Initial Environmental Examination

Supplemental Report – Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

Document: Initial Environmental Examination (Draft)

Date: December 2020

Loan 3285-UZB: Northwest Region Power Transmission Line Project:

Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project

Prepared by the Joint-Stock Company National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan (NEGU) for the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The Initial Environmental Examination is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. Preparing Sustainable Energy Investment Projects, Regional Energy Transmission and Dispatch Enhancement, Uzbekistan

Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project

Framework Biodiversity Action Plan (F- BAP)

Date: December 2020

Prepared by the Joint-Stock Company National Electrical Networks of Uzbekistan (NENU) for Asian Development Bank (ADB), Uzbekistan.

The Framework Biodiversity Action Plan is a document of the borrower. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of ADB's Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature.

In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area.

Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 1.1. OVERVIEW ...... 3 1.2. SCOPE ...... 3 1.3. PURPOSE ...... 5 1.4. PROJECT OVERVIEW ...... 5 1.5. APPLICATION OF THE MITIGATION HIERARCHY ...... 6 2. F-BAP IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS ...... 8 3. BIODIVERSITY CONTEXT ...... 11 3.1. SENSITIVE HABITAT AND SPECIES ...... 11 4. ACTION PLANS FOR SENSITIVE SPECIES ...... 15 4.1. EGYPTIAN VULTURE ACTION PLAN ...... 15 4.1.1. Egyptian Vulture Current Status ...... 15 4.1.2. Project Approach to the Egyptian Vulture ...... 15 4.2. SAKER FALCON ACTION PLAN ...... 21 4.2.1. Saker Falcon Current Status ...... 21 4.2.2. Project Approach to the Saker Falcon ...... 23 4.3. GENERAL BIRD ACTION PLAN ...... 27 4.3.1. General Bird Action Plan Overview ...... 27 4.3.2. Project Approach to the General Bird Action Plan ...... 29 5. F-BAP MONITORING AND EVALUATION ...... 31 5.1. AIM AND OBJECTIVES ...... 31 5.2. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND DISSEMINATION ...... 31 5.3. RESOURCES ...... 31 6. F-BAP INDICATIVE COSTS ...... 32

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

1. Introduction

1.1. Overview

1. National Energy Grids of Uzbekistan (NEGU), the executing agency, is seeking to construct a new 220kV transmission lines between Syrdarya and Zafarabad, and a new substation in Zafarabad, central Uzbekistan to provide reliable power supply to new large enterprises and household consumers in the Jizzak region (henceforth, the Project).

2. The Project is being funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the larger Regional Energy Transmission and Dispatch Enhancement Project. An Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) has been prepared together with a Critical Habitat Assessment (CHA). The IEE and CHA confirmed that the project will not result in any significant residual adverse effects or trigger Critical Habitat, however, the regional population of the endangered Egyptian vulture is present in numbers that are close to triggering Critical Habitat. Any material changes in this population may therefore trigger Critical Habitat. Further, this work confirmed the likely presence of Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species that could be adversely affected by the Project.

3. The IEE provides mitigation that will help avoid and minimise significant effects but ADB Safeguard Policy Statement 2009 (SPS) requires that the Project also avoids a reduction in the population of any recognized endangered or critically endangered species (no net loss, NNL). The IEE and CHA both recommended a Framework Biodiversity Action Plan (F-BAP) to ensure the Project achieves NNL for all species, and net gain if considered appropriate.

1.2. Scope

4. The IEE identified a large number of notable ecological receptors that are present or potentially present near the Project. The CHA confirmed 16 internationally vulnerable or endangered species and/or species of national importance that are likely to be present in the Project’s Area of Influence (AoI) and may be affected:  Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus: EN)  Saker falcon (Falco cherrug: EN)  Pallas’s fish eagle, (Haliaeetus leucoryphus: EN)  European turtledove (Streptopelia turtur: VU)  Yellow-eyed pigeon, (Columba eversmanni: VU)  Marbled polecat (Vormela peregusna: VU)  White stork (Ciconia Ciconia: LC)

5. Migratory Birds were also identified as being of particular concern, namely:  Sociable lapwing (Vanellus gregarious: CR)  Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis: EN)  White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala: EN)  Asian houbara (Chlamydotis macqueenii: VU)  Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus: VU)  Marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris: VU)  Common pochard (Aythya farina: VU)

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

 Greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga: VU)  Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliacal: VU)

6. Several species including birds are particularly susceptible to the risks associated with transmission lines. High voltage transmission lines typically pose less risk of electrocution to birds than lower voltage power lines (e.g. distribution lines), mainly due to the size and the spacing between the transmission wires. Nonetheless, most size birds are still at risk of electrocution during a short circuit and large birds, birds with poor manoeuvrability, narrow visual field or birds that fly at night are at particularly at risk of collision.

7. Of the threatened species mentioned above, the Egyptian vulture and Saker falcon are identified as breeding in the wider Project area. As they are endangered and particularly susceptible to electrocution special provisions are described in this F-BAP to ensure NNL as a result of the Project. The CHA assessed that the Egyptian vulture was close to triggering IFC thresholds for Critical Habitat and measures may be required to achieve net gain (NG) if appropriate.

8. A number of other threatened raptors have been identified as at risk from the Project. The Pallas’s fish eagle and Steppe eagle are both not thought to occur regularly in the Project AoI but are present locally, they are endangered and at risk from electrocution, and as such monitoring will be required to ensure NNL from the Project. The Greater-spotted eagle and Eastern imperial eagle are vulnerable and potentially present in passage, they too will be monitored for any required adaptive management measures.

9. Asian houbara is a large bird that might potentially be present in passage, although again low likelihood, however these threatened birds are susceptible to collision and as such precautionary actions are therefore described.

10. There is a nationally important population of White stork in the vicinity of the Project and although the species is not internationally threatened a relatively small change in this local population may affect the Uzbekistan population. This species shows a strong preference for nesting on tall man-made structures. Approximately 34% of nests in the local population are on iron high voltage electricity pylons. Mitigation is provided in the IEE to deter nesting on Project infrastructure. Monitoring will identify any population changes due to the Project and inform if any adaptive management measures are required to ensure NNL.

11. The Sociable lapwing, White-headed duck, Lesser White-fronted goose, Common pochard and Marbled teal are all unlikely to be present in the AoI and are at low risk from transmission lines. The Yellow-eyed pigeon and European turtledove are smaller, more manoeuvrable and less likely to use the live transmission infrastructure for perching or nesting. The risks posed by the transmission lines are therefore lower. As described in the IEE the risks to the Marbled polecat are also low. The GIIP and mitigation detailed in the IEE will avoid, reduce or mitigate potential impacts to these species. They are therefore not covered by this F-BAP.

12. This F-BAP therefore prioritises the Egyptian vulture and Saker falcon and provides precautionary measures for the Steppe eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, Greater- spotted eagle, Eastern imperial eagle, Asian houbara and White stork.

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

13. The recommended actions build on, but do not duplicate the biodiversity mitigation and compensation measures included in the Project IEE and associated Environmental Management Plans (EMP). This F-BAP will be developed into a detailed BAP. The detailed BAP will be a live document that should be updated as the Project develops, and the conservation context of the target species changes. This F-BAP explains how the Project will monitor the target species and if their population(s) change, how the BAP should be developed, and what it will include.

1.3. Purpose

14. The ADB Environment Safeguards Good Practices Sourcebook 2012 states that for projects with potentially significant biodiversity impacts and risks (e.g. involving critical habitats) the development of a BAP may be required. This F-BAP, which is a precursor to a BAP, provides the framework for the Project to achieve NNL for a number of threatened species potentially present in the area and particularly at risk from the Project. It should be read and applied in conjunction with the IEE and its biodiversity mitigation and its associated EMP. This Framework BAP provides:  An overview of the Project for context  An explanation of how the mitigation hierarchy has been applied  A summary of the biodiversity present with specific reference to the target species  An explanation of the Project’s approach to better understanding the population and distribution of each target species  A summary of the actions that maybe required if NL, or NG for Egyptian vulture is recorded during construction or operation  An indication of how to develop the full BAP, inclusive of what the conservation targets should be, how will they be measured, the costs and who will be responsible.

1.4. Project Overview

15. To improve reliable energy provision in the Jizzak region, the Project proposes:  The construction of a 220 kV "Zafarabad" substation with two transformers with capacity of 250 MVA,  Construction of a 220 kV HV line from Syrdarya TPP to "Zafarabad" substation (length of 142 km), and  Expansion of Syrdarya TPP switchgear by two new cells to connect two new 220 kV HV lines.

16. The temporary Project footprint is anticipated to be approximately 422.7 hectares (ha) representing the work area that needs to be clear of people and livestock during construction. A permanent Project footprint of 15.9 ha will be required the towers and the construction of the substation. In reality, the area between the towers, around 225m, will not be impacted significantly by Project works. The areas between the towers will be only be affected by the following activities:  Laying out of the wires between the towers prior to the stringing,  Pulling/tensioning sites, and  Staging areas.

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

17. The Project Area of Influence (AoI) is set at 1 km buffer around all Project activities. The Project alignment and its proximity to nearby Important Bird Areas (IBAs, designated sites of conservation importance) can be seen in Figure 1. Figure 1: Project alignment and nearby IBAs

1.5. Application of the Mitigation Hierarchy

18. The ultimate objective of a BAP is to achieve no net biodiversity loss or net biodiversity gain if Critical Habitat is triggered or there is a residual significant impact from the Project. To achieve this, the “Mitigation Hierarchy” is applied to potential impacts identified during the IEE screening and planning process as shown in the figure below. Using this approach avoidance has been prioritised, followed by minimisation and restoration, with measurable offsets only applied as a last resort where residual impacts are unavoidable, or as an additional conservation measure.

19. Therefore, mitigation measures for the project have been designed to achieve no net loss of biodiversity, and where possible to achieve net gain, and in accordance with the ADB Environmental Safeguards: Good Practice Sourcebook (2012) and the mitigation hierarchy, summarized as follows:

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

Table 1: Applied Mitigation Hierarchy

Avoid Minimize Restore Offset

When avoidance of When avoidance and Biodiversity offsets may As a matter of priority, impacts is not possible, minimization of impacts be considered only after the client should seek measures to minimize is not possible, appropriate avoidance, to avoid impacts on impacts to biodiversity measures to restore minimization and biodiversity and and ecosystem services biodiversity and restoration measures ecosystem services. should be implemented ecosystem services have been applied. should be implemented Biodiversity offsets should be designed to achieve no net loss or a net gain where the affected habitat is natural or modified

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

2. F-BAP Implementation Process

20. The project will avoid impacts to notable species and habitats and ensure NNL by:

 Use of the mitigation hierarchy involving a sequential approach of impact avoidance, mitigation, restoration and finally offsetting if no other approach is effective.  Design of the project to avoid adversely affecting sensitive species.  Use of good international practice during construction works to further prevent or reduce impacts wherever practical. This includes avoidance measures such as seasonal timings of works (for example to avoid impacts to nesting birds as well as other generic mitigation measures as elaborated in the IEE.  Application of a Biodiversity Action Plan or Species Action Plans as outlined below.

21. The responsibility of implementing these approaches will change as the construction phase finishes and the project becomes operational. Accountabilities and responsibilities are summarized in the following table:

Table 2: F-BAP development and responsibilities Construction Organization Role in the F-BAP Accountable for ensuring EPC Contractor and construction works are The Project Management compliant with the IEE and project framework plans, including the F- Unit (PMU) of National BAP. The NEGU PMU will hire a Project Implementation Consultant Electric Grid of (PIC) to oversee proceedings. The PIC will complete weekly Uzbekistan (NEGU) inspections of the EPC Contractors environmental and social performance. Responsible for ensuring compliance of all civil works with the IEE and Project framework plans. Responsible the for implementation of this F- BAP during construction, completed alongside the implementation of Engineering, the project’s Environmental Management Plan. The EPC Contractor Procurement and will do this via their own project specific plans, which will need to be Construction (EPC) fully compliant with the project framework plans. During the Contractor Construction phase the EPC Contractor will be assisted by his Environmental and Social Officer and National Biodiversity Experts as noted below. The EPC Contractor is required to retain the expertise of an Environment and Social Officer (ESO). One of the ESO’s key tasks will be to manage the biodiversity aspects of the project, and thus the ESO must be suitably trained (as per the IEE).

The ESO will be responsible for:  Updating the F-BAP to a full BAP; Environment and Social  Designing an efficient and effective monitoring program; and Officer (ESO) If required, the technical work for these items will be delegated to National Experts (see below).

The ESO shall be responsible for routine staff training on environmental and biodiversity matters throughout the construction phase. The ESO will therefore be responsible for communicating and training construction workers on the biodiversity management required

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

for the project and the measures required for sensitive species and habitats. This F-BAP includes action plans for a number of bird species. It includes a number of measures such as field surveys and primary data gathering of sensitive bird species for which the EPC Contractor will be accountable.

Responsibility for completion of these EPC Contractor tasks (e.g. field surveys and those indicated in Table 4 and Table 7 below) will be assigned to experienced national biodiversity experts with relevant National Biodiversity experience in the specific species. Expert(s) (hired by EPC

Contractor) Decisions regarding survey methodologies employed by the National Biodiversity Experts should be made in consultation with public offices and civil society organizations, including for example; the Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (UzSPB), the State Biological Control of the State Environmental Committee for Nature Protection (SCNP), or The BirdFair/RSPB Research Fund for Endangered Birds. 1 This item is given specific attention below this table.

The PIC, through its national environmental specialist (NES) and international environmental / biodiversity specialist (IES) will work closely with the EPC Contractors ESO to ensure correct and timely implementation of the F-BAP. Project Implementation Consultant (PIC) Prior to the commencement of works the IES will review the updated BAP and during construction both the NES and IES will monitor the implementation of the BAP making specific reference to this as part of the PICs bi-annual environmental monitoring to ADB.

Operation Organization Role in the F-BAP Accountable and responsible for ensuring that the mitigation measures specified in this F-BAP and the IEE are implemented, monitored and NEGU managed during operation. NEGU may delegate F-BAP actions to national biodiversity experts, see below This F-BAP includes action plans for a number of bird species. It includes a number of measures such as field surveys for which the NEGU will be accountable in the operational phase.

National Biodiversity Responsibility for completion of these tasks (e.g. field surveys and Expert(s) (hired by NEGU) those indicated in Table 4 and Table 7 below) will be handed over to experienced national biodiversity experts with relevant experience in the specific species who will be hired by NEGU.

22. Furthermore, as part of contractor’s site induction training, the ESO will be required to include training and awareness raising of the project’s sensitive ecological receptors, and the project’s required management and mitigation commitments. Training will include the clarify of roles and responsibilities, the use of photographs, behavior training including bans on hunting, foraging, and trapping, national regulatory requirements, activities that should be

1 All parties were responsible for the preparation of the Action Plans on Conservation of the Globally Endangered Bird Species in Uzbekistan. Issue 1: Saker Falcon. Egyptian Vulture

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

observed in specific sections or periods/months (e.g. breeding) to avoid or minimize the risk of disturbance, injury, or death of the project’s sensitive species, in particular the Egyptian vulture and saker falcon. Contractors must also enforce a total ban on guard dogs and firearms. Required management measures will be repeated by the ESO during daily toolbox talks at construction camps and construction sites.

2.1. Peer Review of Survey Methodologies

23. The F-BAP has been designed to include multiple layers of management and oversight, including the EPCs ESO, the PICs IES and NES and national experts. However, as noted in the table above it is also considered prudent to engage with relevant experienced organization(s) to ensure that all of the surveys planned for the project follow best practice methodologies such as those used during the development of national action plans for key species, such as the Saker Falcon and the Egyptian Vulture.

24. It is therefore a requirement of this F-BAP that the EPC Contractor (and the National Biodiversity Experts contracted by the EPC Contractor) arranges and undertakes a “bird survey workshop” which shall include appropriate public offices and civil society organizations, such as the UzSPB and the SCNP. The EPC Contractor will also invite to this “bird survey workshop” BirdFair/RSPB Research Fund for Endangered Birds, the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and any other relevant NGOs.

25. The “bird survey workshop” session, held in Tashkent, shall also be attended by ADB, NEGU and the PICs IES. The purpose of the session will be to determine the exact methodology of the site surveys and monitoring requirements. The findings of the meeting shall be summarized in minutes of meeting by the PICs IES along with a short report prepared outlining the agreed survey methodology which will be shared amongst the group and with the ADB. A budget for this workshop has been included within this F-BAP (Table 13). The survey methodology must be included in the BAP prepared by the EPC Contractor prior to the commencement of works.

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

3. Biodiversity Context

26. The project is located in eastern Uzbekistan, south of Aydar Lake, and north of Zaamin National park near the Tajikistan boarder. The landscape through which the alignment passes is mostly flat and dominated by agricultural land. Cotton, wheat, rice, corn, vegetables and fodder crops cover 86% of the Area of Influence (See Figure 2). Landscaped planting including gardens comprises 4% of the AoI. The remaining 10% comprises semi-arid sage-ephemeroid and saltwort-ephemeroid pastures, and sedge saltwort and meadow-marsh areas along the collectors and canals of the Syrdarya river basin.

Figure 2: General environmental conditions of Project area

3.1. Sensitive Habitat and Species

27. There are 5 Important Bird Areas (IBA) within 50km of the Project (Figure 1). The nearest is the Aydar-Arnasay Lakes system, including the Tuskan Lake IBA, approximately 20 km from the Project AoI, is also a designated Ramsar site. Its designation is due to both the large number of waterbirds that is supports (during the 2003 international winter waterfowl count some 96,600 birds of 37 species were recorded) and due to the presence of threatened species such as Pallas’ fish eagle (EN) and the white-headed duck (EN). It is noted that the species for all the IBAs for which they are designated may move beyond the IBA boundaries.

28. As described, birds are most at risk from death or injury as a result of electrocution or collision with the Project infrastructure. Mitigation, described in the IEE, has been applied in accordance with the World Bank Group (WBG) Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission and Distribution to avoid and minimise adverse risks to birds. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) indicate that smaller distribution lines pose a more significant risk to birds and that electrocutions from transmission lines are rare.

29. The following bird species (Table 3) have been identified as potentially present in the Project AoI and at risk of adverse Project impacts:

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

Table 3: Sensitive species risk profile Species at risk Risk profile An endangered species that breeds in the nearby Nuratau and Turkestan ranges and breeding birds may foraging / scavenging in the AoI. Global population is in Egyptian vulture a steep decline. This species is particularly vulnerable to electrocution and hunting. The Saker falcon regional abundance is moderate, with breeding, resident pairs present in the nearby Nuratau range. A 2004 study in Mongolia by Gombobaatar Saker falcon et al.2 found that electrocution was responsible for 54% of all adult Saker falcon mortality. The species is also at risk from nest disturbance, hunting and trapping. Recorded in the Project area during migration, however, migratory corridor is wide and birds typically skirt the Nuratau range and avoid the Project AoI. Steppe eagle Potentially present in passage. A 2013 study from Kazakhstan by Levin, A.S. et al found steppe eagle to be the most frequently electrocuted species (34.94%).3 6 adults were reported to overwinter in Tuskan Lake IBA, around 20km north of the AoI, in 2004. Home ranges of those individuals are thought unlikely to stretch Pallas’s fish as far as the Project AoI, but it is not impossible. Potentially at risk from eagle electrocution and collision from the Project, especially as transmission towers could be used as a perch for hunting along the nearby waterways. Project area forms part of it’s migratory route to overwintering sites further south, although the major migratory flyways appear to pass to the west of the region. Potentially present in the Project AoI in passage but unlikely. These large, Asian houbara threatened birds are susceptible to collision. They fly low to the ground, have poor flight maneuverability and the position of their eyes provides poor sight directly ahead of them when flying.4 No stopover locations for this species have been identified in the region, the last local sighting was from Aydar lake around 20 years ago. Extremely unlikely to be present in the AoI and also at low risk from transmission lines. A United Sociable lapwing Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) sponsored international species action plan for the conservation of the Sociable lapwing5 did not cite transmission lines as a threat to the species. Very unlikely to be present in the AoI and are at low risk from transmission lines. White-headed A recent literature review as part of this F-BAP did not identify any correlation duck between transmission line risks and the white-headed duck’s conversation status. Potentially present in passage during migration but likelihood is low. A recent Lesser white- literature review as part of this F-BAP did not identify any correlation between fronted goose transmission line risks and this species conversation status. Not thought to be present in large local waterbodies, which would provide the best habitat locally, (e.g. Aydar lake) and so regular presence in the AoI is very Marbled teal unlikely. EU Species Action Plan for the Marbled Teal6 does not identify risks from transmission lines as an issue for this species. Not thought to be present in large local waterbodies, which would provide the Common best habitat locally, (e.g. Aydar lake) and so regular presence in the AoI is very pochard unlikely. A recent literature review undertaken for this F-BAP did not identify any issues associated with transmission lines for this species.

2https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259196999_Saker_Falcon_Falco_cherrug_milvipes_Jerdon_mortality_ in_Central_Mongolia_and_population_threats 3 http://rrrcn.ru/en/archives/21230 4https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281449027_Avian_powerline_mortalities_including_Asian_Houbara_C hlamydotis_macqueenii_on_the_Central_Asian_flyway_in_Uzbekistan 5 https://www.unep-aewa.org/sites/default/files/publication/ts_47_ssap_sola.pdf 6https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/wildbirds/action_plans/docs/marmaronetta_angustirostris. pdf

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Species at risk Risk profile Vulnerable species known to overwinter in the wider Project region, with 3-9 individuals recorded to winter in Dalverzin State Forestry and Hunting Greater spotted Management Area IBA on the banks of the Syr Darya river (2006). Satellite eagle tracking data shows migrating individuals passing through the AoI although the migratory corridor is wide. A recent literature review undertaken for this F-BAP did not identify any issues associated with transmission lines for this species. Vulnerable species. Satellite tracking data shows passage during migration over Eastern imperial the Project AoI. Migratory corridor is, however, across a broad-front. Medium eagle power lines (20 – 35 kV) pose a particular risk of electrocution to this species. Significant local population identified (approximately 100 adult birds). One of the largest and most successful colonies of White stork in Uzbekistan. Strong preference for nesting on tall man-made structures, with 34% of nests in the local White stork population observed on iron high voltage electricity pylons. This species is at high risk of electrocution and collision with transmission lines, especially juveniles. Nests identified in the Project area.

30. Special provisions are set out in species action plans for the Egyptian vulture and Saker falcon. The Project will be required to monitor adverse Project impacts to other threatened birds species, including the Steppe eagle, Pallas’s fish eagle, Asian houbara, Greater spotted eagle, Eastern imperial eagle and White stork, in order to identify any significant long-term impacts and, in consultation with specialist national and international experts, determine any appropriate additional steps to ensure NNL from the Project. As the Egyptian vulture was close to triggering the critical habitat thresholds for AD SPS 2009 Criterion 1, any increase in the local population’s abundance must be understood in case steps are required to achieve NG.

31. Mitigation measures in the IEE include requirements for spacing of transmission line parts to reduce the risk of electrocution.

32. Satellite tracking data is not available for all species, but the data that is available and records from the literature suggest that a number of species pass in passage over the western end of the AoI (e.g. Steppe eagle, Asian houbara). This correlates with altitude mapping that shows a gap between the foothills of the Nuratau and Turkestan mountain ranges (Figure 3) which is likely taken for ease of passage. Further, it is feasible that some of the large numbers of waterbirds supported by the Aydar-Arnasay Lakes system (c.20 km north of the Project) pass in passage over the westerly end of the alignment. The local resident Saker falcon and Egyptian vulture populations are also more likely to be present to the west of the alignment. Mitigation is therefore included in the IEE to avoid and minimise collision risks; line marking devices (bird deterrents) will be applied, as a minimum, to 45 km of the transmission line including the ‘earth wire’.

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Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

Figure 3: Project alignment (white) and typical migration route (orange)

33. The IEE also requires that nesting deterrents are used to draw White storks away from nesting on the Project’s transmission towers. The local White stork population will be at high risk from collision and electrocution and will likely choose to nest on the Project towers. Birds nesting on operational towers damaging and expensive to manage as excrement and other bird waste can require significant maintenance costs.

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4. Action Plans for Sensitive Species

4.1. Egyptian Vulture Action Plan

4.1.1. Egyptian Vulture Current Status

34. The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron Percnopterus) is the smallest species of vulture and is IUCN EN listed. In Uzbekistan it is both resident and migratory, with an estimated 134 – 140 breeding pairs in the country.

35. There are two known local breeding sites for this species, the Nuratau and Turkestan ranges, in close proximity to the Project AoI. The Egyptian vulture typically nests on ledges or in caves on cliffs, crags and rocky outcrops, but occasionally also in large trees, buildings, electricity pylons and infrequently on the ground. In Uzbekistan, it prefers to breed in niches of rocks and cliffs – it does this under overhanging projections that protect birds from sunlight. They will also nest on the tops of transmission towers. It forages in lowland and montane regions over open, often arid, country, and also scavenges at human settlements.

36. Egyptian vultures appear in their breeding grounds in Uzbekistan in March and leave again in September / October for wintering grounds. The species has an upper limit of 1,300 – 1,500 m asl for nesting, however once breeding season is over will continue spreading up to 2,500 – 2,700 m asl. The species has a maximum wingspan of approximately 180 cm.

37. Sightings data (red dots in image, 2009- 10) and available records suggest the Nuratau and Turkestan sub-populations are not distinct and could account for as many as 40 individuals. The Project AoI has not been identified as supporting typically preferred nesting habitat for the Egyptian vulture. However, there is believed to be preferred nesting habitat some 10 – 15 km away from the Project alignment. Furthermore, the is still a small chance this versatile species could potentially nest in the AoI.

38. The Egyptian Vulture is at risk from electrocution and collision with transmission and distribution lines, with secondary risks including nest destruction, poaching / poisoning and general disturbance. In Uzbekistan the main threat to this species is direct persecution by shepherds who assume Egyptian vultures hunt lambs, and in turn shoot the birds and destroy their nests.

4.1.2. Project Approach to the Egyptian Vulture

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39. The IEE includes measures to reduce the risk of electrocution to birds by setting a minimum conductor separation distance as per international standards and practices. Similarly, spacing mitigation between potentially energised parts are planned for other infrastructural components (e.g. jumpers and grounded hardware). Line marking devices should also be applied to western end of the line (see above). These measures should avoid and minimise the Project risks to the Egyptian vulture.

40. The CHA determined that based on available data, the Egyptian vulture did not trigger critical habitat. However, only a minor material increase in the 20 known local breeding pairs (latest population data, 2010) would result in critical habitat (Criterion 1a) thresholds being met7. As such, a monitoring programme will be implemented by the relevant entities during construction and operation to measure Project progress in ensuring NNL to the Egyptian vulture, but also to monitor for the relevant changes in population size that would lead to any future triggering of critical habitat thresholds, and the subsequent requirement for NG.

41. Additional field surveys and data collection is required to better understand the Egyptian vulture population size and distribution in and around the Project corridor. Monitoring requirements are described below, inclusive of the required outcomes. The final monitoring actions will be reviewed and approved by national biodiversity experts and other organizations as part of the monitoring peer review process (see Table 2 and section 2.1 above) to ensure the actions achieve the outcomes efficiently and effectively.

42. Monitoring actions required as part of this F-BAP are shown in Table 4

7 Based on an estimated minimum global population of 12,000 individuals, the local Egyptian vulture population would need to be 30 breeding pairs or more to meet Criterion 1a thresholds and trigger critical habitat. Assessment should be made alongside competent experts.

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Table 4: Egyptian vulture monitoring actions Actions Descriptions Outcomes Timing Responsible Accountable

Review national literature and C: ESO / National C: EPC prepare BAP based on latest biodiversity experts Contractor 1) Further (national) national population estimations and Desk-review trends, and any observations from O: NEGU O: NEGU within or near the Project corridor. Annually during Understand local construction and Engage community and local population size and first three C: ESO / National C: EPC experts to assess population size local nesting sites operational biodiversity experts Contractor and nesting sites near Project years 2) Stakeholder corridor. To include: UzSPB, SCNP Engagement or The BirdFair/RSPB Research Fund for Endangered Birds. O: NEGU O: NEGU

Quarterly during Undertake baseline surveys of the construction C: National biodiversity C: EPC Project alignment to look for birds plus first 3 years experts Contractor and nest sites, collect primary data Identify presence/nest of operation. 3) Field Surveys and/or confirm desk/ stakeholder sites/ population size Monthly surveys information. Surveys to seek to along transmission of nests during confirm presence, population corridor and any breeding O: National biodiversity O: NEGU estimate and nesting sites. changes. season, if experts identified.

Key - C: Construction; O: Operation

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43. The field surveys (Action 3) will be undertaken by experienced and competent persons with experience identifying Egyptian vulture. Nominated field survey persons are to be approved by national independent experts (see Table 2). Surveyors should drive the Project alignment (at no more than 20 km/h), with surveyors observing either side. Surveyors are to stop and make records whenever they see birds whilst driving the route. They will need to stop every 10 km for a 15 minute “scan” of the area. All sightings are to be mapped and recorded.

44. If breeding pairs are located, longer-term surveys will be put in place to identify trends in population size (both increases and decreases) and nesting behaviour. Any identified nests should be assessed from a distance. The frequency of surveys during operation will be determined alongside Project stakeholders and national experts (see Table 2 and section 2.1) as will any requirements for adaptive management (e.g. if nests are identified, see below for more). The PIC will need to be informed of all decisions.

45. Community Awareness Raising - Direct persecution by shepherds is one of the major drivers of loss of Egyptian vulture in the Surkhandarya area. To combat this, and in doing so support the Project’s efforts to achieve NNL to the species and support its long-term conservation, community awareness raising will be carried out by NEGU to prevent deliberate killing of Egyptian vultures and destruction of their nests as part of the community-supported monitoring programme. This will include informing them about the species sensitivity and characteristics (i.e. a scavenger, not a hunter) and to encourage local community reporting to the NEGU team. This work should be put in place to both reduce risks of poaching / killing of birds and increase local reporting frequency and will be ongoing during construction.

46. Nesting - It is thought unlikely that any active Egyptian vulture nests will be located in the AoI. However, this species is versatile, and should new nests be identified within the Project AoI during construction, the following decision tree will be followed:

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47. Adaptive Management - If monitoring indicates that populations are declining and / or nesting success falls and / or dead birds are observed, the Project will adopt an adaptive management approach, as shown in Table 5 below. Adaptive management may be required, including additional mitigation and biodiversity offset measures, if the avoidance and minimisation measures are failing to ensure NNL. Further, should population numbers increase for the Egyptian vulture NEGU will consult with ADB to assess potential requirements for NG (as per ADB SPS requirements). The final responses will be developed with national and international vulture experts (see Table 2) and approved by the ADB (e.g. use of further awareness raising / supplementary feeding stations).

Table 5: Egyptian vulture response matrix Observation Approach Proposed Response (see more below)

No response required unless increases approach 0.5% of the global population which may trigger Critical Habitat (consult international  Monitoring determines increases in biodiversity specialist) population size that trigger critical habitat Net Gain thresholds Potentially, first and second stage offsetting measures to be implemented  Nest(s) identified but attempted nesting Efficacy of mitigation is evaluated; site is abandoned or fails during construction or operation No Net Loss  A single individual is killed as a result of And, first stage of offsetting will be the Project (i.e. electrocution or collision) initiated.  Multiple nesting sites are abandoned or First and second stage offsetting fail during construction or operation No Net Loss  More than one birds is killed as result of measures will be implemented the Project  No nesting sites recorded near the Project during the construction or No offsets are proposed, any later operation period None required changes unlikely to be attributable to  No recorded increase or decrease in the Project. population size  Species has continuous breeding No offsetting would be needed as success within the Project AoI for three None required non-significant residual impacts will years post-construction have been confirmed.

48. Should any offsets be required, they should be applied as follows:

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Table 6: Egyptian vulture offset process Offset Stage Approach

Stage 1 offset The Project will develop a detailed Species Action Plan alongside appropriate organizations (i.e. UzSPB and local state ecological authorities) that will include the options outlined below to support the long-term conservation of Egyptian vultures. These actions can be contracted to competent professionals or NGO experts and audited by independently qualified ecologists; The Species Action Plan must include the following information as a minimum:

 What the conservation targets will be;  How the conservation targets will be measured;  Exactly what the actions will involve;  How any additional desk or field surveys will be completed, by who, when and why;  When will the actions be assessed;  Who will be responsible; and  How much the actions will cost.

Stage 2 offset If required, the detailed Species Action Plan will be implemented.

49. Potential Project Adaptive Management - The following measures should be considered in consultation with national and international experts, including bird mitigation from transmission wires, for the improvement of the Project’s ability to avoid and minimize adverse impacts:  Bird protection line markings along the entire line: line markings are planned for 45 km at the most westerly point of the Project alignment. Introduction of line markings along the entirety (or relevant sensitive section) of the Project alignment should incidents of electrocution or collision occur outside of the 45 km section. International best practice should be sought (e.g. see Derouaux et al., 20128) including deflector devices that increase the size of the line by >20 cm, are placed every 5 – 10 m, covering at least the ‘earth’ wire, and use colours optimal to the conditions9.  Retrofitting key infrastructure: Additional retrofitted insultation of key infrastructure if in close proximity to known nesting sites or key flyways and incidents of electrocution occur.

50. The following offset commitments are based on the Uzbekistan National Action Plan for Egyptian vulture10 (approved by Government), ongoing conservation efforts for this species and

8 https://www.aves.be/fileadmin/Aves/Colloque50ans/Bird_and_Powerlines_Aves_Final_Report_2012.pdf 9 E.g. study above shows, yellow markings are effective in most conditions, white are effective at night time and red are effective in fog and blue sky conditions. 10 ‘Action Plans on Conservation of the World’s Endangered Bird Species in Uzbekistan’, Issue 1: Saker Falcon and Egyptian Vulture, R.D. Kashkarov, E.N. Lanovenko, 2011

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good international practice. Project biodiversity offset measures should consider including one or more of the following:  Long-term conservation support to local designated areas: The Nuratau Mountain- Nuciferous State Reserve for example or nearby IBAs, such as Nuratau Range. This may include research into the current status and distribution in the Reserve / IBA of the vulture and habitat restoration options of preferred Egyptian vulture sites.  Conservation Awareness Raising: longer term (3+ years), national and regional level awareness raising (including newspapers, television and internet), including specific measures to target local animal breeders to prevent deliberate persecution of Egyptian vultures and the destruction of their nests. This should be complete in consultation with the Regional Departments of State Environmental Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, local authorities of Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (UzSPB) and other ecological non-state non-profit organizations.  Species Information Boards: to decrease disturbance of nests by local people / shepherds, the establishment of local information boards detailing the sensitivity of the species to disturbance that takes place in the bird`s breeding grounds. This should be complete in consultation with the Regional Departments of State Environmental Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, UzSPB and other ecological non-state non-profit organizations.  Artificial Nest Sites: Assessment will be made as to whether the birds would benefit from the construction of additional (artificial) nest sites, to be located in more secluded areas, over 850m from active works sites.  Additional Conservation Actions: The Project in consultation with international / national bird experts will identify additional conservation actions to enhancing the broader understanding of Egyptian vulture in Uzbekistan. This may include scientific research, monitoring etc (e.g. help with satellite tracking, population mapping; and/or research into rapid population decline - see Stage 1 below) as well as consideration of broader support to the Mountain-Nuciferous State Reserve or Nuratau Ridge IBA.

51. Although the likelihood of vultures nesting near the alignment is low GIIP should be followed and construction activities should take place outside of the breeding season, which runs from March to September / October. If critical works are required to proceed, guidance and approval should be sought from ADB and regulators on an agreed way forward and conditions, which will include as a minimum strict supervision by ornithologists / species experts.

4.2. Saker Falcon Action Plan

4.2.1. Saker Falcon Current Status

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52. The Saker falcon (Falco cherrug) is a large sized falcon with a wingspan of 105 – 129 cm and is IUCN EN and Uzbekistan Red Book Near Threatened listed. In Uzbekistan it is both resident and migratory, with an estimated 70 breeding pairs in the country. Studies conducted between 2009 – 2010 identified approximately 5 breeding, resident pairs in the Nuratau Range. Other local populations are found in the Gissar and Turkestan Ranges although these are understood to be distinct populations that won’t interact with the Project.

53. In Uzbekistan the Saker falcon`s breeding season begins in February - March. Egg laying begins in the first and second ten-day period of March, and by the end of March the breeding season usually ends. Breeding sites are typically in the gorges of the lower and middle sections of mountain ranges. During the breeding season it avoids settling close to human activity. Resident (breeding) saker falcon are typically known to have range sizes of approximately 200km2 (a circle of 15km diameter) on average, based on studies from Hungary (Promer et al. 2018) and Mongolia (Potapov et al. 2000).

54. Young birds start to leave their nests from the middle of May through to mid / late June. It is difficult to establish dates of the autumn arrival of birds on passage because the young birds from the disintegrated broods and adults that have finished their breeding period start nomadic migrations in July- August and, consequently, are seen beyond breeding areas.

55. Sightings data (blue dots in image, 2009-10) and available records suggest 3 broad areas that support saker falcon in the region: the Nuratau Range, Gissar Range and Turkestan Range. It is to be noted that there is one record of a bird close to the eastern part of the alignment, however it is most likely this was a sighting of a vagrant bird that does not regularly occur there, since it is far from known or optimum breeding habitat.

56. It builds nests in trees, on cliffs, power transmission towers and sometimes on the ground. In Uzbekistan breeding sites are typically on peaks of low hills in desert terrain, cliffs located in the valleys of rivers and cliffs and ridges generally. The saker falcon is attracted to power lines because of the abundance of food resources in the immediate vicinity of a nest and the presence of completed nests built by birds of prey.

57. The Saker falcon is particularly at risk from electrocution and collision from transmission and distribution lines, as well as from trapping and human destruction of nests, amongst others.

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The main threats to the local populations of the species to the Project are loss of habitat from agricultural activities, development of infrastructure, and exploitation of natural resources.

4.2.2. Project Approach to the Saker Falcon

58. The CHA determined that based on available data, the Saker falcon did not trigger critical habitat. It is endangered and a resident (breeding) in the Nuratau Range and in line with the ADB SPS the Project will need to take measures to ensure NNL to the species.

59. The IEE includes measures to reduce the risk of electrocution to birds by setting a minimum conductor separation distance as per international standards and practices. Similarly, spacing mitigation between potentially energised parts are planned for other infrastructural components (e.g. jumpers and grounded hardware). Line marking devices should also be applied to western end of the line. These measures should avoid and minimise the Project risks to the Saker falcon.

(i) The likelihood of the species breeding near the Project is considered low, although there is no recent data to confirm this, therefore a precautionary approach is required that includes additional field surveys and data collection is to confirm the presence of any resident, breeding pairs and / or saker falcon in passage or migration. The final monitoring actions will be reviewed and approved with Project stakeholders and national biodiversity experts (see Table 2 and Section 2.1) to ensure the actions achieve the outcomes efficiently and effectively.

60. Monitoring actions required as part of this F-BAP are shown in Table 7:

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Table 7: Saker falcon monitoring actions Actions Requirement Aim Timing Responsible Accountable

Undertake baseline surveys of Quarterly during C: ESO / National Identify presence/nest C: EPC Contractor the Project alignment to look for construction plus first biodiversity experts sites/ population size 1) Field birds and nest sites, collecting 3 years of operation. along transmission Surveys primary data. Surveys to seek to Monthly surveys of corridor and any confirm presence, population nests during breeding changes. estimate and any nesting sites. season if identified. O: National specialists O: NEGU

Key - C:Construction; O: Operation

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61. The field surveys will be undertaken by experienced and competent specialists with experience identifying Saker falcon. Surveys could be completed alongside the more detailed Egyptian vulture surveys described above. All sightings are to be mapped and recorded.

62. If breeding pairs are located, longer-term surveys will be put in place to identify trends in population size (both increases and decreases) and nesting behaviour. Any identified nests should be assessed from a distance. The frequency of surveys during operation will be determined alongside Project stakeholders and national experts as will any requirements for adaptive management (e.g. if nests are identified, see below for more). The PIC will need to be informed of all decisions.

Table 8: Saker falcon response matrix Observation Approach Proposed Response (see more below)

 Nest (s) identified but attempted Efficacy of mitigation is evaluated; nesting site is abandoned or fails during construction or operation No Net Loss  A single individual is killed as a result of And, first stage of offsetting will be the Project (i.e. electrocution or collision) initiated  Multiple nesting sites are abandoned or First and second stage offsetting fail during construction or operation No Net Loss  More than one bird is killed as result of measures will be implemented the Project  No nesting sites recorded near the Project during the construction or No offsets are proposed, any later operation period, None required changes unlikely to be attributable to  No recorded increase or decrease in the Project population size

63. As per Table 8, should the Project require offsets, they should be applied as follows:

Table 9: Saker falcon offset approach Offset Stage Approach

Stage 1 offset The Project will develop a detailed Species Action Plan alongside appropriate organizations (i.e. UzSPB) that will include the options outlined below to support the long-term conservation of the Saker falcon. These actions can be contracted to competent professionals or NGO experts and audited by independently qualified ecologists. The Species Action Plan must include the following information as a minimum:  What the conservation targets will be  How the conservation targets will be measured  Exactly what the actions to ensure no net loss will involve  How any additional desk of field surveys will be completed, by who, when and why  When will the actions be assessed

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Offset Stage Approach

 Who will be responsible  How much the actions will cost  For how long the actions will be required

Stage 2 offset If required, the detailed Species Action Plan will be implemented

64. Potential Project Adaptive Management - The following measures should be considered in consultation with national and international experts, including bird mitigation from transmission wires, for the improvement of the Project’s ability to avoid and minimize adverse impacts:  Bird protection line markings along the entire line: line markings are planned for 45 km at the most westerly point of the Project alignment. Introduction of line markings along the entirety (or relevant sensitive section) of the Project alignment should incidents of electrocution or collision occur outside of the 45 km section. International best practice should be sought (e.g. see Derouaux et al., 20127) including deflector devices that increase the size of the line by >20 cm, are placed every 5 – 10 m, covering at least the ‘earth’ wire, and use colours optimal to the conditions8.  Retrofitting key infrastructure: Additional retrofitted insultation of key infrastructure if in close proximity to known nesting sites or key flyways and incidents of electrocution occur.

65. Should offsets be required by the Project for Saker falcon, NEGU should work with Governmental and non-governmental conservation organisations, and scientific institutions, to help ensure NNL through proactively supporting the aims of the Uzbekistan National Action Plan for Saker falcon9. NEGU should work particularly closely with Kashkarov, R.D., and Lanovenko, E.N, authors of the Action Plan, to understand current local conservation priorities. An international Saker Falcon Task Force has been developed, supported by the Coordinating Unit of the Convention on Migratory Species Raptors MoU, which has brought together government officials from range states with the Sustainable Use Groups of IUCN, falconers, ornithologists and other interested parties to seek to address the long term conservation of the Saker falcon. Further, Andras Kovacs has conducted considerable research into conservation requirements of the species. Decisions on final offsets should be made in consultation with these international and national experts.

66. NEGU should also consider the following additional conservation outcomes to achieve NNL, and potentially NG:  Long-term conservation support to local designated areas: The Nuratau Mountain- Nuciferous State Reserve for example or nearby IBAs, such as Nuratau Range. This may include research into the current status and distribution in the Reserve / IBA of the vulture and habitat restoration options of preferred Egyptian vulture sites.  Conservation Awareness Raising: To help mitigate habitat loss from anthropogenic activities (key threat in Uzbekistan Action Plan) long-term education and awareness raising of local pastoralists to promote practice of sustainable use and control of pasture rotation in order to reduce pressures on local habitat. This should be complete in consultation with the State Environmental Committee and Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of the

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Republic of Uzbekistan, Hokimiyats (Regional Farmers Association), and other ecological non-state non-profit organizations.  Additional Conservation Actions. The Project in consultation with international / national bird experts will identify additional conservation actions to enhancing the broader understanding of Saker falcon in Uzbekistan. This may include scientific research, monitoring etc (e.g. help with satellite tracking, population mapping; and/or research into rapid population decline. Consideration should be given to key threats in the region of loss of habitat from agricultural activities, development of infrastructure, and exploitation of natural resources (see National Saker Action Plan for more).

4.3. General Bird Action Plan

4.3.1. General Bird Action Plan Overview

67. In addition to the Egyptian vulture and Saker falcon, there are a number of other threatened birds that are at risk from the Project, primarily through either electrocution or collision, or both. These species all have the potential to occur in the Project AoI, however according to the data available, they are not understood to regularly occur. As much of the available data for the species in question is either old or not comprehensive of the Project area, a precautionary approach is being taken, which includes monitoring to understand the frequency of occurrence and help inform the likelihood of net loss.

68. Should net loss of any listed species impacts be observed, the Project will be required to consult with the relevant experts (see Table12) to agree appropriate steps with ADB for future Project requirements to ensure NNL.

69. The species relevant to this General Bird Action Plan, requiring long term monitoring for any adverse Project impacts, are listed in Table 10:

Table 10: General Bird Action Plan Species Steppe eagle (EN) The global population of this species is 50,000 (IUCN minimum), although the national population is unknown. Present only in passage during migration over the Project AoI, so likely soaring at high altitude. Particularly at risk from electrocution. Interaction between this species and the Project is likely to be rare however impacts such as death or injury from electrocution or collision, will need to be monitored.

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Pallas’s fish eagle (EN) Little is known about the Pallas fish eagle as the species is data deficient. According to IUCN the global population could be as low as 1,000 individuals. It is listed by IUCN and the Uzbekistan Red Book as endangered. Potential resident individuals in the AoI but very unlikely. Species is extremely rare and susceptible to electrocution will need to be monitored.

Greater-spotted eagle (VU) Individuals from a nearby overwintering site (Dalverzin State Forestry and Hunting Management Area IBA) 20 km from the Project could occur in the Project AoI. Also present in passage during migration according to satellite tracking data. Nothing in the literature to suggest this species is particularly at risk from the Project, however on a precautionary basis, as raptors more generally are at risk, the Project will monitor the Greater-spotted eagle.

Eastern imperial eagle (VU) A large bird of prey with a small global population (minimum 2,500). Migrates through Uzbekistan, including the Project AoI, in passage to overwintering sites in India, Pakistan and the Middle East. Satellite tracking data shows individuals migrating through the Project. Not thought to regularly occur in the Project AoI but highly susceptible to electrocution. Also at risk from collision.

Asian houbara (VU) Global population of approximately 33,000. The Asian Houbara breeds across Uzbekistan and migrates into the Middle East to overwinter. Preferred breeding area is understood to be in the Kyzyl-Kum desert, considerable distance from the Project. The project area does form part of the migratory route for birds migrating to overwintering sites further south, although the major migratory flyway seems to pass to the west of the region. Studies in Uzbekistan have shown the Asian Houbara is susceptible to collision with high (and low) voltage power lines.

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White Stork (LC) IUCN listed at least concern (LC) and Uzbekistan Red Book listed as near threatened (NT). A local population to the Project (the ‘Jizzak population’ according to Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds) identified as one of the largest and most successful colonies of White stork in Uzbekistan hosting an estimated 100 adult individuals. This species shows a strong preference for nesting on tall man- made structures, with 34% of nests in the Jizzak population observed on iron high voltage electricity pylons. This species is at high risk of electrocution and collision with transmission lines, especially juveniles.

4.3.2. Project Approach to the General Bird Action Plan

70. The relevant authority will include as part of the prescribed monitoring measures for the Egyptian vulture and Saker falcon, the monitoring of the six species listed in Table 10 during both construction and operation of the Project. Monitoring should be completed by competent specialists with experience observing these species of bird.

71. If population decline is observed because of the Project, for any of the species, national and international experts (as detailed in Table 12) must be consulted to decide whether further action is required to ensure NNL. Table 11 describes the required responses to observations of adverse Project impacts:

Table 11: General Bird Action Plan response matrix Observation Approach Proposed Response (see more below)

Relevant national and international experts consulted to assess whether  A single individual (or more) is killed as a Decision on the Project will be required to take result of the Project (i.e. electrocution or further action additional steps to avoid, reduce or collision) offset Project impacts to this species.

 No recorded increase or decrease in None required No offsets are proposed population size

72. The following relevant species experts may be consulted, alongside international consultants, to determine the significance of the Project adverse impacts being observed and appropriate next steps to be taken by the Project to ensure NNL:

Table 12: General Bird Action Plan Species Experts Species (IUCN Listing) National and International Experts

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National: Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Roman Steppe eagle (EN) Kashkarov) International: Birdlife International / IUCN SSC Bird Red List Authority

National: Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Roman Pallas’s fish eagle (EN) Kashkarov) International: Rishad K. Naoroji

National: Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Roman Greater-spotted eagle (VU) Kashkarov) International: BirdLife International / BirdLife Germany (NABU)

National: Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Roman Eastern imperial eagle (VU) Kashkarov) International: Birdlife International / IUCN SSC Bird Red List Authority

National: Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Roman Asian houbara (VU) Kashkarov) International: Nigel Collar / IUCN SSC Bustard Specialist Group

National: Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (Roman White stork (LC) Kashkarov) International: IUCN Stork, Ibis and Spoonbill Specialist Group

73. Measures developed with the experts should be approved by the NEGU and should include consideration of the following options:  Species Action Plan: developed alongside experts and organisations appropriate (i.e. UzSPB and local Reserves – see Section 3.1) and will include detailed actions for the long- term conservation of the species;  Bespoke Species Surveys: a set of bespoke, species-specific surveys conducted along the Project AoI to observe the frequency of use by the relevant species and patterns of behaviour in the area;  Triggers and Offsets: Determination by international and national experts, and qualified ecologists if required, of appropriate species triggers, used to determine a Project response (including mitigation and offset options) as a result of adverse Project impacts in order to ensure NNL if appropriate.

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5. F-BAP Monitoring and Evaluation

5.1. Aim and Objectives

74. As part of converting this F-BAP into a BAP a Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (BMP) will be developed and implemented on behalf of NEGU. This will be developed to assess implementation of the F-BAP and confirm that the F-BAP (and subsequent BAP) has:  been implemented by the responsible parties as expected;  achieved the desired conservation outcomes.

75. The monitoring will also seek to confirm that no unexpected impacts are occurring to the F-BAP target species and associated habitats as a result of the Project (including associated cumulative or induced impacts) for which an “adaptive management” approach may be required. The EPC Contractor will be responsible for writing and implementing the BMP, which will build on the tasks previously outlined.

76. One constraint to the management of the target species included in this F-BAP is a lack of baseline data on the species and their habitats. NEGU will share relevant information obtained with the authorities to support the overall understanding of, and management design for the F-BAP species. The proposed approach will also help consolidate the results of the individual monitoring and survey tasks.

77. The BMP will be the responsibility of the EPC Contractor (reporting to NEGU) during construction, and the responsibility of NEGU during operation, but elements of it may be tendered out to suitable external organization(s). As part of the BMP the Project will monitor the nature, extent, quality and spatial configuration of notable habitats and species within both the direct Project area, and the wider area. The studies will focus on the key biodiversity elements discussed in this F-BAP and associated sources of threats rather than trends in local biodiversity per se.

5.2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Dissemination

78. The BMP will include monitoring targeted at the species / population level. This will seek to provide further information on species distribution, population size and demographics for the BAP and notable species. Monitoring methodologies and indicators will be developed in consultation with local and international experts as part of this F-BAP. An annual report will be prepared during the monitoring period to include all sets of data, analysis, conclusions and recommendations for management interventions. The monitoring will continue up until the end of the defect liability period. At that point, the EPC Contractor will make an assessment of the situation and provide recommendations if necessary.

79. This F-BAP and its monitoring, including that outlined above, will be periodically evaluated to determine its effectiveness in meeting its objectives and identifying any necessary remediation. The findings of the monitoring programme will be evaluated every year with ADB and the outcomes used to adapt the management and on-going mitigation measures. Management interventions will need to be identified when there is a negative trend in the F-BAP’s target species. The data and outcomes from this monitoring will be shared to enable local authorities and others in the region to use this information in planning. This may include academic institutions and NGOs in the region.

80. The BMP (and BAP) will need to be approved by ADB. Syrdarya TPP – Zafarabad Substation 220kV Transmission Line Project Framework Biodiversity Action Plan

6. F-BAP Indicative Costs

81. The following annual indicative costs are estimated for completing the requirements of this F-BAP. Additional costs for additional Project measures such as biodiversity offsets, will need to be costed dependent on the relevant follow up actions, agreed alongside the relevant specialists and ADB.

82. The following costs are indicative only intended to inform long-term budgeting. Costs include estimates for the as-yet undetermined construction period and for a minimum of 3 years during operation. Final costs to be defined by NEGU dependent on final approaches taken for F-BAP requirements.

Table 13: Indicative Costs Budget line Cost Comments 1. F-BAP Measures Assumed 4 x desk review for Egyptian vulture: 1 x construction 1.1. Desk review $2,000 3 x operation Includes, write-up and report to ADB / other stakeholders Assumed intermittent stakeholder engagement 1.2 Stakeholder Engagement $10,000 for all 5 species, during construction (once) and operation (three times) Assumed 1 x community engagement session 1.3 Community Engagement $3,500 for Egyptian vulture awareness raising during construction phase Assumed for 7 x drive-by monitoring by specialists of Project alignment observing all 5 species, including particularly Egyptian vulture: 4 x construction (accounting for quarterly 1.4 Species Monitoring $70,000 surveys for Egyptian vulture for 1 year) 3 x operation Includes, write-up and report to ADB / relevant other stakeholders (e.g. NGOs, governmental conservation bodies etc) To be attended by NEGU, EPC Contractor, 1.5 Bird Survey Workshop $2,000 PIC IES and relevant organizations including SCNP and UzSPB. F-BAP Total $85,500 None 2. BAP Measures 2.1 Additional bird mitigation Estimated To be determined. 2.2 Biodiversity offsets between To be determined. 2.3 Additional conservation outcomes $150,000 To be determined. and $200,000 BAP Total Maximum $200,000

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