Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Language: English Original: French

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP

PROJECT TO SUPPORT THE KANDADJI ECOSYSTEMS REGENERATION AND NIGER VALLEY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (P_KRESMIN)

COUNTRY: NIGER

SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Mohamed Aly BABAH Team Leader RDGW2/BBFO 6107 Principal Irrigation Engineer Aimée BELLA-CORBIN Chief Expert, Environmental and Social SNSC 3206 Protection Expert Nathalie G. GAHUNGA RDGW.2 3381 Chief Gender Expert Gisèle BELEM, Senior Expert, Environmental and Social SNSC 4597 Protection Team Members Parfaite KOFFI SNSC Consulting Environmentalist Rokhayatou SARR SAMB Project Team SNFI.1 4365 Procurement Expert Eric NGODE SNFI.2 Financial Management Expert Thomas Akoetivi KOUBLENOU RDGW.2 Consulting Agroeconomist Sector Manager e Patrick AGBOMA AHAI.2 1540 Sector Director Martin FREGENE AHAI 5586 Regional Director Marie Laure. AKIN-OLUGBADE RDWG 7778 Country Manager Nouridine KANE-DIA CONE 3344 Manager, Regional Mouldi TARHOUNI RDGW.2 2235 Agricultural Division

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

SUMMARY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA)

Project Name : Project to Support the Kandadji Ecosystems SAP Code: P-NE-AA0-020 Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Country : NIGER Category : 1 Department : RDGW Division : RDGW.2

1. INTRODUCTION

Almost entirely located in the Sahel-Saharan zone, the Republic of Niger is characterised by very low annual rainfall and long dry spells. The western part of country is traversed by the Niger River, which is Niger’s most important surface water resource. Average flows of the river declined sharply over the years from 1970 to 1990, with very low flows during the low-water season. To mitigate the impact of reduced river water flows, the Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme (P- KRESMIN) was officially adopted by the Nigerien Government in August 2002 and placed under the responsibility of the High Commission for the Development of the Niger Valley (HCAVN), which in 2017 became the Kandadji Dam Agency (ABK).

The design of the P-KRESMIN is centred on the Kandadji dam scheduled to be built on the Niger River, which is shared internationally. The project is located at about 60 km downstream of the border with Mali, while the entire project area covers 11 communes in the Tillabéri region. The most important component of the Programme is the construction of a dam and a hydropower generating plant on the Niger River in Kandadji. The capacity of the reservoir is designed to ensure adequate minimum low flow downstream of the dam. The flow regulation will allow sustainable water supply for irrigation, livestock, domestic use, and the regeneration of river ecosystems. The programme includes an “Irrigation Development” component, which involves the development of 45 000 hectares of irrigated areas, of which 7 000 ha are planned to benefit people affected by the project.

In 2005-2006, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and an initial Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) were prepared for the Programme by TECSULT Consulting Firm, in accordance with the environmental and social policies of the AfDB, one of the main donors of the project. Subsequently, and under the Niger Basin Water Resource Development and Sustainable Management of Ecosystems Project (PDREGDE/BN), the World Bank decided to finance complementary activities aimed at improving the preparation and management of implementation of the Kandadji Programme, including updating the ESMP and conducting additional ESIA studies. These additional studies, carried out by BRLi Consulting Firm in 2012, helped to clarify certain issues that had not been addressed in the 2006 ESIA.

In 2017 and 2018, at the request of major donors, the P-KRESMIN Programme was the subject of further detailed environmental and social studies, including the Resettlement Action Plan for the second wave of resettlement (PAR2, prepared by TRACTEBEL), the Consolidated Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) (prepared by CIMA) and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of Component 2 of the P-KRESMIN Programme (prepared by STUDI International). The accompanying measures recommended in these safeguard documents are: (i) Development of about 15 resettlement sites, including a major site for the city of Ayorou, and provision of these sites with the necessary socio- community infrastructure (drinking water, electricity, roads, schools and health facilities, mosques,

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment markets, livestock equipment, etc.), in addition to the three sites developed under the first wave of resettlement.

The methodology for updating the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of the Kandadji Programme, to which this executive summary relates, was based on a documentary analysis of the initial studies conducted by TECSULT in 2005-2006, as well as on several complementary studies carried out in 2012, including the update of the Environmental and Social Management Plan of the Kandadji Programme - Final Version (BRL Ingénierie, April 2012) and the Consolidated Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) of the P–KRESMIN Programme, particularly the final version produced by CIMA, in May 2018.

The update of the ESIA is intended to make it comprehensive and compliant with the requirements of the Integrated Safeguard System (ISS) of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other technical and financial partners (TFPs) of the Programme. It covers all the infrastructure and activities of the P- KRESMIN in Niger: Dam, hydropower plant, electric power transmission line, diversion road (left bank), access roads (right bank), resettlement sites, construction of housing and community infrastructure, drinking water supply and electrification of sites, development of compensation irrigated areas and future irrigation schemes (45 000 ha). A separate ESMP with a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will be prepared for the Malian portion of the project.

2. STRATEGIC, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK

2.1 Niger’s national environmental and social protection policies and regulations: Niger’s national environmental and social protection policies and regulations, particularly the Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES 2017-2021), spell out the main thrusts of State intervention in terms of development and the "Nigeriens Nourish Nigeriens" (or 3N) initiative, These policies also incorporate relevant sector-based programmes, such as those relating to the advancement of women, child protection, education, health, economic development, and rural development, as well as components relating to water and sanitation policies and strategies, and the national social development policy. The social policy adopted in 2011 defines the strategic thrusts and priority intervention areas of social protection. Its overall objective is "to contribute to mitigating the vulnerability of disadvantaged groups and help the people to cope with the most significant risks of life".

Niger's regulations on the natural and human environment are protective enough. In this regard, the main instruments are: The Constitution (Sections 12, 22, 28, 35, 36 and 37). Section 35, in particular, recognises the right of all persons to a healthy environment and the obligation of the State to protect the environment for the benefit of the present and future generations; Law No. 2018-28 of 14 May 2018 to determine the fundamental principles of Environmental Assessment in Niger; Law No. 98-56 of 29 December 1998 relating to a legal framework for environmental management, which establishes the general legal framework for and the fundamental principles of environmental management in Niger; Ordinance No. 97- 001 of 10 January 1997 relating to the institutionalisation of environmental impact assessments, Section 4 of which states that "Development activities, projects or programmes, which, by the virtue of their magnitude or impact, may lead to the degradation of the natural and human environments, shall be subject to prior authorisation by the Minister of the Environment"; and Decree No. 2000-398/ PRN/MH/E/LCD of 20 October 2000 to determine the list of activities, works and planning documents subject to environmental impact assessment. This decree defines the major groups of activities, works and planning documents subject to the ESIA; Decree No. 2010-540/PCSRD/MEE/LCD of 8 July 2010 on the organisation and functioning of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Agency (BEEEI); Decree No. 2000- 397/PRN/MH/E/LCD of 20 October 2000 relating to the Administrative Procedure for the Assessment and Review of Environmental Impacts; and Decree No. 97-006 /PRN/MAG/E of 10 January 1997.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Land tenure rights are essentially governed by the Constitution, Section 28 of which stipulates that "No one may be deprived of his or her property except in the public interest subject to a fair and prior compensation” and by Ordinance No. 93-015 of 2 March 1993 establishing the guiding principle of the Rural Code. This Ordinance is based on title deeds issued by the Land Registry or on the Rural Code, as well as on deeds relating to land transactions by the Land Commissions (COFO), private deeds and custom (customary accession). In addition, it should be noted that "vacant land" falls within State land (Article 11 of Ordinance No. 93-015 of 2 March 1993) or land belonging to local authorities (Ordinance 2010-54 of 17 September 2010 on the General Local Authorities Code. Land belonging to the State or Local Authorities is subdivided into public property and private property. Expropriation procedure is governed by Law No. 61-37 of 24 November 1961 regulating expropriation in the public interest and temporary occupancy, as amended and supplemented by Law No. 2008-37 of 10 July 2008 on involuntary displacement and the resettlement of people, Ordinance No. 93-015 of 2 March 1993 on the guiding principles of the Rural Code, Ordinance No. 99-50 of 22 November 1999 to determine the rates for the disposal and occupation of public land and Decree No. 2009-224/PRN/MU/H of 12 August 2009 to lay down the procedures for implementing the special provisions of Law No. 61-37 of 24 November 1961 regulating expropriation in the public interest and temporary occupation, as amended and supplemented by the Law No. 2008-37.

2.2 The environmental and social safeguard policies of the Programme's major donors are:

The Integrated Safeguards System (ISS) of the African Development Bank (AfDB), comprising five Operational Safeguards (OS) applicable to the programme: OS1: Environmental and Social Assessment; OS2: Involuntary resettlement - land acquisition, displacement and compensation of populations; OS3: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services; OS4: Pollution Prevention and Control, Greenhouse Gases, Hazardous Materials and Efficient Use of Resources; and SO5: Working Conditions, Health and Safety. In addition to its Integrated Safeguards System (ISS), the AfDB has also developed a climate change adaptation and risk management strategy. This strategy is also applicable to the programme to promote the eradication of poverty and contribute to the sustainable improvement of the people's livelihoods. This strategy aims to: (i) reduce the vulnerability of Regional Member Countries (RMCs) to climate change and boost climate resilience through development projects; (ii) build capacity and knowledge in RMCs to help them address climate change challenges and to ensure sustainability through policy and regulatory reforms. The strategy focuses on three main areas of intervention: (1) investment in climate-proof projects; (2) policy and legal framework reforms; and (3) knowledge and capacity building.

World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy, comprising Operational Policies (OPs) applicable to the programme: OP 4.01 - Environmental Assessment; OP 4.04 - Natural Habitats; OP 4.09 – Pest Management; OP 4.11 - Cultural Heritage; OP 4.12 - Involuntary Resettlement; OP 4.36 - Forests; OP 4.37 - Dam Safety; OP 7.50 - Projects on International Waterways; OP 1.00 - Poverty Reduction; and OP 4.20 - Gender and Development and disclosure policy.

The Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy of the West African Development Bank (BOAD).

AFD Environmental and Social Reference Standards, aligned with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Safeguard Policy.

Regional, continental and international agreements, conventions and treaties ratified by Niger, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity; the International Convention to Combat Desertification in countries experiencing serious drought and / or desertification, particularly in Africa; the International Convention for the Protection of Plants; RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance; Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); Convention on the Page 4

Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Establishment of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) and Protocol Relating to the Development Fund of the Niger Basin; Act Relating to Navigation and Economic Cooperation between the States of the Niger Basin; Convention on the Use of the Lower Niger; and Water Charter of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA).

2.3. Institutional Framework

In Niger, the implementation of the national policy for the protection, management and enhancement of the environment for sustainable development is the responsibility of a multitude of actors led by the State through its public, ministerial and technical services. Other actors who play a decisive role in the area include the people through their own organisations, private operators, as well as NGOs and cooperation agencies.

The P-KRESMIN is essentially part of the following institutional framework:

Ministry in charge of the Environment: According to the Decree No. 2005-047/PRN/MHE/LCD of 18 February 2005 relating to the powers of the Ministry of Hydraulics, Environment and the Fight against Desertification, this Ministry is responsible for designing, developing and implementing policies adopted by the Government through its various central and regional directorates. The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Agency (BEEEI), which is responsible for ensuring the admissibility and validation of environmental and social assessment reports on activities, projects and programmes, as well as the related development plans.

Société de Patrimoine des Eaux du Niger (Niger Water Heritage Corporation), which is mainly responsible for the implementation of water sector investments in urban areas and the management of the water heritage on behalf of the State. National Environmental Council for Sustainable Development, which is a consultation tool that complements the institutional landscape in terms of the formulation, promotion and consolidation of environmental policies.

Institutions with a social and economic focus such as the National Social Security Fund, the Ministry of Basic Education and Literacy, the Ministry of Regional Planning Development and Community Development, the Ministry of Social Development, Population, Women’s Advancement and Child Protection, Ministry of Agricultural Development, Ministry of Animal Resources, Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Mines and Power.

Regional Cooperation Agencies, whose two main regional bodies involved in the activities of the P- KRESMIN, are the Niger Basin Authority and the Integrated Development Authority of the Liptako- Gourma Region and the World Commission on Dams (WCD).

3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND RATIONALE

3.1. Programme Description

The Kandadji Dam Project forms part of the Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme. The programme aims to contribute to the Poverty Reduction Strategy through the regeneration of the natural environment, improvement of food security and coverage of energy needs. The specific objectives of the programme relate to the following main areas:

. Regeneration and conservation of river ecosystems on the Nigerien portion of the river to ensure a low water flow rate of 120 m3/s in Niamey

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

. Irrigating 45 000 ha to improve agricultural production, food security and the living conditions of the beneficiary communities;

. Supplying safe drinking water to the people and other users and increasing the incomes of beneficiary communities through secure systems of stock breeding and sustainable development of agro-pastoral activities;

. Increasing Niger’s energy security through the production of electric energy with the construction of a hydropower plant with an installed capacity of 130 MW.

The Kandadji site (see Figures 1 and 2) was considered the most appropriate for the construction of a dam, for the following main reasons:

. The presence of the Ourouba hill on the right bank, reaching a high point of over 100 m above the valley, resulting in the narrowing of the valley and providing support to the dam;

. The presence of the Goroul tributary upstream causing considerable widening of the valley, creating a higher capacity reservoir for an identical retaining reservoir tail;

. Location of the site upstream on the Republic of Niger’s portion of the river, which makes it possible to benefit from low-water replenishment and irrigation over a longer distance.

3.1.1 Programme Components

The project is part of the revised Kandadji programme to support its revival and help achieve its objectives. The implementation of the project at elevation 224 m will cover a period of six years (2019-2024). The proposed activities include the implementation of civil engineering works of the dam and ancillary structures, as well as the financing of part of the infrastructure to support the resettlement of the communities, implementation of the ESMP and contribution to the programme’s management. The main activities of the programme components are presented in the following table.

Table 1: Project Components Components Sub-Components Planned Activities A. Dam and A1. Construction of the dam i. Preparatory works (protection of cofferdams, temporary Electrical and ancillary works bridge and contracting authority’s camp) ; equipment ii. Construction of Kandadji dam and related structures; iii. Construction of a 32.5 km bypass route between Gabou and Ayorou. A2. Electrical equipment i. Equipment and installation of 130 MW hydropower station with four 32.5 MW turbines; ii. Design of the energy and transmission master plan and the West African Power Pool;

Components Sub-Components Planned Activities iii. Construction of the Kandadji-Niamey double circuit high voltage transmission line (132 KV) (188 k m) and the distribution station; iv. Design of the management structure and operating contract of the power plant;

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

A3. Technical assistance Management of the construction of the dam and services hydropower plant; ii. Panel of independent experts responsible for dam security and environmental and social aspects. B. Environmental B1. Implementation of the i. Protection and restoration of ecosystems; and Social environmental and social ii. Improvement of positive impacts; Safeguards management plan iii. Measures for mitigating negative impacts on the physical and biophysical environments; iv. Measures for the sustainable management of natural resources, cultural and archaeological heritage; v. Measures to protect the river banks, sensitive areas (RAMSAR site, hippopotamus sanctuaries and migratory birds’ sites, etc.); vi. Reforestation of the reservoir with fast-growing local tree species; vii. Fishery protection measures and adaptive and sustainable management to counter climate change- related effects B2. Resettlement Action i. Displacement and resettlement of communities affected Plan by the reservoir and infrastructure related to the dam; ii. Compensatory measures for the various kinds of losses including the development of irrigation schemes to offset the loss of lands; iii. Development of community facilities and socio- economic services (drinking water, sanitation, public health, education, electricity, etc.); iv. Resettlement support measures; and v. Measures to improve livelihoods, especially those of vulnerable persons. B3. Improving livelihoods i. Programmes to support agriculture, fishing, agroforestry, pastoralism and stockbreeding, ii. Support for commercial and income-generating activities. iii. Support for the development of irrigation schemes and development of women’s schemes (320 ha) iv. Provision of community infrastructure v. Support for decent employment, youth and women’s entrepreneurship. D. Programme Programme Management i. Technical support and strengthening of ABK for the Management optimal implementation of the programme; ii. Coordination of activities; iii. .Close supervision of programme activities;

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

iv. Internal monitoring of programme performance

Figure 1: Project Location

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Figure 2: Map of various developments planned under P-KRESMIN

3.1.2 Detailed description of the programme components (dam, electrical equipment and related infrastructure)

Dam: The development of the Kandadji Dam comprises: (i) construction of 24 m-high combined concrete and fill dam consisting of a spillway designed for a 10 000-year return period and an emergency spillway with sill for a 100-year flood (to cater for situations where there are no operational activities on the site), draining outlets, integrated structure comprising a water intake facility for irrigating the left bank, designed for a 2 m3/s flow rate at the maximum operating level of 218 m, as well as a canoe passage and a fish ladder, and (ii) construction of an open plant with an installed capacity of 130 MW.

Photo 1: Axial view of the future reservoir of the dam In the first phase (2A), the spillways will be designed for a temporary use of the dam at elevation 224 m NGN. At that level, the left bank dyke will end at PK 7.3, representing a length of 6.2 km.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

In the second phase, these spillways will be raised to enable a final operation at elevation 228 m NGN. The dyke will be extended to a length of 8.3 km. The first phase consisting of a dam at elevation 224 m is the purpose of this project.

Hydropower plant: The hydropower plant is an external facility made up of a 154.8 metre- long and 53.8 metre-wide building housing four identical Kaplan alternator turbines with a nominal capacity of 32.5 MW each, representing a total installed capacity of 130 MW. The turbinated water will directly flow into the riverbed downstream of the plant in the right-bank arm of the River Niger. The unit nominal flow will be 237.5 m3/s, representing a total flow rate of 950 m3/s for the plant equipment. The operating range of each turbine will be continuous for unit flow rates ranging between 115 m3/s and 237.5 m3/s. The annual average output of the plant is estimated at 617 GWh/year at elevation 228 m. At elevation of 224 m, the output will increase to 550 GWh/year.

Bypass road: The 40.2 km bypass road consists of: (i) a new road with a total length of 35.2 km (Gabou- Ayorou: 29.8 km; Ayorou-Yassan: 5.4 km); (ii) an existing section to be rehabilitated (5 km). The new road should be commissioned before the impoundment of the dam. Works for this component are as follows: civil engineering works comprising a 7.2 m-wide asphalt-concrete road and 1.5 m-wide shoulders, which adds up to a 10.2 m roadbed, and the rehabilitation of 5 km, according to the same standards.

Power transmission line: The power transmission implies the construction of a Kandadji- Niamey power transmission, entailing the following works: (i) construction of a double circuit 132 kW high voltage line; (ii) strengthening of the Gorou Banda high voltage power station with the installation of a new transformer; (iii) construction of 132 kW two-span lines; (iv) two-span 66 kW; and (v) equipment of a second circuit for Gorou Banda-Right Bank line.

3.1.3 Project location and characteristics of the impact area

The dam project is located at Kandadji in the Tillabéri region. It will be constructed 187 km upstream of Niamey and 61 km from the border with Mali. The nearest town is Tillabéri and is located 65 km downstream. National Road No. 1 (RN1), which runs along the left bank of the Niger Rover, connects these cities to the project site. The extended study area, in addition to the dam and its reservoir, includes the areas affected by other developments planned under the P- KRESMIN: the HV transmission line that will run along the right bank of the river to Niamey, resettlement sites, irrigated compensation schemes for project-affected persons (PAPs), drinking water supply system for resettlement sites, electrification networks for resettlement sites and equipment for irrigated areas, deviation of the National Road 1 (RN1W), the access roads of the right bank, as well as the 45 000 ha of hydro-agricultural development recommended in the Niger Valley Development Master Plan. The general (or extended) study area corresponds to the spatial framework used to describe the environment and impact analysis. It includes all elements of the biophysical and human environments potentially affected or impacted by the Project. It covers the cantons and groupings adjacent to the Niger River, from the northern border with Mali down to the southern border with Nigeria, representing a strip of +/- 10 km on both sides of the Niger River.

For the purposes of assessing cumulative impacts, the area considered corresponds to the general study area to which was added the section of the Niger River that flows from Upper Niger to

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Sélingué in Mali up to the Niger’s border with Mali, and the section that runs from the Nigerian border to the Jebba Dam in Nigeria.

However, for the purposes of assessing the impacts of the project, a detailed study area was defined. It was circumscribed by identifying areas that could be most affected by the P- KRESMIN. Thus, the study area comprises:

• The area of the future reservoir resulting from the dam;

• An area adjacent to the reservoir of variable width delineated to the north by the border with Mali, a strip downstream of the reservoir with a width of about 10 km on both sides of the Niger River and a length of approximately 30 km to characterise the potential areas of resettlement and associated impacts in the event of dam failure;

• A second strip further downstream with a width of 2 km on both sides of the Niger River, stretching all the way to Tillabéri.

The detailed study area, marked out in red in the map below, covers an area of approximately 4 500 km².

Figure 3: Map marking out the study area against the backdrop of the administrative division of the project area.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

3.2 Rationale of the Programme

The Republic of Niger is a West African country almost entirely located in the Sahel-Saharan zone, characterised by very low annual rainfall and long dry spells. The western part of Niger is traversed by the Niger River, which is the country’s most important surface water resource. The river’s average flows declined sharply between the 1970s and 1990s, with very low flows during the low-water season. Moreover, the water resources have been severely affected by climate change.

The drastic decrease in the inflow of the Niger River since the 1970s has made the future development difficult to predict and produced increasingly degrading effects on the fluvial ecosystem, the sustainability of irrigation, the aquatic wildlife population (fish, hippos, etc.), public health and water supply for the population, livestock and industry. As a result of this situation, the Nigerien authorities have had to reconsider the earlier options envisaged for the Kandadji site, and to make it serve as a reservoir for regulating the river flow in Niger. In addition, fossil fuel resources are inadequate and alternative energies cannot meet the country's large-scale energy needs.

Also, the Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme (P-KRESMIN) was officially adopted by the Nigerian Government in August 2002 was officially adopted by the Nigerien Government in August 2002 and placed under the responsibility of the High Commission for the Development of the Niger Valley (HCAVN), which became in 2017 the Kandadji Dam Agency (ABK). It is a strategic, structuring, multi-sectoral, multipurpose programme of national and cross-border scope. At the national level, it is part of the implementation of the Accelerated Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (SDRP), the Rural Development Strategy (SDR), the Economic and Social Development Plan (PDES 2017-2021) as well as the implementation of the "Nigeriens Feeding Nigeriens" (3N) initiative aimed at "freeing the people of Niger, on a sustainable basis, from hunger and malnutrition and guaranteeing them conditions for full participation in national production and for the improvement of their incomes.” This programme also helps to strengthen regional integration and the realisation of the Shared Vision and Action Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Niger Basin promoted by the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) for the sharing of the resources of the Niger River and the interconnection of the electricity grid of the West African region.

Analysis of alternative solutions to the Kandadji Programme has shown that the P-KRESMIN is the only option that could meet all the objectives mentioned in paragraph 3.1. In addition, a broad consensus was reached on the objectives of the P-KRESMIN following two workshops organised by the ABK to validate the Kandadji dam feasibility study reports. Several awareness campaigns undertaken by ABK have also helped to address the concerns of various stakeholders at the national and regional levels, particularly the people affected by the Programme.

4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT ENVIRONMENT

4.1 Natural Environment

Climate

As far as climate is concerned, the project area falls within the northern Sudanian and Sahelian zones, characterised by seasonal hot and dry tropical continental winds that blow from the north-eastern to east (Harmattan) and the humid and unstable equatorial maritime winds originating in the Gulf of Guinea (Monsoon). Annual mean maxima are above 35°C and annual mean minima are above 23°C. The rainy season is short (July-August and September) and the rainfall totals range between 600 and 700 mm/year in the far south and between 260 and 350 mm/year only in the north of the region.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Figure 4 Annual mean maximum and minimum temperatures at Tillabéri

Source: fr.weatherspark.com The Region experienced a strong inter-annual variability in rainfall during the 1980s, but the trend observed over the past two decades has been towards a quantitative recovery in rainfall. Future projections point to an uptrend in monthly mean temperatures over the period 2015-2025 and to a relatively substantial increase in mean rainfall over the same period.

Table 2: Trend of monthly rainfall totals in Tillabéri between 2012 and 2016 Monthly Rainfall (mm)

Months Annual J F M A M J J A S O N D Totals 2012 0 9.1 0 5.2 18.8 42.4 207.6 190.3 151.5 29.4 0 0 654.3 2013 0 0 0 2.4 30.6 43.5 83.7 303.8 43.1 12 0 0 519.1 Tillabéri 2014 0 0.4 0 0 36.7 50 176.8 150.6 36.8 28.8 2.8 0 482.9 2015 0 0.1 7.6 0 0 73.6 163 185.6 65.7 17.1 0 0 512.7 2016 0 0 19.8 6 52.9 116.4 112.5 155 225.8 3.3 0 0 619.7 Source: NIS- Niger: Tillabéri Regional Statistical Yearbook, 2012-2016

Niger is part of the Sahel, a vast geo-climatic group that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Horn of Africa, made up of 17 countries subjected to climate change marked by progressive rainfall deficit since the 1950s, culminating between 1970 and 1990, with recurring droughts, notable changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures, which have weakened ecosystems and made populations more vulnerable and their living conditions more precarious. Extreme and severe weather events in the region have increased significantly over the past 35 years. The number of intensive and violent storms in the Sahel experienced a three- to four-fold increase between 1982 and 2016.

Relief, geology and geomorphology

The physical environment of the region is characterised by a set of simple reliefs consisting of structural plateaus, alluvial plains and river valleys, including the Niger River Valley, which divides them into two shores. The landscape of the northern part of the detailed study area is organised in large strips with an Page 13

Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment east-west orientation. The landscape of the southern portion of the detailed study area is characterised by large longitudinal dunes with east-west-south west/west-north orientation. Some form peaks with a height of over 25 metres, and stretch over a distance of 20 or 30 km. Depressions in between dunes may contain a higher amount of clay and be suitable for agriculture.

Photo 2: Typical landscape of the project area

Around Kandadji, the profile is atypical with the presence of igneous rocks on the surface or just below it, exerting a strong influence on the landscape, including a narrowing of the floodplain. This is particularly evident on the right bank where Ourouba Hill dominates the landscape. However, on the left bank, there is a wide plain with æolian dunes that rarely exceed 2 m. There are also interdunal depressions with greater clay contents. On the site of the future dam, the plain is 10-15 km wide and slopes are low and constant (3%). Isolated hills are also part of the landscape.

Photo 3: Ourouba Hill

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Water Resources

 Hydrology

The hydrographic network is composed of the Niger River, the width of whose valley stretches from 5 to 10 km on both sides of the river, which is characterised by a tropical rainfall regime marked by a great spatial, seasonal and inter-annual variability of flows. Seasonal peak flows amount to about 2 000 m3/s. The high water period is between July and August.

In Niger, the Niger River is fed by seven tributaries all on the right bank: the Gorouol, the Dargol, the Sirba, the Goroubi the Diamangou, the Tapoa and the Mékro. Given that the hydrological system in Niger is characterised by highly variable flows, water supply constraint is a problem faced mainly in the dry season. The duration of the low-flow period depends on the flood of the previous year. The floods occur from September to January, usually with a peak in December (mean monthly discharge in December of about 1 600 m3/s in Kandadji). In dry years, low flows are long-lasting and severe (April-July), and flows may drop to just a few cubic metres per second. Inter-annual variations can be very high.

 Surface Water Quality

Analyses of physical and chemical quality of the river water was conducted at Tondibia upstream of Niamey and its known sources of pollution. The results of these analyses may be considered representative of the situation in Kandadji. The parameters analysed were as follows: temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, total phosphorus and phosphate. For mean values, all parameters indicate a water quality that ranges from good to very good. The high dilution power of the river is a contributing factor to the water quality (see Table 3 below).

Table 3: River Water Quality at Tondibia Parameters Mean Standard Deviation Minimum Maximum Source: Temperature (C) 25.5 3.01 20 29 pH 6.8 0.37 6.1 7.3

O2 (mg/l) 7.4 0.29 7.1 8.2 Elec. conductivity μs/cm 60.6 8.82 46.1 71.9

Nitrite (NO2) (mg/l) 0.002 0.001 0.001 0.003

Nitrate (NO3) (mg/l) 0.3 0.15 0.1 0.6

Ammonium (NH4) 0.3 0.43 0.1 1.7

Phosphate (PO4) 0.1 0.04 0.1 0.2 Total phosphorus (TP) 0.2 0.13 0 0.6 (mg/l) ALHOU et al, 2009 Unclassified Very Average Poor Bad good Good

Moreover, data on the quality of water collected from the river at the city of Tillabéri yielded the following results (Bétas and Ingetec, 2001, cited in Tecsult International, 2006):

• Temperature: 26.3°C • Turbidity: 3 270 NTU

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

• Electrical conductivity: 39.6 μs/cm • pH: 7.19 • Organic matter: 11.4 mg/l • Total suspended solids (TSS): 3 955 mg/l.

The TSS generally have higher values in June and August due to leaching/eroding of soils and river banks by rain. The pH is slightly alkaline, which is typical of rivers in the savannah and steppe regions. The temperature values recorded at this time of the year correspond to those found in African inland waters and are well within the limits tolerated by aquatic wildlife.

 Groundwater

Groundwater constitutes Niger's main water resource, with 2.5 billion cubic metres per year of renewable groundwater resources and about 2 000 billion cubic metres of fossil water. Four aquifers are identified in the Tillabéri and Dosso regions: the terminal aquifer, the continental intercalary aquifer, the crystalline basement aquifer and the alluvial aquifers. Thus, groundwater is the main water resource of the country; and is the primary source of water supply in rural areas as well as in several urban centres. Renewable groundwater resources are estimated at 2.5 billion cubic metres per year. These values reveal that the mineralisation is about 800 micro-siemens/cm on average. The waters of the northern cantons and the shallowest wells show values that are below that average, while the waters found further south and in deeper boreholes are above the average. Waters in the detailed area are of a bicarbonate type, ranging from calcium to sodium.

 Sedimentology

Following a sedimentation survey conducted by TECSULT in collaboration with the University of Niamey, the annual suspended sediment load in the Niger River was estimated at 3 720 000 tonnes. Once this load gets to the reservoir, it gradually leads to silting because of the lower water flow velocity at the entrance of the reservoir. According to this survey, if no action is taken, the effective volume of the reservoir will decrease by 14.3 to 17.9% during the 100 years of operation.

The silting of the river Niger is caused by several factors: topography, wind patterns and the river itself (given that the beaches, islands and sandbanks of the river contribute to the silting). The low vegetation recovery rate, human activities such as farming, deforestation to meet the need for fuelwood and for agricultural purposes are factors that exacerbate erosion and hence the silting.

 Soil

The soil cover of the study area comprises different types of soils, including tropical ferruginous soils, soils poor in alluvial content, poorly developed windblown soils, lithosols and poorly developed erosion soils, as well as raw mineral soils.

Soils in the study area are predominantly red-brown and red windblown sands. They are generally shallow (100 to 150 mm), and have low fertility rates and low water retention capacity.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Photo 4: Riparian forest and shrub steppe near the future dam

 Flora

The biological environment is characterised by several plant species. Due to population growth, climatic degradation, expansion of cultivated land and increased demand for wood, the Tillabéri region is an area where balance in terms of forest resources is precarious. The rare forests of the region (gallery forest) are on the banks of the dallols. Tree and shrub steppes are found on sandy terraces and dunes. They are subject to increasing anthropogenic pressure and stress after periods of drought.

The vegetation and flora of aquatic environments and hydromorphic soils are distributed in longitudinal strips parallel to the contours of the banks. The flora specific to the river comprises 169 species, 30 of which form the core of the river's vegetation. The African and pantropical species make up the majority of this flora dominated by hydrophytic species in the strict sense.

Cropland vegetation consists of open and relatively poor shrub steppe that occupies the middle and lower parts of slopes, as well as slope bottoms and fluvial terraces. The herbaceous layer is high. Flood-prone grasslands are found mostly on islands on the Niger River and on the banks of the Gorouol, its tributary.

“Bourgou”, a source of forage for cattle and wildlife, is mainly located upstream of the future Kandadji dam, where it covers an area of approximately 3 000 ha. This grass is also found downstream of the future dam, but here it is degraded and covers a smaller area.

In the study area, water hyacinth is the most invasive plant, followed by Cyperus articulata, whose infestations are highly localized on the right banks of the Niger River, and Typha australis, which mainly proliferates the drainage channels of existing irrigated areas.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Photo 5: Prosopis juliflora trees in the dam area

 Wildlife

The wildlife is characterised by great diversity. There are 39 waterfowl species on the Niger River downstream from Kandadji, while 42 species were observed in the Tillabéri region, including several species of Palearctic migratory birds, intra-African migratory birds and resident and resident species. The endangered species include the crowned crane, whose numbers seem to be declining.

Semi-aquatic and aquatic mammals in the project area include Cape clawless otters and spotted-necked otters that are protected or classified as vulnerable species. The area is also home to the manatee, particularly upstream, which is listed as "vulnerable" in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. It is threatened by hunting, poaching and habitat destruction from siltation of the riverbed. The hippopotamus, whose numbers seem limited, inhabits the section of the river between the Malian border and Niamey. It is among the endangered species and, though fully protected by Nigerien law, has been under increasing pressure for several years due to the deterioration of the environmental situation in Niger. As part of the accompanying measures of the P-KRESMIN, the Nigerien Government established by Decree of 20 July 2017 a sanctuary for hippos to protect them from being killed.

The main land mammals in the region comprise dama and dorcas gazelles that are listed as endangered species, wild dogs, striped hyenas, jackals and warthogs. Other mammalian species (buffalo, roan antelope, waterbuck, buffon's kob, bushbuck, common duiker, oribi, lion, hartebeest, civet) can now be found only in reserves and parks.

Amphibians and reptiles are also numerous, with the main ones being the Nile crocodile (whose population is declining), the Nile monitor and the najas. An inventory of ichthyofauna conducted in 2012 as part of the study on the Wildlife and Natural Habitat Management Plan identified 95 species distributed among 23 families, including 10 mono-specific ones. In summary, endangered or vulnerable species in the study area comprise, among others, the crowned crane, the Cape clawless otter, the African manatee, the hippopotamus, the dorcas gazelle, the dama gazelle, the African wild dog and the striped hyena.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Photo 6: Wildlife composed of hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibus) and Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

Under the Kandadji Programme, these actions will need to be strengthened in order protect the manatee, including by considering the possibility of transforming part of the Kandadji dam reservoir into a full- fledged sanctuary for this endangered mammal, thus making the area a key site for protection, research, management and monitoring, in accordance with the Conservation Strategy for the West African Manatee.

In addition to ensuring the protection of the manatee, given its "vulnerable" animal status under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, CITES Appendix II and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), this measure is likely to limit the proliferation of water hyacinth which it enjoys, and to help address threats faced by the animal, particularly the destruction of its habitat following the silting of the riverbed as a result of wind power and the creation of irrigation developments.

Despite the existence of legislation on the restoration and management the habitat, it must be acknowledged that the country’s lack of resources is a drawback to it implementation. Crosscutting initiatives will need to be taken to contribute to the overall objective of ensuring a better conservation status for this animal, because the enforcement of the legislation on wildlife and natural resources is often hindered by certain social practices (hunting, ritual consumption) or government policies, which means that this

 Protected areas

The project area has two wetlands: (1) the Ayorou Important Bird Area (IBA), located on the Niger River near the Malian border, which may host more than 20 000 water birds composed of one or more species; and (2) the Kokorou Namga Complex, which was added to the RAMSAR List in 2001 and covers an area of 66 829 hectares. This wetland is home to a water bird population of nearly 50 000, comprising 56 recorded species.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

It is worth noting that the P-KRESMIN includes the Map of the Kandadji National Nature creation of the Kandadji National Nature Reserve Reserve (RNNK) and hippopotamus (RNNK) and the Hippo Sanctuary in the area upstream sanctuary of the reservoir to enhance the programme’s impact in order to allow the biodiversity to thrive and enable the local communities to make the most of it.

4.2 Human and Socio-economic Environment

Demography

Niger's population has more than doubled in less than a quarter century. Most of the population (75%) is concentrated along the Niger River and its tributaries. In 2001, the proportion of young people under 15 years was around 48% in the cantons of Dessa and Gorouol and 45% in the canton of Ayorou. The high proportion of young people is reflected in the average size of households in the study area, which, in the Tillabéri region, comprise as many as 8.21 people per household, an average higher than other regions.

The General Population and Housing Census of 2012 (RGPH 2012) put the population of the Tillabéri region at 2 722 482, and this figure was projected to reach 3 424 876 by 2018, based on an annual growth rate 3.9% (national rate). According to Niger's National Institute of Statistics (NIS) (population projections based on RGPH 2012), the region's population would stand at 6 489 266 by 2035. The same source presents the demographic trend of the Tillabéri region by Department as follows:

Table 4: Projection of the population of the Tillabéri region by department by 2035 Population (inhabitants) RGPH 2012 2018 Projection 2035 Projection Tillabéri Region 2 722 482 3 424 876 6 489 267 Abala Department 144 287 181 513 343 920 Ayérou Department 57 030 71 743 135 936 Banibangou Department 66 949 84 221 159 579 Bankilaré Department 84 893 106 795 202 350 Balleyara Department 107 134 134 774 255 363 Filingué Department 306 726 385 861 731 107 Gotheye Department 241 043 303 232 574 546 Kollo Department 465 399 585 471 1 109 318 Ouallam Department 327 224 411 647 779 966 Say Department 175 625 220 936 418 617 Téra Department 336 207 422 948 801 378 Tillabéri Department 227 352 286 008 541 913 Torodi Department 182 613 229 727 435 274 Source: NIS These figures reveal consistently high growth and fertility rates – a potential source of significant pressure on natural resources, which confirms the relevance of the Kandadji Programme

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

(electricity, drinking water, agricultural production, etc.). The figures do not take into account the significant impacts which the P-KRESMIN is expected to have on socio-economic dynamics.

The population density in the project area is 128.6 inhabitants per km², well above the average of 28 inhabitants per km² recorded in the Tillabéri region in 2012. This population has the following main features:

 The age structure shows a high prevalence of young people: 55.4% of the population of the project area is under 15 years of age (ENISED 2015) and 22.3% is between 0 and 5 years of age. The gender structure is slightly in favour of women (50.5%), except in the urban centres of Kollo and Say.

It is a predominantly rural population (≈ 94%).

 Households have an average of 6.1 members.

 55.1% of households heads can neither read nor write (compared to 43.3% for the 2006 census) and 8% of household heads report having a king of disability.

 A significant proportion of the census population (35.3%) is in the city of Ayorou.

Social Organisation

The social organisation of Niger is greatly influenced by the culture and traditions of each ethnic group. In the detailed study area, the low population density allows people to come together by ethnicity and live near their main source of income, whether the river for fishing, agricultural land for farmers or grazing land for stock breeders. The population is mostly sedentary, although there are concentrations of nomads in the cantons of Ayorou, and Gorouol.

Poverty Conditions

Living conditions in most of the study area are characterised by the inability to meet basic needs. The minimum basic needs in terms of nutrition and shelter are not guaranteed, in addition to a lack of infrastructure (water, sanitation, health and education modulations). Moreover, the study area is home to about 5 million people, who will be able to benefit, in varying degrees, from the maintenance of the low-water flow and the economic development generated by P-KRESMIN.

Cultural Resources

The cultural heritage consists mainly of mosques and cemeteries, as well as a few ceremonial places. The archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of the project area is rich and consists of prehistoric sites with debitage and quartz artefacts, ancient metallurgical sites and historical sites. These sites are numerous and include: Gabou, Beïbatane, Firgoune, Koutougou, Yassane, Koygorou, Tchiré, and Illade. The following pictures are samples of the items: (1) Statuette head and beads (2) Stone and terracotta beads in Yatakala (3) Ceramics in Gabou and (4) Grindstone in Beibatane.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Equipment and Infrastructure

With regard to socio-economic activities, many details can be found in the socio-economic study of the baseline situation developed under the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).

The socio-economic study carried out on the project-affected area under the RAP2 shows that 30.3% of households have sufficient access to an improved water source (households with access to sources other than the health infrastructure, which consists of 14 units between a Type 1 Integrated Health Centre (IHC), a Type 2 Integrated Health Centre, 12 health huts (HH) and 6 private pharmaceutical depots. The main diseases prevalent in the study area are waterborne diseases, neuropathies (cough/colds, pneumonia), measles, conjunctivitis, chronic coughs and urethral discharge. In the study area, the gross enrolment rate for the basic cycle has increased significantly. Women are less educated than men and, as far as literacy is concerned, the situation is the same and even more pronounced in rural areas.

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the project area, characterised by very small family farms. It is subsistence agriculture, carried out on a seasonal basis. Only a small part of the production is for sale. There are two main types of agricultural areas: river valleys or rice paddies and dune areas.

Stockbreeding is practised by most households and contributes to food security through the production of meat, milk, hides and eggs. There are two types of stockbreeding in the area: the extensive pastoral system (or transhumance) and the extensive agro-pastoral system (stockbreeding associated with agriculture).

In the study area, and in the country as a whole, fishing is an artisanal activity carried out in the Niger River, its tributaries (the Gorouol and the Dargol) and in seasonal and permanent pools, despite the regression due to climatic conditions and drought.

Fishery products are sold locally in fisheries and/or transported to major cities such as Tillabéri and Niamey for sale. They are also preserved or processed (smoking and drying), mainly by women. The area has two fishing stations (Ayorou) and a fish smokehouse (Firgoune).

Commercial activity in the area is concentrated mainly in Ayorou due to the proximity of the national road to Tillabéri and Niamey, and to presence of the livestock market in the city. There are also four markets: Ayorou, Bongouro, Sanguilé and Seno.

5. PROGRAMME ALTERNATIVES

Two sets of options are compared:

 Options other than the Kandadji dam or options without the P-KRESMIN programme;

 The Kandadji dam option or option with project.

5.1 Options other than the Kandadji dam

5.1.1 Gambou dam on the Niger River Page 22

Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

The Gambou site is located 125 km south of Niamey. The dam would have a 430 million m3 reservoir; it would operate nine months a year and produce between 236 and 291 GWh/year, with a minimum production of between 126 and 186 GWh/year. The study of the long-term development of the electricity sub-sector in Niger (LAVALIN International) recommended, from a strictly energy standpoint, that preference be given to the Gambou dam. However, from an environmental and social point of view, the dam will have major impacts on the W Park in terms of biodiversity, expropriations and population displacement.

5.1.2 Reservoirs on the tributaries of the Niger River

The tributaries of the Niger River have a dozen reservoirs with stored volumes ranging from 200,000 to 21 000 000 m3. The main dams are located on the Dargol, the Tapoa River, a tributary of the Gorouol and a tributary of the Goroubi. The Dyondyonga dam project on the Mékrou River is another alternative that has been studied since the 1970s. The main goal of that site, with an installed capacity of 26 MW (79 GWh/year), is electricity generation.

5.1.3 Research into fossil fuel resources

Research into fossil fuel resources shows that, in Northern Niger, mineral coal mined at the Anou-Araren field has been estimated at 9.4 million tonnes, with a calorific value of 3 650 kcal/kg. It is totally intended for the generation of electricity to power mining companies and the cities of Agadez, Arlit and Tchirozérine. Promising indications have been reported in Aïr (Solomi), Ader Doutchi and Ouallam Department (CILLS, 2003).

5.1.4 Alternative energy sources

The alternative energy sources evaluated are micro-turbine engines, solar energy and wind energy.

Micro-turbine engines are smaller versions of propulsion engines that can be activated in cogeneration by natural gas or biomass and have an energy efficiency of 80%.

Sunshine in Niger is quite regular, except in August when the cloud cover is more intense. The average monthly values for electrical potential range from 5 to 6 kWh/m² per day and the average sunshine duration is 8.5 hours per day.

Wind energy is a competitive source of energy that has the advantage of creating the highest number of jobs per unit of power generated. Average wind speeds range from 2.5 to more than 5 m/s, depending on the locality. The North desert area generally has higher wind speeds and stands in better stead to host wind power plants.

The hybrid power plant solution (hydroelectric, photovoltaic and/or wind) stems from new innovative tracks that were not studied under the P-KRESMIN.

5.2 Kandadji dam options

The Kandadji dam site, which corresponds to a narrowing of the riverbed, is the most suitable location for the construction of a dam on the Niger section of the Niger River.

While that is the major consideration, there are other elements that are no less significant, including the presence of a rocky hill on the right bank; the existence of an island that will facilitate the diversion of the river during construction; the rocky nature of the river bed, which would enable it to support major concrete

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment structures; the confluence of the Gorouol (a tributary on the right bank that flows into the river upstream of the proposed dam site and thus increasing water inflows and the capacity of the reservoir); and the fact that the dam would be built with soil materials, which would allow for the exclusive use of materials available on the site and the intensive use of local labour.

The first studies of the Kandadji dam date back to 1963 and the objectives were to irrigate tens of thousands of hectares of land along the valley; provide water for people, livestock and industry; generate electricity to meet the needs of a large portion of the country; and improve navigation.

The design and dimensions of the Kandadji dam have evolved over time until reaching the optimal version, which makes it possible to:

 Maximise the use of backfill at the expense of concrete, fostering the greatest possible integration of local labour in carrying out future work;

 Minimise the number and extent of costly retaining walls between concrete structures and the earth-filled dam (consolidation of all concrete structures and limitation of the number of transitional areas between the concrete structures and the earth-filled dam);

 Operate all facilities in a simple and safe manner at minimum maintenance costs and over an extended period;

 To have all the structures intended for the diversion of water (power plant, spillway, bottom outlet) to the current bed of the river, thus avoiding the need for the construction of a tailrace channel and fostering a harmonious integration of the structure into the existing morphology of the Niger River; and

 Reduce the volume of rock excavations for foundations.

6. RESULTS OF THE COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES

If no water control structure is built on the river in Niger, the river ecosystem will continue to deteriorate as a result of increased low-water deficits due to climate change, increased desertification in the Niger basin, and water and wind erosion. On the other hand, fossil fuel resources are not sufficient, alternative energies cannot meet large-scale energy needs and the option of groundwater exploitation is disadvantageous in that the tidal ranges are too low for large-scale exploitation. Moreover, these systems are not multifunctional and cannot meet all objectives in terms of water and energy needs.

The review of the options of dams on the Niger River or its tributaries (Gambou, Dyondyonga) has shown that while they can participate in electricity generation, these dams cannot ensure the regeneration of ecosystems, the sustainability of irrigation and the control of low-water flows. They also have significant environmental and social impacts, including the involuntary displacement of local populations, and a strong effect on the biodiversity of the W National Park.

An analysis of the solutions conducted during the project preparation showed that the P-KRESMIN is the only option that meets all the assigned objectives: (i) provide drinking water to Niamey, a city of more than one million people; (ii) provide sufficient water for 45 000 ha of developed land, which are essential for Niger's food security, especially with climate-related and hydrological changes; and (iii) satisfy the necessary environmental flows of 120 m3/s in Niamey and 80 m3/s at the border with Nigeria and Benin.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

7. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS

7.1 Potential impacts of the project during the pre-construction and construction phases

During the pre-construction and construction phases, several moderate-to-major negative impacts are expected on the biophysical and human environments, which will be mainly associated with expropriation, the displacement and resettlement of populations, the building of structures, the clearing of the reservoir’s right-of-way and loss of habitat, in addition to the usual nuisances associated with the establishment of construction sites and the transportation of materials. The direct consequence of the development of the reservoir will be the loss of productive soil in the flooded area, landscape changes and reduced fish and forage resources. Potential risks of disruption of local customs and practices and conflicts between workers on the site and local populations, particularly in the absence of ethnic affinities, are anticipated.

7.1.1. Impacts on the biophysical environment

The major negative impacts on the biophysical environment relate primarily to changes in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems following the disruption of the natural flow of surface water, mainly due to dam construction works; risk of increased water pollution; loss of biodiversity due to the flooding of aquatic fauna habitats upstream of the dam; partial and one-time modification of the landscape; and risk of instability or anomalies during the filling phase of the dam, in addition to the customary nuisances accompanying any work on a construction site (smell, noise, vibration, accidents, etc.).

During the pre-construction phase of the P-KRESMIN, the potential significant impact on the biophysical environment is the destruction of habitats for wildlife and other species due to the construction of workers’ facilities, the displacement and resettlement of populations and the development of resettlement sites and irrigated areas.

In addition, the setting up of workers’ living areas and the simultaneous opening of multiple construction sites (dam, roads, resettlement sites, HADs, etc.) will necessitate clearing, felling and stumpage, delimbing of trees in forest relics that are home to several bird species, trampling of plants, setting of fires and extermination of reptiles. These operations will also result in the displacement of resident wildlife, which will suffer from the increase in macro-waste from the construction sites spread over a large area.

The main potential impacts of the construction works on the natural environment are:

 Impacts on soils for various reasons, including widespread stripping at various depths for the extraction of aggregate and backfill materials: risks of erosion, destabilisation, pollution, etc.

These impacts will be accentuated by the cutting of trees and removal of weeds from the reservoir before the dam impoundment, which will be accompanied by significant losses of grazing land for livestock and of wildlife.

 Deterioration of air quality for a variety of reasons, including the use of explosives, excavation and complete or incomplete combustion at high temperatures (vehicle engines and machinery).

 Impacts on water resources:

- Disruption of the natural flow of surface water following the building of gates and cofferdams for the river diversion, excavation, stripping, earthworks and concreting

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

works related to the construction of the dam and crossing structures that may hinder the normal gravitational flow of water.

- Increase in turbidity, which may result in a reduction in oxygen content, the dissemination of micropollutants; alteration of the bacteriological quality of the water; reduction of the transparency of the water and the light intensity available for photosynthesis, which would lead to a decrease in primary production and consequently in the amount of food available for fish, even if fish reproduction takes place during the flood season, when the waters are heavily charged.

- Contamination with faecal coliforms and streptococci from wastewater production and physical or chemical pollution by accidental spillage or negligent use of hazardous pollutants (hydrocarbons, lubricants, concrete laitance, mixed water and additives), hydraulic hose rupture, tank leak, etc.

- Increased pressure on water resources to meet the needs of the construction phase: setting up of site facilities (offices, toilets, refectory), watering of products during screening and crushing operations, and watering of tracks, stocks and road platforms, depending on weather conditions (drought and wind).

 Impacts on biodiversity:

- Loss of biodiversity due to flooding of aquatic fauna habitats upstream of the dam relating to the installation of cofferdams and the diversion of flow, poaching, deforestation, displacement of resident and local species, and inter- and intra-specific competition.

- Disruption of fauna and flora, and flooding of habitats upstream of the dam, in connection with the installation of cofferdams and the diversion of flow.

- Fish fauna, insects, amphibians, microorganisms and aquatic flora will be partially destroyed in the immediate environment of the construction site during the various development phases.

- Birds, particularly those resident in the area, will suffer disruptions due to the construction works and will be forced to look for alternative nesting sites.

7.1.2 Impacts on the human environment

Negative impacts

The involuntary displacement of more than 60 000 people is the major negative impact of this phase. It will undoubtedly result in significant changes in demographics, living conditions and social organisation. Indeed, the daily activities of people, not only those who are displaced, but also those who will host them and those who will not be displaced, will be disrupted. It could be admitted, therefore, that some people would be destabilised in the short and medium terms, which create difficulties.

Many chapters have been devoted in resettlement action plans (RAPs) to the negative impacts of this involuntary displacement of people.

The negative impacts of site preparation are associated with land expropriation and displacement and the resettlement of people. These activities will result in the involuntary displacement of approximately 60 000

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment people (including about 10 000 for the first wave of the resettlement, which has already been completed), most of whom will be leaving a somewhat insulated home environment where their ancestors had settled, to move to the banks of the future reservoir or downstream of the dam on land where they will have no ancestral rights. The latest version of the final reports of RAP 2A and 2B (October 2018) shows that the Kandadji Programme will affect more than 8 000 households, representing nearly 50 000 people, and almost 12 000 ha of farmland:

- The population affected by the dam at elevation 228 m is made up of 8 088 households (49 610 people), including:

 5 555 households (32 991 people) at elevation 224 m (phase A).

 2 533 households (16 619 people) between elevations 224 m and 228 m (phase B).

- The area of agricultural land that will be flooded at elevation 228 m is 12 022 ha, including:

 8 779 ha at elevation 224 m (phase A).

 3 243 ha between elevations 224 m and 228 m (phase B).

The second wave of population displacement will occur in two phases:

 During the first phase (phase A), where the dam is built at an operating height of 224 m, with the foundations of a dam with an elevation of 228 m, for which the RAP 2A resettlement action plan is being developed.

 During the second phase (phase B), where the dam is raised to the final operating height of 228 metres, for which the resettlement action plan known as PAR2B is being developed.

Construction works for the various components and sub-components of the P-KRESMIN may have other negative impacts both on the RAPs and on all the populations living near the construction sites that are no less significant than the displacement of populations: major social changes (transition from patriarchal to monocellular families, single-parent households, moral problems, etc.), influx of migrants in search of jobs, risk of trafficking in persons and child labour, significant needs in socio-economic infrastructure (markets, education, health, transport, etc.), promiscuity and incidence of AIDS and other venereal diseases linked to the presence of the construction site and migrant workers, increased incidence of waterborne diseases, risk of increased delinquency, increased difficulty for populations and livestock to cross the river, risks of accidents, drowning and fire, etc. It should be noted that, in the event of a massive influx of workers accompanied by their families, social and community infrastructure (schools, health centres, etc.) could prove insufficient, possibly giving rise to tensions, even social conflicts.

Positive impacts

The negative and destabilising impacts associated with the clearing of the project's right-of-way will be offset through compensation, thus generating benefits for the involuntarily displaced populations. Through the compensation process, secure tenure will be provided for land allocated as compensation, so as to formalise user rights, leading to an increase in the agricultural productivity of the land. There are also plans to provide compensation for losses suffered by offering the affected people alternatives as well as various social and community services and infrastructure that will enable them to recover and even improve their standard of living.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Other positive impacts are expected during the preparatory and construction phases and will be reflected in the participation of local populations and authorities (communal and traditional) in the programme activities, in particular in the preparation of host sites and the construction of facilities. This will help to promote job creation, the development of new skills and the revitalisation of local socio-economic life, with the presence of worksites generating benefits at the village level (catering, trade in basic commodities, rental of housing, offices, shops and warehouses). Job opportunities will also be provided to local small businesses and vulnerable people, thus reducing unemployment and poverty and improving the people’s living conditions. These various impacts could help to reduce migration exodus and unemployment among young people by increasing the attractiveness of the region.

7.2 Potential impacts of the programme during the operational phase

7.2.1 Impacts on the biophysical environment

Negative impacts

During the operational phase, the main impact on the biophysical environment consists in the transformation of the Niger River into a hydro-system under anthropic control; the transition of the river from a lotic hydrological regime to a lentic regime upstream of the dam through the functional alteration of the aquatic ecosystem downstream from the dam and the partial or total fragmentation of the habitats of aquatic fauna (fish, crocodiles, hippos and lamantins); the disruption of their migration patterns; and the risk of increased poaching (especially of the lamantin).

This alteration will lead to a change in the dynamics of fish communities following the loss of their habitats; a decrease in wetlands downstream (shrinking ponds, water meadows, rice-growing areas and lowlands); the replacement of natural flow with artificial flow; and an increase in the amplitude of temperature variations and dissolved oxygen. Variations in the depth of some sections will make it difficult or impossible for some fish to thrive, which might compromise the renewal of the species and further reduce fishermen's incomes. These impacts will affect the reproduction of shorebirds and migratory bird species, which naturally inhabit this environment.

The commissioning of the facilities, including the filling of the reservoir, will facilitate biological invasions, including of aquatic plants, particularly water hyacinth, which might affect the hydroelectric power plant, fishing output and the productive potential of plains where bourgou is grown.

The commissioning of the various components and sub-components of the P-KRESMIN may have other negative impacts on the biophysical environment:

 The potential major impacts of hydro-agricultural developments (HADs) on water resources, both quantitatively (consumption of large quantities of water at the expense of other sectors) and qualitatively (increased risks of groundwater and surface water pollution related to crop intensification and the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, hitherto not widely used in the project area).

 The loss of vegetation from the flooding of the impoundment area will result in the loss of an important source of fuel wood, fruit trees, non-timber forest products, plains where bourgou is grown (which are a food source for aquatic life, a site for fish spawning and a source of forage for livestock).

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

 The impoundment of the reservoir will also result in a loss of both habitats for wildlife and an important area for bird conservation, but it could improve the habitat conditions for species dependent on wetlands or aquatic habitats.

 The fragmentation of the habitat of the manatee, the risk of fragmentation of fish habitat, siltation of the reservoir, the risk of eutrophication and invasion of water hyacinth in the reservoir, changes in physical properties and chemical properties of soils in the drawdown zone and water quality and the risk of bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish tissue.

 The stratification of the water in the reservoir (which could create anoxic conditions) occurs when water masses with different properties – salinity (halocline), oxygenation (chemocline), density (pycnocline), temperature (thermocline) – form layers that act as barriers to the mixing of water, which could lead to anoxia or euxinia. Hence, if the reservoir is not cleared of trees and grass prior to the impoundment of the dam, trees and vegetation will decompose in the reservoir, causing eutrophication, which could also lead to the death of fish. The development of anoxic layers (lethal for fish) owing to the stratification of the water column is unlikely to occur, since the reservoir will be shallow and its water will have a high turnover rate, thus limiting the onset of stratification.

Positive impacts

The main positive impacts on the biophysical environment expected during the operational phase of some components of the P-KRESMIN are control of the river flow, improvement of the low-water regime, reduction of flooding, protection against flooding of towns and villages downstream from the dam, improvement of water quality, increase in suitable areas for hippopotamus and lamantin habitats upstream of the dam, and conservation of the diversity of fish species.

Other positive impacts of medium to minor importance expected include an increase in the piezometric level of the accompanying groundwater of the river and in the vicinity of the reservoir; increase in the volumes exchanged, thus maintaining soil moisture during the dry season, making the soil favourable for crop cultivation and the growth of natural vegetation; reduction of the risk of contamination of downstream catchment structures (surface wells) due to flood control; installation of a fish pass that will improve fish productivity downstream; and maintenance of the diversity of fish species downstream.

The presence of reservoirs will therefore facilitate the formation of a microclimate and the hydroelectric power plant will significantly reduce the production of greenhouse gases (GHGs).

7.2.2 Impacts on the human environment

Negative impacts

During the operational phase of the various components and sub-components of the P-KRESMIN, the main expected negative impacts on the human environment will vary. The creation of the reservoir will lead to the loss of productive soil in the flooded area and will have a negative impact on agricultural, stockbreeding and fishing activities. The impoundment of the reservoir will lead to the disappearance of forage resources, particularly the species Echinochloa stagnina, commonly known as "bourgou". The adjustments that farmers and pastoralists will face may exacerbate the tensions that already exist between them over land use. The main negative impact on the human environment concerns the presence of the reservoir and HADs, which will increase the incidence of waterborne diseases, which are already very prevalent in the region, but also the unravelling of the flood risk culture.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

A number of conflicts could take place, given the profound changes in the cropping, stockbreeding, fishing and social organisation methods, which will result in a change in the rules of use and rights to water and land. Account must be taken of the impact on the safety of the structures in relation to the onset of anomalies (deformation, compaction of materials, modification of the hydrological regime of the river stemming from the amplification of extreme climatic conditions).

Positive impacts

During its operational phase, the project will also have many major positive impacts on the human and socio-economic environments: improvement in the quality of life of displaced people; enhancement of the people’s nutritional status; development of new skills; reduction of seasonal migration and unemployment among young people; decrease in the workload of women; increased involvement of local and traditional authorities and civil society in the governance of the programme; and significant changes in the use, access and rights to land and water, etc.

On the economic level, the expected benefits include increased agricultural and pastoral productivity through regular water supply, recovery of productive soil areas in the tidal zone; increased fishing yields in the reservoir; better supply of inputs and zootechnical products; improved access to agricultural, livestock and fishery products in markets thanks to access roads and tracks (especially on the right bank); and the opportunity to open the crest road to traffic, which will increase trade between the two banks of the river. This economic development will lead to the diversification of economic activities and the emergence of new opportunities for the secondary and tertiary sectors.

Other equally important positive impacts will emerge through access to water upstream and downstream of the dam; extension of electrification, particularly in rural areas; improvement of the people’s standard of living both upstream and downstream of the dam; enhancement of the people’s general health status thanks to the presence of appropriate water infrastructure; improvement of access for people; enhancement of food security through the development of irrigated areas and the increase in agricultural yields; and improvement of the country's trade balance (decrease in rice, fish and energy imports).

The Kandadji Ecosystem Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme for will therefore have significant positive impacts in the study area and for the whole of Niger.

Moreover, the potentially significant economic development that will be generated by the various components of the P-KRESMIN will be accompanied by demographic growth (natural increase and arrival of new migrants) and significant social changes that will create considerable needs in terms of developed land and infrastructure. In other words, they will generate a risk of haphazard urbanisation associated with the spatial expansion of urban areas.

Several positive impacts will offset the negative impacts, which may be mitigated but not avoided. The implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and the Local Development Plan (LDP) will help to mitigate the negative impacts of the programme and accentuate its positive impacts. However, given the importance of the lifestyle changes of the affected populations that would result from the programme, the implementation of the LDP will be just as important as that of the ESMP and the RAP.

8. MITIGATION AND REINFORCEMENT MEASURES AND COMPLEMENTARY

INITIATIVES

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

8.1 Accompanying measures during the pre-construction and construction phases

8.1.1 General measures

The general measures described below are intended to mitigate various impacts and risks on health, hygiene, safety and the environment (HSSE) during the pre-construction and construction phases:

- Implementation of the agreement signed by ABK and the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Agency (BEEEI) to monitor and control the implementation of the environmental and social measures of P-KRESMIN activities.

- Building of the capacities of the different stakeholders (ABK, BEEEI, DR-Env, DD-Env, local authorities, etc.).

- Recruitment by each company of an HSSE manager for the duration of the project.

- Establishment by each company of a site management plan and sectoral technical plans: site installation plan (SIP), water management plan, solid waste management organisation plan (SOGED), health, safety and environment (HSE) plans, emergency plan in the event of a spill, monthly HSE plans, etc.

- Provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for site personnel and the renewal thereof.

- Organisation of training and awareness sessions in HSSE for site personnel (various topics: safety, hygiene, water saving, combating poaching, systematic shutting down of engines of machinery, trucks and vehicles when they are stationary, prohibition of the burning of waste, plant debris and materials that can produce toxic gases, etc.).

- Posting of awareness messages and operating instructions indicating the procedures to be followed, as well as the names and contact details of the managers to be contacted.

- Provision of appropriate and secure means of transportation for workers to move around the site.

- Proper posting of each company's internal rules and regulations.

- Compliance with the labour code and regulations of Niger relating to hygiene, health, safety and the environment.

8.1.2 Biophysical environment preservation measures

To mitigate negative impacts on the biophysical environment during the pre-construction and construction phases, various mitigation and enhancement measures are recommended. For the loss of vegetation in the reservoir, it is suggested to recover all the woody material and integrate it into the work of the site (SWC works, fences, landscaping, etc.) or distribute it to the people for various uses (timber, energy, etc.). The stripped topsoil will be kept for revegetation at the end of the project or for the arrangement of green spaces on the site. It will also be necessary to avoid erodible and steeply sloping areas and shoreline segments that are most susceptible to erosion, and to develop, right at this early phase, monitoring and surveillance standards for terrestrial wildlife and aquatic fauna, to keep track of their future evolution.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Water resources preservation measures

Measures to protect water from pollution/contamination by various pollutants include:

- Implementation of the agreement between Kandadji Dam Agency (ABK) and the Regional Directorate of Hydraulics of Tillabéri (DRH/Ti) for the monitoring of the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of surface water and groundwater in the P-KRESMIN area.

- Installation of on-site wastewater collection and treatment systems (septic tanks with regular addition of lime).

- Establishment of oil and gas supply points for machinery and trucks and waterproof and protected areas for the maintenance of machinery, equipped with gutters for the recovery of any leaks, sandpits (absorbent), washing areas with settling tanks for the use of closed- circuit washing water, basins for emptying concrete pours and washing the mixer and the mixer trucks.

- Installation of bins and dumpsters and establishment of authorised dump sites for solid waste management.

- Acquisition by each company of emergency material to handle accidental spills (sandboxes, absorbents, antipollution kits).

- Implementation by each company of sectoral technical plans: water management plan (defining the site's water supply points to avoid conflicts with other uses and the pressure on or overuse of water resources), solid waste management organisation plan (SOGED), health, safety and environment (HSE) plans, emergency plan in the event of a spill, etc.

On the other hand, in order to reduce the amount of fine materials in the river, it is recommended that facilities be built to protect and divert runoff and drainage water from erodible sectors to prevent them from being discharged into the river and increasing its turbidity. Mitigation of changes in the hydrological regime will require adequate culvert sizing and flow monitoring.

The work schedule will also have to take into consideration technical and environmental constraints. Thus, to preserve the quality of the water and ecosystems, work on the dike must be carried out during low-water periods and the uncontrolled spreading of materials must be prohibited in the event of a storm. Various physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters will also be monitored, a system for collecting and pre- treating wastewater from the site will be installed, and solid waste will be cleaned and carried off to authorise sites.

Soil preservation measures

To limit erosion and sedimentation, traffic zones should be marked, the stripped topsoil should be preserved in heaps for reuse at the end of the project and the affected sites should be rehabilitated at the end of the project.

The following measures will be adopted for soil preservation: (1) construction of soil and water conservation/soil defence and restoration (SWC/SDR) facilities (benches, dry stone walls, earthen embankments) on the slopes and installation of ditches to intercept and channel runoff; (2) provision of riprap to concentrate and dissipate bank energy in the main watercourses with a steep longitudinal slope in

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment order to prevent linear and lateral erosion and ram effect during flooding; (3) limitation of the use of machinery on fragile land; (4) establishment of host sites away from shoreline segments that are more susceptible to erosion; and (5) mechanical stabilisation of the soil to reduce erosion potential (provide stabilisation structures during construction).

Complementary measures are needed after the construction phase. They concern the following post- completion rehabilitation operations:

• Recovery of all excess materials (excavation and wastes);

• Dismantling and evacuation of unallocated installations ;

• Skim ploughing of land for the storage of worksite equipment;

• Refilling and levelling of all excavated areas;

• Handing back of battery acids, scrap metal and empty drums to appropriate specialised service companies;

• Re-use of topsoil;

• Rehabilitation of roads;

• Cleaning of activity areas and rehabilitation of borrow sites, adopting contour forms that match the natural landscape.

• Preparation of the final assessment in collaboration with the services concerned.

Measures to Preserve Air Quality

The watering of tracks, roads and work areas near inhabited zones, limiting of speeds at 40 km/h, placing of tarpaulin on trucks transporting materials, equipment of transport vehicles and machines with anti- pollution devices, regular vehicle maintenance (regular and systematic change of filter components per manufacturer’s rules), regular technical control and inspections, and forbidding of the burning of green and other wastes and materials likely to produce toxic gases (tyres, used oils, etc.) are measures that will limit atmospheric pollution and odour nuisances (dust and gas emissions) during the pre-construction and construction phases.

Biodiversity Preservation Measures

The destruction of vegetation and natural habitats can be largely reduced through (1) a clear demarcation of areas to be reforested and protected, in collaboration with the decentralised services of DGEEF; (2) the production of woody perennials and their use for compensatory revegetation in resettlement sites (green spaces, community forests, etc.) and planting of shade trees in host villages (training/supervision); (3) the planting of community forests; (4) the preparation of repositories (inventory) of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife before works commence; (5) the prohibition of the burning of plant waste but enhance their value through use in building operations (construction of GSS, fences, timber, etc.) or making them available to the local population for diverse uses (making of handicraft products, firewood, construction, shelter, etc.) thereby helping to reduce the pressure on flora; (6) the study of the relevance of a temporary works stoppage during the hibernation of avifauna; (7) the monitoring of vegetation and fauna trends (over 4 years) through an observatory; (8) the endowment of living bases with gas cookers and cooking

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment gas bottles to limit recourse to wood to cook/heat up food; and (9) limiting night work and forbidding night-time lighting during periods of reproduction of avifauna present on the site.

Besides, necessary measures will be implemented to combat poaching and prevent the risk of collision and mortality of fauna. These include : (i) the erection of sensitisation/prohibitory signposts to sensitise construction workers on the protection of species and forbid hunting during construction works, deforestation, bush fires, the setting of traps and extraction of eggs or juveniles, etc.; (ii) the forbidding of the use of aluminium nitrate-based explosives (risk of water pollution); (iii) the proper calculation of the blasting charge and use only the required quantity; and (iv) strict compliance with the blasting plan.

Besides, to mitigate impacts due to the destruction of wildlife and other habitats consequent on construction of host infrastructure, inventories will be prepared prior to then on potential host sites (resettlement sites and new compensatory irrigation scheme sites) to ensure that they are not fragile habitats.

8.1.3 Measures for Preserving the Human Environment

Measures to support involuntary resettlement of the population, expropriation of property and loss of income

The proposed mitigation and compensation measures to minimise the negative impacts of expropriation, displacement and resettlement are detailed in the latest version of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP2) Report, dated October 2018. These measures are captured in the implementation of three programmes :

1. The RAP2 support programme : including monitoring/evaluation; the recruitment of a service provider to implement RAP; a complaints management mechanism; and the application of strict rules of establishment and eligibility to settle in new host villages.

2. The transition support programme.

3. Compensation of PAPs for their loss of activity, income or property, with due consideration to their customary rights and compliance with compensation time frames (before moving).

These measures will be supplemented by socialisation measures including school enrolment (mostly of girls), the laying out of recreational areas and encouragement to set up associative structures.

Measures relating to governance

Measures likely to mitigate the risk of marginalisation of local and community structures include the involvement of local, communal and traditional authorities interested in programme activities, the creation of a liaison and consultation mechanism with contractors, the rolling out of a communication plan and organisation of information and awareness campaigns.

These campaigns will be used by the latter to introduce behaviour change helping people to adjust to a new lifestyle (respect of the Labour Code, respect of principles of citizenship, maintenance of sanitation, issuance of contracts for workers, payment of taxes, etc.).

In this same context, workers should be educated to respect the local population and their customs in order to limit disruptions in the host population’s habits. A police station will also be constructed near the work area and equipped, thereby keeping in check the risk of an increase of delinquency and banditry

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in the project area. Besides, due to the risk of social conflicts, it is recommended to: (1) establish workers’ camps at a reasonable distance from the surrounding population and lay down rules governing relations between workers and the local population (Contractor’s internal rules and regulations); (2) establish a complaints management unit inside ABK to collect and monitor the population’s complaints/publish quarterly the complaints management unit’s progress reports; (3) strictly comply with labour laws (establishment of contracts, respect of weekly working hours, social coverage, leave, etc.); (4) ensure the good stewardship of community resources in terms of their rational use and equitable sharing; (5) recruit local NGOs as facilitators in the resolution of labour disputes likely to arise during works; and (6) foster greater consultation among stakeholders (ABK, contractors, regional and local authorities, civil society, etc.) through periodic meetings organised as part of the Kandadji Programme Regional Technical Coordination Committee (CTRC KERNVD-P).

Other measures will also help to better anchor the project in its social environment. These include the contractors’ technical and logistical support to the local authorities and population in case of need (heavy rainfall, drinking water tank, drainage, rehabilitation of tracks) and the involvement to the extent possible of local small and medium size enterprises (SME).

Measures in favour of Gender and Social Inclusion

The risk of a heightening of discrimination against women and vulnerable segments during expropriation and recruitment operations as well as that of exclusion exists. It can be limited by (i) promoting women’s participation in local representation structures and their equal access to the programme managers to inform them of their respective needs; (ii) creating and/or revitalising female supervisory and support groups; and (iii) promoting women’s access to the same employment opportunities as men and on equal salaries.

Women should also be adequately compensated for loss of income or granted income-generation alternatives. The recruitment of women and vulnerable persons (persons living with a disability) can be encouraged for activities within their reach. Priority should be given to the local population and PAPs whenever contractually possible.

Encouraging the programme’s female recruits to settle with their families and rolling out income- generating activities promotion projects under the Integrated Rural Development Programme to support affected economic sectors, including support measures to provide a safety net to the poorest and other vulnerable groups, are measures to be explored.

Measures related to the Living Environment and Quality of Life

To limit negative human perceptions, areas to be used by contractors must be chosen and managed as per general rules to be laid down in each contractor’s worksite ESMP and in consultation with the local authorities. Noise barriers will be installed (e.g. in the form of a ridge) to reduce the noise level near residential areas and an internal regulation governing life within the camp prepared, with provisions for environmental protection measures. Worksite machines and vehicles will be strictly controlled and borrow sites rehabilitated at the end of works. Lastly, the monitoring of socio-economic indicators (over 4 years) will help to keep the inflation of the prices of goods and services in check.

Health Related Measures

Several measures are necessary to tackle the risk of introduction of new parasitic strains and the recrudescence of cases of waterborne and sexually transmissible diseases. One is the public-health- related impact mitigation and enhancement programme implemented by Tillabéri Regional Directorate

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of Public Health (DRSP/Ti) as part of its convention with ABK. Each contractor will sign conventions with the Ministry of Health and a clinic or private doctor to conduct regular visits of living bases, arrange medical visits for workers, assess compliance with hygiene conditions and perform HIV/AIDS screening among voluntary workers, and awareness campaigns on waterborne diseases, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. In addition, workers’ health will be monitored through annual medical visits, and dispensaries will be opened in living bases and endowed with human (qualified doctors and nurses) and material (medical kit, ambulance, medication) resources. Also noteworthy is the installation of drinking water supply systems, latrines and lavatories, canteens and rest areas in living bases and providing them with cleaning products and disinfectants. Periodic distribution of condoms seems to be an indispensable measure as well as systematic sanitary inspection of newly recruited workers. Programmes will be implemented to monitor diseases that might spread during the construction phase and medical examinations and training sessions organised for the local population and workers.

Safety-Related Measures

Preventive and curative measures against the risk of drowning in the river concern the organisation of specific training sessions in first aid as part of HSE trainings, sensitisation of workers (wearing of life jackets during works involving the risk of falling into the water), the procurement of 2 equipped lifeboats and the establishment of a Civil Protection branch in the worksite, attached to Tillabéri.

To limit the risk of accidents, a safety-at-work programme for construction activities needs to be prepared and implemented. In that regard, having the position of Head of Safety and Health/Hygiene or a Hygiene- Safety-Environment (HSE) Officer for the full duration of works and provisions for storage of hazardous materials in regulated and guarded places has become necessary. The training/sensitisation of handlers of hazardous materials, sensitisation of the population, the obligatory wearing of individual protection equipment (IPE) on worksites and the strict observance of the speeds of contractor’s trucks are necessary measures for good project implementation.

Moreover, due to obstruction of local fishing and navigation and the risk of accidents during crossings, it is recommended to procure 600 life jackets for dugout transporters’ passengers, sensitise dugout transporters on safety rules and require their passengers to wear life jackets.

Lastly, the remaining safety risks will require strengthening of safety arrangements and sensitisation of the population on safety risks and project stakes.

Measures for preserving the cultural and archaeological heritage

Due to the risk of loss of property during the pre-construction and construction phases, measures to be taken include archaeological excavations undertaken under the convention ABK signed with the Research Institute in Human Science (IRSH) and compliance with ABK’s convention with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and Culture (MJSC) for the safeguard and development of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage in the Kandadji Programme’s direct impact area.

Archaeological surveillance of ongoing general excavation sites and archaeological sites guarding will be systematic. Sensitisation and information missions will also be organised in all villages situated in the Kandadji programme’s impact area on the preservation of the cultural and archaeological heritage. Other measures to be explored include strengthening actors’ capacity in heritage preservation and development (training of site guides, overseers and guards, etc.), inventory and development of items of the tangible and intangible cultural and architectural heritage of the target areas, the opening of a regional museum to house artefacts collected from archaeological research programmes and the preparation of monographs of villages to be displaced.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Measures to Support and Enhance Economic Activities

Two programmes were incorporated in KERNVD-P under Integrated Rural Development Programmes to support affected economic sectors: (1) the programme to promote commercial activities; and (2) the programme to promote income-generating activities. Added to these are support measures aimed at providing a social safety net to the poorest and other vulnerable groups.

In the same vein, due to the risk of loss of productive land and crops which will affect the agricultural, livestock and agroforestry sectors, and in a bid to ensure the proper stewardship of community resources, specific programmes were developed in each sector under the Integrated Rural Development Programme to support the affected economic sectors: (1) Agriculture Development Programme; (2) Livestock and Pastoralism Development Programme; (3) Agroforestry Development Programme. In addition, NGOs were recruited to promote agricultural and social activities, fruit trees will be produced and placed at the disposal of PAPs. Furthermore, end-of-rainy season pastures (bourgoutières) will be created upstream and downstream of the reservoir to offset the loss of pastureland. Land boards (COFO) will be established, supported and provided capacity building to settle disputes/conflicts between farmers and herders. KERNVD-P committees will also be put in place to serve as an interface between ABK and PAPs. For the fishery sector, not the least important in the project area, the risk of poor management of fishing activities will be largely mitigated by the implementation of the fishery development programme (also designed as part of the Integrated Rural Development Programme to support affected economic sectors) and the preparation of a fishery resources management plan.

8.2 Support Measures in Operational Phase

8.2.1 Measures for Preserving the Biophysical Environment

The preservation of the sustainability of the ecosystems of wetlands and floodplains and restoration of their productivity require the programming of periodic artificial high water. This also requires the update and implementation of the Proliferating Aquatic Plants Management Plan (PGPAP) and the continued monitoring and annual update of the operation to characterise aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

Measures for preserving water resources

The dam will function like a streamline structure, which will help to maintain downstream a baseline natural flow rate of 120 m3/s at Niamey and 80 m3/s at Malanville (border with Benin) making it possible to bear periods of low water.

The programming of periodic artificial high water especially during the dry season will help to offset the increase and discontinuity in water salinity in-between the upstream and downstream sections of the dam. The risk of flooding as a result of water discharge in periods of exceptional high water can be limited by periodic cleaning of the riverbed downstream of the dam to manually remove part of sediments.

The silting of the reservoir and shrinking of its capacity and the dam’s lifespan can be retarded through water releases via the bottom gates to purge the bottom of the reservoir and through monitoring using annual bathymetric tracking with a probe to control changes at the bottom of the reservoir.

Besides, the risk of deterioration of water quality due to the discharge of wastewater and diffuse pollution stemming from an increased use of fertilisers and pesticides in new irrigation schemes can be mitigated by putting in place a system for recycling the waste water of the town of Ayorou, updating and implementing the Kandadji Programme Parasite Control and Pesticides Management Plan (defining

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment measures to control fertiliser and pesticide imports and preparing a handbook on how to use these chemical products).

Technical and environmental/social studies related to irrigation schemes have not yet been conducted. It is recommended to study the related support measures helping to reduce impacts linked to pollution by drainage water from irrigation schemes. In that regard, it will be necessary to as much as possible avoid discharging this water into River Niger to preserve its quality because such agricultural drainage water is loaded with various organic and chemical substances which, even if their concentration levels are low, can still remain in the environment for a long time and, by cumulative effect, become very harmful to ecosystems and human and animal health.

Studies to be undertaken (PDS, FDS, BD and ESIA) must envisage relevant solutions on how to manage these waters including the exploitation of natural depressions or development of collecting basins. These water basins can be developed by planting purifying plants or trees serving as timber or firewood. Their use for fish farming is not recommended to avoid reintroducing pollutants in the food chain. However, reusing them in agriculture is possible, provided they are mixed with other products and provided such use is limited to certain undertakings (industrial crops).

Lastly, this drainage water must be subjected to periodic monitoring of its quality (that of surface and groundwater as well), including periodic tracking of a number of parameters at the level of the reservoir (pH, O2, conductivity).

This will make it possible to limit the risk of anoxia of the profound sections of the reservoir as well as eutrophication and invasion of the water body by invasive noxious plants, thereby undermining the productive potentials of end-of-rainy season pastures (bourgoutières) and the ecological resilience of aquatic ecosystems.

Soil Preservation Measures

CES/DRS operations (mechanical and biological treatment) and dissemination of good cropping practices are already ongoing and will continue during KERNVDP’s operational phase to mitigate erosion, salinisation and soil structure degradation. Measures aimed at promoting organic farming and the use of organic manure will be implemented to improve soil structure, periodically improve soils to limit salinisation and adopt cropping systems that integrate pulse crops.

The digging of wells both for supplemental dry-season irrigation and for infiltration head will help to partially mitigate the risk of soil hydromorphy.

Biodiversity Preservation Measures

Many of the advocated works were incorporated in KERNVD-P to limit or offset breaches in biodiversity and the destruction and fragmentation of wildlife habitat:

- Creation, development and management of the Kandadji National Nature Reserve (RNNK) and the hippopotamus sanctuary (works, equipment, services and management over 5 years).

- Development of 10 islands for wildlife.

- Laying out of a large 1,600-ha tract of natural forest in Gabou-Alsilamey block in Tillabéri District.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

- Planting of eucalyptus trees in 10 islands for avifauna.

- Creation of 1-ha permanent ponds for hippopotamuses on 10 islands.

- Planting of Bourgou (Echinochloa stagnina) on 10 islands (50 ha).

- Planting of Bourgou in the reservoir’s tidal range area and downstream.

- Establishment of riverine birdhouses and in buildings of the hydropower plant to welcome birds wishing to nest.

Furthermore, a study on migratory modes and spawning sites will be conducted and an ecological monitoring programme prepared and implemented to assess the state of biodiversity conservation.

Measures proposed to address disturbances in the migration of aquatic fauna concern the inclusion in the project of a sluice or fish passage in the dam’s intermediate landings to maintain ichtyological biodiversity and mitigate fragmentation of ichtyological habitats, endowing them with a counting and study mechanism (laboratory) and the prohibition of captures in the vicinity of the sluice (upstream, downstream).

The preservation of manatees and other large fishes which risk being sucked into the turbine will be done by installing gates at the level of turbines and a scaring system (strobe and acoustic signal). The stationing of a DGEEF brigade at the dam and equipping it (2 boats, means of communication, guns, etc.) will help to control poaching (especially of manatees) in the impoundment. The task of this brigade includes organising sensitisation campaigns on the ecological and cultural value of manatees, the threats to which they are exposed and the importance of conservation. The latter should also be incorporated in existing communication, education and sensitisation programmes pursuant to the Action Plan for the Conservation of the West African Manatee. These campaigns aim to promote favourable attitudes and actions for the conservation of the manatee.

Risks coming from anoxic discharges that are deadly for fish also need to be minimised by undertaking bottom discharges at the same time as crystallisation in order to mix the profound waters at the base of the reservoir with the surface waters in the dissipator basin. Although the appearance of anoxic layers that are deadly for fish due to water column stratification is unlikely to happen (given the reservoir’s shallowness, the water renewal rate will be high, thus limiting the appearance of stratification), it is recommended that the quality of the dam water should be monitored periodically, in addition to clearing and deforestation operations before impoundment.

The risk of poaching of eggs and chicks on nesting sites can be limited by the environmental services organising anti-poaching patrols and sensitising the local population on poaching.

Thus, the fight against modifications of ecological structures and the risk of biological invasions is seen in the maintenance of reserved flows downstream of the dam, the update of the Proliferating Aquatic Plants Management Plan (PGPAP), the procurement of materials for its implementation, including community mobilisation for manual weeding, the economic development of invasive aquatic plants and design of floating barriers (in local materials) to trap invasive plants in the reservoir. These proliferating aquatic plants have promising development potential, with many concrete examples from several countries:

 Typha australis is used as fodder to feed dairy cattle in Mauritania and serves to package akassa in southern Benin.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

 Cyperus articulatus L. rhizomes are used in traditional pharmacology by the local population of Lake Cayo (Congo – Brazzaville) to treat the shingles and also to weave mats.

 In addition to being very liked by manatees, the water hyacinth is used in Aguégués (Benin) to make wickerwork items (biodegradable bags) and can be processed into compost and protein concentrates meant for ruminants.

 In Mexico, a technical process has been developed to make this plant a natural filter, which eliminates industrial substances like petrol, oil, solvents, grease, paint, etc. that spill to the ground at the level of oil rigs, filling stations and other facilities (airports, hospitals, bus stations, etc.).

It is recommended that a programme of ecological monitoring of aquatic biodiversity be implemented. The priority will be to establish an annual ichtyological monitoring network to assess the state of conservation of fish (mapping of habitats and spawning areas), inventory and map the spatio-temporal organisation of the vegetation landscape, monitor and compare how species in the animal and plant communities congregate on both sides of the dam, track the effective population of mammals and nesting/migratory birds, and create a database compiling and making public information obtained from this ecological monitoring programme.

Mitigation Measures of River Morphodynamics

It is recommended to act on modifications of the river morphodynamics by tracking the river through satellite imaging (floodplains and wetlands upstream and downstream of the dam) to detect modifications introduced by the latter, and identify induced or inherent morpho-sedimentary phenomena, define priority intervention zones at different spatial levels and adopt morpho-sedimentary management based on environmentally benign techniques to improve the functioning of the hydro system without impairing its aesthetics.

Measures to combat climate change

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions due to the decomposition of submerged vegetation in the dam will be avoided thanks to complete deforestation of the reservoir right-of-way and logging activities (provisional timber market established). This operation is envisaged under ABK’s convention with the General Directorate of the Environment, Water and Forestry (DGEEF) for the deforestation of the Kandadji dam’s right-of-way consisting in the following actions: knowledge inventory; demarcation and marking of the future reservoir to be deforested; field inspection mission; inventory of standing wood potential; estimation of local population’s timber needs; establishment and training of Local Management Structures (LMS) ; logging; monitoring and evaluation of LMS activities.

8.2.2 Measures for preserving the human environment

Health preservation measures

Various preventive and curative measures are proposed (studies, screening, disease monitoring, education and sensitisation, construction and equipment of health centres, etc.). Although these should help to mitigate the Kandadji Programme’s negative effects on the health of the population, the risk of contracting various water-related diseases cannot be entirely eliminated.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

In that regard, it is recommended to consider extending the ABK/DRSP/Ti convention to the operational phase of KERNVD-P in order to implement activities such as epidemiological surveillance, malacological survey, water quality surveillance, the well tightness programme, conduct of immunisation campaigns; the implementation of a guinea-worm disease eradication programme, the training of health workers and mothers on the proper care for diarrhoea-related diseases; the collection of routine and epidemiological/malacological survey data; and implementation of preventive measures such as the sensitisation of the local population on hygiene-related aspects, good environmental practices, behaviour change, prevention of waterborne diseases and sanitation measures around residential areas;

Safety Preservation Measures

Due to the risk of accidents linked to the presence of works and water bodies, a series of measures are envisaged linked to the organisation of sensitisation workshops (1 in Tillabéri and 1 in Ayorou) on the risk of accidents due to the presence of the works and water body; the sensitisation of canoe operators on safety rules and the obligation for dugout transport passengers to wear life jackets; the provision of IPE to staff and sensitising them on the obligation to wear same (safety helmets, boots, gloves, masks, ear protectors and eye guards); the preparation of a procedures manual for specific works maintenance and management operations and the procurement of first aid kits and equipment for the evacuation of wounded persons (two equipped lifeboats, life jackets, buoys, etc.).

The risk of drowning in the dam or in the river downstream during extraordinary releases via the sluice gate valve or the spillway will be mitigated by forbidding swimming or navigation in the way of the gate immediately downstream the dam. Related signposts (eight) and sound and visual alarms will be placed on both banks over the first four kilometres (alarms placed at 2 levels: at 2 km and 4 km of the dam) and safety instructions upstream and downstream the spillway.

Measures to check the risk of flooding also exist. Regarding the risk of dam failure, the recommended measures concern the establishment of (i) an energy dissipator basin and ripraps at the exit of works to address underwashing at the foot of the dam; (2) a regular and exceptional surveillance programme; and (3) a programme of regular maintenance of works and equipment.

Lastly, like in the pre-construction and construction phases, due to the safety risk, it is necessary to strengthen safety devices to ensure the safety of equipment and staff (camps, patrols, checkpoints, anti- intrusion systems, observation towers, fences, recruitment of service providers) within the country’s legal and statutory limits and continue to sensitise the population on safety risks and project stakes.

Governance-related Measures

Various enhancement measures are proposed including the implementation of support plans and programmes: institutional reforms and transparent procedures to manage access to resources (water, soil, fish-farming resources), and the forging of public-private partnerships for the promotion of rural electrification.

The creation and/or strengthening of the capacities of COFOs and the study of the alignment of passage corridors (pastoral corridors) will be meant to limit conflicts between farmers and herdsmen.

The rivalries associated with incompatible natural resources uses upstream and downstream of the dam will be resolved through the support given for the structuring of users to foster an efficient management

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and equitable sharing of resources and the creation of a resource management committee1. Also the risk of disorderly urbanisation will be addressed through continued support given to the specialised land board (COFO) set up during preparation of the project.

Lastly, ABK, working closely with the authorities concerned, has to study and implement one of two solutions to link up both banks of the river and thus render the right bank accessible, namely, construct the second part of the bridge or open the crest road to traffic, provided in both cases strict security control is instituted at both ends and right of passage can be applied.

Measures in favour of gender and social inclusion

Measures to counter discrimination against women will take two forms: support the formation of women’s associations and guarantee their representation in the programme’s management structures and related plans and support women in fish conservation (smoking units, improved driers) and promote small-scale fish trade by women’s groups.

Besides, the risk of marginalisation and insecurity of vulnerable persons must be wiped out or at least limited thanks to the local population (men and women) being informed of the programme’s potential benefits for the community, especially the job and vocational training opportunities open to individuals and vulnerable persons and the new opportunities proposed by the Local Development Plan.

Measures to support and optimise economic activities

Improving the development of economic activities will require extending the operational phase of KERNVD-P (for 3 years). It will also require programmes for the promotion of commercial and income- generating activities as well as agriculture, livestock and forest-farming development programmes. Workshops for the manufacture of agricultural equipment will also be opened (at least 1 per bank).

Measures2 will be taken to scale back losses of productive land in the flood plains and the risk of conflicts among users.

With regard to the deterioration of pastoral pasture land and means of production, measures have already been taken by ABK. In August 2017, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (through DRE/DD Tillabéri) for the implementation, monitoring and supervision of environmental protection activities and the improvement of agricultural, agroforestry and pastoral land, consisting of the treatment of hardpan and glacis, and dune stabilisation.

For the fishing sector, in addition to extending the fishing development programme until the operational phase of KERNVD-P (for 3 years), the recommended actions are detailed in the ESIA report itself.

1 To discharge its mission, this committee will involve decentralised (regional, communal and local authorities), traditional and civil society structures and adopt a transparent approach in procedures for managing access to resources (water, soil, fishery resources, etc.).

2 Schedule the impoundment of the reservoir taking the farming calendar into consideration; Alert the affected population at least six months in advance of the reservoir impoundment schedule so as to avoid losses of agricultural products and fodder in the flood-prone area; Put in place an arbitration and conciliation structure for farmers and herdsmen in case of conflicts linked to interactions between their respective activities; Open a compensation fund for damage caused by intruding hippopotamuses in farms; Ensure proper valve handling, opening them gradually as appropriate, for total flow rate downstream of the dam and avoid flooding caused by releases.

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Support and Enhancement Measures in the Tourism Sector

Another measure for enhancing the programme’s positive impacts during the operational phase is the promotion of tourism. Measures will be taken chiefly to promote income-generating recreational and touristic activities: relaxation areas, lookouts in bird observation areas (on islands and around the dam), country lodges, alternative housing formulas. Ecotourism circuits will be designed and eco-, nature and agro-tourism promoted. Measures to be taken to support youth wishing to join certain tourism segments include access to micro-credit and technical training, etc. Communication campaigns will be organised around the project to attract potential tourists: electronic gateways, prospectuses, etc.

Support and Enhancement Measures in the Energy Sector

Preparing a handbook for regular hydropower plant equipment maintenance to boost energy performance (better output, higher power, lower environmental impact) is one of the key measures to be taken in the energy sector. Besides, training courses in equipment suppliers’ facilities may be encouraged for a team of NEGELEC technicians as well as the training of engineers and senior technicians in various specialties linked to the management of equipment (electricity, electromechanics, etc.).

Cross-border Impact Mitigation Measures

The issue of cross-border impact is real and can be resolved through regional cooperation within ABN. This cooperation will be strengthened through the adoption of a holistic approach in managing the Niger hydro system. For that, region-wide sector programmes (conduct of urban sanitation studies in large cities, lower pressure on resources and ecosystems and their conservation) will be developed alongside respect of commitments taken under the revised agreement on the establishment of the Niger Basin Authority (ABN).

8.3 Complementary Environmental and Social Assessments and Measures to be Integrated therein

As shown by Component 2 (or Component B) of KERNVD-P’s Environmental and Social Framework, the following sub-components of the Kandadji Programme will be subject to complementary environmental and social assessments or update of existing ones: (i) the "Construction and equipment of high-voltage electric line" sub-component will be subject to ESIA update and preparation of RAP; (ii) the "Development of resettlement sites" sub-component will be subject to an ESIA update and preparation of RAP and will comprise the establishment of new host villages and issuance of transfer deeds and deeds of communes; the "Drinking water supply to resettlement sites’ component will be subject to an ESIA and RAP; (iii) the "Compensatory irrigation schemes" sub-component will be subject to an ESIA and RAP, including land security measures; (iv) the "Electrification of resettlement sites" sub-component will be subject to preparation of an ESIA and RAP and will include the connection costs of 701 households of Ayorou (currently having access to the NIGELEC network); v) the "Development of accessibility roads of resettlement sites on the right bank" sub-component will be subject to preparation of an ESIA and RAP; and (vi) the "Projects to create 45,000 ha of irrigation areas" sub-component will be subject to preparation of several ESIAs and RAPs.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

9. MANAGEMENT OF EXPECTED RESIDUAL AND CUMULATIVE OUTCOMES AND ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

9.1 Management of Residual Impacts

Residual impacts mainly concern the drop in electricity generation for downstream works as well as climatic impacts.

9.1.1 Impacts on Electricity Generation of Downstream Structures

The impact on electricity generation for downstream structures (Jebba and Kainji) is minor if just the impact of Kandadji dam and the 45,000 ha of irrigation areas in Niger is considered (6.7% lower for Kainji and 4.9% for Jebba). In this case, it is compensated by the Kandandji dam’s electricity production, giving an overall positive assessment of 7.1%.

This impact becomes more significant if maximum irrigation development is envisaged on River Niger with supplementary dams construction at Taoussa and Fomi. KERNVD-P coupled with the Taoussa and Fomi projects and maximum development of irrigation potential on Niger River (440,000 ha of irrigation areas) reduces Kainji’s potential electric power by 33.2% and Jebba’s by 32.2%, making an overall drop in the basin of 15.5%.

9.1.2 Climatic Impacts

Since reservoirs in tropical regions generally emit very high levels of greenhouse gases (GHG), total deforestation is recommended for the Kandadji dam prior to priming, which will help to recover wood for domestic use (firewood). Clearing the impoundment limits decomposition of organic matter under anaerobic conditions. Thus, the effect of GHGs emitted by this fuelwood will be lesser than that emitted by decomposed wood under the water.

Furthermore, electricity production by the Kandadji dam means avoiding a same-capacity thermal plant releasing annually into the atmosphere annually approximately 380,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. If the calculation is extended to the structure’s operating period (a hundred years), one observes that Kandadji dam will emit three times less GHG than a thermal power plant with equivalent output.

With regard to the impact of climate change on the dam, predictions of models show that a 5% drop in the flow feed at Kandadji linked to climate change, will correspond to an annual average decline in the flow rate of 37 m3/s. Similarly, an increase in the irrigation needs of the 45,000 ha of irrigation areas linked to a 2°C rise in temperatures will correspond to a 2.3m³/s drop in the average annual flow, an increase in evaporation of the impoundment and a 0.8 m3/s drop in flow rate. The global impact of such climate change is therefore a lower flow rate downstream of the Kandadji dam of about 40 m3/s on average (37+2.3+0.8 m3/s).

9.2 Management of Cumulative Impacts

Several of the Kandadji dam’s impacts are cumulative with those of other dams upstream and downstream as well as with the other components and sub-components of KERNVD-P.

9.2.1 Hydrology and Electricity

Cross-border hydrological and hydropower generation impacts were simulated taking into consideration the Kandadji, Taoussa and Fomi dam projects and the maximum level of irrigation development. The Page 44

Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment major positive impact is that Kandadji dam will help to significantly reduce noncompliance with the low- water target at Niamey (120 m3/s) and Malanville (80 m3/s). KERNVD-P coupled with the Taoussa and Fomi projects will reduce noncompliance by nearly 4% of days at Malanville. In the baseline case (without KERNVD-P), these flow rates were not respected for 37 out of 45 years at Malanville. The cumulative impact of the maximum development of River Niger (outside Nigeria) gives a 4.8% drop in average flow at the mouth of Maritime Delta. This reduction is mostly from August to November in high- water period while flow rates at Lokoja exceed 6,000 m3/s. Therefore, its impact on navigation can be considered negligible. Since this reduction cannot significantly modify water height or saline concentrations in the Delta, its impact on biodiversity (mangrove, ichthyology) is negligible. Low-water support (increase in flow from April to July) will have a positive, albeit negligible, impact in most years given the low proportion of this support relative to the naturally high flow in maritime Delta. The sedimentary stake which is significant in maritime Delta is virtually unaffected since the high-water points are not modified and the intermediate dams at Kainji and Jebba already block a sizeable part of silt transported.

9.2.2 Protected Areas and Wetlands

Although the Kandadji dam will destroy wetlands, it will create another larger one. It not only supports water tables through infiltration, but also enables the regeneration of generally larger vegetated areas along the river than those lost.

9.2.3 Navigation

By maintaining a low-water flow, KERNVD-P is likely to improve conditions of navigability.

9.2.4 Agriculture

The development of the future Taoussa and Kandadji dams will create a significant irrigation potential expected to be developed over thirty years. Despite losses due to impoundment of the reservoir, the net cumulative impact of both dams seems positive at the level of the basin provided irrigation schemes are actually put in place, especially with the ambitious programme of creating 45,000 ha to be irrigated from the Kandadji dam.

9.2.5 Stock-rearing

Irrigation schemes development will cause vast expanses of grazing land to be taken away at the expense of transhumant stock rearing. Owing also to the loss of end-of-rainy-season pastures (bourgoutières), the Taoussa and Kandadji projects will have negative cumulative impacts. The necessary mitigation measure will be to develop feed-grade areas made up of bourgou from cuttings or seedlings.

9.2.6 Fishing

The cumulative impact of fish production in the Taoussa and Kandadji reservoirs will be positive. In contrast, flood reduction downstream of the Taoussa impoundment will lead to smaller flooded areas. The dam’s obstruction of longitudinal migrations will translate into lower production. Since the presence of the Kandadji dam will strengthen the low-water flow in Nigeria, the habitat conditions of aquatic fauna upstream of the Kainji reservoir are expected to be fostered.

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9.2.7 Greenhouse gases and climate change

The Kandadji dam means avoiding a thermal power project of same capacity from discharging annually into the atmosphere 380,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Since data on the vegetation area that will be flooded by the Taoussa reservoir is not available, it is difficult to assess its contribution to the greenhouse gas burden. However, supposing that emissions will be equivalent or lower than for a thermal rival, the cumulative impact of the two projects is expected to be positive as far as greenhouse gas emissions are concerned. The improved rate of access to electricity for the neighbouring communities of the two dams will among other things foster poverty reduction. On the other hand, some of KERNVD-P’s activities, developed in the River Niger Valley Integrated and Sustainable Development Master Plan (livestock development and processing activities) are likely to generate significant quantities of greenhouse gases, to be partially offset by other KERNVD-P activities (reforestation programme, electrification network extension).

9.3 Management of dam-related risks

A dam failure can lead to fatalities. The dam can also cause a risk of drowning in the impoundment and in the river downstream during extraordinary discharges through the spillway.

Regarding the risk of dam failure, all measures in place to monitor and inspect the dam and its structures are expected to guarantee very high safety levels. However, given the size of the dam (Class A), the risk of failure remains theoretically although it is extremely low. Engineering studies have therefore factored in additional geological and hydrological constraints; hence, the need for the public authorities to liaise with property owners/concession holders. Accordingly, an IT tool can be developed to estimate the hydro-climatic risk of dam management and a warning system put in place involving a light and buzzer warning system, mobile patrols and radio communication. Two water level stations can be installed to detect emergency situations and for routine water management: one downstream and the other upstream of the dam. To serve the warning system, the analysis of the upstream and downstream level of the impoundment will be immediate and ongoing.

In addition, a Special Intervention Plan (SIP) or Emergency Intervention Plan (EIP) will be prepared, to implement an emergency preparedness plan and form the emergency action group with sirens installed in downstream areas. EIP implementation will consist of back-to-back operations and safety/evacuation exercises to be organised in the downstream area of the dam. This plan will mainly comprise measures for warning and evacuation of the population, depending on how far they are from the dam and the topography of the site.

The SIP or EIP is prepared by ABK in collaboration with the competent ministries and services (Ministry of Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Humanitarian Action and Disaster Management, Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, the General Directorate of Civil Protection, etc.) and is intended for preventive information and organisation of first aid in case of serious accident on the dam. Therefore, it must be subject to public information.

The plan is prepared based on a technical file submitted by the dam manager and includes the analysis of risks that could affect the structure (seismic risk, collapse of banks into the impoundment, risk of high water) and a mapping of the submerged area in case of dam failure (diverse scenarios).

SIP defines the dam manager’s obligations and outlines guidelines in case of serious abnormality: alert mechanism, information (media), relief organisation (emergency services). National education should also train teachers on student/pupil safety. The SIP must be revised periodically.

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10. MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMMES

Several monitoring and surveillance programmes were recommended in the ESIA for the natural or human environment as well as for the surveillance of poaching.

10.1 Monitoring-control of the implementation of environmental and social measures of

KERNVD-P activities

An agreement was signed by ABK with the Environmental Evaluation and Impact Assessment Office (BEEEI), to ensure the monitoring/control of the implementation of environmental and social measures of KERNVD-P activities. It defined the framework of collaboration in monitoring the implementation of the Kandadji Programme ESMP, the conditions of control and monitoring of the ESMP of KERNVD-P, the types of support BEEEI will provide ABK to design ToR for the conduct of complementary ESIAs and the conditions of BEEEI support and capacity building for the partners and actors of the Kandadji Programme. The cost of implementation of this convention stands at CFAF 372,500,000.

10.2 Monitoring and supervision of the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of surface and groundwater

The physical and chemical quality of surface water needs to be monitored during the operational phase to assess its quality after the priming of the dam, comparing it with the initial state. It will be done upstream, in the impoundment, and downstream to detect potential signs of eutrophication, anoxia and contamination with heavy metals and pesticides. Sampling must be done downstream of the dam at the outflow of irrigation schemes to monitor water pollution induced by the intensification of agricultural activities at the level of IS and the increased use of inorganic fertilisers and pesticides.

A convention was signed by ABK with the Tillabéri Regional Directorate of Water (DRH/Ti) to monitor the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of surface and groundwater in the KERNVD-P area. It concerns identifying and selecting sites, informing and sensitising the population on the activity, monitoring the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of water, disseminating the results of analyses, sensitising the population and producing thematic maps.

The cost of implementing this convention stands at CFAF 50,000,000.

10.3 Programme of ecological monitoring of aquatic biodiversity

It is recommended that an annual ecological monitoring network be created to assess the state of aquatic biodiversity conservation. It will entail mapping habitats and spawning zones as well as the habitats of aquatic and semi-aquatic species (mammals, insects, amphibians, etc.) in the project area; inventorying and mapping the spatio-temporal organisation of vegetation landscape where rival species (stabilised and fugitive) accustomed to shifting habitats cohabit; monitoring and comparing how species congregate in the plant and animal communities on both sides of the dam to see the impact of abiotic factors upstream versus downstream; monitoring the number of mammals and nesting/migratory birds; preparing a programme to oversee and monitor populations of hippopotamus, manatees, crocodiles and water birds endangered or targeted for protection, and establishing a database compiling and making public information obtained from this ecological monitoring programme.

The National Ecological and Environmental Surveillance Centre (CNSEE) has the necessary skills and means to implement this programme and it is proposed that a convention be signed between ABK and CNSEE entrusting these services to it. A draft convention was prepared and attached to the ESIA.

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The cost of implementing this convention is estimated at CFAF 120,000,000.

10.4 River morphodynamics monitoring programme

It is recommended that a river morphodynamics monitoring programme be put in place. Every two years, the river, flood zones and wetlands upstream and downstream of the dam will be monitored to detect modifications introduced by the latter and identify inherent or induced morpho-sedimentary phenomena and define priority intervention zones at different spatial levels.

The National Ecological and Environmental Surveillance Centre (CNSEE) has the necessary skills and means to implement this programme and it is proposed that a convention should be signed between ABK and CNSEE entrusting these services to it. A draft convention was prepared and attached to the ESIA.

The cost of implementing this convention is estimated at CFAF 50,000,000.

10.5 Hydro-climatological monitoring programme

A convention was signed by ABK with African Centre for Meteorological Applications to Development (ACMAD) to put in place vigilance products for water resources, flood risks and ecological monitoring as part of KERNVD-P. The convention has to do with: (i) the design and implementation of alert systems linked to weather vagaries and environmental management following the construction of Kandadji dam; (ii) data collection and feeding of the meteorological, hydrological and environmental database; (iii) the design of a dynamic hydrological and climatological model and establishment of water resource-related mechanisms enabling the management in inflows and outflows; (iv) networking of potential partners including institutions, sources of information and data to feed the alert system and help in determining thresholds to alert the competent authorities and the population; (v) the installation of a RANET (Rural network radio) in the dam area for networking and aspects of communication and information to the populations; and (vi) the conduct of a needs study and census of existing systems to define products and services required to better operate the Kandadji dam warning system. The cost of implementing this convention stands at CFAF 250,000,000.

10.6 Socio-economic survey

ABK signed a convention with INS in April 2016 to conduct a baseline socio-economic survey. In the first phase, the survey was to help present the socio-economic situation of the population of the project area and, in the long run, assess the KERNVDP’s impact on beneficiaries and the affected population, while eliminating the other factors.

10.7 Monitoring of health impacts of KERNVD-P

ABK signed a convention with the Directorate of Public Health of Tillabéri (DRSP/Ti) to monitor the health impacts of KERNVD-P, including to train health staff and monitor health and nutritional impacts to mitigate negative impacts and enhance the positive impacts of dam construction on the health of the population concerned. The cost of implementing the convention is CFAF 158,000,000.

10.8 Dam surveillance

Dam surveillance helps to detect abnormal behaviour once it appears and take remedial action. It rests on three complementary components: (i) visual inspection aimed at detecting abnormalities that are visible to the naked eye in the dam and its vicinity during high-water and post high-water periods; (ii) auscultation investigation helping to measure certain parameter trends and to analyse structural behaviour

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment and significant evolutionary phenomena due to eventual aging; and (iii) periodic tests of certain organs under different operating conditions in normal and degraded mode (valves, flappers, sensors and their links with control stations, means of power supply, back-up power supply, manual control, etc.).

The owners or concession holders of the structure are responsible for these different operations, and may subcontract out certain tasks to specialised providers.

In this case, the following parameters are monitored: (i) leaks; (ii) deformation; (iii) uplift pressure and seismic movement. The cost of dam monitoring is estimated at CFAF 20,000,000.

10.9 Complementary dam monitoring measures

. Monitoring of removal of floating vegetation which constitutes a danger for operation of the dam;

. On-site environmental surveillance which will involve the monitoring of production, elimination of hazardous and non-hazardous wastes, processing of products found by chance if new excavations are planned;

. Monitoring of public health issues linked to the dam and its operation, and to workers’ health and safety;

. Monitoring of the implementation of the intervention plan in case of emergency and accidental discharge.

11. CONSULTATIONS AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE

Several public consultations were held during previous environmental and social assessments as well as during the preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan (PAR2), which was the subject of broad-based public consultation in July-August 2018 (see Annexes 1 and 2). A summary of these consultations is presented in the ESIA Report. The aim of these public consultative meetings was to:

 Inform the authorities and population about KERNVD-P and the scope of studies carried out;

 Enquire about the concerned population’s knowledge of the implementation of the programme;

 Seek the views, grievances and suggestions of the authorities and local population on KERNVD-P, especially with respect to the conduct of Wave 1 of population resettlement and the soon-to-start Wave 2, the aim being to learn from Wave 1 of resettlement to better avoid constraints encountered and build on good practices and achievements;

 Collect PAPs’ views and suggestions on the method of compensation contained in RAP2.

The main results of the public consultations, classified by theme, are summarised below.

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11.1 Level of knowledge on the Kandadji Programme and on population displacement and resettlement

Although the level of knowledge on the Programme and its environmental and social challenges varies from one commune to another and from village to village, most PAPs are informed of the displacement and their resettlement to new host sites. They are also aware of promises to compensate persons affected by the project. The population’s sources of information are the various missions fielded by the Kandadji Programme, as well as communal and customary authorities. PAPs are also generally aware of the potential impacts of KERNVD-P, caused mainly by displacement and resettlement (material and resource loss; change in lifestyle, disruptions of the lifestyle of the population of host sites, etc.).

11.2 Population’s fears, worries and concerns with respect to the Kandadji Programme

The people consulted expressed many concerns, fears and worries for which answers and clarifications were always provided. The bulk of these are found in: "Messages on losses and principles of compensation of RAP2 and information sheet on the Resettlement Action Plan distributed to the affected population by the Project".

Some of the concerns of the population are summarised below but not in any particular order:

. The main concern expressed by people to be displaced is the issue of site development in terms of drinking water supply, sanitation and land parcel size.

. Some villages worry about the risk of non-respect of the commitment to compensate households.

. There were fears that the price of building materials and transport fare will increase.

. Concerns about the loss of assets: Worksite activities and the impoundment of the reservoir will lead to the loss of certain archaeological sites. The discovery of artefacts during excavations can lead to illegal trade in archaeological objects.

. Fears that, like in the first compensatory irrigation plots, the new plots will have deficiencies (access path, levelling, drainage system) and especially insufficient irrigation water during the low water period.

. Fears that irrigated plots allocated will be insufficient compared to the size of households, since distribution will be based on current holdings and not in proportion to household size.

. Concerns regarding the distance of irrigated plots from resettlement sites.

. Fears about the non-inclusion of compensation for lost pastureland.

. Worries about insufficient financial compensation for residential houses, as was the case with Wave 1 resettlement.

. Worries about the population’s poor mastery and limited technical production capacity on the new irrigation schemes.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

. Women’s concerns about the risk that their lost production will not be identified in their name.

11.3 Population’s Needs, Grievances and Wishes

The population consulted also expressed certain needs, grievances and wishes with respect to the implementation of KERNVD-P, especially the implementation of RAP2 :

. Particular needs of herders: development of grazing land and passage corridors.

. Needs for the development of market-gardening fields, especially for women, some of whom are currently engaged in these activities.

. Wish that new houses should be constructed with durable materials.

. Particular needs of women: Support for women who are organised in associations (loans, training, etc.) and support to undertake income-generating activities.

. Wish that the new cemeteries should be fenced.

. The Touareg population wish that their traditional houses should be taken into consideration when building on the new sites.

. Grievance about compensatory irrigation schemes being constructed to standard, with protective dykes having the right dimensions.

. Improved seed producers’ needs and permanent technical support of supervisory agents.

. Need for storage facilities for agricultural inputs and their equipment and supply.

. Herders’ needs : demarcated and restored grazing areas with a mechanism for managing them, basic intervention units (CIB), which will be under the responsibility of livestock agents to ensure the treatment of animals and meat inspection during slaughtering; these agents must also be supported to train auxiliary para-veterinarians to provide basic care when the animals are on the move during transhumance.

. Road development and maintenance needs to facilitate the transportation of livestock and market-gardening products to urban centres.

11.4 Recommendations expressed by the population consulted

The population consulted also made some largely relevant recommendations. For example, they recall that the minimum prior conditions to be met before displacement and resettlement are: the compensation and resettlement of the affected populations before the start of major works; acceptance of the resettlement site by the population (who must be consulted prior to then); plot sizes must be adequate and construction of socio-economic and cultural facilities should be effective. With regard to communication and conflict management before, during and after resettlement, the population point out that Imams and village heads are the channels of information, being at the same time the most listened to and most respected persons in the villages. Their full involvement in the implementation of RAP, ESMP and LDP is necessary. Besides, in villages, many committees are created linked to the Kandadji Programme’s activities. These committees exist but are not functional. It is recommended that these

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment committees be supported and revitalised. Another recommendation is to set up specific committees to settle population displacement and resettlement-related disputes. The Imam and village head must obligatorily be members of this committee.

The results of these consultations were captured in the ESIA and ESMP (during identification and assessment of KERNVD-P-related environmental and social impacts, then to define the most suitable mitigation measures) as well as during preparation of RAP2.

12. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (ESMP)

As part of the updated ESIA, an Environmental and Social Management Plan (PGES) was prepared for all the components and sub-components of KERNVD-P and for each of the two major phases of the project (pre-construction, construction and operational phases). This was in the form of tables summarising impacts to be mitigated or enhanced. Also featuring therein are the recommended environmental and social management measures, the implementation and monitoring responsibilities, monitoring indicators as well as the costs and implementation schedule.

12.1 Stakeholders’ Roles and Responsibilities

12.1.1 Kandadji Dam Agency (ABK)

As Contracting Authority, ABK ensures that each party involved effectively plays its assigned role. In the process of environmental and social assessments of Programme components, its role is to: (1) inform and involve stakeholders; (2) have environmental and social assessments (ESIA, NIES, ESMF, RAP) prepared by specialised firms; (3) organise the ESIA feedback and validation workshop, working closely with BEEEI ; (4) consult the authorities and local population at different stages of the process; (5) monitor the implementation of the ESMP; (6) ensure the implementation of certain complementary measures to be executed to correct environmental and social problems concerning KERNVD-P.

During the development and implementation phase of the Kandadji Programme, ABK is especially responsible to:

• Supervise and coordinate the implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan;

• Supervise and coordinate the implementation of the PAP resettlement plan and, in that regard, prepare and roll out a programme to reconstruct facilities for the displaced population ;

• Conduct periodic socio-economic surveys to assess the level of implementation of different measures recommended in environmental and social safeguard documents.

• Participate in the implementation of the local development plan.

Furthermore, during all phases of the Kandadji Programme, ABK will, among other things:

• Ensure the recruitment and training of skilled human resources;

• Prepare and implement information and sensitisation campaigns on the Kandadji Programme at the national and international levels.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

Decree No. 2016-054/PRN establishing a public industrial and commercial establishment (EPIC), called "Kandadji Dam Agency" (ABK) was signed on 26/01/2016 while Decree No. 2016-375/PRN approving its articles of association was signed on 22/07/2016. According to ABK’s roadmap, it was to become fully operational latest end-January 2019.

12.1.2 Ministry in charge of the Environment and its regional, district and communal directorates. The Ministry of the Environment is involved mainly through its General Directorate of the Environment, Water Resources and Forestry and the Regional and District Directorates of Environment (DR/DD/Env), especially for validation of ESIA/NIES and environmental and social monitoring/inspection (supervision missions every quarter).

12.1.3 Environmental Evaluation and Impact Assessment Office (BEEEI)

BEEEI participates in the environmental classification of activities, the approval of NIES/ESIAs to be prepared, the conduct of environmental and social monitoring of activities and dissemination of these safeguard documents. At local level, BEEEI relies on DR/DD/Env for close monitoring.

As per the framework contract between ABK and BEEEI, the latter ensures monitoring-control of the implementation of the environmental and social measures of KERNVD-P activities.

12.1.4 Local Authorities and Regional, District and Municipal Services

Some regional, district and municipal services can be called to play a significant role in the environmental and social management of KERNVD-P. These include the technical services of rural and urban communes of the programme area, the labour inspectorate and Civil Protection services.

Communities situated inside the Programme area will participate in the monitoring and sensitisation of the population as well as in social mobilisation activities. In each targeted community, local technical services will closely monitor the implementation of NIES/ESIA recommendations on KERNVD-P activities. They will also participate in social mobilisation, adoption and dissemination of information contained in NIES and ESIAs and ensure oversight of facilities built.

Further, several capacity-building activities are planned for local and municipal actors under KERNVD- P, including training in collective organisations. This training activity will target members of municipal- and local-level monitoring/evaluation committees as well as those of village committees, timber exploitation committees, communal and grassroots land boards, etc. There are also plans to build the communication capacities of local development agents (LDA).

12.1.5 " Kandadji Programme Technical Regional Coordination Committee" (CTRC P-

KRESMIN)

The "Kandadji Programme Technical Regional Coordination Committee" (CTRC KERNVD-P) set up by the Governor of Tillabéri Region is the core consultative body that monitors and controls the implementation of KERNVD-P. As part of its duties, it actively participates in monitoring the different components of the Kandadji Programme, contributes to the search and assessment of solutions helping to better implement the Programme, ensures synergy, proposes necessary and useful measures to facilitate the implementation of resettlement operations of persons and communities affected by the construction of the dam and power generation and electricity transmission facilities, etc.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

CTRC KERNVD-P will create as many internal subcommittees as it deems necessary to carry through its assigned mission. In particular, a sub-committee to monitor activities linked to the resettlement and compensation of affected populations and another in charge of the monitoring/evaluation of programme activities will be created.

CTRC KERNVD-P can meet on the sites of programme activities if the need arises, especially to ensure compliance with rules of environmental protection and listen to and treat the grievances of persons and communities affected by programme activities.

12.1.6 Works contractors

Several contractors will be recruited by ABK to implement different components of KERNVD-P. They will be responsible for the physical execution of works on the ground, including the implementation of support measures recommended by ESIA/ESMPs. They will effectively carry out certain mitigation measures listed in their ESMPs and possibly, mitigation measures identified as part of environmental monitoring and surveillance activities.

Based on the ESIA ESMP, each contractor is expected to prepare his own Worksite Environmental and Social Management Plan (WSESMP), which will outline how he plans to implement the recommended measures. Internally, environmental and social surveillance is carried out by the Contractor’s Hygiene- Safety-Environment (HSE) officer who will ensure that the contractor applies all measures indicated in the WSESMP.

12.1.7 NGOs and other Civil Society Organisations

Civil society organisations play a crucial role by participating in the preparatory phase of KERNVD-P, as well as in LDP implementation, public consultations and feedback seminars. They scrutinise ESIA, ESMP and RAP documents and submit their remarks to ABK, monitor the results thereof and ensuing issues and give their opinion and suggestions to all stakeholders. These organisations can also support ABK to inform and sensitise actors of the agriculture, fishery, livestock and agro-forestry sectors and the population in beneficiary areas on environmental and social aspects related to the works and the commissioning of different planned investments.

12.2 Schedule of Key Stakeholders’ Activities

The overall duration of the first Wave 2 resettlement phase (RAP2A) is estimated at 6 years and that of Phase B is estimated at 4 years. The Mali ESIA/RAP study will be conducted during Phase A. The RAP- Mali implementation is expected to be over before the dam level rises to 228 metres. It is noteworthy that the electrification and drinking water supply works of resettlement sites, accessibility works on right- bank sites, close to 80% of resettlement site development works and irrigation scheme works will be completed during Phase A of implementation of RAP2.

Apparently, the PAP compensation PIs will not be ready before priming of the dam. Meanwhile, two solutions are envisaged, pending update of the consistency plan that can lead to other alternatives:

• Priming of the dam once construction is finalised and resettlement of the population on the new sites, granting them material compensation for loss of income corresponding to the period of waiting for completion of new PIs (2 years). This solution got an unfavourable opinion from TFPs.

• Postponement (about 2 years) of priming after the end of PI development works.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

12.3. Key Monitoring and Surveillance Milestones

Key monitoring and surveillance milestones mentioned in the ESMP include control of the implementation of environmental and social measures of KERNVD-P activities by the Environmental Evaluation and Impact Assessments Office (BEEEI), the monitoring and surveillance of the physical, chemical and bacteriological quality of surface and groundwater during the operational phase, by the Tillabéri Regional Directorate of Water (DRH/Ti), the ecological monitoring of aquatic biodiversity to be entrusted by ABK to the National Ecological and Environmental Surveillance Centre (CNSEE), and the monitoring of river morphodynamics to be entrusted by ABK to CNSEE. Others include hydro- climatological monitoring to be performed by African Centre for Meteorological Applications to Development (ACMAD); assessment of the impact of KERNVD-P on beneficiaries and affected populations, to be carried out by INS; the monitoring of health impacts of KERNVD-P to be conducted by the Directorate of Public Health, Tillabéri (DRSP/Ti), and surveillance of the prospective dam by the owners or concession holders of the works, who can subcontract certain tasks to specialised service providers.

12.4. ESMP Implementation Cost

The ESMPs of the project’s two main phases (pre-construction and construction phase and operational phase) are prepared based on the final consolidated KERNVD-P ESMP Report (CIMA, May 2018), revised, reorganised and supplemented by other measures recommended during update of ESIA.

In addition to these two ESMPs, there are: (1) a table of estimated cost of the complementary environmental and social assessments and implementation studies of the related ESMPs for KERNVDP sub-components whose ESIs are still to be updated or prepared; and (2) a table of costs of capacity- building measures. Ensuing therefrom is the following table of costs of implementation of the environmental and social measures of KERNVD-P.

Table 5: ESMP implementation costs

Implementation Cost Environmental and Social Measures (CFAF) Costs of environmental and social measures in the pre-construction and construction phases of different KERNVD-P components 100,637,310,000 Costs of environmental and social measures in the operational phase of different KERNVD-P components 29,164,900,000 Costs of complementary environmental and social measures and implementation studies of related sector ESMPs 15,029,000,000

Costs of capacity-building measures 448,000,000

Total (CFAF) 145,279,210,000

13. INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY-BUILDING PLAN

Crucial to the successful implementation of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is the capacity building of stakeholders involved in the programme’s environmental and social

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment management. This will be in the form of training, information and sensitisation. Once capacity-building needs are identified, cost estimates were prepared as presented in the table below.

The following table presents the capacity-building programme and related costs.

Table 6: Costs of implementing the institutional capacity-building programme

Description Costs (CFAF) Remarks Recruitment of an ecosystem management and 60,000,000 monitoring expert Technical assistance to implement the ESMP 168,000,000 Environmental audit of ESMP 25,000,000 Meant for educational structures in the Environmental education 30,000,000 area Meant for ABK team, focal points, Study trip in West Africa 60,000,000 KERNVD-P focal points, SLG, municipal councils, etc. for 4 years Intended for ABK team, focal points, ESMP internalisation and monitoring 30,000,000 KERNVD-P focal points, SLG, workshop communes, etc. for 4 years Meant for ABK experts Sub-contracting companies Training on environmental and social Regional and district technical services 75,000,000 monitoring applied to the Kandadji Programme Local elected officials Civil society organisations Ten (10) thematic scholarships on the Training course for 2 students per year for environmental and social management of the 50,000,000 the 5 years of the construction phase programme Total cost of capacity building 448,000,000

Given the multiple actors, their diverse profiles and the need for the timely implementation of all actions, it is recommended that activities should be properly synchronised.

14. CONCLUSION

The updated ESIA of the Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme (KERNVD-P) was informed in its design by several other ESIAs. The analysis of the project alternatives shows that only the selected option (construction of the Kandadji dam and its endowment with a hydropower plant) can achieve all the Niger government’s assigned objectives and its development strategies aiming to support low water, mitigate environmental degradation, ensure sustainable irrigation and water supply to the population and produce sufficient quantities of electricity to improve energy coverage in the country. All the Kandadji Programme’s main components (dam, hydropower plant, high- voltage transmission line and deviation road) and sub-components flow from the implementation of RAP2 (development of resettlement sites, construction of residential houses and socio-community facilities, drinking water supply, electrification of sites, compensatory irrigation schemes, accessibility roads of the right bank) are likely to have major environmental and social impacts on the biophysical and human environments.

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

The Programme was the subject of several detailed environmental and social assessments which culminated in the preparation of environmental and social management plans (ESMP), detailed resettlement action plans (RAP) and local development plan (PDL). The sub-components of Component 2 stemming from the implementation of RAP2 (development of resettlement sites and compensatory irrigation schemes, drinking water supply and electrification of resettlement sites and accessibility of the right bank) will be subject to complementary environmental and social assessments (design or update of ESIA and possibly RAP) and sector ESMPs.

The strict implementation of these plans (ESMP, RAP, LDP) will help to significantly reduce the programme’s adverse impacts and enhance positive ones. The residual positive impacts resulting from the implementation of environmental and social measures were in turn assessed and subject to other associated measures, mostly compensatory. Monitoring the implementation of the ESMP of the different project phases is crucial to achieving the programme objectives with the least negative environmental and social impacts. With the proposed monitoring/surveillance process, the effectiveness of advocated solutions will be assessed progressively and other measures put forward if necessary.

The implementation of the Kandadji Programme and its related environmental and social plans (ESMP, RAP, LDP) requires the involvement of all stakeholders whose capacity-building needs were assessed and incorporated in the ESMP. Thanks to the many sensitisation campaigns undertaken by ABK, the concerns of the different stakeholders at national and international level and mostly the project-affected persons were taken into consideration.

KERNVD-P was also the subject of numerous public consultations, which helped to shape a broad consensus around the programme and confirm its acceptability at local, national and sub-regional level.

15. REFERENCES AND CONTACTS

The Kandadji Programme was the subject of several environmental and social assessments. The main ones, which served to update the ESIA and its summary, are:

• The Detailed Environmental and Social Impact of the Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme (TECSULT, 2005-2006) ;

• Update of the Kandadji Programme Environmental and Social Management Plan – final version (BRL Ingénierie, April 2012) ;

• KERNVD-P Consolidated Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) – final version (CIMA, May 2018) ;

• Construction of the Kandadji Dam in two phases: Finalisation of the census and preparation of the phased population resettlement action plan (RAP - TRACTEBEL, October 2018) ;

• Environmental and Social Management Framework of Component B of KERNVD-P (STUDI International, Mai 2018).

• Parasite Control and Pesticide Management Plan (PAGP) of Kandadji Programme (BACHARD LAMINE A. KADER, July 2011).

• Plan for the Integrated Management of Proliferating Aquatic Plants in the Kandadji Programme’s intervention zone (ICA-Niger, March 2014).

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Kandadji Ecosystems Regeneration and Niger Valley Development Programme Summary of the Updated Environmental and Social Impact Assessment

For more information, please contact:

For ABK:

. Idrissa DIAOUGA, Director, Directorate of Environmental and Social Safeguards: [email protected]

. Aghali BAHARI, Environment Officer : [email protected]

For AfDB:

. Mohamed Aly BABAH, Principal Irrigation Engineer, Task Manager: [email protected]

. Aimée BELLA-CORBIN, Chief Environmental and Social Safeguards Expert: [email protected]

. Parfaite KOFFI, Consultant, Environmental Safeguards Expert: [email protected]

. Olympe JONHSON, Consultant, Social Safeguards Expert: [email protected]

. Nasson DJEBELBEI, Consultant, Environmental Safeguards Expert: [email protected]

. Moses DUPHEY, Consultant, Environmental Safeguard Expert: [email protected]

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