ministry of environment, climate change, disaster ...€¦ · 4.1.6 water resource and usage ......

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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

E4329

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Community Resilience to Climate & Disaster Risk Social and Environmental Management Framework in Solomon Islands Project (ESMF) (CRISP)

ABBREVIATIONS/ACRONYMS

CITES Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species

CRISP Community Resilience to Climate Change & Natural Hazards in Solomon

Islands Project

CH Community Helper

ECOP Environmental Codes of Practice

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMP Environmental Management Plan

ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework

IA Implementing Agency

JOC Joint Oversight Committee (for PGSP)

MECDM Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management

MPGIS Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening

MoFT Ministry of Finance and Treasury

PCC Project Coordination Committee

PCDF Provincial Capacity Development Fund

PG Provincial Government

PGSP Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme

PMU Project Management Unit

OAG Office of the Attorney General

SIG Solomon Islands Government

SO Safeguards Officer

TSDP Transport Sector Development Programme

WB World Bank

WDC Ward Development Committee

WS Work Supervisors


Contents 1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6

2 Legal framework ........................................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Legislations applicable to projects .......................................................................................... 7

2.1.1 World Bank Safeguard Policies .................................................................................. 7

2.1.2 SIG Environmental and National Disaster Risk Management Legislations ............... 8

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

Management ............................................................................................................................ 9

3 Project Description ..................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Proposed Investments ............................................................................................................ 11

3.2 General Project Implementation Arrangements .................................................................... 12

4 Socio-Environmental Baseline Conditions in Project area ..................................................... 14

4.1 Physical environment ............................................................................................................ 14

4.1.1 GSOgraphical Location ............................................................................................ 15

4.1.2 Topography and GSOlogy ........................................................................................ 15

4.1.3 Climate ...................................................................................................................... 16

4.1.4 Land Resource and Soil ............................................................................................ 16

4.1.5 Aggregate mining ..................................................................................................... 17

4.1.6 Water Resource and Usage ....................................................................................... 17

4.2 Biological Environment ......................................................................................................... 18

4.2.1 Terrestrial environment ............................................................................................ 18

4.2.2 Marine resources ....................................................................................................... 18

4.2.3 Rare/Endangered Species and Protected Areas ........................................................ 19

4.3 Socio-economic and Cultural Environment........................................................................... 19

4.3.1 Population and social organisation ........................................................................... 19

4.3.2 Housing ..................................................................................................................... 20

4.3.3 Land Use and Land Ownership ................................................................................ 20

4.3.4 Economy ................................................................................................................... 21

4.3.5 Jobs and incomes ...................................................................................................... 21

4.3.6 Water supply ............................................................................................................. 21

4.4 The challenges to the environment ........................................................................................ 21

5 Project’s Social and Environmental Potential Impacts and Risks ......................................... 22

5.1 Positive Impacts ..................................................................................................................... 23

5.2 Potential Negative Impacts and Risks ................................................................................... 23

5.3 Avoid Impacts and Mitigation Measures ............................................................................... 33

5.3.1 Avoid impacts ........................................................................................................... 33

5.3.2 Measures for mitigating potential socio-environmental impacts during construction

and operation phases – ECOP ............................................................................................... 33

6 Environmental & Social Management Framework ................................................................. 34

6.1 Five-steps of Socio-Environmental Management in CRISP ................................................. 34

6.1.1 Step 1: Socio-Environmental Eligibility Criteria and Screening .............................. 34


6.1.2 Step 2: Screening Potential Socio-environmental Impacts ....................................... 36

6.1.3 Step 3: Select ECOP for eligible sub-projects .......................................................... 39

6.1.4 Step 4: Implement ECOPs ........................................................................................ 40

6.2 Indigenous PSOple Participation and Consultation Framework ........................................... 41

6.3 Information Disclosure .......................................................................................................... 44

6.4 Institutional Arrangements for ESMF implementation ......................................................... 44

7 Land Acquisition and Compensation Guidelines ..................................................................... 48

8 Grievance Redress Mechanism .................................................................................................. 49

Bibliography and References..............................................................................................................81

List of Key Persons met during ESMF Preparation.........................................................................82

TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1 – WB’s Safeguard Policies and Relevance to CRISP ................................................................ 7

Table 2 – Representative investment sub-projects ................................................................................ 11

Table 3 – Operational arrangements for community-led rural investments under CRISP ................... 12

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

CRISP ................................................................................................................................................... 14

Table 5 – Land forms of the Solomon Islands ...................................................................................... 17

Table 6 – Potential negative impacts of the works under CRISP ......................................................... 26

Table 7 – CRISP Environmental and Social Safeguard Implementation Procedures ........................... 35

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

CRISP ................................................................................................................................................... 46

Table 9 - Safeguard Implementation Responsibilities for Provincial Government (PG)-led rural

investments under the CRISP ............................................................................................................... 46

Table 10 - Responsibilities of CRISP Key stakeholders in implementing Safeguard .......................... 47

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 Framework ...................................................... 10

Figure 2-- Location of Project Area ...................................................................................................... 15

FORMS

Form 1 – Socio-environmental ELIGIBILITY Screening Questions ................................................... 36

Form 2 – Socio-environmental IMPACTS Screening Questions ......................................................... 38

Form 3 –ECOP of subproject ................................................................................................................ 39

Form 4 – Records of Public Consultation ............................................................................................. 44


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


1. 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.


2. Legal framework

2.1 Legislation applicable to projects

2.1.1 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

Tabu and known cultural sites will be avoided. A chance find

protocol is included in the ESMF to address the possibility of X


Resources

OP/BP 4.11

unexpected discovery of physical cultural resources, indigenous

or foreign human remains dating from the Second World War

occupation.

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:

o Environment & Conservation Division (ECD);

o Climate Change Division (CCD);

o National Disaster Management Office (NDMO); and

o 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

3. Project Description

3.1 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


Levels/structures

Project

identification,

selection,

approval

Grant processing,

implementation, financial

controls

Monitoring,

operation and

maintenance

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,

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

Supervision by

CRISP engineers

and safeguards

specialist along

with PG sector

specialists (if

available).


Levels/ structures

Project

identification,

selection, approval

Grant processing,

implementation,

financial controls

Monitoring,

operation and

maintenance endorsed by executive

and approved by

assembly. Plans and

budgets are sent to

MPGIS, MDPAC and

MECDM for

information.

CRISP engineers.

Tendering process and

contracts awarded. Works

implemented.

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

4. Socio-Environmental Baseline Conditions in Project Area

4.1 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 Province1. 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.

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.

1 Ministry of Environment, Conservation and MetSOrology, 2008. Solomon Islands State of the Environment Report.


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

Moderately to strongly

weathered and leached soils

with low base status,


Island Land area Landforms Soil type

of karsts and some cuestas 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 owners2.

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.

5. 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.


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

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






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.

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/ Slopes become less stable when ground

surface is disturbed; water can run faster

Site clearance

Excavation activities create

The total land area of barren

soil/surface be created






sedimentation 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

unsealed/barren areas

without vegetation cover

during and after

construction

Construction works carried

out on steep and/or weak

slopes

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

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






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.

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.


6. Environmental & Social Management Framework

6.1 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


Subject Screening Questions Yes No Comment 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)


Subject Screening Questions Yes No Comment

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


Subproject:

Location:

Issue/Risks Codes of Practices to address the potential Issues/Risks

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 Participants Number 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:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2. Potential Socio-Environmental Impacts and Risks

3. Mitigation measures that will be applied to address the key impacts and risks (ECOP)


II. Feedback/Comments from Community

Name Comments/Feedback

6.3 Information Disclosure

In addition to specific mitigation measures applicable to each sub-project, CRISP will ensure

the following requirements are met:

Project information is disseminated to affected parties (for example local authority,

enterprises and affected households, etc) before construction commences;

Copies of these ECOPs are made available to local communities and to workers at the

site.

Notification boards are erected at construction sites providing information about the

project, as well as contact information about the site managers so that any affected

people can have the channel to voice their concerns and suggestions.

6.4 Institutional Arrangements for ESMF implementation

Implementation of safeguard procedures will follow the institutional structure of the Project

described in Table 3 and Table 4 of this ESMF. Table 8 and Table 9 below list the

responsibilities of stakeholders to carry out the safeguard of CRISP.


Table 8 – Safeguard Implementation Responsibilities for community-led rural

investments under the CRISP

Safeguard Steps Project phase to be

implemented Implemented by

Review/

Approve by

1. Eligibility

Screening

Project

identification, site

selection

Beneficiary Community

with assistance from

Community Helpers

PARC

2. Impacts Screening Sub-project

preparation

Sub-project

Implementation

Committees (SICs)

PSUs/PMU

3. Prepare Subproject

EMPs

Sub-project

preparation

Sub-project

Implementation

Committees (SICs)

PSUs/PMU

4. Implement EMP

(including

implementing (a)

mitigation measures

and (b) carry out

environmental/

compliance

monitoring

Engineering Design

Construction

Operation

(a) Mitigation measures

Design Engineer

Contractor

Community

Work

supervisors

and SICs

Engineering Design

Construction

Operation

(b) Monitoring:

Design Engineers

Work supervisors,

Community, SICs,

Community Helpers

Community, SICs, Work

supervisors

Safeguards

Officer

Table 9 - Safeguard Implementation Responsibilities for Provincial Government (PG)-

led rural investments under the CRISP

Safeguard

Steps

Project phase to be


Review/

Approve by

1. Eligibility

Screening

Project

identification, site

selection

MPGIS prepares Form 1 as part of

annual PCDF allocations with

MOF (for SIG contribution) or

Minimum Conditions (MC)

assessments report. Sub-projects

with a risk focus provided to

MECDM/PCC for consideration.

JOC

2. Impacts

Screening

Sub-project

preparation

Technical Planning and Budgeting

Unit of PG

3. Prepare

Sub-

project

ECOP

Sub-project

preparation

PG Works Dept. with support

from CRISP Safeguards Officer


Safeguard

Steps

Project phase to be


Review/

Approve by

4. Implement

ECOP

Engineering Design

Construction

Operation

(a) Mitigation measures

Design Engineer

Contractor

Community

Work

supervisors

Engineering Design

Construction

Operation

(b) Monitoring:

Safeguards Officer

Work supervisors, WDC

Contractor, Community

Community

Table 10 - Responsibilities of CRISP key stakeholders in implementing Safeguards

Stakeholder Key Responsibility

MECDM

Review and approve EIAs prepared for sub-projects, if

applicable

PMU Facilitate information disclosure process

Project Engineers

Provide inputs to sub-project ECOPs as and when required

Incorporate relevant mitigation measures proposed in sub-

project ECOPs into detailed engineering design of sub-

projects

Incorporate Environmental Codes of Practices and relevant

mitigation measures into bidding documents and construction

contracts

Oversee the implementation of mitigation measures by the

contractors

Provide guidance to contractors to address socio-

environmental issues arising during construction phase of the

work

Provide technical guidance to beneficiary communities to

promote safe and environmentally sound maintenance of the

works provided

Community Helpers

Attend safeguard training organised by CRISP

Facilitate project activities related to community consultation

and information dissemination ensuring all sectors of the

community are consulted, particularly women

Collect local information to provide inputs for socio-

environmental eligibility and impacts screening

Support communities to prepare socio-environmental

eligibility screening for relevant sub-projects during

community meetings and follow up through to sub-project

finalisation

Support communities, particularly the SICs, to prepare socio-

environmental impacts screening for sub-projects and follow

up through to sub-project finalisation



Facilitate community participatory monitoring during the

construction phase of sub-projects

Facilitate formation of community management committees

to manage and maintain assets after implementation

Community

SIC

With the assistance of Community Helpers and the guidance of

SIC, members of beneficiary communities will:

Participate in environmental screening processes,

Propose alternative options to ensure that sub-projects are

eligible and/or have minimal negative socio-environmental

impacts

Provide inputs for socio-environmental impacts screening of

subproject and preparation of EMPs

Actively participate in environmental monitoring during

construction

Undertake mitigation measures during the construction phase

of the works carried out under CRISP

Arrange and implement proper management and maintenance

of the works to ensure potential impacts during operation

phase are mitigated

Contractors

Implement the mitigation measures specified in construction

contract

Monitor environmental conditions in areas disturbed by the

contractor and report to the Work Supervisor/the Engineer.

When socio-environmental issues arise, report the issues to

the Work Supervisor/the Engineer to obtain guidance on

actions. Make records of such issues and follow up.

Project Environmental

& Social Safeguards

Officer

Supervise overall CRISP environmental monitoring

Undertaking follow-up visits to ensure quality of the

implementation of the ESMF, advising on issues that may

arise

Overseeing the contracting of annual environmental audits

for CRISP

Provide inputs for the monthly environmental monitoring

reports and sending them to the PMU and Project

Coordination Committee (PCC)

Provide inputs for Project progress reports with regards to

ESMF implementation

Oversee ESMF implementation processes

Provide training on socio-environmental safeguards to

Community Helpers as soon as they are mobilised.

Briefing the Engineers on project safeguard management

procedures

Check and verify socio-environmental impacts screening

forms are properly filled in by Community Helpers/Engineers

Discuss with the Engineers the mitigation measures for



incorporation into engineering designs, and environmental

terms and conditions for incorporation into bidding

documents and construction contracts

Prepare sample sub-project EMPs if required.

Coordinate with MECDM to prepare TORs for EIA and

supervise the EIA preparation process as and when required.

Facilitate the finalisation and submission of EIAs to

MECDM and the Bank.

WB

Provide technical guidance as necessary/required

Carry out periodical supervision

7. Land Acquisition and Compensation Guidelines

A Resettlement Policy Framework (see Annex 6) has been developed to guide voluntary land

donation or involuntary impacts on land and resources. The main features are summarised

here. Applications for funding of sub-projects under CRISP will need to demonstrate that

there is broad community consent for the proposal, and that the community has a plan for

management and maintenance of the sub-project assets. Therefore, as set out in the screening

for eligibility of sub-projects under CRISP, any sub-project located on privately-owned land

or on lands where involuntary resettlements would be unavoidable for example through a

voluntary donation protocol, or would cause severe hardship, or would create community

unrest will not be financed by the Project until and unless difficulties are resolved.

Community Helpers may assist with mediation. This condition of eligibility is proposed

based on the experience learnt from the implementation of the Rapid Employment Project

and the Rural Development Project in Solomon Islands.

If use of land is involuntarily lost through temporary occupation by the Project activities, rent

as agreed between the Project and the lease holder for an agreed term (time period) will be

arranged. Agreement and record of payment will be documented in writing and maintained in

the Project Office.

For involuntary loss of gardens, trees, crops, perennials, and/or productive trees/plants, or

other elements of livelihoods such as loss of business income due to the Project,

compensation will be paid by the Project at a scheduled rate (current market value) by the

Project, or based on negotiation/agreements made with the owners of the business.

Voluntary donations of land, structures or goods for project implementation will be made

with informed consent, free from any coercion, and will not unduly affect the livelihood of

the donor. The purpose and any terms of the donation will be recorded in writing with the

signature of the owner (see Resettlement Policy Framework for this project)


8. Grievance Redress Mechanism

It will be important that any grievance redress mechanism reflect the existing process for

resolving disputes on issues related to project implementation.

The grievance resolution mechanism proposed for the CRISP is based on the above existing

system for dispute resolution. Through public consultations, beneficiaries and those affected

will be informed that they have a right to grievance resolution.

It would require the complaint first being discussed by the complainant, the CHs (as primary

contacts of the Project) and Community Leaders. If a satisfactory conclusion cannot be

reached through this process, then the matter will be directed to the courts. If the complainant

is not satisfied with the decision of the Local Court, the case will be decided by the High

Court.

The CHs will record all details of complaints (date, complainant, complaint/grievance,

attempts to resolve the complaint, and outcomes) and share them with the PMU. The record

of the grievance redress mechanism will be the subject of monitoring. Time-frames for

response to grievances will be discussed in consultations and set to avoid protracted ill-

feeling.

Annex 2 introduces a form for recording complaints from communities.


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

(require EA reports)

1. FOOD INDUSTRIES, including:

(a) fruit processing, bottling and canning

(b) brewing, malting and distillery works

(c) abattoirs

(d) other food processing requiring

packaging

6.CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES including

(a) pesticide production and use

(b) pharmaceutical production

(c) fertiliser production and use

(d) oil refineries

2. IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRIES 1. TOURISM INDUSTRIES including

(a) hotels

(b) golf courses

(c) recreational parks

(d) tourism resorts and estates

3. NON-METALLIC INDUSTRIES

including:

(a) lime production

(b) brick and tile manufacture

(c) extraction of mineral and mining

(d) extraction of aggregate stones and

shingles

(e) radio-active related industries

(f) manufacture of cements

2. AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY

(a) livestock development

(b) agricultural development schemes

(c) irrigation and water supply schemes

4. LEATHER, PAPER, TEXTILE AND

WOOD INDUSTRIES including:

(a) leather tanning and processing

(b) textile industries with dying facilities

(c) carpet industry with chemical dying

(d) manufacture of paper, pulp and other

wood products

3. PUBLIC WORKS SECTOR INDUSTRY

including

(a) landfills

(b) infrastructure development

(c) major waste disposal plants

(d) soil erosion and siltation control

(e) hydropower schemes

(f) reservoir development

(g) airport development

(h) waste management, drainage and

disposal systems

(i) dredging

(j) watershed management

(k) ports and harbour

5. FORESTRY including logging

operation, saw milling, all forms of

timber processing and treatment

4. OTHERS

(a) industrial estates

(b) housing development schemes

(c) settlement and resettlement schemes

(d) petroleum product and processing

works


Annex 2: Complaints Records Form

Name of Community Helper:

For the period from: . . . . . / . . . . /. . . . . to . . . . / . . . . / . . . . .

Date Name Nature of Complaints Actions taken to follow up

and Outcomes

Complaints

addressed

completely?


Annex 3 - ECOP for Investments under CRISP

1 = community buildings or shelters,

2 = improved water supply and storage systems,

3 = strengthening of building frames and foundations and/or

raising foundations,

4 = construction of climate proofed small bridges and piers,

5 = flood alleviation drainage

6 = shoreline protection systems

7 = road realignment as a form of risk reduction

8 = sanitation facilities

9 = new irrigation schemes or improved irrigation system, mini hydro

10 = energy generation (other than hydro, such as mini solar energy

schemes),

11 = integrated watershed and land management schemes to minimize

degradation of watersheds

12 = other infrastructure likely to cause changes in water use and/or

water availability, mini-hydro generators etc.

1. Common Codes of Practices for CRISP (the measures listed below are applicable to two or more types of investments under CRISP)

Issue/Risks Codes of Practices to address the potential Issues/Risks Applicability to sub-project types

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1. Disruption

of vegetative

cover, tree

cutting (V)

V1 Store topsoil from excavated area for vegetation planting/

reinstatement at the end of construction

x x x x x

V2 Only cut trees and remove vegetation in areas authorised by

Works Supervisor/the Engineer.

x x x x x x x x x x x

V3 Keep the area of vegetation removal minimal x x x x x x x x x x x x

V4 Restore vegetation cover on barren soil at the end of construction x x x x x x x x x x x x

V5 Plant native trees to compensate for trees logged for timber used

in the sub-project or create vegetation cover

x x x x x x x x x x x x

2. Degradation

of natural/

ecological

resources/

natural

habitats (E)

E1 Erect temporary fences to protect the preserved trees before

commencement of any works within the site.


E2 Do not disturb (e.g. logging, hunting, catching, shooting,

poisoning, littering) breeding ground of fishery resources such as

swamp/lagoon/sea grass bed, mangrove areas, rivers or

waterways, or grassland seasonally inundated, or any area that is

protected as a green space.


E3 Only use legal timber for construction by requiring the supplier to

show a certificate for timber

x x x x x x x x x



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

E4 Only use local native species of vegetation for planting and

restoration of natural landforms


E5 Do not dig sand, gravel or rocks from rivers for construction. x x x x x x x x x x x x

E6 Do not extract materials from coral reef for construction materials x x x x x x x x x x x x

3.Landscape

management (L)

L1 Maintain vegetation cover where possible x x x x x x x x x x x x

L2 Implement good waste management practices x x x x x x x x x x x x

L3 Cover construction waste with top soil for planting trees/flowers x

4. Solid Waste

Management (S)

S1 Provide waste bins for litter/garbage and refuse collection. Waste

bins shall be covered, tip-proof, weatherproof and scavenger

proof.


S2 Do not burn waste on-site x x x x x x x x x x x x

S3 Store solid waste temporarily on site in a designated area

approved by the Work Supervisors


S4 Dispose of construction waste only in areas approved by local

community/authorities


S5 Do not dispose of any material in environmentally sensitive areas

such as swamp/lagoon/sea grass bed, mangrove areas, or

grassland seasonally inundated, or any area that is protected as a

green space in watercourses.


S6 Reuse recyclable materials (e.g.) top soils where possible.

Materials such as wooden plates, steel, scaffolding material, site

holding, packaging material shall be collected and separated on-

site from other waste sources for reuse, for use as fill or provided

to recycling vendors.


5.Wastewater

(W)

W1 Ensure accessibility to toilets for workers x x x x x x x x x x x x

W2 Do not discharge wastewater from toilets directly into any water

body.


W3 Cover and seal off all water collection tanks and septic tanks at

the end of construction.




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

6. Chemical or

hazardous

wastes (H)

H1 Do not use materials containing asbestos for construction x x x x x x x x x

H2 Handling of asbestos-containing materials and other toxic

substances is only to be carried out by specially trained and

certified workers

x x x x x x x x

H3 Collect used oil, lubricants, cleaning materials, etc in holding

tanks.

x x x x x x x x x x x

H4 Store chemicals with appropriate labelling and signboards x x x x x x x x

7. Dust (D), Air

quality (A)

D1 Ensure dust generated from construction activities is minimal and

at acceptable level


D2 Spray water in dusty area in dry weather x x x x x x x x x x x x

D3 Cover material stockpiles x x x x x x x x x x x x

D4 Cover trucks carrying granular materials x x x x x x x x x x x x

D5 Stop construction and spray the site when there are complaints

about dust


A1 Vehicles used must comply with SI regulations on allowable

emission limits of exhaust gases


A2 Do not burn waste on-site x x x x x x x x x x x x

A3 Drivers must turn engines off if vehicle is idle for more than 5

minutes


8. Noise (N) N1 Install silencers/mufflers on exhaust of noisy machines in

acoustically protected areas


N2 Dampen concrete/roads before cutting x x x x x x x x x x x x

N3 Avoid construction activities before 6am and after 6pm x x x x x x x x x x x x

N4 Inform local communities at least two days before construction

takes place during early morning and/or late at night

x x x x x x x x x x

9. Erosion (R),

Siltation/

Sedimentatio

n (Se)

R1 Design slope stabilisation solutions if the works are to be built on

slopes

x x x x x x

R2 Provide permanent drainage structure if the works is on a slope x x x x x x x x x x x

R3 Include energy-dispersion structures in drainage system x x x x x x x x x x x x



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

R4 Avoid excavation works during wet season x x x x x x x x x x x x

R5 Keep ground clearance area to minimal levels possible x x x x x x x x x x x x

R6 Reinstate vegetation cover at earliest opportunity x x x x x x x x x x x x

R7 Carry out shaping and re-profiling cutting of slopes to minimise

erosion potential


R8 Replant trees on exposed land and slopes to prevent or reduce

land collapse and keep the stability of slopes


Se1 Maintain drainage system to ensure they are free of mud and other

obstructions


Se2 Maintain original condition of undisturbed area at construction

sites


10. Water

Quality (Wq)

Wq1 Avoid ground disturbance near water sources x x

Wq2 Design and install sediment traps to collect sediment from

rainwater before surface flow enters water bodies


Wq3 Do not wash tools in streams, rivers or lakes x x x x x x x x x x x x

Wq4 Do not dispose of construction materials and waste in water

bodies


Wq5 Follow chemical management instruction (Coded H) to prevent

chemical leaks into water bodies


11. Localised

flooding (F)

F1 Create drains surrounding material loads stored at the work site x x x x x x x x x

F2 Periodically clean up drains at the site x x x x x x x x x x x

12. Disturbance

to cultural sites

(C) (temple,

church,

community

C1 Avoid unloading materials, parking vehicles/construction plants

within 20 m of any cultural site. If this is unavoidable, the

unloading/parking should be finished within 3 hours


C2 Spray water regularly if construction is near any cultural structure x x x x x x x x x x x x

C3 Chance Find Procedure: If archaeological/historical sites,

remains and objects, graves are exposed during construction, the

Project will:




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Stop the construction activities in the area of the chance find

Delineate the discovered site or area

Secure the site to prevent any damage or loss of removable

objects. In cases of removable antiquities or sensitive

remains, a night guard shall be arranged until relevant

authorities takes over

Notify the Work Supervisor who will notify local or national

authorities in charge of cultural issues within 24 hours

Decisions on how to handle the finding shall be taken by the

responsible authorities. This could include changes in the

layout, conservation, preservation, restoration and salvage

If the cultural sites and/or relics are of high value and site

preservation is recommended by professionals and required

by the cultural relics authority, the Project’ will make

necessary design changes to accommodate the request and

preserve the site

Construction works will resume only after permission is

granted from the responsible local authorities

13. Social

disturbance

(applies as

required to

all actions

under COPs)

(Ds)

Sd1 Inform community at least one week before site clearance is

started


Sd2 Maintain open communications with the local government and

concerned communities (erect notification boards in local

language/s at construction sites providing information about

the project and contact numbers)

Respond to telephone inquiries and written correspondence in

a timely and accurate manner

Monitor community concerns and information requirements as

the project progresses




1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Sd3 Coordinate with local authorities (leaders of local wards or

communities, leaders of villages) for agreed schedules of

construction activities at areas near sensitive places or at sensitive

times (e.g. religious and/or festival days).


Sd4 Inform local residents about construction and work schedules,

interruption of services and demolition where applicable


Sd5 Investigate and implement alternatives to avoid the use of

playground space and loss of playing fields for construction

sites

Carry out consultation with those affected as early as possible

if it is not avoidable to use these sites


14. Public Health

(P)

See specific measures relevant to various types of sub-projects x x x x x x x x x x x x

15.Worker and

public Safety

(Sa)

Sa1 Brief workers on occupational health and safety regulations x x x x x x x x x x x x

Sa2 Install fences, barriers, dangerous warning/prohibition signs

around the construction area


Sa3 Implement traffic control measures, including road/rivers/canal

signs and flag persons to warn of dangerous conditions


16. Occupational

Health (O)

O1 Use protective gear while working x x x x x x x x x x x x

2. Specific Codes of Practice for specific types of CRISP sub-projects

Type of

Investments

Specific Codes of Practice/Mitigation Measures

1. Community

buildings or

shelters

L4 Ensure architectural design of the works is safe for use, environmental-friendly and cultural suitable. For example,

the community should be asked if it is necessary to include a separate area in the building for women/men.

P1 Design of the buildings to include rain water catchment, water tank, sanitation facilities (including septic tanks),

and drainage


2. Improved

water supply

and storage

systems

Sa4 Design/Provide lids for wells to enhance safety (of children) and enhance water quality protection in the event of

flooding

P2 Ensure public taps include a proper concrete yard and drainage pipes to lead water away from the tap area

P3 Build a concrete pad with a curb around the tap to contain and collect wastewater and drain away to a ditch, garden,

field or soak away pit

P4 Inform and encourage households to apply household water treatments where needed, such as sand filters, ceramic

filters, solar disinfection to significantly reduce bacteria or carbon filters to remove colour, such as from peat water.

Boiling water is a traditional household level treatment (but this uses more energy)

P5 Provide drainage around taps to minimise stagnant water. Provide training on maintenance of gutters (debris)

P6 Maintain drainage pipes to ensure good drainage at public taps

Check regularly to make sure there is a working faucet installed and that it is turned off when water is not

needed

Sd12 Provide alternative water supply to affected residents in the event of disruptions lasting more than one day

Wq1 Locate groundwater wells at least 10m upstream from any animal cage, septic tank, toilets etc

Wq2 Design and construction of dug wells/drill wells should include proper casing/sealing on surface so that

polluted surface water does not enter the aquifer

Provide lids for wells for water quality protection in the event of flooding

Wq1

0

Carry out pumping tests before construction. Pump groundwater at rate identified by the pumping tests to avoid

salinity intrusion

3. Strengthening

building

frames,

raising

foundations

L4 Ensure architectural design of the works is safe for use, environmentally-friendly and cultural suitable

P1 Design of the buildings to include rain water catchment, water tank, sanitation facility (including septic tanks), and

drainage

4. Construction

of small

bridges and

piers

Se3 The sediment in water pumped from the work area must be discharged to an appropriate sediment control measure

for treatment before release to the stream.

Wq9 Clean up stream/river bed periodically if construction is carried out over water (bridges, pier)

5. Drainage of

flood water

R3 Include energy-dispersion structures in drainage system


6. Shoreline

protection

L1 Shape cuts and slopes to fit with surrounding landscape

L5 Landscaping and implementing any necessary remedial works at all affected areas without delay, including green-

spacing

L6 Restore, using landscaping, adequate drainage and re-vegetation of all cleared areas such as disposal areas, site

facilities, workers’ camps, stockpile areas, working platforms and any areas temporarily occupied during

construction of the project works

Se4 Perform earthworks, cuts, and fill slopes in accordance with the construction specifications, including measures

such as installation of drains, use of plant cover, etc

7. Road

realignment

E5 Ensure new alignment does not increase accessibility to ecologically sensitive areas

8. Sanitation

facilities

P7 Ensure that all parts of the septic tank system are working properly by:

Conducting inspection of septic tanks periodically

Emptying accumulated sludge every few years

Treating septic tank effluent before final disposal: septic tank effluent should be piped to a leach field

(underground/vegetated) or a pit (for soaking away)

Do not discharge septic tank effluent to an open drain or other surface water

Keep toilets clean

Wq5 Check the likely direction of groundwater flow and locate septic tank DOWNSTREAM from dug well

Locate septic tank at least 10 meters (but more is better) from any existing dug well

9. New or

improved

irrigation

schemes

To be determined during project implementation

10. Energy

generation

(e.g. mini

solar energy)

To be determined during project implementation

11. Integrated Sd6 Avoid interruptions of water supply to agricultural areas


watershed and

land

management

schemes

Sd7 Carry out consultation to minimise disturbance to household economy and incomes

Other measures will be determined during project implementation

12. Other

infrastructure,

e.g. mini-

hydro

generators etc.

Sd8 Avoid interruptions of water supply to agricultural areas

Sd9 Provide alternative water supply to affected residents in the event of disruptions lasting more than one day


Annex 4 - Draft Terms of Reference for

Environmental and Social Safeguards Officer – CRISP

The Safeguards Officer (SO) will carry out the following tasks:

In conjunction with the CRISP PMU, the Monitoring & Evaluation Officer/Advisor, supervise

overall CRISP environmental and social monitoring including establishing a schedule of

monitoring activities for the ESMF and setting up procedures at provincial level

Undertaking follow-up visits to ensure quality of the implementation of the ESMF, advising on

issues that may arise to relevant project staff/personnel

Ensuring that CRISP complies with all the relevant national and provincial environmental

legislations

Ensuring that the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the

Resettlement Policy Framework (RFP) for CRISP are effectively managed and applied

Overseeing, together with the M&E and Procurement Officers, the contracting of annual

environmental audits for CRISP

Together with the Engineers and Community Helpers to prepare monthly environmental

monitoring reports and sending them to the PMU and PCC

Support CRISP management team in preparing and consolidating progress reports with regards to

ESMF implementation

Oversee ESMF implementation processes under Component C. Prepare sub-project EMPs if and

when required. Coordinate with MECDM to prepare TORs for EIA and supervise the EIA

preparation process. Facilitate the finalisation and submission of EIAs to MECDM and the Bank.

Provide training on safeguards, particularly on project social and environmental management

procedures, exclusion activities, impacts screening and mitigation measures to Community

Helpers. This includes providing ongoing support to existing RDP CHs and providing training to

any additional CHs that may be recruited.

Briefing the Engineers on project management procedures, the project’s requirements to

incorporate mitigation measures into engineering design, and consultation with communities

about detailed engineering design/scope of investment.

Check and verify environmental impacts screening forms filled in by Community

Helpers/Engineers.

Discuss with the Engineers about incorporating the mitigation measures into engineering designs,

and environmental terms and conditions for incorporation into construction contracts and bidding

documents.

Duration of contract

18 months, full time with an option to extend.

Qualifications and Experience

- BSc/Diploma in natural science, environmental science/management or related field

- At least five years of work experience, including environmental impact assessment and a

good understanding of social impact assessment


- Have a good understanding of environmental management legislations and requirements in

Solomon Islands

- Prior experience in community development/mediation skills would be an advantage

- Prior work experience in internationally-funded projects is preferrable

- Have strong willingness and capability to travel frequently to the provinces for site visits

- Computer literate in MS Word and Excel. Additional computer skills would be an advantage


Annex 5: Some issues observed and lessons learned from previous RDP sub-projects in

Solomon Islands

Good practice Possible Improvements Water retaining wall and pipes installed to

convey water downstream to community. A pipe

for sediment discharge also installed.

Community carry out maintenance

Water quality should be tested

Good: Labour intensive pipe installation with

minimal disturbance to vegetation cover.

Drainage pipe at this standpipe should be long

and wide enough to drain all wastewater away to

avoid stagnant water.

Some graves near entrance to community were

observed. EMP should notify contractor not to

load construction materials, machines nearby.

There is an opportunity for

landscaping/decorations outside this beautiful

community building


Rainwater and septic tanks built as part of the

sub-project.

Community representative reported that

construction waste management (although very

small in quantity) was not considered adequately.

Eight water tanks were provided for rainwater

collection in a catchment of much smaller

capacity. Project should better consider the size

of catchment vs. the number of tanks provided.

Also, location and mooring for tanks should also

be considered in areas prone to hazards, such as

the one visited. Community should be trained on

procedures for management and maintenance i.e.

maintenance of gutter to ensure debris-free,

install screening/filter at inlet, drain the tank

periodically etc. Drainage in area at the tap

should also be considered. Signs such as “save

the water” should be placed at the tank.

Timber is used for classroom construction.

Localised erosion/landslide observed in the local

community. Community informed that they will

self-organise for tree planting (but mostly betel

nut trees and other trees with commercial value.)

Classroom being built on the top of a hill.

Measures for slope stabilisation, preferably

engineering structure combined with vegetation

cover, should be included as part of project

investment


9. Annex 6 - Community Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Hazards in

Solomon Islands Project (CRISP) Resettlement Policy Framework

A) Project Description and Components

The purpose of this policy framework is to clarify resettlement principles, organizational

arrangements, and design criteria to be applied to sub-projects to be prepared during

implementation of the Community Resilience to Climate Change and Natural Hazards in

Solomon Islands Project (CRISP, Project ID: P112613) for which the Solomon Islands

Government has requested assistance from the World Bank.

Over 85% of the Solomon Islands’ population of around 552,300 live in villages with largely

subsistence economies. Land area is 229,000 km2, giving low average population densities at

2.4 persons per km2. Some 87 per cent of land is under customary tenure. Outside of the

federal capital and the provincial headquarters, natural resources such as forests, minerals,

reefs, and islets belong to customary land owners. Management is community-based.

Leadership is achieved rather than ascribed in Melanesian communities, and derives from the

ability of an individual to command resources and followers. Leaders emerge by consensus

or ballot. Non-customary “alienated" land is registered under the Land and Titles Act.

Solomon Islands are located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, and within the cyclone belt,

making them highly vulnerable to natural hazards. SI is amongst the 20 countries with the

highest economic risk exposure to two or more geological, hydrological and climatic hazards

that include tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods

and droughts.

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.

This will be achieved by strengthening the institutions responsible for disaster and climate

work, improving coordination between the two divisions primarily responsible for this work,

and amongst other key sectors (e.g. agriculture, water, rural development etc). This

Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) will be used to mainstream the principles of the

Bank’s OP/BP 4.12, Involuntary Resettlement into standard operating procedures of the key

sectoral agencies. It also takes account of the sensitivities of the land based livelihoods of the

majority Indigenous Peoples. The outputs will be ‘tools’ that build on the current practice of

operational agencies and embed in them social safeguards principles to guide planning,

implementation and monitoring of investments in climate and disaster resilience.

The sub-components for the CRISP project relevant to this RPF are:

B(i) Strengthening of climate and disaster risk information and early warning systems


C(i) Design, advisory and supervision services of rural infrastructure investments

C(ii) Development and implementation of community-led rural investment projects

C(iii) Development and implementation of provincially-led rural investment projects

Component C will support the implementation of provincial and community-level climate

change adaptation and disaster risk reduction investment activities and engineering works to

increase resilience of selected communities in Guadalcanal and Temotu provinces and up to

two more provinces to be identified by the Implementing Agency (IA), the Ministry of

Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).

As sites of investment activities and engineering works have not yet been selected, a

Resettlement Plan cannot be prepared prior to project appraisal.

B Principles and Objectives Governing Resettlement Preparation and

Implementation

It is noted that the term ‘involuntary resettlement’ refers to any unwanted effect on assets or

livelihoods caused by the project, and is not limited to forced physical displacement.

The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) is committed in the interest of harmonious

development to:

Avoid involuntary resettlement wherever possible, and where unavoidable, to explore

options with affected persons and communities to minimise and mitigate any social

harm

Ensure that benefits are shared equitably, that affected persons are fairly compensated

for any unavoidable adverse project impacts, and are assisted to re-establish their

livelihoods to pre-project standard or better

Use projects as a development opportunity to improve upon the pre-project socio-

economic situation of affected persons and communities, and if applicable of host

communities.

These principles entrain a process of consultation and participation with beneficiaries and

affected persons throughout the project cycle. Consultation mechanisms are discussed in

Section L below.

C Process for Preparing and Approving Resettlement Plans

Work will initially be undertaken by the Project Management Unit under MECDM to identify

all institutional stakeholders who may be involved in delivery of project components with

physical impacts. These could include line Ministries and Departments with responsibility

for agriculture, forestry, water, communications and transport, as well as the relevant

Provincial Governments. These agencies will present their current operational procedures for

service delivery at a project safeguards coordination meeting. Present practice will be

examined for inclusion of the principles and procedures in this RPF. Where gaps exist, the

requirements of the RPF and the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)

will be integrated into current operational procedures and developed into Standard Operating


Procedures (SOPs) that will be adopted by the line agencies and included in the Project

Operational Manual (POM) that is part of the legal agreement between SIG and the Bank.

SOPs will address the provisos described below in Sections D to M. Tools developed as part

of the SOPs will include the content of screening checklists for the Bank’s social safeguards

integrated and reconciled with SIG instruments, and policy response that reflects best

international practice. This activity will contribute to the Component A aim of mainstreaming

DRM and CCA into sector planning and investments, and will facilitate SIG’s partnership

with the Bank and other development partners for the present project and in the future.

Subsequent planning for sub-projects will follow the policies and use the tools included in the

POM addressing consultation and disclosure, voluntary land donation protocols, eligibility

criteria and compensation provisions for involuntary impacts, delivery mechanisms and

timing, a comments and complaints/grievances mechanism, budgeting for resettlement,

monitoring evaluation and progress reporting on safeguards as part of the normal project

reporting to the Bank. This will assist sustainability of the policy advice and institutional

strengthening activities beyond the effectiveness of a time and project-bound Resettlement

Plan.

If unforeseen circumstances require compulsory acquisition and development of a

Resettlement Plan or an Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan, MECDM will prepare it in

accordance with Solomon Islands law and this Framework, and submit it for agreement with

the Bank and ensure public disclosure before the subproject proceeds.

After completion of Detailed Measurement Surveys, the sub-project resettlement plan would

include baseline socio-economic survey information, Indigenous People (IP) and gender

analysis; Affected Persons (AP) census and assets inventory; specific compensation rates and

standards; policy entitlements related to any additional impacts identified through the census

or survey; description of resettlement sites and programs for improvement or restoration of

livelihoods and standards of living; implementation schedule for resettlement activities; a

detailed cost estimate and provisions for monitoring and reporting on delivery and impacts of

the Plan.

D. Estimated Population Displacement and Categories of Displaced Persons

No physical displacement of population is envisaged in this project. Subprojects will be

developed at Ward Development Committee level with participation of representatives of

each beneficiary village. Village level projects will be requested by village Sub-project

Implementation Committees (SICs) with four officers and other members. 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, and therefore not require a

RAP.

Component C sub-projects will be undertaken at provincial level if their scale or technical

requirements are beyond village capacity.


Sub-projects that might require a RAP to determine livelihood compensation modalities

could involve site selection, construction or rehabilitation of:

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 as a form of 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

Project affected persons, if there are any, would thus include the men, women and children

who own, use or have customary access to any affected land, crops or wild produce, assets or

facilities, and whose enjoyment of these facilities is affected either temporarily or

permanently by the project, whether in their personal or work capacities.

In the context of this project, the most likely category of ‘Project Affected Person’ is the

voluntary land donor individual or group. As personal or group land is traditionally made

available for projects for the common good, a Voluntary Donation Protocol is included in this

RPF, in Section 8. Essential features of voluntary donation are freedom from coercion,

affirmation that no individual suffers severe loss, the stated purpose and duration of the grant,

and documentation of the agreement and of all interested parties.

E. Eligibility Criteria for Defining Various Categories of Displaced Persons

In the event of compulsory acquisition, persons with legal title to land, with customary but no

formal title, or with no title but a customary right to use land at the time of the Minister’s

declaration of intention to acquire land for public purposes will be recognised as eligible for

resettlement assistance. It is noted that displacement in this context refers to economic as well

as physical displacement. All involuntarily project-displaced persons with a lawful claim up

to the cut off date will be recognised, without distinction as to their ownership status, sex,

ethnicity or age. The cut-off date will be the date of the Minister’s Declaration under the

Land and Titles Act. Any involuntary displacement will be compensated according to the

principles adopted in this RPF. Compensation will be made directly to the affected person(s)

or to their legal representative if they are not legally competent.


F. Legal Framework and Bridging any Gaps

Though involuntary land acquisition is not foreseen for this project, a description of the

provisions under the Land and Titles Act (CAP133 Revised Edition 1996) is presented below

compared with Bank principles, and a reconciliation set out. This will enable Standard

Operating Procedures developed with the line agencies for the POM to include involuntary

acquisition processes should it arise in future projects. There is no fundamental difference in

intent of the law with Bank principles; the points of difference relate in the main to detail that

is not explicit in the law, but can generally be implied. These details will be accommodated

in policy and procedure adopted in the POM. The table below summarises the resettlement

principles discussed throughout this RPF.

Table 11: Comparison of Provisions of the Land and Titles Act 1969 with Bank

Resettlement Principles

Principle Provision under Land and Titles Act 1969 Reconciliation

Avoidance and

minimization of

impacts;

availability of

alternatives for

resettlement.

Government may compulsorily acquire the

desired land by Declaration of the Minister.

There is a right of appeal to the High Court

against the selection on points of law (e.g. land

is not for a public purpose, or some portion is

not required) but no specific obligation to

examine alternatives.

Efforts will be made to

identify alternatives to

involuntary land taking;

project design options and

different alternatives for

compensation will be

discussed with APs prior to

Declaration by Minister.

Full consultation

and disclosure

about the project at

times and places

accessible to

potentially affected

persons and

communities.

Declaration may be published in the manner the

Minister thinks fit; for unregistered land, the

Commissioner posts prominent notices on or

near boundaries inviting applications for

compensation, or for registered land, serves

notice on all registered owners.

Declaration will be released

to radio and press as well as

posted on boundaries and

notified to registered

owners; public information

bulletins and Plans will

available to the public in

appropriate language.

Eligibility applies

to titled, non-titled

and customary

users of both sexes.

Any persons who were lawfully occupying the

land or lawfully exercising some right on it

immediately prior to Declaration are eligible for

consideration, whether or not a title is

registered, and are given declaration

documentation; all recognised claimants are

given an Order for Payment; compensation

payments to groups are for the benefit of them

all; spouses are treated as separate persons in

relation to registration of land.

No additional action

required, but the separate

recognition of spouses for

purposes of land registration

will be extended to

compensation, which will be

in both names.

Preference to be

given to offering

alternative land to

APs whose

livelihoods are land

based;

compensation to be

at replacement

cost.

Land in lieu is a considered option where

customary land is to be acquired. Amount of

compensation or compensation rental is

assessed by the High Court, taking into account

the condition of the land and any other

circumstances it considers relevant. Disputes

over group membership and hence entitlement

to a share of compensation may be heard by the

Magistrate’s Court. The Provincial Secretary

Proviso aligns with Bank

policy where possible to

offer land for land to APs

whose livelihoods were

land-based. Replacement

cost at market rate will be

used as the guiding principle

for valuation. APs are to be

given the opportunity to


must assist claimants with any official

documentation in support of their claim.

Claimant’s reasonable costs in preparing and

settling a claim are refundable.

provide evidence that should

be taken into consideration

in valuation.

Land based assets

and lost elements

of livelihoods are

compensated.

Definition of land includes land-based assets

and water over it, but excepts oil, gas and

minerals under it.


required; productive assets

and elements of livelihood

will be taken into account in

valuation of losses.

Settlements must

be made before

commencement of

civil works.

No explicit proviso. After a declaration that land

is required for a public purpose, an AP may

appeal to have the declaration quashed within

six months. The occupier of the land may

remain in possession until not more than four

months after an order to vacate. During this

period, the occupier may not make

improvements on the premises without

permission, and will not be compensated for

them. The affected person may claim

compensation from the Commissioner of Lands

normally within three months of publication of a

Declaration of Intent to acquire land. Within

three months of receipt of the claim, the

Commissioner notifies the claimant of the

outcome of their claim. If the Commissioner’s

response is accepted, payment is made within a

further three months of receipt of acceptance. If

dissatisfied the Affected Person may within

three months appeal to the High Court, which

may confirm the Commissioner’s offer, assess

what to it seems just, or direct the

Commissioner to make a further offer. If the

claimant does not appeal within three months,

the offer is deemed to have been accepted. This

process may thus take up to fifteen months or

longer depending on Court schedules, during

which the affected person’s right to improve the

land is restricted, and s/he may be ordered to

vacate.

Affected persons will not be

ordered to vacate until

agreement is reached on

resettlement. They will have

the opportunity to collect a

last harvest. Civil works will

not commence until any

applicable compensation has

been paid. Compensation

payments will recognise all

members of groups, and

spouses as separate persons.

Information about

rights, and a

grievance

mechanism to be

available.

Law sets out rights. Appeal against declaration

is available on points of law. Offers of

compensation may be appealed to the High

Court. Assistance with official documentation

for claim preparation and appeal against

valuation is available.


required, but Project

Information Bulletins will

provide information in

simple language about legal

rights.

Costs of physical

relocation are met.

No explicit proviso. Moving, re-establishment

and transitional assistance

costs will be included as part

of the compensation

package.

Non-viable

remnant land or

buildings are fully

No explicit proviso. At the option of the AP, the

project will acquire the

whole of a partially acquired


acquired. parcel of land or building

that is no longer adequate

for residence/ subsistence.

Vulnerable

Affected Persons

should receive

additional

consideration.

No explicit proviso. However part of the law

that applies to systematic settlement contains a

proviso for protection of the interest of an

absent or disabled claimant, indicating an intent

to protect the weaker.

As the same impact may

have greater severity on

vulnerable persons, for

example low income and

subsistence- dependent

households, female and

single parent headed

households, households

supporting elderly or

disabled persons, members

of ethnic minorities,

resettlement provisions will

take into account

vulnerability and offer

additional assistance such as

credit, land preparation,

grants of productive trees,

livestock to raise, training,

or work on the project to

compensate for

vulnerability.

G. Methods of Valuing Affected Assets

The principle of full restoration of livelihood consequent upon compulsory acquisition

requires that a project-affected good be assessed at market replacement cost, with the full

amount going to the Affected Person without deduction of costs, fees, taxes, imposts or

gratuities. The Lands and Titles Act does not explicitly state this, though the principle is

recognised in the acceptance that reasonable costs of preparation of a claim will be met.

Establishment of market value is challenging when it concerns goods that are rarely traded, as

may be the case with customary land. Considerations to take into account will be any

income derived from the lost land or asset, its location and amenity value in terms of access

to physical and social infrastructure, family and kin groups. Valuation will be set at a level

that enables the Affected Person to re-establish economic activities and social ties to the pre-

project status or better.

Temporary loss of land, for example for an easement, will be compensated at the rental value

of the loss for the area and period of time involved. Loss of production will be calculated at

the market value of the most recent harvest of any lost crop multiplied by the number of

seasons of loss.

Valuation of project-affected food trees and plants will be assessed at the market value of the

most recent harvest multiplied by the number of harvests lost, or for replacement plants to

become productive.


Timber trees will be valued at the market value of the millable quantity of timber at the time

of compensation.

Loss of access to fisheries will be compensated at the market value of the typical harvest for

the duration of loss until replacement or recovery of the resource.

Where trees, crops or fisheries are in common ownership, the compensation will be

distributed amongst the customary users.

Structures will be compensated at the market cost of materials and labour to replace them at

the time of compensation payment.

If physical displacement is unavoidable, relocation and reestablishment expenses will be met

at actual cost. Valuation of assets such as buildings will be assessed at cost of materials

without deduction for depreciation or salvage.

If either an affected plot of land or a building is reduced to a size that is no longer viable for

the household, the project will acquire the entire asset, and either replace it with like for like,

or compensate for the full value of the lost asset.

H. Voluntary Donation Protocols and Procedures for Delivery of Entitlements

In the present project, sub-projects will be identified and discussed at the level of the village

or group of villages. It is expected that most land or land-based assets will be in customary

ownership, and that the norms of customary agreement for community access to and use of

land for purposes that have broad community support will prevail under a voluntary

arrangement as described hereunder.

Voluntary Land Donation

Voluntary land donation refers to a process by which an individual or communal owner or

group agrees to provide land or property for project-related activities. In general, voluntary

land contribution is undertaken without compensation. It is an act of informed consent, made

with the prior knowledge of other options available and their consequences, including the

right not to contribute or transfer the land. The donation must be obtained without coercion or

duress.

Voluntary land or asset donation requires a declaration by the individual, household or group

that they are donating the use of the land or asset for a specific purpose and a specific

duration of time. It is provided freely and without compensation. The following safeguards

are required:

a) Full consultation with landowners and any non-titled affected people on site selection

b) Voluntary donations should not severely affect the living standards of affected people,

i.e. no individual should lose more than 10% of their productive assets


c) Any voluntary donation will be confirmed through written record and verified by an

independent third party such as customary tribunal, NGO or legal authority

d) Adequate grievance redress mechanism should be in place.

Documentation would be held by MECDM to provide evidence of the process. A sample

donation form is at Annex 7.

Involuntary Acquisition

In the event of involuntary acquisition, organisational procedures must ensure that

entitlements are delivered to the right person(s) in a culturally congenial manner, that they are

transparent and fully documented. Compensation would be released by the Executing

Agency and disbursed through MECDM as Implementing Agency (IA).

Claimants would be informed in writing of the details of their entitlement (see sample

entitlement form at Annex 2) and requested to attend the office of MECDM or the village

headquarters at an agreed time during normal office hours. Compensation would be handed

over, and both the claimant and a representative of the IA would sign the entitlement form

before an independent witness. If any land transfer is involved, documentation establishing

any change of title would be exchanged at the same time to ensure that parties can register the

change, and can engage in any normal lawful transaction in relation to the land.

J Resettlement Implementation during the Project Cycle

The main steps in resettlement actions, roles and responsibilities in the project cycle, are

outlined in Table ii.

Table 12: Resettlement Actions in the Project Cycle

Task/Stage Responsibility

Project Preparation

Awareness raising about risks/needs arising from

climate change and natural hazards

Community Helpers, Provincial Disaster

Officers, MECDM technical staff

Pre-identification of climate change/disaster risk

reduction projects

Ward Development Committees (WDCs),

Sub-project Implementation Committees

(SICs) with expert line Government agency

input

Screening; identification of risks and impacts MECDM, MLHS and other line Ministries as

appropriate

Community consultations; identification and

selection of options, outline plan for ownership

management and maintenance of assets, voluntary

donation arrangements

WDCs/SICs, village leaders, residents, men’s

women’s youth and occupational groups as

available

Release of Public Information Bulletin inviting

comments

MECDM

Application for funding; identification of

resettlement needs if any

WDCs/SICs/Provincial Allocation Review

Committee/Line Ministries

If necessary, Minister’s Declaration of intent to

compulsorily acquire land for the sub-project under

Lands and Titles Act

Minister of Lands


Legal process as described in Table 1 Commissioner of Lands, Courts, APs

If involuntary acquisition proceeds, preparation of

Resettlement Plan (RAP) or Abbreviated

Resettlement Action Plan (ARAP); socio-economic

baseline survey, Affected Persons (AP) census,

inventory of affected assets, valuation, grievance

mechanism established

MECDM in consultation with affected

communities and individuals;

MECDM/WDC/SIC safeguards officers

Approval of the RAP/ARAP by SIG and the Bank;

disclosure and review period

SIG/World Bank

Revision of RAP/ARAP in response to comments

received, re-approval/disclosure

SIG/World Bank

Implementation

Resettlement actions completed/documented MECDM/APs

Civil works announced and commenced MECDM /Contractors

Civil works completed; accidental damage

compensated

Contractors

Monitoring and evaluation

Verification that all resettlement actions are

complete; lessons learned; reporting

MECDM, APs, community leaders and

members

As shown in the table above, the main work in resettlement takes place during project

identification and planning. To avoid hardship, it is required that Affected Persons’ claims

are settled prior to onset of the impact they should be compensated for. Civil works may not

commence until this condition is met.

If it is not possible to locate an owner, or if there is a dispute over ownership, the

compensation due in respect of that person or land will be held by MoFT3 as Executing

Agency in an escrow account pending location of the potential claimant or settlement of the

dispute. On legal settlement of a dispute, and after any final appeal, the sum due will be paid

out to the person(s) in whose favour the dispute was ultimately settled. If an absent claimant

has not been located within the term that a person would otherwise legally be declared

deceased, the compensation monies will be paid to his or her legal heirs.

J Grievance Redress Mechanisms

A fundamental principle of resettlement is that potentially project Affected Persons should be

fully informed, have a right to present a complaint and be given a fair hearing. Access to

information will be assured through issuing Public Information Bulletins (PIBs - see Section

L below) and fair hearing through the appeals process under the Land and Titles Act 1969, as

described in Table 1 above. The availability of a complaints process is to be disclosed in

PIBs and other public announcements, for example in declaration notices, radio and press

announcements, posters or any other publicity about the project. It will indicate the name,

position and contact details of the person(s) to whom a grievance may be addressed. This

information will also be communicated to the Ward Development Committee and the

Subproject Implementation Committee in affected areas. In addition to the normal provisos,

3 The Ministry of Finance and Treasury is the appropriate agency to hold project funds until any conditions for

disbursement have been met, and provides a degree of independent oversight of disbursement.


since Affected Persons often lack experience of legal process, they will be made aware

through public communications that they may seek counsel and bring supporters at any stage

during a complaints process.

The contact details for the designated Complaints Officer will appear on notices, posters or

other public information about the project. In case women are reluctant to come forward, a

female committee member will be made available to hear their complaint. Persons with a

complaint will in the first instance address themselves to the Ward Development Committee

or the Subproject Implementation Committee for the activity. The Committee will attempt

immediate resolution, with assistance as required from the Village leaders. If the matter

cannot be resolved locally, the complainant will be addressed to MECDM.

MECDM will designate a Safeguards Officer to the PMU who will make her- or himself

familiar with the project and the applicable safeguards principles and procedures in the

ESMF and POM. The Safeguards Officer will endeavour to resolve any issues by negotiation

and mediation to avoid the potentially prolonged uncertainties and anxieties associated with

legal process. If necessary, an independent mediator such as an NGO with experience in

community conflict resolution may be appointed. In this case, a timetable for handling

complaints will be set, for example, within ten working days of lodgement, with an option to

revert to legal process if mediation does not succeed. Legal process is described in Table i

above.

Damage or accident caused by any contractor will be covered under the EMP.

A record will be kept of all complaints, the AP, the nature of the complaint, the time, manner

and cost of resolution. These will be consolidated in the Safeguards section of the normal

six-monthly reports to the Bank.

K. Arrangements for Funding Resettlement4

In the unlikely event that a project or sub-project will involve involuntary resettlement

MECDM, as the Implementing Agency, will perform or contract a baseline survey of the

affected community and persons, compile a census of Affected Persons and an inventory of

affected assets. From this data the IA or its agent will prepare cost estimates of resettlement

for discussion and review with investment and donor partners. The process will entail

consultations with other stakeholder line agencies as required, for example, Lands, Forestry

and Valuation.

If compensation is required, the Government and Bank partners will decide during project

implementation whether funding resettlement will be provided by the project budget or will

come from a Government contribution. Once decided, the funds will flow from source to the

Executing Agency, be released to MECDM and be disbursed to the claimants as described in

Section H above. The resettlement budget will include a contingency allowance

commensurate to the risk that input data may be inaccurate or incomplete, for example due to

4 See ‘Compensation and Entitlement Form for Affected Persons’ (Annex 8)


uncertainties over ownership or entitlements.

The disbursement of resettlement funds against entitlements will be recorded and reported in

the normal six-monthly project activity reports.

L. Information, Consultations and Participation of Displaced Persons

Information about the project and sub-projects will initially be announced to the general

public in a PIB released to the media and available for consultation in the office of MECDM

and the local Ward Development Committees (WDC). The PIB will contain high level

information about the project aims, locations, benefits, anticipated impacts, timetable,

participants, and where to address comments or seek information. This PIB and community

consultations will precede sub-project identification and final design, through deliberations of

the Ward Development Committees and Sub-project Implementation Committees.

Community consultations need to be planned to impart technical information and to take

stock of the needs and resources of all sectors of communities to optimise resilience planning.

Before a sub-project is funded, applicants will be required to demonstrate broad support

following consultation with all sectors in communities they serve. Records of attendance at

community meetings, and decisions taken, should be attached to funding proposals and

submitted as evidence to the relevant WDC prior to sub-project approval. Vulnerability to

climate change and natural hazards affects men, women, youth, elderly and disabled persons

differently and proposals for funding need to take account of the needs and capacities of

men’s, women’s, youth, and occupational groups such as farmers, foresters and fishers and

vulnerable people in the community.

Consultation methods will respect the socio-economic context; will be held in local languages

and with appropriate visual aids, in places and at times that enable the target audiences to

attend. Women often find such consultations hard to fit into household schedules, and

particular efforts should be made to reach them. By the time a sub-project is identified,

potentially affected persons will have been identified, and alternatives to avoid or mitigate

any adverse impacts will have been taken into account in design. Community contributions

of land, labour or other inputs will have been broadly agreed. A plan addressing the

ownership, management and maintenance of investments will be in place to include in the

application for funding.

If compulsory land acquisition is unavoidable, further consultations with APs as a group will

be undertaken to develop a resettlement plan at the time of the Minister’s declaration if

applicable. Subsequent PIBs will be issued to the media and through local government offices

to announce subprojects and to alert the general public to project activities, or traffic or

construction disturbances.

Members of beneficiary communities will be involved in implementation of sub-projects to

the extent of their willingness, skills and abilities. During consultations, they will be asked to

identify the changes they hope the project will achieve. These aspirations will be reflected in


the design of sub-project monitoring. Community representatives will be invited to

participate in monitoring.

M. Monitoring and Reporting Arrangements

Monitoring and evaluation of the CRISP project is planned under Component D (ii) project

monitoring and evaluation. This will include monitoring of delivery of the safeguards aspects

of the project as planned under the SOPs, and impact monitoring under the Project

Development Objective indicators. Indicators of interest to the beneficiaries may be identified

during consultations, and they will be invited to report against these. Community monitoring

inputs and any evaluative comment received will be included in the project progress reports

to the Bank.

If there is any involuntary resettlement, progress reports will include disbursements against

budget, unsettled claims and the reasons, any issues, complaints or grievances, their progress

and outcomes, and any lessons learned and recommendations for next steps.

If an independent mediator is appointed, they will be required to report against delivery of

resettlement measures.


Annex 7: Sample Consent Form for Voluntary Donation

Date: _______________________

I/We: ___________________ male household head ___________________female household head,

AND/OR person (name) _____________________________ exercising custom over the affected land

at___________________________________________________________

Resident/s of _________________Village in _________________District______________,

Declare that I/We/the group is voluntarily donating the use of (specify land, assets, location, size,

type etc)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

For the purpose of: (specify activity)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

For the duration of: (specify commencement date and duration)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Of My/Our own free will, I/We are waiving My/Our right to compensation of any kind for the

specified duration of the activity.

I/We declare that all residents in the ____________________________community will have free and

unfettered access to the project assets on condition of their participation in the careful maintenance of

the assets for the benefit of the whole community.

Signed:

Male household head _____________________ Female household head__________________

or Custom Group Representative___________________________________________________

on behalf of (append list of all custom owners)


Annex 8: Compensation and Entitlement Form for Affected Person

(Name of Project/subproject)

Name of Affected Person:

Survey ID No:

(from

socioeconomic

survey form)

Address:

Entitlements:

Land:

Permanent loss:

Cadastral Lot

Number if

available

Area sq m. Value sq.m. Total assessed

value

Residential

Commercial

Water or other

reserve

Temporary loss:

Residential

Commercial

Water o other

reserve

Permanent loss of

Trees/crops:

Number Status (bearing,

non-bearing,

newly planted etc)

Unit value

Pandanus

Taro

Structures: Purpose

(dwelling,

workshop etc)

Sq.m. Value sq.m. Total assessed

value:

Permanent

Semi permanent

Local


Income/revenue

from:

Type Permanent or

Duration/mth

Value/mth unit

value

Business

Crops

Produce

Other (specify)

Total AP

entitlement

The Affected Person will bring this form on settlement date.

I hereby declare that this is a complete, true and accurate record of my losses due to the

......................Project, and that I have received payment in full.

AP signature Date

Witness signature Date

In the presence of:

Signed for (IA) Date


Bibliography and References

1. Ministry of Environment, Conservation and MetSOrology (former name of the Ministry

of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and MetSOrology) 2008.

Solomon Islands State of the Environment Report.

2. Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, 2007. Environmental

Assessment/Environmental Social Maangement Framework for Rural Development

Program

3. National Disaster Council, Solomon Islands Government, 2010. National Disaster Risk

Management Plan

4. Solomon Islands Rural Development Program (SIRDP), 2011. Component 1 Program

Implementation Manual

5. Solomon Islands Environmental Act, 1998

6. Ministry of Culture and Tourism, 2011. Cultural Mapping Report: Solomon Islands,

7. The World Bank. The Do and The Don’t.

8. RDP, 2007. Environmental Management Framework.

9. REP, 2010. Environmental Management Guideline Report.

Websites:

www.everyculture.com


List of key persons met during ESMF preparation

Persons met Title Organisation

Nathaniel Nhapps Environmental Officer RDP

Robert Engineer RDP

Josef Hurutarau Officer Environmental Conservation

Division, MECDM

Connie Siliota Officer Transport Sector Development

Program (TSDP)

Winston Lado Safeguards Officer TSDP

John Lamer Community Leader Buni village

Misach Lultrer Community Leader Buni village

Brian Simbe Community Helper Pailoge

Deisam Treasurer, Community Leader

Community leader Kogulavata

Community Leader Kolobangara/Kena

Community Helper Kolobangara/Kena

ministry of environment, climate change, disaster ...€¦ · 4.1.6 water resource and usage ......

Documents