Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA | Romania | Environment, Natural Resources & the Blue Economy Global Practice | IBRD/IDA | Investment Project Financing | FY 2008 | Seq No: 28 | ARCHIVED on 09-Feb-2023 | ISR54912 | Implementing Agencies: Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project Management Unit, Ministry of Finance Key Dates Key Project Dates Bank Approval Date: 30-Oct-2007 Effectiveness Date: 08-Dec-2008 Planned Mid Term Review Date: 29-Mar-2011 Actual Mid-Term Review Date: 31-Mar-2011 Original Closing Date: 31-Dec-2013 Revised Closing Date: 30-Jun-2023 pdoTable Project Development Objectives Project Development Objective (from Project Appraisal Document) To support the Government of Romania to meet the EU Nitrates Directive requirements by (a) reducing nutrient discharges to water bodies, (b) promoting behavioral change at the commune level, and (c) strengthening institutional and regulatory capacity. Has the Project Development Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project Objective? Yes Board Approved Revised Project Development Objective (If project is formally restructured)HRPDODELs The development objective of the project is to support the Government of Romania towards meeting EU Nitrate Directive requirements at a national scale. Components Table Name Investments in Local Communities for Reducing Nutrient Pollution:(Cost $93.90 M) Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building:(Cost $14.00 M) Public Awareness and Information Support:(Cost $7.52 M) Project management:(Cost $10.57 M) Overall Ratings Name Previous Rating Current Rating Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Implementation Progress (IP) Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Risk Rating Moderate Moderate Implementation Status and Key Decisions The hybrid implementation support mission carried out during November 15 – 29, 2022, concluded that the project objective continues to be highly relevant for Romania, generating strong results and showing a decreasing trend of nitrate in groundwaters in the project area. 2/9/2023 Page 1 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) The Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (INPCP-AF) remains the most important support for the Government of Romania to help meet the EU Nitrates Directive requirements and indirectly, the conditions for the farmers as required by the Common Agriculture Policy. The Project is also a model for showcasing good agricultural practice at both regional and global levels. With 170 platforms already built, more than 34,000 farmers have directly benefited from the project. As a result of the project, behaviors are changing with regards to prevention and reduction of pollution from the agriculture, and sustainable land management practices were adopted on more than 30,000 ha of land area. To date, out of the 86 selected investments for local communities, all have been contracted for execution, 78 investments of construction works are completed, 5 investments are currently under implementation under various stages of construction, and 3 investments are in the bidding stage. The equipment for platforms operation are delivered for all investments. Risks Systematic Operations Risk-rating Tool Risk Category Rating at Approval Previous Rating Current Rating Political and Governance -- Moderate Moderate Macroeconomic -- Substantial Substantial Sector Strategies and Policies -- Moderate Moderate Technical Design of Project or Program -- Moderate Moderate Institutional Capacity for Implementation and -- Moderate Moderate Sustainability Fiduciary -- Moderate Moderate Environment and Social -- Low Low Stakeholders -- Moderate Moderate Other -- Moderate Moderate Overall -- Moderate Moderate Results PDO Indicators by Objectives / Outcomes The development objective of the project is to support the Government of Romania towards meeting EU IN01248065 ►Downward trend of nitrates concentration in waters: at least 70% of targeted project areas show 10% reduction in nitrates discharge to water bodies (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 63.6% 63.6% 70% Date 16-Feb-2007 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Since 2019, ANAR has extended the monitoring network for groundwater in the project area, from 124 to 175 monitoring wells. The monitoring data provided by ANAR reveals that in the INPC-Original Project area, 63.6% of the monitored wells show nitrates (NO3) concentrations with at least 10% lower as Comments: compared with the baseline values measured in 2009. As regards the additional monitoring points, 48.1% show nitrates (NO3) concentrations with at least 10% lower, as compared with the baseline values measured in 2019. The monitoring data for the year 2021 was provided by ANAR in May 2022 and the indicator was calculated based on these data.The next update will be in 2023. 2/9/2023 Page 2 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) IN01248241 ►Percentage of population in the project area adopting preventative and remedial measures to reduce nutrient discharges (index measures various rural waste management and good agricultural practices) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 3% 69% 69% 75% Date 26-Feb-2009 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 The baseline indicator was estimated by the Baseline Survey carried out in the Original Project. The Baseline Survey in the Additional Financing was carried out in the period May – July 2018 and calculated the index measuring various waste management and good agricultural practices. This survey was conducted on about 3750 households across 100 communes in the project area. This indicator of 68.3%, was updated, using the same methodology, through the Mid-Term Survey, performed in the second Comments: semester, 2020. It showed that 69% (a slight increase as compared with the baseline of population in the project area, apply at least one of the practices recommended by the Code of Good Agricultural Practice, as preventive and remedial measures to reduce nutrient discharges. The next update will be made through the Final Survey, planned for 2023, before the Project closing date. IN01248242 ►Improved inter-governmental coordination and capacity to assess, monitor and report on progress with implementation of the EU Nitrates Directive (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Improvements Improvements acknowledged - Good acknowledged - Good capacity of the capacity of the governmental governmental institutions TBD from gap analysis institutions in the Improvements Value in the assessment, report assessment, acknowledged monitoring and reporting monitoring and regarding the reporting regarding the implementation of the EU implementation of the Nitrates Directive EU Nitrates Directive Date 01-Feb-2008 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 The Commission (The Inter-Ministerial Committee) for the implementation of the Action Plan for the protection of waters against nitrate pollution from agricultural sources was established by GD 964/2000. This consists of specialists from the Ministry of Water, Forest and Environmental Protection, from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Health. Besides the commission there is a Support Group composed of representatives of the National Company “Romanian Waters” – S.A., of the basin Comments: committees and specialised institutes and units under the authority and coordination of the Ministry of Waters, Forests and Environment Protection, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and of the Ministry of Health. The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IC) for the Implementation of the Action Plan for the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources is fully functional. The last meeting of the technical Supporting Group was held on September 21st, 2022. IN01248243 ►Favorable EU assessment of Romania's progress towards meeting EU Nitrates Directive (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Progress Progress acknowledged through Value n.a. Progress acknowledged acknowledged EU comments on reports. Date 01-Feb-2008 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Comments: Romania’s latest report regarding the implementation of the EU Directive 91/676/EEC (Nitrate Directive) for the period 2016-2019 was submitted to the European Commission, in time, in June 2020. It is worth mentioning that in the chapter 7 of this report, an entire section is dedicated to the achievements of the 2/9/2023 Page 3 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) Integrated Nutrient Pollution Project, both the Original INPC (2008-2017) and the AF-INPC (2017-2022), as a major investment project targeting the reduction of water pollution with nutrients, not only through important investments but also throughout the information, awareness, education, training and support provided to farmers and to all interested in waters protection against pollution with nitrates originating from agriculture. At the last EC Nitrates Comm ittee meeting held in mid-September 2022, Romania was mentioned as being one of the EU countries (among six others: AT, BG, CY, FR, IE, LU, MT, SI) which has to reinforce its measures in hotspots (areas with more than 50 mg NO3/l in underground waters). Romania initiated an analysis and set-up an action plan for responding to the EC request. IN01248244 ►Nutrient load reduction (Nitrogen(N)) achieved under the project (Tons/year, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 529.83 529.83 600.00 Date 01-Feb-2008 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Yearly reports are provided by the communes regarding the use of the manure collective platforms and sewage systems. The nitrogen reduction as result of the collected manure and water treatment due to the Project built sewage systems is 529.83 tons. The ex – post monitoring system implemented has a strong component on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the investments, positive results being expected by putting in place actions-plans for those communes not meeting the performance indicators. Thus, the ex-post monitoring system is regulated through an internal procedure, considering all types of investments (manure platforms, sewage systems and equipment for the National Water Agency). A monitoring sample is extracted (both on risk and random factors) for the purpose of on-the- spot visits. Following the visits, a verification report is prepared and, depending on the findings compared with the performance indicators, an action plan may be elaborated. The action plan has a strong guidance Comments: feature, aiming at improving the beneficiaries’ activity (e.g., increasing the quantities of collected manure, use of contracts and registers etc.). Presently, the monitoring data are collected through the Database software application for online communication with the local authorities. To date, 111 communes have uploaded data in the application. The PMU will continue to provide training to the communes’ officials on reporting using this application. This indicator is estimated yearly. The last update was for the year 2021. The nutrients load reduction (N) due to the platform’s operation is calculated at 506.13 to ns. The nutrients load reduction (N) due to the sewerage systems operation is calculated to 23.70 tons. A new update, fo r the year 2022, will be made in 2023. Intermediate Results Indicators by Components Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building IN01248246 ►Working groups at Water Basin and County levels functioning effectively and all staff working on the Nitrates Directive fully operational. (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target WGs effective to support EU reporting Ad-hoc implementation WGs are functioning WGs are functioning Value and to coordinate of working groups effectively. effectively. actions of other agencies Date 16-Feb-2007 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 IN01248250 ►Increased number of groundwater quality monitoring sites and sample analysis for the Nitrate Directive (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 2/9/2023 Page 4 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) Value 7.50 7.50 7.50 8.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 This indicator (for the Additional Financing) is expressed as the number of monitoring sites per 1000 Km2 of monitored area. In December 2019 a drilling installation BERETTA GT90 has been provided to ANAR. To date, 9 new piezometers were constructed, 3 are under construction and 51 were rehabilitated. For 2022 and 2023 ANAR scheduled to build 25 new piezometers and rehabilitate other 31 piezometers. Comments: These will increase the number of monitoring wells for groundwater quality used by ANAR in regard with the Nitrate Directive. The indicator will be updated as soon as these piezometers will be included in the monitored network used for Nitrate Directive reporting. IN01248253 ►Number of technical staff (ANAR, EPA, Health Directorates) trained (cumulative) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 689.00 689.00 700.00 Date 26-Feb-2009 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 The last training session was done in Q1, 2019 when 30 ANAR technical staff were trained on pesticides analysis using Gas-Chromatographs. The rest of 11 ANAR staff (one per each Water Basin), will be Comments: trained on database reporting software. IN01248254 ►Number of farmers trained by knowledge and training providers on Code of Good Agricultural Practices (male/female disaggregated) (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 6,807.00 7,063.00 6,000.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 7,063 participants received the 1st day of the training; while 6,001 participants received the second day of training, 4,054 participants received the third day of training and 158 received a special 4th day of training (the target is to train almost 6000 participants in 3 sessions). The 4th day of training it is delivered through an integrated approach on nitrogen pollution, participants learning also about the air emissions (especially Comments: ammonia and nitrous oxide) which are finally leading to nitrates emissions (as nitrogen travels by air but ends up in water as nitrates). Were set-up around 340 discussions groups, supported by around 225 champion farmers and 60 communal platforms hosting demonstrations for manure management good practices. IN01248255 Number of female farmers trained by knowledge and training providers on Code of Good Agricultural Practices (Number, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 4,401.00 2,052.00 2,400.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 IN01248256 ►Reduction in number of farmers penalized by APIA for non-compliance with Nitrate Directive (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 50.00 12.60 12.60 25.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 2/9/2023 Page 5 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) This is a new indicator. The baseline was established as the percentage of farmers penalized for noncompliance with Nitrate Directive – Norms SMR4. However, starting with 2015, the Nitrate Directive is regulated by the Norms SMR1. The evolution of the percentage of farmers penalized for noncompliance with Nitrate Directive, Norms SMR1, out of the total number of farmers checked, was 11.61% for 2015, 9.69% for 2016, 3.25% for 2017, 14.7% for 2018 and 15% for 2019. In 2020 there were submitted about Comments: 835 thousand payment requests out of which only 1% are subject of control. As result of the control, 1.044 persons were penalized. Therefore, the percentage of farmers penalized for non-compliance with Nitrate Directive is 12.50%. For 2021 were under control a number of 15.135 farmers, out of which 1.908 farmers were penalised, meaning the equivalent of 12,6%. New data for updating this indicator for 2022 will be available by first semester 2023. IN01248257 ►Land users adopting sustainable land mgt. practices as a result of the project (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 33,300.00 34,800.00 30,000.00 Date 01-Feb-2008 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Actual values represent the calculation based on the completed and functioning investments. To date a number of 84 new platforms have been completed during AF Project implementation. Out of these, only 30 platforms are operational. For the others, the operating permits issuing are ongoing (the issuing of Comments: operating permits by the water and environmental authority lasts 3-6 months and in some cases are pending for the equipment delivery). A total number of 116 platforms are operational by November 10th, 2022 (adding to 86 platforms from Original Loan, a number of 30 platforms in AF). IN01248258 ►Number of project communes implementing at least one of the following nutrient reduction measures: communal platforms, pasture rehabilitation, tree planting (cumulative) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 172.00 194.00 200.00 Date 26-Feb-2009 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Presently there are 194 communes implementing different practices and measures for nutrients reduction. a) 129 communes (50 communes from Original Loan + 79 communes from INPCP-AF) implementing only manure management practices b) 12 communes impleme nting manure management, pastures Comments: rehabilitation and tree planting c) 22 communes implementing manure management and tree plan ting d) 31 communes implementing only tree planting. IN01248259 ►Land area where sustainable land mgt. practices were adopted as a result of proj (Hectare(Ha), Corporate) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 29,916.00 30,416.00 38,000.00 Date 01-Feb-2008 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Investments in Local Communities for Reducing Nutrient Pollution IN01248245 ►Percentage of cropped area in the project communes under relevant nutrient reduction measures. (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 9% (updated from Value 71.9% 71.9% 60% baseline survey) Date 26-Feb-2009 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 2/9/2023 Page 6 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) The Mid-Term Survey in the Additional Financing completed in December 2020, showed that the percentage of cropped area in the project communes under relevant nutrient reduction measures is Comments: 71,9%, as compared with the Baseline Survey in the Additional Financing of 60.5%. The next update will be made through the Final Survey, planned for 2023, before the Project closing date. IN01248249 ►Number of communal platforms completed (cumulative) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 143.00 170.00 150.00 Date 26-Feb-2009 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 There are 86 platforms for animal waste management and storage already completed in 81 communes under the original loan. New investments in platforms and composting stations for animal waste management are under contracting or construction. Out of these, 84 platforms were completed in 76 communes, 2 platforms are in construction and for one platform the bidding process is in progress. Also, Comments: there are 3 platforms, for which the construction contracts were terminated. For these 3 the investments technical documentation is under preparation for the bidding of the uncompleted works. In addition to these there are three composting stations, that include platforms, for which the construction works are almost completed. IN01248252 ►Percentage of households with access and connection to sewage system (in targeted villages receiving sewage investments) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 72.52% 75.30% 60% Date 16-Feb-2007 20-May-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Calculated as the average of the connection percentages for each of the completed sewage systems, as reported by beneficiaries. Availability of the sewerage network in front of the properties allows for more Comments: and more households to opt for building toilets and bathrooms, and thus there is an upward trend as regards the number of connections. Project management IN01248248 ►Number of surveys conducted that collect feedback and report back the results to the communities (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 2.00 2.00 3.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 The first out of three surveys planned during the Project life (Baseline Survey) was conducted between April-July 2018, to collect the initial data on Project area. According the approved methodology, a number of 3753 households have to be interviewed in total, as follows: (i) 3002 households in 100 communes – main sample (30 households interviewed in each) selected out of the total number of communes that submitted Concept Notes under the First Call for proposals and taking into account that the overall sample be representative for the national rural area, within a maximum margin error of +/- 2% at a 95% level of confidence and simultaneously have a representativeness of +/-3.5% for a confidence level of 95% at the Comments: region level sub-samples (three major regions considered, Moldova, Muntenia and Transilvania) should be met, and (ii) 751 households in 30 communes – control sample (25 households interviewed in each) selected as control group based on the criteria such as the distance from the communes included in the main sample, the size of the communes in terms of inhabitants and the geographic particularities with the ultimate goal of obtaining similarity with the communes targeted by the Project. The first out of three surveys planned during the Project life (Baseline Survey) was conducted between April-July 2018, to collect the initial data on Project area. The Mid Term Survey was completed in 2/9/2023 Page 7 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) December 2020, using the same methodology. The Final Survey will be conducted in 2023, before the Project closing date. Public Awareness and Information Support IN01248247 ►Number of meetings/public consultations/workshops organized towards meeting project objectives (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 233.00 239.00 200.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 Six meetings with local authorities were held during the reporting period. Comments: IN01248251 ►Percentage of questions, comments or complaints relevant to the project that are received and addressed within indicated 30 days (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 30-Apr-2022 10-Nov-2022 30-Jun-2023 During year 2019, a complaint was received from one person involved in the construction works regarding the quality of construction works for the sewerage investment Targsoru Vechi, Prahova county. The PMU checked the reality of the issues raised and a response with the check findings was given to the Comments: complainant within the indicated period of 30 days. In 2020, 2021 and until November 10, 2022 no complaints were received. Performance-Based Conditions Data on Financial Performance Disbursements (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed % Disbursed P093775 IBRD-48730 Closed USD 68.10 65.84 2.26 60.30 0.00 100% P093775 IBRD-85970 Effective USD 52.39 52.39 0.00 47.25 6.37 88% P099528 TF-58040 Closed USD 5.50 5.47 0.03 5.47 0.00 100% Key Dates (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Orig. Closing Date Rev. Closing Date P093775 IBRD-48730 Closed 30-Oct-2007 28-Dec-2007 08-Dec-2008 31-Dec-2013 31-May-2017 P093775 IBRD-85970 Effective 28-Mar-2016 14-Apr-2016 13-Apr-2017 31-Mar-2022 30-Jun-2023 2/9/2023 Page 8 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) P099528 TF-58040 Closed 28-Dec-2007 28-Dec-2007 08-Dec-2008 31-Dec-2013 31-May-2017 Cumulative Disbursements Restructuring History Level Approved on 13-Jul-2012 ,Level 2 Approved on 05-Aug-2013 ,Level 2 Approved on 08-Sep-2015 ,Level 2 Approved on 03-Nov-2016 ,Level 2 Approved on 15-Oct-2019 ,Level 2 Approved on 22-Oct-2021 Related Project(s) P093775-GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project ,P099528-GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project ,P155594-Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project - Additional Financing 2/9/2023 Page 9 of 9