activities such as picking fruits and vegetables, 7.2.2.1 List of Non-Eligible Activities for REDP Subprojects participating in processing and packaging related activities, making and eating local dishes at the farms, purchasing food-based The initial screening for the eligibility of the subproject will be based on the list of excluded activities souvenirs, etc. Investments in basic that will be not be permitted by the WB. Therefore, subproject proposals that include these activities infrastructure (bathroom facilities, kitchens and eating areas, parking space, walking will not be considered for financing. paths on the farm), furniture and equipment and soft technical assistance to know how to develop and promote these kinds of Non-eligible activities for Component 1& 2 subprojects are listed in Table 10 below. offerings would be required, which can be offered through matching grants.¶ Table 11. List of Non-Eligible Activities for REDP Subprojects

 Have negative environmental or social impacts, including cumulative impacts35, that are irreversible or Отформатировано: unmitigable; маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ:  Production or trade in any product or activity deemed illegal under host country laws or regulations or 1,27 см international conventions and agreements, or subject to international bans, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides/herbicides, ozone depleting substances, PCB, wildlife or products regulated under CITES;  Production or trade in weapons and munitions;36*  Production or trade in alcoholic beverages;*  Production or trade in tobacco;*  Gambling, casinos and equivalent enterprises;*

34 In GBAO, there is, currently, an association of homestays (PECTA) that supports homestays in an organized way. PECTA is supported and financed by the Agha Khan Foundation. No such organized association exists in Khatlon. While an association of restaurants and food providers also exists, it faces capacity issues to support the sector 35 Incremental impacts of the project when added to impacts from other relevant past, present and reasonably foreseeable developments as well as unplanned but predictable activities enabled by the project that may occur later or at a different location * This does not apply to project sponsors who are not substantially involved in these activities. "Not substantially involved" means that the activity concerned is ancillary to a project sponsor's primary operations. These activities do not take place on sites of the financed interventions. 72  Production or trade in radioactive materials. This does not apply to the purchase of medical equipment, quality control (measurement) equipment and any equipment where WBG considers the radioactive source to be trivial and/or adequately shielded;  Production or trade in unbounded asbestos fibers;  Production or trade in wood or other forestry products other than from sustainably managed forests;  Production, trade, storage, or transport of significant volumes of hazardous chemicals, or commercial scale usage of hazardous chemicals (gasoline, kerosene, and other petroleum products;  Production and processing of genetically modified organisms (GMOs);  Use of banned pesticides;  Use of species provided in Appendix 1 to the Bonn Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora;  Will cause high negative impact on income/livelihood resources;  Involve any kind of forceful evictions of people;  Do not meet the required technical and quality specifications;  Exclude the poor/marginalized population or otherwise vulnerable groups;  Do not provide equal pay for equal work for women and men;  Are financed, or scheduled to be financed, by the government or other development partners;  Include the payment of compensation for land or asset loss from the proceeds of the World Bank financing;  Finance the construction of any new dams or the rehabilitation of existing dams including structural and or operational changes;  Production or activities involving forced labor;37  Involve activities that cause or lead to child abuse, child labor exploitation or human trafficking; No child under the age of 1538 should work on the construction, rehabilitation or maintenance of a subproject;  Entail the purchase or use of illegal/illicit drugs, military equipment or other potentially dangerous materials and equipment, including chain saws, pesticides; insecticides; herbicides; asbestos (including asbestos-containing materials); or other investments detrimental livelihoods including cultural resources; and  Involve development of new settlements or expansion of existing settlements in critical habitats, protected areas or areas proposed for certain levels of national protection (e.g., reserved forests).

7.2.2.2 Grant Screening Procedures

Once it is confirmed that the subproject is not part of the list of prohibited activities, Enabler working with applicants will carry out a rapid assessment of the likely environmental impact and the potential for involuntary resettlement, that will be based on the requirements of national legislation and WB ESSs, completing the screening form presented in the Annex 3. Subproject activities will be also checked against WB criteria for High Risk Projects. The Screening Checklist on Social Issues should be also filled out for this purpose, see Annex 4.

This will make it possible to identify the type and scale of potential environment impacts and determine to which risk category the subproject should be attributed. Generally, the significance of impacts and risks, contribute to resulting ESA categorization will depend on the type and scale of the subproject, its location, sensitivity of environmental issues, and the nature and magnitude of potential risks and impacts.

37 Forced labor means all work or service, not voluntarily performed, that is extracted from an individual under threat of force or penalty 38 Articles 113, 67, and 174 of Labour Code set the minimum employment age as 15. In addition, there are some labour restrictions on what type of work can be done, and how many working hours are permissible by workers under the age of 18. Examples of labor restrictions include: age of 15 cannot work more than 24 hours per week while those under 18 cannot work more than 35 hours per week; during the academic year, the maximum number of hours is half of this, 12 and 17.5 hours, respectively. These limitations are consistent with the ILO Convention on Minimum Age.

Type and scale of projects. Subprojects with High and Substantial Environmental Risks and Impacts will not be financed. Subprojects with High Social Risks and Impacts will not be supported either. REDP will finance the subprojects with Substantial Social Risk or low with proper mitigation measures taken, and subprojects with Moderate and Low Environmental Risks. A “High Risk” rating generally would entail the following impacts (a) significantly impact on human populations, including settlements and local communities (b) alteration of environmentally important areas, including wetlands, native forests, grasslands, and other “critical” natural habitats and ecosystem services; (c) direct pollutant discharges that are large enough to cause degradation of air, water or soil, endangered species and “critical” habitats; (d) large-scale physical disturbances of the site and/or surroundings; (e) extraction, consumption or conversion of substantial amounts of forest and other important natural habitats, including above and below ground and water-based ecosystems; (f) measurable modification of hydrologic cycle; (g) hazardous materials in more than incidental quantities; and (h) significant involuntary displacement of people and other significant social disturbances.

Location. There are a number of locations which should be considered while deciding to qualify the project as category “Substantial or High Risk”: (a) in or near sensitive and valuable ecosystems and “critical” habitats — juniper forests, wetlands, wild lands, vulnerable soils, and particular habitats of endangered rare and endemic species; (b) in densely populated areas, where resettlement may be required or potential pollution impact and other disturbances may significantly affect communities; (c) in regions subject to heavy development activities or where there are conflicts regarding the allocation of natural resources; along watercourses, in aquifer recharge areas or in reservoir catchments used for potable water supply; and on lands or waters containing valuable resources (such as fisheries, minerals, medicinal plants, prime agricultural soils). Subprojects located in the proximity of such areas will be classified as Substantial or High Risk projects from environmental perspective and will not be considered for support by the REDP.

Sensitivity. Sensitive issues may include (but are not limited to): conversion of wetlands, potential adverse effects on endangered species and habitats as well as protected areas or sites, involuntary resettlement, impacts on international waterways and other transboundary issues, and toxic waste disposal.

Magnitude. There are a number of ways in which magnitude can be measured, such as the absolute amount of a resource or ecosystem affected, the amount affected relative to the existing stock of the resource or ecosystem, the intensity of the impact and its timing and duration. In addition, the probability of occurrence for a specific impact and the cumulative impact of the proposed action and other planned or ongoing actions may need to be considered. Taking into account the scale of the proposed subprojects, it is expected that the magnitude of their environmental impacts will be low to moderate and their social impacts will be moderate to substantial. Therefore, only subprojects that are rated as “Substantial Risk” or lower will be considered for REDP support. Annex 8 provides guidance on the various types of activities that could be proposed for REDP subprojects, as well as the different environmental categories and suggested EA instruments for each of them.

Results of the screening will be reflected in the screening form presented in the Annex 5. While the ESF risk ratings are the governing categories, they generally correspond to the Tajik categories as follows: (a) High Risk subprojects (which are excluded from the project) correspond with National Отформатировано: нумерованный categories I and II; + Уровень: 3 + Стиль нумерации: a, b, c, … + Начать с: 1 + (b) Substantial Risk subprojects correspond with National Category III and will require either a Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять site-specific ESIA and/or a simple ESMP; по: 0 см + Отступ: 1,27 см (c) Moderate Risk subprojects fall between National Categories III and IV and will require ESMP checklists; and (d) Low Risk subprojects correspond with National Category IV and require no further EA.

7.2.3 Development of Safeguard Instruments

For Substantial Risk grant proposals an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) (see ESIA Report Outline presented in the Annex 6) will be required to identify, evaluate and to prevent potential environmental and social risks and impacts. The mitigation measures for the defied impacts and risks will be incorporated into the project design of the ESMP (see Annex 7 with the format of the ESMP) or ESMP checklist (see Annex 10 with the ESMP Checklist for small scale construction and rehabilitation activities).

The purpose of the ESMP is to predict potential effects and improve the environmental and social aspects of subprojects by minimizing, mitigating or compensating for negative effects. Simple Environmental and Social Management Plan Checklists will be used for Substantial Risk subprojects that are likely to have minor environmental impacts, and that are typical for small scale construction and rehabilitation investments.

To address potential environmental and social impacts in the case of rehabilitation of social infrastructure facilities it is proposed to use an ESMP Checklist, which was designed for a project in Tajikistan and which is fully applicable for the similar works in Tajikistan (see Annex 10). The ESMP Checklist has three sections: (a) Part 1 constitutes a descriptive part (“site passport”) that describes the project specifics in terms of physical location, the project description and list of permitting or notification procedures with reference to relevant regulations. Attachments for additional information can be supplemented if needed; (b) Part 2 includes the environmental and social screening in a simple Yes/No EMS format as well as specifies mitigation measures; and (c) Part 3 is a monitoring plan for activities carried out during the rehabilitation activities.

For Substantial Risk subprojects it is necessary to disclose the EA document and conduct public consultations with the project affected people and interested parties. For all projects that would require an ESIA and ESMP should be organized face to face consultations. For that purpose, it is necessary to disclose in advance the EA document (about two weeks) in on the MOF PIU website as well as Удалено: PCU providing hard copies to local public administrations and key interested parties (environmental authorities). During the consultations, the subproject applicants will register all comments and suggestions on improving the ESIA documents and will prepare relevant reports to be included in the final version of the EA documents. For subprojects related to the rehabilitation of electrical substations, as the proposed activities will be implemented on existing, well fenced areas, which usually are located outside of the settlements or which have clear designed sanitary zone of 100 meters, although there is no need for a special public hearing regarding the ESMP, the project beneficiary should provide information to all interested parties about the civil works and electrical stations renovation activities by installing a notice plate placed at the rehabilitation. Furthermore, other specific information related to the project activities and EA should be also publicly available on-line on the MOF PIU website. Based on that the public consultation can be done virtually receiving Удалено: PCU relevant questions/proposals on-line and taking them into consideration while finalizing the substations ESMPs. Similarly, in the case of ESMP Checklist for rehabilitation of existing facilities, the public consultation can be done virtually, as in the case of rehabilitating electrical stations.

As described above, only in some cases, as per national legislation and when it is necessary to conduct an ESIA and prepare an ESMP, the subcontractor/grantee supported by Enablers/Field Coordinators has to submit all EA documents for approval to the oblast level State Ecological Expertise, which will issue a decision, to be used for approving and/or rejecting subproject proposals.

The final approval of infrastructure subprojects is provided by MOF PIU for Components 1&2, once Удалено: PCU all EA documents have been prepared, accepted, and, if needed, preliminary approval is provided by the State Ecological Expertise. The MOF PIU and subproject beneficiaries will then sign an agreement Удалено: PCU which will include statements on compliance with all EA documents. Table 12 indicates the process Удалено: 1

75 flow for the ESF instruments development:

Table 12. Environmental and Social Instruments Development for Grant Program

Step 1. a) Enabler engineer or technical specialist conducts screening of the subproject with regard to prohibited/excluded activities; b) If the subproject passes the screening for the list of prohibited/excluded activities, MOF PIU specialists Удалено: PCU assist Enabler to complete Section 1 of the Environmental Screening table; c) Based on the Environmental Checklist, the environmental category and the type of EA to be conducted is determined– either a partial ESIA or an ESMP; d) d) The results of the screening, including potential negative impacts and possible measures to mitigate impacts, are presented to the MoF PIU/Grant Manager Удалено: PCU Step 2. a) If the subproject requires a complete ESIA and ESMP it should be referred to MOF PIU for further action. Удалено: PCU b) For Substantial and Moderate Risk subprojects, MOF PIU specialist notes potential environmental risks and Удалено: PCU indicates how they will be prevented/mitigated in the Environmental Screening Table Step 3. If the subproject is selected for funding, MOF PIU E&S specialists (or recruited external expert/firm) assisted Удалено: PCU by the Enabler is to prepare the ESIA, including ESMP or ESMP Checklist and RAP, if needed; Notes: In the case of Substantial Risk small-scale construction and reconstruction activities the requirement is to apply the WB Environmental Management Checklist to address potential environmental impacts; Step 4. MOF PIU submits the draft ESIA or ESMP Checklist for No Objection to the WB Удалено: PCU Step 5. MOF PIU assisted by the Enabler will organize disclosure of the draft ESIA or ESMP Checklist, and RAP and Удалено: PCU organizes a public consultation, involving NGOs, community representatives, affected groups, etc. Formal minutes will be prepared to record inputs provided by the participants. Step 6. MOF PIU discloses the ESIA/RAP on its website Удалено: PCU Step 7. Enabler and grantee/subcontractor can proceed to implementation once the partial ESIA, ESMP or ESMP Checklist, RAP, is completed and updated based on community consultations, approved by the WB. Step 8. a. The subproject applicant will submit the full set of environmental documents for consideration and further decision on funding; b. Upon approval of subprojects, MOF PIU will complete subproject appraisal and proceed with signing of the Удалено: PCU financing agreement with respective subproject beneficiaries. Step 9. Enablers, Field Coordinators, and MOF PIU E&S specialists conduct periodical supervision, monitoring and Удалено: PCU reporting, as per agreed monitoring plan.

7.2.4 ESIA/ESMP Review Process

As explained above, a site-specific evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the WB’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), and site-specific ESMPs will be prepared as a result of such evaluation. These will be the responsibility of MOF PIU, which will be supported by the Enablers Удалено: PCU and Field Coordinators. Typically, the ESMP checklist should be a part of the grant proposal package and must form an annex of bidding documents for any construction works. Labor management procedure will also form a part of bidding documents for construction works. Implementation of ESMP on the ground will be the part of the construction grantee’s task, however in case of any non- compliance; MOF PIU through Enablers will still be expected to take corrective action as the primary Удалено: PCU responsible party. Distribution of the responsibilities of all parties involved in the project is given in Table 12.

The preparation and implementation of ESMPs is expected to cost only a small fraction of design and construction cost, as most mitigation measures will be very generic, off-the-shelf, and implementable without specialized skills, experience or equipment. MOF PIU will submit site specific ESMPs to WB Удалено: PCU for prior review. When the WB is confident that MOF PIU has demonstrated that the process is Удалено: PCU accurate, WB will transfer this prior review to post review.

Table 13: Roles and Responsibilities in ESIA/ESMP Review and Implementation

Responsible Party Responsibilities Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: World Bank  Review, approve and disclose ESMF, SEP and RAP on WB’s official website. 0,06 см, Выступ: 0,25 см, маркированный + Уровень: 1 +  Review the site-specific ESMPs and RAPs and provide no objections to MOF PIU. Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ:  Review labor management procedures 1,27 см  Conduct implementation support and supervision missions in order to ensure that the Удалено: PCU 76 Responsible Party Responsibilities Project is in compliance with WB ESF requirements and standards. MOF PIU • Prepare and implement the ESMF, RPF, SEP, LMP and submit for Bank approval Удалено: PCU • Disclose the ESMF, RPF, SEP on MOF PIU website Удалено: PCU • Prepare ESMPs and RAPs according to ESMF and RPF • Submit ESMPs and RAPs to the WB for prior review. • Perform the quality control and review of ESMPs and RAPs. • Disclose ESMPs and RAPs on the official website of MOF PIU and incorporate Удалено: PCU ESMPs and RAPs into bidding documents. • Assign field specialists for the environmental and social monitoring. • Monitor implementation of labor management procedures • Perform inspections of the implementation of ESMP by the construction contractor, make recommendations and decide whether additional measures are needed or not. •Implement RAPs on site and provide regular reporting on implementation to WB • In case of non-compliance, ensure that the contractor eliminates the noncompliance and inform the WB about the noncompliance. • Prepare, update and implement a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) that considers vulnerable groups in addition to paying attention to the gender aspect of the Project, • Hold consultation meetings, and prepare and distribute leaflets or other informative documents to inform communities, recruit a community liaison officer on project, and its impacts and construction schedule as well as rights and entitlements of PAPs • Set up a multi-level GRM, monitor and address grievances related to the project under specified timelines. • Provide guidance to the Grant Manager, Enablers on E&S Risk prevention and mitigation measures. • Summarize the environmental and social issues related to project implementation to WB in regular progress reports. • Be open to comments from affected groups and local environmental authorities regarding environmental aspects of project implementation. Meet with these groups during site visits, as necessary. • Coordinate and liaise with WB supervision missions regarding environmental and social safeguard aspects of project implementation. • Conduct regular monitoring activities for the implementation of site specific ESMPs and RAPs • Compensate or fix all damages occurred during construction (i.e. damages to crops, infrastructure) as set out by the ESMP or RAP/RPF from the Government budget. Grant Manager • Manage the grievance mechanism at the grantee level; communicate grievances to MOF PIU regularly through monitoring reports. Удалено: PCU • Monitor site activities on a regular basis (weekly monthly etc.) • Include ESMP progress summary into the regular reports to be submitted to the MOF PIU. Удалено: PCU

Enablers • Ensure that ESMP is implemented correctly and in a timely manner by the contractor. • Ensure timely and successful implementation of RAPs • Perform environmental and social monitoring as defined in ESMF and RPF and subproject specific ESMPs and RAPs. • Collect information on environmental and social issues for Grant Manager’s progress reports submitted to the MoF PIU and make sure that these are all compliant with the Удалено: PCU Bank’s requirements. Grantees • Implement ESMPs and RAPs on project sites • Report on regular basis on the ESMP and RAP implementation progress • Flag any unexpected environmental and social issues during implementation.

7.2.5 Pest Management and Mineral Fertilizers Issues

General remarks. The pest management issues which can be potentially raised by the project may relate to possible direct purchasing or indirect effect of stimulating greater use of agro-chemicals associated with more intensive cultivation and/ or higher crop value under the subprojects to be financed. The objective of ESMF in this regard is to encourage adoption of Integrated Pest Management approach and increase beneficiaries’ awareness of pesticide-related hazards and good

77 practices for safe pesticides use and handling. List of pesticides and biological permitted for use in Tajikistan is given in Annex 9. Pesticides prohibited for use by WHO39 should not be applied by the subproject implementers. The principles of the Integrated Pest management and rules for application of pesticides, their handling and storage are presented in Annex 14 of the document. Annex 15 presents Recommended Structure of a Pest Management Plan (PMP).

The MoF PIU Environmental Specialist will review and approve the PMP prior to the approval of the Удалено: PCU subproject, and GMC/Environmental Specialist will monitor the implementation of the PMP. Удалено: &S s Safety issues in mineral fertilizers usage and handling. Similarly as in the case of usage of pesticides, fertilizers usage may provide important benefits, they also pose certain risks associated with accidental expose of environment and of farmers during their inappropriate handling and usage. To avoid adverse environmental impacts while using mineral fertilizers it is necessary to comply strictly with a series of requirements, stipulated in the existing legal documents as well as in the fertilizers Guidelines for their handling. The rules and procedures of production, storage, transportation and usage of the mineral fertilizers are reflected in a relatively small number of documents, and most of them were adopted at the time of the USSR. Reviewing and approving subprojects which involve purchasing and usage of mineral fertilizers. As handling and usage of mineral fertilizers might cause harm to the environment and to the farmers’ health, in the case of such types of subprojects the beneficiaries have to attach to the subproject proposal a short memo, including the following information: (a) types of fertilizer and its amount; (b) storage conditions; (c) ways of field usage; (d) measures to be undertaken to control possible hazard scenarios; and (e) responsible person. The subproject proposal along with this memo will be reviewed by the Grant Manager and by the MoF PIU Environment Specialist who will provide his Удалено: PCU approval. The first two such subprojects will be also subject to prior review by the WB.

7.3 ESA Monitoring and Reporting

Component 4 will support Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) activities to track, document, and communicate the progress and results of the project. An M&E team within MOF PIU will be Удалено: PCU responsible for overall compilation of progress and results. This Component will finance MOF PIU to Удалено: PCU prepare project reporting—semi-annual reports and quarterly unaudited IFRs—that will be submitted to the World Bank. This Component will also finance an Management Information System (MIS), which MOF PIU will establish and utilize for project monitoring, automatic generation of project Удалено: PCU reports, project transparency (grants will be publicized on the website), and citizen feedback.

Results measurements will focus primarily on the outcomes defined in the results framework and the set of output indicators defined in the POM. This Component will also finance midline and end line project monitoring surveys to assess the PDO-level results indicators. MOF PIU will be responsible for Удалено: PCU producing a completion report which draws on the MIS data and surveys prior to project completion.

7.3.1 Monitoring Plans

The environmental and social issues included within the mitigation measures are monitored the Enablers local specialists and supervised by the MOF PIU. Although the environmental and social Удалено: PCU impacts are expected to be low, the potential negative environmental and social impacts are planned to be prevented or mitigated during the construction and operation stages. Environmental and social monitoring system starts from the grant preparation and implementation phases of through the operation phase in order to prevent negative impacts of the project and observe the effectiveness of mitigation measures. This system helps the WB and the Client to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision and allows taking an action when needed. The

39 https://www.who.int/ipcs/assessment/public_health/pesticides/ru/ 78 monitoring system provides technical assistance and supervision when needed, early detection of conditions related to mitigation measures, follows up on mitigation results, and provides information of the project progress.

Environmental and social monitoring to be implemented by the MOF PIU/PIG has to provide Удалено: PCU information about key environmental and social aspects of the subprojects, particularly the Удалено: PIU environmental and social impacts and the effectiveness of taken mitigation measures. Such information enables to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision, and allows corrective action(s) to be implemented, when needed. In this regard the Monitoring Plan identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, and their link to impacts and mitigation measures. Specifically, the monitoring section of the ESMP provides: (a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements; and, (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to: (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation. A Monitoring Plan Format is presented in the Part C of the ESMP Checklist enclosed in this document in Annex 10.

7.3.2 Monitoring and Reporting Responsibilities

Through the designated Enablers and Grant Manager’s staff, the MOF PIU/PIG and TDC/PIG will Удалено: PCU monitor all subprojects that they finance to ensure conformity to safeguard requirements during Удалено: PIU construction, operation and maintenance. They will ensure full compliance with the contract conditions Удалено: PIU and the ESMP. Final payment to the grantee should be contingent on the final inspection, with particular attention to the requirement to restore the site to its original condition upon completion of rehabilitation activities.

The environmental monitoring of the rehabilitation sites will include regular observations of soil and water and vegetation within and around the rehabilitation sites; the involvement of the environmental inspectors in monitoring and evaluation will help in developing systematic environmental monitoring on rehabilitated sites.

MoF PIU’s E&S Specialists will visit to subproject sites as and when necessary. Based on safeguard Удалено: PCU performance of different subprojects, they will advise on the subsequent disbursements that should be done for the grantees awarded a contract to implement subprojects under the REDP. If it is found that there is ESMF and/or ESF non-compliance, further disbursements will be stopped until ESSs compliance is ensured.

In addition, in the project areas the PIU will be responsible for the environmental and social Удалено: PCU monitoring activities identified above as part of the preventive actions and mitigation measures proposed to address potential adverse impacts. This monitoring will be incorporated into the overall project monitoring plan required by the World Bank as part of project performance.

As part of its environmental and social monitoring activities, the MOF PIU/GMC conduct random Удалено: PCU inspections of project sites to determine the effectiveness of measures taken and the impacts of sub project activities on the surrounding environment. The MOF PIU/GMC are also responsible for Удалено: PCU processing, addressing and monitoring complaints and other feedback, including that on environmental and social issues.

The MOF PIU will be responsible for ESMP reporting and will: Удалено: PCU

 Record and maintain the results of project supervision and monitoring throughout the life of the project. It will present summary progress reports on ESMF/ESMP implementation and the environmental and social aspects of subprojects on a semi-annual basis to the World Bank, and as part of this reporting, provide updates on any REDP related as grievances/feedback that was received, that has been addressed and that may be pending. 79  Prepare quarterly or biannual reports on the progress of implementation of measures proposed by the ESMP for selected subprojects;  Prepare semi-annual reports on the environmental impacts originated during implementation of subprojects and analyze the efficiency of mitigation measures applied to minimize negative consequences;  Prepare outlines and requirements for Contractors’ reports on environmental protection and mitigation measures, and review Contractor’s monitoring plan and reports  Present the impact of mitigation and environmental and social protection measures for general public via specific publications or/and by annual public seminars.

7.4 Institutional Capacity for ESMF Implementation

The following entities play an important role in REDP implementation: (a) MOF PIU, (b) Enablers, Удалено: PCU and (c) District local governments. Other relevant stakeholders include: Government’s Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP), companies contracted by the MOF PIU and CSOs to provide goods, Удалено: PCU works, and services.

Удалено: PCU 7.4.1 MOF PIU and TDC/PIG Удалено: /Agribusiness PIU

Удалено: Tourism PIU The existing Project Implementation Unit at the Ministry of Finance (MOF PIG)40 will be the Project Coordination Unit (PIU) for the REDP as a whole. Fiduciary responsibilities—including procurement, Удалено: PIU financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and social and environmental risk and impact Удалено: PCU mitigation tasks—will be placed in the MoF PIU, leveraging existing staff in the MoF. The MoF PIU Удалено: PCU will also cover agribusiness component. A dedicated project manager and an agribusiness specialist Удалено: PCU will be hired in the Grant Management Company. Additional staff could be hired under the project to Удалено: act as a PIU for complement MoF staff to successfully implement/coordinate the REDP. Удалено: s

Удалено: PCU/PIU A Project Implementation Group (PIG) will be established inside the Tourism Committee to Удалено: PIU implement tourism-related activities under the REDP and endorse the PIU’s procurement selections for tourism work. The PIG will implement all technical work related to tourism activities under the REDP Удалено: PCU but delegate fiduciary, M&E and E&S responsibilities to the MoF PIU. The PIG will retain a no- Удалено: PIU objection role to endorse selections, including community and matching grants beneficiaries, related to Удалено: PCU tourism-related activities under the project. A tourism specialist and other staff with relevant Удалено: PIU capacities, as needed, will be hired to sit on the Tourism Committee PIG. Удалено: PIU

MOF PIU currently has no offices, neither in Khatlon region nor in GBAO region. Two additional Удалено: PCU field coordinators will be hired under the project to support the regional governments in Khatlon and GBAO. Given that the majority of the agribusiness activities are focused on Khatlon and that tourism is the main focus of interventions in GBAO, one agribusiness specialist will be hired to sit in the governor’s office in Khatlon and one tourism specialist will be hired to sit in the governor’s office in GBAO. These specialists will coordinate with, and report directly to, the MoF PIU and the Tourism Удалено: PCU Committee PIG, respectively. Удалено: PIU Удалено: They will bear no MOF PIU E&S Specialists will carry out day to day risk management actions and all necessary responsibility on ESMF implementation. coordination with subcontractors and selected districts. MOF PIU will directly plan and implement Удалено: PCU social and environmental monitoring and reporting. Удалено: PCU

During project implementation, the MOF PIU E&S specialists supported by Enablers’ E&S staff will Удалено: PCU be responsible for:

(a) Verifying environmental screening and evaluation of subproject eligibility from the

40 MoF PIU is currently implementing additional financing to the Agriculture Commercialization Project 80 environmental point of view; (b) communication and coordination with EA competent authorities (Committee on Environmental Protection); (c) ensuring proper implementation of the ESMP and ESMP Checklist requirements during the subprojects’ realization; (d) addressing complaints and feedback from Project stakeholders and the public, including grievances regarding environmental/social impacts of subprojects; (e) supervision (independently or jointly with the State Ecological Inspectorate) of environmental protection and mitigation measures stipulated in the ESMPs; (f) monitoring of environmental impacts as part of overall monitoring of the subproject implementation; (g) reporting on environmental impacts originated during implementation of subprojects and analyze the efficiency of mitigation measures applied to minimize negative consequences.

The MOF PIU will conduct regular supervision of environmental and social screening, documentation, Удалено: PCU and mitigation measures for infrastructure project activities, and include the summaries of these supervision activities in its regular reports. It will be described in the Project Operational Manual.

7.4.2 Grant Manager (GM)

Given the variety of matching grant schemes envisaged under the project, it is proposed that a professional grant management company be hired to manage the rollout of matching grants. To ensure the successful implementation of matching grant components, a consulting company (vendor) will be hired to provide technical support to project implementing agencies on grant implementation.

The grant manager will be responsible to implement the grants scheme and to ensure the supervision and good disbursement of the grants to targeted beneficiaries. The role of the grant manager will include (i) design, (ii) launch and (iii) monitoring of the calls for grants. Additionally, they would monitor program indicators, evaluate intermediary program results, and make recommendations for improvement in program implementation. They would develop annual work plans and progress reports and monitor the implementation of these plans. Ensure all deliverables are submitted to the Government of Tajikistan are of high quality and on time. Participate in regular field visits to the project areas to assure project progress towards activity objectives and goals.

As a part of the grant eligibility screening the GM staff will check for accuracy of the grant proposal package and availability of the ESMP Checklist completed for the subproject. Also it will submit progress reports on grants implementation, including the status of the ESMP implementation based on the reports submitted by the enablers.

7.4.3 Business Development Service Providers (Enablers)

To provide business development services, the grant manager would recruit up to 10 enablers (business development services providers:  1-2 enablers for the public investment grants destined to the communities which want to Отформатировано: improve touristic assets and improve public markets; маркированный + Уровень: 2 + Выровнять по: 1,9 см + Отступ:  1-4 enablers to advise the tourism and agribusiness MSMEs who will apply and be successful in the matching grant calls, and  1-2 enablers to providing assistance to the applicants to the start-up competitions.

These enablers can consist of recognized international or local organizations that have experience in providing technical assistance in the agribusiness and tourism fields in Tajikistan.

The REDP team expects that enablers provide technical assistant to potential applicants and

81 beneficiaries with three types of business development services: 1) pre-application services: outreach, identification, mobilization, support with registration and business plans, designs, feasibility studies, support with writing grant applications, E&S screening; 2) after care services: necessary technical assistance will be provided to beneficiaries to implement the grant, ESMP implementation; and 3) monitoring and evaluation of beneficiaries and ESMP/RAP implementation.

The Enablers in collaboration with local structures will carry out the day to day ESMF implementation actions in the target sites.

7.4.4 Local Structures

The local government at the district level (khukumat) will play a key role in the project working with the communities, MOF PIU, Enablers and district authorities in subproject planning and Удалено: PCU implementation (including environmental and social screening). The Chairperson of khukumat will be required to assign the project focal point with the following responsibilities at the district level: (i) to support and represent the target communities in the subproject implementation process; (ii) to establish and chair the district based Grievance Management Committee to file and address the complaints and grievances received from the project affected people, community members and sub-contractors; (iii) to provide timely support to the local stakeholders in developing grant proposals (including their compliance with environmental and social requirements), and to ensure alignment of subprojects with the district development plans; (iii) to inform MOF PIU about the subproject challenges faced in the Удалено: PCU target communities; (iv) to contribute to implementation of any ESF-related requirements; and (v) to coordinate with MOF PIU and other relevant stakeholders (line departments, utilities, NGOs, districts). Удалено: PCU

7.4.5 Other Relevant Government Agencies

The GoT’s Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) is responsible for State Ecological Expertise for all investment projects, and has a comprehensive mandate that includes policy formulation and inspection duties. The CEP has divisions at oblast (region), city and rayon (district) level, in the form of Departments of Environmental Protection (DEPs), within the Khukumat (local administration) at each city or rayon. A small unit in the Committee is entrusted with guiding and managing the preparation of ESIAs and SEEs.

7.4.6 Other Relevant Stakeholders

Contracted companies will be responsible for the design and construction/rehabilitation/installation of physical works in accordance with Tajik environmental norms, regulations and requirements. They will also be responsible for complete implementation of the provisions included in the ESMP Checklists. Contracted companies will also prepare their labor management procedures.

7.5 Training and Technical Assistance

As this is the first project with MOF PIU prepared under the Bank’s new Environment and Social Удалено: PCU Framework (ESF), the client’s capacity to deliver an ESF based project is limited; therefore, capacity building for the client including Grant Manager, Enablers and local structures will be included in the ESMF as well in other environmental and social instruments to be prepared during preparation and implementation.

To improve institutional capacities with regard to ESMF implementation the WB Environmental and Social Specialists will provide special training for the MOF PIU and Enablers staff focused on: (i) Удалено: PCU Procedural aspects of ESA (stages, key actors, main responsibilities etc.); (ii) Assessment of environmental and social impacts potentially related to the subproject supported within the project;

82 (iii) Consulting and approval of the ESA and monitoring plans; and (iii) preparing ESMP Checklist; (iv) Conducting field supervision and preparing progress reports.

Technical Assistance and capacity building support will be also provided to Grant Manager. The MOF PIU will procure the services of Grant Manager, including engineers and/or specialists with experience Удалено: PCU in environmental and social impacts identification, mitigating measures. These specialists will verify ESMF implementation reports to be submitted by the Enablers, and build their capacity on environmental and social management issues and possible mitigating measures.

Moreover, a training program will be organized through the MOF PIU to develop and expand Удалено: PCU professional skills and capacity in environmental and social management issues. This training will reinforce the capacity within the MOF PIU and district level CEPs by providing specialized instruction Удалено: PCU to conduct environmental assessments and manage and monitor E&S issues. The program will also support outreach and consultations with local authorities and beneficiaries of subprojects in the target areas to encourage local ownership and continued maintenance of newly established and rehabilitated community facilities.

7.6 ESMF Implementation Budget

At the project design stage, for Component 1 and 2 activities and substantial risk category subprojects, the MOF PIU will be responsible for funding to prepare ESIA/ESMP or ESMP Checklist and Удалено: PCU RAP/ARAP and other relevant outreach and disclosure activities depending on the nature of the subprojects, their complexity, scale, and so on. Funds for these activities are allocated under Component 4 of the Project.

During construction and operation, MOF PIU for Component 1&2 Substantial and Moderate Risk Удалено: PCU Category subprojects, is also responsible for providing funding for installation and other activities to minimize any hazardous environmental impacts to be included in the subproject costs. The amount of required funding will depend on the technique/technologies used for implementing mitigation measures and their scale, number, variety and other factors.

In order to ensure successful ESMF implementation, a series of capacity building activities are necessary for which the project has to provide adequate funding. It is difficult to prepare budget for capacity building activities and trainings on this stage of ESMF preparation. Estimated budget for proposed institutional arrangements, capacity building activities and trainings will be updated in the procurement plan after the project be commenced.

83 8. Public Consultations and Disclosure

8.1 ESMF Disclosure

The draft ESMF was posted on the MOF PIU website on April 8, 2019 (www.greenfinance.tj). The Удалено: PCU final version of the ESMF will be officially submitted to the World Bank for disclosure in English on the WB external webpage by May 14, 2019. The final English and Russian versions will be also posted Удалено: April 22 on the web page of the MOF PIU. The final version of this document will be used by respective Удалено: PCU government agencies and other Project stakeholders during the project implementation.

8.2 Public Consultations

During the period from April 17-18, 2019, the MoF PIU conducted public consultations on the results Отформатировано: не выделение of environmental and social analysis and survey in two districts of the country (in Khatlon oblasts). цветом The minutes of the consultations and the lists of participants are presented in Annex 14. The draft Отформатировано: не выделение ESMF is posted on the websites of the MoF PMU of the (www.greenfinance.tj,) in early April, 2019 цветом for consideration and comments by stakeholders, and for access to the general public. Удалено: 5 Удалено: PCU After consultations, the draft document was revised taking into account the recommendations of the public consultation participants. The final version of the document will be posted on the website of Удалено: 9 the MoF PIU, and on the World Bank's website. Отформатировано: не выделение цветом Consultation on subproject environmental assessments. The disclosure of environmental documents Отформатировано: не выделение for Substantial Risk projects is mandatory, and these are to be made accessible to project-affected цветом groups and local NGOs. There will be at least one round of consultations after preparation of the Удалено: including consultation workshop which took place in Dushanbe on ESMP (for ESMP checklists the public disclosure can be done virtually by posting on the MOF PIU April 19, 2019, website and by presenting their hard copies to the local Councils). This might be at the local Удалено: PCU government offices and/or the central State Ecological Inspectorate or its district sub-divisions. Удалено: PCU

Consultation on simple subprojects. In the case of new small construction, insignificant reconstruction, change of machinery and equipment etc., which will not have a significant affect on the environment, public consultations can be conducted virtually or in key sites in local public administration offices. For construction/reconstruction activities a notice plate will be installed at the project site.

8.3 Grievance Redress Mechanism

Grievance procedures will be required to ensure that PAPs are able to lodge complaints or concerns, without cost, and with the assurance of a timely and satisfactory resolution of the issue. The procedures also ensure that the entitlements are effectively transferred to the intended beneficiaries. Stakeholders will be informed of the intention to implement the grievance mechanism, and the procedure will be communicated at the time that the RAPs are finalized.

Grievances may arise from members of communities who are dissatisfied with eligibility criteria use, community planning and resettlement measures, actual implementation or compensation.

8.3.1 Overall Process a) During the initial stages of the valuation process, the affected persons will be given copies of grievance procedures as a guide on how to handle the grievances. b) The process of grievance redress will start with registration of the grievances to be addressed for reference, and to enable progress updates of the cases. Having an effective GRM in place will also serve the objectives of: reducing conflicts and risks such as external interference, corruption, social exclusion or mismanagement; improving the quality of project activities and results; and serving as an

84 important feedback and learning mechanism for project management regarding the strengths and weaknesses of project procedures and implementation processes.

The project will use a local mechanism, which includes resettlement committees, peers and local leaders of the affected people. These will ensure equity across cases, eliminate nuisance claims and satisfy legitimate claimants at low cost. d) The response time will depend on the issue to be addressed but it should be addressed with efficiency. e) Compensation will be paid to individual PAPs only after a written consent of the PAPs, including both husband and wife.

8.3.2 Procedures:

Local level: Local Grievance Management Committee (LGMC) will be established in each district administration (khukumat) to address and resolve complaints in collaboration with Enablers at the local level within 30 days of receiving complaints. The committee will be chaired by Deputy Head of Khukumat and comprising representatives of the department of agriculture and culture& tourism; environmental protection; land administration committee; women/ men of Mahalla committees; and other civil society organizations. One of the members from either of the departments will function as the Secretary of the committee and serve as local Grievance Focal Point (GFP) to be responsible for maintaining feedback logs. If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, then it will be escalated to the regional level. Mahalla committee members, community leaders and other civil society organizations will be fully coopted in reaching out to the local communities and individuals and provide intermediation support, in general, and airing grievances, in particular.

Regional level: Regional Grievance Management Committee (RGMC) will be established in each region. The RGMC will be chaired by Deputy Governor, and will consist of representatives of the department of agriculture and culture& tourism; environmental protection; land administration committee; regional farmer associations and other civil society organizations. Field Coordinator at the province level will function as the Secretary of the committee and serve as regional Grievance Focal Point (GFP) to file the grievances and appeals. If the issue cannot be resolved at the regional level within 15 days, then it will be escalated to the national level.

National level: If there is a situation in which there is no response from the local level GMCs, or the REDP regional coordinators, or if the response is not satisfactory then complainants and feedback providers have the option to contact the REDP PIU directly to follow up on the issue. National Удалено: PCU Grievance Management Committee (NGMC) will be chaired by the REDP PIU Director, comprising Удалено: PCU representatives of TDC, MoA, MoC, CEP, Land Administration Committee, and national NGOs. REDP PIU Environmental or Social Development Specialist will function as the Secretary of the Удалено: PCU committee and serve as national Grievance Focal Point (GFP) to file the grievances and appeals. S/he Удалено: and will be responsible for summarizing the number and types of all the complaints and issues received by the districts and two regions.

The timeline for complaint resolution at the national level will be 15 days upon receipt of the complaint that does not require additional study and research, and 30 days for the appeals that need additional study. The complainant will be informed of the outcome immediately and at the latest within 5 days of the decision.

Appeal Mechanism. If the complaint is still not resolved to the satisfaction of the complainant, then s/he can submit his/her complaint to the appropriate court of law.

85 8.3.3 Grievance Log

The Grievance Focal Points will maintain local grievance logs to ensure that each complaint has an individual reference number and is appropriately tracked and recorded actions are completed. When receiving feedback, including grievances, the following is defined: - Type of appeal; - Category of appeal; - People responsible for the study and execution of the appeal; - Deadline of resolving the appeal; and - Agreed action plan.

The MoF PIU E&S Specialists and Field Coordinators will ensure that each complaint has an Удалено: PCU individual reference number and is appropriately tracked and recorded actions are completed. The log should contain the following information:

Name of the PAP, his/her location and details of his / her complaint; Date of reporting by the complaint; Date when the Grievance Log was uploaded onto the project database; Details of corrective action proposed, name of the approval authority; Date when the proposed corrective action was sent to the complainant (if appropriate); Details of the Grievance Committee meeting (if appropriate); Date when the complaint was closed out; and Date when the response was sent to the complainant.

8.3.4 Monitoring and Reporting on Grievances

Field Coordinators will be responsible for: o Collecting data from district level GFPs on the number, substance and status of complaints and uploading them into the single regional database; o Maintaining the grievance logs on the complaints received at the regional level o Monitoring outstanding issues and proposing measures to resolve them; and o Submitting quarterly reports on GRM mechanisms to the MOF PIU M&E Specialist. Удалено: PCU

The MOF PIU E&S Specialist will be responsible for: Удалено: PCU o Summarizing and analyzing the qualitative data received from the Field Coordinators on the number, substance and status of complaints and uploading them into the single project database; o Monitoring outstanding issues and proposing measures to resolve them; and o Submitting quarterly reports on GRM mechanisms to the MOF PIU M&E Specialist. Удалено: PCU

MOF PIU will submit quarterly reports to the WB, which shall include Section related to GRM which Удалено: PCU provides updated information on the following:  Status of GRM implementation (procedures, training, public awareness campaigns, budgeting);  Qualitative data on number of received grievances \ (applications, suggestions, complaints, requests, positive feedback), highlighting those grievances related to the WB ESS 2 and 5 and number of resolved grievances;  Quantitative data on the type of grievances and responses, issues provided and grievances that remain unresolved;  Level of satisfaction by the measures (response) taken; and  Any correction measures taken.

86 8.3.5 World Bank Grievance Redress System

Communities and individuals who believe that they are adversely affected by a World Bank (WB) supported project may submit complaints to existing project-level grievance redress mechanisms or the WB’s Grievance Redress Service (GRS). The GRS ensures that complaints received are promptly reviewed in order to address project-related concerns. Project affected communities and individuals may submit their complaint to the WB’s independent Inspection Panel which determines whether harm occurred, or could occur, as a result of WB non-compliance with its policies and procedures. Complaints may be submitted at any time after concerns have been brought directly to the World Bank’s attention, and Bank Management has been given an opportunity to respond. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank’s corporate Grievance Redress Service (GRS), please visit http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/products-and-services/grievance-redress- service. For information on how to submit complaints to the World Bank Inspection Panel, please visit www.inspectionpanel.org.

87 Annex 1. Examples of Adverse Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts and Proposed Mitigations Measures

Environmental Impacts and Risks Mitigation Measures

Soil Erosion: does the project involve crop 1) Ploughing across the slope Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: agriculture? If so, which crops? Is agricultural field is 2) Contour tillage 0,04 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, located on the slopes and/or on the plain areas? Does 3) Avoid creation of new terraces since it is linked with loss of нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль the project involve ploughing/plant cultivation on the topsoil, etc. нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять slopes? 4) Appropriate crop rotation: fallow land - wheat - maize - по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см sunflower - Lucerne - Lucerne (2 years long)- legumes (pea, haricot, etc.) / wheat maize, etc. 5) On lands which are subject to erosion preferable cultivation of plants with require dense sawing (e.g. wheat, rye, etc.) and avoid cultivation of tilled crops (e.g., maize, sunflower), 6) Orchards: creation of grass strips between the rows, deep cultivation between the rows, 7) Where possible, to use the branch of field crops with the branch of cattle-breeding and gardening, upstream reforestation and planned watershed management also helps mitigate etc. Habitats and Biodiversity Loss: Will the project 1) Avoiding use of remained natural or semi-natural steppe Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: involve use or modification of natural habitats areas for pasturing and crop production 0,04 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, (pasturing on and ploughing up the steppe areas, 2) Avoid, where possible, cutting of trees and other natural нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль cutting or removal of trees or other natural vegetation, vegetation, etc. нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять etc.) 3) Minimize loss of natural vegetation/ Protection of по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см vegetation during construction activities

Soil pollution: Will the project applies pesticides? If 1) Use of less harmful (non-persistent) pesticides Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: yes which types and their amount? 2) Not to apply more pesticides than needed 0,04 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, 3) Develop integrated pest management plans for activities using нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль pesticides. нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять Land, habitats & ecosystems degradation: Is the area 1) Not to exceed pastures’ capacity (on degraded lands this is по: 0,67 см + Отступ: 1,31 см which is to be used currently a natural (not converted) 0,3-0,5 conv. cap/ ha; on good lands - 1,5 conv. cap/ per ha) Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: habitat (forest, wetland, natural grassland, etc.)? Does and avoid overgrazing 0,04 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, the project involve production of livestock? If so, 2) Where possible, use of stabling нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль what type and how many? Will the animals be stall- 3) Where possible, do develop sawn pastures нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 fed, pastured or free-ranging? 4) Where possible, fencing the grazing areas to use them + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см subsequently, giving to others possibility to restore, etc. 5) Not to graze in natural areas in early spring and late autumn, etc.) 6) Use natural meadows and grasslands rather for mowing than grazing, etc. Land degradation: Will the project involve land 1) Removal of topsoil to adjacent agricultural lands excavation?

Generation of solid wastes - what type of wastes will1) Separation of wastes, their usage and recycling Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: be generated (various types of construction wastes,2) Disposal on authorized landfills -0,63 см, многоуровневый + wastes from agroprocessing activities, livestock 3) Full utilization of manure as organic fertilizers Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, manure) and their approximate amount 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Generation of toxic wastes - what types of toxic waste 1) Clearly marking toxic wastes on the project site as Отформатировано: нумерованный will be generated (obsolete and unusable pesticides hazardous material and securely enclose them inside + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, and mineral fertilizers; chemicals used in agro closed containments, as well as label them with details of 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + processing activities; asbestos) and their approximate composition, properties and handling information; Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять amount. 2) Disposal on special toxic wastes disposal sites. по: 0,04 см + Отступ: 0,67 см 3) Usage of specially licensed carriers for transportation and disposal of toxic wastes 4) Ensure containers with hazardous substances are placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching; 5) Ensure the asbestos is not reused.

Biodiversity and Habitats Loss: Will the project located 1) Consideration of alternative locations, where possible Отформатировано: in vicinity of protected areas or other sensitive areas 2) Careful timing of works and work seasonally, as appropriate: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + supporting important habitats of natural fauna and flora? no construction during breeding season Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Is it planned enlargement of area under agricultural crop 3) Where possible, to fence the area under construction to lessen Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева production based on transformation of natural habitats? even occasional disturbance on habitats and biodiversity + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 4) Inform personnel about importance of adjacent environmentally important area, if any 5) Where possible, to plant (or maintain) green corridors to ensure movement of terrestrial fauna Underground water pollution - does the project involve 1) Fuel and lubricants: use of specially arranged sites (with Отформатировано: usage of fuel and lubricants? if the project involves concrete floor) for fuel and lubricants handling and storage to многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + production of stall fed livestock does it has a manure avoid their leakages into the soil and runoff into water bodies Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + platform? 2) Pesticides: see above Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева 3) Use of special platforms and tanks with a waterproof bottom + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 for accumulation of manure and preparing of organic fertilizers, см etc. Construction 1) Careful selection of location for and planning of the project Отформатировано: 2) To minimize construction site’s size and design work to многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + minimize land affected, Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + 3) Where possible, to execute construction works during dry Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева season to avoid excessive contaminated runoff Properly + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 arranged waste disposals 4) Cleaning of construction site, replacing lost trees, boundary structures, re-vegetation of work area 5) During interior demolition use debris-chutes above the first floor; 6) Keep demolition debris in controlled area and spray with water mist to reduce debris dust; 7) Suppress dust during pneumatic drilling/wall destruction by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site; 8) Keep surrounding environment (side-walks, roads) free of debris to minimize dust; 9) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site; 10) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites; 11) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit; 12) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment should be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible; 13) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. 14) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. 15) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. 16) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors 17) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. 18) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos).

89 Inadvertent damage to cultural heritage sites, chance 1) Develop Cultural Heritage Mananagement Plans; Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: finds 2) If case of chance finds, notify relevant authorities of found 0,03 см, Выступ: 0,5 см, objects or sites by cultural heritage experts; нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 3) Fence-off the area of finds or sites to avoid further + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять disturbance; по: 0,63 см + Отступ: 1,27 см 4) Conduct an assessment of found objects or sites by cultural heritage experts; 5) Identify and implement actions consistent with the requirements of this ESS and national law; and 6) Train project personnel and project workers on chance find procedures.

Air quality: Will the project provide pollutant emissions? Chance1) Use find of approved procedures methods and CHMPs and techniques are mitigation to prevent measures and Отформатировано: Which types of pollutants (SOx, NOx, solid particles, control emissions (e.g. absorption) многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + dioxins, furans, etc.) Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + 2) Where possible, enclosure of dust producing equipment, and Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева use of local exhaust ventilation + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 3) Arrange barriers for wind protection (if raw material is stored см in open piles 4) Where possible, use of fuels with a low sulfur content, such as natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas and use of low-sulfur raw material 5) Where possible, installation of dedicated filtration systems, etc. 6) Selection of materials or processes with no or low demand for VOC-containing products 7) Where possible, to install and modify equipment to reduce solvent use in manufacturing process 8) To execute strict primary and secondary control of air emissions, etc. Water Quantity: will the project involve water use? 1) To ensure natural flow of water/ minimum disruption of Отформатировано: Which volumes and from which water source natural streams flows многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + (centralized water supply system and/or from water 2) To install water meters to control and minimize water use Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева reservoir)? 3) Avoid or minimize surface water abstraction in case of + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 downstream the wetland is situated, etc. см Water Quality/Pollution: Will the project contribute to 1) For small rural enterprises: to install local wastewater treatment surface water pollution - what will be the approximate facilities (e.g., septic tanks) b. For big enterprises: not to exceed volumes of waste water discharge? Does the project established limits of pollutants in effluents involve discharges of waste waters in water reservoirs 2) To minimize water and mud collection Отформатировано: and/or in centralized sanitation network/septic tank? 3) Renovation of existing sewerage system/ connection to многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + municipal sewerage system Начать с: 2 + Выравнивание: слева 4) Properly arranged waste disposals + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 5) Where possible, to plant at least bush vegetation down slope to reduce pollutants runoff into surface water bodies

Loss of Biodiversity: Will the project involve 1) Where possible, to avoid introduction of alien species Отформатировано: нумерованный introduction of alien species (in case of aquaculture 2) In case of use of already introduced alien species to ensure + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + their non-coming into natural ecosystems, e.g., during water projects)? Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять discharge from ponds, etc. по: 0,04 см + Отступ: 0,67 см Loss of Biodiversity: Will the project located in vicinity 1) Not to exceed established limits of pollutants in effluents and Отформатировано: нумерованный of protected area or wetlands? emissions + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + 2) To avoid or minimize construction and operational activities Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять during breeding and migration periods, etc. по: 0,07 см + Отступ: 0,71 см Degradation of water ecosystems 1) Avoid application of pesticides in the strip with width of 300 Отформатировано: нумерованный m along the natural surface water bodies, + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2) Avoid cutting of trees and other natural vegetation along the 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять water bodies по: 0,07 см + Отступ: 0,71 см 3) Avoid coming of alien species into natural water bodies, 4) Properly arranged waste disposals sites, etc. 90 Weeds, pests, diseases: will the project contribute to 1) Avoid cultivation of plant mono-culture on agricultural lands Отформатировано: spreading of weeds, pests and animal and plant diseases? 2) Appropriate pest management многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать 3) Giving the priority to the agro-technical and biological с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + measures for the control of weeds, pests, and diseases, Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см 4) In cattle farms, to adhere carefully established rules to prevent or minimize animal diseases, etc. Sedimentation of water bodies - will the project contribute 1) To avoid excessive soil erosion: see above Отформатировано: to sedimentation of water bodies due to soil erosion? 2) Minimize soil processing многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать 3) Provide retention/ sedimentation ponds, as necessary с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + 4) To control reed harvesting ( to avoid overharvesting) Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

Socio-economic environment Social impacts - does the project involve the following: Appropriate project design: location, methods of construction, (a) occupational safety issues; (b) health hazards; (c) use of safe technologies during operation period, work timing, involuntary land acquisition or displacement of third careful decommissioning, etc. parties using land; (d) loss of the access to sources of income; (e) loss of physical and/or economic assets. Projects which result in involuntary land acquisition or displacement of third parties using land; relocation or loss of shelter, loss of assets or access to assets, or loss of income sources or means of livelihood whether or not there is displacement will not be financed by the project.

Will the project assure non-deterioration of human 1) To ensure collective and individual protective measures (work Отформатировано: health, occupational safety and non-disturbance of clothes, masks, shoes), when needed. многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать residents living near project area? If no, is it possible by 2) To adhere established occupational safety requirements as с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + applying proposed mitigation measures to reduce the well as simple rules, e.g.: Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см project environmental and social impacts to admissible a. water spaying twice a day during construction to avoid dust Отформатировано: levels? b. ventilation of internal areas during and post construction многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + c) timing of work Стиль нумерации: a, b, c, … + Начать 3) To conduct regular instructing of employees on health and с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см occupational safety requirements 4) To restrict vehicle speeds and trough-traffic in residential Отформатировано: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + areas, especially trucks, using signing and appropriate design Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать Disturbance and/or unrest of residents living near the 5)1) Restrict Public trough consultatio-trafficns in and residential meetings areas should be held on regular с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см project area and anticipated public concerns, e.g., project 6) Workbasis timing to discuss to minimize community disturbance/ concerns restrictand to takeconstruction relevant to location, waste disposal sites, harmful emissions into certainactions. hours, Отформатировано: нумерованный 7) Restrict movement of hazardous materials in residential + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, environment, and aesthetic arrangement of constructed 2) Make the GRM accessible to the community members to 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + sites? areas/file regulation their concerns, of transportation complaints. of materials; apply any load Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять restriction required during and post construction periods, по: 0,25 см + Отступ: 0,88 см 8) Incorporate safety and environment protection requirements in the project contract documents, etc.

91 Annex 2. Risk Categories of Proposed Subprojects and Relevant ES Instruments

I. Subprojects with Moderate Risk (subprojects which are unlikely to have direct and adverse impacts - no ESIA/ESMP is required)

Small scale agricultural subprojects, if they were not established through conversion of natural habitat, do not use pesticide, and have not some other adverse impacts on the environment. - Agriculture, horticulture, vineyards and orchards (small scale 5 ha) Отформатировано: - Livestock (small-scale - less than 10 head of cattle, small cattle or 500 birds) многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + - Construction of silos for drying, cleaning, storage of grains Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Construction of greenhouses (without boiler houses) - Flax production - Purchase of tractors and other agricultural machinery - Agro-tourism - Seeds purchasing - Bee keeping - Agricultural machinery (tractors, winnowers, sowing machines, etc.) - Nutrition; - Flour milling Trade Wholesale and retail trade by non-hazardous goods

Services Sales -Hair cutting shops -Hoteling -Internet café II. Subprojects with Substantial Risk (subprojects which may have some environmental and social impacts development of an ESMP is mandatory) Small scale agricultural subprojects (listed as the “WB Moderate Risk Category» above), if they were established through conversion of natural habitat, consider using pesticide or significant amount of chemical fertilizers, and may have other adverse impacts on the environment. For repititional subprojects with substantial risk a detailed ESMP will work, like for the subprojects with moderate risk.

Medium scale agricultural subprojects - Agriculture, horticulture, vineyards and orchards (medium-scale intensive operations 5-300 ha) Отформатировано: - Animal husbandry (medium scale - from 10 to 500 head of cattle and up to 1000 small ruminants)* многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + - Production of poultry meat from 500-3000 birds (special measures are required to reduce the impact) Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Construction and operation of surface irrigation and drinking water supply - Recultivation of fallow lands (up to 100 ha); - Creation of mariculture and aquaculture farms on rivers or lakes over 0.5 0.25 ha (without exotic species) - Use of agricultural land (10-25ha) for non-agricultural commercial purposes - Use of virgin soils and a whole space for intensive farming - Construction of buildings for storage of agricultural goods and products - Construction of warehouses for chemical pesticides and mineral fertilizers - Warehouses of agricultural products;

Note: *Although medium animal husbandly is in principle can be considered as eligible activity, but taking into account the level of pastures erosion in Tajikistan this type of activity directed to increasing of livestock number should be excluded or carefully reviewed (location, status of pastures etc.).

Food industry (medium scale) - Agro-processing plants, food, beverages, seeds, fibers (medium scale -> output 1000ton / year) Отформатировано: - Canning industry (annually process from 3000 to 20,000 tons of products). многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + - Complex of livestock farms (up to 1000 animals) Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Dairy products, milk and dairy plants - Slaughterhouses, meat processing plants and plants for processing the remains of animals (medium scale -500 Отформатировано: - 5000t / year) многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + - Construction of new facilities, or planting perennials. Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

92 Manufacturing/agro-processing (small scale) - Canning industry (processing of raw materials <1000 tons / year). Отформатировано: - Collection and processing of medicinal herbs многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + - Construction of buildings, structures and enterprises for processing agricultural products Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Creation of food industries for semi-finished products (production capacity <1000 tons / year) - Manufacture of soft drinks

III. Other Substantial Risk subprojects (types of activities from the list of the National category III of the environmental impact) - ESIA\ESMP is mandatory: 1. Service stations, car parks; Отформатировано: 2. Cattle-breeding complexes; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать 3. Granaries; с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + 4. Small workshops for wine making and production of fermented beverages, Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см 5. Small workshops for the production of clay products and building materials; 6. Small shops for processing leather; 7. Small hydroelectric power stations (with a capacity of less than 30 mw); 8. Meat industry (slaughterhouses and processing); 9. Wool processing enterprises; 10. Public catering enterprises with more than 50 seats; 11. Poultry farms; 12. Reconstruction and reclamation of irrigated lands on the area from 100 to 1000 hectares; 13. Repair of engines and machines, as well as their coloring; 14. Repair of rubber products with restoration of tires; 15. Fisheries, including fish processing; 16. Markets with more than 50 seats; 17. Assembly and repair of electrical equipment; 18. Greenhouses with boiler rooms; 19. Factories for the manufacture of confectionery; 20. Refrigeration plants with a capacity of more than 50 tons

IV. Substantial Risk subprojects (objects and activities from the list of the National category IV of the environmental impact) - ESIA\ESMP is mandatory: 1. Construction and reconstruction of on-farm water management systems, construction of water pipelines of Отформатировано: intra-farm level; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать 2. Veterinary clinics; с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + 3. Vulcanization and minor car repairs; Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см 4. Garages and parking lots of enterprises, organizations and public use; 5. Small carpet shops; 6. Small weaving and sewing shops; 7. Small carding shops (processing of wool, cotton wool); 8. Mini-mills; 9. Small enterprises for smoking meat and fish products 10. Car washing; 11. Processing of facing stones; 12. Recreational and civil-purpose facilities, as well as social and cultural facilities that do not have boiler houses and treatment facilities connected to sewers; 13. Points of acceptance and snoring of cocoons; 14. Markets with less than 50 seats; 15. Reconstruction and land reclamation improvement of the old irrigated lands on an area of less than 100 hectares; 16. Bakery, production of bakery and pasta.

93 Annex 3. Environmental Screening Checklist

Part 1 (to be completed by Enablers)

1. Subproject Name and Code: 2. Brief Description of Subproject to include: nature of the project, project cost, physical size, site area, location, property ownership, existence of on-going operations, plans for expansion or new construction (the description can be copied from the subproject proposal and attached). 3. Will the project have impacts on the environmental parameters listed below during the construction or operational phases? Indicate, with a check, during which phase impacts will occur and whether mitigation measures are required. Explain what land needs will be needed and identify who owns the land, who is using the land, and/ or how land will be acquired.

Part 2 (to be completed by the Enabler based on the findings of the environmental screening and scoping process)

Project Environmental Risk Category (Substantial or Moderate) _____

ESIA and/or ESMP and ESMP Checklist is required (yes or no) _____

What are the specific issues to be addressed in the ESIA/ESMP?

Environmental Screener: Date:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING CHECKLIST

1. Sub-Project Name:

2. Brief Description of Sub-project to include: nature of the project, project cost, physical size, site area, location, property ownership, existence of on-going operations, plans for expansion or new construction (the description can be copied from the subproject proposal and attached)

3. Will the project have impacts on the environmental parameters listed below during the construction or operational phases? Indicate, with a check, during which phase impacts will occur and whether mitigation measures are required.

Environmental Component Construction Operational Proposed Phase Phase Mitigation Measures Terrestrial environment Soil Erosion: does the project involves crop agriculture? If so, which crops? Is agricultural field is located on the slopes and/or on the plain areas? Will the project involve ploughing/plant cultivation on the slopes? Soil Salinization and waterlogging: does the project use irrigation? If yes, are there any features of waterlogging and salinization noticed? At what rate? Habitats and Biodiversity Loss: Will the project involve use or modification of natural habitats (pasturing on and ploughing up the steppe areas, cutting or removal of trees or other natural vegetation, etc.) Soil pollution: Will the project applies pesticides? If yes which types and their amount? Will the project use machinery with badly managed fuel and lubricants system? Land, habitats & ecosystems degradation: Is the area which is to be used currently a natural (not converted) habitat (forest, wetland, natural grassland, etc.)? Land degradation: Will the project involve land excavation? Generation of solid wastes - what type of wastes will be generated (various types of construction wastes, wastes from agro-processing activities, livestock manure) and their approximate amount

Generation of toxic wastes - what types of toxic waste will be generated (obsolete and unusable pesticides and mineral fertilizers; chemicals used in agro-processing activities; asbestos) and their approximate amount.

95 Environmental Component Construction Operational Proposed Phase Phase Mitigation Measures Biodiversity and Habitats Loss: Will the project located in vicinity of protected areas or other sensitive areas supporting important habitats of natural fauna and flora? Is Undergroundit planned enlargement water pollution of area - if under the agricultural project involves crop production based of stall on transformation fed livestock doesof natural it has habitats? a manure platform? Construction Air quality: Will the project provide pollutant emissions? Which types of pollutants (SOx, NOx, solid particles, dioxins, furans, etc) Aquatic environment Water Quantity: will the project involve water use? Which volumes and from which water source (centralized water supply system and/or from water reservoir) ? Water Quality/Pollution: Will the project contribute to surface water pollution - what will be the approximate volumes of waste water discharge? Does the project involve discharges of waste waters in water reservoirs and/or in centralized sanitation network/septic tank? Loss of Biodiversity: Will the project involve introduction of alien species (in case of aquaculture Lossprojects)? of Biodiversity: Will the project located in vicinity of protected area or wetlands? Degradation of natural aquatic ecosystems - if the project involves discharges in water courses and reservoirs of solid wastes; pesticides; cutting of protective shelterbelts. Weeds, pests, diseases: will the project contribute to spreading of weeds, pests and animal and plant diseases? Sedimentation of water bodies - will the project contribute to sedimentation of water bodies due to soil erosion ? Socio-economic environment Social impacts - does the project involve the following: (a) occupational safety issues; (b) health hazards; (c) involuntary land acquisition or displacement of third parties using land; (d) loss of access to sources of income; (e) loss of physical and/or economic assets; and (f) disturbance of residents living near the project area. Does the project per national legislation require public consultation to consider local people environmental concerns and inputs? Will the project assure non-deterioration of human health, occupational safety and non-disturbance of residents living near project area? If no, is it possible by applying proposed mitigation measures to reduce the project environmental and social impacts to admissible levels?

96 Annex 4. Social Screening Checklist

Activities Yes No Notes 1 Purchase of land, buildings (residential and business) If "Yes", and answers other questions "No", provide relevant documents, available for the final sales transaction 2 Acquisitions or expansion of the business, which will be implemented by the demolition/ relocation homeowners, renters, formal and informal user If yes, exclude from financing assets 3 Acquisition of assets, which will cause the loss of access of people or a particular community/groups, especially ethnic minorities to: If yes, exclude from financing

4 Acquisitions/or expansion of a business that can promote/increase the risk of: 1. Violation of the labor code and laws including the use of child labor 2. Harassment of ethnic minority groups in the areas of project (related to their identity, dignity and livelihoods of the If yes, exclude from financing system of subsistence, cultural identity) 3. Human trafficking and forced labor 5 Will there be land acquisition using eminent domain law? If yes, exclude from financing 6 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of shelter and residential land due to land acquisition? If yes, exclude from financing 7 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of agricultural and other productive assets due to land acquisition? If yes, exclude from financing 8 Will there be permanent losses of crops, forest areas, and If yes, exclude from financing fixed assets due to land acquisition? 9 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of businesses or enterprises due to land acquisition? If yes, exclude from financing 10 Will there be permanent or temporary loss of income sources and means of livelihoods due to land acquisition? If yes, exclude from financing 11 If land or private property is purchased through negotiated settlement or willing buyer-willing seller, will it result in the permanent or temporary removal or displacement of renters, or leaseholders? If yes, exclude from financing 12 If land or private property is purchased through negotiated settlement or willing buyer-willing seller, will it result in the permanent or temporary removal or displacement of informal land-users (people without legal rights on the land) or If yes, exclude from financing squatters? 13 Will the project involve any permanent or temporary restrictions in land use or access to legally designated parks or protected areas and cause people or any community to lose access to natural resources, traditional habitats, communal If yes, exclude from financing land, or communal facilities? 14 Will the project use government land or any public land or property, which will require the permanent or temporary removal of informal occupants or users (residential or If yes, exclude from financing economic)?

97 Annex 5. Results of Environmental and Social Screening

Prepared by: Risk Category "High". Significant Name and Signature: impact, exclude from financing Designation:

Date: Risk Category "Substantial". Approved by: Limited or temporary impact Name and Signature: Designation: Date: Risk Category “Moderate". Limited or temporary impact

Risk Category “Low”. No impact

Any subproject applications that includes activities that coincide with those included in the lists of excluded subprojects for financing and that which may have significant environmental risks will be disqualified. If the answer to one of the following questions is YES, the subproject application shall be excluded.

Screening questions ______A. Subproject Location Отформатировано:  Is the subproject area in less than 300 m from any of the following environmentally многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + sensitive areas? ______Стиль нумерации: A, B, C, … + Начать  Cultural heritage and historic site ______с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева +  Legally protected area (core zone or buffer zone, all 5 types of protected areas as Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см defined by the national environmental legislation) ______Отформатировано: маркированный  Wetlands ______+ Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,63  Mangrove forests ______см + Отступ: 1,27 см  Estuarine ______ Special area for protecting biodiversity ______ Residential areas, schools and hospitals B. Potential Significant Environmental Impacts for which no mitigation measures Отформатировано: were proposed by sub-borrower многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 +  Social and environmental conflicts or additional burden on existing infrastructure and Стиль нумерации: A, B, C, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + service if large number of workers from other regions are hired? Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см  Risks and vulnerabilities related to occupational health and safety due to physical, Отформатировано: маркированный chemical, biological, and radiological hazards during subproject construction and + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,63 operation? см + Отступ: 1,27 см  Risks to community health and safety due to the transport, storage, and use and/or disposal of materials such as explosives, fuel and other chemicals during construction and operation? C. Purchase and use of prohibited fertilizers, pesticides/herbicides or hazardous Отформатировано: materials многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + D. Purchase and use of new species, which could be considered as invasive alien species, Стиль нумерации: A, B, C, … + Начать without compliance with the national regulations and a proper risk assessment or strict с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + control measures to minimize the potential for release into local environment. Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

98 Annex 6. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report Outline

A site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for Substantial Risk projects focuses on the significant environmental issues raised by a Subproject. Its primary purpose is to identify environmental impacts and those measures that, if incorporated into the design and implementation of a project can assure that the negative environmental effects will be minimized. The scope and level of detail required in the analysis depend on the magnitude and severity of potential impacts.

The environmental and social impact assessment report should include the following elements: a. Executive Summary. This summarizes the significant findings and recommended actions. b. Policy, legal and administrative framework. This section summarizes the legal and regulatory framework that applies to environmental management in the jurisdiction where the study is done. c. Project Description. Describes the nature and scope of the project and the geographic, ecological, temporal and socioeconomic context in which the project will be carried out. The description should identify social groups that will be affected, include a map of the project site, identify impacts on land or assets, and identify any off-site or support facilities that will be required for the project. d. Baseline data. Describe relevant physical, biological and social condition including any significant changes anticipated before the project begins. Data should be relevant to project design, location, operation or mitigation measures. e. Environmental and Social Impacts. Describe the likely or expected positive and negative impacts in quantitative terms to the extent possible. Identify mitigation measures and estimate residual impacts after mitigation. Describe the limits of available data and uncertainties related to the estimation of impacts and the results of proposed mitigation. f. Analysis of Alternatives. Systematically compare feasible alternatives to the proposed project location, design and operation including the "without project" alternative in terms of their relative impacts, costs and suitability to local conditions. For each of the alternatives quantify and compare the environmental impacts and costs relative to the proposed plan. g. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). If significant impacts requiring mitigation are identified, the ESMP defines the mitigation that will be done, identifies key monitoring indicators and any needs for institutional strengthening for effective mitigation and monitoring to be carried out. h. Appendices.

This section should include:

(i) The list of ESA preparers; (ii) References used in study preparation; (iii) A chronological record of interagency meetings and consultations with NGOs and effected constituents; (iv) Tables reporting relevant data discussed in the main text, and; (v) A list of associated reports such as voluntary land donations list or social assessments that were prepared for the project.

99 Annex 7. ESMP Content and Format

General Remarks. Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) subprojects should outline the mitigation, monitoring and administrative measures to be taken during project implementation to avoid or eliminate negative environmental impacts. For projects of intermediate environmental risk (Substantial risk projects), ESMP may also be an effective way of summarizing the activities needed to achieve effective mitigation of negative environmental impacts (description of Environmental and Social Management Plan is provided in Attachment 1 below).

The Management Plan format provided in Attachment 2 below. It represents a model for development of an ESMP. The model divides the project cycle into three phases: construction, operation and decommissioning. For each phase, the preparation team identifies any significant environmental impacts that are anticipated based on the analysis done in the context of preparing an environmental assessment. For each impact, mitigation measures are to be identified and listed. Estimates are made of the cost of mitigation actions broken down by estimates for installation (investment cost) and operation (recurrent cost). The ESMP format also provides for the identification of institutional responsibilities for "installation" and operation of mitigation devices and methods.

To keep track of the requirements, responsibilities and costs for monitoring the implementation of environmental mitigation identified in the analysis included in an environmental assessment for High Risk and Substantial Risk projects, a monitoring plan may be useful. A Monitoring Plan format is provided in Attachment 3 below. Like the ESMP the project cycle is broken down into three phases (construction, operation and decommissioning). The format also includes a row for baseline information that is critical to achieving reliable and credible monitoring. The key elements of the matrix are:  What is being monitored?  Where is monitoring done?  How is the parameter to be monitored to ensure meaningful comparisons?  When or how frequently is monitoring necessary or most effective?  Why is the parameter being monitored (what does it tell us about environmental impact)?

In addition to these questions, it is useful to identify the costs associated with monitoring (both investment and recurrent) and the institutional responsibilities.

When a monitoring plan is developed and put in place in the context of project implementation, the PMU will request reports at appropriate intervals and include the findings in its periodic reporting to the World Bank and make the findings available to Bank staff during supervision missions.

Attachment 1 Description of the of the Environmental and Social Management Plan

The Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) identifies feasible and cost-effective measures that may reduce potentially significant adverse environmental impacts to acceptable levels. The plan includes compensatory measures if mitigation measures are not feasible, cost-effective, or sufficient. Specifically, the ESMP (a) identifies and summarizes all anticipated significant adverse environmental impacts (including those involving indigenous people or involuntary resettlement); (b) describes--with technical details--each mitigation measure, including the type of impact to which it relates and the conditions under which it is required (e.g., continuously or in the event of contingencies), together with designs, equipment descriptions, and operating procedures, as appropriate; (c) estimates any potential

100 environmental impacts of these measures; and (d) provides linkage with any other mitigation plans (e.g., for involuntary resettlement, indigenous peoples, or cultural property) required for the project.

Monitoring

Environmental monitoring during project implementation provides information about key environmental aspects of the project, particularly the environmental impacts of the project and the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Such information enables the borrower and the Bank to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision, and allows corrective action to be taken when needed. Therefore, the ESMP identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, with linkages to the impacts assessed in the ESA report and the mitigation measures described in the ESMP. Specifically, the monitoring section of the ESMP provides(a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, detection limits (where appropriate), and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective actions; and (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation.

Capacity Development and Training

To support timely and effective implementation of environmental project components and mitigation measures, the ESMP draws on the EA's assessment of the existence, role, and capability of environmental units on site or at the agency and ministry level.3 If necessary, the ESMP recommends the establishment or expansion of such units, and the training of staff, to allow implementation of EA recommendations. Specifically, the ESMP provides a specific description of institutional arrangements-who is responsible for carrying out the mitigatory and monitoring measures (e.g., for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring of implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). To strengthen environmental management capability in the agencies responsible for implementation, most EMPs cover one or more of the following additional topics: (a) technical assistance programs, (b) procurement of equipment and supplies, and (c) organizational changes.

Implementation Schedule and Cost Estimates

For all three aspects (mitigation, monitoring, and capacity development), the EMP provides (a) an implementation schedule for measures that must be carried out as part of the project, showing phasing and coordination with overall project implementation plans; and (b) the capital and recurrent cost estimates and sources of funds for implementing the ESMP. These figures are also integrated into the total project cost tables.

Integration of ESMP with Project

The borrower's decisions to proceed with a project, and the Bank’s decision to support it, are predicated in part on the expectation that the ESMP will be executed effectively. Consequently, the Bank expects the plan to be specific in its description of the individual mitigation and monitoring measures and its assignment of institutional responsibilities, and it must be integrated into the project's overall planning, design, budget, and implementation. Such integration is achieved by establishing the ESMP within the project so that the plan will receive funding and supervision along with the other components.

101 Attachment 2 Environmental Management Plan Format Phase Environmental Mitigating Cost Institutional Remarks Impact Measure(s) Responsibility Install Operate Install Operate Construction     Operation     Decommissioning    

Attachment 3 Environmental Monitoring Plan Format Phase What Where How will When will Why is the Cost Institutional parameter will the the the parameter Responsibility is to be parameter parameter parameter being Install Operate Install Operate monitored? be be be monitored? monitored? monitored? monitored? Baseline Construction Operation De- commissioning

102 Annex 8. Examples to be used in ESMPs for Assessment of Impacts, Causes, Consequences and Mitigation Measures for Subprojects in Agroprocessing & Food Production

D-1 Poultry & meet processing* D-2 Dairy* D-3 Vegetable oil processing* D-4 Vegetable processing and canning* D-5 Flour milling D-6 Warehousing

*Resource: Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines. World Bank Group, 2007. http: //www .ifc.org/ifcext/sustainability .nsf/ Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines

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Table D-1. Poultry & meet processing Overall Potential Impact: HIGH (due to human health threat) Sources/ causes Consequences Remarks Environmental issues/ impacts Prevention/ mitigation required Soil, groundwater and surface water Slaughtering and rendering Poultry: the carcass yield is, on Poultry: Provision of adequate slurry pollution/ Solid organic wastes and activities average, 75% of the live bird storage capacity for excreta until it is by-products weight transported for disposal or for use as agricultural fertilizer Meet: continuously collect byproducts dry Meet: Waste products and by- and segregated from each other, along products of slaughtering processes the length of the slaughter-line and The quantity of by-products from throughout animal by-products cattle often exceeds 50%of the treatment; optimise bleeding and the animal’s live weight, and 10 to collection of blood; use sealed, 20% for PIUs storage, handling and charging Special Risk Materials (SRM facilities for animal by-products

Animal and birds diseases

Birds: Highly Pathogenic Avian Batch of birds delivered to the Other birds and human diseases. Influenza (HPAI) slaughterhouse is suspected of infection with Highly Pathogenic Poultry: Birds must be stored Avian Influenza (HPAI) separately to avoid contact with healthy birds - HPAI should be suspected when the Отформатировано: dead-on-arrival frequency is многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + abnormally high, and in connection Стиль нумерации: Маркер + with other symptoms ( Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - If HPAI is confirmed, the entire carcass of the dead birds should be handled as high risk material and transported safely to a rendering facility.

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Livestock: bovine spongiform - The slaughterhouse should be Отформатировано: encephalopathy (BSE), etc. cleaned and disinfected, and a многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + minimum operational shutdown of 24 Стиль нумерации: Маркер + hours should be applied, etc. Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см Livestock: should be separated and transported to external facilities in separate containers for treatment and final disposal. - Tissue of a livestock treated as Отформатировано: Special Risk Material should be многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + destroyed through incineration with a Стиль нумерации: Маркер + minimum gas temperature of 850oC; Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Collecting animals not approved by veterinary inspection and segregating them from animal materials sent by the slaughterhouse for off-site rendering Soil and water pollution/ Sludge Poultry and meat processing Surface water, groundwater and Poultry: Treatment and Disposal operators soil pollution - Reuse of high-quality, low risk by- Отформатировано: products; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + - Disposal of fat at landfills if it Стиль нумерации: Маркер + cannot be used for biogas production Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см Livestock: -Reuse materials that may be separated from pretreatment processes in the manufacture of high-quality byproducts (e.g. pet food or technical fat for manufacturing); -If no other alternatives are feasible, dispose of fat at landfills

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Surface and groundwater pollution/ Poultry & Meet: Poultry: Wastewater Effluents with high content of - Organic materials to collect Отформатировано: organic matter, nitrogen, separately for recycling; -Ensuring многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + phosphorus, residues of that leakage from animal by-product Стиль нумерации: Маркер + chemicals, pathogens storage containers is avoided; Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см -Use of dripping trays to collect blood to transport to the blood tank rather than into the wastewater stream; Application of appropriate tank and equipment cleaning procedures -Choosing cleaning agents and application rates that do not have adverse impacts on the environment, or on wastewater treatment processes and sludge quality for agricultural application Poultry processing activities Meet Meet: - Prioritize the removal of solid waste Отформатировано: before it enters the wastewater многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + stream; Стиль нумерации: Маркер + - Collect blood for use in food, feed Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см or in the pharmaceutical industry; -Prevent direct runoff to water courses, especially from manure storage areas, etc

Water Consumption Poultry & Meet processing Stress on water resources - Optimizing water consumption for operations rinsing and cooling without jeopardizing food safety; -Prefer a dry cleaning process areas before cleaning with water

process activities

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Air pollution/ Air emissions Poultry & meat processing Poultry: Odor -Maintenance of clean live bird handling areas by removing fecal matter and dead birds on a daily basis; -Reducing the inventory of raw carcasses, waste, and byproducts and minimizing any storage to short periods of time in a cold, closed, well- ventilated area. - Dead birds, waste, and byproducts should not be stored in open spaces, where possible Meat: singeing, scalding, lair Meat: Odor may often be Meat: age, wastewater treatment the most significant form of -Consider the location of new

and rendering air pollution facilities, taking into account proper

distances to neighbors and the propagation of odors; Pasteurize organic material before processing it to halt biological processes that generate odor; -Clean pens and livestock yards on a timely basis; -Empty and clean fat traps frequently Dust Meat: -Clean and maintain a sufficient level of humidity in pens and livestock yards; Reduce fugitive dust by minimizing surface areas with exposed soil surfaces, and by planting hedges or erecting fences to minimize wind turbulence, etc.

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Energy Consumption Heating of water and producing Stress on natural resources Poultry & Meat: steam for process applications, - Control of water levels and Отформатировано: cleaning purposes and operation of recirculation of water; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + mechanical and electrical - Improvement in cooling efficiency Стиль нумерации: Маркер + equipment, refrigeration, and air by insulating refrigeration room / Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см compressors areas and doors; installation of an automatic door closing mechanism, etc. Probable Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: LOW

Table D-2. Dairy Overall Potential Impact: HIGH (primarily due to human health threat) Sources/ causes Consequences Remarks Environmental issues/ impacts Prevention/ mitigation required Contribution to surface water Milk solids (e.g. protein, fat, Significant organic content, high To prevent contamination of pollution/ Wastewater carbohydrates, and lactose) Salting salinity levels; other pollutants: wastewater: activities during cheese acids, alkali, and detergents, etc. -Avoid milk, product, and byproduct as well as pathogenic losses; microorganisms and viruses -Install grids to reduce or avoid the introduction of solid materials into the wastewater drainage system; -Adopt best-practice methods for facility cleaning systems, using approved chemicals and / or detergents with minimal environmental impact and compatibility with subsequent wastewater treatment processes

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Soil, groundwater and surface water Production processes Nonconforming products and -Where possible and subject to pollution/ Solid Waste product losses, grid and filter sanitary requirements, segregate solid residues, sludge from centrifugal process waste and non-conforming separators and wastewater products; -Optimize product filling treatment, and packaging waste and packaging equipment to avoid product- and packaging- material waste; -Optimize the design of packaging material to reduce the volume of waste - Plastic waste from packaging cuttings can be reused, or should be sorted as plastic waste for off-site recycling or disposal, etc. Dairy processing activities Fine milk powder residues in the Installation of exhaust ventilation Air Pollution/ Air Emissions exhaust air from the spray drying equipped with dry powder retention systems and bagging of product systems (e.g. cyclones or bag filters - Dust Ensure wastewater treatment facilities Dairy processing facilities are are properly designed and maintained Odor related to on-site wastewater for the anticipated wastewater load; treatment facilities, in addition to - Keep all working and storage areas Отформатировано: fugitive odor emissions from clean; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + filling/emptying milk tankers and - Empty and clean the fat trap Стиль нумерации: Маркер + storage silos frequently (e.g. daily emptying and Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см weekly cleaning); -Minimize stock of waste and by-products and store for short periods in cold, closed, and well-ventilated rooms Energy consumption Dairy processing facilities consume Stress on natural resources -Reduce heat loss by : Approximately 80% of the energy considerable amounts of energy - Using continuous, instead of batch, requirements are for thermal uses to Отформатировано: pasteurizers; generate hot water and produce многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + - Partially homogenizing milk steam for Стиль нумерации: Маркер +

Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

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to reduce the size of heat exchangers; - Improve cooling efficiency process applications (e.g. pasteurization, evaporation, and milk drying) and cleaning purposes. The remaining 20% is used as electricity to drive processing machinery, refrigeration, ventilation, and lighting Probable Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: NONE

Table D-3. Vegetable oil processing Overall Potential Impact: LOW Sources/ causes Consequences Remarks Environmental issues/ impacts Prevention/ mitigation required Soil, groundwater and surface water Vegetable oil processing activities -Use uncontaminated sludge and The amount of waste generated pollution/ Solid waste and by- generate significant quantities of effluent from on-site wastewater depends on the quality of the raw products organic solid waste and by- treatment as fertilizer in agricultural materials and the use or products. applications; reprocessing of the discarded . Other solid wastes from the -Dispose of contaminated sludge from materials into commercially viable vegetable oil manufacturing wastewater treatment at a sanitary byproducts process include soap stock and landfill or by incineration. spent acids from chemical refining - Reduce product losses through of crude oil; spent bleaching earth better production control (e.g. containing gums, metals, and monitor and adjust air humidity to pigments; deodorizer distillate from prevent product losses caused by the the steam distillation of refined formation of molds on edible edible oils; mucilage from materials) degumming; and spent catalysts and filtering aid from the hardening process Contribution to surface water Oil washing and neutralization -Use emulsion breaking techniques to pollution/ Wastewater (waters contain organic, high segregate high BOD and COD oils content of from

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suspended solids, organic nitrogen, wastewater; and oil and fat, and may contain - Use grids to cover drains in the Отформатировано: pesticide residues from the production area and to prevent solid многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + treatment of the raw materials wastes and concentrated liquids from Стиль нумерации: Маркер + entering the wastewater stream; Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Select disinfection chemicals to match the cleaning operation being applied on the process equipment to the type of problem; - Apply cleaning chemicals using the correct dose and application; -When feasible, replace phosphoric acid with citric acid in degumming

Water consumption Vegetable oil facilities require Stress on water resources - When economically viable, consider Отформатировано: significant amounts of water for the use of physical refining instead of многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + crude oil production (cooling chemical refining to reduce water Стиль нумерации: Маркер + water), chemical neutralization consumption; Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см processes, and subsequent washing - Recover condensate from heating and deodorization processes and reuse; - Close the cooling water circuit and re-circulate cooling waters

Air pollution/ Air Emissions Combustion byproducts such as To prevent and control dust: NOx, SOx, PM , volatile organic Particulate matter Vegetable oil processing Dust: - - Ensure proper maintenance of Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: compounds (VOCs), and from processing of raw materials, cleaning, screening, and crushing 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, greenhouse gases (CO and CO ) including cleaning, screening, and 2 equipment to reduce emissions of многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + crushing fugitive dust; Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см - Reduce odor emissions with a caustic, alkaline, or ozone scrubber system Volatile Organic Compounds Use of oil-extraction solvents, To prevent and control VOCs: - normally hexane - Ensure the efficient recovery Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева:

0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

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of solvent by distillation of the oil from the extractor; (VOCs) Exhaust Gases - Management strategy is a reduction Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: in energy demand, use of cleaner 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, fuels; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + - Application of emissions controls, Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см where required, etc. Water and energy consumption Heating of water and producing Stress on water and other natural To use energy and water save steam for process applications resources technologies and machinery (especially for soap splitting and deodorization) and cleaning processes Refrigeration and compressed air

Illness Cold pressed oil contains high Use alternative pressing process amounts of fatty acids and pesticide Severe diseases resulting in lower residues. labor efficiency and income Injuries Open machinery Lost productivity, work days and income. Safety instructions; safety clothing where appropriate (e.g. hard hats); protective guards on all machinery. Probable Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: NONE

Table D-4. Vegetable processing and canning Overall Potential Impact: LOW Potential Impacts Causes Consequences Mitigation Required Remarks

Water pollution Residue from vegetable and fruits Damage to aquatic ecosystems (high Compost vegetative waste. allowed to be dumped into surface organic resulting in dissolved waters. oxygen depletion). Soil, groundwater and surface Raw material, canning material Recycle metal back to metal water pollution/ Solid waste scrap, etc processor.

Diseases/ illness Canning uses lead solder for Lead (Pb), a carcinogen, is Use tin (Sn) for soldering or

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can seams cumulative in humans adopt other appropriate sealing methods. Injuries Open machinery Lost labor efficiency &income Safety instructions; safety clothing where appropriate (e.g. hard hats); protective guards on all machinery. Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: NONE; Risk: LOW

Table D-5. Flour milling Overall Potential Impact: LOW Potential Impacts Causes Consequences Mitigation Required Remarks Soil and water pollution/ Solid Wheat husks left from milling Recover bran; waste dumped at municipal disposal site Use for animal feed

Injuries Open machinery. Lost of labor efficiency and Safety instructions; safety clothing income. where appropriate (e.g. hard hats); protective guards on all machinery.

Illness Flour dust Respiratory irritation Provide masks to workers Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: NONE; Risk: LOW Table D-6. Warehousing Overall Potential Impact: LOW Potential Impacts Causes Consequences Mitigation Required Remarks Only those during sitting, construction and decommissioning phases. Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: NONE; Risk: LOW

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Annex 9. Examples to be used in ESMPs for the Assessment of Impacts, Causes, Consequences and Mitigation Measures for Construction Activities & Subprojects in Manufacturing Sector

G-1 Construction activities G-2 Construction material extraction* G-15 Surface treatment of metals and plastics*

*Resource: Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines. World Bank Group, 2007. http://www.ifc.org/ifcext/sustainability.nsf/Content/EnvironmentalGuidelines

Table G-1. Construction activities Potential Impacts Causes Consequences Mitigation Required Remarks Planning Phase:

Loss of biodiversity Poor location analysis not taking Loss of flora and fauna. into account important biophysical Location in areas that are not high values. priority for biodiversity protection. Loss of cultural features Poor location analysis not providing Loss of important cultural sites and Location in areas of little or no Public participation is a consideration to cultural values. structures. cultural significance. requirement for all EIAs and if properly conducted during EIA will ensure input required to select appropriate alternative sites.

Socially unacceptable Poor location analysis not taking Location in areas where noise, odor into consideration local Nuisance factor to local or aesthetics will not be a problem; Public participation is a communities’ lifestyle, movement communities; loss of peace and location to be selected which doesn’t requirement for all EIAs and if patterns and values. quiet; loss of access to other areas or interfere with important access (e.g. properly conducted during EIA sites (e.g. school children may have to schools). will ensure input required to select to walk greater distances due to loss appropriate alternative sites (and of direct route to school. modus operandi) for enterprise. Construction Phase : Soil erosion Vegetation and topsoil is removed Further soil erosion off-site and If possible construction should for initial construction and access, downstream; increased sediment occur in dry periods or seasons, exposing bare soil that is vulnerable loads in receiving streams resulting Ensure awareness by workers; adopt particularly in situations where soil to erosion, particularly in rainy in aquatic habitat changes. appropriate soil protection erosion could be a problem. periods. techniques; ensure exposed soil surfaces are kept to a minimum and for short periods of time; conserve topsoil, recover and replant when construction is completed. Soil pollution Loss of soil productivity. Spilled and dumped fuels, and other Contaminated groundwater. Environmental awareness; training chemicals. in handling and storage of fuels, Ineffective on-site sewage treatment lubricants and chemicals; provision during construction phase. of proper on-site storage facilities. Water pollution Spilled and dumped fuels and other Contaminated groundwater and Same as above. chemicals. surface water resulting in Provision of waste containing toilets contaminated drinking water and in which waste can be transferred to a the case of surface municipal

115 Table G-1. Construction activities Potential Impacts Causes Consequences Mitigation Required Remarks treatment facility. water, damaged aquatic ecosystem. Noise and dust Vehicles and construction Nuisance factor to neighboring machinery; dirt access roads. communities. Operations during normal working hours only; access roads to be watered during dry periods. Loss of habitats and biodiversity Construction activities Noise pollution, disturbance on -To avoid or minimize construction natural ecosystems, etc. and operational activities during breeding and migration periods - Consideration of alternative Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: locations, where possible 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, - Careful timing of works and work многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + seasonally, as appropriate: no Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см construction during breeding season - Where possible, to fence the area under construction to lessen even occasional disturbance on habitats and biodiversity -Inform personnel about importance of adjacent environmentally important area, if any

Solid waste Littering of unused construction Effective disposal of materials and materials and workers personal Unsightly and remnant construction garbage in designated waste disposal garbage. materials could pose a safety hazard. sites. Loss of access Construction site may have formerly Nuisance and possibly economic During planning phase ensure that Public participation during been used as an access for local hardship. local people are aware of restrictions planning phase should identify this population (and vehicles) for various during construction and alternative and similar conflicts. sections of the community. arrangements for access are provided. Injuries Inadequate safety procedures for Injury / death resulting in lost work Ensure construction workers are workers; inadequate signage and days (for construction workers and given safety instruction; ensure construction activities exposed general public; lost income. safety officers on site; ensure where public can interface with effective signage for the public and such. ensure that all exposed construction areas are barricaded from public access.

116 Table G-1. Construction activities Potential Impacts Causes Consequences Mitigation Required Remarks Decommissioning Phase: (it is unlikely that any of the enterprises will undergo decommissioning in a 25-50 period from initial start up or refurbishment but if such should occur then the listed impacts should be considered). Same as above for construction See above See above See above plus: Waste Concrete, blocks, steel, glass will Public safety hazard. Waste of Removal and recycling or result from demolition; old resources. effective disposal of all toxic equipment will be dismantled. materials; complete demolition after recycling useful materials; removal to a designated and environmentally safe disposal site and burial of clean and inert materials.

Aesthetics Unsightly site (as are many industrial sites from former Soviet Following removal of all materials times). (see above), site to be formed (topsoil where relevant and feasible) and landscaped, where appropriate, to suit surrounding areas. Soil erosion As for construction phase above.

Safety As for construction phase above.

Table G-2. Construction material extraction Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE Sources/ causes Consequences Remarks Environmental issues/ impacts Prevention/ mitigation required Air pollution/ Air Emissions • The principal source of air Impact to human health, damage -Land clearing, removal of topsoil Particulate matter emissions is fugitive dust from to environment and excess materials,

117 Table G-2. Construction material extraction Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE Sources/ causes Consequences Remarks Environmental issues/ impacts Prevention/ mitigation required Dust earth works and materials location of haul roads, tips and handling and transport activities: stockpiles should be planned with crushing-grinding, drilling, due consideration to meteorological blasting and transport factors; -Dust emissions from drilling activities should be controlled at the source by dust extractors, collectors; -Internal roads should be adequately compacted; -A speed limit for trucks should be considered; Exposed surfaces of stockpiled Other Air Pollutants materials should be vegetated - Vehicles and other combustion Alternatives to blasting, sources installed in the quarrying -If blasting is necessary, planning of • Combustion byproducts site Отформатировано: the blasting (should be многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + implemented; Стиль нумерации: Маркер + • Toxic and nontoxic -The correct burning of the Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см gases Blasting activities Explosions explosive should be ensured by minimizing the presence of excess • NO2, CO and NO water and avoiding incorrect or Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: incomplete mixing of explosive 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, ingredients многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Water consumption Diamond-wire cutting activities, Stress on natural resources Стиль нумерации: Маркер + - Reduce water consumption; Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см aggregate-washing plants, and through recirculation and reuse, dimension stone quarrying implementing closed-circuit activities systems from sedimentation ponds to the quarrying process Hydrology Flow diversions, water intake, Alteration of surface water - Quarry pond dredging activities and changes to the drainage regime should be designed and pattern implemented to minimize drawdown with consideration of potential impacts to surface and groundwater resource flow and availability, including

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Table G-2. Construction material extraction Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE Environmental issues/ impacts Sources/ causes Consequences Prevention/ mitigation required Remarks

Wastewater Dewatering of the quarrying pit, potential ecological impacts - Construction materials extraction diamond-wire cutting and surface Construction of a dedicated operations do not typically water runoff drainage network; generate point sources of -Reduce water consumption effluents or emissions

Hazardous Materials Use, storage and transfer of Soil and surface water & Operational design and planning varying quantities of fuels and groundwater pollution should include procedures for the lubricants; reduction of waste production; -Topsoil, overburden, and low- Impurities and trace components Acidic runoff quality materials should be properly included in the exploited (waste) removed, stockpiled near the site, rocks (e.g. asbestos or heavy and preserved for rehabilitation; metals or minerals -Hazardous and non- hazardous waste management plans should be developed and adopted during the design and planning phase Solid waste generation Surface and groundwater - Cleanup and maintenance in Отформатировано: pollution, soil pollution receiving areas can reduce this многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + waste and allow material spills to be Стиль нумерации: Маркер + collected and added to the raw Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см materials; - Paving the receiving areas; - Cleanup and maintenance in receiving areas can reduce this waste and allow material spills to be collected and added to the raw materials Al extraction activities, including Hearing loss (hypoxia) --Installation of proper sound Noise and Vibrations construction material and barriers and (or) noise containments dimension stone • Noise

119 Table G-2. Construction material extraction Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE Environmental issues/ impacts Sources/ causes Consequences Prevention/ mitigation required Remarks

• Vibration quarrying. drilling, breaking, -Use of rubber-lined or -Installation crushing and handling- moving, of natural barriers at facility screening, and transport. In boundaries (e.g. vegetation curtains dimension stone quarrying, or soil berms); flame-jet cutting is a specific -Optimization of internal-traffic noise source routing, particularly to minimize vehicle-reversing needs; -A speed limit for trucks should be considered

-Vibration and overpressure control Mainly blasting activities; with appropriate drilling grids; crushers and plant screening -Development of blast design, equipment; minor emissions are including a blasting-surfaces commonly associated with use of survey, to avoid over confined rock hammers charges

Land conversion Excavation activities at Topographical and land- cover -Selection of appropriate low- Opportunities to create construction materials extraction changes; clearing of preexisting impact extraction (e.g. excavation, ecologically valuable habitats sites vegetation quarrying, and dredging) methods; - should be considered (e.g. small Establishment of buffer zones from lakes and pools with a complex the edge of extraction areas, shoreline and shallow water considering the characteristics of zones, after dredging or areas for the natural habitats and the type of natural succession extraction activities; -To reduce the consumption of land area and, consequently, the loss of soil; - The land should be appropriately rehabilitated. --Hydrological systems should be restored Land instability Large-scale spoil-material Landslide or collapse that - To undertake a geological and

120 Table G-2. Construction material extraction Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE Environmental issues/ Sources/ causes Consequences Prevention/ mitigation Remarks impacts required disposal, water ponds, or mined could cause catastrophic incidents hydro-geological survey ; -Geological land in surrounding populated area and geotechnical control programs in large areas, specifically focused on long-term land stability; -Geo- technical monitoring of slopes, disposal sites

Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: LOW; Risk: LOW - MODERATE

Table G-15. Surface treatment of metals and plastics Overall Potential Impact: MODERATE Environmental issues/ impacts Sources/ causes Consequences Best Available Techniques Remarks

Energy consumption Processing Stress on natural resources To minimize electrical losses in the supply system as well as to reduce heat losses from heated processes To minimize water usage

Raw material Processing Damage to environment - To minimize material losses by retaining raw materials in process vats and at the same time minimize water - To use recycling and recovery, where possible

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Contribution to surface water Operational process Damage to environment - Chemical treatment of waste water, pollution/ wastewater oil separation, sedimentation and/or filtration.

Air pollution/ Air emissions Operational process Damage to environment To prevent fugitive emissions from some processes by extraction and treatment.

Noise Operational process Threat to human health/hearing Good practice techniques, e.g. closing loss (hypoxia) bay doors, minimizing deliveries and adjusting delivery times, or if necessary, by specific engineered solutions Hazardous substances Raw material Damage to environment To use less hazardous substances/ substitution of hazardous material, where possible Residual Impact Assuming Full Mitigation: LOW, Risk: LOW

122 Annex 10. Environmental and Social Management Checklist for Small Construction and Rehabilitation Activities

General Guidelines for use of ESMP checklist

For low-risk topologies, such as school and hospital rehabilitation activities, the ECA environmental and social team developed an alternative to the current ESMP format to provide an opportunity for a more streamlined approach to preparing ESMPs for minor rehabilitation or small-scale works in building construction, in the health, education and public services sectors. The checklist-type format has been developed to provide “example good practices” and designed to be user friendly and compatible with ESF requirements.

The EMP checklist-type format attempts to cover typical core mitigation approaches to civil works contracts with small, localized impacts. It is accepted that this format provides the key elements of an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) or Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) to meet World Bank Environmental and Social Assessment requirements under ESS1. The intention of this checklist is that it would be applicable as guidelines for the small works contractors and constitute an integral part of bidding documents for contractors carrying out small civil works under Bank-financed projects.

The checklist has four sections:

Part 1 includes a descriptive part that characterizes the project and specifies in terms the institutional and legislative aspects, the technical project content, the potential need for capacity building program and description of the public consultation process. This section could be up to two pages long. Attachments for additional information can be supplemented when needed.

Part 2 includes an environmental and social screening checklist, where activities and potential environmental issues can be checked in a simple Yes/No format. If any given activity/issue is triggered by checking “yes”, a reference is made to the appropriate section in the following table, which contains clearly formulated management and mitigation measures.

Part 3 represents the monitoring plan for activities during project construction and implementation. It retains the same format required for ESMPs proposed under normal Bank requirements for Substantial risk projects. It is the intent of this checklist that Part 2 and Part 3 be included into the bidding documents for contractors, priced during the bidding process and diligent implementation supervised during works execution.

Part 4 includes a descriptive part on voluntary land donations. Any land acquired through Voluntary Land Donation must first meet the following criteria: Land to be donated must be identified by the community through a participatory approach Impacts of proposed activities on donated land must be fully explained to the donor The potential donor is aware that refusal is an option, and that right of refusal is specified in the donation document the donor will sign The act of donation is undertaken without coercion, manipulation, or any form of pressure on the part of public or traditional authorities

123 The donor may request monetary or non-monetary benefits or incentives as a condition for donation The proportion of land that may be donated cannot exceed the area required to maintain the donor’s livelihood or that of his/her household Land donation cannot result in a lower standard of living or income generation, on the donor or the donor’s household Donation of land cannot occur if it requires any household relocation For community or collective land, donation can only occur with the consent of individuals using or occupying the land Verification must be obtained from each person donating land (either through proper documentation or through confirmation by at least two witnesses) The implementing agency establishes that the land to be donated is free of encumbrances or encroachment and registers the donated land in an official land registry Any donated land that is not used for its agreed purpose is returned to the donor The donor will not be required to pay any transaction fees for transfer of land

124 Contents of the ESMP Checklist

A. General Project and Site Information B. Environmental and Social Impacts Screening C. Mitigation Measures D. Monitoring Plan

PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION

SITE DESCRIPTION Name of site Describe site location Attachment 1: Site Map [ ]Y [ ] N Who owns the land? Description of geographic, physical, biological, geological, hydrographic and socio-economic context Locations and distance for material sourcing, especially aggregates, water, stones? LEGISLATION Identify national & local legislation & permits that apply to project activity PUBLIC CONSULTATION Identify when / where the public consultation process took place INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING Will there be any capacity building? [ ] N or [ ]Y if Yes, Attachment 2 includes the capacity building program

PART B: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL SCREENING ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section A below B. New construction [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section A below Will the site C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section B below activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section C below include/involve E. Acquisition of land41 [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section D below any of the F. Hazardous or toxic materials42 [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section E below following? G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section H below

41 Land acquisitions includes displacement of people, negative impact on livelihood, encroachment on private property, land that is purchased/transferred and affects people who are living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 42 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. 125

PART C: MITIGATION MEASURES

ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Notification and (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming activities Conditions Worker Safety (b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. A. General Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor Rehabilitation (b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust and /or (c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust Construction screen enclosures at site Activities (d) The surrounding environment (side-walks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust (e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition management and construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) B. Individual Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) must be wastewater approved by the local authorities treatment system (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out (d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies.

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C. Historic Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, building(s) and notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and Cultural Heritage carried out in line with local and national legislation. (b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds” encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST D. Acquisition of Land Use Criteria (a) No land will be involuntarily acquired land (b) Any land donations must meet Voluntary Land Donation criteria (see Annex 13 checklist) (c) Land can be purchased, or leased, on a willing buyer-willing seller basis (d) Works will utilize vacant government land, occur within existing footprint, or follow right-of-way or easements E. Toxic Asbestos (a) If asbestos is located on the project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material Materials management (b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused Toxic / hazardous (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled with details of waste management composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in a leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (c) The wastes shall be transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used F. Affected Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity will not be damaged forests, wetlands or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging or other damaging activities. and/or protected (b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be areas marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences (d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. G. Disposal of Infrastructure for (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or rehabilitated health care medical waste medical waste facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to: management . Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps”, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and . Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and . If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational H Traffic and Direct or indirect (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly secured and Pedestrian Safety hazards to public construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to traffic and . Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the public warned of all

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pedestrians by potential hazards construction . Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe activities passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes. . Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement . Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public. . Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public.

PART D: MONITORING PLAN What Where How When Why Who Activity (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter to (Is the parameter to (Define the frequency (Is the parameter (Is responsible for be monitored?) be monitored?) be monitored?) / or continuous?) being monitored?) monitoring?) 1. Type of activity 2. Type of activity 3. Type of activity

EXAMPLE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PLAN FOR SMALL SCALE CONSTRUCTION/REHABILITATION UNDER SELECTED SUBPROJECTS

PHASE WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY COST RESPONSIBILITY is the parameter to be monitored? is the parameter is the is the is the to be monitored? parameter to be parameter to parameter monitored?? be being monitored? monitored? (frequency)? Implementation of ESMP guidelines Design project Review of Prior Recommended Should be part CEP (RECOMMENDATIONS) for construction, elaborates and approval for due to national of the Project Designer, Contractor reconstruction adaptation construction legislation and adaptation. designs. as part of requiring a project construction

igning monitoring permit.

program. Des

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PHASE WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY COST RESPONSIBILITY is the parameter to be monitored? is the parameter is the is the is the to be monitored? parameter to be parameter to parameter monitored?? be being monitored? monitored? (frequency)? Parameters given in construction permit - Main Project A part of During Regular review Included in PMU E&S all special conditions of construction documentation regular construction stipulated in the Specialist, issued by different bodies inspection by and prior to the Law, and if construction inspectorate of the the Committee issuance of any public phase, costs of CEP and for the complaint is Contractors Construction Environmental Operation sent to the Inspection Protection permit CEP, or the (CEP) and the Construction Construction Inspection. Inspection Supporting A part of After Needed in Expenditure PMU E&S Construction waste management documents for regular reporting on accordance of the CEP Specialists, (including hazardous) waste, which is inspection by waste with the waste- and the inspectorate of the submitted to the the CEP and management related Construction CEP and competent Construction regulations Inspection and Construction communal Inspection low costs for Inspection

enterprise the Contractor Construction

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PHASE WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY COST RESPONSIBILITY is the parameter to be monitored? is the parameter is the is the is the to be monitored? parameter to be parameter to parameter monitored?? be being monitored? monitored? (frequency)? Cultural Heritage- “chance finds” Notification shall A part of During It shall be Transportation NSIFT/PMU encountered during excavation or be made and regular construction ensured that costs for the branches construction. If the building is a approvals/permits inspection by as part of provisions are contractor designated historic structure, very close are obtained from the CEP and project put in place so to such a structure, or located in a local authorities Construction monitoring that artifacts or designated historic district, for such and all Inspection program. other possible finds. construction “chance finds” activities planned encountered in and carried out in excavation or line with local construction and national are noted and legislation. registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to

account

Waste management Based on the Reports to the After Should be Costs of the Project beneficiary,

supporting CEP reporting to monitored in project competent

documents for the CEP on line with the beneficiary communal company waste, which is waste regulations on and the CEP and the CEP submitted to the management. waste

CEP management. Operation

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PART 2: ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING ACTIVITY ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST ISSUE/ PARAMETER A. Contractor Notification and Worker  The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of upcoming mobilization (General Safety activities Conditions)  The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works)  All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation  All work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment.  Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots)  Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. B. Rehabilitation and /or Air Quality  Keep demolition debris in controlled area and spray with water mist to reduce debris dust Construction Activities  Suppress dust during pneumatic drilling/wall destruction by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust (civil works) screen enclosures at site  Keep surrounding environment (side-walks, roads) free of debris to minimize dust  There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site  There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise E. Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit F. During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment should be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Waste management  Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities.  Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers.  Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors  The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed.  Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) C. Wastewater Water Quality  The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers.  The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or reconstruction) must be approved by the local authorities  Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment  Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out;  Actions of contractors must be accomplished in a way to prevent accidental spilling of waste water from entering to the reservoirs or into groundwater during processing and mixing of concrete. They must not fall

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into the water courses/canals without special settling in dams (pools) and without passing through special gravel filters and other processing. D. Cultural Heritage Cultural Heritage If any cultural artifacts or other possible archeological “chance finds” are encountered during excavation or Chance Finds construction, work activities will be stopped, the items noted and registered, and responsible Ministry of Culture officials contacted. Work will only be recommenced upon authorization of the responsible officials. E. Toxic Asbestos management  If asbestos is located on the project site, mark clearly as hazardous material Materials/Substances  When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure  The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust  Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals  If asbestos material is be stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately  The removed asbestos will not be reused and should be buried Toxic / hazardous waste  Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled with management details of composition, properties and handling information  The containers of hazardous substances should be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching  The wastes are transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility.  Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used Oil substances/wastes  Car washes and places of mechanisms and machines service must be equipped with sumps and oil and petrol catchers;  Used oil and technical liquids should pour off into containers and then should send to the recovery;  Exclude leakage of petroleum products during transportation;  All the oil wastes of operational materials of maintenance should be collected and stored in specially designated areas with following cleaning in established order. Polychlorinated Biphenyls  Strictly obey the regulatory documents in terms of getting access and operating while taking oil samples (PCBs) and in particular the “Safety rules for maintaining of electrical equipment” the II edition issued on 1989, Moscow;  Used only glass bottles for oil sampling;  In order to prevent the skin from coming into contact with PCBs, use one-way protective gloves.  Protect eyes against possible oil splashes by wearing goggles;  The sample should be taken by using the drain tap, located at the bottom of the transformer;  As there is a risk that highly toxic dioxins are unintentionally formed and released during the Chlorine identification by using applying the Beilstein Method, testing should only be performed in a laboratory by experienced chemists.  In the case the Chlorine testing show the transformers contain PCBs it is necessary to follow the rules prescribed in the Guidebook on Environmental Sound PCB Management in Electrical Equipment, labelling the polluted equipment, keeping used oil and contaminated transformers in the tanks in a guarded facility,

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until when the proper utilization/disposal measures will be in place. F. Dismantling/installing Crane/excavators/bulldozers  It is strictly imperative to obey the existing national regulations on conducting these activities; old/new equipment and operations  While approaching to the air electrical lines under tension the works should be carried out under the conducting earthworks supervision of electricians;  The cranes should be installed and fixed in a stable position to prevent their tipping or spontaneous displacement under the action of its own weight, and the engine.  For mechanized management of earthworks it is necessary to check the serviceability of machineries, availability of their fencing and safety devices. Working on defective machines is not permitted;  To exclude injuries members of mechanized brigades operating cranes and bulldozers should know and strictly follow all safety engineering rules during operations of relevant machines;  Workers serving machines should be provided with instructions, comprising following: (a) Machine controlling instruction and caring about the workplace; (b) Safety engineering requirements; (c) Guidance of signals system; (d) The maximum loads and speeds of machines; (e) The measures have to be taken by the worker in the case of accident or malfunction of the machines.  To control the machines are allowed people specially trained and have certificate of competence of controlling machines.  The basic requirements of cranes and bulldozers operations are as follows: (a) all rotating parts of machines - gears, chain and temporary transfer, fans, flywheels, etc. must be fenced by casing. Turning on the mechanisms without fences is prohibited; (b) Examination, adjustment, tightening bolts, lubrication and preventive maintenance of the equipment during their work is banned; and (c) In areas where these machines work implementation of any other works and existence of people are not allowed. If in exploit soil will be found large stones, stumps or other objects the machine must be stopped and the objects which can cause an accident should be removed. Welding activities  Strictly imperative to obey the existing national regulations on conducting these activities;  The personal should have protective equipment, rubber gloves, special boots, as well as special helmets.  Prior to starting welding operations, all workers have to pass labor safety training course.  Use the protective gear which as minimum includes: (a) Respirator/Welders Mask; (b) Protective clothing: All skin areas need to be protected to protect against molten metal and sparks. This includes: Long sleeve shirts; Pants that cover the tops of shoes; Gloves; Shoes or boots; (c) Eye protection devices against injuries from debris and from the effects of the ultraviolet light; (d) Helmets.  Fire protection: prepare and use extinguishers as well as sand and water.

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Dismantling/installing  Strictly obey the existing national regulations on conducting these activities; electrical equipment  Carry out the routine inspection of the machinery and equipment for the purpose of trouble shooting and observance of the time of repair;  Organize training and instruction of the workers engaged in maintenance of the machinery, tools and equipment on safe methods and techniques of work;  It is prohibited: to distribute faulty or unchecked tools for work performance as well as to leave off-hand mechanical tools connected to the electrical supply network or compressed air pipelines; to pull up and bend the cables and air hose pipes; to lay cables and hose pipes with their intersection by wire ropes, electric cables, to handle the rotating elements of power driven hand tools.

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PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Phase/project activity What Where How When Why Cost Who (Is the (Is the parameter (Is the parameter (Define the (Is the parameter (if not included in (Is responsible parameter to be to be to be monitored?) frequency / or being monitored?) project budget) for monitoring?) monitored?) monitored?) continuous?) During project implementation Transformer oil testing Presence of At the stations Using Belstien Once in the Avoiding health Covered by MOF MOF PIU Удалено: PCU on PCBs Chlorine/ safety taking samples method beginning at the impacts PIU Environmental Удалено: PCU rules of PCBs from project Protection testing transformers and implementation Department testing the laboratory Civil works Parameters Project A part of regular During Regular review Included in the Supervision (construction/ given in documentation, inspection by construction and stipulated in the costs of MOF PIU Удалено: PCU rehabilitation) construction Construction MOF PIU prior to issuance construction Contractors Engineer and Удалено: PCU permit - all permits of the Operation permits to ensure Social special permit compliance with Specialist conditions of the specified by construction national issued by legislation and different bodies EMP environmental requirements Air quality and At the Visually During To avoid PMC MOF PIU Удалено: PCU noise construction site construction environmental expenditures as Environmental phase pollution and part of the project Specialist workers health implementation impacts costs Waste water At the Visually During To avoid PMC MOF PIU Удалено: PCU construction site construction environmental expenditures as Environmental phase pollution and part of the project Department and workers health implementation IP Environment impacts costs Specialist Construction At the Visual During the Avoiding Expenditure of IP waste construction observations and construction environmental the MOF PIU and Environmental Удалено: PCU management, sites and analysing phase and after pollution and operating costs Specialist hazardous supporting reporting on health impacts and for the Contractor materials and documents for waste needed in asbestos waste collection management accordance with and transportation, the waste-related

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which is submitted national to the competent regulations communal enterprise; Reporting documents from landfills Dismantling/installing Labor safety At the Visual observation Before and during Avoiding Contractors PMC new electrical construction site and analysis of construction and accidents and expenditure on Environmental equipment/welding (for dismantling presented report per national health impacts training and Specialist operations or installing of on conducted requirements in ensuring labour equipment) works, accidents, terms of ensuring safety, including if any, reports on labour safety costs for conducted training protective gear; Supervision costs of Environmental Specialist During operation Electrical station Labor safety At the electrical Protective gears, Periodically per Avoiding MOF PIU own Chief Engineer Удалено: PCU operation stations obeying of safety specified in accidents and expenses of the station rules, conducted national norms health impacts to training and standards station workers procedures and timing

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Annex 11. Template for Grievance Redress Log

Anonymous Person Status Date Feedback Category of Date of Summary (Yes/No) assigned (resolved, Communication # Priority Feedback Channel feedback resolution of Description to address pending, about resolution Received feedback feedback escalated) 1 2 3 4 5 6

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Annex 12. Cultural Heritage Management Plan Content and Format

For activities financed under the Rural Economic Development Project that deal with tourism and the promotion of tourism, a Cultural Heritage Management Plan CHMP) will be prepared to identify any mitigation measures needed, outline, in detail chance find procedures, include an implementation timeline, and provide an estimate of resource needs for each mitigation measure. This may be developed as a stand- alone document or, depending on the nature and the scale of the risks and impacts of the project, as part of the site-specific ESMP.

Below is an indicative outline of the elements of a CHMP referred to in ESS8. The CHMP should address the following, as relevant to the proposed subproject:

a. A review of the legal and institutional framework applicable to cultural heritage (this should be standard and prepared for all subprojects); b. Roles and responsibilities of the different project and other interested parties, for example, the Borrower, contractors, project-affected people, and cultural heritage authorities (Ministry of Culture); c. The steps to identify and manage cultural heritage throughout the project life cycle including: i. Consultation with local communities on management of cultural assets; ii. Identification of any intangible cultural heritage, particularly those that that might benefit the communities as tourism expands; iii. Chance find procedures when working in historic and culturally sensitive areas; d. Proposed mitigation measures to be undertaken; e. Steps for incorporating relevant requirements relating to cultural heritage into subproject procurement documents, including chance find procedures; f. Implementation schedule and budget; and g. Monitoring and reporting requirements.

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Annex 13. Voluntary Land Donation Criteria and Form

In case of small sections of land required for micro level subproject activities, the project may seek support from the community to donate lands. However, the community members have the right to make a contribution of their land or other assets without seeking or being given compensation at full replacement value. Voluntary contribution is an act of informed consent. Local Authorities must assure that voluntary contributions are made with the affected person’s full and prior knowledge of the availability of other options (including compensation at replacement cost) and are obtained without coercion or duress. Also, voluntary donations are allowed only if the affected people are direct beneficiaries of the investments that cause such impact. Proposals including voluntary contributions will not be submitted for approval where they would significantly harm incomes or living standards of individual owners or users (the size of land contributed on a voluntary basis should not exceed 5% of that individual’s total land holding). Specifically, the following protocol will govern voluntary contributions under the project:

 Voluntary contributions are an act of informed consent and affected people are not forced to donate land or other assets with coercion or under duress, or misled to believe that they are obliged to do so, without regard to the legal status of their land occupancy.  Land alienation should not result in physical or economic displacement.  The impacts must be minor. The households contributing land or other assets are direct beneficiaries of the subproject; the impact is less than 5% of the total productive assets owned by said household.  The facilities requiring land should not be site specific.  The land in question must be free of squatters, encroachers, or other claims or encumbrances.  The land must be identified by jamoat, and not by Enabler or MOF PIU or other line agencies or Удалено: PCU project authorities. However, the project technical authorities should ensure that the land is appropriate for subproject purposes and that the subproject will not have any adverse health or environmental safety hazards.  Voluntariness will be ascertained by MOF PIU with due signing by a higher level official. A process to Удалено: PCU this effect will be formulated by MOF PIU and shared with the Bank for approval. Удалено: PCU  Verification of the voluntary nature of land donations must be obtained from each of the persons/ household donating land. This should be in the form of signed statements.  MOF PIU/ Enablers will also create awareness among the community to devise mechanisms to express Удалено: PCU a sense of gratitude to those households donating lands. These will find a place in the statements.  Other things being equal, land donations will not be accepted by female headed households and elderly people.  The affected people are fully informed that they have the right to refuse to donate land or other private assets, and instead receive compensation at replacement cost, and that a grievance handling mechanism is available to them through which they can express their unwillingness to donate. Furthermore, people are encouraged to use the grievance handling mechanism if they have questions or inquiries, either in writing or verbally.

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Voluntary Land Donation Form

Province: Local Authority : Village/Jamoat: Subproject name: Date of Village/Public Meeting Name of land title owner: Land Title Number: Beneficiary of the subproject: Y/N Sex: Age: Occupation: Address: Description of land that will be Area affected: Total Ratio of land Map code, if taken by the subproject: landholding affected to total available: area: land held: Description of annual crops growing on the land now and project impact: Details Number  Trees that will be destroyed  Fruit trees  Trees used for other economic or household purposes  Mature forest trees  … Describe any other assets that will be lost or must be moved to implement the project: Value of donated assets: Will the donated land/asset is less than 5% of the land/property owned? Gratitude by the Mahalla:

By signing this form, MOF PIU representative here by affirm that land donations are voluntary and that it Удалено: PCU confirms to the protocol agreed with the World Bank. By signing this form, Mohalla committee (representative) hereby affirms that land donations are acknowledged and agreed on extending the gratitude as described above. By signing this form, the land user or owner agrees to contribute assets to the project. The contribution is voluntary. If the land user or owner does not want to contribute his/ her assets to the project, he or she should refuse to sign or provide thumb print, and ask for compensation instead. Date:...... Date:...... Affected persons’ signatures (both husband and wife) MOF PIU representative’s signature Удалено: PCU Date:...... Mahalla representative’s signature

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Annex 14. Principles of IPM, Use and Handling Pesticides

Principles of the Integrated Pest Management. 43 The primary aim of pest management is to manage pests and diseases that may negatively affect production of crops so that they remain at a level that is under an economically damaging threshold. Pesticides should be managed to reduce human exposure and health hazards, to avoid their migration into off-site land or water environments and to avoid ecological impacts such as destruction of beneficial species and the development of pesticide resistance. One important strategy is to promote and facilitate the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through preparation and implementation of an Integrated Pest Management Plan (PMP). The IPM consists of the judicious use of both chemical and nonchemical control techniques to achieve effective and economically efficient pest management with minimal environmental contamination. IPM therefore may include the use of: a) Mechanical and Physical Control; b) Cultural Control; c) Biological Control, and d) rational Chemical Control. Although IPM emphasizes the use of nonchemical strategies, chemical control may be an option used in conjunction with other methods. Integrated pest management strategies depend on surveillance to establish the need for control and to monitor the effectiveness of management efforts. Alternatives to Pesticide Application. Where feasible, the following alternatives to pesticides should be considered:

• Rotate crops to reduce the presence of pests and weeds in the soil ecosystem; Отформатировано: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + • Use pest-resistant crop varieties; Стиль нумерации: Маркер + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см • Use mechanical weed control and / or thermal weeding; • Support and use beneficial organisms, such as insects, birds, mites, and microbial agents, to perform biological control of pests; • Protect natural enemies of pests by providing a favorable habitat, such as bushes for nesting sites and other original vegetation that can house pest predators and by avoiding the use of broad- spectrum pesticides; • Use animals to graze areas and manage plant coverage; • Use mechanical controls such as manual removal, traps, barriers, light, and sound to kill, relocate, or repel pests. Pesticide Application. If pesticide application is warranted, users are recommended take the following actions:

• Train personnel to apply pesticides and ensure that personnel have received applicable Отформатировано: certifications or equivalent training where such certifications are not required; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + • Review and follow the manufacturer’s directions on maximum recommended dosage or treatment Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см as well as published reports on using the reduced rate of pesticide application without loss of effect, and apply the minimum effective dose; • Avoid routine “calendar-based” application, and apply pesticides only when needed and useful based on criteria such as field observations, weather data (e.g. appropriate temperature, low wind, etc.), • Avoid the use of highly hazardous pesticides, particularly by uncertified, untrained or inadequately equipped users. This includes: • Pesticides that fall under the World Health Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Classes 1a and 1b should be avoided in almost all cases, to be used only when no practical alternatives are available and where the handling and use of the products will be done in accordance with national laws by certified personnel in conjunction with health and environmental exposure monitoring;

43 This section is based on the World Bank Group in the Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines prepared in 2007. 141

• Pesticides that fall under the World Health Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides Отформатировано: by Hazard Class II should be avoided if the project host country lacks restrictions on distribution многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + and use of these chemicals, or if they are likely to be accessible to personnel without proper Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см training, equipment, and facilities to handle, store, apply, and dispose of these products properly; • Avoid the use of pesticides listed in Annexes A and B of the Stockholm Convention, except under Отформатировано: the conditions noted in the convention and those subject to international bans or phase outs; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + • Use only pesticides that are manufactured under license and registered and approved by the Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см appropriate authority and in accordance with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides; • Use only pesticides that are labeled in accordance with international standards and norms, such as Отформатировано: the FAO’s Revised Guidelines for Good Labeling Practice for Pesticides; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + • Select application technologies and practices designed to reduce unintentional drift or runoff only Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см as indicated in an IPM program, and under controlled conditions; • Maintain and calibrate pesticide application equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Use application equipment that is registered in the country of use; • Establish untreated buffer zones or strips along water sources, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and Отформатировано: ditches to help protect water resources; многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + • Avoid use of pesticides that have been linked to localized environmental problems and threats. Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

The national pesticide registration list should be also followed.

Pesticide Handling and Storage. Contamination of soils, groundwater, or surface water resources, due to accidental spills during transfer, mixing, and storage of pesticides should be prevented by following the hazardous materials storage and handling recommendations. These are the following: • Store pesticides in their original packaging, in a dedicated, dry, cool, frost-free, and well aerated Отформатировано: location that can be locked and properly identified with signs, with access limited to authorized многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: Маркер + people. No human or animal food may be stored in this location. The store room should also be Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см designed with spill containment measures and sited in consideration of potential for contamination of soil and water resources; • Mixing and transfer of pesticides should be undertaken by trained personnel in ventilated and well lit areas, using containers designed and dedicated for this purpose. • Containers should not be used for any other purpose (e.g. drinking water). Contaminated containers should be handled as hazardous waste, and should be disposed in specially designated for hazardous wastes sites. Ideally, disposal of containers contaminated with pesticides should be done in a manner consistent with FAO guidelines and with manufacturer's directions; • Purchase and store no more pesticide than needed and rotate stock using a “first-in, first-out” principle so that pesticides do not become obsolete. Additionally, the use of obsolete pesticides should be avoided under all circumstances; a management plan that includes measures for the containment, storage and ultimate destruction of all obsolete stocks should be prepared in accordance to guidelines by FAO and consistent with country commitments under the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Basel Conventions. • Collect rinse water from equipment cleaning for reuse (such as for the dilution of identical pesticides to concentrations used for application); • Ensure that protective clothing worn during pesticide application is either cleaned or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner • Maintain records of pesticide use and effectiveness. Pest Management Plan (PMP). The content of the Pest Management Plan should apply to all the activities and individuals working. It should be emphasized also that non-chemical control efforts will be used to the maximum extent possible before pesticides are used. The Pest Management Plan should be a framework through which pest management is defined and accomplished. The Plan should identify elements of the program to include health and environmental safety, pest identification, and pest management, as well as pesticide storage, transportation, use and disposal. Management Plan is to be used as a tool to reduce reliance on pesticides, to enhance environmental protection, and to maximize the use of integrated pest management techniques.

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The Pest Management Plan shall contain pest management requirements, outlines the resources necessary for surveillance and control, and describes the administrative, safety and environmental requirements. The Plan should provide guidance for operating and maintaining an effective pest management program/ activities. Pests considering in the Plan may be weeds and other unwanted vegetation, crawling insects and other vertebrate pests. Without control, these pests provoke plants’ deceases. Adherence to the Plan will ensure effective, economical and environmentally acceptable pest management and will maintain compliance with pertinent laws and regulations. Reviewing and approving Pest Management Plan. A PMP should be prepared in all cases of direct purchasing and usage of pesticides by all subprojects beneficiaries. The draft PMP should be reviewed by the Grant officers as well as by the PMU environmental specialist, who will provide its approval. These documents are also subject to WB prior review for the first two such types of subprojects from the each PFI. Recommended modules for Pest management trainings. Pest management Plan can include the training activities organized either broadly throughout the project districts or in some particular district of bigger importance. The recommended modules are the following:  Basic concepts of the integrated method of plant and animal protection; Отформатировано:  Alternatives to the use of pesticides, training of workers in their use, and the application of the маркированный + Уровень: 1 + Выровнять по: 0,67 см + Отступ: minimum effective dose;  Study of pests, entomophages, their biology, microbiological preparations and the role of biological factors in the regulation of pest numbers;  Compliance with the environmental requirements of the pest control system, crop diseases and weeds. Description of environmental measures to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the crop;  Requirements for environmental and industrial safety in the storage, transportation and use of pesticides;  Selection of technologies and applications to reduce unintentional emissions or chemical diversions, in accordance with the provisions of the integrated plant pest management program under controlled conditions, compliance with international and local environmental safety standards and standards;  Templates of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (using the experience of other WB projects) as well as plans for combating agricultural pests.

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Annex 15. Recommended Structure of a Pest Management Plan

Following review of the Environment Screening Checklist submitted by the applicant for a sub-project loan, the Grant Manager Officer and/or PMU Environmental Specialist will determine if the applicant needs to prepare a PMP. This determination would be made on the basis of toxicity of the pesticides to be used and the environmental risks posed by the activity. When, a determination is made that a PMP is to be prepared by the sub-project loan applicant, a two stage process would be applied towards the preparation of the PMP.

Stage A: Additional Information Request The applicant would provide the following information: 1. Types and application of pesticides Отформатировано: (i) What are the pesticides that are to be purchased, including name of product, type of многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать formulation, concentrations of the active ingredient? с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + (ii) Where are the pesticides to be purchased from, including name of store and location? Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см (iii) What are the quantities of pesticides to be purchased and the package sizes and quantities in Отформатировано: each package? многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + (iv) What type of equipment is to be used to apply the pesticides Стиль нумерации: i, ii, iii, … + Начать (v) Are applicators trained in the proper and safe use of the pesticides? с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

2. Purpose and appropriateness of pesticides Отформатировано: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + (i) What crops to you plan to use the pesticide? Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + (ii) What pests and/or diseases are to be controlled by the pesticide? Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см (iii) What non-chemical pest control measures have been used in the past to control the Отформатировано: pests and/or diseases mentioned in (ii) above? многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + (iv) How often is the pesticide to be applied and in what quantities in any given application? Стиль нумерации: i, ii, iii, … + Начать (v) How will the timing of the application of the pesticide be decided? с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см (vi) Have you been trained or received advice on non-chemical pest control or integrated pest control (IPM)? (vii) If not trained, how do you plan to obtain assistance, advice or training in pesticide application quantities and methods; calibration of spraying equipment; use of protective gear; storage and disposal methods, etc.

3. Handling, storage and disposal of pesticides Отформатировано: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + (i) How will the pesticides be transported to the project site? Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + (ii) Where will the pesticides be stored in the farm? Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см (iii) Will the storage location of the pesticide be secured / locked and who will have access to Отформатировано: these stores? многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + (iv) How will animals, children and unauthorized persons be excluded from access to the Стиль нумерации: i, ii, iii, … + Начать storage areas? с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см (v) Where will mixing of pesticides happen and what precautions will be taken to keep the storage and pesticide mixing areas away from grain stores and production areas? (vi) How will excess unused and mixed pesticide products be disposed of? (vii) How will empty pesticide containers be disposed of? (viii) How will pesticide records in terms of purchase, use and disposal be maintained? Отформатировано: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + 4. Environmental Aspects Стиль нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

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(i) Are pesticide application areas near water bodies, wetlandhfdjls or areas of known natural Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: habitats? 1,25 см, Выступ: 1,25 см, многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + (ii) Are there know natural pollinators found in the vicinity of the application areas? If so Стиль нумерации: i, ii, iii, … + Начать what precautions would be used to ensure that non-target beneficial species are not с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + harmed? Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см

Stage B: Preparation of Pest Management Plan

Based on the information provided by the subproject loan applicant, the PFI Loan Officer (if necessary, in consultation with PMU Environmental Officer) will identify the risks associated with the application of the pesticide and the more important and most practical mitigation measures that need to be applied, including any complementary measures using non-chemical control measures. The PFI Loan Officer will advise the applicant on the scope and nature of the PMP to address potential impacts of the subproject activities. If needed, the PFI Loan Officer and/or PMU Environmental Specialist can advise the loan applicant on professional services that could be obtained for completion of the subproject specific PMP. Typically the outline of the PMP would be the following:

(a) Purpose of Activity provides information on extent and severity of pest and diseases in the crops Отформатировано: to be grown многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: a, b, c, … + Начать (b) General Information of Area which should provide data on land use and soil, water resources, с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + layout of facilities, etc. Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см (c) Review of Existing Pest Management Practices and Capacity which should provide data on current practices (chemical and non-chemical) in control of the particular pests and diseases, constraints and track record and extent to which pest and diseases of fruit and agricultural crops have been managed and controlled; and reasons for enhanced pesticide applications through the proposed subproject loan. (d) Types, amounts and application of Pesticides provides information on the types, amounts and nature of the pesticides to be purchased and used and the current and proposed handling, application, storage and disposal methods for the pesticides (e) Capacity, training and knowledge of the safe application and use of pesticides provides information on existing knowledge and capacity of staff and personnel in the safe use and application of pesticides and identification of gaps in training and knowledge for improving capacity. (f) Potential risks and hazards associated with application and use of pesticides in subproject loan would provide information on the environmental and human health impacts associated with the handling, application, storage and disposal of pesticides under the subproject loan, including potential impacts on non-target beneficial species, soil and water and natural habitats. (g) Mitigation Measures to avoid and manage potential pesticide impacts that would provide Отформатировано: information on the following: многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + Стиль нумерации: a, b, c, … + Начать • Mechanical and physical control, cultural and biological control measures, if any that can be с: 1 + Выравнивание: слева + used in conjunction with or without pesticide applications to suppress or reduce the severity Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см of the target pest or disease to be controlled; Отформатировано: • Chemicals and chemical procedures that will be used to control pests and diseases, многоуровневый + Уровень: 1 + conditions under which the chemicals will be used, including climatic conditions, vegetation Стиль нумерации: Маркер + conditions, timing of applications, to improve the effectiveness of the pesticide and reduce its Выровнять по: 0 см + Отступ: 0 см environmental impacts as well as specific measures to be employed to protect sensitive ecosystems, aquatic systems and ground water; • Management of health and safety aspects that would define measures to ensure safe handling, transport, application, storage and disposal of pesticides so as to reduce environmental and health risks;

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• Measures that would be introduced for public safety and protection during pesticide applications; • Measures to track and monitor pesticide use and effectiveness in controlling desired pests; Measures to be undertaken to create awareness, improve information flow and improve capacity of farm workers on the hazards on the unsafe use, handling and storage of pesticides and measures for reducing such risks, as well as options for integrated pest management; • Measures to be taken to obtain technical support for pest management and safe use and • application of pesticides, when necessary; and • Budget estimate for implementation of the PMP.

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Annex 16. Minutes of Consultations on Draft ESMF

MINUTES NO.1 of the consultation workshop to discuss “Rural Economy Development” project (in Khatlon region) (World Bank Environmental and Social Standards)

Vose district 17.04.2019

Participants: Vose district Chairman – Ghafurzoda Muso Zarif, Head of regional department of tourism in Khatlon region - Bakhriddin Azizov, district Deputy Chairman – Sultonov A., as well as 53 invited people from among activists of the district, local government representatives, NGOs, entrepreneurs, mahalla residents, women councils and etc. (the list of participants is enclosed).

Workshop Agenda: 1. Presentation of Environmental and Social Standards (ESS 5) (Mirzoev S.) (Enclosed); 2. Presentation on issues pertaining to the issues of Stakeholders Engagement Plan (ESS 10) (Haidarov A.J.). (Enclosed).

Note: It should be noted that copies of the presentation of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (11 pages) were distributed among the participants as handouts. The meeting participants decided to hold the consultation workshop in Tajik language. The consultation workshop was opened by Ghafurzoda Muso Zarif, Chairman of Vose district. He mentioned that the project development goal was to support local population and increase their sources of income from agribusiness and tourism. Improving the quality of services offered to tourists that visit a total of 32 local attractions in the district. He noted that the Minister of finance of Tajikistan and a group of international donors, consultants recently visited the district and noted the need for creating an infrastructure that would meet the requirements of tourists, creating additional jobs, production shops for processing agricultural products. He also noted that it is necessary to cover the returned migrants, women, women headed households, vulnerable people, including disabled persons in the project implementation. Since it is considered an agricultural district and there are no jobs in the district, most of the returned migrants are engaged in agricultural work. It would be desirable for the project to offer them concessional financing programs. He also mentioned the announcement by the President of the “Year of Development of Tourism and Handicrafts”, and in this regard, as the project uses grant

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financing he noted that it is necessary to utilize the project funds effectively to provide local population with an additional source of income in the long term. At the end of the speech, he expressed gratitude to the World Bank and the Projects that provide ongoing support to local residents, especially to the workers of agricultural sector. Further, the floor was given for presentation to the environmental specialist – Mirzoev S. In his speech, the following was highlighted: goals, objectives of the project, new environmental requirements of the World Bank, and also the district’s level of environmental vulnerability. The speaker also touched upon the issues of agricultural production, environmental situations that the local people face from among the target group. Next was the speech of sociologist - Haidarov A.J. His presentation included the current state of social issues in accordance with new Environmental and Social Standards of the World Bank. He described the goals and objectives of the standards, identification of stakeholders, grievance redress mechanisms, methods of interactions with stakeholders, action plan on the submission of grant applications. In addition, the participants also discussed potential conflict situations in the process of local people’s activity in agriculture, namely among vulnerable people. The following questions were asked:

1. Rahim Iskandar, chairman of dehkan farm Kholmurod. For how long the grant funds Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: are provided and what are the available mechanisms? Can we hope for any kind of assistance in 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль the submission of project applications? I think that if we have a local consultant who will help us нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 in preparation of project applications, namely in issues related to compliance with environmental + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять and social standards, we will be able to effectively implement the projects. One of the reasons of по: 1,63 см + Отступ: 2,27 см our weakness is lack of competence in preparation of project applications. Response: Bobokhonov S., Haidarov A. This issue is envisaged in the project and will be managed in the process of loan provision. 2. Mutabarova M., entrepreneur. I submitted 5 project applications to different organizations for opening a sewing shop but none of those organizations supported my project proposal. Response: Haidarov А. This issue needs to be addressed taking into account the proposed criteria established by the donor. We are here today to hear your problems that may arise during the project implementation. Please tell us about difficulties that you may have if you are engaged in project implementation. 3. Kamolova Gulnora. NGO lawyer. In the past we used to spend 7-8 hours to reach the district, but the roads were clean. Nowadays, it takes 3 hours to reach the district, but there are a lot of waste and trash on the street roads. Is it possible to use the project for cleaning the streets from trash? Response: Mirzoev S. The main directions of the project are not identified yet. It is necessary to clarify the type of activity that will be supported by the project. 4. Gulomov Tolibjon. NGO. The presented standards are very complex. Can these standards be simplified for the local level? Response: Mirzoev S. These 10 Environmental and Social Standards, which are proposed by the World Bank are the criteria used in all projects around the world. We need to ensure compliance

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with these requirements as they protect people’s health, local culture, living standards and do not allow corruption and much more. 5. Tagoev, Jamoat chairman. In our jamoat, we have more than 50 dehkan farms and we often suffer from mudflows. Can we receive grant to address the problem with mudflows? Response: Mirzoev S. This issue must be resolved by other ministries and agencies.

Speeches: 1. Abdulojon Khojaev. Director of “Hulbuk” historical complex. Today we are discussing a serious issue. The project that need to be implemented today must be of international importance. The grant funds can help to resolve many issues associated with improving the infrastructure around the historical complex and increase the number of tourists that visit the site. I would suggest to create a regional coordination center that could address many issues locally without involvement of the PIU, Ministry of Finance. This issue concerns not only me, but also all women, entrepreneurs, NGOs, migrants. 2. Tolibjon Gulomov, NGO. The issue of creating a local independent Consulting Center with its own Environmental specialist and Sociologist is relevant because we are a little further from the center and in order to create agribusiness and tourism infrastructure in a timely manner it would be better if the issues were addressed at the local level. 3. Burkhonova Bunafsha. Entrepreneur. I opened a confectionery shop. I work and I provided a few local women with jobs. Our business is profitable but we have multiple inspections by tax authorities. I want the entrepreneurs that will use grant funds to have tax incentives or separate guidelines that would help the entrepreneurs to get on their feet. Our women no nothing about the business plan and taxes. We need education seminars and workshops on legal issues. 4. Bahridin Azizov. Head of tourism department in Khatlon region. Today, lack of funds is the main problem for organizing the tourism infrastructure. It became especially important after the announcement by the President Emomali Rahmon the “Year of Development of Tourism and Handicrafts”. I suggest to use consultations on the issue of community grants. For instance, it is possible to provide grant for the construction of a hotel to one entrepreneur. Also, the same amount can be given to 20 households so that they could create conditions for running guesthouses, which would allow 20 households to generate income. Consultation meetings with social and environmental experts must be organized at the level of small farms. 5. Halimov Khusrav, Chairman of NGO “Etimod va amal”. Our NGO will fully comply with presented standards. It is necessary to organize courses on professional development and skills to communicate with foreign tourists. We would like the World Bank to help to resolve these issues through this Project. Proposals 1. To create a regional coordination center that could allow to address many issues locally without involvement of the PIU, Ministry of Finance; 2. To create a local independent Consulting Center with its own environmental specialist and sociologist that will help to create agribusiness and tourist infrastructure;

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3. To create a mechanism that would ensure tax incentives or separate guidelines for grant recipients, which will help the entrepreneurs to get on their feet. The women know nothing about business plans and taxes. There is a need for organizing educational seminars and workshops on legal issues; 4. To organize consultation meetings with social and environmental experts at the level of small farms; 5. To organize courses on professional development and skills to communicate with foreign tourists.

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MUNITES NO.2 of the consultation workshop to discuss “Rural Economy Development” project (in Khatlon region) (World Bank Environmental and Social Management Standards)

Nosiri Khisrav district 18.04.2019

Participants: First Deputy Chairman of Nosiri Khisrav district – Kholboizoda Nemat.

As well as 69 invited people from among activists of the district, local government representatives, NGOs, entrepreneurs, mahalla residents, women councils and etc. (the list of participants is enclosed).

The consultation workshop was opened by Kholboizoda Nemat, First Deputy Chairman of Nosiri Khisrav district. He introduced the working group members to the workshop participants. In his speech, he spoke about the project goal and expressed gratitude to the World Bank and all those organizations involved in the project implementation. Further, the floor was given for presentation to the environmental specialist – Mirzoev S. In his speech, the following was highlighted: goals, objectives of the project, new environmental requirements of the World Bank, and also the district’s level of environmental vulnerability. The speaker also touched upon the issues of agricultural production, environmental situations that the local people face from among the target group.

Next was the speech of sociologist - Haidarov A.J. His presentation included the current state of social issues in accordance with new Environmental and Social Standards of the World Bank. He described the goals and objectives of the standards, identification of stakeholders, grievance redress mechanisms, methods of interactions with stakeholders, action plan on the submission of grant applications. In addition, the participants also discussed potential conflict situations in the process of local people’s activity in agriculture, namely among vulnerable people. Questions:

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1. Salim Emomzoda. Entrepreneur. I have a garden and vineyard on 12 hectares of land. I Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: want to receive a grant for the construction of a processing shop. Can I receive a grant in one 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль application for several activities, that is, for the construction of processing shop, increasing the нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 garden area and for building of vegetable storehouse? + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять Response: Mirzoev S. We do not have a final version of the framework document yet, but we по: 1,27 см + Отступ: 1,9 см will pass your question on to the World Bank representatives. Haidarov A.: Today, it is important to recognize that the farmer has become both the producer and the entrepreneur. At this stage, it is necessary to comply with the WB Environmental and Social Standards. 2. Ruziev Y., Entrepreneur, Chairman of the Council of veterans. I want to create a garden Отформатировано: Отступ: Слева: and what needs to be done for that? What kind of assistance you could provide from your side, 0 см, Первая строка: 0 см, нумерованный + Уровень: 1 + Стиль and what groups will be mostly assisted by your project? нумерации: 1, 2, 3, … + Начать с: 1 Response: Haidarov А. Today we presented the WB standards and vulnerable people will be + Выравнивание: слева + Выровнять the priority in project implementation. The vulnerable people include lonely women, women по: 1,27 см + Отступ: 1,9 см with many children, jobless people, migrants, those who work in agriculture sector. As the World Bank intends to expand the project's capabilities, it will add separate programs for this target group in the form of additional financing. 3. Umed Boboev. NGO “Rushdi Dehot”. I prepared and submitted several project proposals to the donors, but nobody supported me. The project application forms were in different languages. Our district has predominantly Uzbek population and most of people do not know other languages. It would be good if you could allow to submit the project applications in Uzbek language. Response: Mirzoev S. This issue will be passed on to the World Bank representatives. 4. Nazar Partoev. Head of household. Our children are in labor migration and they have potential for the creation of tourist infrastructure in Chiluchorchashma. Once our children wanted to build a canteen near this attraction. However, the tax authorities had pressure with payment of taxes before the construction. How to address this issue? Response: Bobokhonov S. This issue needs to be considered. 5. Olimov Erkin. Chairman of mahalla committee. Can we submit a project proposal for the road construction? Response: Mirzoev S. This issue will be passed on to the World Bank representatives. 6. Ozoda Olimbek. Teacher. I teach at school and want to open a shop for sewing souvenirs near Chiluchorchashma site. Can I be eligible for grant funds? Response: Haidarov А. The project is aimed at supporting the business of women entrepreneurs, who want to establish production in the tourist infrastructure.

Speeches: 1. Azimova M. Specialist from local government. I think that first of all it is necessary to create a Project Support Center under the local government or a separate structure for coordination with mahalla council. The center could help all who would apply for a grant. 2. Boboev U., Chairman of NGO “Rushdi diyor”. We have an office and if there is a need for ToT, we have experienced specialists and a conference room to conduct trainings. Proposals: 1. Conduct seminars among entrepreneurs on the use of grant funds, improving economic and tourism literacy;

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2. Provide tax incentives to vulnerable groups of people; 3. Open the Project support center and provide environmental and social consultations; 4. Conduct an exhibition of tourist services at the district level; 5. Organize fairs of agricultural products to introduce the types of products of different regions (experience sharing), identify new approaches to the cultivation of a product, increase awareness on the sale, marketing and storage of products;

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