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Language : English Original : French

Appraisal Team

Mr. A. B. DIOP Environmentalist OSAN.4 Ext. : 3546 Mrs. R. BA Gender Expert OSAN.2 Ext. : 2590 Mr. A.DAGAMAISSA Forestry Expert OSAN.4 Ext. : 2495 Mr. L. GBELI Agro-Economist OSAN.4 Ext. : 3646 Mr. D. KADIATA Agronomist CDFO Ext. : 6550 Mr. A. ABOU-SAABA Director OSAN Ext. : 2037 Mr. M. GHARBI Regional Director ORCE Ext. : 2060 Mr. Ken B. JOHM Division Manager OSAN.4 Ext. : 2468

;

Peer Reviewers

Messrs: A. DIAW Financial Analyst Peer, OSAN.2 Ext. 3395 B. BARRY Country Economist Peer, ORCE Ext. 2359 M. TRAORE Environmentalist Peer, OSAN.4 Ext. 3593 J.M. OSSETE Water Resource Expert Peer, AWF Ext. 2771 M. AYACHI Agronomist Peer, OSAN.2 Ext. 3380

AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP

MULTINATIONAL: CONGO BASIN ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME

(PACEBCo)

PROGRAMME APPRAISAL REPORT January 2009

TABLE CONTENTS Page

Equivalents, Fiscal Year, Weights and Measures, Acronyms and Abbreviations, Programme Brief, Executive Summary, Programme Matrix………………………………….…. i - vii

I. STRATEGIC ORIENTATION AND JUSTIFICATION.................................................................. 1

1.1 PROGRAMME LINKAGES WITH THE STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COUNTRIES ............................. 1 1.2 JUSTIFICATION FOR BANK INTERVENTION ................................................................................................ 2 1.3 AID COORDINATION............................................................................................................................ 3 II. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................. 4 2.1 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE........................................................................................................................... 4 2.2 PROGRAMME COMPONENTS ...................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 TECHNICAL OPTION ADOPTED ANDALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED .............................................................. 6 2.4 PROGRAMME TYPE .................................................................................................................................... 6 2.5 PROGRAMME COST AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS............................................................................. 7 2.6 PROGRAMME AREA AND BENEFICIARIES .................................................................................................. 9 2.7 PARTICIPATORY APPROACH TO PROGRAMME IDENTIFICATION, DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION, INCLUDING PRIVATE SECTOR AND CIVIL SOCIETY

PARTICIPATION………………………………………………………………………………………………….9 2.8 CONSIDERATION OF BANK GROUP EXPERIENCE AND ............................................................................... 9 LESSONS LEARNT IN PROGRAMMEDESIGN ............................................................................................... 9 2.9 KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS............................................................................................................ 10

III. PROGRAMME FEASIBILITY.......................................................................................................... 11

3.1 BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAMME............................................................................................................... 11 3.2 ENVIRONNEMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT………………………………………………… …………………11

IV. IMPLEMENTATION .......................................................................................................................... 13

4.1 IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS ....................................................................................................... 14 4.2 MONITORING ........................................................................................................................................... 17 4.3 GOVERNANCE.......................................................................................................................................... 18 4.4 SUSTAINABILITY...................................................................................................................................... 19 4.5 RISK MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................................................ 19 4.6 KNOWLEDGE DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................................. 19

V. LEGAL FRAMEWORK ..................................................................................................................... 20

5.1 LEGAL INSTRUMENT................................................................................................................................ 20 5.2 CONDITIONS FOR BANK INTERVENTION.................................................................................................. 20 5.3 COMPLIANCE WITH BANK POLICIES........................................................................................................ 21

VI. RECOMMENDATION........................................................................................................................ 21

ANNEX I: Comparative Socio-Economic Indicators of the Country …………………………………….. 1 ANNEX II: Map of the Programme Area……………………………….. 1 ANNEX III: Ongoing Bank Operations ………………………………………….. 1 ANNEX IV : Organization Chart

1

Volume II in a separate document containing the technical annexes

i

Currency Equivalents (January 2009)

UA 1 = CFAF 765.272 = US$1.594 = €1.067

Fiscal Year 1 January - 31 December

Weights and Measures

1 metric ton = 2204 pounds 1 kilogramme (kg) = 2.20 pounds 1 metre (m) = 3.28 feet 1 millimetre (mm) = 0.03937 inches 1 kilometre (Km) = 0.62 mile 1 hectare (ha) = 2.471 acres

Acronyms and Abbreviations

ADIE International Agency for the Development of Environmental Information AFLEG Africa Forest Law Enforcement Governance ADB African Development Bank

CARPE/USAID Central African Regional Programme for the Environment/United States Agency for International Development

ECCAS Economic Community of Central African States CEFDHAC Conference on the Ecosystems of the Dense Rainforests of Central Africa CIFOR Centre for International Forestry Research COMIFAC Central African Forest Commission CBF Congo Basin Forest Fund DFID Department for International Development (United Kingdom) ERAIFT Regional Post-Graduate Training School on Integrated Management of Tropical ForestsGTZ German Technical Cooperation ICCN Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (DRC) MECNT Ministry of Environment, Nature Conservation and Tourism MONUC United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo ATO African Timber Organization (COMIFAC body) OCFSA Organization for the Conservation African Wildlife OFAC Observatory for the Forests of Central Africa MDGs Millennium Development Goals CBFP Congo Basin Forest Partnership UNDP United Nations Development Programme PPEBC Central African Ecosystems Conservation Programme RAPAC Central African Protected Areas Network (COMIFAC body) REDD Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation REFADD African Women’s Network for Sustainable Development REPALEAC Network of Local and Indigenous Peoples of Central Africa RIFFEAC Forestry Schools in Central Africa Network IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature WCS Word Conservation Society WWF World Wild Fund

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Programme Brief

Client Information RECIPIENT : Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) EXECUTING AGENCY : Central African Forest Commission – (COMIFAC) Financing Plan

Source Amount

(UA Million)

Instrument

ADF

32.00

ADF Grant

ECCAS 5.00

BENEFICIARIES 0.28

TOTAL COST 37.28

ADF Key Financial Information

Grant Currency UA IRR, NPV (baseline scenario) N/A ERR (baseline scenario) N/A

Time frame – Key stages (expected)

Approval of Concept Note

May 2008

Project Approval February 2009

Effectiveness March 2009 Last Disbursement Sept 2014 Completion March 2015

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Programme Summary I. PROGRAMME OVERVIEW Programme Overview: PACEBCo aims at the conservation of the second largest tropical forest in the world and the second “green lung” of the planet, after the Amazon. The Congo Basin covers an area of over 4 000 000 km2. The Programme is expected to provide responses to the continued degradation of this forest and climate change. The Programme will cover a period 5 years starting from March 2009, and it is estimated at a total cost of UA 37.28 million including an ADF grant of UA 32.00 million, a contribution of UA 5.00 million from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and UA 0.28 million from the beneficiaries living in the selected landscapes. The Programme beneficiaries are the populations of the 10 member countries of the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) (Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Chad and Sao Tome & Principe). The direct beneficiaries are the 5.8 million inhabitants of the six ecological Landscapes selected in the COMIFAC countries. These populations are engaged in subsistence farming, hunting and fishing. ECCAS and the COMIFAC Executive Secretariat, national coordinating agencies, specialized bodies and government services in charge of forests will also benefit from the Programme. The vulnerable populations living around the selected Landscapes (indigenous peoples, especially Pygmies, women and the youth), through the micro-projects financed by the Local Development Funds, will also constitute the main targets of the Programme. Needs Assessment: The forests of the Congo Basin face numerous challenges that threaten their survival. The rate of deforestation is currently estimated at 2%, which is a loss of 2 000 000 ha/year. Poaching for bush meat trade is leading to the disappearance of certain animal species. Informal and unsustainable logging continues to degrade natural areas. Armed conflicts, poor governance and lack of institutional capacity reduce conservation efforts and aggravate the degradation. Lastly, the frequent occurrence of weather events is affecting the forest ecosystems of the Basin, which constitute vast carbon reserves to be preserved. Value Added of the Bank: The Bank has opened three Offices in the countries covered by the Programme. It has experience in the management of multinational projects, handles a portfolio of 20 operations in the Basin amounting to financing worth over UA 430 million and a Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBF). It therefore plays a major role in the Congo Basin, which will help to ensure synergy between the various operators and make it a catalyst for the mobilization of resources. The Programme also meets the objectives of promoting Regional Public Goods (RPGs) and regional integration. It will prioritize activities that give a regional dimension to conservation and cannot be financed individually by the States for several reasons, based on the principle of subsidiarity. Knowledge Management: PACEBCo will allow for better understanding of the new carbon markets, good practices in environmental monitoring, and the introduction of the Local Development Fund (LDF).

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MULTINATIONAL Congo Basin Ecosystems Conservation Support Programme (PACEBCo)

PROGRAMME MATRIX (Results-Based)

HIERARCHY OF OBJECTIVES EXPECTED OUTCOMES SCOPE/ BENEFICIARIES PERFORMANCE INDICATORS TIME-FRAME FOR TARGETED

OBJECTIVES/DELAI D’EXECUTION DES OBJECTIFS CIBLES

ASSUMPTIONS/RISKS

I. PROGRAMME GOAL Long-Term Outcomes: Beyond 2014 1.1 Contribute to the sustainable and concerted management of forest resources and protected areas representing the biological diversity and ecosystems of the Central African sub-region, for the well-being of the population and the ecological balance of the planet

1.1.1 Better knowledge of the resource; 1.1.2 Financing mechanisms are developed; 1.1.3 Alternative activities for the exploitation of natural resources in the Congo Basin (CB) forests are developed

Authorities, Private sector, the planet and the world population including the 5.8 million inhabitants of the CB, 60% of whom are women

1.1.1.1 Inventory of the Congo Basin(CB) forest resources and implementationof a monitoring system; 1.1.1.2 Institution of sustainablefinancing for the management of forestresources and protected areas; 1.1.1.3 Increase in percentage of the CBpopulation participating in the process ofrational natural resource management

1.1.1.1 Inventory of Congo Basin forest resourcesincreases from 5% in 2009 to 50% in 2014; at leastone monitoring system is established as from 2015 1.1.1.2 At least 1 to 4 sustainable financingmechanisms for the management of forest resourcesand protected areas are instituted as from 2015 ; 1.1.1.3 The percentage of the CB populationparticipating in the process of rational naturalresource management is 65% in 2009 and 90% in2014.

Assumptions: Conditions for the good governance of the CB forest resources are met Risks : Multiplicity of actors / Fragility of countries & political instability in the Sub-Region Mitigation : Consideration of regional integration in Programme design and strengthening of coordination with actors

II. PROGRAMME OBJECTIVE Medium-Term Outcomes: 2009 – 2014 Ensure the regeneration of the ecosystems, improve the living conditions of the populations and strengthen the institutions responsible for the COMIFAC Convergence Plan

2.1 Highly endemic biological resources of the CB Landscapes are sustainably preserved; 2.2 The well-being of the populations living around the CB Landscapes with highly endemic resources is sustainably improved 2.3 Key institutions in charge of the sustainable management of ecosystems are sustainably strengthened

The target CB Landscapes and their estimated 5.8 million inhabitants of whom 60% are women

2.1.1 Trend of degradation of the ecosystems of the PACEBCo target Landscapes (2.1.2 Changes in the number of animal and plant species listed in CITES Appendix I 2.2.1 Increase in household incomes inthe selected Landscapes 2.2.2 Percentage of female population inthe CB benefitting directly from thepositive impacts of the Programme 2.3.1 Level of implementation of theterms of reference/programmes of theinstitutions responsible for managing theCB ecosystems.

2.1.1 The level of degradation of ecosystems of the PACEBCo target Landscapes drops from 5 % in 2009 to 3 % in 2012 and to 1.5 % in 2014; 2.1.2 The number of animal and plant species listed in CITES Appendix I drops from 0 to 12% in 2012 and 50% in 2014; 2.2.1 The internal rate of return (IRR) for households in the Landscapes rises from 0% in 2009 to 14.01 as from 2014 2.2.3 The percentage of the female population benefitting directly from the positive impacts of the Programme rises from 0% in 2009 to 30%/45% in 2013and 70%/90% in 2014; 2.3.1 The level of implementation of the terms of reference/programmes of institutions responsible for managing the CB ecosystems rises from 50 % in 2009 to 75% in 2010, to 90% in 2012 and 100 % in 2014

Assumptions: Close synergy with programmes of other partners in the Sub-Region. Risks: High probability of duplication of efforts/ non-acceptance by other partners of the Programme/low acceptance by individual NGOs. Mitigation: Use of network of actors and NGOs in the implementation of PACEBCo /Involvement of Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) in programme implementation.

III. ACTIVITIES/INPUTS Short-Term Outcomes: By 2014 3.1 CAPACITY BUILDING OF COMIFAC TREATY INSTITUTIONS -- Total Cost: UA 6.87 Million 3.1.1 Support to COMIFAC and its affiliated institutions

Diagnostic study of COMIFAC Secretariat; Capacity building of COMIFAC in key

areas; Provide support for forest governance,

inventory and resource development

3.1.1 The institutional capacity of COMIFAC and its affiliated institutions is built to match its mandate

The 10 Congo Basin countries, ECCAS, COMIFAC and its partners institutions involved in the implementation of the Convergence Plan and the private sector.

3.1.1.1 Number of certificates recordedby ATO; 3.1.1.2 Number of COMIFACprofessional staff trained in key areas 3.1.1.3 Adoption by COMIFACauthorities of the recommendations of theCOMIFAC institutional diagnostic study

3.1.1.1 Number of certificates recorded by ATOincreases from 0 in 2009 to 30 in 2011 and 100 in2014; 3.1.1.2 At least 200 professional staff ofCOMIFAC and its national coordinating agenciesare trained in the key areas and are fully operationalin 2012;

Assumption: Acceptance of traceability of timber by private sector and populations Risks: Failure to adopt timber traceability instruments and standards Mitigation : Consideration of the weak institutional capacity during

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ASSUMPTIONS/RISKS

Implement a mass communication plan Analysis of non-timber forest products and

organization of regional forum with the private sector

3.1.1.4 Rate of implementation ofprogramme budget of COMIFAC and itspartner institutions within the prescribedtimeframe; 3.1.1.5 Mobilization of appropriateexpertise in key areas; 3.1.1.7 Number of people covered bythe mass communication plan.

3.1.1.3 Adoption of the recommendations of institutional study, no later than end 2009; 3.1.1.4 At least 75% of the programme budget is implemented in time by COMIFAC and its partner institutions in 2009 and 100% in 2010; 3.1.1.5 The appropriate expertise mobilized in key areas increases from 0 p/m in 2009 to 30 p/m in 2010 and 120 p/m in 2012 ; 3.1.1.6 The number of people covered by the mass communication plan increases from 0% in 2009 to 30% in 2012 and 50% of the target population in 2014.

programme design / Support to ATO and other Institutions /Organization of forum with private sector

3.1.2 Implementation of ecosystems management tools

Support to the Observatory for the Forests of Central Africa (OFAC)/ADIE) ;

Environmental education and training support;

Support to youth, women, indigenous peoples and parliamentarian networks.

3.1.2 The structuring tools for biodiversity conservation are effectively implemented

Countries of the Congo Basin, COMIFAC and its partner institutions involved in the implementation of the Convergence Plan

3.1.2.1 Setting up of MIS and conductof data processing workshops 3.1.2.2 Number of professional stafftrained in biodiversity data processing; 3.1.2.3 Number of professional stafftrained.

3.1.2.1 MIS set up and operational by 2012; 3.1.2.2 Number of professional staff of countries trained in biodiversity data processing is 20 in 2012 and 50 in 2014 ; 3.1.2.3 Number of national staff trained increases from 0 in 2009 to 100 in 2012 (2 persons/country/year).

Assumption: COMIFAC partner institutions are capable of carrying out their terms of reference. Risks : Lack of human resources and logistics of the COMIFAC Treaty institutions and government services in charge of natural resources Mitigation : Consideration of weak institutional capacity of institutions in Programme design

3.2 SUSTAINABLE BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE -- Total Cost: UA 13.82 million 3.2.1 Strengthening and promotion of ecosystem conservation and biodiversity

Demarcate (mark out and signpost) 40 protected areas;

Build/rehabilitate and equip 120 guard posts (average of 3/protected area);

Build and equip ecological centres in the target Landscapes;

Train 1,000 forest guards in ecological monitoring and anti-poaching;

Sensitize and train population in biodiversity protection and use;

Develop community forest plantations covering about 10 000 ha in the Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega Landscapes.

3.2.1 Conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity in the Programme’s target Landscapes.

The populations of the target Landscapes, estimated at 5.8 million people, farmers, fishermen and users of the CB forests of whom 60% are women

3.2.1.1 Surface area of protected areasdemarcated and number of guard posts setup and equipped; 3.2.1.2 Number of guards trained inecological monitoring and anti-poaching; 3.2.1.3 Surface area of community forestplantation developed; 3.2.1.4 Number of beneficiaries trained inbiodiversity protection and use; 3.2.1.5 Operational ecological centresestablished.

3.2.1.1 The surface area of the demarcated protected areas and the number of guard posts set up and equipped increase respectively from 0 in 2009 to 1 500 000 ha and 30 in 2012 and 4 000 000 ha and 120 in 2014; 3.2.1.2 The number of trained ecological monitoring and anti-poaching guards is 350 in 2012 and 1 000 in 2014; 3.2.1.3 The surface area of community forest plantations developed increases from 3 500 ha in 2012 and 10 000 ha in 2014; 3.1.2.4 The number of beneficiaries trained in biodiversity protection and use increases from 125 000 in 2012 and 580 000 in 2014 (10% of the target population); 3.1.2.5 Six operational ecological centres established in 2011.

Assumptions: Knowledge of the environment, acceptance and ownership by the populations. Risks: Vastness of the zone and population movement. Mitigation: Systematic use of MIS techniques, remote sensing and cartography/Awareness-raising of authorities and populations /Mobilization of appropriate expertise in the ecological centres.

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ASSUMPTIONS/RISKS

3.2.2 Adaptation to Climate Change Implement the pilot projects of the REDD

Regional Programme Train national staff in the calculation of

carbon stocks and reduced emissions; Implement adaptation to climate change

projects.

3.2.2 Climate change adaptation plans are implemented through the conservation of the CB forests as a carbon sink/adaptation to climate change pilot projects are effectively implemented/enhanced resilience and impacts resulting from knowledge of the carbon market.

Authorities, private sector, populations of the target Landscapes, estimated at 5.8 million people, farmers, fishermen and forest users of the 10 CB countries of whom 60% are women

3.2.2.1 Number of REDD pilot projects; 3.2.2.2 Number of national staff trained inthe cycle and evaluation of carbon stocksand reduced emissions; 3.2.2.3 Number of Adaptation to ClimateChange (ACC) projects implemented; 3.2.2.4 Development of a regional supportstrategy for countries in the implementationof the Kyoto Protocol Designated NationalAuthorities (DNA);

3.2.1.1 The number of REDD pilot projects implemented rises from 0 in 2009 to 5 in 2011 and 10 in 2012 ; 3.2.2.2 The number of national staff trained in the cycle and evaluation of carbon stocks and reduced emissions increases from 0 in 2009 to 30 in 2012 and 50 in 2014 ; 3.2.2.3 The number of Adaptation to Climate Change (ACC) projects implemented increases from 0 in 2009 to 5 in 2012 and 10 in 2014 ; 3.2.2.4 A regional support strategy for countries in the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol Designated National Authorities (DNA) is implemented as from 2010;

Assumptions: Private sector’s accession to the carbon market and ownership by populations. Risks: Complex nature of accession to carbon market. Mitigation: Organization of a forum with the private sector and mobilization of relevant expertise in access to carbon market.

3.3 SUSTAINABLE PROMOTION OF POPULATIONS’ WELFARE -- Total cost: UA 8.26 Million 3.3.1 Sustainable promotion of populations’ welfare

Implement natural resource development and management plans (PAGF);

Build the capacity of community-based grassroots organizations and communities and local government authorities in organization, planning, management and project supervision;

Implement alternative activities to deforestation and forest degradation through a Local Development Fund (LDF).

3.3.1 The living conditions of the populations are improved through the implementation of income-generating activities and the promotion of new practices in the use of natural resources.

The estimated 5.8 million inhabitants of the target Landscapes, farmers, fishermen and users of the CB forests of whom 60% are women

3.3.1.1 Number of local development plans(LDPs) prepared and implemented 3.3.1.2 Number of local developmentmicro-projects (LDMs) prepared perLandscape per year; 3.3.1.3 Number of technological packagesdistributed (PTD) 3.3.1.4 Rate of adoption of themesdisseminated. 3.3.1.5 Number of Management Plans.

3.3.1.1 Number of LDPs prepared and implemented increases from 0 in 2009 to 6 in 2010, to 50 in 2012 and 60 in 2014; 3.3.1.2 The number of LDMs implemented per Landscape per year increases from 0 in 2009 to 100 in 2010 to 300 in 2014; 3.3.1.3 The number of PTDs increases from 0 in 2009 to 5 in 2010, to 20 in 2012 and 35 in 2014; 3.3.1.4 The rate of adoption of themes disseminated rises from 0% in 2009 to 10% in 2010, to 45% in 2012 and 75% in 2014. 3.3.1.5 The number of Management Plans increases from 0 in 2009 to 6 in 2014. 3.3.1.6 The number of women affected by the LDF is 50%

Assumptions: Acceptance and ownership of PACEBCo activities by populations. Risks: Delay in the decentralization process. Mitigation: Decentralization process is ongoing / national identification / Support to decentralized administration and the populations.

3.4 PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION Total Costs UA 8.34 million 3.4.1 Programme Management

Set up a Computerized Administrative, Accounting and Financial Management System (SIGCF), using a Procedures Manual

Prepare and monitor implementation of the annual programme budget;

Develop and execute a procurement plan and implement an internal monitoring/evaluation management chart;

Prepare and submit the required reports – quarterly , mid-term review and project completion reports ;

Monitor agreements with partner organizations.

3.4.1 Implementation, monitoring and technical and financial supervision in accordance with Work Plan

Countries of the Congo Basin, COMIFAC and its partner institutions involved in the implementation of the Convergence Plan

3.4.1.1 Computerized Administrative, Accounting and Financial Management System (SIGCF) developed, using a Procedures Manual ; 3.4.1.2 Monitoring/evaluation system put in place; 3.4.1.3 Annual programme budget implemented; 3.4.1.4 Technical, financial and audit reports submitted; 3.4.1.5 Agreements with partner organizations monitored; 3.4.1.6 Supervision missions organized and followed up; 3.4.1.7 Mid-term review (MTR) report approved

3.4.1.1 A Computerized Administrative, Accounting and Financial Management System, based on a Procedures Manual, is installed by end-2009; 3.4.1.2 A monitoring/evaluation system is put in place by end-2009 ; 3.4.1.3 Annual programme budgets are executed at least 90% within prescribed timeframes; 3.4.1.4 Technical, financial and audit reports are submitted within prescribed times; 3.4.1.5 Agreements and contracts with partner organizations, consultants, contractors and suppliers are regularly monitored at least twice yearly; 3.4.1.6 ADB-ECCAS supervision missions are organized every 9 months and followed up; 3.4.1.7 The mid-term review mission report is produced and approved in 2012 ;

Assumptions: Regular mobilization of Recipient’s (ECCAS) counterpart funds. Risks: Vastness of intervention zone/management bottlenecks Mitigation: Programme first among ECCAS priorities, regular programme supervision and 0.1% levy on exports, as stable source of financing.

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ASSUMPTIONS/RISKS

3.4.1.8 Programme completion report approved.

3.4.1.8 The Programme completion report is produced and approved, latest by end June 2015

PROGRAMME TOTAL COST: UA 37.28MILLION

Donors (UA Million) ADF Grant: 32.00 Beneficiaries : 0.28 ECCAS : 5.00

Target CB Landscapes and their estimated population of 5.8 million of whom 60% are women

Sources of Information Monitoring/evaluation reports; Periodic progress reports; Mid-term review report; Works and contract reports ; COMIFAC and ECCAS reports; Programme Completion Report; Periodic CBFP report on state of forests; OFAC Forests Report; IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; CITES Appendix I on animal and plant species.

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ECCAS Congo Basin Ecosystems Conservation Support Programme (PACEBCo)

PROGRAMME IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

No. ACTIVITIES 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

1. Negotiations, Board approval, Signing of ADF Grant

2. Signing of other agreements and protocols

3. Authorization of 1st disbursement, Preparation of 1st annual budget, Approval of 1st Competitive Bidding & SL

4. Implementation of Local Dev. Fund

5. Invitation to bid

6. Receipt and evaluation of bids

7. Implementation of environmental and social plans

8. Demarcation works on protected areas

9. Construction of ecological centres

10 Preparation of Local Dev. Plans (LDPs)

11. Establishment of Adaptation to Climate Change projects

12. Outreach and sensitization activities

13. Training of guards

14. Mid-term review

15. Programme completion

16. ECCAS completion report

17. ADF Completion Report

18. Audits

Report and Recommendation of Bank Group Management to the Board of Directors concerning the financing of the

CONGO BASIN ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME

(PACEBCo) Management hereby submits this report and recommendations for a proposed grant of UA 35.28 million to the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) to contribute to the financing of the Congo Basin Ecosystems Conservation Support Programme (PACEBCo). I. STRATEGIC ORIENTATION AND JUSTIFICATION 1.1 Programme Linkages with the Strategy and Objectives of the Countries 1.1.1 The Programme responds to the concerns of the countries as expressed in their sector policies and translated into forest and environmental sector programmes on conservation issues. It covers four of the 10 areas of focus of the Convergence Plan of the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) in the concerted management of the Congo forests, namely: (i) management of ecosystems; (ii) biodiversity conservation; (iii) development of income-generating activities and promotion of good practices in the exploitation of natural resources; (iv) capacity building, participation and information. PACEBCo will contribute significantly to regional integration in Central Africa, and is consistent with the different criteria of Regional Public Goods (RPGs). PACEBCo’s objectives are in keeping with those of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as it contributes through its activities to good forest governance, and timber certification and traceability. Lastly, the Programme is based on the Bank’s policy on economic cooperation and regional integration adopted in 2000, and ECCAS general policy on the environment and natural resource management, as well as its strategic vision for 2025, which were both adopted at the Heads of State Conference in October 2007. 1.1.2 In addition, the Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBF), launched in June 2008, has been established and its management entrusted to the Bank, based on three-year pilot interventions. All these CBF interventions will help to complement and support the transformational and innovative proposals. In its implementation, the CBF will serve to complement PACEBCo by targeting areas or thrusts of the Convergence Plan not covered by the Programme, particularly activities under strategic thrusts 2 and 9 of the Convergence Plan, including: (i) knowledge of the resource and (iii) development of financing mechanisms. CBF actions will be further consolidated through the PACEBCo interventions in institutional development as outlined under thrust 6 of the Convergence Plan, thus creating favourable synergy for the development of alternative activities. Consequently, the CBF will cover all the 12 Landscapes of the Congo Basin, while the Programme will directly cover only six (6) ecological Landscapes: (Monte Alen-Monts de Cristal; Sangha Tri-National; Lake Tele-Lake Tumba; Maringa-Lopori-Wamba; and Maiko-Tayna-Kahuzi-Biega). Direct vertical interventions in the Landscapes in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea (Monte Alen-Monts Cristal), which are middle-income countries, will be financed from the ECCAS contribution. The CBF and PACEBCo interventions will be implemented in close coordination, by seeking synergies that could emerge through the complementary and broader implementation of the COMIFAC Convergence Plan. To foster such synergy, the CBF Coordinator will be a member of the Programme’s Steering Committee.

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1.2 Justification for Bank Intervention 1.2.1 With an area of 227 million hectares (FAO, 2005), the Congo Basin forests constitute the second largest reserve of dense tropical rainforests in the world and account for 70% of the dense rainforest cover of Africa. Indeed, certain animal and plant species found in the Basin do not exist anywhere else in the world. The Congo Basin has three sites that have been made world heritage sites by UNESCO and the largest Ramsar rainforest site in the world. It is home to a unique capital of biodiversity with close to half of all known terrestrial species. At the global level, the Congo Basin performs vital environmental functions (maintaining biodiversity, greenhouse effects and the water cycle). Despite their immense natural resource wealth, the countries of the Congo Basin are classified among the poorest in the world, and this poverty is often the leading factor for the degradation of the natural resources. 1.2.2 The Programme comes at a time of heightened awareness of the need to join efforts at the national, sub-regional and international levels to protect the forests of the Congo Basin at the political (Heads of State Yaoundé Declaration, 1999), operational and practical levels. To this end, a sub-regional organization, COMIFAC, was set up to guide, harmonize and monitor forest and environmental policies in Central Africa. COMIFAC has a Convergence Plan, which sets forth the common intervention strategies of the States and development partners of Central Africa in the conservation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems. Its legal basis is the 5 February 2005 Treaty signed in Brazzaville, which confers on COMIFAC the legal status required at the international level in addition to its already established legitimacy, in accordance with Resolution 54/214 of the UN General Assembly. The COMIFAC organs are the Summit of Heads of State and Government, the Council of Ministers, and the Executive Secretariat. 1.2.3 The Summit of Heads of State adopts COMIFAC guidelines for the implementation of its commitments. The Council of Ministers is the organ responsible for decision-making, coordination and control of the implementation of policies on the sustainable management of forest ecosystems. It meets in ordinary session every two years and in extraordinary sessions whenever necessary. The Executive Secretariat is the implementing organ of COMIFAC, and all partners operating in the Sub-Region are in principle expected to align their actions on the strategic thrusts of the COMIFAC Convergence Plan through CBFP. The Executive Secretariat is represented in each country by a national coordinating agency. In view of COMIFAC’s central role, the fifth Council of Ministers’ session of October 2008 adopted a new provisional organization chart for the Executive Secretariat and created new management positions. Consequently, the COMIFAC Technical, Administrative and Financial Departments were reinforced with high-level staff. This restructuring injected fresh dynamism into COMIFAC, which underwent reforms in its internal organization, human resources, financing mechanism and its aid coordination approach. 1.2.4 The 13th session of the Conference of Heads of State decided to make COMIFAC a specialized organ of ECCAS. As such, the operating costs of COMIFAC and its partner institutions are covered by ECCAS through its financing mechanism called the Community Integration Contribution. This mechanism consists of a 0.4% customs levy on imports from non-community countries. COMIFAC also receives parallel financing in the form of projects; for example the FAO project on the harmonization of legislations and the Franco-German project that provides specific institutional support to COMIFAC.

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1.2.5 The African Development Bank had made the commitment to support COMIFAC in the implementation of its Convergence Plan and in achieving the objectives set forth in the Treaty. In fulfilment of this commitment, the Bank, in partnership with COMIFAC and DFID, organized, in February 2008 in Tunis, a “Conference on Financing Mechanisms for Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems in the Congo Basin”. In the statement resulting from the Conference deliberations, the participants called on ADB to seek new financial resources for the conservation of the Congo Basin forests. Also, at the request of the British Government and the Central African countries, the Bank agreed to create and host a “Special Fund for the Congo Basin Forest” (CBF). 1.2.6 The Conference participants also requested the World Bank and ADB to assist COMIFAC member countries in the preparation and mobilization phases of developing carbon credits. The Congo Basin constitutes a carbon reserve of global importance for regulating the primary greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2). Proper conservation of these vital ecosystems also calls for the development of strategies for adaptation to the impacts of climate change so as to ensure continuous supply of ecosystemic goods and services essential to household livelihoods, national development and economic growth in the region. 1.3 Aid Coordination 1.3.1 Several partners are currently involved in the conservation and sustainable management of the Congo Basin forests. In 1995, USAID launched a 20-year Central African Regional Programme for the Environment (CARPE) for the ecological monitoring and collection of data that helped to identify 12 ecological landscapes. The Department for International Development, United Kingdom (DFID), Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), German Technical Cooperation (GTZ, KfW), French Cooperation (AFD) and FAO are providing support to reforms and the drafting of forestry legislation. It is worth mentioning that bilateral assistance in the Basin is increasing steadily, and involves debt-for-nature swaps as well as biodiversity conservation activities. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has prepared a strategic programme for the establishment of a sustainable financing mechanism in the Basin, while the World Bank is assisting with the reform of institutions involved in forest management.

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1.3.2 It should be noted that the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) was launched at the Johannesburg Earth Summit in 2002. It brought together several bilateral and multilateral Technical and Financial Partners, NGOs and international organizations involved in the management and conservation of forests in Central Africa. The Bank is a member of the CBFP Cooperation Framework, whose facilitation has been coordinated by Germany since October 2007, following that of the United States and France. This cooperation framework fosters effective coordination and synergies with projects financed by the partners, and the CBFP facilitator will be a member of the Steering Committee of this Programme. 1.3.3 The mechanism for consensus-building in the approach and methodology of the different partners will be provided by the Steering Committee at the regional level and within the Landscapes by the Coordinating Committees. PACEBCO will put in place a regional consultative forum with the private sector on issues relating to good governance, the carbon market, and development of non-timber forest products. II. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION 2.1 Programme Objective The objective of the Programme is to contribute to the sustainable and concerted management of forest resources and protected areas representing the biological diversity and ecosystems of the Central African sub-region, for the well-being of the populations and ecological balance of the planet.

Importance

Sector or Sub-sector*

GDP Exports Labour

Environment [40%] [40%] [85%]

Stakeholders – Annual Public Spending (2008) **

ECCAS & Beneficiaries Donors [%]

US$ 2.234 billion

GTZ 5

ECCAS : UA 5.0 million CIDA 7

Beneficiaries : UA 0.28 million Congo Basin Forest Fund (CBF) 11

European Union 26

World Bank 16

UN Specialized Agencies 35

Aid Coordination Existence of thematic working groups [Yes Existence of an overall sector programme [Yes]

Role of the ADB in Aid Coordination [M] *most appropriate ** Years [yy1 to yy2] *** for this sector or sub-sector **** L: Lead; M: Member (Non-Lead); None: No role

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2.2 Programme Components

Table 2.1 Programme Components

No. COMPONENT COSTS (UA Million) DESCRIPTION

1 CAPACITY BUILDING OF COMIFAC TREATY INSTITUTIONS

6.87 Finalize the diagnostic study on COMIFAC Secretariat and propose an organization chart adapted to the current context; build COMIFAC capacities in the key areas of communication, legislation, climate change, monitoring/evaluation, and training of staff of central and provincial Ministries responsible for the management of forests and other actors;

Provide support for forest governance and certification so as to introduce a timber traceability system in the Basin (ATO);

Provide support to the Observatory for the Forests of Central Africa (OFAC)/ADIE and publish every two years a report on the state of forests and protected areas;

Support for environmental education and training: Fellowships and diploma courses atthe Regional Post-Graduate School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests(ERAIFT) and the Garoua Wildlife School.

Implement a mass communication plan on forest conservation, and prepare teaching aids on biodiversity conservation and climate change for specialized schools and institutes/RIFFEAC;

Provide support to youths, women, indigenous peoples and parliamentarian networks in their public awareness activities and involvement in forest-related issues (CEFDHAC);

Conduct a study on the feasibility of exploiting non-timber forest products and organize a regional forum with private sector.

2 SUSTAINABLE

BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

13.82 Implement the pilot projects of the REDD regional programme, train national staff in the calculation of carbon stocks and reduced emissions, and implement adaptation to climate change projects (CIFOR);

Demarcate (mark out and signpost) and implement development and management plans for at least 40 protected areas, build/rehabilitate and equip 120 guard posts, build and equip ecological centres in the Landscapes for monitoring and collection of basic data on changes in the ecosystems and biological resources;

Train 1,000 forest guards in ecological monitoring and anti-poaching. Organize sensitization sessions and train the populations in biodiversity protection and use (300,000 people, with at least 40% women and 50% indigenous peoples) (OCFSA/RAPAC)

Develop community forest plantations covering about 10,000 ha in the Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega Landscapes.

3 SUSTAINABLE

PROMOTION OF THE POPULATIONS’ WELFARE

8.22 Finalize at least 6 natural resource development and management plans and 60 Local Development Plans (LDP) ;

Build the organizational, planning, management and project supervision capacities of community-based grassroots organizations, communities and local government authorities, and support to the decentralization of administrative services;

Implement alternative activities to deforestation and forest degradation through a Local Development Fund to finance income-generating micro-projects;

4 PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

8.34 Set up a Computerized Administrative, Accounting and Financial Management System (SIGCF), based on an Administrative, Accounting and Financial Procedures Manual, in the day-to-day management of the Programme (MPCF) /Prepare and monitor implementation of the annual programme budget;

Develop and execute a procurement plan and implement an internal monitoring/evaluation management chart;

Prepare and submit the required reports – quarterly, mid-term review, and project completion reports;

Monitor agreements with partner organizations (ADIE, ATO, RIFFEAC, OCFSA, RAPAC, and CEFDHAC) and CIFOR.

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2.3 Technical Options Adopted and Alternatives Considered 2.3.1 Instead of a spatial approach based on administrative or geo-political division, PACEBCo adopted the landscape approach. The Landscapes constitute homogenous geographical entities comprising three macro-zones: extraction zone, protected areas zone, and community zone. The advantage of the landscape concept lies not only in integrating conservation areas, but also more importantly in integrating communities that depend on the forest for their survival. Consequently, the option adopted in this Programme for the sustainable conservation of the Central African forests is the direct involvement of the communities in management so that they meet their needs within the conservation efforts. This eco-development approach is increasingly being adopted and practised by all bilateral and multilateral partners intervening in the management of the Congo Basin ecosystems. The landscape approach is also being introduced in the countries through their conservation programmes and biodiversity management. 2.3.2 Furthermore, to ensure effective programme implementation, preference has been given to regular consultations and participation of all active stakeholders on the ground. These include, in particular, development partners, NGOs and partner organizations. In this regard, the approach adopted for the implementation of the Programme is based on the participation of the NGOs and partner organizations that are active on the ground, through agreements. This option has the advantage of preventing administrative red tape and providing a solution to weak capacities and the poor performance of the Bank’s portfolio in the Sub-Region.

Table 2.2 Alternatives Envisaged and Reasons for Rejection

Alternative Options Brief Description

Reason for Rejection

Physical demarcation of some protected areas with fencing.

Turn protected areas into fully protected zones demarcated from their immediate environment to curb poaching, which is a leading cause of biodiversity losses

Highly costly operation. Worsening of already difficult relations

between the national parks services and communities living in the vicinity of such protected areas.

Limited migration of species. Promotion of large-

scale ecotourism for the private sector

Draw on biological wealth to develop tourism industry.

The recent political instability in the region constitutes a major obstacle for such a sensitive sector as tourism.

The financing resources of the programme are solely intended for Regional Public Goods and cannot be used to finance such activities.

Lack of or inadequate basic conditions for infrastructure and legislation.

Benefit for the populations cannot be guaranteed.

Preserve of the private sector. 2.4 Programme Type PACEBCo is based on the provision of regional public goods, through regional cooperation, and draws on the COMIFAC Convergence Plan. It also intended to introduce climate change adaptive measures.

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2.5 Programme Cost and Financing Arrangements 2.5.1 The overall programme cost is estimated at UA 37.28 million (CFAF 28.53 billion), net of taxes and custom duties, comprising UA 23.54 million (CFAF 17.09 billion) in foreign exchange and UA 13.74 million (CFAF 9.98 billion) in local currency. The portion in foreign exchange represents 63% of the total cost, excluding taxes. The programme cost also includes provision for financial and physical contingencies, estimated at 11% of the total cost. Provision for financial contingencies has been calculated based on applicable local annual inflation for the local cost portion, and international inflation for the foreign currency cost. The countries participating in this Programme are responsible for all other financial expenditures not listed in this report. The summary programme cost is presented in Tables 2.3 and 2.4 below:

Table 2.3 Summary Cost Estimates by Component

FCFA Millions UA Millions COMPONENTS LC FE Total LC FE Total

% Dev.

% C. Base

A. COMIFAC INST. CAPACITY BUILDING 1 326,46 3 263,56 4 590,02 1,83 4,50 6,32 71 19 Support to COMIFAC & Associated Inst 779,25 1 272,79 2 052,03 1,07 1,75 2,83 62 8 Execution of Structuring Tools 547,21 1 990,77 2 537,98 0,75 2,74 3,50 78 10 B. BIODIV. CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT 3 727,04 5 206,58 8 933,63 5,13 7,17 12,31 58 37 Capacity B & Ecosyst Conserv. Bio 2 899,50 2 487,99 5 387,49 3,99 3,43 7,42 46 22 Climate Change adaptation 827,54 2 718,59 3 546,13 1,14 3,74 4,88 77 15 C. SUSTAINABLE PROM. OF POPULATION’S WELFARE 1 917,86 3 501,72 5 419,58 2,64 4,82 7,47 65 22 D. PROG MANAGEMENT 1 971,40 3 465,75 5 437,15 2,72 4,77 7,49 64 22 BASE COST 8 942,76 15 437,61 24 380,38 12,32 21,26 33,58 63 100 Physical Contingencies 607,03 901,32 1 508,35 0,84 1,24 2,08 60 6 Financial Contingencies 427,34 748,46 1 175,80 0,59 1,03 1,62 64 5 TOTAL PROGRAMME COST 9 977,14 17 087,40 27 064,53 13,74 23,54 37,28 63 111

Table 2.4 Summary Cost Estimates by Expenditure Category

FCFA Million UA Million CATEGORY EXPENDITURES LC FE Total LC FE Total

% Dev.

% C. Base

INVESTMENT 7 496,10 14 141,92 21 638,02 10,33 19,48 29,81 65 89 WORKS 2 780,82 2 101,38 4 882,20 3,83 2,89 6,72 43 20 GOODS 121,55 688,78 810,32 0,17 0,95 1,12 85 3 Véhicles 41,25 233,75 275,00 0,06 0,32 0,38 85 1 Equipment 80,30 455,03 535,32 0,11 0,63 0,74 85 2 SERVICES 3 019,29 8 990,11 12 009,40 4,16 12,38 16,54 75 49 Training 949,45 1 763,26 2 712,71 1,31 2,43 3,74 65 11 Technical Assistance 149,72 478,70 628,42 0,21 0,66 0,87 76 3 Studies 41,60 374,38 415,98 0,06 0,52 0,57 90 2 Contractual Services 1 859,77 6 017,51 7 877,29 2,56 8,29 10,85 76 32 Audit 18,75 356,25 375,00 0,03 0,49 0,52 95 2 Miscellaneous (LDF) 1 574,44 2 361,66 3 936,09 2,17 3,25 5,42 60 16 OPERATING COSTS 1 446,67 1 295,69 2 742,36 1,99 1,78 3,78 47 11 SALAIRIES 527,87 226,23 754,10 0,73 0,31 1,04 30 3 ALLOWANCES 353,25 235,50 588,75 0,49 0,32 0,81 40 2 MAINTENACE & REPAIRS 227,82 496,24 724,06 0,31 0,68 1,00 69 3 GENERAL COST 337,73 337,73 675,45 0,47 0,47 0,93 50 3 TOTAL BASE COST 8 942,76 15 437,61 24 380,38 12,32 21,26 33,58 63 100 Physical Contingencies 607,03 901,32 1 508,35 0,84 1,24 2,08 60 6 Financial contingencies 427,34 748,46 1 175,80 0,59 1,03 1,62 64 5 TOTAL PROGRAMME COST 9 977,14 17 087,40 27 064,53 13,74 23,54 37,28 63 111

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2.5.2 The Programme will be financed by the African Development Fund (ADF), ECCAS and the beneficiaries. The Bank will provide financial assistance to the tune of UA 32.00 million from ADF XI resources, representing 85.80 % of the Programme cost, excluding taxes and custom duties. The ADF financing will be in the form of a grant, and will cover different expenditure categories. The contributions of ECCAS and the beneficiaries are estimated at UA 5.00 million and 0.278 million respectively. The ECCAS financing will cover different expenditure categories and the total expenditure for the Mont Allen-Mont Cristal Landscape. The contribution of the beneficiaries will be in kind, for a 5% share of the Local Development Fund. The breakdown of financing for the Programme is presented in Table 2.5 below:

Table 2.5 Sources of Finance

FCFA Billions UA Millions SOURCES LC FE Total LC FE Total

% Total

ADF Funds 7 113,25,86 16 118,11,63 23

231,3624,49 9,8010,27 22,2021,73 32,00 85,886 Beneficiaries 80,220,07 120,060,14 200,290,21 0,1110 0,1718 0,28 0,71

ECCAS 2 783,67,35 849,221,48 3 632,89,83 3,8307 1,1793 5,00 13,5

TOTAL 9 977,1410,28 17 087,4018,25 27 06428,53 13,7443 23,5485 37,28 100,0

2.5.3 The expenditure schedule is as follows:

Table 2.6

Expenditure Schedule by Component (in UA million)

COMPOSANTES 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 TOTAL

A. COMIFAC INST. CAPACITY BUILDING 2,3864 1,6657 1,0921 0,871,22 0,871,24 6,877,9 Support COMIFAC & Inst. Associated B. BIODIV. CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT 1,275,98 0,653,56 0,482,75 0,332,76 0,312,83 3,0417,88 Executing Structuring Tools C. SUST PROMO WEFARE POPULATIONS 1,112,37 1,0141 0,611,09 0,541,10 0,551,12 3,837,1 B. BIODIV. CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT 1,0147 6,890,88 4,420,68 0,8168 0,70 13,824,4 Capacity Build& Ecosyst Biod Cons TOTAL 0,4712,46 4,947,43 2,425,73 0,375,76 0,255,89 8,4437,27 Climate Changes Adaptation 0,54 1,95 2,00 0,44 0,45 5,38 C. SUST PROMO POP WELFARE 1,49 2,04 1,97 1,42 1,34 8,26 D. PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT 2,59 1,38 1,43 1,45 1,49 8,34 TOTAL 7,47 11,96 8,90 4,56 4,39 37,28

2.5.4 ADF financing is in the form of a grant. The choice of this type of financing is justified by the regional character of the intervention, based on Regional Public Goods. The terms and conditions of the Grant were explained to the ECCAS authorities, who accepted them. The participating countries are responsible for all other financial costs that are not covered by the Bank financing.

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2.6 Programme Area and Beneficiaries 2.6.1 Location and Physical Setting The Congo Basin is divided into 12 ecological Landscapes. The Programme will operate directly in six landscapes, namely Sangha Tri-National (Cameroon, CAR, and Congo); Virunga (DRC, Rwanda); Maringa-Lopori-Wamba (DRC); Maiko-Tayna-Kahuzi Biega (DRC); Monte Alen-Mont de Cristal (Gabon, Equatorial Guinea); Lake Télé-Lake Tumba (DRC, Congo). These selected landscapes cover an area of 346,747 km2, representing about 53% of the Forest Basin’s total area. The selection criteria for the six Landscapes were as follows: the absence of any major intervention in the landscape, trans-border cover (trans-border Landscapes covering more than two countries were preferred), pillars in the CSP focusing on the improvement of the living conditions of the populations, maximum geographical cover possible, and good governance. 2.6.2 The Programme beneficiaries are the populations of the 10 member countries of COMIFAC. It will also benefit the entire planet in view of the role played by the Congo Basin forests in climate change. The direct beneficiaries, estimated at about 5.8 million inhabitants, are the rural populations who live in the Basin and exploit its natural resources for a living (farmers, hunters, fishermen, craftsmen, indigenous people, women and the youths). Actions are concentrated for the most part in the selected Landscapes, and the populations living there benefit directly from the programme outcomes. The poverty rate is high and many areas are still difficult to reach, even inaccessible. 2.7 Participatory Approach to Programme Identification, Design and

Implementation, including Private Sector and Civil Society Participation Since the March 1999 Yaoundé Declaration by the Heads of State on the management of the Congo Basin forests, several consultations have been organized to build consensus among partners and actors on strategies to guide activities in the Basin. COMIFAC has organized meetings with its partners to formulate and implement its Convergence Plan. There is thus a broad-based consultative platform in the Congo Basin called the Conference on the Ecosystems of the Dense Rainforests of Central Africa (CEFDHAC), which organizes forums in each of the Basin countries. The results of these forums were used during the programme design, and consultations were held with all the stakeholders. Furthermore, the IUCN, which was responsible for preparing this Programme, worked closely with the national and international NGOs operating in the Basin, as well as with the national structures of the countries concerned, COMIFAC and its specialized bodies. A public consultation with the stakeholders was organized in August 2008 to discuss the Programme’s environmental study and strategy. This participatory approach ensured that the stakeholders subscribed to the Programme objectives and to the technical options, and will thus be continued and strengthened during programme implementation through training/sensitization activities, and the sharing of information and experiences with the local communities and the associations and networks in the Programme area. 2.8 Consideration of Bank Group Experience and Lessons Learnt in Programme

Design 2.8.1 The Bank contributed to the Regional Environmental Information Management Programme (PRGIE), which led to the creation of the International Agency for the

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Development of Environmental Information (ADIE), currently one of COMIFAC’s partners in charge of environmental information. The African Water Facility (AWF) is financing three operations aimed at providing greater knowledge and joint management of the Basin’s water resources. The operations are the Congo Basin Water Information Note, the Lake Chad Water Charter, and the Congo Basin Strategic Action Plan on behalf of the International Commission of the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha Basin (CICOS). ECCAS benefitted from a UA 2.5 million capacity-building grant in 2004 to develop its structures, equipment and training programmes, and to formulate its Vision 2005. In all, the Bank has 20 operations distributed over four different sectors (agriculture, transport, energy and multi-sector) for a total cost of UA 431 million.

2.8.2 An analysis of the Bank’s portfolio in the Basin countries reveals that project performance is generally rated unsatisfactory. This is due to various factors: (i) low disbursement rates; (ii) delays in fulfilling the conditions for first disbursement; (iii) delays by the countries in mobilizing counterpart funds; (iv) late submission of audit reports and quarterly activity reports; (v) ignorance of the Bank’s rules and procedures; and (iv) low involvement of the beneficiaries in project design and implementation. All these factors show the complexity of intervening in the region. The operations of the other donors also face implementation problems due to poor institutional capacity, lack of coordination, duplication of activities and lack of access infrastructure. 2.8.3 Drawing lessons from past experiences, the following were factored into the Programme design: (i) the use of NGOs and COMIFAC partner organizations; (ii) the use of a central structure, ECCAS, instead of individual governments as donors, as this would necessitate multiple national grants, contributions from national counterparts, and conditions to fulfill at the national level; (iii) adoption of a Landscape approach instead of the administrative and geopolitical divisions; (iv) pressure on the Bank’s Country Offices to reduce delays in processing files; (v) ECCAS’ commitment to mobilize UA 5 million before Programme start-up; and (vi) implementation of the Programme in close consultation with the networks, the beneficiaries, and the Technical Ministries. 2.9 Key Performance Indicators The key performance indicators are at three levels: (i) the Programme goal; (ii) the Programme objectives; and (iii) the components. At the first level, the indicators concern the rate of degradation of the Congo Basin ecosystem, in conformity with the Convergence Plan. With regard to the Programme objectives, the indicators include: (i) the ecological conservation rate of the Landscapes; (ii) increased incomes for the populations affected by the Programme. Performance indicators at the component level relate to (i) COMIFAC’s capacity to fulfil its mandate by implementing at least 70% of its work programme within the prescribed time frame; ii) the number of local officials and COMIFAC staff trained in management tools and biodiversity monitoring; (iii) the number of structuring tools implemented; (iv) the growth rate of the average income of households in and around the Landscapes; the number of endangered animal and plant species preserved; (vi) the number of Local Development Plans (LDPs) prepared and implemented; (vii) the number of micro-projects implemented; (viii) the number of technological packages distributed to the beneficiaries; (ix) the implementation of programme management, monitoring and coordination tools; and (x) the number of protected areas that have development and management plans.

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III. PROGRAMME FEASIBILITY 3.1 Benefits of the Programme 3.1.1 The Programme’s financial and economic performance is based on the fact that the forest creates favourable conditions for agricultural, plant and animal production (fishing and cattle-rearing) through its function of regulating the climate system and biological rhythms mainly through the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2). Moreover, the forest itself is a source of wealth through: (i) the carbon sequestration market; (ii) the development of timber forest products (various forest products, firewood, charcoal, creeping plants, medicinal plants, etc.) and non-timber forest products such as honey, resins, oils and butter, game, various high nutritional value products. 3.1.2 When the Congo Basin forests are conserved and sustainably managed, the forest populations, estimated at about 5.8 million inhabitants, and indeed the whole earth will enjoy the above-mentioned benefits. These benefits are both tangible and intangible. The intangible benefits are those that directly affect life and welfare of the people, and may be experienced indirectly and in part through (i) the productivity of the labour force and sustainable employment; (ii) reduced global warming; and (iii) improved living conditions. The assessment of these benefits is still limited. However, it has been said that these benefits can be valued, at the least, at the price it would cost to regenerate the Congo Basin forests if they disappeared. Everyone agrees that such an event would affect at least 60% of economic activities in the African Sub-Region. Thus the cost of this Programme is, to a large extent, lower than the impact of the Congo Basin forests on economic activity in the Sub-Region. 3.1.3 The tangible benefits are those that are linked to the various products mentioned above, (i) carbon sequestration, (ii) TFPs and non NTFPs, (iii) plant and animal production. With regard to the gains from carbon sequestration, Central Africa alone is responsible for 90% (20 to 60 million tonnes) of the annual CO2 emissions in Africa through deforestation and forest degradation, with estimated carbon reserves of between 25 to 30 billion tonnes, or four years worth of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. More than half of the carbon is stored in the Congo Basin, making it the world’s largest carbon reserve. A study of the reaction to these amounts shows that protecting even 1% of the Congo Basin forests would safeguard 230 million tonnes of carbon, the equivalent of one third of the annual greenhouse gas emissions in the United Kingdom, estimated at over US$ 500 million dollars. These constitute tangible financial impacts for the countries, in addition to the value added of the various forest products which are likely to help them to implement their climate change adaptation plans, reduce poverty and manage forest ecosystems sustainably. The financial impact of TFPs and NTFPs may be estimated at over CFAF 25.20 billion a year. Finally, agricultural production from development funds is likely to result in a net impact of more than CFAF 75.15 billion. 3.1.4 Another benefit from the programme is the creation of temporary and permanent jobs. Under these conditions, the combination of all the benefits will produce a global financial impact equivalent to about CFAF 102.5 billion as from 2016, and a cash flow (NPV) of about CFAF 722.17 billion in 25 years (2009-2034), with an IRR of 14.06%. Details of the financial analysis are summarized in the technical annex of the working document (Volume II). The economic performance calculated on the basis of the reference prices with an average conversion factor of 1.09 for a period of 25 years, give the entire programme an 18.04% economic rate of return (ERR). A calculation of the earnings/ turnover

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ratio and the NPV gives results that are much higher than the respective comparison referential values of 1 and 0, or CFAF 3.01 and 803.03 billion. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis reveals switching values of -33.10% and seven years respectively for production losses and delay in Programme implementation. All the results and assumptions of the economic analysis are summarized in the technical annexes of the working document (Volume II).

3.2 Environmental and Social Impact 3.2.1 The Programme has been classified under Environmental Category I. This classification is based on the presence of fragile protected areas, which are home to vulnerable and endangered animals and plant species. The programme area is also home to vulnerable indigenous peoples, particularly the Pygmies. A detailed Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) of the Programme was conducted in line with the relevant Bank procedures. The assessment was the subject of a public consultation held in August 2008, during which the results presented were approved by all the actors. A summary of the SESA has been available on the Bank’s website since September 2008. 3.2.2 The principal anticipated negative outcomes are minor, as they had been factored into the programme design, and activities have been proposed to mitigate their effects. Moreover, several initiatives by the international community are ongoing to implement measures to mitigate the negative impacts in the Sub-Region. These impacts are related to the emergence of social conflicts in the Sub-Region. 3.2.3 The expected positive impacts are: (i) reduced pressure on natural resources; (ii) the protection of biodiversity and fragile ecosystems; (iii) the survival and regeneration of endangered species and habitats; (iv) adaptation to climate change; (v) education, sensitization and training in sustainable natural resource management, and (vi) development of agro-forestry production and NTFPs, as well as improved living conditions. The SESA recommended that infrastructure works be preceded by detailed environmental and social studies. The Programme does not provide for works in its list of activities, which could have a potential impact on the natural environment. 3.2.4 Climate change is an additional challenge in view of other problems, such as poverty, health and infrastructure issues, in the basin. Several assessment reports (Millennium Ecosystems Assessment, Stern Report, and the IPCC Fourth Report) have highlighted the vulnerability of the Congo forests to climate change and the lack of capacity in the region to adapt to these changes. PACEBCo will make efforts towards better understanding of the vulnerability of the forests and the local populations, and develop concrete adaptation strategies. A participatory research mechanism has already been put in place in collaboration with several actors at the local, national and regional levels. This mechanism was used to identify and prioritize sectors which depend on the forests and are vulnerable to climate change. PACEBCo will develop adaptive strategies to climate change in the countries concerned. 3.2.5 For each of the six Programme Landscapes, CIFOR will conduct an analysis of the vulnerability of the local communities and ecosystems to identify and raise awareness on the adaptive measures in the areas of nutrition, health and energy. The analysis will identify the varieties of seeds, the types and systems of production to promote in agriculture, fish farming, forestry and pastoral activities, so as to reduce the vulnerability of goods and

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services in the forests to climate change. As regards energy, CIFOR will identify new methods of meeting the energy needs of the people to render them less vulnerable to the vagaries of the weather and more sustainable to maintain the ecosystems. CIFOR will also analyze the national adaptive policies in the countries concerned to find out how the forests can be included in adaptive policies and how adaptation can be included in development policies. CIFOR will evaluate the possibility of funding for local and national adaptation projects. The relationship between adaptation and mitigation will also be explored, for example, the potential for carbon markets or the REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) to finance projects that contribute to adaptation. CIFOR will develop training and vulnerability assessment activities, and adaptation planning for the stakeholders.

Gender 3.2.6 Gender balance will be a cross-cutting issue of this Programme. The associations, women’s groups and the heads of Ministerial departments in charge of gender promotion were consulted during the preparatory and appraisal phases of the Programme. In addition to their very limited participation in decision-making and their marginalization, women are also victims of sexual violence. The widespread use of improved methods of production and development will help ease the volume of work done by women, who tend to have multiple roles within the household. 3.2.7 In keeping with the new decentralization policy in the countries concerned, PACEBCo will ensure that women are represented on the Coordinating Committees in the selected Landscapes and on the Regional Steering Committee. At least 50% of the beneficiaries of micro-projects will be women. These measures and provisions will have a direct impact on women and will help increase their incomes and improve their living conditions and those of their dependents. Social Impact 3.2.8 The protracted armed conflicts in the region have greatly affected its social fabric and led to increased poverty. The numbers of unemployed, child-soldiers, displaced persons, the disabled and the sick have snowballed in the Programme area as a result of these conflicts. The lack of resources and best practices has led to high levels of poverty (about 85%) in the six Landscapes. Poverty is also caused by the low productivity due to difficult access to the factors of production, which are still scarce in this area. 3.2.9 The activities of the Programme will help to increase the incomes of the community organizations and will promote at least 200 income-generating micro-projects per year per Landscape through the Local Development Fund. As a result of the training and sensitization, the Programme will contribute to empowering the populations to conduct their development activities. Support to grassroots organizations and local communities will create an appropriate framework for conflict resolution. IV. IMPLEMENTATION The implementation of this Programme faces a major challenge, namely the complex nature of the operation and the poor performance of the Bank’s operations portfolio in the Sub-Region. To meet this challenge, the Programme implementation is based on the existing

14

institutional framework, the partner technical organizations and NGOs already working in the area. This measure will help to prevent administrative red tape. For greater efficiency, the capacity of the control and technical coordination structures will be strengthened and the Programme will receive support from the Bank’s Offices in the countries involved. The Programme will be implemented at three key levels: (i) general coordination by ECCAS for general orientation and the Steering Committee’s activities; (ii) technical coordination by COMIFAC for cross-cutting activities involving all ECCAS countries, the day-to-day management of the Programme and internal monitoring/evaluation; and (iii) local management by the Programme Management Unit (PMU) for activities carried out in the Landscapes with the support of NGOs and partner organizations already working in the Landscapes. The Programme will sign implementation agreements with several partners for certain activities. These partners form part of the COMIFAC Treaty and are responsible for implementing certain aspects of the Convergence Plan (ADIE, RAPAC, OCFSA ATO, and CEFDHAC). 4.1 Implementation Arrangements 4.1.1 General Coordination of the Programme: ECCAS has overall responsibility for programme implementation, and will ensure that programme activities are properly carried out. It will chair the Steering Committee, approve the recruitment of the Programme Coordinator and PMU managers, commission annual external and independent audits, approve the programme of activities and the annual budget, medium-term review and programme completion, as well as the staff training programme. ECCAS will appoint a Focal Point for the Programme, who will be assisted by a treasury specialist, a monitoring/evaluation specialist and a procurement specialist. This team will monitor the Programme on a permanent basis, assess performance, and, if necessary, support COMIFAC in the implementation of the Programme. 4.1.2 A Steering Committee will be set up at the sub-regional level, with powers of control and strategic decision-making. It will be chaired by ECCAS General Secretariat and composed of two COMIFAC national coordinators (on a rotating basis), the COMIFAC Executive Secretary, the CBF Coordinator, a representative of the women’s associations, the CPFP facilitator, and may call on anyone with the expertise needed to help the committee discharge its duties. The committee will meet at least twice a year. It will be responsible for approving the annual action plan, the budget, programme of activities and the candidates selected for training. 4.1.3 Programme Technical Coordination. The Programme will be under the technical supervision of COMIFAC through its Deputy Executive Secretary, responsible for the Technical Department. The Deputy Executive Secretary will be assisted by a Coordinator who will be entrusted with the day-to-day management of the Programme, coordination of the activities of the six PMU Managers, and the coordination of the Programme’s cross-cutting activities with the technical partners identified during the Programme appraisal and approved by the Bank. They are: (i) CIFOR, for REDD activities and adaptation to climate change; (ii) RIFFEAC, for training and research in forestry and environment and certificate courses; (iii) ADIE, for environmental information; (iv) African Timber Organization (ATO), for forestry governance, the certification process and forestry management system; (v) OCFSA (Organization for the Conservation of Wildlife in Africa); and RAPAC (Central African Protected Areas Network) for planning and improving the quality of protected areas

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management, and (vi) the COMIFAC Executive Secretariat for the external monitoring/evaluation of the Programme. Specialists in key areas such as the environment, legislation, monitoring-evaluation, conservation and gender, whose qualifications and experiences will have to be approved beforehand by the Fund, will be recruited and based at COMIFAC. The COMIFAC will be assisted by the Bank’s Office in Cameroon, so as to enhance efficiency in the implementation of the tasks. 4.1.4 Programme Local Coordination. COMIFAC will put in place six local Programme Management Units (PMUs) based in the selected Landscapes, headed by a Manager and three specialists in forestry, Local Development Fund (LDF) management and biodiversity conservation, whose qualifications and experience will have been approved beforehand by the Fund. They will have responsibility for coordinating, monitoring and control of all activities, including the Local Development Fund (LDF) and the intervention by NGOs and partner bodies on the ground. One of the advantages of the Programme implementation approach is the use of NGOs and partner organizations already active in these Landscapes and which will be recruited on the basis of local competition in each Landscape. The PMU will be assisted by the Bank’s Offices in DRC, Gabon and Cameroon to increase efficiency in the implementation of the tasks assigned and communication with the Bank. 4.1.5 Implementation of the Programme will be done in close collaboration with the Ministers responsible for forestry, selected NGO leaders for the Landscapes, COMIFAC specialized bodies, local populations, notably the most vulnerable (indigenous and displaced peoples, women and the youth) through their consultation structures (women’s networks, the youths, parliamentarians, and indigenous people). A Coordinating Committee will be set up in each Landscape. The committees will be co-chaired by the Governors of the administrative provinces in the Landscapes made up of provincial environment Ministers, the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), three representatives of local NGOs and three representatives of civil society associations with at least one women’s representative, all of these appointed by the COMIFAC National Coordinating Unit. The Coordinating Committees may, if necessary, call upon anyone with the requisite expertise to help them deal with the business at hand. They will approve the LDPs, micro-projects, and annual action plans, ensure harmony and facilitate the implementation of programme activities. Procurement Arrangements 4.1.6 The procurement arrangements are summarized in table 4.1 below. All goods, works and services financed by the ADF will be procured in accordance with the Bank’s rules of procedure for the procurement of goods, services and works adopted on May 2008, using the appropriate Bank standard bidding documents. COMIFAC will be responsible for controlling the procurement of goods, works, services, and training after approval by the Regional Steering Committee.

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Table 4.1 Procurement Arrangements

NB: “Other” refers to local and international shopping, community participation and directly negotiated contract 4.1.7 All services to be procured as part of agreements with partner agencies will be acquired on the basis of directly negotiated procurement procedure because of their expertise in the areas in question and the highly specialized nature of the areas of intervention.. The draft agreement will be approved beforehand by the Fund. These are (i) Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD) and adaptations to climate change to be subcontracted to the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), (ii) research and degree programs training in environment to be subcontracted to the Regional School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests (ERAIFT / RIFFEAC) and the Fauna Schoool of Garoua (EFG) (iii) sensitization and training of people in biodiversity conservation to be subcontracted to the Conference of Ecosystem Dense Humid Forest of Central Africa (CEFDHAC) (iv) the African Timber Organization (ATO) for traceability of wood, (v) the Network of Protected Areas of Central Africa (RAPAC) for monitoring and management of protected areas, (vi) the Organization for the Conservation of Wildlife (OCFSA) for monitoring wildlife, and (vii) the Intergovernmental Agency for the Development of Environmental Information / Central Africa Forest Observatory(ADIE / OFAC) for the production of the report on forest conditions, environmental database management and monitoring and evaluation of the program. The administration of local development funds

UA MILLIONS EXPENDITURES NCB SL OTHERS TOTAL

WORKS

AMENAGEMENTS - - [6,90] 6,90 [6,90] 6,90

CONSTRUCTIONS & REHAB [0,72] 0,72 - - [0,72] 0,72

GOODS

VEHICLES - - [0,40] 0,40 [0,40] 0,40

EQUIPEMENTS - - [0,78] 0,78 [0,78] 0,78

SERVICES

TRAINING

Training Guards & Populations - [1,50] 2,62 - [1,50] 2,62

Training with Specialized Org - - [0,84] 1,47 [0,84] 1,47

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE - [0,91] 0,96 - [0,91] 0,96

STUDIES - [0,59] 0,62 - [0,59] 0,62

AUDIT - [0,54] 0,57 - [0,54] 0,57

CONTRACTUAL SERVICES

PMU Services - - [2,59] 3,46 [2,59] 3,46

Services Prestations/a - [2,70] 3,59 - [2,70] 3,59

Conventions Spec Organisations - - [3,68] 4,90 [3,68] 4,90

MISCELLANOUS (LDF) - - [5,74] 6,02 [5,74] 6,02

STAFF - - [1,09] 1,09 [1,09] 1,09

OPERATING COSTS - - [3,00] 3,16 [3,00] 3,16

TOTAL [0,72] 0,72 [6,24] 8,37 [24,03] 28,18 [32,00] 37,28

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will be allocated on the basis of shortlist of NGOs with experience in the selected landscapes. Studies, technical assistance and the audit will be made on the basis of shortlists. Disbursement Arrangements 4.1.8 The Recipient will open two (2) special accounts in the name of the Programme with BEAC and/or with a commercial bank approved by the Bank to receive the funds, and will entrust them to the management of ECCAS and COMIFAC respectively for the activities of the Programme Management Units. Disbursements will be made in accordance with the provisions of the Bank’s disbursement manual. Disbursements to the special accounts will be in the form of revolving funds, based on an annual work programme approved beforehand by ECCAS and the Bank. These accounts will be replenished by the Bank at the request of the PMU, after justification of at least 50% of the previous payment. Each request for disbursement of the revolving funds will be submitted to the Bank for approval, and will cover a maximum period of six months of activities. Settlement of expenses relating to the services of consultants, contractors, NGOs, partner organizations and suppliers will be made by direct payment, in conformity with the relevant Bank regulations. The direct payment method will also be used for disbursements for contracts between COMIFAC and specialized institutions and bodies recruited on the basis of negotiated agreements. Financial and Audit Reports 4.1.9 The Administrative and Finance Department of ECCAS will be responsible for keeping the Programme’s accounts. The Department will provide appropriate cost and financial accounting for the Programme, and will organize budget monitoring through an integrated accounting system. To this end, the Programme will develop a Financial and Accounting Management Manual and set up a Computerized Accounting and Financial Management System, based on the manual. The Programme’s accounts will be subject to the usual public administration and Bank controls. Annual audits of financial accounts and bi-annual audits of procurements will be conducted to facilitate the preparation of the Programme balance sheet and ensure the proper implementation of procurement. Audit reports will be sent to the Bank no later than six months after the end of the audited fiscal year. 4.2 Monitoring 4.2.1 The Programme will be implemented over a five-year period (2009-2014). Programme activities will start off with the development of the Accounting and Financial Procedures Manual, the Computerized Accounting and Financial Management System and the recruitment of an auditing firm. Invitations to bid are expected to be issued from April 2009. Institutional support to COMIFAC and its specialized organizations and conservation activities will start during the second quarter of 2009 and will spread over five years, while activities financed from the revolving funds will start in the third quarter. To ensure close monitoring of the Programme’s activities, there will be a sub-regional seminar to launch the Programme, launching workshops in each Landscape, regular supervision missions, medium-term review missions and completion missions. 4.2.2 COMIFAC will be responsible for the internal monitoring-evaluation of the Programme activities and the indicators defined in the Programme’s logical framework, and will receive support from the Programme. PACEBCo will take advantage of COMIFAC’s

18

monitoring-evaluation system and adapt it to its needs. OFAC/ADIE will establish a baseline situation at Programme start-up. Diagnostic studies should confirm the level of degradation of forests, endangered animal and plant species and the poverty level of women and the youth. Quarterly progress reports will be submitted to the Bank by the COMIFAC Executive Secretariat for onward transmission to the Forestry Ministries of the various countries. Outcomes will be assessed using the indicators for monitoring the restoration of ecosystems, the effectiveness of interventions by COMIFAC and its specialized organizations, improvement in the living conditions of men, women and children as compared to their situation before the Programme was implemented. 4.2.3 External monitoring/evaluation will be conducted by OFAC/ADIE. Its purpose will be to assess the consistency of the Programme objectives with the sector objectives of the Convergence Plan, particularly the regeneration of ecosystems, food security and adaptation to climate change. OFAC/ADIE will assess every two (2) years the state of the forests and will start with a baseline survey on income levels, production practices, biodiversity indices and conservation measures. It will also conduct bi-annual audits on institutional performance and measure the extent to which the Programme contributes to the attainment of its objectives and make recommendations. The Programme’s monitoring and impact indicators, which will be gender-specific and detailed, will be defined in consultation with its operators and partners. The Programme will also be supervised by the Bank through periodic missions of at least one mission every nine months. 4.2.4 Reporting: COMIFAC will submit annual reports on the status of the Programme, which will be validated by the Regional Steering Committee. Such reports will indicate the effectiveness of interventions, the ecological restoration of the ecosystems, physical implementation as well as procurements made and the expenditure level. OFAC will also submit annual reports on the external monitoring/evaluation. A mid-term review will be carried out in the third year of the Programme by an external consulting firm. The COMIFAC Executive Secretariat will prepare a completion report at the end of the Programme, and submit it to the Bank. The Bank will undertake a completion mission to assess the Programme outcomes, as well as draw the lessons and identify best practices. Other reports required will include: (i) at the sub-regional level, the activity reports of CPP and OFAC on the external monitoring and of the Coordinating Committees on implementation of the Programme in the Landscapes; (ii) at the technical level, the internal monitoring/evaluation reports, quarterly reports and Annual Action Plan (AAP); and (iii) at the financial level, the financial and audit reports. 4.3 Governance Governance in the Congo Basin has become a major cause for concern for all actors, and currently out of the 10 countries making up the Basin, nine have made governance a priority pillar of their CSP. In addition to this new impetus, the countries will benefit from capacity building as well as economic, political, and administrative and participatory good governance measures. Furthermore, PACEBCo will be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the «Africa Forest Law Enforcement and Governance» (AFLEG), which defines the management and good governance principles of forest management for the sustainable development of the Basin. These principles are geared towards building the capacity of the civil society, the private sector, public services and stakeholders in the enforcement of forest laws and governance. Four of the 10 countries covered by this Programme (Cameroon, CAR, Congo and Rwanda) have already acceded to the Extractive

19

Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). On the whole, the institutional framework for public procurement is improving with new procurement codes being adopted in ECCAS countries. PACEBCo makes provision for the recruitment of a procurement expert to assist ECCAS in the efficient implementation of activities and compliance with procurement rules and procedures. 4.4 Sustainability The sustainability of the conservation measures (demarcation, management of protected areas and establishment of a surveillance mechanism) will be ensured through the acceptance and involvement of the local populations in decision-making and implementation. The financing mechanism mentioned in the Treaty establishing COMIFAC has materialized so far with an annual allocation by ECCAS to COMIFAC and its partner institutions. This financing mechanism will ensure the sustainability of the Programme’s activities beyond the Programme’s 5 years. The supervision and capacity building of community organizations will also help to ensure the sustainable maintenance and servicing of equipment. The implementation of income-generating activities will help the populations develop alternative activities from the LDF. 4.5 Risk Management 4.5.1 The political instability and fragility of the States, which hamper the free movement of goods and services, constitute risks for implementation of the Programme. To mitigate this risk, the Programme is counting on the increasingly evident political commitment of the States to regional integration. The multiplicity of interventions in the Basin could also create problems of duplication and lack of coordination of activities. In this regard, the Bank extensively consulted all the partners during the Programme’s preparatory phase. The establishment of the CBFP in 2002 has significantly improved the coordination and harmonization of the activities of partners and the Bank is a member of the CBFP, which is a forum for discussion and dialogue of the different partners operating in the Basin. Moreover, the CBFP is a member of the Steering Committee of this Programme. Central African institutions often lack resources and the capacity to implement regional activities. To address this risk, the Programme has included an institutional support component for the different regional and national organizations that will be involved in the implementation of activities. 4.5.2 The risk relating to poor governance in the management of forest resources is valid, and issues of political governance could affect the smooth running of the Programme. To counter this risk, provision has been made under PACEBCo to raise the authorities’ awareness of good governance of natural resources and build the capacity of the COMIFAC Executive Secretariat, government institutions and community organizations. The immensity of the area and the limited knowledge of the resources hamper the proper management of the natural environment. To alleviate this risk, the Programme is putting in place a monitoring/evaluation system, using the SIG, remote sensing and cartography technical tools for more effective control of the geographical space. The ecological centres to be set up in each Landscape will also foster better knowledge of the environment’s resources. 4.6 Knowledge Development The Programme will increase understanding by the authorities and stakeholders in the region of the new carbon markets. In addition, PACEBCo will significantly improve knowledge in the region of good practices in environmental monitoring with the training

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grants and fellowships at RIFFEAC/ERAIFT. The community-based approach to the introduction of the Local Development Fund (LDF) will constitute a first in the Congo Basin and will therefore serve as a model to be used for local development. V. LEGAL FRAMEWORK 5.1. Legal Instrument The Programme’s legal frameworks will be governed by a Grant Protocol Agreement between ECCAS and ADF. The documents thus signed to the satisfaction of the two parties shall include the usual terms and conditions. 5.2 Conditions for Bank Intervention 5.2.1 The Bank’s intervention shall be subject to fulfilment of the following special conditions:

A. Conditions precedent to Grant effectiveness 5.2.2 Effectiveness of the Grant Protocol of Agreement shall be subject to its signing by ADF and ECCAS.

B. Conditions precedent to first disbursement 5.2.3 The first disbursement of the Grant shall be subject to fulfilment of the following conditions:

B1 : “Provide the Fund with evidence of the opening of two (2) special (foreign exchange and local currency) accounts in the name of the Programme at the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) and/or a commercial bank acceptable to the Bank, to receive the Grant resources”

B2 : “Provide evidence of the recruitment of the General Programme

Coordinator, based in Yaoundé, whose qualifications and experience shall have been deemed satisfactory by the Fund”;

B3 : “Provide evidence of the appointment of an ECCAS Focal Point for the

Programme.”

C. Other Conditions: 5.2.4 In addition, the Recipient shall:

C1 : “Provide, no later than the end July 2009, evidence of the recruitment: at ECCAS: a treasury specialist, a monitoring/evaluation specialist, and a procurement specialist; at COMIFAC: an environmental specialist, a monitoring/evaluation specialist, a legal officer, a communication specialist, and socio-economist/gender specialist; and for each Landscape, a Manager, a forestry specialist, a LDF management specialist and a biodiversity conservation specialist, whose qualification and experience shall have been deemed satisfactory by the Fund”

21

C2 : “Provide, no later than the end of July 2009, evidence of the setting up of the Steering Committee”;

C 3 : “Provide, no later than the end of July 2009, evidence of the setting up of

six Consultation Committees”;

C4 : “Provide, no later than the end of December 2009, evidence of the adoption of the recommendations of the Diagnostic Study on the COMIFAC Executive Secretariat and a proposed organization chart adapted to the current context”. 5.3 Compliance with Bank Policies

PACEBCo complies with the Bank’s environmental policy and all other applicable Bank policies and regulations. VI. RECOMMENDATION

Management recommends that the Board of Directors should approve the ADF grant proposal in an amount not exceeding UA 32 million, to ECCAS as contribution to the financing of the Congo Basin Ecosystems Conservation Support Programme (PACEBCo).

Annex I

CONGO BASIN ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME (PACEBCo) COMPARATIVE SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Congo Basin

INDICATORS YEAR GROUP OF COUNTRIES AFRICA DEVELOPING

COUNTRIES DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

Basic Indicators Area ('000 Km²) 4 573 30 307 80 976 54 658 Total population (million) 2007 196.0 963.7 5 448.2 1 223.0 Urban population (% of total) 2007 37.0 39.8 43.5 74.2 Population density (per Km²) 2007 42.9 31.8 65.7 23.0 Gross National Income (GNI) per capita (US$) 2006 639 1 071 2 000 36 487 Labour force participation - Total (%) 2005 40.5 42.3 45.6 54.6 Labour force participation - Women (%) 2005 37.6 41.1 39.7 44.9 Gender-Related Human Development Index value 2005 0.448 0.486 0.694 0.911 Human Development Index (out of 174 countries) 2005 N.A. N.A.. N.A. N.A. Human Poverty Index (HPI-1) (% of pop.) 2005 66.1 36.8 … … Demographic Indicators Total population growth rate (%) 2007 2.4 2.3 1.4 0.3 Urban population growth rate (%) 2007 3.7 3.5 2.6 0.5 Population under 15 years (%) 2007 44.0 41.0 30.2 16.7 Population 65 years and above (%) 2007 3.1 3.5 5.6 16.4 Dependency ratio (%) 2007 88.8 80.1 56.0 47.7 Sex ratio (males per 100 females) 2007 100.0 99.3 103.2 94.3 Female population aged 15 to 49 years (%) 2007 23.2 24.2 24.5 31.4 Life expectancy – total (years) 2007 48.1 54.2 65.4 76.5 Life expectancy at birth - female (years) 2007 48.5 55.3 67.2 80.2 Crude birth rate (per 1000) 2007 40.3 36.1 22.4 11.1 Crude mortality rate (per 1000) 2007 16.3 13.2 8.3 10.4 Infant mortality rate (per 1000) 2007 107.8 85.3 57.3 7.4 Under-5 mortality rate (per 1000) 2007 183.0 130.2 80.8 8.9 Total fertility rate (per woman) 2007 5.4 4.7 2.8 1.6 Maternal mortality rate (per 100000) 2004 1 024 723.6 450 8 Women using contraceptives (%) 2004 13.4 26.6 61.0 75.0 Health and Nutrition Indicators Physicians (per 100000 inhabitants) 2005 21.8 39.6 78.0 287.0 Nurses (per 100000 inhabitants) 2005 125.6 120.4 98.0 782.0 Births attended by trained health personnel (%) 2004 47.4 50.4 59.0 99.0 Access to safe water (% of population) 2006 52.6 62.3 80.0 100.0 Access to health services (% of population) 2004 54.2 61.7 80.0 100.0 Access to sanitation (% of population) 2004 51.0 45.8 50.0 100.0 Percentage of adults (15-49 years) living with HIV/AIDS 2005 3.8 4.7 1.3 0.3 Incidence of tuberculosis (per 100000) 2005 263.8 300.7 275.0 18.0 Child immunization against tuberculosis (%) 2006 68.7 83.7 85.0 93.0 Child immunization against measles (%) 2006 63.4 75.4 78.0 93.2 Underweight children (% of children under 5) 2004 29.3 28.6 27.0 0.1 Daily calorie supply per capita 2004 2 581 2 436 2 675 3 285 Per capita public expenditure on health (in % of GDP) 2005 1.3 2.4 1.8 6.3 Education Indicators Gross enrolment ratio (%) Primary school - Total 2006 88.9 96.4 91.0 102.3 Primary school - Girls 2005 83.7 92.1 105.0 102.0 Secondary school - Total 2006 62.1 44.5 88.0 99.5 Secondary school - Girls 2004 60.7 41.8 45.8 100.8 Primary school female teaching staff (% of total) 2005 45.9 47.5 51.0 82.0 Adult illiteracy rate - Total (%) 2007 31.6 33.3 26.6 1.2 Adult illiteracy rate - Male (%) 2007 25.0 25.6 19.0 0.8 Adult illiteracy rate - Female (%) 2007 38.0 40.8 34.2 1.6 Percentage of GDP spent on education 2006 … 4.5 3.9 5.9 Environmental Indicators Land use (arable land as percentage of total land area) 2005-07 25.1 6.0 9.9 11.6 Annual rate of deforestation (%) 2000-07 2.3 0.7 0.4 -0.2 Annual rate of reforestation (%) 2000-07 5.7 10.9 … … Per capita CO2 emissions (metric tons) 2005-07 0.27 1.0 1.9 12.3

Annex II

CONGO BASIN ECOSYSTEMS CONSERVATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME

Annex III

ONGOING BANK GROUP OPERATIONS Name of Project Source of Approval Closing Amount Undisbursed Total Net %. % Financing Date Date Approved Amount Disbursed Amount Disbrsd Sect. AGRICULTURAL SECTOR 16.75 16.67 0.08 16.75 0.48% 4%

1 LAKE TANGANYIKA REGIONAL DEV. PROG. (DRC) ADF Loan 17.11.2004 31.01.2012 6.79 6.79 0 6.79 0.00% LAKE TANGANYIKA REGIONAL DEV. PROG. (DRC) ADF Grant 17.11.2004 31.12.2012 4.96 4.96 0 4.96 0.00%

2 COTTON SECTOR SUPPORT PROJECT –CHAD ADF Grant 29.11.2006 31.12.2013 5.00 4.92 0.08 5.00 1.60% 3 TRANSPORT SECTOR 263.4 261.8 1.6 263.4 0.59% 61% 4 BAMENDA-MAMFE-EKOK-MFUM-ABAKALIKI ROAD ADF Loan 25.11.2008 31.12.2015 150 150 0 150 0.00% 5 COSCAP PROGRAMME EN WCA (CAPACITY BUILDING) ADF Grant 27.04.2005 31.12.2009 4.60 3.24 1.36 4.60 29.47% 6 CAMEROON - TRANSPORT FACILITATION ADF Loan 05.07.2007 31.12.2012 48.00 48.00 0 48.00 0.00% 7 CAR- TRANSPORT FACILITATION ADF Grant 05.07.2007 31.12.2012 27.80 27.80 0 27.80 0.00% 8 CEMAC - TRANSPORT FACILITATION ADF Grant 05.07.2007 31.12.2012 14.00 13.79 0.21 14.00 1.51% 9 CHAD - TRANSPORT FACILITATION ADF Grant 05.07.2007 31.12.2012 19.00 19.00 0 19.00 0.00%

ENERGY SECTOR 112.01 111.53 0.48 112.01 4.01% 26% 10 NELSAP Interconnection Project ADF Loan 27.11.2008 100.00 100.00 0.00 100.00 0.00 11 ECCAS Countries Elect. Interconnection Study ADF Grant 21.07.2003 30.12.2009 2.50 2.02 0.48 2.50 19.27% 12 INGA & Associated Power Interconnection Study ADF Grant 30.04.2008 31.12.2008 9.51 9.51 0.00 9.51 0.00%

SOCIAL SECTOR 33.95 31.32 2.63 33.95 7.74% 8% 13 CONGO-OUBANGUI-CHARI RIPARIAN COUNTRIES INITV ADF Grant 11.09.2003 31.12.2008 6.00 3.90 2.10 6.00 34.99% 14 SUPPORT TO LAKE CHAD BASIN INITIATIVE ADF Grant 26.10.2005 31.12.2011 10.00 9.47 0.53 10.00 5.29% 15 APOC (PHASE III) ADF Grant 15.07.2008 30.11.2013 15.00 15 0 15 0.00% 16 CONGO BASIN INFORMATION NOTE AWF 17.05.2007 30.06.2009 0.40 0.40 0 0.40 0.00% 17 LAKE CHAD Water Charter AWF 30.05.2007 31.12.2009 0.78 0.78 0 0.78 0.00% 18 CONGO BASIN STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN AWF 30.05.2008 31.01.2009 1.77 1.77 0 1.77 0.00%

MULTI-SECTOR 5.57 3.61 1.95 5.57 35.10% 1% 19 ECCAS Capacity Building Project ADF Grant 17.11.2004 31.12.2009 2.59 1.56 1.03 2.59 39.86% 20 AFRITAC CENTRES PHASE II ADF Loan 20.12.2006 30.06.2010 2.98 2.06 0.92 2.98 30.97%

GRAND TOTAL 431.68 424.97 6.71 431.68 1.55% 100% ADB LOANS TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0% ADF LOANS TOTAL 307.77 306.85 0.92 307.77 0.29% 71% ADF GRANT TOTAL 120.96 115.17 5.79 120.96 4.79% 28% AWF TOTAL 2.95 2.95 0.00 2.95 0.00% 1% PUBLIC SECTOR LOANS TOTAL 254.22 247.51 6.71 254.22 4.35% 59% PRIVATE SECTOR LOANS TOTAL 0 0 0 0 0% AWF = Africa Water Facility

Annex IV

ECCAS

COMIFAC

PMUs in the 6 Landscapes

Monte Alen-Monts Cristal (Gabon-Equatorial Guinea)

Sangha Tri-National (Cameroon, Congo, CAR)

Lake Tele/ Lake Tumba(Congo, DRC)

Virunga DRC, Rwanda

Maiko Tayna Kahuzi Biega

DRC

Maringa Lopori Wamba

DRC

Day-to-Day Management Monitoring-Control of Activities Coordination of NGOs & Partners LDF Management

Coordination of Activities Monitoring-Evaluation Cross-cutting Activities

ADIE: Environmental Information ATO: Traceability of Timber/Good Governance RAPAC: Management of Protected Areas OFAC: Monitoring/Evaluation RIFFEAC: Research & Training EFDHAC: Support to Networks OCFSA: Wildlife CIFOR : Changements Climatiques

Coordinating Committees NGOs & Partners

General Orientation Approval of Activities & Budget Mid-Term Review

Steering Committee

building today, a better africa tomorrow - multinational: … · 2019. 6. 29. · selected...

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