E4329

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, CLIMATE CHANGE, DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND METSOROLOGY (MECDM)

CLIMATE CHANGE DIVISION AND NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT OFFICE

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE & DISASTER RISK IN SOLOMON ISLANDS PROJECT (CRISP)

ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

(ESMF)

SEPTEMBER 2013

Page

ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

CITESConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CRISP Community Resilience to Climate Change & Natural Hazards in Solomon Islands Project

CHCommunity Helper

ECOPEnvironmental Codes of Practice

EIAEnvironmental Impact Assessment

EMPEnvironmental Management Plan

ESMFEnvironmental and Social Management Framework

IAImplementing Agency

JOCJoint Oversight Committee (for PGSP)

MECDMMinistry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management

MPGISMinistry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening

MoFTMinistry of Finance and Treasury

PCCProject Coordination Committee

PCDFProvincial Capacity Development Fund

PGProvincial Government

PGSPProvincial Governance Strengthening Programme

PMUProject Management Unit

OAGOffice of the Attorney General

SIGSolomon Islands Government

SOSafeguards Officer

TSDPTransport Sector Development Programme

WBWorld Bank

WDCWard Development Committee

WSWork Supervisors

Contents1Introduction62Legal framework72.1Legislations applicable to projects72.1.1World Bank Safeguard Policies72.1.2SIG Environmental and National Disaster Risk Management Legislations82.2Existing In-Country Institutional Arrangements for Environmental and Disaster Risk Management93Project Description113.1Proposed Investments113.2General Project Implementation Arrangements124Socio-Environmental Baseline Conditions in Project area144.1Physical environment144.1.1GSOgraphical Location154.1.2Topography and GSOlogy154.1.3Climate164.1.4Land Resource and Soil164.1.5Aggregate mining174.1.6Water Resource and Usage174.2Biological Environment184.2.1Terrestrial environment184.2.2Marine resources184.2.3Rare/Endangered Species and Protected Areas194.3Socio-economic and Cultural Environment194.3.1Population and social organisation194.3.2Housing204.3.3Land Use and Land Ownership204.3.4Economy214.3.5Jobs and incomes214.3.6Water supply214.4The challenges to the environment215Project’s Social and Environmental Potential Impacts and Risks225.1Positive Impacts235.2Potential Negative Impacts and Risks235.3Avoid Impacts and Mitigation Measures335.3.1Avoid impacts335.3.2Measures for mitigating potential socio-environmental impacts during construction and operation phases – ECOP336Environmental & Social Management Framework346.1Five-steps of Socio-Environmental Management in CRISP346.1.1Step 1: Socio-Environmental Eligibility Criteria and Screening346.1.2Step 2: Screening Potential Socio-environmental Impacts366.1.3Step 3: Select ECOP for eligible sub-projects396.1.4Step 4: Implement ECOPs406.2Indigenous PSOple Participation and Consultation Framework416.3Information Disclosure446.4Institutional Arrangements for ESMF implementation447Land Acquisition and Compensation Guidelines488Grievance Redress Mechanism49Bibliography and References..............................................................................................................81List of Key Persons met during ESMF Preparation.........................................................................82

TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 – WB’s Safeguard Policies and Relevance to CRISP7

Table 2 – Representative investment sub-projects11

Table 3 – Operational arrangements for community-led rural investments under CRISP12

Table 4 - Operational arrangements for Provincial Government (PG)-led rural investments under CRISP14

Table 5 – Land forms of the Solomon Islands17

Table 6 – Potential negative impacts of the works under CRISP26

Table 7 – CRISP Environmental and Social Safeguard Implementation Procedures35

Table 8 – Safeguard Implementation Responsibilities for community-led rural investments under the CRISP46

Table 9 - Safeguard Implementation Responsibilities for Provincial Government (PG)-led rural investments under the CRISP46

Table 10 - Responsibilities of CRISP Key stakeholders in implementing Safeguard47

Table 11 - Comparison of Provisions of the Land and Titles Act 1969 with Bank Resettlement Principles...............................................................................................................................................69

Table 12 - Resettlement Actions in the Project Cycle...........................................................................73

Figure 1 – SI Disaster Risk Management Institutional Framework10

Figure 2-- Location of Project Area15

FORMS

Form 1 – Socio-environmental ELIGIBILITY Screening Questions36

Form 2 – Socio-environmental IMPACTS Screening Questions38

Form 3 –ECOP of subproject39

Form 4 – Records of Public Consultation44

ANNEXES

Annex 1: Prescribed Developments Listed in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Act

Annex 2: Complaints Record Form

Annex 3: ECOP for Investments under CRISP

Annex 4: Draft Terms of Reference for Environmental & Social Safeguards Officer – CRISP

Annex 5: Some Issues observed and Lessons Learned from previous RDP sub-projects in Solomon Islands

Annex 6: Resettlement Policy Framework

Annex 7: Sample Consent Form

Annex 8: Compensation and Entitlement Form for Affected Person

Introduction

The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has sought World Bank assistance in preparing the Community Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Hazards in Solomon Islands Project (CRISP). The CRISP will be implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

The CRISP will ensure compliance with the World Bank Safeguard Policies and the requirements on environmental management of the SIG. Potential social and environmental impacts will be identified at early stage of project preparation and negative potential impacts will be addressed during project implementation. This Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) has been prepared during CRISP preparation to meet these requirements. In addition, the ESMF will aim to introduce good environmental practices from other relevant projects that are being implemented in Solomon Islands and the Pacific region.

The key contents of the ESMF are:

· Legal framework: summary of the World Bank Safeguard policies and SIG Environmental and National Disaster Risk Management legislations applicable to CRISP, including description of existing environmental management capacity in Solomon Islands.

· Project Description: focus on the type of physical investments that may have negative potential social and environmental impacts.

· Description of Socio-environmental baseline conditions in Project area: briefly describe the environmental and social contexts of Solomon Islands where the project will be implemented

· Prediction of Project’s social and environmental potential impacts and introductions on mitigation measures through site selection, construction and operation phases

· Environmental Management procedures applicable to subprojects, including arrangements for subproject socio-environmental screenings, identification of mitigation measures, the implementation and monitoring of these mitigation measures

· Public Consultation and Information Disclosure plan of CRISP

· Grievance redress mechanism under CRISP

The final draft ESMF will be disclosed at MECDM office for public access and comments prior to Project Implementation.

Legal framework2.1 Legislation applicable to projects2.1.1 World Bank Safeguard Policies

Table 1 – WB’s Safeguard Policies and Relevance to CRISP

Safeguards Policies

Triggers and Requirements

Triggered by CRISP

Yes

No

OP 4.01 - Environmental Assessment

This policy requires environmental assessment (EA) of projects proposed for World Bank financing to help ensure that projects are sound and sustainable. CRISP has been primarily classified as environmental category B by the World Bank as most of the potential negative impacts are foreseeable, at low or moderate level and can be avoided or mitigated effectively.

An Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF, this document) has been prepared and serves as an EA document. The ESMF considers the project’s potential social and environmental impacts and sets a mechanism for impacts screening, mitigation and monitoring during project implementation phase. While questions are developed for impacts screening, the Environmental Codes of Practices (ECOP) introduced in the ESMF will be applied during construction phase to mitigate potential negative impacts of sub-projects. As the project is designed with participatory approach, extensive consultation will be incorporated in every step of sub-project implementation including design phase.

X

OP4.04- Natural Habitats

The project could have limited negative impact on natural habitats (rivers, waterway, .), given the nature of the sub-projects and the fact that the exact location is not known.

Sub-projects with limited impact could be eligible provided that the benefits outweigh the negative impacts and that mitigation measures are put in place in accordance with OP/BP 4.04.

Environmental screening will exclude subprojects that significantly convert or degrade critical natural habitats.

X

OP 4.10 - Indigenous People

This policy requires assessment of whether indigenous people (IP) including ethnic minority (EM) groups, as distinct from the dominant social/ethnic groups, will be more vulnerable to, or unable to fully participate in, and benefit from, a project. Since the majority of the beneficiaries can be considered as communities of indigenous people, a stand-alone IPP (Indigenous People Plan) is not required. Instead, the elements of the IPP will be integrated into the Project design.

X

Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11

Tabu and known cultural sites will be avoided. A chance find protocol is included in the ESMF to address the possibility of unexpected discovery of physical cultural resources, indigenous or foreign human remains dating from the Second World War occupation.

X

OP 4.12 - Involuntary Resettlement

The policy is triggered. The project will provide support to establish arrangements, through Community Officers (COs), and assist communities to manage conflicts that undermine community security, development and social cohesion. One key area of conflict is land disputes over tenure and ownership.

Construction of structural disaster risk and adaptation investments at the community and provincial levels may require access to land or impact livelihoods of affected people. The project will develop a participatory approach and sub-projects should therefore have broad community support, and access to communal or privately used land may be expected to be largely through voluntary donation.

A Resettlement Policy Framework (annex to the ESMF) has been prepared by the Project in case involuntary resettlement is unavoidable, Because development of policy and process is an important Component A output, this policy is also triggered to guide incorporation of principles into standard operating procedures of the line agencies engaged in DRR and DRM. The RPF provides guidance in integrating resettlement principles in the development of policy that will regulate implementation of sub-projects under Component C.

.

X

2.1.2 SIG Environmental and National Disaster Risk Management Legislations

The key Solomon Islands environmental legislations applicable to the CRISP are the Environmental Act 1998 and the Wildlife Protection and Management Act (WPMA) 1998.

The Environmental Act includes 5 parts in which Part 1 provides basic definitions and interpretation of key terms used in the Act. Part II sets out the functions and the nation’s two key environmental authorities namely the Environmental and Conservation Division (ECD) and the Environmental Advisory Committee. Part III sets out regulations on Environmental Impacts Assessment, review and monitoring of development activities. Under this part, the Law requires that the Director, the ECD and relevant public authorities will consider the potential impacts of development proposals on the environment. Developers of prescribed development (listed in Schedule 2 of the Act and annexed in this ESMF) bear the responsibilities of preparing an environmental report and submitting it to ECD for consideration. Part IV provides provisions on pollution control.

The objective of the WPMA is to provide regulations on international trading of the country’s wildlife resource including birds, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, insects, plants and marine organisms. As SI became a member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2007, the development of regulations now include all CITES requirements.

Regarding disaster risk management, SIG has prepared the National Disaster Risk Management Plan (NDRMP) in 2010 and the National Climate Change Policy (NCCP) for 2012-2017. The NDRMP covers both disaster risk reduction and disaster management. The NCCP represents SIG’s responses to the challenges and opportunities related to climate change with a focus on better coordination, cooperation and collaboration. While the CRISP will ensure compliance with the environmental acts mentioned above, the project will operate within the frameworks of the NCCP and NDRMP.

Another legislation that may also govern the CRISP is the Land and Titles Act (1988 and amended in 1996) which consolidates the law relating to the tenure of land, registration of interests in land, and compulsory acquisition of land.

The Act covers customary land rights. The Act defines customary land as " ... any land (not being registered land, other than land registered as customary land, or land in respect of which any person becomes or is entitled to be registered as the owner of an estate pursuant to the provisions of Part III [of the Act]) lawfully owned, used, or occupied by a person or community in accordance with current customary usage."

Part V of the Act deals with the purchase or lease of customary land by private treaty, and compulsory acquisition of land. For public works the land is not acquired as such, it is gifted or contributed following an extensive period of consultation and agreement through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU waives the customary interest in the land in lieu of the public infrastructure (wharves, roads, schools, clinics and other public utilities).

Two articles of the Constitution also provide for compulsory acquisition. Article 111 which states that in regard to land which has ceased to be customary land, Parliament may; (i) provide for the conversion into a fixed-term interest of any perpetual interest in such land held by a person who is not entitled to hold such a perpetual interest (as defined by Article 110); (ii) provide for the compulsory acquisition where necessary of such land or any right over or interest in such land; and (iii) prescribe the criteria to be adopted in regard to the assessment and payment of compensation for compulsory acquisition (which may take account of, but need not be limited to, the following factors: the purchase price, the value of improvements made between the date of purchase and the date of acquisition, the current use value of the land, and the fact of its abandonment or dereliction).

In respect of customary land, in Article 112, the Constitution allows the compulsory acquisition of customary land or any right over or interest in it, as long as there have been negotiations with the owner(s) of the land, right or interest prior to the acquisition, the owner(s) have a right of access to independent legal advice, and the interest in the acquired land is limited to a fixed-term interest.

2.2 Existing In-Country Institutional Arrangements for Environmental and Disaster Risk Management

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) is the agency responsible for state management of these covered aspects. MECDM consists of four divisions, namely:

· Environment & Conservation Division (ECD);

· Climate Change Division (CCD);

· National Disaster Management Office (NDMO); and

· Meteorology Division (MD)

EIA appraisal and approval is the function of ECD as regulated by the Environmental Act 1998. Currently (2012), ECD’s monitoring and supervision capacity is limited with only 14 staff based in Honiara and there are no provincially-based staff. ECD is managing a pool of five to six individual qualified environmental consultants who are capable of preparing EIA reports for investment projects. Therefore, during the preparation phase of CRISP, mobilisation of a qualified environmental consultant to oversee the project’s environmental issues to ensure compliance to applicable environmental legislations would be necessary.

Institutional arrangements identified for DRM in SI covers four main levels including international/regional, national, provincial and community as shown:

Figure 1 – SI Disaster Risk Management Institutional Framework

Source: Natural Disaster Risk Management Plan, 2010

Project Description3.1 Proposed Investments

The project development objective (PDO) is to “increase the capacity of selected communities to manage the impacts of natural hazards and climate change”. The project would achieve this objective by strengthening government capacity in disaster and climate risk management, and implementing disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation investments in selected communities in up to four Provinces including Guadalcanal and Temotu.

The specific details of sub-projects will be determined during the CRISP project implementation. Sub-projects will need to meet a number of eligibility criteria. Community-led investments must be of a scale and level of complexity that can be addressed through community labour, and will require a community contribution in cash or kind as per the RDP. Under CRISP, sub-projects must have a risk reduction purpose, either to improve resilience to natural hazards or adapt to climate change effects. Some sub-projects may be fully funded by CRISP, but it is also envisaged that CRISP may provide the incremental funding to address the risk reduction component of a sub-project identified under the RDP (or the PCDF in the case of PG-led investments) which have a more general development purpose.

A schedule of representative rural investment sub-projects is listed in Table 2

Table 2 – Representative investment sub-projects

Works

Threshold Scale

Community [emergency evacuation] buildings or shelters (may be multi-purpose)

> 400 sq. M

Improved water supply and storage systems

> 2,000 users

Earthquake retrofit strengthening of building frames and foundations

> 1,000 sq. M

Cyclone strengthening of buildings frames and foundations

> 1,000 sq. M

Foundation raising for flood alleviation and mitigation of tsunami effects

> 3 m lift

Climate proofed small bridges and piers

> 20 m

Flood alleviation drainage

> 100 m

Shoreline protection systems

> 50 m

Road realignment as a risk reduction option

> 250 m

Sanitation facilities

> 200 users

Energy generation (other than hydro)

> 10 kW

New irrigation schemes, or improved irrigation systems

All

Integrated watershed and land management schemes to minimize degradation of watersheds

All

Infrastructure (not listed above) likely to cause changes in water use and/or water availability

All

Mini-hydro generators

All

Development of village/community disaster preparedness, evacuation and recovery plans for landslides, earthquake, tsunami and volcanic hazards

None

3.2 General Project Implementation Arrangements

Two classes of rural investment sub-projects are proposed under CRISP, namely:

· Community-led rural investments in which each built facility is implemented, operated and maintained by a particular village/community; and

· Provincial Government (PG)-led rural investments for larger scale or more complex sub-projects for which the beneficiaries span several communities or wards, and each facility is implemented, operated and maintained by the PG.

Community-led rural investments will be undertaken using the RDP model but with some improvements, as explained in Table 3.

Table 3– Operational arrangements for community-led rural investments under CRISP

Levels/structures

Project identification, selection, approval

Grant processing, implementation, financial controls

Monitoring, operation and maintenance

National – MECDM and PMU

Community Helpers (CHs) carry out initial awareness and assist communities to identify potential projects

The sub-project implementation committees (SICs) prepare technical designs which are reviewed and approved by the PSUs and the PMU. A Financing Agreement is signed between each SIC and MECDM

Sub-projects are entered into an Excel database in MECDM

Provincial – Provincial Assembly (PA) and Provincial Allocation Review Committee (PARC). PARCs are ad hoc bodies set up under the Project; each PARC is constituted by PA Members (MPAs), a WDC representative, and is chaired by the Provincial Secretary (PS)

The PARC assesses the proposals and recommends them to the PA for final endorsement. PS is the Authorising Officer for the CRISP (and the RDP) and is a signatory to the account for PMU funds in the province

CRISP uses the Provincial Support Units (PSU) in the provinces. CRISP provides financial training for SIC members and assists them in opening bank accounts. Signatories: 2 SIC members, 2 CRISP/RDP staff: any 2 SIC members and any 1 CRISP/ RDP staff to sign

PSUs assist in auditing sub-projects. Community Helpers monitor and report on activities to PSU after every visit to the community. PSU/PMU conduct environmental, technical & financial audits

Provincial Sector

X

CRISP’s engineers will assist with designs of engineering works and provide technical assistance during implementation

X

Ward Development Committee (WDC), provincial government bodies. WDC membership comprises ward community reps including the MPA, traditional leader, women and youth reps

The WDC ranks the sub-projects each year, and submits the ranked sub-projects to the PARC

X

X

Village/Community – sub-project implementation committee (SIC). Each SIC comprises a Chair, Vice-chair, Treasurer, Secretary and other members

Community Helpers conduct awareness campaigns; the community chooses proposed sub-project. The sub-project is submitted to the WDC

SICs procure as specified in the CRISP Pilot Operations Manual (PLOM). Three (3) quotes required. SIC make payments to suppliers by cheque from the SIC account. SICs prepares operational and maintenance plans

SICs implement sub-project and reports on progress. SICs and CHs submit final reports. SICs are responsible for operation and maintenance of sub-projects

It is proposed that the Provincial Government (PG)-led rural investments will be undertaken using the Provincial Government Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) model, a financing mechanism used under the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme (PGSP). This is described in Table 4 as it is proposed will apply under the CRISP (which will provide technical inputs, and have its own fiduciary, social and environmental controls).

Table 4 - Operational arrangements for Provincial Government (PG)-led rural investments under CRISP

Levels/ structures

Project identification, selection, approval

Grant processing, implementation, financial controls

Monitoring, operation and maintenance

National – Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS)

MPGIS issues public expenditure management guidelines for all provinces. Planning is done on an annual cycle

MPGIS prepares annual PCDF allocations with MOFT (for SIG contribution) after Minimum Conditions (MC) assessments and approved by JOC. Sub-projects with a risk focus provided to MECDM/PCC for consideration. Not all sub-projects completed in one year. Audit done by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) annually. MCs are based functions assigned in the Financial Ordinance.

Some monitoring done by MPGIS. CRISP funded sub-projects monitored by MECDM

Provincial Government (PG)

Prepare a 3 year rolling development plan and annual work-plan, budget and revenue forecast prepared by the Technical Planning and Budgeting Unit, endorsed by executive and approved by assembly. Plans and budgets are sent to MPGIS, MDPAC and MECDM for information.

External assessment of minimum conditions of access to the PCDF/CRISP annually. Design and technical preparation of projects done by PG works dept. with support from CRISP engineers. Tendering process and contracts awarded. Works implemented.

Supervision by CRISP engineers and safeguards specialist along with PG sector specialists (if available). Operations and maintenance costs agreed.

Provincial Sector

Sectors engaged through the technical planning and budgeting unit; but sector own plans not necessarily integrated into provincial plan.

CRISP’s engineers will assist with designs. Ministry of Infrastructure (MIS) engineers may also sometimes assist

Ward Development Committee (WDC)

Activated and role expanded in new PGSP document of Aug. 2012 – Policy Framework on Participatory Planning.

Village/Community

Activated and role expanded in new PGSP document of Aug. 2012 – Policy Framework on Participatory Planning with village representatives on WDCs.

Community monitoring group trained. Report to PG Works Officer

Socio-Environmental Baseline Conditions in Project Area4.1 Physical environment

This baseline of existing conditions has been compiled based on available documents issued by relevant SI ministries or produced by on-going WB financed projects such as the RDP and REP, discussions with officers from line ministries and on-going projects, with local community and other stakeholders during visits to RDP project sites, observations in the field, and available information on websites and local newspapers.

4.1.1 Geographical Location

The Solomon Islands (SI) is an archipelago of about 990 islands located 1900 km northeast of Australia. The country stretches along 1,450 km between Papua New Guinea to Vanuatu. SI has 4,023 kilometres of coastline and comprises of nine provinces namely Guadalcanal, Central, Western, Isabel, Malaita, Makira - Ulawa, Temotu, Choiseul, Renbel. The capital is Honiara located on Guadalcanal. The location of Solomon Island is shown in Figure 2.

(Source: Solomon Islands State of Environment 2008)

Figure 2 - Location of Project Area

4.1.2 Topography and Geology

Solomon Islands, excluding the Santa Cruz group, are divided into three geological provinces including a Pacific Province, a Central Province and a Volcanic Province[footnoteRef:1]. Most of the islands are comprised of a complex collage of crustal units of terrains formed and accreted within an intra-oceanic environment since Cretaceous times. The terrain ranges from mountainous islands to low-lying coral atolls. [1: Ministry of Environment, Conservation and MetSOrology, 2008. Solomon Islands State of the Environment Report.]

The main islands of Choiseul, New Georgia, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Makira have mountain ranges of mainly volcanic origin, deep narrow valleys, and coastal belts lined with coastal forest and fringed by reefs. The smaller islands are atolls or raised coral reefs. The lower regions are usually more stable than the upper regions with outcrops of volcanic rocks. Soil quality ranges from extremely rich volcanic to relatively infertile limestone.

Solomon Islands are located on the conjunction of tectonic plates, the region is highly geologically active and there is regular seismic activity including earthquakes and uplifting of land and reef areas. Most recently, large tsunamis occurred in April in 2007 and February 2013. Both events caused losses to human lives and property.

4.1.3 Climate

The islands' ocean-equatorial climate is extremely humid throughout the year with a mean temperature of 27° C (80° F).

Solomon Islands are affected by the seasonal movement of the South Pacific Convergence Zone and the Inter-tropical Zone which are the bands of cloud systems that normally bring heavy rain over the islands during their occurrence. Annual rainfall is about 305 centimetres.

One of the phenomena that affect the climate in Solomon Islands is El Nino which is known to have distinct oceanographic, temperature, rainfall and cyclonic conditions. Extreme weather events were observed in the country, such as a serious drought and a category 5 cyclone that hit Tikopia Island, in 2004 and are thought to be linked to an El Nino event.

4.1.4 Land Resource and Soil

Soil fertility varies widely between and within the islands, ranging from quite infertile and mildly toxic soils to highly fertile soils. Most upland soils have good structures, but either lack one or more major nutrients or have a strong nutrient imbalance. Potassium deficiency is commonly associated with calcareous and limestone parent material, while phosphorus deficiency is common over volcanic rocks.

Table 5 – Land forms of the Solomon Islands

Island

Land area

Landforms

Soil type

Guadalcanal

5,320 km2

Ridge volcanic mountains, karsts, moderately, narrow and lightly dissected ridges, low terraces, flood plains and fluvial fans.

Mixture of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, humus-rich, base-poor, shallow loams and clays at high altitudes and young loams, clays and peats in valleys and coastal plains

Malaita

4,200 km2

Volcanic cones, steep, dissected narrow ridges, fluvial plains, karsts, valleys, swamps and coastal landforms

Strongly weathered and leached soils with low base status to slightly and moderately weathered leached soils, organic with decomposed peat.

Santa Isabel (Bugotu)

4,121 km2

Low amplitude rounded hills and ridges with steep sides and crests, small areas of karsts and some cuestas

Moderately to strongly weathered and leached soils with low base status, organic with well decomposed peat

Makira

3,090 km2

High to irregular rounded ridges, rolling hills, fluvial plains, fans and beaches

Moderately to strongly weathered and leached soils with low base status, slightly weathered with little horizon development and organic with well decomposed peat

Choiseul

3,837 km2

Hills and mountains with steep sided ridges and stable to unstable slopes and stable narrow crests, some being former volcanic centres

Slightly to strongly weathered leached soils with little horizon development to leached with low base status

New Georgia

2,145 km2

Volcanic centres, out wash fans, ridge plateaux, karsts, fluvial plains and swamps and extensive reef lagoon complexes

Organic, young and slightly to strongly weathered and leached soils with low base status

Source: SI State of Environment, 2008

4.1.5 Aggregate mining

Aggregate mining in the country occurs in the urban centres, mostly around Honiara. There are some small-scale mines operating in Gizo in the Western Province. Sand and gravel supply for areas near Honiara is from the Lungga River. Sand and aggregate extraction is also taking place at Tetere Beach and Ranadi Beach, respectively.

4.1.6 Water Resource and Usage

Water resources in Solomon Islands are highly vulnerable in terms of small size and exposure to climatic instability. Natural hazards and drought, pollution, saline intrusion, sea level rise and impacts of deforestation are major threats to water sources.

Most villages use water from streams and rivers for drinking and other domestic uses. Underground water from springs and wells or rainwater from catchment is used where there is no access to surface water. With assistance from donors, piped water use has been increasing recently.

There is substantial potential for hydropower from water resources on at least seven islands but little effort has been made to evaluate the resource. The first hydro scheme developed in Solomons was a micro hydro (Pelton turbine) plant installed in 1976 at Atoifi on Malaita with a rated capacity of 75 kW. Two other hydro schemes were installed on the Malu’u River on Malaita and in Buala on SantaIsabel. Power was supplied to the hospital, health centre, a store, a school, retail stores, a fish storage and number of residential houses. Hydro schemes with a total capacity of approx. 0.5 MW were also under consideration at Huro River on Makira, Sorave River on Choiseul and Rori River on Malaita.

An Australian organization, APACE (Appropriate Technology for the Community and Environment) has involved in developing micro-hydro systems in the Solomon Islands for over twenty years. APACE established the Village First Electrification Programme (VFEP) to coordinate micro-hydropower development in the country.

4.2 Biological Environment 4.2.1 Terrestrial environment

SI has a total forested land area of 2,805,200 ha including non-commercial forest and cleared areas, unlogged commercial natural forest, logged over commercial natural forests and plantations. Solomon Islands have a diverse biological environment with about 4500 plant species and are a hotspot of bird diversity. The major types of vegetation cover in SI are:

(a) Coastal strand vegetation, found on land subject to inter-tidal flooding. This vegetation is primarily mangroves, accounts for about 2.3% of SI total land area and is mostly found in Isabel, New Georgia, Malaita, Marovo Lagoon, Makira and East Guadalcanal;

(b) Freshwater swamp/riverine forest represented by herbaceous species, palms, pandanus and other wetland species (sago, rosewood). Such areas are sensitive to soil compaction from logging;

(c) Low land forest, is the most common type of forest in the country and forms the majority of commercial forest in Solomon Islands;

(d) Montane (cloud forest) occurs at high altitude with little commercial exploitation; and

(e) Seasonal dry forest and grassland cover one to two percent of SI total land area.

4.2.2 Marine resources

Coastal areas in SI are characterized by highly variable patchy ecosystems that include estuaries, lagoons, beaches, mangroves, coral reef areas, sea grass beds, and algal beds. There are sections of highly urbanized or populated residential areas along the coast.

The dominant coastal ecosystems are narrow fringing coral reefs that are intermittently distributed, landward of which are developed back-reef and sea-grass areas to the west and east of the REP area. Small patches of sandy lagoon habitats occur where the reef interacts with outflow from streams and small coastal lagoons have formed at the mouth of many of the rivers.

The marine flora is dominated by sea-grasses in a narrow band close to shore, and by algae further seaward. Algal communities located further offshore within the back-reef area are dominated by coralline encrusting algae, Halimeda discoidea and Halimeda sp., Padina, and blue-green algal turf.

Fish fauna is characterized by 24 common species of reef-associated fishes in nine families. Most individuals are small and flighty; suggesting that fishing pressure on these species of reef fish is significant.

4.2.3 Rare/Endangered Species and Protected Areas

Currently Solomon Islands have two formally protected areas namely the 1,093 ha Queen Elizabeth Park, in Guadalcanal which is largely degraded and the 37,000 ha East Rennell World Heritage site surrounding Lake Tengano. There are also conservation areas without formal protection status includes Tetepare Conservation Area, Makira Conservation Area, Simbo Conservation Area, Komarindi Catchments Area and Arnavon Conservation Area.

There are 25 threatened tree species including ebony, rosewood, rattan and some palm species.

No endemic or endangered species were observed during field investigations during the preparation of the CRISP. The CRISP investments aim to increase the resilience of communities to natural hazards and the impacts of climate change, thus project sites will not be within any protected areas. During implementation phase, project sites will be screened to ensure that no protected areas will be affected by the project.

4.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment 4.3.1 Population and social organization

The population of Solomon Islands is estimated to be between 523,000 and 552,300 (2011) people who are predominantly indigenous to the islands. Melanesians are the dominant group (95%); the rest of the population is Polynesian and Micronesian. While sharing indigenous status, these people have highly diverse and layered origin. There is also small group of Chinese and people of European origins in the population. The annual growth rate of the SI population is 2.8%.

Most of the population (85 percent) lives in villages. Only those with paid employment are found in the urban centres and provincial headquarters of Honiara (the capital), Auki, Gizo, Buala, Kira Kira, and Lata.

Approximately 70 distinct languages are spoken by the Melanesians and Polynesians in Solomon Islands. A variant of English called Pijin English is also used in the country. In church services, English is spoken although it is usually interspersed with Pijin English and the native languages. Although Pijin English is not compulsory at school it is a means to cement relationships in Solomon Islands as a country with multiple languages.

Traditionally, Solomon Islands do not have caste or class divisions. Instead, the country has different tribal groups on different islands. They move along island lines or inter-island groups according to various affiliations including marriages, church membership and general friendship. Today, those who are employed in the formal sector form a sort of elite class, in contrast to those who are not formally employed either in the private or public sector. Recently, a business class has formed.

People become leaders when they gain influence by the manipulation of their abilities around followers and resources. Today, most leaders are elected through either consensus or popular ballot.

Church and the government are where Solomon Islanders communicate the most. 90% of the population is Christian and Pidgin English is used in church services. The government has a Governor General, a Prime Minister, a speaker of the House of Parliament, and a Chief Justice. There is no standing army or navy. The Police Field Force was established in the 1990’s.

For a long time Solomon Islands have been free from large-scale social problems, until the ethnic tension in 2000 which crippled delivery of government services throughout the country. The rural areas were quite free of conflicts other than some land dispute cases and community arguments that emerged among villagers.

Except for the churches, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) arrived in the Solomon Islands in a big way only in the 1980’s. There are the usual ones, which include the Red Cross, Rotary Club, Save the Children, World Vision, Oxfam and Catholic Relief.

4.3.2 Housing

Houses in urban areas usually follow Western style with three bedrooms on average. They are built mostly of cement and timber, with iron roofs. A kitchen and other amenities are often included. However the practice of having in-house toilets infracts the tradition, as still practiced in rural areas, where men and women use different outside areas resulting in poor sanitation.

In rural areas, large villages are often situated on tribal land. Villages comprise individual families placing their homes next to other relatives. Most rural dwellings are made of sago-palm thatching, raised on stilts and with windows.

There is usually a village square for the children to play and for village meetings. In certain areas of Malaita some homes are made on artificial islands built over shallow shoals in a lagoon by gathering rocks piled together.

4.3.3 Land Use and Land Ownership

The total land area is approximately 29,900 sq. km within an exclusive economic zone area of 1.6 million sq. km. Traditional land and resource management in Solomon Islands is community based, some 87 per cent of land is under customary resource tenure and all natural resources i.e. forests, minerals, reefs, and islets belong to customary land owners[footnoteRef:2]. The remaining land is considered "alienated" and is subject to registration under the Land and Titles Act. [2: Exemptions being the lands of the federal capital area (Honiara) and provincial headquarters]

4.3.4 Economy

Solomon Islands have a dual economy; the formal cash economy and the subsistence economy. 85% of the population is dependent on subsistence agriculture, fishery, forestry and small-scale income generating activities. The economy heavily relies on natural resources extraction for export and domestic uses.

Agriculture supplies the main commodities. Most of the people in rural areas depend on subsistence agriculture for sustenance. Therefore, agriculture and fishing are the main economic activities which provide food and incomes from trading in markets.

Soltuna Limited, which produces canned tuna, Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Ltd (GPOL), Solomon Islands Breweries Limited, Solomon Islands Tobacco Company and Gold Ridge Mine are the major industrial enterprises in Solomon Islands. Small industries mostly produce goods for domestic market, such as food processing, tobacco, corrugated roofing sheets, fibro canoes and tanks, timber, and buttons. In the service sector, some hotels commenced operations during the last decade of the 20th century to promote tourism.

The export of palm oil and kernels, dried coconut, cocoa, fish and timber are the main sectors forming the country’s trade.

4.3.5 Jobs and incomes

A high percentage of the population in SI are engaged in non-monetary work in villages, including subsistence farming. Available data to the year 1996 indicates that a smaller part of the population is employed in the public service, financial services trades, agriculture, fishery and forestry, manufacturing and construction sectors.

Traditionally yams, panas and taros are the main staples in the Solomon Islands. These are usually consumed with local cabbage, fish, shellfish and other edible marine life. Recently, dietary habits have changed with rice, tinned fish and instant noodles becoming more popular.

4.3.6 Water supply

Many households in the country still do not have access to piped water supply; drinking water is obtained directly from streams and rivers by the women and children.

4.4 The challenges to the environment

The key challenges to the environment in Solomon Islands are summarised below:

· Population pressure: with annual growth rate at 2.8%, population increase has put additional pressure on the subsistence economy. Intensive cultivation to meet increased food demand leads to reduced soil fertility and affects sustainability of the cultivation system, particularly in hilly areas.

· Logging: Among the country’s total 2 million ha of forests, total harvestable forest area is about 598,000 ha and 288,200 ha has already been logged. There is an estimation that commercial forest exhaustion will occur by the end of 2015.

· Commercial plantation: Exports of palm oils, palm kernels, copra and cocoa are key contributors to GDP. Conversion of large tracts of land, mostly fertile coastal land into commercial plantations is a significant threat to biodiversity; adds pressure on land resources by displacing domestic food gardens and if not managed properly will pollute river systems and coastal marine ecosystem due to excess runoff and siltation during heavy rains.

· Pollution of water sources: agricultural and logging activities promote erosion and siltation in stream and rivers.

· Climate change poses the risks to natural ecosystems, fisheries, agriculture, water resources, biodiversity, human health, infrastructure and industries.

Project’s Social and Environmental Potential Impacts and Risks

To identify the project’s potential socio-environmental impacts during construction and operation phases, the types of construction and operational activities need to be identified.

The types of structures that CRISP may provide, as shown in Table 2, include:

· Community buildings or shelters,

· Improved water supply and storage systems,

· Strengthening of building frames and foundations and/or raising foundations,

· Construction of climate proofed small bridges and piers,

· Drainage

· Shoreline protection systems

· Road realignment for risk reduction

· Sanitation facilities

· New irrigation schemes or improved irrigation systems

· Energy generation (other than hydro, such as mini solar energy schemes),

· Integrated watershed and land management schemes to minimize degradation of watersheds

· Other infrastructure likely to cause changes in water use and/or water availability, mini-hydro generators etc.

Activities that are likely to take place during construction phase of such structures would be:

· Mobilisation of contractors to the site

· Site clearance - vegetation, trees, structures, objects, top soil removal

· Relocation of existing objects, structures at the site

· Create/upgrade access path to the site

· Build contractors office/camp

· Loading, transport and unloading of construction materials at the site such as sand, gravel, timbers, soil, paints, glass, tiles, pipes, cement, concrete, machines, etc. Some subprojects may store oil and lubricants

· Excavation and or refill for foundation construction, pipe trenching, tank construction etc.

· General construction such as concrete mixing, concrete pouring, metal cutting and welding, timber/glass cutting, pipe installation, general building, drilling wells, painting,

· Construction of coffer dams

· Pile casting, testing and driving

· Waste dumping

· Water conveying/pumping

· Rainwater and wastewater discharge

· Tool washing and maintenance

5.1 Positive Impacts

As the above mentioned investments aim at helping local communities to become more resilient to natural hazards, the overall project impacts will be positive. With frames or foundations being strengthened, buildings will be better able to withstand extreme events, minimising possible calamity caused by natural hazards such as storm, high tides or tsunami. Improved basic infrastructure such as drainage, water supply and sanitation will help to minimise water-related disease risks, particularly during flood events. Improved access to irrigation and better management of watersheds contributes to improved food and water security for local people. Improved power supply, access roads etc. will help communities to be better connected and more accessible following disasters. Coordination and cooperation between stake holders during project implementation will help to strengthen internal and external social linkages so that communities can be better supported in difficult circumstances.

5.2 Potential Negative Impacts and Risks

Construction and operations of the proposed works will have some potential negative socio-environmental impacts as discussed in Table 6.

Depending on site-specific conditions and types of works, potential negative impacts and risks of sub-project can be identified quite easily. If not, an Environmental Assessment/Environmental Management Plan (EA/EMP) may be necessary.

With community-led sub-projects, the scope of works should be small and simple thus potential socio-environmental impacts are known, should be low, temporary and reversible. Common impacts could be dust and noise, some localised hygienic issues, removal of local vegetation, waste generation etc. These potential impacts can be mitigated easily with a limited number of standard measures to be applied during construction phase and introduced in this ESMF (in Annex 3) as Environmental Codes of Practice (ECOP).

With PG-led investments, the potential impacts and risks that should also be considered could be waste and wastewater generation, loss of vegetation cover, tree cutting, increased erosion risk, localised flooding risks, disturbance to wildlife and community’s daily activities, deteriorating water quality in streams/rivers, interruption to existing water use activities, health and safety risks for people on sites during construction phase etc. It is likely that for most sub-projects, preparation of a sub-project EMP in the form of an ECOP and sub-project mitigation measures, as described after Table 6, would be adequate.

Community Resilience to Climate & Disaster RiskSocial and Environmental Management Framework

in Solomon Islands Project(ESMF)

(CRISP)

Page 78

Table 6 – Potential negative impacts of the works under CRISP

Potential Impacts/ Risks

Description of the issues/risks

Typical activities that cause the potential impacts/risks

Key factors determining the likelihood and level of impacts

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

1.

Damages or loss of vegetation cover and trees

· Vegetation cover and/or trees at the construction site or any other location to be used by the Project may be removed or disturbed during construction phase. This impact can be avoided, minimised or mitigated.

· Site clearance for construction site, camps,

· Construction material exploitation and/or storage

· Total land area to be cleared

· The number of (high) trees be removed

· Importance of the tree/vegetation cover to wildlife, local landscape and/or local community

2.

Loss or degradation of valuable natural/ ecological resources and natural habitats

· Coral should be protected, not extracted as this is a valuable marine resource. It grows very slowly and it takes a long time to recover from damage. Coral reefs protect the shoreline from wave actions and storms, they are a habitat for a great variety of fish and marine life, and are breeding grounds for fish and shellfish.

· If sand, gravel and stones from river beds are extracted, flowing pattern of rivers may be seriously affected. The river may scour around bridge piers and abutments and endanger their stability. The river may erode other sections of the river beds and banks and thereby cause serious problems elsewhere

· Illegal timber may be logged without a licence, in protected areas, or logged in an unsustainable manner. Such practices lead to permanent loss of forest

· If timber is sourced from trees of high economic value to the local community, household income or food security of families may be at risk.

· Protected areas, wetlands, rivers and waterways, mangrove areas, swamps, bird sanctuaries and sea grass beds are important to biodiversity and are valuable landscapes (i.e. can provide ecosystem services and have scenic value).

· Some sites may be very important to local communities in cultural/religious/ historical/archaeological aspects. If construction takes place at or nearby such sensitive socio-environmental features, threats or serious/ permanent damages may be caused to such sites.

· Human access to previously undisturbed areas may cause damage in terms of; plant collection/removal, hunting, fire setting, littering and damage to vegetation cover used as wildlife habitats of wildlife. Such potential impacts should be identified in the early stages of sub-project planning and be avoided during implementation of CRISP.

· Site clearance

· Construction

· Extraction of natural resources for construction materials at important sites particularly corals (dead or alive) from sea, trees from protected area, gravel from river beds etc.

· Ecological role/value of the site

· Importance of the site to local community

· Stability and/or vulnerability/ capacity to recover, of the disturbed ecosystems

3.

Degradation of existing landscape

· These impacts may occur when vegetation cover/top soil is removed, when man-made structures are introduced into previously undisturbed natural areas, or when new structures obstruct views to existing landscapes.

· Site clearance

· Construction of new facilities in areas with beautiful/valuable landscape

· The status and value of the existing landscape

· The outer design (size, architectural design) of the proposed works

4.

Solid waste generation

· Excavation works generate waste

· Waste is also generated from unused materials; timber/glass/metal, packaging materials and by workers; lunch containers, leftover food etc.

· Excavation

· Construction

· Workers daily domestic activities

5.

Wastewater generation

· Wastewater generated by workers from washing and toileting.

· Uncontrolled generation of wastewater may cause environmental pollution, nuisance, and health concerns to workers and the public

· Excavation

· Use of construction materials

· Workers domestic activities at the sites

6.

Chemicals, hazardous wastes generation

· Used oil, paints, lubricant, batteries, and asbestos contain materials that are toxic.

· Some solid waste may be cross-contaminated with oil, paints etc. that may be toxic and pose public health risks.

· Site clearance

· Vehicle maintenance

· Painting

· The quantity and type of waste generated will depend on the nature of the sub project.

· Waste management practices can reduce/increase level of impacts

7.

Dust, air pollution

· Exposure to high levels of dust and smoke may have health impacts affecting respiratory system, eyes etc.

· Site clearance

· Excavation

· Running engine machinery

· Construction material loading and unloading

· Duration and intensity of works

· Dust level

· Weather conditions

· Distance from source to receptor

8.

Noise and Vibration

· Noise disturbs hearing/listening activities and may cause stress/headaches

· Vibration may cause cracks /damage to existing structures

· Pile driving

· Soil compaction

· Duration, intensity of noise and vibration

· Distance from source to receptor

9.

Increased erosion risks/siltation/ sedimentation

· Slopes become less stable when ground surface is disturbed; water can run faster and can erode the soil on bare slopes where vegetation cover does not exist. Erosion and land slide risks would be increased if a building is located on a hilly slope or if construction activities disturb slopes.

· The eroded top soil ends up down slope then is washed down further by rain water causing highly turbid water and river bed/stream siltation/sedimentation

· Site clearance

· Excavation activities create unsealed/barren areas without vegetation cover during and after construction

· Construction works carried out on steep and/or weak slopes

· The total land area of barren soil/surface be created

· Percentage of vegetation cover left at the site

· Steepness of slope

· Soil strength of slope

· Rainfall, particularly its frequency and intensity in the area

10.

Water quality degradation, salinity intrusion risks

· Waste, wastewater and construction materials from construction may be leaked, or disposed of, into water sources near construction sites or downstream of construction sites.

· Water quality in streams and rivers may also be degraded if soil from slopes in the catchment run into water bodies due to erosion/landslide initiated by earthworks at the sites.

· Careless water use activities by workers, for example washing working tools directly at water sources.

· Oil, fuel or any other liquid substance used during construction, including on-site machinery maintenance, may be leaked or spilled into the soil. Then rainwater may wash such contaminants to nearby water bodies.

· Construction of bridges, piers on streams, river beds

· Construction waste and waste water discharge

· Tools and machinery washing and maintenance

· The distance from construction site to the nearest water bodies

· Construction practices related to environmental performance of the contractor

· Rainfall during construction phase

· When freshwater is extracted from a drilled well near a shoreline, localised water level drawdown will occur. If salt-fresh water interference occurs near the well, or if groundwater is over withdrawn, saline water may be mobilised into the well.

· Groundwater extraction during construction phase

· Distance between the well and salt/fresh water interference

· The intensity of groundwater extraction

· Storage and recharge capacity of the aquifer

11.

Increased localised flooding risk

· The area surrounding the site disturbed by construction activities may be subjected to increased flooding risk if large loads of solid construction materials/waste are created in low-lying areas where drainage is poor.

· Construction solid materials and waste loading, dumping

· Local topography

· The quantity of the materials and the size of the loads

· Existing drainage

· Proximity between the construction site and the area subjected to the impacts

12.

Impacts on cultural sites such as church, historical site, grave yard, etc.

· Cultural sites may be affected with dust, noise from material and waste loading/disposals

· Some artefacts may be exposed or damaged during execution of earthworks at the sites

· Dust and noise generated activities

· Loading/unloading construction materials and wastes

· Level of disturbance on the ground

· Proximity to the site

13.

Social disturbance to local community:

- traffic/ transportation

- water supply

- irrigation

- farming

- community meetings events/ etc.

· If the works are carried out on or near existing roads, construction activities may disturb or disrupt traffic on those roads and pose a danger to pedestrians.

· Excavation may also cause loss to vegetation cover or disturbance to the ground

· Excavation works may disrupt the operations thus the services provided by local existing facilities such as water supply, drainage, power supply etc. if the pipes/lines cross excavated areas

· Stockpiles formed from excavated materials

· If construction activities takes place near farming area, access to farm land may be interrupted; materials, waste, and wastewater from construction sites may enter farms causing productivity reduction and social conflicts

· If a construction site is located near a community centre or church, material loads or noise from material cutting, drilling, welding, may block access to community centres or disturb hearing public meetings.

· Site clearance

· Excavation

· Machinery operation

· Temporary blockage of rivers/streams/ existing irrigation canal by construction activities

· Temporary blocking of roads for connecting a side road to the new road

· Type of works

· The duration and frequency of temporary blocks or other construction activities

14.

Health/ sanitation /hygiene in local community

· Stagnant water formed from disturbed areas at construction sites increases opportunities for mosquito breeding, which in turn increases incidence of vector-borne diseases. Incidence of water-borne diseases can also be increased.

· Waste generated from workers staying at the site may attract vermin and insects

· Wastewater generation may cause nuisance and risks to human health.

· Excavation creates holes or low laying spots

· The size of construction sites

· The level of ground disturbance

· Drainage conditions at the site

· The number of workers living at the site

15.

Safety risks to community

· Construction-related activities may cause safety risks for the local community, particularly children, if they have access to open holes or are present at the site during material transports/loading/unloading.

· Transportation of materials/wastes

· Materials loading/unloading

· Excavated holes

· Machinery operations

· Proximity of community residents to the site

· The quantity of materials used/ waste generated

· Community awareness of risks related to construction sites

16.

Workers health and safety

· Some toxic materials such as paint, oil, and batteries may be used during construction. Some construction materials may contain asbestos.

· If workers are in contact with such materials without proper protection, health hazards may result from improper handling and inhalation.

· Unprotected holes at the sites, exposure to traffic at road side, improperly installed electrical wires, operating and handling of construction plants, machinery and tools may cause safety risks to workers

· General construction activities, operations of tools and plants

· In contact with hazardous substances such as paints etc.

· Type of the works carried out

· Type of substances workers will be in contact with

OPERATION PHASE -

1.

Water/soil pollution

· Leakage or discharge of waste and wastewater generated from the facilities provided

· Effluents from septic tanks can pollute groundwater or surface water, particularly if piped to an open drain

· Partly treated effluents from septic tanks can easily pollute the groundwater in the dug well, even after many years

· Polluted surface water from around the septic tank may percolate into the groundwater

· Water use activities taking place at buildings/shelters

· Sanitation facility

· Size of sanitation facilities

· Volume of the effluent discharged

· Distance from discharge point to receptor

2.

Visual impacts

· If the facility stands out in a public area and degrades the surrounding landscape value

· Sanitation/drainage facilities

3.

Nuisance, odour,

unhygienic conditions, public health risks

· Septic tank effluent is smelly thus may cause nuisance to the public when being felt/seen

· Septic tank effluent is only partially treated thus can spread infection and disease that pose health risks.

· Lack of proper drainage around public taps creates a muddy mess around the site which may lead to unhygienic conditions developing. Standing water creates mosquito breeding grounds and causes inconvenience for water users.

· Open or missing faucets can spill a lot of water in a day. Valuable water that other users may need is wasted.

· Sanitation/ drainage facilities

· Water supply

4.

Conflict with downstream water demands

· When water release from upstream is regulated/restricted in accordance with the operational schedule of a mini hydropower scheme, a water supply or irrigation scheme, less water is available for use by down-stream communities. This will particularly affect people who do not benefit from the sub projects and may lead to social conflicts.

· Hydro-power

· Irrigation

· Water supply

Generally, most of these potential impacts are at small to medium scale, localised and manageable through site selection process, consultation, consideration of options, engineering solutions, or good construction practices as described in the section below.

5.3 Avoid Impacts and Mitigation Measures

The mitigation measures will be proposed for each sub-project at preparation stage to avoid potential negative impacts where possible, minimize or reduce them. The mitigation measures will be implemented at site selection, sub-project preparation, engineering design and construction stages as listed below.

5.3.1 Avoid impacts

The potential impacts listed in Table 6 indicated that, depending on the socio-physical and ecological characteristics of project locations, some sub-projects may cause adverse socio-environmental impacts. CRISP will seek to avoid sub-projects or locations with adverse socio-environmental impacts, such as:

· Physical displacement of people, or severe impacts on livelihood assets

· Involvement in political activities

· Involvement in religious activities

· Location in socio-environmentally sensitive sites such as privately-own land, protected areas, conservation areas, ecologically important areas, areas subjected to high land side risks

· Construction/operation activities requiring removal of valuable trees, cultural structures, disturbance to ecologically important areas such as mangroves, sea grass beds, wetlands, coral reef etc.

· Subprojects using toxic chemicals specified in SI Environmental Act

A more comprehensive list of socio-environmental criteria for exclusion of sub-projects having substantial potential adverse impacts/risks is included in Form 1 of this ESMF.

5.3.2 Measures for mitigating potential socio-environmental impacts during construction and operation phases – ECOP

With the socio-environmental potential impacts and risks discussed in Section 5.2, the measures are developed in the form of Socio-Environmental Codes of Practices (ECOP) to address these impacts and risks.

While some measures can be applied to any sub-project under CRISP, others are only applicable to selected types of sub-projects. In some cases, additional mitigation measures may need to be proposed to address sub-project specific issues and risks.

See Annex 3 for more details.

Environmental & Social Management Framework6.1 Five-steps of Socio-Environmental Management in CRISP

The procedures for environmental management under CRISP will be based on the tasks set out in each of the following four steps listed in Table 7 below:

Table 7 – CRISP Social and Environmental Safeguard Implementation Procedures

Step

Task

Purpose

Stage to implement the task

1

Screening for eligibility of sub-project based on social and environmental criteria.

To avoid financing sub-projects having potential substantial adverse impacts.

This step will be carried out during sub-project identification/short listing

2

Screening for potential socio-environmental impacts of eligible sub-projects

To identify potential impacts

Sub-project identification

3

Community-led subprojects: Select ECOP

To select the mitigation measures from ECOP to be implemented in sub-project

Sub-project preparation

For PG-led subprojects, prepare Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) for eligible sub-projects

To prepare EMP with selected ECOP and additional measures to be applied in engineering design, construction and operation phases to avoid or mitigate the potential impacts and risks identified in step 2

Sub-project preparation

4

Implement ECOP, monitoring and reporting

To avoid or mitigate the potential impacts identified in step 2.

To observe environmental conditions and take corrective actions if/when the mitigation measures are ineffective or if there are unforeseen/arising socio-environmental problems

Engineering design

construction

operation phases

Detailed guidance for implementing the tasks listed above is given in the sub-sections below.

6.1.1 Step 1: Socio-Environmental Eligibility Criteria and Screening

CRISP will only finance socio-environmentally eligible subprojects. A subproject is ineligible to be financed under CRISP if it has potential to cause significant adverse socio-environmental impacts. Sub-project applications must demonstrate broad community support.

A set of socio-environmental criteria has been developed to assist project proponents to identify eligibility of a sub-project.

All proposed sub-projects will be screened based on the criteria listed in Form 1 below. For community-led sub-projects, Form 1 will be filled in by the community during a meeting facilitated by the Community Helper (CH). The CRISP Safeguards Officer will verify the completed form submitted by CHs. For PG-led investments, Form 1 will be filled in by the Project Engineer, and verified by the Safeguards Officer.

Form 1 – Socio-environmental ELIGIBILITY Screening Questions

Subproject Name:

Province/Village

Brief description on sub-project proposal

Screening is carried out by: Position: Community Helper / Engineer

Date: Verify/Approved by:

Screening Questions

Yes

No

Comments*

Will the sub-project?

1.

Involve political activities?

2.

Involve religious activities?

3.

LOCATED at any site with features listed below:

3.1 Land that requires significant involuntary land acquisition or has a severe impact on livelihood assets

3.2 Legally protected areas such as conservation areas, wildlife management areas or National Parks

3.3 Land that is highly vulnerable to landslide and/or erosion such as on a steep slope or in the running path of rainwater

4

SITE CLEARANCE activities require removal of

4.1 Trees in protected areas or exclusion areas as defined by the Environmental Act 1998* (see explanation at the end of the form)

4.2 Individual household food trees?

4.3 Rare trees?

4.4 Sacred trees?

4.5 Trees that are spiritually important to community?

4.6 Antique structures or known archaeological sites?

5.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES lead to any of the following

5.1 Extraction of materials from lake/ river /stream beds for construction, or filling up these water bodies

5.2 Disturbance to bird sanctuaries

5.3 Extraction of materials from coral reefs (alive/dead coral) for construction

5.4 Use toxic chemicals prescribed in SI Environmental Act 1998?

5.5 Use materials with asbestos for any purpose

5.6 Lead to conversion or spreading of invasive weeds

* 1) Areas identified as protected areas by the Environmental Act 1998:

· Declared as Conservation Areas under legislation

· That have ecological or scientific importance including outer reef and lagoon islands, swamps, wetlands and mangroves which are vital to the protection of important marine resources

· That exceed 400 m above sea level

· That landowners do not wish to log for any reason

2) Excluded area: areas that are within a concession that are excluded from logging. They must be marked prior to logging commencing. There are 5 types of excluded areas, these are:

Type of excluded area

Minimum buffer

Comment

Cultural areas

Tabu areas – 30m

Garden areas – 30m

Villages – 200 m or as decided by the community

The local community must be given the chance to decide on these buffer widths. If different from the minimum identified then the Forestry Department must be notified in writing and may check that the decision is agreed to by all parties

Ocean/Lakes/Lagoon

100m except for a log pond may be 50m

Buffer starts from edge of high water mark

Landslip area

The area of the slip and the area where the soil ends up

Streams/Rivers (flows for more than 6 months of the year)

Class I (Bed more than 10m wide) – 50m each side

Class 2 (bed less than 10m wide 0 – 25m each side

Buffer starts from edge of vegetation

Gully (flows for less than 6 months of the year)

10m each side

Buffer starts from edge of vegetation

An eligible sub-project should have all answers as “NO” to all of the screening questions.

A subproject having at least one answer as “YES” will be ineligible for being financed under CRISP and will be excluded if it is not possible to redesign to avoid or mitigate severe impacts.

Note that an ineligible subproject may revise its proposal based on the question(s) that has/have the answer as “Yes” to have all of the answers as “NO” and become eligible for CRISP financing.

Conclusion on Eligibility of Sub-project

Sub-Project is Eligible Sub-Project is not Eligible

6.1.2 Step 2: Screening Potential Socio-Environmental Impacts

If a sub-project falls into any category under Annex 1 of this ESMF – Prescribed Developments listed in Schedule 2 of the Environmental Act, which require EA reports by SIG, the Project will recruit an environmental consultant to carry out EA and prepare EMP for that sub-project.

For sub-projects that do not require EA (not under category listed in Annex 1 of this ESMF, or confirmed by MECDM), eligible sub-projects will be screened to identify potential socio-environmental impacts based on the questions given in Form 2 below.

Form 2 – Socio-environmental IMPACTS Screening Questions

Sub-project Name:

Province/Village

Brief description on sub-project proposal

Screening is carried out by

Date:

Verify/Approved by:

Subject

Screening Questions

Yes

No

Comment

If no mitigation measure is carried out, will the subproject …

(guidance are given below)

1. Vegetation cover, trees

1. Remove vegetation cover, log trees during site clearance and/or construction at the site, camps, construction material exploitation and/or storage?

Provide information on the total land area to be cleared and/or the number and the type of trees to be logged, discuss the values of the trees

2. natural resources/ natural habitats

2. Be located near natural forest or undisturbed/least disturbed /natural habitats or natural reserve area?

Estimate the distance from the nearest site to be disturbed by the project to the nature reserve area

3. Landscape

3. Cause significant changes to, or negatively affect the landscape of the area?

Describe the nature of change, e.g. from green site to concrete/ wooden structures, dumps created in green area, obstruct view to beautiful water front etc.

4.Solid waste

4. Generate solid waste such as excavated soil, unused materials

List the type (and quantity if possible) of solid waste potentially generated

5. Hazardous wastes

5. Generate hazardous waste such as batteries, unused paints, oil, lubricant etc.

List the type (and quantity if possible) of solid waste potentially generated

6.Wastewater

6. Generate wastewater from the site? e.g. lubricant etc.

List the types of activities (e.g. concrete mixing, tools washing etc.) that may generate waste water and quantity.

7.Dust and smoke

7. Cause increased dust level at the site, or generate smoke

Identify the sources, e.g. barren soil, disturbed ground, solid waste dumped at the sites, sand, gravel loaded at the site etc.

8.Noise and vibration

8. Generate high noise and vibration

Identify the sources, e.g. drilling, pile driving, steel/timber cutting and the time that noise/vibration lasts

Describe the distance from the nearest house to noise sources

9. Erosion risks

9. Disturb slopes?

Describe the construction site, status of vegetation cover and the level of interference by the project.

Consider rainfall during construction phase

10. Water quality

10. Cause water pollution by construction waste and materials loaded at the construction site

Estimate the type and quantity of materials loaded at the site at a time, the distance from construction site to the nearest water bodies and topographical condition

11. Local flooding

11. Increase localised flooding risk by temporary/permanent loading of construction materials/wastes

Describe site topographical condition, drainage and estimate the maximum quantity of granular construction materials loaded/exist at the time at a time

12. Water quantity

a. Withdraw groundwater in coastal area that may lead to the risk of salinity intrusion

estimate the nature of water use by the project

b. Extract or use large amount of water in local river/streams may cause shortage to water supply to other users in the locality?

estimate the nature of water use by the project

13. Social disturbance

a. Disrupt local traffic/ transportation/pedestrian traffic

b.Disrupt the operation of local water supply system

c. Disrupt the operation of local irrigation system

d. Disrupt the operation of local drainage system

e. Disrupt local farming activities

f. Disrupt community meetings/social events

g. Cause other social disturbance

(specify the disturbance)

14. Safety to community

Cause safety risk to community

List the activities/circumstance that may cause safety risks to local community

15. Public health

Cause concerns on public health/ sanitation /hygiene in local community

Describe the nature of the activities that may cause health risks or create unhygienic conditions in project area

16.Worker’s health and safety concerns

Cause workers health and safety concerns

17.PCR

Impact cultural sites such as church, historical site, grave yard, etc.

18. Community support

Does the project enjoy broad community support?

To be demonstrated that men’s, women’s, youth and occupational groups e.g. foresters, fishers, farmers have been consulted and agree (Attendance at meetings, decisions minuted and signed – see Form 4 below)

19. Sustainability

Does the community have a plan for the management and maintenance of assets after implementation?

Management Plan to accompany application for funding

OPERATION PHASE -

1.

Water/soil pollution

2.

Water/soil pollution

3.

Visual impacts

4.

Nuisance, odour,

unhygienic condition, public health risks

5.

unhygienic condition, public health risks

6.

Conflict with downstream water users?

Other issues

Specify

6.1.3 Step 3: Select ECOP for eligible sub-projects

Based on the results of impacts screening exercised in step 2, the Community Helper will work together with the Project Safeguards Officer and the Project Engineer to build ECOP for each sub-project.

ECOPs for each eligible sub-project will include two parts: (a) common ECOP, which include all the measures applicable to all sub-projects, and (b) the measures only applicable to that sub-project type and conditions.

ECOPs for various types of sub-projects are presented in Annex 4 of this ESMF. Based on sub-project characteristics and site conditions, additional specific measures may be developed by the Project Safeguards Officer/Engineer or proposed by the community.

ECOP for each sub-project should be presented using Form 3 below

Form 3 –ECOP of subproject

(Determine using the instructions given in Annex 4)

Subproject:

Location:

Issue/Risks

Codes of Practices to address the potential Issues/Risks

1.

2.

3.

4.

6.1.4 Step 4: Implement ECOPs Design Phase

To address potential socio-environmental impacts during construction and/or operation phase of the project, the Project Engineer will be responsible for ensuring that mitigation measures are adequately incorporated into engineering design, bidding and contract documents where applicable.

As consultation with local communities is a continuous process, the engineer will also ensure that the community is informed and/or consulted about the mitigation measures (in ECOP form) incorporated into the detailed engineering design of the sub-project/investments.

Based on the ECOP developed for specific types of sub-projects, the Engineer/Safeguards Officer will review and modify to suit sub-project specific conditions for inclusion in the bidding document and construction contracts. Bidders will be required to commit that they will comply with ECOPs if a contract is awarded. The bid price should include the costs for implementing all mitigation measures.

Construction Phase

The contractor (successful bidder) will be responsible for implementing all mitigation measures and monitoring activities specified in the construction contract.

Work Supervisors (WS) will be responsible for day-to-day monitoring and supervision on contractor’s environmental compliance. The WS will also determine if the mitigation measures implemented are inadequate and require the contractor to implement additional mitigation measures to ensure effective mitigation of negative impacts. If cases of non-compliance are discovered, or if unforeseen issues arise, the work supervisor will take necessary actions toward addressing the problems.

The Project Engineers/Safeguards Officer will be responsible for overseeing environmental compliance and provide advisory inputs to ensure compliance. During this phase, the Engineers will provide environmental compliance oversight in parallel with engineering supervision. The Safeguards Officer will engage in spot checks and engage in specific cases where issues arise.

The Engineers will also provide technical assistance as required to Work Supervisors who carry out day-to-day construction supervision to ensure that environmental monitoring is carried out by the WS.

Beneficiary communities are encouraged to actively take part in environmental monitoring under CRISP.

Operation Phase

In the operation phase, SI counterpart/beneficiary communities selected to implement CRISP sub-projects will be fully responsible for maintenance and implementation of mitigation measures identified in sub-projects’ EMPs to ensure the durability and environmental soundness of the works supported by CRISP. In addition, the provisions of the ESMF will be binding upon all contractors and subcontractors.

For community-led sub-projects, community’s environmental responsibilities will be bound in written agreement between the community and the PMU before construction is started. For the larger, PG-led contracts to be carried out under CRISP public liability insurance (which includes cover for loss by the contractor [e.g. theft or damage due to hazards, etc.] and third-parties [e.g. damage cause of the contractor’s works or activities]) will be required. The PMU will recommend an appropriate level of cover for this insurance and all binding agreements between communities, contractors and the PMU will be outlined in the CRISP Operations Manual. 

6.2 Indigenous People Participation and Consultation Framework

As the majority of the beneficiaries and affected people of CRISP can be considered as communities of indigenous people, the requirements of the Bank Policy on Indigenous People (OP4.10) will be met by integrating the elements of an Indigenous People Plan into project design as described below.

COMMUNITY-LED INVESTMENTS

· CRISP is designed with a community participatory approach. Institutional arrangements require community members to be informed, consulted and fully participate from planning stage through implementation of sub-projects.

· Community Helpers (CHs) will be supported and trained, and recruited if additional human resources are required to supplement those available under RDP, by the Project. CHs will conduct awareness campaigns to inform communities about CRISP opportunities, help communities to identify potential projects, facilitate the process of prioritising identified sub-projects and propose further support under CRISP for implementation.

· Project Engineers will assist communities with engineering works and provide technical assistance during project implementation.

· A Sub-project Implementation Committee (SIC) will be formed at Village/Community level for each sub-project to ensure meaningful community participation in the process. Each SIC will comprise of a Chair, Vice-Chair, a Treasurer, a Secretary and other members. Members will be representative of all segments of the community, and will be persons who enjoy the confidence of the community at large. The SIC will:

· Implement the subproject

· Report on progress of sub-project to the Implementing Agency (IA)

· Make payments to suppliers and keep accounts of project expenditure to report to the IA

· Prepare an operational management and maintenance plan, with assistance from the engineers

· Participate in monitoring of sub-project impacts and reporting to the IA.

· Comments, suggestions and complaints from community members during planning and implementation will be received by Community Leaders (CLs) and Community Helpers (CHs). Such information will be forwarded to relevant personnel or organisations by the CL/CH for consideration and actions.

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT (PG)-LED INVESTMENTS

With PG-led investments, formal consultation with local communities will be conducted during the preparation of engineering design. Consultations will be implemented in forms and languages understandable to the majority of affected/beneficiary communities. Particular efforts will be made to ensure that women can attend and be actively involved in consultations. Opinions shared by the community will be recorded using Form 5.

Community members will participate in monitoring during construction and operation phases of sub-projects.

Form 4 – Records of Public Consultation

Community Meeting Minutes

Ward

Date and Location of Meeting

Number of ParticipantsNumber of Women

I. Summary of information given to the community at the meeting:

1. Project Information: The Project is planned to carry out the following activities:

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