Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN August 23, 2024 Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN • The Lebanese Republic (the Borrower) will be implementing the Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501), with the involvement of Electricité du Liban (EDL) and the Litani River Authority (LRA) as the Project Implementing Entities as set out in the Loan Agreement. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the Bank) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. • The Borrower shall ensure, and shall cause EDL and LRA to take actions to ensure, the Project is carried out in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) and this Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), in a manner acceptable to the Bank. The ESCP is a part of the Loan Agreement. Unless otherwise defined in this ESCP, capitalized terms used in this ESCP have the meanings ascribed to them in the referred agreement. • Without limitation to the foregoing, this ESCP sets out material measures and actions that the Borrower shall carry out or cause to be carried out, including, as applicable, the timeframes of the actions and measures, institutional, staffing, training, monitoring and reporting arrangements, and grievance management. The ESCP also sets out the environmental and social (E&S) instruments that shall be prepared, adopted, and implemented under the Project, all of which shall be consistent with the ESSs, and in form and substance, and in a manner acceptable to the Bank. Once adopted, said E&S instruments may be revised from time to time with prior written agreement by the Bank. • As agreed by the Bank and the Borrower, this ESCP will be revised from time to time if necessary, during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of unforeseen circumstances or in response to the Project’s E&S performance. In such circumstances, the Borrower through the EDL and LRA and the Bank agree to update the ESCP to reflect these changes through an exchange of letters signed between the Bank and the Borrower. The Borrower shall, and shall cause EDL and LRA, to promptly disclose the updated ESCP. Page 1 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING Prepare and submit to the World Bank regular monitoring reports on the Starting from the Effective Date, EDL and LRA environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, Submit quarterly reports within 15 days including but not limited to the implementation of the ESCP, the status of after the end of each reporting period preparation and implementation of E&S instruments required under the ESCP, throughout Project implementation. stakeholder engagement activities, and functioning of the grievance mechanisms. Reports shall cover performance by EDL and LRA, their Owner Engineers, and Contractors, and shall include copies of the reports submitted by Owner Engineers and Contractors. B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS Promptly notify the World Bank of any incident or accident related to the Project Notify the Bank no later than 48 hours after EDL and LRA which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, learning of the incident or accident. the affected communities, the public, or workers, including, inter alia, cases sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment (SH), and accidents that Provide subsequent report to the World Bank result in death, serious or multiple injury. Provide sufficient detail regarding the within a timeframe acceptable to the World scope, severity, and possible causes of the incident or accident, indicating Bank. immediate measures taken or planned to be taken to address it, and any information provided by any Contractor and/or Owner Engineer, as appropriate. Subsequently, at the World Bank’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to address it and prevent its recurrence. C CONTRACTORS’ MONTHLY REPORTS Require Contractors and Owner Engineers to provide monitoring reports on ESHS Include requirement in construction/ EDL and LRA performance in accordance with the metrics specified in the respective bidding rehabilitation contracts for reports to be documents and contracts, and submit the reports to the World Bank. submitted monthly, beginning one month after execution of contracts. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The organizational structure will be finalized EDL and LRA Establish and maintain Project Management Teams (PMTs) within LRA and EDL before commencement of project activities. with qualified staff and resources to support management of ESHS risks and This structure shall be maintained impacts of the Project, including hiring an environmental and social (E&S) throughout Project implementation. Page 2 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY specialist at EDL and an E&S focal point at LRA. Include on the PMTs at least one The EDL PMT Environmental and Social (E&S) specialist with OHS training and/or certification. specialist shall be hired before Ensure appointment of qualified OHS specialist to each Contractor and Owner commencement of project activities and shall Engineer team to ensure compliance with national law and World Bank EHS be maintained throughout project General Guidelines. implementation. The LRA PMT E&S focal point shall be assigned before commencement of project activities and shall be maintained throughout project implementation. Assign OHS specialist/focal point at LRA and EDL PMTs before commencement of project activities. 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL INSTRUMENTS Prepare, disclose, adopt and implement the following site-specific instruments, Prepare, disclose, adopt E&S instruments EDL and LRA consistent with the relevant ESSs, the WBG EHS General Environmental, Health, before issuance of the works bidding and Safety (EHS) Guidelines, the EHS Guidelines for Electric Power Transmission documents and implement throughout and Distribution, and other Good International Industry Practice. project implementation. • ESIA for the construction and operation of solar PV power development Adopt the E&S screening report for the solar including specific measures for (i) upgrading existing substation(s), (ii) PV plant disclosed on 23 August 2024 and the construction and operation of new substation(s), and (iii) installation of high- ESMP for the HPPs disclosed on 23 August and medium- voltage transmission line(s). 2024. The E&S screening report and the • Simplified ESMP for the construction and operation of the NCC building. ESMP for the HPPs will be implemented throughout project implementation. Implement and update as needed the following instruments: • ESMP for the rehabilitation and operation of the three HPPs Prepare, adopt and implement the ESMP for • E&S Screening of the Solar PV Power Generation Sites the NCC building and the ESIA for the solar PV plant before issuance of the bidding documents. These instruments shall be adopted and implemented throughout the project implementation. Page 3 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 1.3 MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS Incorporate the relevant aspects of the ESCP, including, inter alia, the relevant Incorporate prior to the tendering / EDL and LRA requirements of the E&S instruments, the Labor Management Procedures, and Contracting Phase (Rehabilitation and code of conduct, into the ESHS specifications of procurement documents and Operating) and supervision during Project contracts with Contractors, and Owner Engineers. Thereafter ensure that the implementation. Contractors and Owner Engineers comply and cause subcontractors to comply with the ESHS specifications of their contracts. e Require that the monthly construction progress meetings include review and Throughout Project construction. EDL and LRA discussion of Contractor ESHS performance during the period and require all parties’ project and ESHS/HSE managers to attend/participate. 1.4 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE Ensure that consultancies, studies, capacity building, training, and any other Throughout Project implementation. EDL and LRA technical assistance activities under the Project, including, inter alia, the environmental and social instruments to be supported under the Project, are carried out in accordance with terms of reference acceptable to the World Bank and are consistent with the ESSs. Thereafter ensure that the outputs of such activities comply with the terms of reference. 1.5 ASSOCIATED FACILITIES If any other facilities are identified during the E&S assessment process as being Throughout Project implementation. EDL and LRA Associated Facilities within the meaning of ESS1, ensure that planning, development, and operation of those facilities are carried out in accordance with the applicable requirements of this ESCP, the ESSs, and the E&S instruments. 1.6 Ensure that the Contingent Emergency Response Component Manual (CERCM) The adoption of the CERCM in form and as specified the legal agreement includes a description of the ESHS assessment substance acceptable to the Bank is a and management for the implementation of component 4, in accordance with withdrawal condition under Section F of the ESSs. Schedule 2 of the Loan Agreement for the Project. Adopt any E&S instruments that may be required for activities under component Adopt any required E&S instrument and 4 of the Project in accordance with the CERCM and the ESSs, and thereafter include it as part of the respective bidding implement the measures and actions required under said E&S instruments, process, if applicable, and in any case, before within the timeframes specified in said E&S instruments. the carrying out of the relevant Project activities for which the E&S instrument is Page 4 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY required. Implement the E&S instruments in accordance with their terms, throughout Project implementation ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES Prepare, adopt and implement the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) that Finalize and disclose LMP no later than one EDL and LRA have been developed for the Project including, inter alia, provisions on working month after Effective Date and implement conditions, management of workers relationships, occupational health and throughout the Project safety, code of conduct (including relating to SEA and SH), forced labor, child implementation. labor, grievance arrangements for Project workers, and applicable requirements for contractors, subcontractors, and Owner Engineers. 2.2 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Appoint a certified OHS specialist to conduct an audit of occupational health and Before implementation of relevant activities. LRA safety practices and conditions at each operating HPP and prepare a report that documents risks, potential impacts, and actions that should be taken to reduce risks to acceptable levels in accordance with ESS2 and the WBG General EHS Guidelines. Develop, adopt, and implement Occupational Health and Safety Plans for • LRA: develop and adopt within 30 days of EDL and LRA operations, for each facility or a single plan with general and facility-specific final audit report. requirements based on facility- and activity-specific risks and impacts. Plans for • EDL: develop and adopt prior to existing HPPs must include requirements to implement the corrective measures commissioning of solar plant. and ongoing requirements that are identified in the OHS audit. • Implement: throughout operations. • OHS plans for rehabilitation or new construction to be prepared as part of the relevant instruments under 1.2 above. 2.3 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS Develop and/or update ESHSE Emergency Preparedness Response Plans for Within 30 days after OHS audit LRA existing HPPs as recommended in the OHS audit, including schedule for future updates Develop, adopt, and implement Emergency Preparedness Response Plans for Develop as part of the ESIA , adopt prior to EDL solar power plant, including schedule for future updates. commissioning, implement throughout Project implementation. Page 5 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY Review and approve Contractors’ Emergency Preparedness and Response Prior to Contractor mobilization to the site. EDL and LRA Management Plans for rehabilitation and construction activities. 2.4 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS Establish and operate a grievance mechanism for Project workers, as described Establish prior to EDL and LRA in the relevant Labor Management Procedures and consistent with ESS2. engaging Project workers, implement throughout Project implementation. ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 WASTE AND MATERIALS MANAGEMENT • Develop WMPs as part of the relevant E&S LRA and EDL Adopt and implement a Waste Management Plan (WMP) to manage hazardous instruments under 1.2 above. and non-hazardous wastes, consistent with ESS3 for all relevant rehabilitation, • Adopt and Implement: throughout Project construction activities and operations. implementation. 3.2 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT EDL and LRA Incorporate resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management Same timeframe as for the adoption and measures in the E&S instruments to be prepared under action 1.2 above and in implementation of the E&S instruments the management plans under 2.1 and 3.1 under 1.2 and the plans under 2.1 and 2.2. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 SECURITY PERSONNEL EDL Assess and implement measures to manage the security risks of the Project in Assess prior to engaging security personnel the ESIA for the solar PV plant, including the risks of engaging security personnel and implement throughout Project to safeguard project workers, sites, assets, and activities, guided by the implementation. principles of proportionality and GIIP, and by applicable law, in relation to hiring, rules of conduct, training, equipping, and monitoring of such personnel 4.2 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY Assess and manage specific risks and impacts to the community arising from Same timeframe as for the adoption and EDL and LRA Project activities at the NCC building, HPPs, and solar PV plant (and their implementation of the ESMPs and ESIA under associated infrastructure such as transmission lines and substations) and include requirement 1.2 above. mitigation measures in the ESMPs to be prepared and ESIA to be prepared under action 1.2 above 4.3 SEA AND SH RISKS Prepare as part of the LMP and per the time EDL and LRA Prepare and implement a SEA/SH Action Plan as part of the LMP as per Action frame stipulated in under requirement 2.1 2.1 above, to assess and manage the risks of SEA and SH. above and implement throughout Project implementation. Page 6 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 4.4 DAM SAFETY LRA 1. Establish and maintain and convene the independent Dam Safety Panel of Appoint prior to implementation of Experts (DSPOE) for reviewing and confirming the adequacy of the design, interventions in the HPPs, maintain quality of construction works, and advising on additional dam safety measures throughout Project implementation. including dam safety plans 2. Inform the Bank in advance of the DSPOE meetings and share with it a copy of Throughout Project implementation. LRA the DSPOE report of its conclusion and recommendations signed by each participating member after each meeting. Implement the recommendations made by the DSPOE, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Bank. 3. Commission hydrological study to evaluate the capacity of existing spillways at Finalize the study by June 30, 2025 and LRA Qaraoun dam to safely discharge floods with various return periods, including design the program if required with DSPOE Probable Maximum Flood (PMF), and design a program for financing and guidance. implementation of remedial measures, depending on the results of the study 4. Prepare and update, as required and in form and substance acceptable to the Prepare no later than May 30, 2026 and, LRA Bank and implement the following plans (“Dam Safety Plans�) for Qaraoun thereafter, implement throughout Project dam: (i) the Construction Supervision and Quality Assurance Plan, if remedial implementation dam safety improvement works are required following Tier 2 dam safety assessment; (ii) the Instrumentation Plan; (iii) the Operation and Maintenance Plan (O&M Plan); and (iv) the Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP). Prepare and update, in format and substance acceptable to the Bank, and implement the following Dam Safety Plans for Anan and Awali dams: (i) the instrumentation plan; (ii) O&M plan; and (iii) EPP. 5. Undertake Tier 2 dam safety assessment of the Qaraoun Dam and implement • Finalize all required dam safety LRA the recommended remedial measures including those from Tier 1 assessment, assessment by September 30, 2025. such as installation of monitoring instruments, survey and treatment of • Undertake required remedies based on concrete face slab joints, and so on. The safety assessment will be undertaken the timeframe to be agreed with the in combination or coordination with hydrological study. DSPOE. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 BIODIVERSITY RISKS AND IMPACTS The ESIA under requirement 1.2 must include a survey, in the appropriate Conduct survey and (if necessary) prepare EDL season, by one or more qualified biologists to identify populations or specimens BMP as part of PV ESIA under requirement of endemic species that may be present and affected by development. 1.2 above. Page 7 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY If a survey under 6.1 determines that the habitat is of significant importance to If necessary, implement BMP throughout one or more endemic species or to one or more Endangered or Critically project performance, as required by BMP. Endangered species, as listed in the IUCN Red List or Lebanon’s Red Book , prepare and implement a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) that is acceptable to the World Bank and meets the requirements of paragraphs 24 through 27 ESS6. 6.2 If the ESIA under requirement 1.2 determines that any part of the solar Determine if solar plant is within or will have EDL development is to be located within the Semi-Desert Area of Ras Baalbek adverse effect on the IBA and (if necessary) Important Bird Area (IBA) or will have an adverse effect on the IBA, prepare and prepare BMP as part of ESIA under implement a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) that prepare and implement requirement 1.2 above. a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) that is acceptable to the World Bank and meets the requirements of paragraphs 24 through 27 ESS6. If necessary, implement BMP throughout project performance, as required by BMP. ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE As part of the ESIA under action 1.2, conduct surface survey of locations Conduct survey and (if necessary) prepare EDL proposed for solar power plant development for evidence of cultural heritage. If CHMP as part of ESIA under requirement 1.2 the surveys determines that cultural heritage may be encountered during above. ground-disturbing activities, develop and implement a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) that is acceptable to the World Bank and is consistent If necessary, implement CHMP throughout with ESS8. construction, as required by CHMP. 8.2 Develop and implement chance finds procedure, including training for Develop procedure as part of ESIA under supervisors and workers Include in construction contracts the requirement to requirement 1.2 above. EDL adopt the procedure and implement it throughout construction Include in bidding documents and contracts. ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION Adopt, implement, and update as needed the Stakeholder Engagement Plan Adopt the SEP disclosed on 23 August 2024 EDL and LRA (SEP) for the Project, which includes measures to, inter alia provide stakeholders and implement throughout Project with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, and consult performance, update as needed. with them in a culturally appropriate manner free of manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation. 10.2 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM Page 8 of 10 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN– Lebanon Renewable Energy and System Reinforcement Project (P180501) MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY Establish, publicize, maintain, and operate an accessible grievance mechanism, Establish and publicize within EDL and LRA to receive and facilitate resolution of concerns and grievances in relation to the one month after project effectiveness, Project, promptly and effectively, in a transparent manner that is culturally maintain and operate throughout Project appropriate and readily accessible to all Project-affected parties, at no cost and implementation period. without retribution, including concerns and grievances filed anonymously, in a manner consistent with ESS10. The grievance mechanism shall be equipped to receive, register, and facilitate the resolution of SEA/SH complaints, including through the referral of survivors to relevant gender-based violence service providers, all in a safe, confidential, and survivor-centered manner. CAPACITY SUPPORT Provide ESHS training in the relevant requirements of Lebanese law, the ESF, this Within 30 days of appointment of PMT and EDL and LRA ESCP, and the applicable ESMP to: (i) the Project Management Teams within LRA the E&S Specialist and Focal Point. EDL, (ii) the EDL E&S Specialist, (iii) the LRA E&S Focal Point. E&S and OHS training shall be delivered (as appropriate) by E&S and OHS specialist and E&S and OHS consultants for all nominated staff Provide OHS and emergency response training to Project workers in accordance Within 30 days of adoption/approval of OHS EDL and LRA with the applicable OHS Plans, including Contractors’ construction-phase Plans and Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans.. 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