Rehabilitation of Park in Village Alaverdi

SFG3426 V1

Public Disclosure Authorized Rehabilitation of Park in Village Alaverdi

Public Disclosure Authorized

Environmental and Social Screening Report

Public Disclosure Authorized

February 2017 Project Description

The village of Alaverdi of Akhmeta municipality is located in Kakheti region, adjacent to the Alaverdi Church. Alaverdi is an intermediate point on a tourist route Tbilisi-Telavi-Tusheti. A tourist heading for Tusheti or going to visit the Alaverdi Church, has to pass village Alaverdi on his way. The Alaverdi Monastery founded by St. Ioseb of Alaverdi, one of 13 Asuretian Fathers, in the VI century, is located on Alazani Valley. The St. George Church built by Kvirike, the King of Kakhetians, in place of an old small church, in the first quarter of the 11th century, is one of the biggest Cathedral Churches in Georgia with its height of over 50 m. On October 24, 2007, the Alaverdi Monastery was inscribed on the pilot World Heritage List of UNESCO.

As per the data of the Visitors’ Center of Tusheti Protected Areas, the number of visitors to the Alaverdi Church and Tusheti for the last 3 years amounted to 7663 tourists in 2013, 9786 tourists in 2014 and 9676 tourists 2015. In addition to the tourist season in Tusheti (from May through October), Alaverdi hosts tourists a round year, as a famous Alaverdi Monastery is found in the village, while there is an ethnographic museum and administration building of Tusheti Protected Areas in Kvemo Alvani.

Unfortunately, Alaverdi Center is not improved well enough to enable the tourists to get ready for or to travel to Tusheti in a comfortable manner. There are no chairs, pavilion or recreation park for tourists to have a rest before continuing their long trip (from Tbilisi to Tusheti and vice versa). Therefore, it is desirable to have a duly improved environment in the village centers for the visitors and tourists.

The following works are planned within the scope of the sub-project (SP):

1. installation of the public garden fence – 11 m;

2. installation of 6 benches;

3. installation of 3 refuse bins;

4. installation of 3 light posts; building 59 m2 of paths with concrete slabs;

5. making 26 m of curbs;

6. building a metal fence and concrete;

7. Installation of 170 m of forge gate; building 1 children’s entertainment center (1 swings, 1 seesaw and 1 triangle ladder). Environmental Screening and Classification

(A) Impact Identification

Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The SP construction phase covers 3 months’ period. environment? As a result, the SP will have a small-scale and short- term impact on the environment only in the construction phase, while its long-term impact on the natural and social environment will be positive. What are the significant beneficial and SP is expected to have positive long-term adverse environmental effects of the environmental and social impact through subproject? arrangement of park in village Alaverdi, in the vicinity of multifunctional Monastery Complex Alaverdi and

will improve touristic attraction. The increased tourist flows will have positive social impact through improvement of income generation opportunities. The expected negative environmental and social impacts are likely to be short-term: as a result of installation of benches, tables, concrete curbs, dust and emissions from the operation of construction machinery will be increased, background noise and vibration levels will rise insignificantly, generation of different types of construction waste is expected. The flow of traffic not expected to be obstructed. Taking into account the significant number of important heritage monuments and sites in the region of the targeted area, it is highly recommended that information on the cultural heritage of the region, showing their location and distances on the map to be included in the plan of the park. National Agency for Heritage Preservation of Georgia has to be approached for the provision of the needed accurate information on the sites. Reduction of adverse environmental impact during the initialization works will be possible through protecting the following key conditions: fencing the construction site and fixing the relevant signs throughout its perimeter, proper management of waste and constant monitoring, ensuring the technical functionality of machinery used during construction works, selecting less sensitive period (daytime) for construction works. If necessary, the population should be properly explained. Initialization works will not cause cut of trees on the project territory. In case chance find is encountered in the course of earth works, the contractor will immediately stop any physical activity on site and inform the Biological Farming Association “Elkana”. “Elkana” will promptly notify the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection in written. The Ministry will take over responsibility for the following course of action. Works may resume only upon receipt of written permission from the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection. In operation phase, increased tourist flows may have indirect negative environmental impacts: waste generation, etc.

Does the sub-project have any significant The long-term social impact of the SP will be potential impact on the local communities? beneficial (improvement of local population living conditions and growth of tourist flow), which will cause significant improvement of social conditions of local population and tourists. Significant social impact of rehabilitation activities, such as change of local demographic structure, influx of new settlers, secondary development is not envisaged. Negative environmental impacts described above will be short term and limited to the construction site.

What impact has the sub-project on the The SP is not expected to have any effect on human human health? health.

(B) Impact Mitigation

What alternatives to the sub-project design At the designing stage, a no-project alternative was have been considered and what mitigation considered, which was discarded, as the measures are proposed? implementation of the project will help attract both, the local and foreign visitors what will have a positive impact on the social standing of the local population.

Have concerned communities been During community mobilization phase, several involved and have their interests and priorities were identified, including rehabilitation of knowledge been adequately taken into the public park, drinking water system and waste consideration in sub-project preparation? disposal. Rehabilitation of the public park was selected.

Conclusion of the environmental screening:

 Sub-project is declined □  Sub-project is accepted ■

 Sub-project is classified as environmental Category B and needs EMP ■

 Sub-project is classified as environmental Category C and does not need EMP □

Social Screening

Yes No

Social safeguards screening information

1 Is the information related to the affiliation, ownership and land use status of the sub-project site available and verifiable? (The screening cannot be  completed until this is available)

2 Will the sub-project reduce people’s access to their economic resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services, sites of common public use or  other resources that they depend on? 3 Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or  permanently) for its development? 4 Will the project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit trees and household infrastructure (such as ancillary facilities, fence, canal,  granaries, outside toilets and kitchens, etc.)? If answer to any above question (except question 1) is “Yes”, then OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is applicable and mitigation measures should follow this OP/BP 4.12 and the Resettlement Policy Framework Cultural resources safeguard screening information Yes No 5 Will the project require excavation near any historical,  archaeological or cultural heritage site? 6 Will the project require excavation near any historical,  archaeological or cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 is “Yes”, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable and possible chance finds must be handled in accordance with OP/BP and relevant procedures provided in the Environmental Management Framework

Environmental Management Plan

Rehabilitation of park in village Alaverdi

March 2017 PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION

INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE

Project title Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector

Sub-Project title Rehabilitation of park in village Alaverdi

Scope of site-specific activity (i) installation of the public garden fence – 11 m; (ii) installation of 6 benches; (iii) installation of 3 refuse bins; (iv) installation of 3 light posts; building 59 m2 of paths with concrete slabs; (v) making 26 m of curbs; (vi) building a metal fence and concrete; (vii) installation of 170 m of forge gate; building 1 children’s entertainment center (1 swings, 1 seesaw and 1 triangle ladder). Institutional arrangements Task Team Leader: Safeguards Specialists: (WB) Gloria La Cava Darejan Kapanadze, Environment

Rebecca Lacroix and David Jijelava, Social

Implementation arrangements Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor:

(Borrower) Biological Farming Biological Farming (tbd) Associaltion Associaltion “Elkana” “Elkana”

SITE DESCRIPTION

Who owns the building to be Akhmeta Municipality constructed/extended/ reconstructed?

Who owns the land allocated Akhmeta Municipality for sub-project?

Who uses the land (formal/informal)?

Description of physical and Alaverdi Monastery is a Georgian Eastern Orthodox monastery natural environment, and of located 25 km from Akhmeta, in the Kakheti region of Eastern the socio-economic context Georgia. While parts of the monastery date back to 6th century, the around the site present day cathedral was built in the 11th century by Kvirike III of Kakheti.

Akhmeta municipality area is 2207.6 km2. Population is ethnically diverse. It consists of Georgians, Azeri, Armenians, Russians, Ukrainians, Ossetians, Greeks, Kists, etc.

Akhmeta Municipality is located in high-and middle-mountainous relief (1500-3000 m) of the southern ridge of the Caucasus mountain chain, developed on the substrate of Jurassic slates and carbonate flysch. Due to numerous tectonic faults (young over thrusts over thrusts and upthrustsup thrusts) developed here its relief is steep and narrow and is dissected with wide deep gorges. There is a single train of strong cones resulted from mudflow processes developed at the bottom of the gorges.

The district is characterized with dry continental climate, which alternates from sub-tropical to temperate along with change of the altitude. Annual temperature in Alazani and Iori gorges is 13-14°C and 9-10°C in the highest points of the upland. Annual precipitations within the district are fairly different; in the south- eastern part of the territory precipitations are just 200-300 mm and reach 400-500 mm in the north-eastern part, while the maxim falls in the northernmost part – 600-700 mm. The majority of the precipitations fall in May-June. Summer is very hot and droughty.

Soils of Iori upland are characterized with diverse composition. Black soils are most abundant. Their formation started long ago (after destruction of forests). Chestnut and solonchak-solonetz soils are widespread as well. Forest brown and different alternatives of transitional soils after forest destruction are observed.

The sub-project will be implemented in Alaverdi, which is located in one km from Alaverdi Cathedral

Which of the project Regional Development Project financed arrangement of “Matsoni intervention sites does sub- House” – a traditional and natural food café adjacent to the project related to and how? Alaverdi Cathedral.

LEGISLATION

National & local legislation According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental & permits that apply to Impact (2008), the SP does not require preparation of EIA and project activity obtaining of Permit on Environmental Impact.

The SP triggers to the OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment of the World Bank. According to this safeguard policy and the Environmental Management Framework of the Project for Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector, the SP is classified as environmental category B and requires preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the public SP-specific draft EMP was made available for village Alaverdi consultation process took / population and was discussed in a consultation meeting on March 9, will take place 2017.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1: Cadastral information on SP site;

Attachment 2: SP site plan;

Attachment 3: SP support letter from Akhmeta municipality;

Attachment 4: Minutes of public consultation meeting

PART B: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION

ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [√ ] Yes [ ] No See Section A below B. New construction [ ] Yes [√] No See Section A below

Will the site C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [√] No See Section B below activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [ ] Yes [√] No See Section C below include/involve 1 any of the E. Acquisition of land [ ] Yes [√] No See Section D below following? F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [√] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [√] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [√] Yes [ ] No See Section H below

1 Land acquisitions includes displacement of people, change of livelihood encroachment on private property this is to land that is purchased/transferred and affects people who are living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 2 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc.

PART C: MITIGATION MEASURES

ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Conditions Notification and Worker (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of Safety upcoming activities

(b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works)

(d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment.

(e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots)

(f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow.

A. General Rehabilitation Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor and /or Construction (b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust Activities (c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site

(d) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust

(e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site

(f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites

Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit

(b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible

Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers.

Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities.

(b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers.

(d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed.

(e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos)

B. Individual wastewater Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or treatment system reconstruction) must be approved by the local authorities

(b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment

(d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies.

C. Historic building(s) Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and carried out in line with local and national legislation.

(b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds” encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds.

D. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition (a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access to income of legal or Plan/Framework illegal users of land was not expected but may occur, that the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted.

(b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the project) will be implemented

E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material

(b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure

(c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust

(d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals

(e) If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site.

(f) The removed asbestos will not be reused

Toxic / hazardous waste (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled management with details of composition, properties and handling information

(b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching

(d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used

F. Affected forests, Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the activity wetlands and/or protected will not be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, logging areas or other damaging activities.

(b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided

(c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences

(d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas.

G. Disposal of medical Infrastructure for medical (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or waste waste management rehabilitated health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to:

. Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps”, and

human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and

. Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and

. If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational

H Traffic and Pedestrian Direct or indirect hazards (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is properly Safety to public traffic and secured and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to pedestrians by . Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the construction public warned of all potential hazards activities . Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes.

. Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement

. Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public.

. Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public.

PART D: MONITORING PLAN

Where How Why Who When What (Is the (Is the (Is the (Is (Define the Activity (Is the parameter to be parameter to parameter to parameter responsible frequency / or monitored?) be be being for continuous?) monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) monitoring?) Transportation Technical condition Construction Inspection Unannounced Limit Elkana of of vehicles and site inspections pollution of construction machinery during work soil and air materials and hours and from waste Confinement and beyond emissions; protection of truck Movement of loads with lining Limit construction nuisance to machinery Respect of the local established hours and communities routes of from noise transportation and vibration;

Minimize traffic disruption.

Earthworks Temporary storage of Construction Inspection In the course Prevent Elkana (small scale) excavated material in site of earth pollution of the pre-defined and works the agreed upon construction locations; site and its surroundings Backfilling of the with excavated material construction and/or its disposal to waste; the formally designated locations; Prevent damage and In case of chance loss of finds immediate physical suspension of works, cultural notification of the resources Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection, and resumption of works exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry.

Traffic Installation of traffic At and Inspection In the course Prevent Elkana disruption and limitation/diversion around the of traffic limitation of signage; construction construction accidents; pedestrian site works access Storage of Limit construction materials nuisance to and temporary local placement of residents construction waste in a way preventing congestion of access roads

Workers’ Provision of uniforms Construction Inspection Unannounced Limit Elkana health and and safety gear to site inspections in occurrence of safety workers; the course of on-the-job work accidents and Enforcing use of emergencies uniforms and protective gear by workers;

Informing of workers and personnel on the personal safety rules and instructions for operating machinery/equipmen;

Enforcing adherence to the safety rules

Attachment 1: Cadastral information on SP Site

Attachment 2: Site Plan

Attachment 3: SP support letter from Akhmeta municipality

Attachment 4: Alaverdi Community Meeting Minutes

Date: March 9, 2017 Venue: Akhmeta municipality, village Alaverdi Donor: Biological Farming Association “Elkana”, through funding from the Japanese Social Development Fund and the World Bank Aim: Consult with the local community on the Draft Environment and Social Management Plan for the project “Rehabilitation of park in village Alaveri”

Elkana Project Manager, representatives of NGO “Matani XXI”, local government and community attended the meeting. In total 21 people participated in the gathering, including 14 women. Elkana Community Mobilizer presented planned project and activities, as well as the draft Environment Management Plans prepared to mitigate their possible negative impacts on the natural and social environment. After the presentation, meeting participants were given the floor for questions and comments. During the meeting participants asked the following questions:

Question: Since the project site is located in the community, how will the noise be minimized to avoid nuisance to neighbors? Answer: Construction will be limited to daytime.

Question: Who will be responsible for waste management after completion of projects? Answer: Gurjaani municipality will be responsible for waste management and they have provided support letter of December 14, 2016.

Question: How will the park rehabilitation contribute to income generation of local community members? Answer: Several guesthouses, shops and bakeries are located near the park site and they will attract more tourists, which will increase their sales.

Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project.

Signatures of attendees:

Photo illustrations: