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: 30 | ARCHIVED on 19-Dec-2023 | ISR59317 | 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: 31-Dec-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 implementation support mission carried out during November 13-21, 2023, 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. The 12/19/2023 Page 1 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) 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 174 platforms already built, more than 48,300 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 43,756 ha of land area. 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 -- 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 IN01382077 ►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 70.1% 70.1% 70% Date 16-Feb-2007 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 Since 2009, the water quality is monitored by ANAR. The initial monitoring network included a number of 124 piezometers. Since 2019, ANAR has extended the monitoring network for groundwater, in the project Comments: area. The monitoring data for the year 2022 was provided by ANAR in May 2023 and the indicator was calculated based on these data as compared with the baseline of 2009. IN01382078 ►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 12/19/2023 Page 2 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) Value 3% 69% 76.5% 75% Date 26-Feb-2009 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-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 was updated, using the same methodology, through the Mid-Term Survey, performed in the second semester, 2020. It showed that 69% of population in the project area (an important increase, as compared with the Comments: baseline value), 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 last update was made through the Final Survey, completed in October 2023. The results show that the percentage of households that have adopted preventive and remedial measure to reduce nutrient discharges, reached 71.7% of the total investigated communes in the survey and 76.5% in the communes with investments in the Project area. IN01382079 ►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 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-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 committees and specialised institutes and units under the authority and coordination of the Ministry of Comments: 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 Commission was held on 20.04.2023. At this meeting, the PMU made a presentation of the activities implemented under the Project. IN01382080 ►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 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 Comments: The last Romania’s 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, on June, 2020. It is worth to be mentioned that in the chapter 7 of this report, an entire section is dedicated to the achievements of the 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, 12/19/2023 Page 3 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) training and support provided to farmers and to all those interested in waters protection against pollution with nitrates originating from agriculture. IN01382211 ►Nutrient load reduction (Nitrogen(N)) achieved under the project (Tons/year, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 696.68 696.68 600.00 Date 01-Feb-2008 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 Presently, the monitoring data are collected through the Database software application for online communication with the local authorities. The PMU will continue to provide training to the communes’ officials on reporting using this application. Comments: This indicator is estimated yearly. The last update was for the year 2022. The nutrients load reduction (N) due to the platform’s operation is calculated at 671.18 tons. The nutrients load reduction (N) due to the sewerage systems operation is calculated to 25.50 tons. Intermediate Results Indicators by Components Project management IN01382215 ►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 3.00 3.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 Public Awareness and Information Support IN01382214 ►Number of meetings/public consultations/workshops organized towards meeting project objectives (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 247.00 250.00 200.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 In the reporting period between May-October 31st, 2023, 3 local events were organized in 4 counties with Comments: 137 participants. IN01382218 ►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 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 During year 2019, a complaint was received from one person involved in the construction works regarding Comments: 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 12/19/2023 Page 4 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) complainant within the indicated period of 30 days. In 2020, 2021, 2022 and in 2023, until October 31st, no other complaints were received. Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building IN01382213 ►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 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 IN01382217 ►Increased number of groundwater quality monitoring sites and sample analysis for the Nitrate Directive (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 7.50 8.12 8.12 8.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 IN01382220 ►Number of technical staff (ANAR, EPA, Health Directorates) trained (cumulative) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 689.00 709.00 700.00 Date 26-Feb-2009 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 The trainings were organised based on ANAR’s needs related to water quality monitoring. The rest of 20 Comments: ANAR staff were trained in November 2023 according with the contract implementation 14/IC/28.09.2023. IN01382221 ►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 6,128.00 6,504.00 6,000.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 7,439 participants received the 1st day of the training; while 6,843 participants received the second day of training, 6,504 participants received the third day of training and 253 received a special 4th day of training (the target is to train almost 6000 participants in 3 sessions). The 4th day of training was 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). 369 discussion groups were established, supported by around 243 champion farmers and 76 communal platforms hosting demonstrations for manure management good practices. The achievement rate in terms of trained persons is 123.98%. IN01382222 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 12/19/2023 Page 5 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) Value 0.00 2,200.00 2,827.00 2,400.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 IN01382223 ►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 14.47 14.47 25.00 Date 04-Nov-2015 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 IN01382224 ►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 47,100.00 48,300.00 30,000.00 Date 01-Feb-2008 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 The number of households per commune, in the Project area, vary depending on the commune size and the geographic location, but an average of 2100 households per commune could be an appropriate estimation. According with the final survey of October 2023, the percentage of households with livestock in the Project area is of 76.1%. For the average commune, that means about 1600 households with livestock. Also, the survey estimated that 56.1% of the households with livestock are applying manure management practices on their land, using their own means or using the project provided investments. Comments: That means about 900 households/commune. However, the dimensioning of the platforms was made to serve farmers on a radius of about 5 km around the platform because of the prohibitive transport cost for a much higher distance. It was estimated that only around one third of the households with livestock are located within this radius and could benefit of manure platforms. Therefore, the average number of farmers adopting manure management practice on their land is about 300/commune with investments. IN01382225 ►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 0.00 194.00 202.00 200.00 Date 26-Feb-2009 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 Presently there are 202 communes implementing different practices and measures for nutrients reduction. a) 137 communes (50 communes from Original Loan + 83 communes from INPCP-AF) implementing only manure management practices Comments: b) 12 communes implementing manure management, pastures rehabilitation and tree planting c) 22 communes implementing manure management and tree planting d) 31 communes implementing only tree planting. IN01382226 ►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 42,756.00 43,756.00 38,000.00 Date 01-Feb-2008 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 Comments: The target was established considering that, in average, a manure platform will help farmers to adopt sustainable land management practices for an average area of 250 ha. To date, 174 manure platforms and the related equipment were completed and hand it over to the beneficiary communes. In addition to 12/19/2023 Page 6 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) manure management practice, the communes adopted and implemented the tree planting on a total area of 256 ha. Thus, the total area where sustainable land management practices were adopted totals 43,756 ha. Investments in Local Communities for Reducing Nutrient Pollution IN01382212 ►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% 75.8% 60% baseline survey) Date 26-Feb-2009 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-2023 The Final Survey in the Additional Financing was completed in October 2023. It showed that the percentage of cropped area in the project communes under relevant nutrient reduction measures is Comments: 75.8%. as compared with the target of 60.0%. IN01382216 ►Number of communal platforms completed (cumulative) (Text, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 170.00 174.00 150.00 Date 26-Feb-2009 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-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 Comments: management in the Additional Financing Project are completed in 85 communes. IN01382219 ►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 81.88% 86.23% 60% Date 16-Feb-2007 31-May-2023 30-Nov-2023 31-Dec-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. Performance-Based Conditions Data on Financial Performance Disbursements (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed % Disbursed 12/19/2023 Page 7 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) 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 51.49 2.11 96% 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 31-Dec-2023 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 ,Level 2 Approved on 20-Mar-2023 Related Project(s) P099528-GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project ,P155594-Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project - Additional Financing 12/19/2023 Page 8 of 9 Public Disclosure Copy The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report GEF Romania Integrated Nutrient Pollution Control Project (P093775) 12/19/2023 Page 9 of 9