Environmental and Social Management Framework Belize Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (P172592) Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE DRAFT VERSION 2 – OCTOBER 22, 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 1 Rationale and Scope of the ESMF .................................................................................... 1 Objective of the ESMF ...................................................................................................... 2 Project Description ........................................................................................................... 3 2. Legal and Regulatory Framework ............................................................................................ 6 Summary of National Regulations Relevant to the Project ............................................. 6 World Bank Environmental and Social Framework ....................................................... 11 Comparison of National Regulation and World Bank ESSs ............................................ 14 3. Environmental and Social Baselines ...................................................................................... 18 4. Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ......................................................... 26 Potential Environmental Risks and Impacts ................................................................... 26 Potential Social Risks and Impacts ................................................................................. 32 5. Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures ................................................................... 38 Environmental Mitigation Measures ............................................................................. 39 Social Mitigation Measures ............................................................................................ 47 6. Analysis of Alternatives ......................................................................................................... 53 7. Screening Procedures ............................................................................................................ 54 Screening Process........................................................................................................... 54 Screening Criteria and Checklist ..................................................................................... 55 Negative List of Activities ............................................................................................... 57 Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) ................................................... 57 Technical Assistance ....................................................................................................... 60 Permitting ....................................................................................................................... 60 8. Environmental and Social Management Plan ....................................................................... 60 Elements of an ESMP ..................................................................................................... 60 Bidding Documents and Management of Contractors .................................................. 62 Compliance and Monitoring........................................................................................... 62 Capacity Development and Training .............................................................................. 63 Environmental and Social Management Capacities of MAFSE ...................................... 64 9. Institutional Arrangements ................................................................................................... 65 Roles and Responsibilities .............................................................................................. 65 I Financial Intermediaries ................................................................................................. 66 Monitoring...................................................................................................................... 67 Regular Reporting........................................................................................................... 68 World Bank Supervision ................................................................................................. 68 Accident and Incident Notification ................................................................................ 68 Adaptive Management................................................................................................... 68 Budgeting and Resources ............................................................................................... 68 10. Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Mechanism .......................................................... 72 Stakeholder Engagement ........................................................................................... 72 ESMF Disclosure.......................................................................................................... 72 Grievance Mechanism ................................................................................................ 73 11. Annex ..................................................................................................................................... 84 Annex 1 - Subproject Environmental and Social Screening Form .............................. 84 Annex 2 - Environmental and Social Management Plan Template and Sample ........ 92 Annex 3 - Integrated Pest Management Plan ............................................................ 94 Annex 4 – Detailed Project Components ................................................................... 97 Annex 5 –Relevant Environmental and Social Features ........................................... 100 Annex 6 – Belize Environmental Clearance Process ................................................. 111 Annex 7: Sample Grievance Registration Form ........................................................ 119 List of Tables Table 1 Summary of Key Project Activities................................................................................ 4 Table 2 Summary of National Regulation and Relevance to the Project .................................. 6 Table 3 Summary of ESS and Relevance to the Project .......................................................... 11 Table 4 Comparison of National Regulation with Bank ESF .................................................... 14 Table 5 Selection and Rationale of the Environmental Baselines ........................................... 19 Table 6 Selection and Rationale of the Social Baselines ......................................................... 19 Table 7 Summary of Environmental and Social Baselines and Rationale for Parameters ...... 20 Table 8 Summary of Social Baselines and Rationale for Parameters...................................... 23 Table 9 Summary of Environmental Mitigation Measures ..................................................... 39 Table 10 Summary of Social Mitigation Measures.................................................................... 47 Table 11 Screening Process for Individual Farmers under Subcomponent 2.1 ........................ 54 II Table 12 Screening Process for Collective Goods under Subcomponent 2.2 ........................... 54 Table 13 Budget Estimate for the Project-level Grievance Mechanism ................................... 70 Table 14 Budget Estimate for additional costs related to the LMP Grievance Mechanism ..... 70 Table 15 Overall Budget Estimate ............................................................................................. 71 Table 16 Summary of design of the GM:................................................................................... 78 Table 17 Belize EIA Classification and Requirements................................................................ 91 Table 18 Rural Population Breakdown of Project Sites .......................................................... 104 List of Acronyms ARAP - Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan BAHA - Belize Agricultural Health Authority BAIMS - Belize Agriculture Information Management System CERC - Contingency Emergency Response Component CRESAP - Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project CSA - Climate Smart Agriculture DFC - Development Finance Corporation DOE - Department of Environment EAP - Emergency Action Plan ECP - Environmental Compliance Plan EHS - Environmental, Health, and Safety EIA - Environmental Impact Assessment ESCP - Environmental and Social Commitment Plan ESF - Environmental and Social Framework ESMF - Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP - Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMS - Environmental and Social Management System FI - Financial Intermediary GOB - Government of Belize GM - Grievance Mechanism IOA - Institute of Archaeology IPP - Indigenous Peoples Plan LMP - Labor Management Procedure MSDCCDRM - Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change & Disaster Risk Management MHDFIPA - Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs MFEDI - Ministry of Finance, Economic Development & Investment MNRPM - Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining MAFSE - Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise NEMC - National Emergency Management Committee III NEMO - National Emergency Management Organization NICH - National Institute of Culture and History NMS - National Meteorological Service OPHI - Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative PCB - Pesticides Control Board PFI - Participating Financial Institutions PIU - Project Implementation Unit RPF - Resettlement Policy Framework WB - World Bank IV 1. Introduction Rationale and Scope of the ESMF The World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) sets out the World Bank’s commitment to sustainable development through a World Bank policy and a set of Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that are designed to support Borrowers’ projects, with the aim of ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity. The ESSs set out the mandatory requirements that apply to the Borrower and projects. They present a set of guidelines and instructions with the objective of fostering efficient and effective identification and mitigation of potentially adverse environmental and social impacts that may occur in the development projects. More information on the ESF can be found at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/environmental-and-social-framework. The Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is an instrument under the World Bank’s ESF that examines the risks and impacts when a project consists of a program and/or series of subprojects, and the risks and impacts cannot be determined until the program or subproject details have been identified. Because the proposed project will support several subprojects that will only be identified during the implementation stage, the project has adopted the framework approach to guide the environmental and social risk management of the project and the various subprojects. This ESMF is intended to guide the environmental and social selection and implementation of activities under subcomponent 2.1, component 1, and subcomponent 3. In addition, the financial intermediaries will use this ESMF to guide the development of their own Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMSs) for the implementation of activities under subcomponent 2.1 The ESMF sets out the principles, rules, guidelines, and procedures to assess the environmental and social risks and impacts. It highlights relevant general policies, guidelines, codes of practice and procedures to be taken into consideration for integration of environmental and social aspects into the project design. The ESMF contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate, and/or offset adverse risks and impacts, provisions for estimating and budgeting the costs of such measures, and information on the agency or agencies responsible for addressing project risks and impacts, including on its capacity to manage environmental and social risks and impacts. It includes adequate information on the area in which subprojects are expected to be sited, including any potential environmental and social vulnerabilities of the area; and on the potential impacts that may occur and mitigation measures that might be expected to be used. The ESMF will be made available for consultations in appropriate locations in Belize and will be disclosed on the Bank’s website1. 1 During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, consultation activities will comply with Government of Belize regulations for social and health measures as well as the guidelines of the World Bank. Further information on such guidelines and GOB regulations available in the CRESAP SEP. 1 Objective of the ESMF The objective of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) is to provide guiding principles for the screening and management of the environmental and social risks and impacts of the project and to subsequently guide the appropriate environmental and social assessment of subprojects during implementation and improve the overall environmental and social performance, through a risk- and outcomes-based approach in a manner consistent with the ESF and the relevant provisions under national law. The main purposes of this ESMF are to: a) Provide the legal requirements defined in the ESF as well Belize legislation that the project activities will need to comply with during their implementation. b) Set out the general principles, rules, guidelines, and procedures to assess the environmental and social risks and impacts of subprojects, following the mitigation hierarchy. c) Contain general measures and plans to reduce, mitigate, and/or offset adverse risks and impacts. d) Provide information on the agency or agencies responsible for addressing project risks and impacts, including on the capacity to manage environmental and social risks and impacts. e) Ensure all relevant environmental and social issues are mainstreamed for different phases of subprojects i.e. planning, construction, and operation of the sub-projects. f) Detail a negative list of activities which will be excluded from project financing. g) Provide guidance for preparation of various safeguard documents and outline the process of determining where and when site specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs)/Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) will be required and activities that will only require screening of environmental and social risks. h) Provide guidance for ensuring stakeholder engagement at various stages of sub-project implementation including grievance redress. i) Provide guidelines for screening possible activities to be supported under the CERC, list activities not to be supported under the CERC, possible mitigation measures, and monitoring following the World Bank CERC Guidance It is expected that detailed environmental and social assessments for project sites will be conducted for specific subproject activities, in accordance with this Framework, and reviewed and cleared by the MAFSE PIU, relevant authorities such as the Department of the Environment (DOE) where required, other permitting agencies and in some cases the World Bank. The screening procedures for subprojects are further elaborated in Chapter 7: Screening Procedures and in Annex-6: Belize Environmental Clearance Process. 2 Project Description The Government of Belize is preparing a new Investment Project Financing project- the Climate Resilient Agriculture Project (CRESAP), with financing from the World Bank (WB). The Project Development Objective is to increase agricultural productivity of and build resilience to climate change risks among the targeted producers, and to respond effectively to an Eligible Crisis or Emergency event. Figure 1 Project Site (Highlighted in The project will target as priority the four districts of the Yellow) Northern region (Cayo, Orange Walk, Corozal, and Belize) out of the six that the country has and where the impacts of climate change and climate variability are expected to be stronger on the main agricultural value chains implemented by the targeted beneficiaries (sugar cane, rice, maize, soybean, vegetables, livestock, fruits). Some activities may also benefit value chains, such as the banana value chain, the citrus value chain, and farmers on the two other districts of the country (Stann Creek and Toledo). The environmental and social risk classification is Moderate under the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework. The beneficiaries of this project would be individual small-, medium- and large-scale farmers, members of farmers’ organizations and others associated with the agriculture food systems in the project districts, agricultural families, staff of the several departments of the MOA, and students from the Agriculture Department of the University of Belize among others. It is estimated that approximately 2,500 producers will benefit directly from this funding, with more benefiting indirectly. The details of the stakeholders are elaborated under the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Project Components The project would intervene through four components: 1. Component 1 aims to (i) strengthen the capacity of key institutions that are part of the project (US$6 million), and (ii) strengthen participating financial institutions, individual farmers, and farmers organizations’ capacity. 2. Component 2 aims to promote (i) Climate-Smart Agriculture technologies and practices uptake at the individual level (farmer level), and (ii) collective investments which would be targeted towards farmer groups or are in the form of public goods such as rural infrastructure (US$16 million). 3. Component 3 (US$3 million) relates to project management and monitoring and evaluation. 4. Component 4 is the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) with currently US$0 allocation. The CERC will be triggered only when the GoB has officially declared an emergency and a statement of the facts is provided, justifying the request to activate 3 the use of the emergency funding. The CERC would finance emergency purchases and activities, including goods, works, and technical assistance in the event of a disaster. The details of the project components are elaborated in Annex 4. Project Activities Table 1 Summary of Key Project Activities Components/ Key Activities Summary Scale Subcomponent Component 1: Institutional Strengthening Subcomponent - Capacity building training relevant 1.1: Government and Academic Institutions Strengthening on addressing women need in agriculture the Capacity of and on developing studies and diagnosis Relevant of the agricultural sector (full details on Government and the activities available in Annex 4) Academic - Design and/or establishment of Institutions information systems, agrometeorological products and services - Design and establishment of a system to improve interconnectivity and/or interoperability - Maintenance and/or upgrade of the National Meteorological Network and rehabilitation of weather stations Subcomponent - Capacity building training for stakeholders 1.2: involved in project implementation to Strengthening enhance knowledge in new technologies Participating and approaches in climate-smart and Financial resilient agriculture (full details on the Institutions, activities available in Annex 4) Individual Farmers, and Farmers Organizations’ Capacity Component 2: Promotion Climate-Smart Approaches and Investments Subcomponent - Increase land use intensity (double Promotion of On- Individual 2.1: Promotion of cropping, intercropping, high-yield farm CSA smallholder On-farm CASE varieties) Technologies and famers; technologies and - Plant density management Practices. This commercial practices - Crop rotation subcomponent will large- and - Diversification of crops be implemented medium- - Water-efficient irrigation by participating scale - Water-efficient management financial farmers - Efficient use of agricultural inputs intermediaries 4 - Innovative storage technologies (FIs). Each FI will - Drought-resistant seeds be required to - Disease tolerant plant varieties develop and - Sustainable livestock systems including implement an silvo-pastoral systems for beef cattle Environmental and production, improved breeding and Social feeding and improved manure Management management. System (ESMS) to - Change of production system toward screen and more resilient and adaptive practices such manage risks and as agroforestry, improved soil and land impacts management (minimum tillage), etc. appropriate to the - Technical assistance support to farmers in nature of the the preparation of their request for the subproject funding and support for sub-projects’ activities. implementation - Labour-reducing technologies for women and young people that are affordable, accessible, and based on their needs Subcomponent - Post-production investments Provision of Collective 2.2: Promotion of - Value addition Complementary Complementary - Drainage Collective Goods Collective Goods - Small-scale, collective water-harvesting to Strengthen to Strengthen Resilience. This Resilience subcomponent will be implemented by the MAFSE. 5 2. Legal and Regulatory Framework The Government of Belize, mainly through the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Disaster Risk Management (MSDCCDRM) and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Petroleum & Mining (MNRPM), manages and safeguards Belize’s environment from impacts associated from development activities. More specifically, the Department of the Environment via the MSDCCDRM’s tasks are to recommend national policies which promote improvements in environmental quality, to recommend priorities among environmental programs and to assist in achieving international cooperation in dealing with environmental problems. The MNRPM aims to achieve sustainable development of Belize’s national land, water and mineral resources. The aim is to foster prudent use of the country’s natural resources through preservation, protection and improvement of the environment and the control of pollution. Social risk management does not have a specific law to address develop impacts as it is for the environmental sector but rather are covered under various and diverse pieces of legislation. Summary of National Regulations Relevant to the Project Table 2 Summary of National Regulation and Relevance to the Project Legislation and National Requirements Relevance to the Project Responsible Section Authority The Environmental - prevention of pollution on land, water and air -May be applicable for Subcomponent 2.2 of the Department of the Protection Act, - prohibitions on dumping of waste project in the design, construction and operational Environment, Revised 2000 - environmental impact assessment phases. These may be considered as Schedule 3 Ministry of - the control of nutrients deposited into the according to regulation. Sustainable environment. Development, - Assessment requirements for project depending Climate Change on whether they fall into Schedule 1,2 or 3 and Disaster Risk Management The Environmental - Assessment of effects on humans, flora and -Subprojects will be screened under this regulation Department of the Impact Assessment fauna, water, soil, air, and ecological balance. to determine whether they trigger the need for Environment, Regulations, - The EIA is required to include measures that further studies or a full EIA before proceeding Ministry of Amended 2007 should be undertaken to mitigate any adverse Sustainable environmental effects Development, Climate Change 6 and Disaster Risk Management Wildlife Protection - regulations for the use and limitation of use of -Construction activities for drainage; land-use Forest Act, 1982 (Revised wildlife and all that is contingent on for its intensification; and change of productive systems Department, 2000) survival require consideration of impact on wildlife in Ministry of accordance with the Act Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management The National - monitoring and sustainable use of freshwater -drainage; water harvesting; and irrigation have Ministry of Natural Integrated Water resources potential impact on water resources and therefore Resources Recourse Act, Revised must be mitigated and monitored in accordance 2011 with the Act Land Utilization Act, - manage and regulate sustainable use and -Land used for project and subproject activities Ministry of Natural Revised 2000 development of land as well as conservation must consider allocated and acceptable use of such Resources measures for land resources land in accordance with the Act Pollution Regulations, - monitor and govern air, noise, water, and land - The use of agricultural inputs in the project will Department of the Revised 2009 pollution need to be monitored and properly governed to Environment, avoid pollution in accordance with the Act Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management The Forest Act, - Protection and preservation of trees, forest -Individual on-farm CSA practices and collective Forest Department Revised 2000 products as it relates to felling of trees, grazing of goods must follow regulation as it relates to cattle, hunting, shooting, clearing for cultivation, increasing land-use intensity and agroforestry burning lime or charcoal, and collecting and removing forest products 7 The National Parks - designation of national parks, wildlife -Land use intensity activities; value addition and Department of the System Act, Revised sanctuaries, natural monument, and nature other collective goods that may require land Environment, 2000 reserves acquisition must ensure it does not violate the Act Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management The Nuisances Act - ability to remove a nuisance where any building -Drainage; collective water harvesting; and Court may Chapter 118, Revised or place or any activity of the contractors, irrigation construction work must ensure it operates authorize the City, Edition 2000 whether by land or wate in line with the Act to prevent delays Village or Town Council in whose district the building, place or way is situated Disaster - governs disasters and disaster risk management -The CERC can only be activated when the country National Preparedness And - defines disaster emergency and holds power to declares an emergency in alignment with this Act Emergency Response Act Chapter proclaim a state of emergency when the Management 145, Revised Edition Governor-General is satisfied Organization 2003 (NEMO) The Public Health Act - regulates water supply, drainage, garbage -Water harvesting; temporary facilities for Ministry of Health, and Regulations collection and storage, infectious diseases, contractors must be in line with the Act around the Public Health Chapter 40, Revised mosquito destruction, sanitation, and prevention storage of water and the provision of facilities Department Edition 2003 of nuisances in all spaces during construction and operations of the project The Social Security - stipulates that employers pay social security -All activities requiring the hiring of staff, including Ministry of Act Chapter 44, contributions for employees the PIU, must ensure contributions are paid for Finance Revised Edition 2003 each employee 8 Protection Against - prohibits sexual harassment at the workplace and -All activities requiring the hiring of staff, including Labour Sexual Harassment at institutions the PIU, must ensure it follows procedures for Department Act 1996, Revised reporting instances of sexual harassment edition 2000 The Labour Act and - make provisions for recruiting employees, terms -All activities requiring the hiring of staff, including Labour Regulations Chapter and conditions of employment, payment of the PIU, must ensure it follows procedures for Department 297, Revised Edition wages, dispute resolution recruiting and managing employees 2000 The Workmen - makes provisions for contractors’ liability for -All project activities that involve employed Labour Compensation Act compensations in the event of an accident personnel must follow the Act in the event of Department Chapter 303, Revised accidents on the job or while being transported to Edition 2000 the job The Family and - prohibits employing any child in a capacity where -All project activities that involved hiring of Ministry of Human Children’s Act and it is detrimental to his/her health, education, or personnel must ensure children are protected Development Regulations Chapter mental, physical or moral development 173, Revised Edition 2003 The Village Council - establishes village councils across every village -Activities involving construction; uptake of CSA Labour Act and Regulations and mandates them with the good governance practices and collective goods operating in villages Department, Chapter 88, Revised and improvement of the community including the must get approval, whether written or verbal, from Ministry of Rural Edition 2011 sanitation of the village, drainage and sewage, village councils to operate Transformation the suppression and abatement of nuisances, ensuring sound environmental practices by all persons in the village, etc 9 The Motor Vehicles - prohibits persons from driving work vehicles -All vehicles being operated by project staff must Department of and Road Traffic Act without licenses or authorisations ensure they are properly licensed, and employees Transport Chapter 230, Revised have clear authorisations to use vehicles Edition 2000 The National Institute - - makes provision with respect to the protection -Project activities that may result in interaction with Ministry of for Culture and and conservation of ancient monuments and ancient monuments and antiquities must not be Education, History Act Chapter related matters destroyed and no person should have possession of Culture, Science 331, Revised Edition such antiquities unless provided with a license by and Technology 2000 the Minister Bill for the - Act in the pipeline for every employer to - Over 9000 persons are expected to be Labour Occupational Safety ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, employed throughout the project, either Department and Health Act, the safety, health and welfare at work of all directly or indirectly, and therefore 2014 his workers Occupational Safety and Health are key - concerns, developed further in the CRESAP LMP 10 World Bank Environmental and Social Framework The Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) set out the requirements for Borrowers (in this case Government of Belize) relating to the identification and assessment of environmental and social risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing. The ESF requires considering environmental and social issues throughout the preparation, and execution of a project, with emphasis on stakeholder participation and monitoring. Additionally, it establishes more clearly the functions and responsibilities of the World Bank and its borrowers and proposes a hierarchical risk management approach which is proportionate to the risks and impacts of the projects. The ESF consists of the Environmental and Social Policy and ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESS). The standards relevant to the CRESAP are as follows: Table 3 Summary of ESS and Relevance to the Project Environmental and Explanation of Relevance to CRESAP Social Standards ESS1 - Assessment Relevant - Although the project is expected to reap positive environmental and and Management social benefits, some of the project activities may have direct and indirect of Environmental environmental and social risks. This Environmental and Social Management and Social Risks Framework (ESMF) has been developed to guide subproject implementation and and Impacts detailed environmental assessments, where required. ESS2 – Labor and Relevant – The project will contract direct and contracted workers and results in Working the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) to identify the different types of Conditions project workers that are likely to be involved and managed and a separate grievance mechanism (GM) for workers. ESS3 – Resource Relevant – The Uptake of climate-smart agriculture among farmers is likely to Efficiency and promote the efficient use of water and nutrient cycling, promote sustainable Pollution livestock systems and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A Waste Management Prevention and Plan, Pollution Management Plan, Stormwater Sedimentation and Erosion Management Control Plan, Integrated Pest Management Plan, and other measures will be developed as part of subproject ESMPs to manage agricultural waste and integrated pest management strategies to guide subproject implementation. In addition, the ESMF outlines mitigation measures to tackle pollution. ESS4 - Community Relevant – Some of the project activities may pose negative risks and impacts to Health and Safety the wellbeing of farmers, workers, and other community members. The ESMF includes potential risks and provides guidelines for mitigation measures, which will be incorporated into a Community Health and Safety Plan, Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, Traffic and Road Safety Management Plan, Security Plan, and other measures as part of detailed site-specific ESMPs. ESS5 - Land Relevant – There is a possibility of land take during infrastructure improvements Acquisition, as well as the management of possible voluntary land donations for community Restrictions on level water harvesting. A Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been 11 Land Use, and developed to guide preparation of Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) where Involuntary needed, to establish eligibility criteria for affected persons and use of project Resettlement level grievance mechanisms. ESS6 - Biodiversity Relevant –Risks relate to degradation of habitats due to eutrophication and Conservation and salinization from poorly constructed irrigation and drainage systems, Sustainable modifications to natural habitats to bring more land under cultivation, human- Management of wildlife conflict especially in agroforestry, management of cattle, and planting of Living Natural invasive alien species. Mitigation measures are outlined in the ESMF which will be Resources included in site-specific ESMPs or in a biodiversity assessment as part of the ESIA / screening and subsequent Biodiversity Management Plans for projects with wider scopes. ESS7- Indigenous Relevant – The targeted districts proposed for implementation of project Peoples/Sub- activities contain indigenous peoples. Results in the development of the Saharan African Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework to guide how the project will engage Historically with such communities in the project area and address grievances through the Underserved project level GM, as well as a Social Assessment and Indigenous Peoples Plans Traditional Local Communities ESS8 - Cultural Relevant – Belize is home to several well-known Maya sites such as Altun Ha and Heritage Lamanai archaeological sites in Northern and Central Belize, as well as numerous smaller chance finds. Results into a Chance Finds procedure, included in this ESMF. The procedure describes the process to follow in case a chance find is discovered and the reporting process to the National Institute of Culture and History. ESS9 - Financial Relevant– The implementation of activities under subcomponent 2.1 will be Intermediaries carried out through participating FIs who are better suited than MAFSE to handle individual investments and the resulting administrative and fiduciary processes. Results in the review of existing and development of new Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) for participating Financial Intermediaries (PFIs). ESS10 - Relevant – There are several internal and external stakeholders. Results in the Stakeholder development of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan which seeks to strengthen Engagement and participation of the sectors and stakeholders involved and the development of a Information project level GM. A Social Assessment (SA) will also be prepared to identify all Disclosure project affected peoples in the targeted districts and the results will be incorporated in the project design World Bank Group Environmental, Health & Safety Guidelines (EHSGs) The EHSGs are technical reference documents with general and industry-specific examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP). These General EHS Guidelines are designed to be used together with the relevant Industry Sector EHS Guidelines which provide guidance to users on EHS issues in specific industry sectors. A complete list of industry sector guidelines can be found at: 12 https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustai nability-at-ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines#IndustryEHS Sector-specific EHSGs that may be relevant to the project include: • Agribusiness/Food Production such as but not limited to Annual Crop Production, Aquaculture, Dairy Processing, Fish Processing, Mammalian Livestock Production, Perennial Crop Production, Poultry Processing, Poultry Production The applicability of the EHS Guidelines should be tailored to the hazards and risks established for each subproject on the basis of the results of an environmental assessment in which site- specific variables, such as country context, assimilative capacity of the environment, and other project factors, are taken into account. 13 Comparison of National Regulation and World Bank ESSs The CRESAP Project will be subject to both domestic law and Bank ESS. This table presents a comparison of the aspects of the environmental and social framework that are covered and shows where there are key gaps as well. Where there are gaps in the domestic legislation, these will be covered by Bank ESS as they will apply. Table 4 Comparison of National Regulation with Bank ESF Bank ESSs Domestic Law Gaps Bridging Measures ESS 1: Assessment and Environmental Protection Domestic law focuses mostly on ESMF provides dedicated Management of Act and environmental impacts. Social information on social impacts and Environmental and impacts are considered but not in mitigation measures EIA Regulations Social Risks and Impacts depth. ESS 2: Labor and Belize Labour Act, Cap. 297 Domestic law addresses all aspects LMP adopts the General Guidelines Working Conditions of labour but limited in aspects of for Occupational Health and Safety occupational health and safety. of the World Bank that addresses Also allows for minors 14 years of OHS, including identifying risk, age to work. mitigation options and training on OHS ESS 3: Resource Environmental Protection Domestic law covers all aspects Local laws adequately cover efficiency and pollution (Effluent Limitations) pollution and contamination on the pollution prevention and prevention and Regulations (S.I. 94 of environment and water resources management, while the ESMF management 1995) and the Pollution protection. Does not directly covers resource efficiency in Regulations (S.I. 56 of address resource efficiency particular around use of energy 1996). requirements. The Hazardous Waste Regulations address the National Integrated Water overall management of hazardous Resources Act wastes including storage, Hazardous Waste transportation, treatment and Regulations, 2009 prohibitions 14 Bank ESSs Domestic Law Gaps Bridging Measures ESS4: Community The Public Health Act and Domestic law is not as broad based The ESMF and LMP considers the Health and Safety Regulations or comprehensive as ESS4 in terms risks and mitigation measures of addressing project impacts. around ensuring community health Environmental Protection Domestic traffic law manages use and safety during construction and (Effluent Limitations) and operations of vehicles but not when handle hazardous material Regulations (S.I. 94 of specifically traffic management on and flora and fauna 1995) and the Pollution construction sites. Regulations (S.I. 56 of 1996). Domestic law controls the manufacture, importation, sale, Motor Vehicles And Road storage and use of pesticides Traffic Act, Cap. 230 adequately. Pesticides Control Act, Cap. 216 and Regulations ESS 5: Land Acquisition, Land Acquisition Act Compensation for expropriation of RPF outlines that Compulsory land Restrictions on Land property for public use is provided acquisition will be based on Land Utilization Act Use and Involuntary for in domestic law but support for provision of the laws of Belize, WB Resettlement Public Roads Act resettlement is not covered. Policy ESS5 and this Framework. GOB policy and practice is that legal acquisition is very often avoided. If unavoidable, compulsory acquisition will be through the participatory and consultative process outlined in this Framework. This is to ensure that affected persons are provided with adequate level support and have the opportunity to provide input and share concerns early on, as necessary. 15 Bank ESSs Domestic Law Gaps Bridging Measures ESS 6: Biodiversity National Parks System Act Considerations and conservation of The ESMF also ensures the Conservation and biodiversity and habitats is protection and consideration of Wildlife Protection Act Sustainable adequately addressed through the indigenous flora and fauna by Management of Living Forest Act Cap. 213 combination of various domestic considering risks and mitigation Natural Resources Environmental Protection laws. measures Act and EIA Regulations ESS 7: Indigenous Village Councils Act There are no specific legislations The IPPF provides a comprehensive Peoples / Sub-Saharan addressing the needs of indigenous framework ensures that projects African Historically peoples other than the enhance opportunities for Underserved Traditional Constitution of Belize which Indigenous Peoples to participate Local Communities guarantees equal protection of the in, and benefit from, the law and non-discrimination of all development process in ways that forms. do not threaten their unique cultural identities and well-being. It provides opportunity for dedicated consultations to identify impact, mitigation, opportunities and feedback of this group in particular ESS 8: Cultural Heritage NICH Act The NICH Act adequately protects WB ESS8 reiterates procedures cultural resources. outlined in the NICH Act, including a chance finds procedure which will be followed if previously unknown cultural heritage is encountered during project activities 16 Bank ESSs Domestic Law Gaps Bridging Measures ESS9: Financial Development Finance The DFC Act and the Banks and WB EE9 requires that FIs develop Institutions Corporation Act Chapter Financial Institutions Act govern and maintain, in the form of an 279 Revised Edition 2011 the establishment and functions of Environmental and Social banks in Belize. These laws do not Management System (ESMS), specifically mandate consideration effective environmental and social Banks And Financial for environmental or social impacts systems, procedures and capacity Institutions Act as intended by ESS9. However, for assessing, managing, and Chapter 263, Revised local investment activities are monitoring risks and impacts of Edition 2000 subject to the environmental and subprojects, as well as managing social laws of Belize and the overall portfolio risk in a conduct of an EIA if it falls under responsible manner the required category. ESS 10: Stakeholder Environmental Protection Stakeholder engagement and Stakeholder Engagement Plan Engagement and consultation provided for in the EIA ensures local communities have Act and EIA Regulations Information Disclosure regulations though limited to a few meaningful consultation public meetings. Copies of EIA throughout project design, reports are also required to be implementation and close out made available to the general phases, ensuring vulnerable groups public. represented – even if a full EIA is not required 17 3. Environmental and Social Baselines This section provides guidance on the process subprojects should follow to identify the environmental and social baselines, collection of baseline data at the subproject level and monitoring these aspects during implementation. The sections below provide indicative environmental and social baselines that are likely to be relevant to the Project. However, each subproject will be required to identify additional baselines beyond those discussed below, depending on the specific activities. Subprojects will use the Subproject Screening Form in Annex 1 to identify such additional baselines and the risks. The stakeholder engagement process will provide input to the selection of the baselines. Thereafter, each of the baselines will require methods for measuring the current state before commencing subproject activities and future changes. To be able to monitor the impact of the subproject activity, the baseline condition of the topography of the subproject site should be measured and monitored. The collection of primary and secondary data for the environmental and social baseline condition in the study area needs to be characterized using both primary and secondary data. Primary data can be collected by the PIU field staff or external experts through rapid rural appraisal (RRA), focus group discussions (FGD), key informant interviews (KII) and public consultations. Secondary data can be collected from maps, databases, and other existing literature. Diagram showing how subproject activities will identify additional baselines • The subproject proponents (e.g. contractors, farmers), with assistance from consultants, shall identify the environmental and social baselines Step 1 likely to be affected by each activity • The screening form in Annex 1 will be used to narrow down to obtain the E&S baselines that are relevant to the activities. Step 2 • For collective investments, stakeholders will be consulted to ensure that relevant E&S aspects and baselines are considered Step 3 • The proponent shall develop methods to identify, measure and monitor changes to the baselines Step 4 18 Table 5 Selection and Rationale of the Environmental Baselines Environmental Description and rationale for selection Baselines 1. Topography Outlay of the land, drainage, Land slope, soil. The topography of the project sites is impacted primarily by actions surrounding the drainage project activity, including how drainage systems are designed and planned, as well as resulting increase in use of vehicles and equipment near waterways 2. Water resources Rivers, watersheds, catchments, groundwater Water resources is a VEC that may be impacted by several project activities, including: irrigation, drainage project activities and rainwater harvesting 3. Forests Forests and forest cover Forests is a VEC that may be impacted by the following project activity: Change of production system toward more resilient and adaptive practices (agroforestry). It may be impacted by deforestation and invasive species. 4. Biodiversity and Habitats for critically endangered and vulnerable species, protected areas Nature protection Biodiversity and nature protection is a VEC that may be impacted by several project activities, including Drainage and Irrigation Table 6 Selection and Rationale of the Social Baselines Social Baselines Description Owners and/or users of land, including government land, displacement, traditional use of land Land tenure Land tenure may be impacted by several project activities in Component 2, especially in regard to collective goods, including drainage, post production, and collective water harvesting Employment Labour force, influx/outflows of temporary workers, income and livelihood Employment should be positively impacted by the project activities but it also can be negatively affected. Gender equity Population and sexual demographic, governance structures, job opportunities for women and young people Gender equity is a key component to be considered in the execution of the project and the safeguarding instruments, including the Stakeholder Engagement Plan. Some project activities may impact gender relations and should be considered. Inclusivity of Representation of wide range of marginalised stakeholders marginalised Stakeholders, including LGBTQ+ community, single mother households, the unemployed, low income households, those living with groups disabilities/HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and Indigenous Peoples should be considered in all consultations that feed into project design, 19 implementation and evaluation. If excluded, they may be further marginalised and disenfranchised in the communities in which the project operates Cultural heritage Tangible (movable and immovable objects, sites, structures, natural features with cultural significance) and intangible heritage (practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that communities and groups recognise as cultural heritage) Cultural Heritage in both tangible and intangible forms have various forms of value, including social and spiritual, scientific, and economic value, that may be at risk from project activities including: Various forms of works (drainage, water harvesting, irrigation), Promotion of on- farm CSA technologies that may lead to encroachment on tangible heritage or intangible heritage such as traditional farming practices Healthy and Health facilities, infrastructure and amenities, crime, RTAs, STD transmission rates Safety Health and Safety is a key component as it relates to working conditions and the potential introduction of risks into communities from migrant workers. Local Traditions, rituals, ways of life and agricultural methods of local community Community The risk of disrupting local community culture is considered with the introduction of migrant workers especially as well as potentially Culture adjusting the way land is used that may be interlinked to cultural practices i.e. land that may have been used as a football field may be used for water harvesting; switching from slash and burn agriculture to another form Table 7 Summary of Environmental and Social Baselines and Rationale for Parameters Change in Subproject Measurable Baseline Parameter Rationale for selection of the parameter Baseline Activity Topography Change in o Pre-disturbed terrain conditions Changes to drainage conditions may impact terrain topography stability or affect creek/stream channels and wetlands Measurement methods: pictures, visual observations, digital records, local interviews Drainage o Soil quality Implemented field drainage systems may become vehicles for leached nutrients if not properly planned Measurement methods: through visual observation, site inspections they can also result in waterlogged soil, soil and laboratory analysis salinization, alkalization, and acidification Water Resources Change in o Depth to groundwater (masl) Irrigation activities that involve pumping of Irrigation water groundwater may lower the water table. 20 Change in Subproject Measurable Baseline Parameter Rationale for selection of the parameter Baseline Activity quantity and Measurement methods: water level meters quality o Water quality: Fertilizers and pesticide application may pollute creeks and rivers. • dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity • nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) • toxicants such as insecticides, herbicides and metals Measurement methods: handheld sensors, visual observations Drainage o Number of streams, lakes and water level changes Change in stream/river flow through drainage activities o Available discharge data Measurement methods: visual observations/counting streams, meteorology data Rainwater o Overflow If these factors are not considered, the water Harvesting harvested will be of poor-quality causing changes in o Leakage the soil’s composition including salinity and acidity o Water quality: which can be damaging for crops. • dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, salinity • nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) • toxicants such as insecticides, herbicides and metals Measurement methods: handheld sensors, visual observations, laboratory tests etc 21 Change in Subproject Measurable Baseline Parameter Rationale for selection of the parameter Baseline Activity Forests Change of o Invasive species Invasive alien tree species can replace valuable production indigenous species which are comparatively less o Vegetation type by locations system aggressive toward more Measurement methods: observations, photographs, local data, resilient and counting species, interviews Change in adaptive forests practices (agroforestry) Improved o Deforestation (net forest cover loss) This can have the effect of making agriculture even yield seed more profitable relative to leaving the land as forests, Measurement methods: observations, records, photos, counting varieties which can lead to agricultural expansion into forested trees/vegetation areas and hence deforestation Biodiversity and nature protection Change in o Eutrophication Improperly planned and constructed drainage biodiversity Drainage systems can cause damage through flooding and as a o Measurement methods: water transparency, laboratory testing, and nature vehicle for eutrophication of certain areas which can odour, remote sensing, aquatic fauna health e.g., number of healthy protection degrade habitats especially of amphibians and reptiles fish o Siltation Hydrological alterations may cause siltation which can be harmful to wildlife. Measurement methods: Visual water transparency o Mammals, bird, fish populations Irrigation Measurement methods: Count, local wildlife surveys o Protected Areas o Measurement methods: Ensuring no intrusion, reports to protected area authorities, monitoring by local conservation authorities 22 Table 8 Summary of Social Baselines and Rationale for Parameters It is important to note that the social baselines tend to be affected primarily by the overall project activities and less so by specific, individual subproject activities as with the environmental baselines. Change in Baseline Measurable Parameter Rationale for selection of the parameter Land Tenure Ownership/use of land For the purpose siting of important agricultural infrastructure investments, it may be necessary to in project area, including expropriate private property or there may be voluntary land donation by farmers and community residents. government land This can result in loss of land and other properties such as buildings, fences, driveways, signs etc.) from removal, acquisition, and demolition Change in land tenure Traditional uses of land Access to properties Access to properties and businesses can be impeded during construction works. Employment Change in employment % of population in the Outside workers may be brought in a by a contractor, removing opportunities from local communities. community employed by industry sector Labor intensity Increasing the complexity of fields and the resulting field layouts can further negate the possibility of using farm machinery for land preparation, planting, and harvesting. This can all result in the need for additional labour input and labor costs. Labour intensity may be met by increasing the work burden of women and children Gender Equity Existing roles of women It is possible that job opportunities whether in the constructing irrigations and draining systems, water in the project areas harvesting facilities and related CSA training can side-line women who are often not able to participate due Change in gender relations to their social roles. Employment rate by gender 23 Change in Baseline Measurable Parameter Rationale for selection of the parameter Inclusivity of Marginalised groups Representation in Marginalised groups must be represented and provided with the opportunity for consultations early on that consultations determine project design, implementation and evaluation. Job opportunities can side-line women and men that may require additional support and therefore are side-lined on the project Change in representation of Existing roles in project marginalised groups area Employment rate by group Cultural Heritage Location and status of Disturbances to historical and archaeological sites arising from works are possible community structures Change in cultural heritage Presence of Indigenous Indigenous People might become displaced, losing connections to traditional lands holding cultural People significance. They may also be marginalized and not have access to project benefits. Community Health and Safety Number of reports of Noise pollution will be emitted from heavy machinery and equipment significant noise disruption from communities Number of workers Increased chances of work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses during construction Change in community facing work-related health and safety injuries Number of water- Open pits, ponds, and large drains can threaten safety of small livestock and children related incidents Rate of infectious Temporary, migrant workers alongside stagnant ponds can facilitate the transmission of vector-borne and disease and STDs within sexually transmitted diseases to local communities the community 24 Change in Baseline Measurable Parameter Rationale for selection of the parameter Local Community Culture Change in local community Changes in traditional Climate-resilient measures may not always be consistent with local methods for agriculture culture agricultural methods 25 4. Potential Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts This section addresses the potential environmental and social risks and impacts of the project. This includes the environmental and social risks and impacts specifically identified under the World Bank ESS and other environmental and social risks and impacts arising as a consequence of the specific nature and context of the project. Project activities that are likely to produce varying level of environmental and social risk and impacts which are outlined below for the planning, construction and operation phases. Table 9 in section 5 (Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures)outlines the responsible parties for mitigation actions suggested in this section. Potential Environmental Risks and Impacts a) Planning/Design Phase Sensitive Areas and Habitats There are many sensitive areas throughout the project site such as habitats for critically endangered and vulnerable species. Improperly planned and constructed drainage systems can cause damage through flooding and as a vehicle for eutrophication of certain areas which can degrade habitats especially of amphibians and reptiles. Mitigation Measures: • Do not enter or source material from any protected area or biological corridors. • Do not fill in or otherwise damage any wetlands. • Do not remove any riparian forests. Degradation of soil, watersheds, and ground water When planning irrigation and drainage systems many factors such as, soil type, crop type, water table level, quantity of water, quality of water and land slope must be considered to ensure the most efficient solution is applied. Improper planning is likely to result in poor usage of resources, possibly rendering the project short lived. Implemented field drainage systems may become vehicles for leached nutrients if not properly planned they can also result in waterlogged soil, diminished water sheds and ground water reservoirs. The quality of water drained must be up to par with where it is returned, and areas for discarded water must be allocated so as to not disrupt freshwater ecosystems. The level of technology used, and operational cost must be assessed prior to implementation as well, data from similar projects, their potential yield along with improvements must be considered to ensure efficiency. • The soil of the allocated land will be tested to determine what type of irrigation and drainage system is most effective. • The soil will be tested to determine any predisposition to becoming waterlogged, saline, acidic etc. • Data on the best applicable water quality will be used to design the irrigation system. 26 • Data on average water table levels and rainfall will be used to determine efficiency of drainage needed. • Determine best possible streams/channels for drainage prior to construction. Slow replenishment of ground water reservoirs Water harvesting is used to reduce the cost of irrigation and ensure water availability in times of scarcity. However, poorly planned water harvesting methods can contribute to the lowering and slow replenishment of ground water reservoirs rendering shallow wells useless, and resulting in arid soil over time, and also contribute to loss of plant and animal life. Mitigation Measures: a) Data regarding natural ground levels will be determined so as not to disrupt replenishment. b) Possible periods of drought will be determined to ensure water availability. c) Sustainable water harvesting measures such as rain collection will be used primarily. d) Use of other water bodies for collection will be kept to a minimum when possible. Low yield and harvest Competition for water, sunlight and nutrients often occur in agroforestry systems and may affect crop yield and total biomass of agricultural crops. The positive effects for some tree species are accrued over a longer period of time while the negative effects such as competition for resources are immediately apparent. Mitigation Measures: a) Ensure the appropriate mix of tree and crop species used in an agroforestry system. b) Ensure that short term crops are part of the mix of species utilized. Invasive species Invasive alien tree species can replace valuable indigenous species which are comparatively less aggressive. Many agroforestry systems, particularly those that rely on tree planting in or near treeless landscapes, rely heavily on alien plant taxa. As is the case in all endeavours based largely on non-native species, problems arise when these organisms spread from sites of introduction and cultivation to invade areas where their presence is, for various reasons, deemed inappropriate. In some areas, problems caused by the spread of agroforestry trees from sites set aside for this land use pose a serious threat to biodiversity that may reduce or negate any biodiversity benefit of the agroforestry enterprise. Mitigation Measures: a) Ensures proper Species-Site Matching. b) Exclude known invasive alien species (or, ideally, all alien species) from agroforestry plots. c) As much as possible, use only local tree species. 27 Construction Phase Several potential impacts in the construction and operations phase would be caused by improper waste management. A key overall mitigation measure is the development of a Waste Management Plan to manage waste and hazardous materials. In addition, contractors and FIs will include appropriate measures in the ESMPs, including obtaining required permits. Damage to Cultivable Command Area Construction of irrigation and drainage systems when done improperly can damage cultivable command area and diminishing maximum yield. There are numerous issues which can arise during construction, including leakage, waterlogging, and pollution of water ways with construction waste. Mitigation Measures: a) Regular testing of system’s functionality will be done during construction. b) Cultivations maps will be used to mark areas, to prevent damage of plottable land. c) Any construction waste will be stored away from any waterways and will be regularly removed. Construction Noise Noise will be emitted by vehicles and various types of equipment which may disturb wildlife and nearby residents especially if works are being near residences especially during construction of draining systems. Currently, there are no guidelines regulating noise emission into the environment for works, however noise levels and abatement guidelines for premises established by DOE, can be adapted. Mitigation measures: a) Maintain equipment and work vehicles in proper running conditions and ensure that they have the adequate muffling devices installed. b) Avoid having heavy machinery turned on (idle) when not in operation. c) Restrict work activities to the daytime and avoid work during the night-time. d) Work personnel should wear hearing protection. Pollution of Soil and Water Resources Spillage of oil, gas and/or lubricants from equipment and vehicles can also pollute soil and water, negatively affecting plants and wildlife. Spills will need to be quickly and effectively rectified. Mitigation Measures: a) Minimize stockpiles of construction debris near waterways. b) Do not wash or clean equipment and machinery in waterways. c) Service all equipment and machinery in designated areas and dispose of used oil and lubricants safely at designated disposal site. d) Maintain equipment and machinery in proper running order. 28 Vegetation and Soil Debris Works for drainage systems will require the removal of soil and vegetation to allow the free flow of water which may lead to erosion and siltation if not reconstituted in some matter of rehabilitation. Mitigation Measures: a) Minimize removal of vegetation to areas where it is absolutely necessary. b) Re-vegetate areas where possible to prevent soil exposure and erosion. c) Slopes and drainage systems should be constructed at recommended angles to prevent collapse. d) Avoid earthworks and monitor areas of exposed soil during periods of heavy rainfall. Disturbing Waterways Hydrological alterations may cause siltation which can be harmful to wildlife. Improper drainage of water channels can also result in stagnation, allowing invasive plants to flourish, and further impeding drainage leading to rehabilitation being necessary. Mitigation Measures: a) Minimize material and waste debris stockpiles and locate away from drainage systems. b) Keep waterways clean and free flowing at all times. c) Re-vegetate areas where possible to prevent soil exposure. d) Ensure retaining walls along embankments are properly constructed according to design specifications. Poor water quality Construction of water harvesting systems require keen attention to detail to prevent overflow, leakage and to ensure good water quality. If these factors are not considered, the water harvested will be of poor-quality causing changes in the soil’s composition including salinity and acidity which can be damaging for crops. Mitigation Measures: a) Water pressure will be regularly evaluated. b) Structural integrity and waterproofing of material used will be regularly tested throughout construction. c) Functionality and durability of filters will be regularly tested throughout construction. d) Quality of stored water will be evaluated before use. Operations Phase Poor Maintenance Neglecting regular maintenance of irrigation and drainage systems can lead to undetected leaks, use of poor-quality water and over drainage. These can result in soil salinization, alkalization, acidification, and waterlogging, destroying plants not able to adapt to extreme conditions, as well as significant disruption to the ecosystems the water is redirected from. 29 Mitigation Measures: a) Field drainage systems will be inspected and maintained in tandem with irrigation systems to ensure optimal efficiency and prevention of water source depletion or flooding. b) Poor quality drainage water to be discarded in evaporation ponds away from entries to other water ways. c) Soil will be regularly tested to swiftly identify and rectify any pH changes through drainage. Vectors and diseases Water storage containers and ponds must be properly constructed as they can attract vectors for diseases such as mosquitoes given the stagnant nature of the water. Mitigation Measures: a) Containers and ponds must be checked regularly for any pests and vectors. Source of nuisance Forest patches used in agroforestry systems can become a source of “nuisance” to nearby farms and farmers as they can attract other wildlife that can destroy their crops. Mitigation Measures: a) Provide training to farmers in wildlife-farm management techniques. b) Provide training in integrated pest management for farmers. Agricultural Expansion and Deforestation The use of improved yield seed varieties reduces the land area needed to grow the same amount of food in aggregate. However, this can have the effect of making agriculture even more profitable relative to leaving the land as forests, which can lead to agricultural expansion into forested areas and hence deforestation. Mitigation Measures: a) Use of improve yield varieties should only be allowed on already cultivated land. b) Ensure that there is no net forest cover loss as a consequence of farming intensification. Threat to landrace varieties Improved seed varieties may threaten the maintenance of genetic diversity in landrace varieties. Genetic variation among crop varieties is vitally important to the future development of new seed varieties. Traditional landrace seeds have adapted over time to local conditions, developing resistance to certain pests or weather conditions, for instance. Mitigation Measures: a) Create a community seedbank of landrace varieties. b) Provide training to farmers in proper seed storage methods. 30 Excessive energy use Post-production and value-adding activities such as processing require energy-intensive equipment and facilities powered by fossil fuels. Similarly, the transportation of finished products market also contributes to this process. As a result, processing can contribute to CO2 emissions. Mitigation Measures: a) Install and use energy efficient light bulbs and equipment. b) Use natural light and ventilation in facilities as much as possible. Excessive consumption of water Water use for processing varies by processing method and water availability. In many facilities, water is an essential resource for one or more processing steps and may be used in great quantities. Depending on water availability, the ground or surface water diverted for processing may threaten the supply of water for other natural or human uses. Mitigation Measures: a) Install and use water efficient fixtures. b) Ensure plumbing systems are free of leakages. Pollution and waste generation Water used for processing can become polluted with chemicals or heavy metals from all stages of the production cycle. Effluent from processing plants may contain traces of pesticides and fertilizers applied to raw crops or heavy metals from corrosion of the plant’s machinery. Garbage and other form of waste maybe also be produced. Mitigation Measures: a) Use engineering and administrative measure to contain and prevent spillage and leakage of wastewater and other contaminants into the environment. b) Dispose of all solid and organic waste properly c) Reuse or salvage waste materials. d) Convert organic waste into compost. Natural Hazards Belize is prone to hurricanes and flooding and as such new installations and facilities can be damaged or destroyed by these natural hazards resulting in a loss of investment. Mitigation Measures: a) Construct facilities with hurricane resistant design features. b) Construct facilities away from flood prone areas. c) Insure facilities and installations as appropriate. Livestock risks 31 Livestock may cause infectious animal diseases, zoonoses, pose a threat to public health, especially to vulnerable communities, and affect biodiversity through diffusion of pathogens to wildlife. Poor welfare of livestock may also reduce their health and productivity. Mitigation measures: a) Select livestock breeds with the least environmental impacts b) Conduct hazard identification related to animal health, and risk characterization c) Offer practical guidance and training to farmers and MAFSE PIU on good livestock management strategies. d) Ensure proper animal care through veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter and nutrition, and humane handling and slaughter. e) Ensure proper waste management practices Potential Social Risks and Impacts a) Planning/Design Phase Limited knowledge of farmers of environmental and social permitting processes Environmental and social management of subproject activities is generally a technical most farmers are unaware of. There is limited knowledge among farmers regarding the relevant agencies that manage environmental impacts and their requirements. Mitigation Measures: a) Provide mobilization and familiarization training workshops to farmers that details relevant aspects of subproject implementation. b) Provide mobilization and familiarization training workshops to IFIs and other participating agencies that details relevant aspects of subproject implementation. c) Assign project staff and staff of MAFSE that are readily accessible to be first-line responders to queries from farmers regarding subproject implementation. Risk of exclusion of farmers based on their credit worthiness Farmers, especially women in agriculture, often have limited access to credit due to traditional requirements and risk analysis by financial intuitions. Mitigation Measures: a) Technical assistance support should be provided to farmers in the preparation of their request for the funding of sub-projects and downstream support for sub-projects’ implementation b) Pay special attention to women farmers by promoting gender-sensitive CSA technologies, in particular labor-reducing technologies for women that are affordable, accessible, and based on their needs c) Reduce risk associated with farmers through matching grants to support inclusion of more farmers 32 Limited oversight of subproject activities due to spatial scale and disparate location Subproject activities will be carried out across four districts in remote rural areas among various partner organizations and numerous farmers. Given this, the volume of workload for project staff can become overwhelming especially since subprojects will be at various stages at any given time. Mitigation Measures: a) Develop clear and specific annual work plans for subproject implementation. b) Ensure that PIU is properly staffed and trained. c) MAFSE to provide backstop support to PIU. Construction Phase Health, Safety and Security Noise pollution will be emitted from heavy machinery and equipment, and there is increased chances of work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses during construction. Open pits, ponds, and large drains can threaten safety of small livestock and children. Lastly, temporary, and migrant workers and stagnant ponds can facilitate the transmission of sexually transmitted and vector-borne diseases to local communities. Community health and safety procedures, such as enclosures or fencing, to protect the community during works may impact livelihoods of people outside the direct working area. Mitigation Measures: a) Comply with all environmental regulations pertaining to air, noise, water, and soil. b) Contractor is to ensure that all workers use adequate PPEs during construction activities. c) Contractors are to prepare an occupational, health and safety plan for physical works. d) All workers are to sign the Code of Conduct presented in the Labour Management Procedures as condition of employment. e) Ensure communities are informed of project Grievance Mechanism. f) Safety measures for the water reservoirs and ponds should include fences and controlled access to prevent drowning. g) Include measures to prevent water-borne diseases e.g siting away from homes, clearing potential breeding grounds and bushes, etc. h) Carry out construction work only in the daytime. i) Pits and drains are to be cordoned off or clearly marked and strictly forbid children near worksites. j) Contractors in partnership with local health authorities are to provide health information and training to their workers especially relating to sexually transmitted infections. k) Adopt the Bank’s EHS Guidelines as presented in the Labour Management Procedure. l) Abide by all national labour and social security laws. 33 m) Ensure compliance with country regulations as well as World Bank guidelines of World Bank regarding Covid 19, by contractors. Further details of World Bank guidelines can be found in the accompanying Labour Management Procedure. n) Those whose livelihoods are impacted due to community health and safety procedures for work must be fully compensated in accordance with ESS1 as it can be considered a residual impact Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resources and Chance Finds Procedure Given the widespread occurrence of ancient Maya archaeological sites in the project area, there may be a chance encounter of sites or items of high archaeological value during earthworks and excavation. Consequently, disturbances to historical and archaeological sites arising from works are possible. If any person discovers tangible or intangible heritage through the subproject activities, such as archaeological sites, historical sites, burial sites, spirits and others, during excavation or construction, the Contractor shall follow the below Chance Finds Procedure. Chance Finds Procedure: a) Contractors must have all necessary permits and licenses for vegetation removal and water diversions. b) Works Site Supervisor or Environmental, Health and Safety Technician visits to include visits to excavation works during regular inspection visits. c) Report all potential historic and archaeological findings to the ICA by following the project’s chance finds procedure shown below. d) If the Contractor discovers archaeological sites, historical sites, remains and objects, including graveyards and/or individual graves during excavation or construction, the Contractor shall: • Stop the construction activities in the area of the chance find; • Clearly 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 the Institute of Archaeology is able to take over; • Notify the supervisory Project Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Officer and Project Engineer and environmental and social officer of the PIU • Responsible site authority to notify the Institute of Archaeology immediately. • If required, the Institute will conduct a preliminary evaluation of the findings with requisite expertise such as archaeology. The significance and importance of the findings should be assessed according to the various criteria relevant to cultural heritage such as the aesthetic, historic, scientific or research, social and economic values in Belize • Depending on the country laws, the archaeology findings to be handled appropriately • Report findings in the regular environmental and social reporting/performance of the subproject 34 Outside Workers In some of the works activities, it is possible that outside workers may be brought in a by a contractor. These workers may be unfamiliar with local practices or take liberties of being an outsider and harass or otherwise create conflict with local residents. Mitigation Measures: a) Source all labour as much as possible from target communities. b) Take all reports of worker misbehaviour seriously and investigate. c) All workers are to sign the Code of Conduct presented in the Labour Management Procedures as condition of employment. d) Ensure communities are informed of project Grievance Mechanism (see section 10 below sections for more details on the GM and Gender Based Violence). Loss of Land and Assets For the purpose siting of important agricultural infrastructure investments, it may be necessary to expropriate private property. There may also be works on government land in use by those without legal rights to such land but that will be impacted. This can result in loss of land and other properties such as buildings, fences, driveways, signs etc.) from removal, acquisition, and demolition. Similarly, access to properties and businesses can be impeded during construction works. Mitigation Measures: a) Implement measures specified in the project’s Resettlement Policy Framework for any expropriate of private property, land donation, or use of government land where there are users of land b) These measures in the RPF, including compensation, also apply to those that would temporarily be impacted due to works or enclosure of the area, impacting properties and businesses c) Ensure that legally entitled rights and rights detailed in the RPF are fully respected in any incidence of displacement and relocation. d) Property owners should be given at least one month’s notice of impeded access to properties and businesses during construction works. Disruption of access to properties by works should be minimized and made temporary as much as possible. If works directly impact people’s properties or livelihood (stores, kiosks, street vendors, etc.), impacts will be addressed under ESS5. If the measures to ensure community health and safety (such as enclosures or fencing) will impact people’s livelihoods (people outside the working area), impacts will be addressed under ESS1. In all cases, the project will ensure all impacts are fully compensated. There may be voluntary land donation by farmers and community residents, without payment of full compensation. Subject to prior Bank approval, this may be acceptable providing the MAFSE PIU demonstrates, as per ESS5 footnote 10, that: (a) the potential donor or donors have been appropriately informed and consulted about the project and the choices available to them; (b) potential donors are aware that refusal is an option, and have confirmed in writing 35 their willingness to proceed with the donation; (c) the amount of land being donated is minor and will not reduce the donor’s remaining land area below that required to maintain the donor’s livelihood at current levels; (d) no household relocation is involved; (e) the donor is expected to benefit directly from the project; and (f) for community or collective land, donation can only occur with the consent of individuals using or occupying the land. The MAFSE PIU will maintain a transparent record of all consultations and agreements reached. Gender Relations Agriculture is all too often seen as the domain of men even though there are some women who are fully involved in these sectors. It is possible that job opportunities whether in the construction irrigations and draining systems, water harvesting facilities and related CSA training can side-line women who are often not able to participate due to their social roles. This could lead to women being marginalized under the project gender disparities are further entrenched. Mitigation Measures: The Project has developed a Gender Action Plan, detailed in the Project Appraisal Document, that has specific gender actions associated with each component of the proposed project. They include: a) Setting a quota of 30% women beneficiaries for irrigation activities b) Including training on irrigation that is specifically targeted for women. c) Establishing and enforcing a policy of gender equity in salaries for construction work on irrigation schemes/other infrastructure d) The Borrower will encourage the contractor to promote the hiring of women in their workforce, preferably aiming to have at least 20% of staff as women. e) Ensure that there is gender-equitable participation in consultation meetings and activities. f) Facilitate in the inclusion of women on worksites with through various measures such as transportation to worksite and having separate bathrooms for men and women and so on. g) Provide childcare services to enable women to attend meetings and training workshops. Selection of PAPs In the selection of Project Affected Parties, vulnerable and marginalised groups may often be left behind as they may require special support to attend consultations and become active participants in the project. If omitted, the project may result in further marginalization of this group and a missed opportunity for them to benefit from project objectives. Mitigation Measures: a) Identification of marginalised groups from research and expert advice/experience b) Outlined protocols to ensure inclusion in consultations and access to information on the project 36 c) Identify methods and additional support required by groups to actively participate in consultations and project work Use of Security Forces CRESAP is not expecting to use national security forces in project implementation. However, where private security personnel are involved for protection of project related assets/activities, the ESIA or screening will review the appropriate requirements for management of use of security forces. Mitigation Measures: a) Screening to confirm that security personnel have not engaged in past unlawful or abusive behaviour, including sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment (SH) or excessive use of force b) Adequate instruction and training, on a regular basis, on the use of force and appropriate behaviour and conduct (including in relation to SEA and SH); and c) Deployment of forces in a manner consistent with applicable national law Operation Phase Labour Intensification and Labour Costs Monocropping allows for uniform plantings which allows farmers to reduce the amount of work needed to manage a field, further assisted through a variety of mechanized tools. On the other hand, intercrop and agroforestry systems run contrary to this standard approach by increasing the complexity of fields, and the resulting field layouts. This can further negate the possibility of using farm machinery for land preparation, planting, and harvesting. This can all result in the need for additional labour input and labor costs. This inherent inefficiency can make the adoption of some CSA methods such as intercropping be slow as a result. Furthermore, labour intensity can be met by increasing the work burden of women and children. Mitigation Measures: a) Ensure proper input and consultation of farmers prior to establishing agroforestry plots. b) Provide long term extension support services to farmers to assist with productivity and efficiency of CSA methods. Occupational Health and Safety Quality control in post-production and value adding processing demands that certain standards in food, sanitation and hygiene be met. It is also possible that workers will be working with equipment with moving parts which can result in serious injury. Mitigation Measures: a) Adopt the World Bank’s EHS Guidelines as presented in the Labour Management Procedure. b) Abide by all national labour and social security laws. c) Workers must be provided with PPEs appropriate for the work activity they are carrying out. 37 d) Provide opportunities for rest and recreation for workers. e) Provide training to workers in First Aid. f) Provide training to farmers in handling farm machinery and inputs. 5. Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures The Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures outlined in this section consists of a set of measures to be undertaken during planning, design, procurement, construction, and post- construction stages of works to be financed under CRESAP to eliminate adverse environmental and social impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. 38 Environmental Mitigation Measures Table 9 Summary of Environmental Mitigation Measures Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) PHASE: Planning/Design Sensitive • Drainage • Improperly planned and constructed drainage • Do not enter or source material from any Contractor Contractor Areas and • Irrigation systems can cause damage through flooding and as a protected area or biological corridors. compliance Habitats • Agroforestry vehicle for eutrophication of certain areas which can • Do not fill in or otherwise damage any only degrade habitats especially of amphibians and wetlands. reptiles. • Do not remove any riparian forests. Degradation • Drainage • Implemented field drainage systems may become • The soil of the allocated land will be tested PIU Subsidiary of soil, • Irrigation vehicles for leached nutrients if not properly to determine what type of irrigation and to Technical FIs watersheds, planned they can also result in waterlogged soil, drainage system is most effective. Assistance and ground diminished water sheds and ground water • The soil will be tested to determine any Costs water reservoirs. Neglecting regular maintenance of predisposition to becoming waterlogged, Estimate: irrigation and drainage systems can lead to saline, acidic etc. BZ$200/day undetected leaks, use of poor-quality water and • Data on the best applicable water quality * 2 days = over drainage. These can result in soil salinization, will be used to design the irrigation system. BZ$400 alkalization, acidification, and waterlogging, • Data on average water table levels and destroying plants not able to adapt to extreme rainfall will be used to determine efficiency conditions, as well as significant disruption to the of drainage needed. ecosystems the water is redirected from. • Determine best possible streams/channels for drainage prior to construction. Slow • Water • However, poorly planned water harvesting methods • Data regarding natural ground levels will be PIU Subsidiary replenishment harvesting can contribute to the lowering and slow determined so as not to disrupt to Technical FIs of ground replenishment of ground water reservoirs rendering replenishment. Assistance shallow wells useless, and resulting in arid soil over • Possible periods of drought will be Costs determined to ensure water availability. 39 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) water time, and also contribute to loss of plant and animal • Sustainable water harvesting measures Included in reservoirs life. such as rain collection will be used previous primarily. row • Use of other water bodies for collection will estimate be kept to a minimum when possible. Low yield and • Change in • Competition for water, sunlight and nutrients often • Ensure the appropriate mix of tree and crop Extension Subsidiary harvest production occur in agroforestry systems and may affect crop species used in an agroforestry system. Officer to Technical system yield and total biomass of agricultural crops. The • Ensure that short term crops are part of the Assistance Farmer towards positive effects for some tree species are accrued mix of species utilized. Costs more over a longer period of time while the negative Estimate: resilient and effects such as competition for resources are BZ$200/day adaptive immediately apparent. * 1 day = practices BZ$200 (agroforestry) Invasive • Improved • Invasive alien tree species can replace valuable • Ensures proper Species-Site Matching. Extension Subsidiary species yield seed indigenous species which are comparatively less • Exclude known invasive alien species (or, Officer to Technical varieties aggressive. Many agroforestry systems, particularly ideally, all alien species) from agroforestry Assistance Farmer those that rely on tree planting in or near treeless plots. Costs landscapes, rely heavily on alien plant taxa. As is the • As much as possible, use only local tree Included in case in all endeavours based largely on non-native species. previous species, problems arise when these organisms row spread from sites of introduction and cultivation to estimate invade areas where their presence is, for various reasons, deemed inappropriate. In some areas, problems caused by the spread of agroforestry trees from sites set aside for this land use pose a serious threat to biodiversity that may reduce or negate any biodiversity benefit of the agroforestry enterprise. PHASE: Construction 40 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) Damage to • Irrigation • Construction of irrigation and drainage systems • Regular testing of system’s functionality Extension Subsidiary Cultivable • Drainage when done improperly can damage cultivable will be done during construction. Officer to Technical Command command area and diminishing maximum yield. • Cultivations maps will be used to mark Assistance PIU Area areas, to prevent damage of plottable land. Costs • Any construction waste will be stored away Farmer Estimate: from any waterways and will be regularly Contractor BZ$200/day removed. * 3 day = BZ$600 Subsidiary to Works Contract Construction • Irrigation • Noise will be emitted by vehicles and various types • Maintain equipment and work vehicles in Contractor Subsidiary Noise • Drainage of equipment which may disturb wildlife and nearby proper running conditions and ensure that to Works residents especially if works are being near they have the adequate muffling devices Contract residences especially during construction of draining installed. systems. • Avoid having heavy machinery turned on (idle) when not in operation. • Restrict work activities to the daytime and avoid work during the night-time. • Work personnel should wear hearing protection. Pollution of • Drainage • Spillage of oil, gas and/or lubricants from equipment • Minimize stockpiles of construction debris Contractor Subsidiary Soil and and vehicles can pollute soil and water, negatively near waterways. to Works Water affecting plants and wildlife. • Do not wash or clean equipment and Contract Resources machinery in waterways. During • Service all equipment and machinery in Construction designated areas and dispose of used oil 41 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) and lubricants safely at designated disposal site. • Maintain equipment and machinery in proper running order. Vegetation • Drainage • Works for drainage systems will require the removal • Minimize removal of vegetation to areas Contractor Subsidiary and Soil of soil and vegetation to allow the free flow of water where it is absolutely necessary. to Works Debris which may lead to erosion and siltation if not • Re-vegetate areas where possible to prevent Contract reconstituted in some matter of rehabilitation soil exposure and erosion. • Slopes and drainage systems should be constructed at recommended angles to prevent collapse. • Avoid earthworks and monitor areas of exposed soil during periods of heavy rainfall. Disturbing • Irrigation • Hydrological alterations may cause siltation which • Minimize material and waste debris Contractor Subsidiary Waterways • Water can be harmful to wildlife. Improper drainage of stockpiles and locate away from drainage to Works Harvesting water channels can result in stagnation, allowing systems. Contract invasive plants to flourish, and further impeding • Keep waterways clean and free flowing at drainage leading to rehabilitation being necessary. all times. • Re-vegetate areas where possible to prevent soil exposure. • Ensure retaining walls along embankments are properly constructed according to design specifications. Poor water • Water • Construction of water harvesting systems require • Water pressure will be regularly evaluated. PIU Subsidiary quality harvesting keen attention to detail to prevent overflow, leakage to • Structural integrity and waterproofing of Contractor and to ensure good water quality. If these factors construction material used will be regularly tested are not considered, the water harvested will be of Farmer costs throughout construction. poor-quality causing changes in the soil’s 42 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) composition including salinity and acidity which can • Functionality and durability of filters will be be damaging for crops. regularly tested throughout construction. • Quality of stored water will be evaluated before use. PHASE: Operations Phase Slow • Water • Poorly planned water harvesting methods can • Data regarding natural ground levels will be PIU Subsidiary replenishment harvesting contribute to the lowering and slow replenishment determined so as not to disrupt to Extension of ground of ground water reservoirs rendering shallow wells replenishment. operations Officer water useless, and resulting in arid soil over time, and also • Possible periods of drought will be costs reservoirs contribute to loss of plant and animal life. determined to ensure water availability. Farmer Included in • Sustainable water harvesting measures previous such as rain collection will be used rows primarily. estimates • Use of other water bodies for collection will be kept to a minimum when possible. • Regular testing of water harvesting contraptions will be conducted to prevent leakage. Poor water • Water • Construction of water harvesting systems require • Water pressure will be regularly evaluated. PIU Subsidiary quality harvesting keen attention to detail to prevent overflow, leakage • Structural integrity and waterproofing of Extension to and to ensure good water quality. If these factors material used will be regularly tested operations Officer are not considered, the water harvested will be of throughout construction. costs poor-quality causing changes in the soil’s • Functionality and durability of filters will be Farmer composition including salinity and acidity which can regularly tested throughout construction. be damaging for crops. • Quality of stored water will be evaluated before use. 43 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) Vectors and • Water • Water storage containers must be properly • Containers and ponds must be checked PIU Subsidiary diseases harvesting constructed as they can attract vectors for diseases regularly for any pests and vectors. to Extension • Irrigation such as mosquitoes given the stagnant nature of the operations Officer water. costs Farmer Estimate: BZ$200/day * 5 days = BZ$1000 Source of • Change in • Forest patches used in agroforestry systems can • Provide training to farmers in wildlife-farm PIU Subsidiary nuisance production become a source of “nuisance” to nearby farms and management techniques. to technical Extension system farmers as they can attract other wildlife that can • Provide training in integrated pest assistance Officer towards destroy their crops. management for farmers. costs more Farmer Estimate: resilient and BZ$500/day adaptive * 2 day = practices BZ$1000 (agroforestry) Agricultural • Improved • The use of improved yield seed varieties reduces the • Use of improve yield varieties should only be PIU Subsidiary Expansion and yield seed land area needed to grow the same amount of food allowed on already cultivated land. to Extension Deforestation varieties in aggregate. However, this can have the effect of • Ensure that there is no net forest cover loss Officer operations making agriculture even more profitable relative to because of farming intensification. costs leaving the land as forests, which can lead to Farmer Estimate: agricultural expansion into forested areas and hence BZ$200/day deforestation. * 3 day = BZ$600 44 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) Threat to • Improved • Improved seed varieties may threaten the • Create a community seedbank of landrace PIU Subsidiary landrace seed yield maintenance of genetic diversity in landrace varieties. to technical Extension varieties varieties varieties. Traditional landrace seeds have adapted • Provide training to farmers in proper seed assistance Officer over time to local conditions, developing resistance storage methods. costs to certain pests or weather conditions, for instance. Farmer Included in previous row estimates Excessive • Post- • Post-production and value-adding activities such as • Install and use energy efficient light bulbs PIU Subsidiary energy use production processing require energy-intensive equipment and and equipment. to Works Farmer investment facilities powered by fossil fuels. Similarly, the • Use natural light and ventilation in facilities Contract • Value transportation of finished products market also as much as possible. addition contributes to this process. As a result, processing can contribute to CO2 emissions. Excessive • Value • In many facilities, water is an essential resource for • Install and use water efficient fixtures. PIU Subsidiary consumption addition one or more processing steps and may be used in • Ensure plumbing systems are free of to Works Farmer of water great quantities. Depending on water availability, leakages. Contract the ground or surface water diverted for processing may threaten the supply of water for other natural or human uses. Pollution and • Value • Water used for processing can become polluted with • Use engineering and administrative PIU Subsidiary waste addition chemicals or heavy metals from all stages of the measure to contain and prevent spillage to Farmer generation production cycle. Garbage and other form of waste and leakage of wastewater and other operations maybe also be produced. contaminants into the environment. costs • Dispose of all solid and organic waste properly • Reuse or salvage waste materials. 45 Effect on Associated Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Mitigation Baseline Subproject Cost Activities (estimated costs included where available) • Convert organic waste into compost. Natural • Belize is prone to hurricanes and flooding and as • Construct facilities with hurricane resistant PIU Subsidiary Hazards such new installations and facilities can be damaged design features. to Works Farmers or destroyed by these natural hazards resulting in a • Construct facilities away from flood prone Contract loss of investment. areas. • Insure facilities and installations as appropriate. Subsidiary to operations costs Increased Livestock • Livestock farming may lead to infectious animal • Select livestock breeds with the least PIU Subsidiary water use, management diseases, zoonoses, pose a threat to public health, environmental impacts to Works Farmers changes to especially to vulnerable communities, and affect • Conduct hazard identification related to Contract land use, biodiversity through diffusion of pathogens to animal health, and risk characterization threats to the wildlife. Poor welfare of livestock may also reduce • Offer practical guidance and training to public and on their health and productivity. farmers and MAFSE PIU on good livestock Subsidiary biodiversity management strategies. to • Ensure proper animal care through operations veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter costs and nutrition, and humane handling and slaughter. • Ensure proper waste management practices 46 Social Mitigation Measures Table 10 Summary of Social Mitigation Measures Category Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Indicative Cost PHASE: Planning/ Design Limited • Environmental and social management of subproject • Provide mobilization and familiarization training workshops PIU Subsidiary knowledge of activities is generally a technical most farmers are to farmers that details relevant aspects of subproject to MAFSE farmers of unaware of. There is limited knowledge among implementation. technical environmental farmers regarding the relevant agencies that manage • Provide mobilization and familiarization training workshops Extension assistance and social environmental impacts and their requirements. to IFIs and other participating agencies that details relevant Officer costs permitting aspects of subproject implementation. Estimate: processes • Assign project staff and staff of MAFSE that are readily BZ$500/da accessible to be first-line responders to queries from y * 2 day = farmers regarding subproject implementation. BZ$1000 Limited • Subproject activities will be carried out across four • Develop clear and specific annual work plans for subproject PIU Subsidiary oversight of districts in remote rural areas among various partner implementation. to project MAFSE subproject organizations and numerous farmers. Given this, the • Ensure that PIU is properly staffed and trained. managem activities due volume of workload for project staff can become • MAFSE to provide backstop support to PIU. ent costs to spatial scale overwhelming especially since subprojects will be at and disparate various stages at any given time. location Risk of • Farmers, especially women in agriculture, often have • Technical assistance support should be provided to farmers FIs Subsidiary exclusion of limited access to credit due to traditional in the preparation of their request for the funding of sub- to farmers based requirements and risk analysis by financial intuitions. projects and downstream support for sub-projects’ technical on their credit implementation assistance worthiness • Pay special attention to women farmers by promoting costs gender-sensitive CSA technologies, in particular labor- Estimate: reducing technologies for women that are affordable, BZ$500/da accessible, and based on their needs y * 5 day = • Reduce risk associated with farmers through matching BZ$2500 grants to support inclusion of more farmers 47 Category Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Indicative Cost Excluding • In the selection of Project Affected Parties, vulnerable • Identification of marginalised groups from research and MAFSE PIU Outlined marginalised and marginalised groups may often be left behind as expert advice/experience in the groups they may require special support to attend • Outlined protocols to ensure inclusion in consultations and CRESAP consultations and become active participants in the access to information on the project Stakehold project. If omitted, the project may result in further • Identify methods and additional support required by groups er marginalization of this group and a missed to actively participate in consultations and project work Engageme opportunity for them to benefit from project nt Plan objectives. PHASE: Construction Health, Safety • Noise pollution will be emitted from heavy machinery • Comply with all environmental regulations pertaining to air, PIU Subsidiary and Security and equipment, and there is increased chances of noise, water, and soil. to works Contractor work-related accidents, injuries, and illnesses during • Contractor is to ensure that all workers use adequate PPEs contract construction. Open pits, ponds, and large drains can during construction activities. threaten safety of small livestock and children. Lastly, • Contractors are to prepare an occupational, health and temporary, and migrant workers and stagnant ponds safety plan for physical works. can facilitate the transmission of sexually transmitted • All workers are to sign the Code of Conduct presented in the and vector-borne diseases to local communities. Labour Management Procedures as condition of • Community health and safety procedures, such as employment. enclosures or fencing, to protect the community • Ensure communities are informed of project Grievance during works may impact livelihoods of people Mechanism. outside the direct working area • Safety measures for the water reservoirs and ponds should include fences and controlled access to prevent drowning. • Include measures to prevent water-borne diseases e.g siting away from homes, clearing potential breeding grounds and bushes, etc. • Carry out construction work only in the daytime. • Pits and drains are to be cordoned off or clearly marked and strictly forbid children near worksites. 48 Category Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Indicative Cost • Contractors in partnership with local health authorities are to provide health information and training to their workers especially relating to sexually transmitted infections. • Adopt the Bank’s EHS Guidelines as presented in the Labour Management Procedure. • Abide by all national labour and social security laws. • Ensure compliance with country regulations as well as World Bank guidelines of World Bank regarding Covid 19, by contractors. Further details of World Bank guidelines can be found in the accompanying Labour Management Procedure. • Those whose livelihoods are impacted due to community health and safety procedures for work must be fully compensated in accordance with ESS1 as it can be considered a residual impact Cultural, • Given the widespread occurrence of ancient Maya • Contractors must have all necessary permits and licenses Contractor Subsidiary Historical and archaeological sites in the project area, there may be for vegetation removal and water diversions. to works PIU Archaeological a chance encounter of sites or items of high • Works Site Supervisor or Environmental, Health and Safety contract Resources archaeological value during earthworks and Technician visits to include visits to excavation works during excavation. Consequently, disturbances to historical regular inspection visits. and archaeological sites arising from works are • Report all potential historic and archaeological findings to possible. the ICA by following the project’s chance finds procedure shown below. • If the Contractor discovers archaeological sites, historical sites, remains and objects, including graveyards and/or individual graves during excavation or construction, the Contractor shall: • Stop the construction activities in the area and follow the chance find procedure; • Clearly 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 the Institute of Archaeology is able to take over; 49 Category Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Indicative Cost • Notify the supervisory Project Environmental, Social, Health and Safety Officer and Project Engineer who in turn will notify the Institute of Archaeology immediately. Outside • In some of the work’s activities, it is possible that • Source all labour as much as possible from target PIU Subsidiary Workers outside workers may be brought in a by a contractor. communities. to work Contractor These workers may be unfamiliar with local practices • Take all reports of worker misbehaviour seriously and contract or take liberties of being an outsider and harass or investigate. otherwise create conflict with local residents. • All workers are to sign the Code of Conduct presented in the Labour Management Procedures as condition of employment. • Ensure communities are informed of project Grievance Mechanism, including how to address GBV and SEA/SH issues. Loss of Land • For the purpose siting of important agricultural • Implement measures specified in the project’s Resettlement PIU Subsidiary and Assets infrastructure investments, it may be necessary to Policy Framework for any expropriate of private property or to works Contractor expropriate private property or there may be land donation, including for those using government owned contract voluntary land donation by farmers and community land for livelihoods and/or live on government land residents. This can result in loss of land and other • These measures in the RPF, including compensation, also properties such as buildings, fences, driveways, signs apply to those that would temporarily be impacted due to etc.) from removal, acquisition, and demolition. works or enclosure of the area, impacting properties and • Similarly, access to properties and businesses can be businesses impeded during construction works. • Disruption of access to properties by works should be • Those living/using government land for livelihoods minimized and made temporary as much as possible, with may also experience loss of land and assets that will owners given at least a month’s notice be needed to be considered and compensated • Ensure that legally entitled rights are fully respected in any incidence of displacement and relocation. Gender • Agriculture is all too often seen as the domain of men • Promote the hiring of women in the contractor(s) workforce, PIU Subsidiary Relations even though there are some women who are fully preferably aiming to have at least 20% of staff as women. to works Contractor involved in these sectors. It is possible that job • Setting a quota of 30% women beneficiaries for irrigation contract opportunities whether in the construction irrigations activities and draining systems, water harvesting facilities and 50 Category Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Indicative Cost related CSA training can side-line women who are • Including training on irrigation that is specifically targeted for Subsidiary often not able to participate due to their social roles. women. to This could lead to women being marginalized under • Establishing and enforcing a policy of gender equity in technical the project gender disparities are further entrenched. salaries for construction work on irrigation schemes/other assistance infrastructure costs • Ensure that there is gender-equitable participation in consultation meetings and activities. • Facilitate in the inclusion of women on worksites with through various measures such as transportation to worksite and having separate bathrooms for men and women and so on. • Provide childcare services to enable women to attend meetings and training workshops. PHASE: Operation Labour • Monocropping allows for uniform plantings which • Ensure proper input and consultation of farmers prior to PIU Subsidiary Intensification allows farmers to reduce the amount of work needed establishing agroforestry plots. to Extension and Labour to manage a field, further assisted through a variety of • Provide long term extension support services to farmers to technical Officer Costs mechanized tools. On the other hand, intercrop and assist with productivity and efficiency of CSA methods. assistance agroforestry systems run contrary to this standard costs approach by increasing the complexity of fields, and Estimate: the resulting field layouts. This can further negate the BZ$500/da possibility of using farm machinery for land y * 3 day = preparation, planting, and harvesting. This can all BZ$1500 result in the need for additional labour input and labor costs. This inherent inefficiency can make the adoption of some CSA methods such as intercropping be slow as a result. Furthermore, labour intensity can be met by increasing the work burden of women and children. Occupational • Quality control in post-production and value adding • Adopt the World Bank’s EHS Guidelines as presented in the PIU Subsidiary Health And processing demands that certain standards in food, Labour Management Procedure. to works Contractor Safety sanitation and hygiene be met. It is also possible that • Abide by all national labour and social security laws. contract 51 Category Impact Mitigation Measure Responsible Indicative Cost workers will be working with equipment with moving • Workers must be provided with PPEs appropriate for the parts which can result in serious injury. work activity they are carrying out. • Provide opportunities for rest and recreation for workers. • Provide training to workers in First Aid. • Provide training to farmers in handling farm machinery and inputs. Use of Security • Security personnel may have engaged in past unlawful • Screening to confirm that security personnel have not PIU Subsidiary Forces or abusive behavior, including sexual exploitation and engaged in past unlawful or abusive behaviour to works Contractor abuse (SEA), sexual harassment (SH) or excessive use • Adequate instruction and training, on a regular basis, on the contract of force use of force and appropriate behaviour and conduct (including in relation to SEA and SH); and • Deployment of forces in a manner consistent with applicable national law 52 6. Analysis of Alternatives Improvements in agricultural production and increase in farm income does not necessarily occur in a linear way. There are often alternatives to actions that promote enhancement of agricultural productivity whether through engineering, administrative measures, or technology. There is always a need to ensure that interventions that seek to improve agricultural productivity are not undermined by environment damages or in unintended social consequences. This is the reason why an Analysis of Alternatives is necessary in the implementation of subprojects under CRESAP. Environmental and social assessments conducted as part of the screening process under the project will analyse alternatives in the following way: • Step 1: Site Description - Briefly summarize the environmental investigations that have occurred at the proposed subproject site. Characterize the environmental and social risks identified. Develop site-specific mitigation measures which can eliminate or mitigate these risks. • Step 2: Types of Alternatives. This should include: a) Zero alternative or ‘do nothing’ alternative: This alternative compares the future conditions without the project as a baseline and the future condition with the project activity. b) ‘Alternatives to’: on-farm and irrigation systems, water harvesting systems, CSA interventions and post-production and value adding. The discussion can include the context from the viewpoint of environmental enhancement and socio-economic benefits. E.g., an alternative to using existing surface water sources/drilling subsurface wells is rainwater harvesting c) ‘Alternative means’ of developing on-farm and irrigation systems, siting/constructing water harvesting systems, CSA interventions and post-production and value adding. This refers to developing alternative ways of achieving the same project activity. E.g. an alternative means of building a catchment platform for rainwater harvesting is to use the roof of an existing building and upgrade to meet needs of rainwater harvesting It is important to take note of Section 7.3 that details activities that would be ineligible for financing under CRESAP and would therefore not be considered as suitable alternatives. • Step 3: Assessment of Alternatives. A qualitative and quantitative initial assessment of the alternatives can be performed based on the selected environmental and social indicators or parameters especially those specified in the ESSs and their requirements. • Step 4: Recommended Action. Provide a recommendation based on the ecological, environmental, social, and economic benefits and the intervention activities are then finalized. 53 It is important to note that the project cannot support projects of substantial or high risk. 7. Screening Procedures Each sub-project shall be appraised through primary environmental and social screening. These procedures should be included in the Project’s Operational Manual. Screening Process Table 11 Screening Process for Individual Farmers under Subcomponent 2.1 Actions Responsible ▪ Step 1: Environmental and Social Screening of ▪ Consultants hired by FIs to Identified Physical Subprojects, including analysis of work with the farmers alternatives ▪ Step 2: Determine risk classification and subsequent ▪ Consultants hired by FIs to assessment, instruments and plans that would be work with the farmers needed ▪ Step 3: Preparing Environmental and Social ▪ Consultants hired by FIs to Assessments and required ESF documents, work with the farmers, Management and Monitoring Instruments approved by Environmental and Social Officer, PIU ▪ Step 4: Concurrence and Clearance by Project ▪ Project Manager, PIU with Steering Committee. final approval from PSC ▪ Step 5: Inclusion of Environmental and Social ▪ Procurement Specialist, PIU Management Specifications and ESF required documents (e.g., A-RAPs and ESMPs), including DOE’s Environmental Compliance Plans, in bid documents. ▪ Step 6: Environmental and Social Management ▪ Contractor, PIU Compliance Plans and other required ESF documents (ie. A-RAPs) for individual projects by Contractors. ▪ Step 7: Compliance Monitoring and Reporting ▪ Contractor, PIU Table 12 Screening Process for Collective Goods under Subcomponent 2.2 Actions Responsible ▪ Step 1: Environmental and Social Screening of ▪ Contractors Identified Physical Subprojects, including analysis of alternatives 54 ▪ Step 2: Determine risk classification and ▪ Environmental and Social Officer, subsequent assessment, instruments and plans PIU that would be needed ▪ Step 3: Preparing Environmental and Social ▪ Environmental and Social Officer, Assessments, Management and Monitoring PIU Instruments ▪ Step 4: Concurrence and Clearance by Project ▪ Project Manager, PIU with final Steering Committee. approval from PSC ▪ Step 5: Inclusion of Environmental and Social ▪ Procurement Specialist, PIU Management Specifications and Environmental Management Plan, including DOE’s Environmental Compliance Plans, in bid documents. ▪ Step 6: Environmental and Social Management ▪ Contractor, PIU Compliance Plans for individual projects by Contractors. ▪ Step 7: Compliance Monitoring and Reporting ▪ Contractor, PIU Screening Criteria and Checklist Environmental and social screening is a useful tool in identifying safeguard issues in investment projects consisting of many sub-projects. The main objective of environmental and social screening of sub-projects is to (a) determine the anticipated environmental/social impacts, risks and opportunities of the sub-project, and (b) determine if the anticipated impacts and public concern warrant further environmental/social analysis, and if so to recommend the appropriate type and extent of assessments needed. Screening should go hand in hand with project concept development. This way environmental and social opportunities and risks can be appropriately and easily integrated into subsequent design stages, rather than being brought in at the last minute. As part of the MAFSE PIU’s environment and social due diligence, subproject proposals submitted to CRESAP will be screened with the environmental and social screening form included in Annex 1. At the individual farmer level, the environmental and social screening is to be completed by consultants hired by the FIs to work with farmers upon receipt of the subproject concept or proposal and its general eligibility determined. At the collective and Ministry level, screening is to be completed by the Environmental and Social Officer of the PIU. The screening will help to determine the classification of the subproject. Overall compliance with national laws and regulations and World Bank ESF, is required for all projects and activities financed by CRESAP. All screening reports are subject to World Bank review and clearance prior to the preparation of identified instruments. 55 a) Classification of Subprojects for Social and Environmental Assessment As per the World Bank ESF, projects (including those involving FIs) are categorized based on four environmental and social risk classifications: • High Risk: A proposed subproject project is likely to have significant adverse environmental and social impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented large scale. Such project would fall under Schedule 1 of the DOE’s classification requiring a full EIA. This project is ineligible for funding under CRESAP. • Substantial Risk: A proposed subproject is likely to have considerable adverse environmental and social risks on a broad scale, but alterations caused disappears with the time and are reversible. Impact may be assimilated by natural processes over the medium terms or can be mitigated with specifically designed measures. • Moderate Risk: A proposed project is likely to have moderate potential adverse impacts on environment, human population or nature protected areas. These impacts however are site-specific; and in most cases mitigation measures can readily be designed. • Low Risk: A proposed subproject is likely to have minimal or no adverse environmental impacts. Beyond screening, no further EIA action is required. In determining the appropriate risk associated with subproject activities, the farmers/proponents and their consultants (e.g., those hired by the FI to work with farmers) will take into account relevant issues, such as the type, location, sensitivity, and scale of the project; the nature and magnitude of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts; and the capacity and commitment of any other entity responsible for the implementation of the project to manage the environmental and social risks and impacts in a manner consistent with the ESSs. Other areas of risk may also be relevant to the delivery of environmental and social mitigation measures and outcomes, depending on the specific project and the context in which it is being developed. The CRESAP will not be financing high risk projects i.e., those with significant adverse environmental and social risks; long term, permanent and/or irreversible adverse impacts; and/or may give rise to significant social conflict. Even substantial risk project will require Bank approval and is not guaranteed to proceed. Therefore, it is unlikely that a full EIA will be necessary for any subprojects. The screening will therefore determine moderate or low risk subprojects. Subprojects with low or negligible risks can proceed with activities after the screening has been completed. Subprojects with moderate risks will need to develop an ESMP, proportionate to the risks and potential impacts and following the requirements of the ESF and actions in the ESCP. The moderate-risk subprojects will also be submitted to the Department of Environment for further screening and clearance. Section 20 of the Belize Environmental Protection Act categorizes projects into three schedules as follows: a) Schedule I: Full EIA is required. b) Schedule II: A full EIA or LLES (Limited Level Environmental Study) may be required depending on the location and size of the project and other considerations by the NEAC. 56 c) Schedule III: Guidelines provided. No EIA or LLES required but measures can be stipulated in an Environmental Compliance Plan. The Department of Environment will determine what level of assessment is needed in compliance with national law. The completion of an ESMP is likely to comply with the requirements of an LLES for lower risk projects as specified in the Environmental Protection Act. Project activities likely to fall under Schedule 3 may be construction of water harvesting systems and drainage. Annex 6 provides further information on the environmental clearance process of Belize as well as the likelihood of risk categorisation of projects. Relevant publications and checklists can also be found on the Department of Environment website: (e.g. EIA Manual Belize Final July 2011, Checklist for Agriculture, Checklist for Light Industry). Negative List of Activities The following activities are ineligible for financing under CRESAP: a) Any activity where no environmental and social screening was done b) Any activity that may cause significant adverse environmental and social risks; long term, permanent and/or irreversible adverse impacts; and/or may give rise to significant social conflict including substantial or high-risk projects. c) Any activity that may pose risks to natural forests and habitats, critical habitats, ecologically sensitive areas, legally protected and/or internationally recognized areas of high biodiversity value. d) Any activity that may have a high probability of causing serious adverse effects to human health and/or the environment not related to COVID-19 treatment e) Any activity involving the purchase of pesticides and insecticides. f) Any activity that would cause damage or destruction of tangible and intangible cultural heritage Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) The MAFSE and PIU shall ensure that the CERC Manual prepared for the Project incorporates the environmental and social management arrangements and requirements detailed below. Identification of Potential Activities Once activated the CERC will have to follow similar environmental and social assessment processes as other project components. The activities to be carried if the CERC Component is activated include goods, services, and works. The location of the contingency activities will be nationwide when needed. Activities or subprojects that will be financed by the CERC Component should avoid activities or subprojects with complex environmental and social aspects (for example resettlement), because the CERC objective is to support immediate priority activities (less than 18 months). The subprojects with more environmental and social complexity, could be financed with other specific sources of financing. 57 Negative List of Activities The negative list of activities that cannot be funded under the CERC as subprojects is similar to that detailed in Section 7.3 above. Potential Environmental and Social (ES) Impacts of CERC activities Implementation of the activities will be positive and urgently needed therefore proposed works and other activities should be limited to small and medium scale works, or the immediate provision of essential goods and services. The potential negative impacts to be expected should be moderate, localized, and temporary and can be mitigated through the implementation of the existing safeguards instruments of the project and close supervision by the relevant personnel or external expert. The required mitigation measures will be included as part of the Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to be prepared when if a specific subproject is identified. If small-scale land acquisition as a result of contingency activities cannot be eliminated as a possible impact then, abbreviated resettlement action plans (ARAPs) will be prepared in line with the resettlement policy framework (RPF) of the project, taking into account the nature and flexibility of the emergency case. Furthermore, if activities impact or directly benefit communities of ethnic groups considered indigenous under ESS7, then an Indigenous People’s Plan (IPP) will be prepared in line with the Indigenous People’s Framework (IPPF) for the project. Due consultation and broad community support must be documented and confirmed prior to the commencement of the activities for all activities directly benefitting or impacting ethnic groups. In addition, workers contracted to conduct civil or other works for contingency activities will have to sign a worker’s code of conduct, which covers issues such as preventing gender-based violence, as well as sexual assault and abuse. In addition, construction works or uses of goods and equipment involving forced labor, child labor, or other harmful or exploitative forms of labor are prohibited. Environmental and Social Management Framework Process Under Section 9 of the EIA Regulations as amended by SI 24 of 2007, the following projects are not required to carry out an EIA: a) Educational and health projects (except building construction); b) Computer processing projects; and c) Projects to be carried out during a declared national emergency for which temporary measures have been taken by Government. Even though it would be legally permissible according to Belizean law to proceed with CERC subprojects under the c) classification above (State of Emergency), the activities will be executed following the requirements of the World Bank ESF and this ESMF. At a minimum, subprojects will be screened for and address potential environmental and social impacts as specified above. An environmental and social screening form has been prepared and included in the Appendix 1. When the CERC component is activated, the MAFSE along with the PIU will carry out the following steps: 58 Step 1: Application of the ES Screening Form. This ESMF includes a template to screen the subprojects from the ES point of view (Appendix 1). These forms will be used also for the CERC subprojects. The negatives activities for CERC listed above will also be applied. Given that the CERC objective is to support immediate priority activities (18 months), the activities or subprojects with resettlement issues will be avoided. Step 2: Identification of ES issues and preparation of mitigation plans. Based on the results from Step 1, MAFSE/PIU will prepare an ESMP for the CERC subprojects describing the works/activities and mitigation measures to be conducted during detailed design, bidding/ contract, repair/restoration, and closure plans, taken into account the magnitude, scope, and nature of the emergency. Consultation with local authorities and communities will be made during this stage, prior to activities starting. If land taking and/or ethnic groups are involved, an abbreviated RAP, and/or IPP will be prepared in close consultation with NEM, Ministry of Human Development, Families & Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MHDFIPA) and the World Bank (WB) ESF specialists, taking into account the flexibility for the case of emergencies. Budget and entities responsible for implementation of the ESMP/ARAP/IPP will be discussed and agreed as part of the plans. Step 3: Government of Belize approval and World Bank no-objection. The ESMP, ARAP, and/or IPP will be approved by the Government of Belize, in consultation with the PIU and DOE, and shared with the World Bank for review and no-objection. Step 4: Implementation and Monitoring and Evaluation. The approved ESMP, RAP, and/or IPP will be implemented according to the agreed implementation arrangement. MAFSE and the PIU will monitor the implementation on the ground and report the results to NEMO and MFEDI. Continuous stakeholder engagement will occur during implementation to identify additional impacts and update plans accordingly. Step 5: Completion and Evaluation. Once the CERC subproject has been completed, MAFSE/PIU will monitor and evaluate the results before closing the contract. Any pending issues and/or grievance must be solved before the subproject is considered fully completed. MAFSE/PIU will submit the completion report describing the compliance of safeguard performance and submit it to WB when required. Institutional Arrangement for Project Implementation In the event of flooding and hurricanes: As mentioned above, the MAFSE/PIU will lead the implementation at subproject level while NEMO will provide assistance. MAFSE/PIU will report to the CERC Implementing Agency (i.e. The National Emergency Management Committee (NEMC) which is responsible for guiding and coordinating all CERC activities and is chaired by the Prime Minister. The NEMC will determine the list of goods and works to be included in the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the country. In the event of droughts: The MAFSE/PIU will lead the implementation at subproject level and will also serve as the CERC Implementing Agency. 59 Technical Assistance The Project may finance Technical Assistance activities under Components 1, 2 and 3 including capacity building activities to farmers, studies, diagnosis, technical assistance in the event of a disaster. The Technical Assistance activities shall integrate environmental and social objectives, promote stakeholder participation, and promote environmental and social capacity building as per the requirements in paragraphs 14–18 of ESS1. The terms of reference, plans, studies, training material, reports and other forms of technical assistance shall be reviewed by the PIU, and subsequently submitted for the Bank’s review and approval. Permitting While the environmental screening of projects is fully under the mandate of the DOE, the official permitting of resource use falls within the mandates of three different permitting agencies: Forest Department, Hydrology Unit and Geology and Petroleum Department, respectively. The DOE has no role in permitting resource use but has jurisdiction over the environmental soundness of project activities regarding national resources. All subprojects must comply with the legal requirements of permitting especially for water abstraction, waterways diversion, drainage, land clearing and mining. 8. Environmental and Social Management Plan An environmental and social management plan will be needed for approved subprojects. This section provides guidelines on Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for the different sub-projects. An ESMP focuses on several phases of sub-projects (design/pre- construction, construction, operation & maintenance, and decommissioning) and ensures that the project impacts are reduced to acceptable levels within the project of area influence. The ESMP ensures that all the preceding baseline and impact analysis is used to preserve or improve overall environmental quality or social well-being within subproject’s areas of influence. Elements of an ESMP The ESMP consists of the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation of a project to eliminate adverse environmental and social risks and impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. The ESMP also includes the measures and actions needed to implement these measures. The ESMP preparation process will, (a) identify the set of responses to potentially adverse impacts; (b) determine requirements for ensuring that those responses are made effectively and in a timely manner; and (c) describe the means for meeting those requirements. The ESMP should be specific, clearly and concisely describing adverse impacts, selected mitigation measures to bring it to an acceptable level and timelines for implementing these measures. The ESMP should aim to ensure that the compliance of all activities undertaken during implementation with the environmental and social safeguards requirements of the World Bank and GOB. 60 The structure of an ESMP is based on: a) Potential adverse impacts and mitigation measures to be adopted, together with conditions within which one or other measure would apply and their integration with phases – Pre-construction, Construction, Operation & Maintenance and Decommissioning. b) Enhancement plans for positive impacts. c) Monitoring Plan with monitoring objectives, indicators, mechanisms, frequency, locations, and process for reporting d) Cost estimates and sources of funds for all the above activities. e) Institutional arrangements and identifies which party is responsible for carrying out the mitigation and monitoring measures (e.g., for operation, supervision, enforcement, monitoring of implementation, remedial action, financing, reporting, and staff training). f) Implementation schedule for measures that must be carried out, showing phasing and coordination with overall project implementation, and the cost estimates and sources of funds for implementing the ESMP g) Capacity development and training is conducted to increase the capacity of small and medium contractors, farmers and PIU to manage environmental and social requirements and implement ESMPs as detailed in the ESCP h) Reporting procedures, including for redressing grievances related to environmental and social issues The following plans will be included in the ESMP depending on the outcome of the E&S screening or assessment: a) Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) - Any subproject activities with a wide scope will be required to conduct a biodiversity impact assessment as part of the ESIA or screening. Based on the findings of potential biodiversity impacts, mitigation and any enhancement measures will be detailed in a BMP. b) Waste Management Plan (WMP) – To be developed for subprojects with agricultural waste and any hazardous and non-hazardous materials to ensure that operations mitigate and manage waste aspects. c) Pollution Management Plan (PMP) - To mitigate and manage air, soil, water, and noise pollution in subproject activities with pollution impacts such as sugarcane plantations, irrigation activities, and construction works. d) Integrated Pest Management Plan (IPMP) - CRESAP will promote the uptake of best-fit climate-smart agriculture technologies and practices that reduce inefficient use of purchased inputs, including pesticides and other agrochemicals. Subprojects focused on crop production and planning will develop an IPMP to ensure that farm operations integrate ecologically sound integrated pest management strategies. Annex 3 of the ESMF contains a guideline on IPMP. e) Stormwater Sedimentation and Erosion Control Plan – To develop actions that ensure irrigation, drainage, and construction activities mitigate stormwater contamination, sedimentation, and erosion during and after construction 61 f) Community Health and Safety Plan - To assess and manage specific risks and impacts to the community arising from Project activities, including in relation to behaviour of Project workers and any risks of labour influx. g) Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan as part of the occupational, health and safety measures for the workers and communities to enable them to be prepared for and respond to emergency situations. h) Traffic and Road Safety Management Plan i) Security Plan - Where private security personnel are involved for protection of project related assets/activities, the ESIA or screening will review the appropriate requirements for management of use of security forces and develop appropriate mitigation measures as part of the subproject ESMP. Bidding Documents and Management of Contractors The PIU staff, including the procurement and environmental and social officer(s), will be responsible to ensure that requirements on environmental and social specifications, ESMP and Labor Management Procedures are incorporated into bidding documents, in subprojects where bid documents will be prepared. This should be done prior to commencement of the bidding process. The provisional sum for the ESMP actions will be included as part of the Bill of Quantities for those mitigation measures that are not captured as part of the technical aspects. For more complex or larger subproject activities, such as the collective investments in Subcomponent 2.2, the contractor will need to demonstrate that they have identified suitable and specific actions to address and manage the environmental, social, health and safety risks. To do so, the Borrower will identify the top environmental and social risks and request bidders to submit the Contractor’s Management Strategies and Implementation Plans (MSIPs) that set out the specific actions and costs that they will take to deliver the outcomes specified in the ESMF/ESMP. The MSIPs will then be assessed as part of the bid evaluation process. Once the contract is awarded, the contractor will prepare MSIPs for all other environmental and social risks and impacts as part of the C-ESMP and implement it from the start of the works. Bidding documents will include non-compliance penalty clauses. During subproject implementation, the PIU will (i) ensure that the contractor complies with the C-ESMP, (ii) ensure that a separate Grievance Mechanism is maintained and functioning for contractor and subcontractor workers, (iii) ensure contractors provide details on the performance of environmental, social, health and safety aspects and prepare monthly performance reports. Compliance and Monitoring The monitoring section of the ESMP should provide the following: a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements, detection limits (where appropriate), and definition of thresholds that will signal the need for corrective actions and adaptive management actions; and b) monitoring and reporting procedures, including a simple explanation of the processes involved, to (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation 62 measures, (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation, and (iii) track incidents and accidents. The Environmental and Social officer of the PIU will be responsible for conducting environmental compliance monitoring. Capacity Development and Training The ESMP should also identify the parties responsible for implementation and monitoring, the training of staff, and any additional measures that may be necessary to support implementation of mitigation measures and any other recommendations of the environmental and social assessment. The capacity of small and medium contractors, farmers and PIU will be increased to manage environmental and social requirements and implement ESMPs as detailed in the ESCP. Table 1: Training and Capacity Building Activities Type of activity Target Group Timeline • Capacity development and training • MAFSE Within the first quarter • Training on Bank Environmental and Social • PIU after the PIU has been put Standards in place and training plan • Training on preparation and developed. implementation of E&S instruments • Grievance Mechanism including a database • Conducting community awareness meetings during Covid-19 • World Bank Guidelines on Occupational • Project workers Before and during Health and Safety, including measures to • Farmers subproject implementation be taken during Covid-19 • MAFSE Environmental Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines for investment Projects • Emergency preparedness and response • Code of Conduct • Relevant aspects of environment and social compliance • Capacity development and training to • FIs Before FIs disburse their address environment and social risks as first funds to FI subprojects per the developed ESMS. and continued throughout implementation. • Technical and awareness trainings on safe • Farmers. Project implementation. environmental and social practices 63 Environmental and Social Management Capacities of MAFSE Policy Level: The MAFSE currently does not have a Ministry-specific and written environmental, social and gender policy. As a government institution, the Ministry however is expected to comply with all laws governing environmental, social and gender issues. Procedures: Established environmental and social regulations are implemented through practice in compliance with laws and regulation and through the Public Service Regulations. Trained Personnel: MAFSE has limited internal environmental and social capacity and experience in implementing World Bank projects and this will be its first project to be prepared under the ESF. During the project preparation, MAFSE assigned an agricultural officer as the environmental and social focal point. The focal point attended a Bank-led ESF training workshop in Barbados in February 2020 and is coordinating the preparation of environmental and social instruments. However, considering the capacity constraints, MAFSE has further engaged consultants to assist in drafting the required environmental and social instruments for the project. During implementation, the Agricultural Officer will be the full-time environmental and social focal point of the project and will be assisted by one part-time environmental and one part-time social consultant who may be converted to full-time based on project needs. Contingency Plans a) Environmental Health and Safety – The MAFSE currently does not have an EHS Plan or Guidelines for its operational programmes and projects. b) Fire – The MAFSE currently does not have a Fire Management and Response Plan for its operational programmes or projects. c) Hurricane Preparedness Plan – The MAFSE has a Hurricane Preparedness Plan for operations. d) Natural Hazards – The MAFSE currently does not have a Natural Hazards Management and Response Plan for its operational programmes and projects. The following capacity development and training activities will be carried out to enhance the capacity of the MAFSE PIU to address environment and social risks under this project and to enhance project outcomes. a) Provide training on Environmental and Social Management for CRESAP subprojects. b) Provide training on Environmental Health and Safety Standards and Guidelines for CRESAP subprojects. c) Prepare an Emergency Response Plan for CRESAP subprojects. d) Establish a Grievance Mechanism including a database for CRESAP. e) Provide training to MAFSE and PIU staff on World Bank Environmental and Safety Standards. f) Provide training to MAFSE and PIU on preparation of environmental and social instruments (ESMP). 64 9. Institutional Arrangements Roles and Responsibilities In order to effectively manage the implementation of the ESMF, it is necessary to identify and define the responsibilities and authority of the various organizations that will be involved in the various aspects of the project. The following entities will be involved in the implementation of the mitigation measures at various levels and times. a) At the national level, a Project Steering Committee (PSC) will be set up to act as a higher- level guidance body that will meet semi-annually. It will oversee the project, approve the Annual Work Program and Budget (AWPB), as well as the project’s progress reports, and ensure that the project objectives are being met. The PSC will ensure coherence between the project and other projects, funded by the World Bank or other development partners, in the sector. It will be chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of the MAFSE. The Secretariat of the PSC will be provided by the Project Coordinator. The PSC will be composed of representatives of the entities involved in the implementation of the project. They include the representative of MAFSE, the representative of the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development & Investment, the representative of Civil Society Organizations, etc. b) MAFSE PIU – The MAFSE PIU is primarily responsible for the overall implementation of the project and will therefore need to liaise directly with the other entities identified below in order to ensure that measures in the various environmental and social instruments are properly followed and executed. The MAFSE will ensure that the PIU has the adequate staffing to oversee the implementation of the ESMF and other subprojects instruments. So far, MAFSE has assigned one agricultural officer to be the fulltime environmental and social focal point of the project, as further elaborated in section 8.5 above. c) Climate Smart Matching Grant Approval Committee (CSMG) – The Climate Smart Matching Grant Approval Committee consists of the representatives of the MAFSE, participating financial institutions, and PIU specialists and will have the overall responsibility for review and approval of the matching grant request submissions. d) Financial Intermediaries (FIs) – . Prior to submitting subprojects to the Climate Smart Matching Grant Approval Committee for approval, FIs will need to review subproject applications and ensure that environmental and social standards have been applied and addressed. e) Department of the Environment (DOE) – The DOE will need to be consulted on all subprojects to ensure that they do not experience unnecessary delays due to environmental issues during implementation. The DOE also has monitoring responsibilities over all development projects. The DOE is also responsible for assessing the risk of subprojects and approving EIAs/ESMPs where required. f) Institute of Archaeology (IOA) – The IOA is responsible for all historic and physical cultural resources in the country. Any encounter with ancient objects or monuments must be reported to the IOA. 65 g) Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) – If lands need to be expropriated for public use, this will have to go through the MNR. They manage the land tenure system of the country and so any activity having to do with land use or acquisition must be cleared with the MNR. They Hydrology Department is also under the responsibility of the MNR. h) Contractor(s) – Contractors will be the persons actually carrying out the works and so have a significant responsibility to ensure that mitigation measures are implemented and followed. i) The World Bank - The World Bank project task team, specifically the environmental and social specialists, will provide implementation support to the project on an on-going basis. j) Social Investment Fund - SIF Fiduciary Team (Procurement, Financial Management, Accounting, and Monitoring and Evaluation) will oversee those aspects during the first year of implementation of the project Financial Intermediaries a) Coordination and Approval of Subprojects Financial Intermediaries (FIs) participating in the project will develop their own internal Environmental and Social Management Systems (ESMS), which includes a risk categorization system for subprojects. FI subprojects with minimal or no adverse E&S risks or impacts will apply national law, if the FI is assessed to have good capacity to do so. Prior to submitting subprojects to the Climate Smart Matching Grant (CSMG) Approval Committee for approval, FIs will need to review subproject applications and ensure that environmental and social standards have been applied and addressed through the following process: Step 1: Farmers complete a loan application and the FIs conduct the Environmental and Social (E&S) screening using their ESMS and with the help of the forms in Annex 1 Step 2: Farmers submit document to FI for a first review. Step 3: Following the screening, the FIs will send the eligible subprojects to the PIU Figure 3 Approval Process for a subproject under subcomponent 2.1 (FI-led) • Farmers complete a loan application and FIs use their ESMSs to screen the Step 1 E&S aspects with the help of the Screening form in Annex 1 • Farmers submit document to FI for a first review Step 2 • If approved, FI submits the document to PIU/CSMG Approval Committee for Step 3 final review and then approval Once the PIU receives the E&S forms: 66 Step 1: The environmental and social officer of the PIU will review the environmental and social aspects of the proposal and recommend to the Matching Grant Committee on whether the project is sound on Environmental and Social standards. Step 2: The PIU will then transmit them to the Climate Smart Matching Grant Approval Committee. The Committee will review other aspects of the proposals such as financial and technical and consider the environmental and social review conducted by the PIU. In addition to the PIU, the first set of subprojects will be reviewed by the World Bank task team to ensure that the approved projects are consistent with Bank requirements. The PIU will then give the authorization to the FIs to provide matching grants from the CRESAP to the proposals which receive financial, technical, and environmental and social approvals. Figure 4 Approval Process for a subproject under subcomponent 2.2 (MAFSE-led) • Contractor conducts E&S screening and prepares ESMP Step 1 • Envrionmental and Social Officer of the PIU reviews the ESMP/E&S forms Step 2 • Documents are submitted to the PIU/CSMG Approval Committee for reivew and Step 3 approval Reporting and Monitoring Participating FIs will be required to submit all environmental checklists and safeguard instruments including ESMPs to the PIU along with submissions for approval of matching grants. FIs will also submit quarterly monitoring reports on subprojects ESMPs to the PIU until the subprojects are fully implemented. Monitoring The MAFSE and the PIU will monitor the environmental and social performance of the project in accordance with the legal agreement (including the ESCP). Monitoring will normally include recording information to track performance and establishing relevant operational controls to verify and compare compliance and progress. Monitoring will be adjusted according to performance experience, as well as actions requested by relevant regulatory authorities and feedback from stakeholder communities. The PIU will be the primary entity responsible for the implementation of the ESMF and as such has appointed one of its staff to be the Environmental and Social focal point of the PIU. The PIU will also ensure that contract technical specifications include environmental and social mitigation measures and the associated indicative parameters which will then be monitored as well. The ESMP developed for subprojects will identify the parameters to be monitored, measurement (including methods and equipment), frequency of measurement, responsibilities, and cost. Aside from this administrative mechanism, the project will also be monitored through active stakeholder engagement with project beneficiaries including farmers and farmers groups 67 so that their feedback on the implementation of the project is included in the decision-making process. Regular Reporting The MAFSE PIU will provide the Bank with regular quarterly reports of the results of the monitoring as set out in the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). The PIU will coordinate the reporting requirements for the FIs by developing an overall reporting structure for FIs to allow for efficient consolidation by the PIU. FIs will be required to submit all screening reports on subprojects to the PIU as well as E&S reports to the PIU every quarter during implementation of subprojects. Contractors for any civil works implemented by MAFSE PIU shall provide monthly monitoring and compliance reports to MAFSE. The MAFSE, through the Environmental and Social focal point of the PIU, will review the reports from contractors and FIs, consolidate them, and submit them to the Bank quarterly, as outlined in the ESCP. Such reports will provide an accurate and objective record of project implementation, including compliance with the ESCP and the requirements of the ESSs. Furthermore, those reports will include information on stakeholder engagement conducted during project implementation in accordance with ESS10 and the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) as well as the functioning of the grievance mechanisms. World Bank Supervision World Bank staff or consultants acting on the World Bank’s behalf will conduct periodic site visits to the project. The PIU will facilitate such site visits and provide any necessary support. Accident and Incident Notification In addition, the MAFSE PIU will notify the World Bank promptly (within 48 hours) of any incident or accident relating to the project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers. The notification will provide sufficient detail regarding such incident or accident, including any fatalities or serious injuries. The Borrower will take immediate measures to address the incident or accident and to prevent any recurrence, in accordance with national law and the ESSs Adaptive Management Based on the results of ongoing monitoring, the MAFSE PIU will identify any necessary corrective and preventive actions and will incorporate these in an amended ESCP or the relevant management tool, in a manner acceptable to the World Bank. The MAFSE PIU will implement the agreed corrective and preventive actions in accordance with the amended ESCP or relevant management tool and monitor and report on these actions accordingly. Budgeting and Resources Implementing the mitigation measures identified in this ESMF and other related activities for the purpose of reducing project risks and enhancing project benefits will invariably carry costs 68 and require material resources. Costs for the various aspects of the EMF will be financed in the following ways: a) Mitigation Measures Costs: Most of the cost of mitigation measures identified in this ESMF can be added on as subsidiary costs to subproject activities. This means that once clear specifications for environmental and social mitigation measures are included in the contract, bidders are expected to provide their own estimates to those activities. More specifically, for subcomponent 2.2, contractors will budget for E&S mitigation measures in the bidding process. For subcomponent 2.1, farmers are not expected to include the cost of mitigation measures in their loan applications, but would be supported by project funds; therefore, it will be a separate line item in the budget. Indicative costs for technical support have been provided in the Summary of Mitigation Measures table that would be taken from the project budget. Summary of indicative costs of environmental and Social mitigation measures not directly covered under the works contracts under subcomponent 2.1 Type of mitigation measures Total (BZD) Total (USD) Environmental 3800 1900 Social 5000 2500 *full breakdown available in the Summary of Mitigation Measures in Sections 5.1 and 5.2. **these costs are in addition to support from the Environmental and Social part-time experts engaged for the duration of the project as they refer to additional specific technical skills. They are also incorporated into the Table 15 sample overall budget below. b) ESMP Costs: To prepare environmental and social assessments and ESMPs for subprojects, the costs for these activities are to be allocated from general project management costs. These costs are likely to paid to external experts who will prepare these instruments on behalf of the project. c) Capacity Building and Training Costs: Capacity building and training costs for the MAFSE PIU is also to be allocated from general project management costs. This will be carried out to the maximum budget allocation given in the global project budget. d) Stakeholder Engagement Costs: Budget estimates for consultations during the three phases of the project are outlined in the CRESAP Stakeholder Engagement Plan. These costs to be allocated from general project management costs. 69 e) Grievance Mechanism Costs: Training on the GM and Gender-based violence topics are included in the SEP budget. Additional items relevant to GM included in the budget below: Table 13 Budget Estimate for the Project-level Grievance Mechanism *excluding costs included in the SEP budget Item Units Unit Cost Total (BZD) Total (USD) Development and 1 10000 10000 5000 maintenance of secure log system Training of district 1 2000 2000 1000 officers on GM Computer 1 2500 2500 1250 Telephone 1 800 800 400 Printer 1 1000 1000 500 TOTAL 16300 8150 Recurrent costs Stationary 300/month 300/month (paper/ink) Human resources 2 2500/month 5000/month (part-time support (2)) TOTAL 5300/month * 159,000 60 months = 318,000 GRAND TOTAL $334,300 $167,150 Training* 2 1500 3000 Table 14 Budget Estimate for additional costs related to the LMP Grievance Mechanism Item Units Unit Cost Total (BZD) Total (USD) Development and 1 2500 2500 1250 maintenance of separate section of the log system for 70 labor related grievances, and a separate logbook in physical form Training of Human 1 2000 2000 1000 Resource Manager and district level staff TOTAL 4500 2250 Recurrent costs Stationary 300/month 300/month (paper/ink) TOTAL 300/month * 9,000 60 months = 18,000 GRAND TOTAL $22,500 $11,250 *Included in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan budget Table 15 Overall Budget Estimate Capacity Building and Training BZD USD 1. Training PIU on World Bank Environmental and Social Standards, 20,000 10,000 preparation/implementation of ESF instruments during implementation, Grievance Mechanism, conducting community awareness meetings during Covid-19, Emergency Response Planning. 2. Training to contractors and other project workers on occupational health and safety, including measures to be taken during Covid-19, Emergency preparedness and response, Code of Conduct, and on relevant aspects of environment and social compliance (i.e., ESMF, LMP, RPF, GM, GBV etc.). 3. Capacity development and training activities to participating FIs to enhance the capacity to address environment and social risks as per the developed ESMS 4. Prepare and deliver technical and awareness trainings to farmers and their workers on safe environmental and social practices Development of E&S Documents and other Tools 1. Additional consultants e.g., developing ESMSs, RAP, IPPs, ESMPs, 50,000 25,000 ESIAs Monitoring, inspection, evaluation, and reporting 71 1. Periodic training activities 30,000 15,000 2. Regular monitoring of contractor, FI and farmers’ compliance including OHS and community health and safety 3. Supervision missions with WB team 4. Quarterly reporting of E&S compliance for all project components Grievance Mechanism 1. Setting up and Implementation of the GM, including a database 356,800 178,400 for MAFSE PIU, including two part-time environmental and social consultants Stakeholder Engagement 1. SEP implementation (details in SEP), excluding trainings 77,750 38,875 Overall total budget for ESF capacity building, implementation, $534,550 $267,275 monitoring, and reporting This budget encompasses the LMP budget. 10. Stakeholder Engagement and Grievance Mechanism Stakeholder Engagement As set out in ESS10, the MAFSE PIU will continue to engage with, and provide sufficient information to stakeholders throughout the life cycle of the project, in a manner appropriate to the nature of their interests and the potential environmental and social risks and impacts of the project. The MAFSE PIU will provide to the World Bank and disclose final or updated documentation and safeguard instruments. All environmental and social safeguard instruments will be published on the MAFSE website here https://www.agriculture.gov.bz/climate-resilient- agriculture-project-cresap/ and will also be made public by the World Bank, once approval and clearance are granted. ESMF Disclosure All subprojects will also include a strategy for public information disclosure, in order to keep the general public and/or the actors involved in the subproject informed about its purpose and the potential environmental impacts. The disclosure of information will be done in a manner that will provide meaningful engagement and dissemination with the local community, including local media and the internet. The information being disclosed should be in a language or languages that the targeted stakeholders understand. In general, the information that will be published should contain: i) basic information on the sub-project; ii) environmental categorization; iii) terms of reference for the required environmental studies; iv) the summary and the results of the community consultations; v) the environmental studies developed; viii) the announcement of the contractors; and ix) the environmental and social specifications to be 72 followed by the contractors during construction. To ensure proper and adequate participation of stakeholders and communities, they must be given information package prior to any meeting and be given sufficient notice time for any meetings to be held. This is to ensure that they are able to participate meaningfully in the consultations. Grievance Mechanism Background and Aims of GM The Grievance Mechanism (GM) is designed and established for the overall project and as part of the RPF, IPPF, and resettlement plan. Both this project-level GM and the separate LMP GM include a special channel for Gender Based Violence (GBV) issues to ensure these types of issues are dealt with appropriately. GMs are intended to be accessible, collaborative, expedient and effective in resolving concerns through dialogue, joint fact finding, negotiation, and problem solving. This is required by the World Bank policy and standards. The GM is developed as part of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) to receive and facilitate the resolution of concerns and grievances. Such grievances may include the potential of exclusion of vulnerable people and any systemic discrimination that may exist which could cause inequitable distribution (if it occurs) of project benefits. The vulnerable groups include the poorest, female-headed households with underage children, female unemployed, youth unemployed, persons with disabilities, youth at risk, young girls, and minority groups based on religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, persons living with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, Mennonites, immigrant farmers, and indigenous people. The GM includes specific and confidential channels that can be used by vulnerable groups. To avoid or minimize the risk of leaving certain vulnerable groups behind, the SEP describes the measures that are used to remove obstacles to participation and how the opinions of the different affected groups are captured. The SEP includes differentiated measures to allow the effective participation of those identified as vulnerable, focusing on small farmers without connections to formal organizations. In accordance with ESS7, the project requires a dedicated approach for communication and participation of indigenous groups that may be affected, ensuring that there are effective channels of communication, access to participation tables and agency in making decisions about problems that will potentially affect them (positively or negatively). Principles of GM Effective GMs usually embody seven core principles: 1) Fairness: Grievances are treated confidentially, assessed impartially, and handled transparently. 2) Objectiveness: The GM is to operate in a fair, objective manner and give impartial treatment to each case. GM officers have adequate means and powers to investigate grievances (e.g., interview witnesses, access records, etc.). 3) Simplicity and accessibility: Procedures to file grievances and seek action are simple enough that community members can easily understand them. Community members 73 will also have a range of contact options including, at a minimum, a telephone number, an email address, and a postal address. The GM will be accessible to all stakeholders, irrespective of the remoteness of the area they live in, the language they speak, and other characteristics. The GM will not use complex processes that create confusion or anxiety (such as only accepting grievances on official-looking standard forms or through grievance boxes in government offices). 4) Responsiveness and efficiency: The GM will be responsive to the needs of all complainants. Accordingly, officials handling grievances will be trained to take effective action upon and respond quickly to grievances and suggestions. 5) Speed and proportionality: All grievances, simple or complex, will be addressed and resolved as quickly as possible. The action taken on the grievance or suggestion is swift, decisive, and constructive. 6) Participatory and socially inclusive: A wide range of project-affected people, community members, members of vulnerable groups, civil society, and the media – will be encouraged to bring grievances and comments to the attention of project authorities. Special attention is given to ensure that the poor and marginalized groups, including those with special needs, are able to access the GM. 7) Confidentiality: GM officers will be trained on confidentiality procedures, including anonymising personal information when discussing actions to be taken with the Project Steering Committee. Training will emphasize that there must be absolutely no reprisals and the participation of community members in the GM does not diminish their rights or entitlement to benefit from the project in any way. The same information can be shared with local communities. Emails, letters, and transcripts of telephone conversations containing personal information will be accessed only by the assigned project staff. Definition of Grievance Grievance is defined for the purpose of this mechanism as an issue, concern, problem, claim (perceived or actual) or complaint that an individual or group wants the project to address and resolve. When community members present a grievance, they generally expect to receive one or more of the following: • Acknowledgment of their problem • An honest response to questions about project activities • An apology • Compensation • Modification of the conduct that caused the grievance • Some other fair remedy 74 GM Administration Process Registration Receiving and registering complaints will be a simple process where members of the public can inform the MAFSE PIU Staff or personnel at any of the MAFSE offices in the districts, considering that not all members of the community will have access to a phone and/or email. Respective Chairpersons of the various Village Councils may also make a report on behalf of a villager. These respective persons will be trained on the GM and be fully equipped to pass on the information in a secure method and within 24 hours to the Focal Point person identified below: Complaints should be passed on to the focal point by phone, email, in-person, or directly via the log system at the following: Focal point: Jose Tillett (MAFSE Monitoring and Evaluation Officer) Telephone: 8222131 Email: jose.tillett@agriculture.gov.bz Persons may also opt to lodge their grievance directly to the focal point via the phone number and/or email provided as well as in person. The Focal Point must acknowledge receipt of the grievance directly to the complainant, whether the grievance was provided either directly or via respective persons outlined above within 48 hours. All relevant staff will be trained on confidentiality procedures to protect the identity of those wanting to lodge a complaint. Members of the public should be made aware of this. Although grievances can be received from respective persons, the responsibility for consolidation and formal logging of grievances will be that of the Focal Point. Once a complaint has been received, it will be recorded in the complaints log or data system which will be established by the MAFSE and will be kept confidential. The Focal Point will ensure that the respective persons responsible for address the grievance receives the information and allows those persons to respond to the grievances within 7 working days. In the case of grievances around Environmental and Social issues, the Environmental and Social Specialist will be responsible for responding to such grievances within the outlined timeframe. A log can be developed based on the example provided in Annex 7. The log can be kept in hardcopy or electronic form. Various types of grievances typically require different follow-up actions—for example, some grievances can be resolved by means of a simple explanation or apology, while others may require more extensive investigations. Therefore, grievances will be categorized, assigned priority, and routed as appropriate. 75 Figure 1: GM Procedures Sort and Process Complaints This step determines whether a complaint is eligible for the grievance mechanism, its seriousness and complexity. The complaint will be screened however this will not involve judging the substantive merit of the complaint. The following is a guide to determine whether a complaint is eligible or not: Eligible complaints may include those where: a) The complaint pertains to the project. b) The issues raised in the complaint fall within the scope of issues the grievance mechanism is authorized to address. c) The complainant has standing (direct stake or interest) to file. Ineligible complaints may include those where: a) The complaint is clearly not project related. b) The nature of the issue or complaint is outside the mandate of the grievance mechanism. c) Other project procedures, organization or agencies are more appropriate to address the issue. If the complaint is rejected at this stage, the complainant will be informed of the decision and the reasons for the rejection. It is advisable to give complainants the benefit of the doubt and engage in a conversation before deciding to reject a complaint. Complainants often provide incomplete information. Project staff will make an effort to truly understand the nature of the grievance before responding. All complaints whether eligible or not, will be logged for reference. When evaluating and investigating complaints the parties, issues, views, and options will be clarified: a) Clearly identify the parties involved. 76 b) Clarify issues and concerns raised by the complaint. c) Gather views of other stakeholders, including those of project staff. d) Classify the complaint in terms of its seriousness (high, medium, or low). Seriousness includes the potential to impact both the project and the community. Issues to consider include the gravity of the allegation, the potential impact on an individual’s or a group’s welfare and safety, or the public profile of the issue. A complaint’s seriousness is linked to who in the project’s management needs to know about it and whether the PSC is advised of the matter. The GRM will also accept anonymous complaints. Acknowledge and Follow Up When a complaint is registered, the Project Manager or appropriate MAFSE personnel will acknowledge its receipt in a correspondence that outlines the grievance process and provides contact details for the responding officer. The MAFSE PIU Social and Environmental Officer will formally respond and acknowledge the issue within 7 working days; by email if appropriate. Complainants will then receive periodic updates on the status of their grievances. Evaluate, Investigate and Take Action This step involves gathering information about the grievance to determine its validity and resolving the grievance. The merit of grievances will be judged objectively against clearly defined standards such as relevant environmental and social safeguards, legal requirements and the Project Operations Manual, if available. Grievances that are straightforward (such as queries and suggestions) can often be resolved quickly by contacting the complainant and providing an appropriate response. Every effort will be made to resolve a grievance within 30 days of receipt. If this is not possible, clear steps being taken to address the grievance will be communicated to the complainant. Grievances that cannot be resolved by the GM at the Project Management level will be referred to the Project Steering Committee. Complainants are free at any time to seek redress through the national judicial system or the Office of the Ombudsman. However, the MAFSE PIU will encourage complainants to first seek to exhaust the project GM before undertaking costly legal proceedings. The PIU will ensure there is readily available resources to translate complaints submitted in indigenous languages and responses to complainants. For urgent issues including non-compliance, GBV, and others, the PIU will inform the World Bank within 48 hours. Implementing the GM Build Awareness of GM The GM will be presented by project staff to community members during community meetings or when undertaking community consultations for social assessments and developing resettlement plans. Other ways to publicize the GM to the local communities include the following: 77 • Simple, visually engaging marketing materials can be developed. These can describe the process for handling people’s concerns and the benefits that can result. The materials will also inform the local communities about where to go and who to contact if they have a complaint. Material will be developed in relevant languages for Indigenous Peoples. • Virtual formal, and informal meetings for local communities via Zoom/Teams can be used as the main method for building awareness about the GM. WhatsApp groups can also be utilised to reach more remote communities alongside traditional methods including TV, newspaper, radio, posters, and illustrations. • Communities will be consulted about any risks or fears they have associated with using the system. Information about what else they might need to voice a complaint and participate effectively in the mechanism will be elicited and used to update the GM. • All community awareness activities regarding the GM must adhere to the COVID 19 protocols established for stakeholder engagement above. Table 16 Summary of design of the GM: Step 1: Clear system to report Members of the public can inform the MAFSE PIU Staff or personnel grievances at any of the MAFSE offices in the districts. Respective Chairpersons of the various Village Councils may also make a report on behalf of a villager. Complaints can also be lodged directly here: Focal point: Jose Tillett Telephone: 8222131 Email: jose.tillett@agriculture.gov.bz Step 2: Acknowledge Focal point will acknowledge its receipt in a correspondence that outlines the grievance process and provides contact details for the responding officer Step 3: Follow up The MAFSE PIU Social and Environmental Officer will formally respond and acknowledge any environmental and social issues within 7 working days: by email if appropriate Step 4: Evaluate, Investigate The PIU Social and Environmental Officer will resolve a grievance and Take Action within 30 days of receipt. If this is not possible, clear steps being taken to address the grievance will be communicated to the complainant. Step 5: Grievances that Grievances that cannot be resolved by the GM at the Project cannot be solved within 30 Management level will be referred to the Project Steering days of receipt Committee Step 6: Next steps if The complainant has the option of seeking redress through the unsatisfied with project GM national judicial system or the Office of the Ombudsman at their own cost 78 Train Staff for GM Project staff will be educated about the GM and procedures. This is to ensure that other staff members are able to accept complaints, or to participate in on-the-spot resolution of minor problems. The following will be considered when developing training sessions for project staff: i. Sessions will focus on why the grievance mechanism is in place, its goals, benefits, and how it operates. ii. Roles and expectations of project staff including what to do if a member of the community approaches them with a grievance, how best to respond to aggrieved stakeholders and the importance of listening, remaining objective, and taking stakeholder concerns seriously. iii. The constructive role of community dissent in project operations, by encouraging the view that complaints and opposition are a source of valuable information that can lead to improved operations, reduce risk, and develop a supportive relationship with the community. iv. Emphasize that there must be absolutely no reprisals and the participation of community members in the GM does not diminish their rights or entitlement to benefit from the project in any way. The same information can be shared with local communities. v. The program will also cover topics related to sexual harassment, particularly towards women and children, violence, including sexual and/or gender-based violence and respectful attitude while interacting with the local community. As there is no existing GM policy in place at the MAFSE, this GM process will be written into the Project Operations Manual World Bank Grievance Redressal Service (GRS) The complainant has the option of approaching the World Bank, if they find the established GM cannot resolve the issue. It must be noted that this GRS should ideally only be accessed once the project’s grievance mechanism has first been utilized without an acceptable resolution. World Bank Procedures requires the complainant to express their grievances in writing to World Bank office in Washington DC by completing the bank’s GRS complaint form which can be found at the following URL link: http://www.worldbank.org/en/projects- operations/products-and-services/grievance. Completed forms will be accepted by email, fax, letter, and by hand delivery to the GRS at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington or World Bank Country Offices. Email: grievances@worldbank.org Fax: +1-202-614-7313 By letter: The World Bank Grievance Redress Service (GRS) 79 MSN MC 10-1018 NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA Addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) The United Nations defined Gender-based violence as harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. The various forms of GBV include sexual, physical, mental, and economic harm inflicted in public or in private; threats of violence, coercion and manipulation, including trafficking in persons and commercial sexual exploitation. Belize’s National Gender-based violence Action Plan 2017-2020 also highlights that Gender-based violence' and 'violence against women' are terms that are often used interchangeably as most gender-based violence is inflicted by men on women and girls. Common forms of GBV in Belize that may therefore be social risks associated with the project include: • Domestic violence • Physical and emotional abuse • Rape • Sexual Abuse • Carnal Knowledge • Trafficking in Persons • Commercial Sexual Exploitation Steps to address reports of such gender-based violence must uphold the principles outlined in the GM, particularly confidentiality. The E&S Specialist that reviews the reports of GBV must include such cases in the monthly report whereby all identifiable information be made anonymised. Such reports must be flagged as high priority and acknowledged immediately (within 24hours). If the victim is a child, according the to the Child Abuse Reporting Regulations, it is mandatory for all family members, teachers, social workers, school administrators and all other persons to report all suspected cases of child abuse to the police. Regarding adults, the E&S Specialist and the Women’s Department must respect the privacy of the complainant and are not obligated to report the case. If the complainant would like to pursue a criminal case against the offender, the E&S Specialist will support the complainant by providing information on the process to make such a report with the Belize Police Department and what can be expected regarding steps forward. There are two main units within the Belize Police Department that respond to issues that relate to sexual or domestic violence: • The Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) responds to allegations of domestic violence within the family which may include sexual violence. 80 • Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) responds to allegations of sexual violence outside of the home setting and related crimes classified as indictable offences in the Supreme Court. As part of the reporting process, a gynaecologist or General Practitioner with experience will conduct the medical examination. Complaints against police officers, medical personnel or other public officers in relation to sexual violence where a survivor is dissatisfied with the response can be made by: • Utilizing the Complaints Form that may be obtained at the Office of the Ombudsman or any of the Women’s Department offices countrywide • The Ombudsman, upon receiving the complaint of the survivor, should take statements from the survivor In both cases whether a criminal case is to be pursued or not, the E&S Specialist will also ensure that victims and survivors of sexual violence are made aware during their initial response to the complainant that they can seek support at the Women’s Department in each district. The Women’s Department is a key referring agency for services to survivors of sexual violence. It will follow the following procedures2: • Screening – Intake process will be conducted to determine whether the services requested by the survivor are provided by the Women’s Department. If the services are not available at the Department the Women Development Officer (WDO) will make the necessary referrals. • Assessment and Attention - If the services needed are offered by the Department the Women’s Development Officer will discuss different options available with the client and make recommendations on what may be helpful. • Interviewing – Interviews will be conducted in a confidential setting and the WDO will be sensitive to the emotional state of the survivor and maintain a non-judgmental attitude. • Counselling – Counselling services should focus on providing emotional support to the victim, providing them with important information and guiding them in the process of making their own decisions. While the Department offers basic counselling in terms of information sharing, counselling beyond this would be referred. • Documentation - A National Gender-based Violence Surveillance Form will be completed and the service being provided documented. Trafficking in Persons In regard to trafficking in persons, additional considerations are made due to immigration status of victims. According to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2013, the court must ensure the privacy of victims is a priority, with various provisions being made to ensure so. The Director of Public Prosecution is also mandated to provide information to victims regarding 2 Women’s Department. (2012). Handbook on Sexual Violence, Belize. 81 safely returning to their country of citizenship or applying for permanent residency or citizenship of Belize. Once the Social Assessment is finalized and the risk is determined for GBV in the CRESAP project, the World Bank will work with the MAFSE PIU to ensure that the GBV system is survivor centric and focuses on not retraumatizing the victim and ensuring the proper support (legal, psychological, etc). Monitoring and Reporting The monitoring process will be done by the MAFSE PIU which will be in-charge of monitoring implementation of the plan. District level monitoring and evaluation will be linked to the main Project Monitoring and Evaluation carried out by the PIU. The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the PIU will be the overall office responsible for monitoring of the plan. The E&S Specialist should submit monthly internal reports to the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the PIU and included in the progress reports submitted to the World Bank quarterly. These reports should outline the following: • Number of grievances • Issues raised • Common trends • Causes of grievances • Remedial Actions • Redress provided • Recommendations to prevent future recurrences Management Functions The Ministry of Agriculture is the main responsible institution for implementation of the Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture Project (CRESAP). A Project Implementation Unit (PIU) will be established for the purpose of CRESAP’s implementation and wil l be located within the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise staffed with experts/specialist as the following: technical personnel, safeguard experts to provide assistance on environmental and social safeguards issues, fiduciary staff (procurement and financial experts) etc. The PIU is responsible for the overall CRESAP implementation, project planning and coordination, procurement, monitoring of the project activities and reporting. An Environmental and Social Focal Point has been assigned to the project for the entire period of the project implementation. The management, coordination and implementation of the SEP and its integral tasks will be the responsibility of the PIU’s Environmental and Social Specialist. Main tasks for PIU Environmental and Social Specialist - responsible person for SEP implementation: a) Implementation of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). ESS presents information regarding the project and receive any community concerns or complaints (grievance forms). 82 b) Facilitate all stakeholder engagement events and disclosure of material to support stakeholder engagement events. c) Participate during all face-to-face stakeholder meetings. d) Preparation of Minutes of meeting from all engagement events. e) Maintain the project stakeholder database and update contact information regularly. f) Maintain the track results of regular meetings and specific concerns/complaints received. The grievance database needs to be maintained on a regular basis with all received concerns/how the concern/complaint was addressed and/or resolved, etc. g) Resolve grievances and feedback submitted via the GM on Environmental and Social topics according to the GM process outlined above h) Report on social and environment safeguard issues identified during site visits and via the GM included in progress report submitted to the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at the PIU that will also conduct regular site visits to verify reported information and ensure overall project outcomes are being met. The E&S Focal Point will be supported by one part-time Environmental and one part-time Social specialist, with ability to become full-time personnel depending on the project needs. The draft version of this document was disclosed on Oct. 6th, 2021 on the MAFSE website at https://www.agriculture.gov.bz/climate-resilient-agriculture-project-cresap/. This disclosure was to support the first round of consultations on the ESF documents. 83 11. Annex Annex 1 - Subproject Environmental and Social Screening Form This checklist is to be used by the consultants hired by the FIs to work with farmers to review the potential environmental and social impacts of subprojects and determine whether the subprojects will trigger relevant ESS instruments of the World Bank or of the Department of Environment. It is a tool to screen, classify and evaluate the project activities during subproject preparation. BASIC SUBPROJECT INFORMATION Date:_________________ 1.) Name of Sub-project: 2) Purpose of Sub-project: 3) Is the Sub-project: [ ] an expansion of an existing project [ ] a new project 4) Description of Sub- project: 5) Location of sub-project: (Street) (Village/District) (Approximante location coordinats [latitude, longitude]) 6) Physical dimensions and a) Site Area to a) Building b) Footprint of c) Length of scale of the sub-project: be developed: height(s) proposed proposed proposed: building: drain, etc.: __________ _________m _______m2 ________m hectares 84 Checklist Table – Screening Answer Relevant Issue Yes No Provide explanation / Actions Required ESS 1 Water and Soil ESS1/ ESS3/ ESS6 1.1 Is there a suitable location more than 1km away from waterways where equipment and machinery can be washed and cleaned, and construction debris disposed of? 1.2 Will the subproject lead to contamination of ground and surface waters by herbicides and/or pesticides? 1.3 Will the subproject lead to an increase in suspended sediments in streams, decline in water quality and increased sedimentation downstream? 1.4 Will the subproject lead to the creation of stagnant water bodies in borrow pits, quarries, ponds, etc., encouraging for mosquito breeding and other disease vectors? 1.5 Does the project involve significant new investments for extraction, diversion or containment of surface or ground water? 2 Noise and Air Pollution Hazardous Substances ESS3/ ESS4 2.1 Will the subproject release harmful air emissions from vehicle/equipment/other processes? 2.2 Will the subproject increase ambient noise levels? 2.3 Will the subproject involve the storage, handling, or transport of hazardous substances? 85 Answer Relevant Issue Yes No Provide explanation / Actions Required ESS 3 Fauna and Flora ESS6 Does the subproject consist of converting lands that support the conservation of valued land and aquatic ecosystems, flora and fauna (e.g., protected areas, wild habitats, forest reserves, critical habitats, and endangered species? 3.1 Will the subproject involve the disturbance or modification of existing drainage channels (rivers, canals) or surface water bodies (wetlands, marshes)? 3.3 Will the subproject lead to the disruption/destruction of wildlife through interruption of migratory routes disturbance of wildlife habitats, livestock-wildlife interactions, and noise-related problems? 4 Destruction/Disruption of Land and Vegetation ESS6 4.1 Will the subproject lead to the introduction of alien species? 4.2 Will the subproject lead to long-term or semi-permanent destruction of soils in cleared areas not suited for agriculture? 4.3 Will the subproject lead to the interruption of subsoil and overland drainage patterns (in areas of cuts and fills)? 4.4 Will the subproject lead to erosion of lands receiving concentrated outflow carried by covered or open drains? 5 Land Use ESS6 86 Answer Relevant Issue Yes No Provide explanation / Actions Required ESS 5.1 Is the subproject located in an area falling within 500 meters of national forests, protected areas, wilderness areas, wetlands, biodiversity, critical habitats, or sites of historical or cultural importance? 5.2 Is the subproject located in an area of tourist importance? 5.3 Is the subproject located near a waste dump? 5.4 Does the subproject require the conversion of significant land areas (e.g. >200 hectares?) 5.5 Does the subproject require clearing or levelling of large areas of land (e.g. >200 hectares), or land with steep slope (e.g. >5%?) 5.6 Does the project involve silvopasture or livestock management within 1km of natural or protected areas? 6 Cultural Resources ESS8 6.1 Does the subproject consist of converting lands that contain sites of cultural/religious/ historical importance? 6.2 Would the proposed project produce a physical “splintering” of a community? 6.3 Have the prepared Chance Finds procedures been adopted for use in the subproject? 7 Expropriation and Social Disturbance ESS4/ESS5 87 Answer Relevant Issue Yes No Provide explanation / Actions Required ESS 7.1 Will the subproject involve land expropriation/acquisition or demolition of existing structures? 7.2 Does the project enter into conflict with existing uses of land and labour demands? 7.3 Does the subproject require housing services or agricultural lands to support the labour force (e.g., >100 operators?) 7.4 Does the subproject cause people to change the means by which they sustain their lifestyles (the significance depends on the socioeconomic scale and type of impact, e.g. consent of change, lopsided benefits)? 7.5 Would the proposed project result in dislocation or resettlement of populations? 8 Climate Change ESS3 8.1 Will the proposed project result in significant greenhouse gas emissions from the burning of fossil fuels? 8.2 Is the proposed project likely to directly or indirectly increase environmental and social vulnerability to climate change now or in the future (maladaptive practices) ? 9 Social Equity and Equality ESS7 9.1 Will the subproject have environmental and social impacts that could affect indigenous people or other vulnerable groups? 88 Answer Relevant Issue Yes No Provide explanation / Actions Required ESS 9.2 Is the project likely to negatively impact gender equality and women’s empowerment? 9.3 Will the proposed project have variable impacts on women and men, different ethnic groups, social classes? 9.4 Is the project likely to attract forced labor and/or child labor? 10 Demographics ESS2 / ESS4 10.1 Would project cause uncontrolled in-migration likely to: a) Affect environmental and social sustainability of the project? b) Overload social infrastructure in the project area (e.g. health facilities, schools, water supply)? 11 Health and Safety ESS4 11.1 Will the proposed subproject be susceptible to or lead to increased vulnerability to earthquakes, subsidence, landslides, erosion, flooding, or extreme climatic conditions? 11.2 Would the project cause increase in public health risks to contagious diseases or transmission (e.g., HIV/AIDS, Malaria, etc.) for project workers or communities in the project area, as a result of a change in living and working conditions? 12 Analysis of Alternatives ESS1 12.1 Did the project examine alternatives to avoid or minimize environmental and social impacts? 89 Answer Relevant Issue Yes No Provide explanation / Actions Required ESS 12.2 Did the project select the most feasible alternative based on technical, economic, environmental, and social factors? 13 Activities ineligible for financing ESS1 Does the project fall under any of the following categories? • No environmental and social screening was done. • An activity that may cause significant adverse environmental and social risks; long term, permanent and/or irreversible adverse impacts; and/or may give rise to significant social conflict. • An activity that may pose risks to natural habitats, critical habitats, ecologically sensitive areas, legally protected and/or internationally recognized areas of high biodiversity value. • An activity that may have a high probability of causing serious adverse effects to human health and/or the environment not related to COVID-19 treatment. • An activity involving the purchase of pesticides and insecticides. • An activity that would cause damage or destruction of tangible and intangible cultural heritage Category of Low Risk Moderate Risk Substantial High Risk Risk 90 Justification [provide justification for [provide justification for risk [provide justification for risk level selected] [provide justification for risk level risk level selected] level selected] selected] Action To Be Proceed to Prepare an ESMP or other Subproject shall be discussed with the PIU and Reject Project Taken Implementation ESF instruments following the the World Bank prior to taking action. ESMF guidance Project Categorization prepared by: ______________________ Signature: _________________ Date: _____________________ Summary of project EIA classification under Belize Department of Environment Table 17 Belize EIA Classification and Requirements Classification Impact significance on CRESAP Requirements Schedule I High risk subprojects would be ineligible for Full EIA is required funding under CRESAP. Similarly, subprojects are unlikely to meet size thresholds to trigger a full EIA – impact is negligible Schedule II Moderate risk subproject may require a LLES. It Full EIA or Limited Level would require the completion of an ESMP, which Environmental Study may be is likely to comply with the requirements of an required LLES – impact is therefore minimal Schedule III Majority of subprojects are likely to fall in this No EIA or LLES required but category and will proceed past the screening measures can be stipulated in an phase – impact is minimal Environmental Compliance Plan 91 Annex 2 - Environmental and Social Management Plan Template and Sample Supervision Environmental Cost Responsibility observation and Mitigation Monitoring Phase and Social Subproject Time/duration comments (to be Measures Indicators Impact (VEC) activity filled out during supervision) Install Operation Install Operation Planning/Design Phase Construction Phase Operation Phase 92 Table 2: Sample ESMP Supervision observation Environmental Cost Responsibility and Subproject Monitoring Phase and Social Mitigation Measures Time/duration comments activity Indicators Impact (VEC) (to be filled Operati out during Install Operation Install on supervision) Planning Forests Improved • Ensures proper Species-Site Vegetation type Fee to Fee to PIU PIU Implement /Design impacted from yield seed Matching. by location Agronomist/ Agronomist E&S E&S mitigation Phase invasive species varieties; • Exclude known invasive alien biologist @ /biologist @ Officer Officer actions during agroforestry species (or, ideally, all alien $200/pay for $200/pay and and activity planning species) from agroforestry plots. 3 days = for 20 days farmer farmer phase • As much as possible, use only local $600BZD = $4000BZD Monitor activity tree species. quarterly for • Monitor activity quarterly for invasive species invasive species over the project over the project duration duration Operatio Forests Improved • Ensure that there is no net Deforestation Fee to PIU PIU Implement n Phase impacted from yield seed forest cover loss as a (net forest biologist @ E&S E&S mitigation agricultural varieties consequence of farming cover loss) $200/pay Officer Officer actions during expansion and intensification for 10 days and and activity planning deforestation • Ensure improved yield varieties = $2000BZD farmer farmer phase are only used in already cultivated land Monitor net • Monitor net forest cover loss forest cover loss twice a year twice a year 93 Annex 3 - Integrated Pest Management Plan Introduction While the CRESAP Project will not directly finance the purchase of pesticides, the project may indirectly increase pesticide application and eventual water and soil pollution as farmers may seek to increase their crop yield. As a consequence, farmers should include ecologically sound integrated pest management (IPM) strategies in their crop production planning. IPM is an approach to enhancing crop production, based on an understanding of ecological principles, that empowers farmers to promote the health of crops and animals within a well- balanced agro-ecosystem, making full use of available technologies, especially host resistance, biological control and cultural control methods”. IPM promotes use of chemical pesticides only when the above measures fail to keep pests below acceptable levels, and when assessment of associated risks and benefits, considering effects on human and environmental health, as well as profitability (social and economic impacts) indicates that the benefits of their use outweigh the costs. The use and application of pesticides in Belize is regulated by the Pesticides Control Board which is a statutory body established to enforce pesticides laws and regulations. In addition, the Board also provides capacity building and training in the use and application of pesticides. Use and Application of Pesticides If pesticides are to be used, the proposed IPM approach proposed for this project should be applied, which amongst others promotes use of: a) Pesticides that are not harmful to human health; b) Pesticide effectiveness against target pest species known; c) Ensuring negligible effect on non-target species and their habitat; d) Ensure use of pesticide to prevent the development of pesticide resilience; and e) Ensure pesticide packaging, labelling, storage, disposal, and application must be performed according to acceptable standards enforced by the Pesticides Control Board. Negative Impacts of Chemical Pesticides Depletion of organic soil nutrients Practical experience has shown that in many areas of the country, soils lack the basic and necessary organic soil nutrients to sustain crop production yields due to chemical imbalance; as a result, there is increasing dependence on chemical fertilizers whose impact is short lived. Mitigation measures: • Apply soil conditioning measures which include IPM Poisoning of non-target species including natural biological pesticides 94 Poisoning of non-target species may occur due to negligence or lack of knowledge of chemical pesticide potency, equipment malfunction and use of wrong type of equipment; wrong time and method of application (spraying). Chemical pesticides and residues can be dangerous to non-target wild animals; fish and invertebrates as well as aquatic arthropods. Mitigation Measures • Supervise and control use of chemical pesticides to ensure that only approved and recommended ones are used • Use recommended equipment and approved methods of application • Regularly maintain and clean the equipment • Clean equipment and dispose old equipment as recommended by manufacturer Water soil and environmental pollution Water, soil, and environmental pollution may occur due to spillage during loading and offloading and during storage. Mitigation measures: • Provide suitable warehousing and storage facilities • Use of bio-beds, draining channels and draining dams • Clean equipment in one place • Use plants such as water lilies to absorb waste pesticides • Properly dispose of pesticide containers • Train farmers not to spray toxic chemicals close to water sources • Train farmers to maintain spray equipment in safe operational order Health and safety risks Farmers and other persons around pesticides storage and handling areas may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. Stocks of obsolete pesticides are a serious health and environmental risk. Pesticides are often not stored correctly, resulting in corroded containers, lost labels, and release of the chemicals into the environment. Pesticide stockpiles pose a very serious health and safety risks of contaminating drinking water, food, or the air. The presence of compounds in the soil for up to five years since last application shows that chemical pesticides persist in soils. High levels of these chemicals become harmful to human and aquatic community as the chemicals are eventually washed as run off into water bodies. Mitigation Measures: • Provide appropriate protective clothing to workers and ensure it is used • Train farmers in proper handling of chemical pesticides and conduct routine medical examination for workers for pesticide exposure Pesticide misuse, over/under application 95 Pesticides may be misused, underused, or overused due to lack of appropriate knowledge of application rates. Stockpiles of chemical pesticide pose serious threats of contaminating drinking-water, food, or air. Mitigation Measures: • Conduct training sessions on appropriate and approved chemical pesticides application • Purchase only enough stocks as required and destroy obsolete stocks of chemical pesticides Drug resistance in pests Pests may develop resistance to pesticides due to lack of appropriate knowledge in pesticides application. Mitigation Measures: • Train farmers in correct application of pesticides Proposed Steps for Implementation of IPM Approach Step 1. Assess IPM needs and establish priorities • Consider the relative importance of target crops and their need for pesticide application; • Review pesticide use history, trends, availability and needs for development of IPM technology; Identify training needs for farmers and extension agents; and • Respect and use local knowledge. Step 2. Identify key pests for each target crop • Become familiar with key pests of target crops and the damage they cause; and • Correctly identify the common pest. Step 3. Monitor the fields regularly • Inspect crops regularly to determine the level of pests and natural enemies; • Seek assistance of agricultural extension staff if necessary; and • Determine when crop protection measures, including pesticides are necessary. Step 4. Select appropriate mix of IPM kits • Maximize the effectiveness of traditional and introduced non-chemical control techniques; • Use targeted (not broad spectrum) pesticides when no other practical, effective, and economic non-chemical control methods are available; • Examples of Non-chemical Pest Management Techniques include: o Maintaining good soil fertility and a diverse agro-ecosystem; o Plant resistant crop varieties; o Selecting pest resistant plant varieties for location and season; o Rotating crops; o Planting clean seed; o Select correct planting and harvest periods to minimize pest population increase; 96 o Proper irrigation methods; o Correct fertilizer, rates, and timing; o Good crop sanitation; o Hand picking of larger pests; and o Use of natural control agents (biological control). Step 5. Develop education, training, and demonstration programs for extension workers • Conduct hands-on training of farmers in farmers’ field format as opposed to a classroom; • Use the participatory "Farmers’ Field School" approach; and • Conduct special training for extension workers, government officials, retailers, and the public. Annex 4 – Detailed Project Components The project would intervene through four components. Component 1 aims to (i) strengthen the capacity of key institutions that are part of the project and (ii) strengthen participating financial institutions, individual farmers, and farmers organizations’ capacity. Component 2 aims to promote (i) CSA technologies and practices uptake at the individual level (farmer level) and (ii) collective investments which would be targeted towards farmer groups or are in the form of public goods such as rural infrastructure. Component 3 relates to project management and monitoring and evaluation. Component 4 is the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC). The project’s specific components are as follows: Component 1: Institutional Strengthening This component consists of two subcomponents focused on strengthening the capacity of key institutions that are part of the project: Subcomponent 1.1: Strengthening the Capacity of Relevant Government and Academic Institutions. This subcomponent will focus on strengthening the capacity of the different departments of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise and key Government bodies engaged in the project, including the National Meteorological Service (NMS), the Agriculture Department of the University of Belize, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), and the Pesticides Control Board (PCB), which play a critical role in improving agricultural sector´s efficiency and enhancing producers capacity to adapt to climate change and weather variability in Belize. In particular, this subcomponent will finance, inter alia: (i) The provision of trainings on better integrating and addressing women needs in agriculture); (ii) the validation of BAIMS´ existing records and system enhancement; (iii) the design and/or establishment of information systems, agrometeorological products and services; (iv) the improvement of agrometeorological data quality; (v) the design and establishment of a system to improve interconnectivity and/or interoperability among Ministry of Agriculture and the NMS of Belize to enhance sharing of information, decision-making, and monitoring of agromet conditions; (vi) the maintenance and/or upgrade of the National Meteorological Network and rehabilitation of weather stations 97 in agricultural production areas; and (vii) the carrying out of capacity building activities, studies and diagnosis and the provision of technical assistance. Subcomponent 1.2: Strengthening Participating Financial Institutions, Individual Farmers and Farmers’ Organizations Capacity. This subcomponent will focus on strengthening the capacity of the main stakeholders, including Participating Financial Institutions (PFI) such as the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Credit Unions, the Credit Union League, and select participating Commercial Banks to enhance their knowledge in the new technologies and approaches promoted by the project. In addition, this subcomponent will provide technical assistance and extension services to individual farmers, and strengthen the organizational, operational, and business capacities of farmers organizations. This subcomponent would also: (i) strengthen the organizational, operational and business capacities inter alia of organized groups, producer´s organizations and other types of groups of producers, supported via the project; and (ii) provide international and national technical assistance and extension services to individual farmers benefitting from the matching grants. Thirty percent of farmers are women, and many small farmers are poor (below the poverty line). Rural women are significantly affected by poverty as almost one-third of them are small farmers and they lack access to services and resources. The project will have specific activities to ensure women have access to services and resources under the project. The project will tailor technical assistance to women needs by ensuring that trainings take place at convenient places, with flexible hours, where they can leave earlier if they need to. If necessary, it includes financing the use of temporary day care centres as an incentive for women’s participation (if needed). It will also support the identification and dissemination of gender-sensitive technologies that are labour-reducing for women and that are affordable, accessible, and based on their needs. The project will ensure that 30 percent of beneficiaries of matching grants and collective goods are women and that they benefit from tailored financial and business trainings. To measure progress in terms of women access to agricultural services and resources, the results framework will capture the number of women benefiting from matching grants, the number of women farmers adopting improved agricultural technologies, and the number of women trained on CSA technologies. Component 2: Promotion of Private and Public CSA Approaches and Investments This component consists of two subcomponents. The first subcomponent is focused on promotion of CSA technologies and practices at the individual level (farmer level). The second subcomponent is focused on collective investments which would be targeted toward farmer groups or are in the form of public goods such as rural infrastructure. Subcomponent 2.1: Promotion of On-farm CSA Technologies and Practices. This subcomponent would promote the uptake of best fit CSA technologies and practices, with the overarching aim of increasing resilience to climate shocks and weather events, and stabilizing/improving productivity while simultaneously lowering production costs, thereby contributing to an increase in profitability. More specifically, subcomponent 2.1 activities aim 98 to: (i) increase climate resilience of Belizean agriculture; (ii) enhance access to water in agriculture with a vision of optimizing water productivity and contribute to enhanced water resource management for agriculture; (iii) create conditions for diversification of crops and introduction of higher value added produce and/or increased land use intensity (e.g. double cropping, intercropping, high yield varieties, etc.); and (iv) reduce inefficient use of purchased agricultural inputs. This subcomponent would include activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, e.g., through energy and water efficiency measures, contributing to the productivity and mitigation pillars of the CSA approach, where possible. This subcomponent will promote the uptake of best fit CSA technologies and practices with the overarching aim of increasing resilience to climate shocks (such as drought and floods) and stabilizing/improving productivity while simultaneously lowering production costs, contributing to increases in profitability. The subcomponent will provide matching grants, supplemented with credits from participating financial institutions to farmers. The matching grants will be implemented based on a demand-driven approach. It will first start by raising awareness among the targeted beneficiaries regarding the available support for climate-smart agriculture technologies and practices (such as irrigation) and market-oriented technologies (such as innovative storage technologies) by providing information on the key terms and conditions of the available support. Technical assistance support would be provided to farmers in the preparation of their request for the funding of sub-projects and downstream support for sub- projects’ implementation. This subcomponent will pay attention to women farmers by promoting gender-sensitive CSA technologies, in particular labour-reducing technologies for women that are affordable, accessible, and based on their needs. Subcomponent 2.2: Provision of Complementary Collective Goods to Strengthen Resilience . This subcomponent would finance studies, technical assistance, goods and works for complementary infrastructure of collective use that will increase the impacts of the subcomponent relating to on-farm CSA investments and/or eliminate constraints: (i) investments related to post-production and value addition to ensure cost-effective linkages between production areas and markets, especially the high-value horticultural markets linked to tourism activities on the islands; (ii) drainage investments necessary due to the low-lying nature of much of Northern Belize; and (iii) identification, development and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) training for small-scale, collective water-harvesting pilot initiatives (e.g. for communities interested in sharing a collective pond or common pasture, etc.). This subcomponent will ensure that women are involved in the discussion for the design of infrastructure and trained in the management of infrastructures and that they are provided leadership skills to participate in O&M committee of infrastructures. Component 3: Project Management, and Monitoring and Evaluation This component would finance the activities of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU). Given the delays in the implementation of other active development projects in Belize, the MAFSE has opted for a two-pronged approach based on: (i) signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Investment Fund (SIF) in order to have the SIF Fiduciary Team (Procurement, Financial Management, Accountant, and Monitoring and Evaluation) be in charge of those aspects during the first year of implementation of the Project; and (ii) reinforce 99 its existing Department of Projects through the hiring of staff in the areas of Procurement, Financial Management, Monitoring and Evaluation, Accounting, etc., to set up a full-fledged and entirely dedicated PIU. These newly hired staff will be trained by the SIF Team as part of the MOU agreement. At the completion of the duration of the MOU, the PIU staff will be evaluated to assess their capacity before transferring the responsibility for implementation of the project to them. Activities under Component 3 would include the establishment of the project’s monitoring and evaluation system, financial management and procurement systems, the financing the costs of external audits of the project, the capacity for monitoring requirements, and the organization of all project-related work and project reporting. Further, this component will finance incremental and operating costs as well as equipment and goods for the purpose of the project. Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) The objective of Component 4 would be to help the project-supported producers get back into operation and ensure business continuity, repair infrastructure damage, and help recover from losses, after a disaster. A Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) will be established and managed in accordance with the provisions of World Bank Policy and World Bank Directive on Investment Project Financing. The CERC will be triggered only when the GOB has officially declared an emergency and a statement of the facts is provided, justifying the request to activate the use of the emergency funding. The CERC would finance emergency purchases and activities, including goods, works, and technical assistance in the event of a disaster. Annex 5 –Relevant Environmental and Social Features This section presents a description of the project site’s environmental and social features. Belize is divided into six administrative districts however, the project is focused on the four northern and central districts of, 1) Corozal, 2) Orange Walk, 3) Belize and, 4) Cayo. a) Environmental Features Topography The northern most part of the country and is bordered at the north by the Rio Hondo River which represents the border with neighbouring Mexico. Both the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts have similar topographical characteristics with flat and low landscape. These areas consist of mainly savannah forest in addition to being characterized by flat terrain eventually turning into the forested hills going westward. The Belize District lies in the northern half of the country that is relatively flat and forms part of the low-lying carbonate Yucatan platform, comprising shallow limestone soils, mantled in places by siliceous material of varying thickness . The northern lowlands in which the Belize District is located are less than 200 feet (60 meters) above sea level and are drained by many major rivers and perennial streams, including the Belize River and Sibun River. The coastline is relatively flat and swampy, with many salt or 100 brackish lagoons and the rivers crossing these coastal Figure 2 Elevations in Belize areas tend to be brackish in their lower reaches. Source: http://biological- The Cayo District can be described as a rugged, well- diversity.info/images/Articles/elevation_s.jpg vegetated hilly terrain which includes Maya Mountains. This area is drained by the Belize, Mopan, and Macal rivers and their tributaries. The geology of the area is characteristic of hilly, rugged, rolling limestone regions containing numerous sinkholes, caverns, and underground streams3. The major soil types found in the project site include Luvisols, Redzinas, Gleysols and Cambisols. Soils in the northern half of the country and in the coastal plain and river valleys in the south are generally more fertile as they are derived or associated with limestone parent materials. Histosols soils found here are typically saline and organic and exist mainly in the areas that are semi- permanently affected by water and support mangroves. Soils formed on limestone tend to have pH near neutral, dark topsoils, high levels of base saturation, and high clay content. The soils of the Maya Mountains area are mostly shallow and stony, tend to be highly variable, and depend largely on the nature of the parent material (mostly granite, quartz, shales, gneisses, and schist)4. Water Resource The Corozal District contains the Rio Hondo, New River, and other minor coastal watersheds, and includes catchments from these two major rivers. The Rio Hondo Watershed is the largest for which Belize is a part, with its greater portions existing in neighbouring Mexico and Guatemala5. This Orange Walk District has three rivers flowing through it, namely the Rio Hondo, New River and Boots River. Both the New River Lagoon and the Booths River Lagoon are considered substantial wetlands in the area. Similar to the Corozal District, there are also a number of freshwater and brackish water ponds, streams, estuaries, rivulets, and wetlands within this area (Frutos, R. 2003.). There is evidence of large concentrations of hardness and sulphate in the groundwater and the occurrence of poor groundwater quality increases during the dry season when aquifer recharge is low. 3 Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment, and Industry, 2002 4 BEST, 2008 5 Ibid. 101 The Belize District contains the Belize River and Sibun River Figure 3 National Rainfall watersheds and includes catchments from these two major Isohyets Source: Meerman, 6 rivers . The Belize River Watershed is the largest watershed in 2011 the country and the most populated (Cherrington et al., 2012). In addition, a number of freshwater and brackish water lakes or lagoons, ponds, streams, estuaries, rivulets, and wetlands can also be found here (Frutos, 2003). Groundwater is available throughout the area and is attributed to its geology (high-permeability calcareous sediments) and climatic conditions (Ibid). The occurrences of poor groundwater quality increase during the dry season when aquifer recharge is low7. The Cayo District contains the Belize River watershed, and includes catchments from the Belize River, Mopan River, and Macal River8. Freshwater streams, and rivulets are abundant in the area and groundwater is generally available throughout the less mountainous parts of the project area consisting of high-permeability calcareous sediments9. Climate Rainfall in the northern region averages about 60 inches for the year, with pronounced seasonal differences, according to the National Meteorological Service. Between January and April or May, fewer than 3.9 inches of rain fall per month is experienced. Annual average precipitation stands at 157.6mm10. Further inland in the Cayo District average annual temperature is around 26.3°C, average annual high 31.9°C of and average annual low of 21°C with an average annual precipitation of 117.9mm. Along the coast, the temperature is influenced by the coastal trade winds with an annual average temperature of 26.7°C. Average annual high is 30.3°C and average annual low of 23.1°C. The average temperature in Belize vary from 81 degrees Fahrenheit along the coast to about 69 degrees Fahrenheit in the hills, with average highs of 85° and a mean low of 73°. The hottest month is in May while the lowest temperatures are experienced during the month of January. The average humidity in the area is about 81%. Temperatures are generally influenced by elevation, proximity to the coast, and the moderating effects of the northeast trade winds off the Caribbean. 6 Boles, E. (1999). The Sibun River Watershed Atlas. Belmopan. Sibun River Watershed Association. 7Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2000. FAO’s information system on water and agriculture: Belize. 8 Boles, E. (1999). The Sibun River Watershed Atlas. Belmopan. Sibun River Watershed Association. 9Second National Communication: United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change, 2011. Government of Belize. Belmopan. 10National Meteorological Service of Belize. (n.d.). Climatology. National Meteorological Service of Belize. Retrieved from https://www.hydromet.gov.bz/climatology/climatology 102 The dry season in the northern most part of the country is relatively long, typically lasting from February to May. There is usually a short, dry period that typically occurs in late July or August, after the initial onset of the rainy season (Ibid). Air Quality Air emissions in the north are a direct effect of the large sugar production from the Tower Hill factory as well as pesticides, public dump site and vehicles. Emissions also Figure 4 National Forest Cover Loss 1986-2018 Source: emanate from the burning of Folkhard-Trap, H. 2020 sugarcane plots every year which often becomes severe. Other emission sources in the project area includes public garbage dumpsites, vehicular traffic, slash and burn agriculture, and the sewage treatment facility in Belize City. The burning of savannas and garbage dumps in and around smaller communities within the project area also contribute to air emissions11. Forest Cover Forest cover in northern Belize is typically lowland broad-leaved forest, lowland broad-leaved dry forest, lowland savanna, shrubland, mangrove and littoral forest, and wetland (BERDS, 2014a). The Belize District consists mostly of lowland areas and forest types include lowland broad-leaved forest, lowland savanna, shrubland, mangrove and littoral forest, and wetlands (BERDS, 2014a). Within the Cayo District, forest cover is typically lowland broad-leaved forest, lowland savannah and shrubland. The highest levels of deforestation in the country have occurred in the northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk which are characterized by extensive farming. The loss is the likely result of a combination of remaining high-value timber removal and rapidly expanding agriculture driven by population increase12. (See Figure 9 for map of forest cover loss). Forests provides habitats for a number of unique flora and fauna. 11 Second National Communication: United Nations Framework Convention On Climate Change, 2011. Government of Belize. Belmopan. 12 Folkhard-Trap, H. 2020. Deforestation in Belize - What, Where and Why. Retrieved from https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.01.23.915447v1.full 103 Biodiversity and Nature Protection There are several rare and endangered species that exist within the project area. This includes the Tapir, which is the national animal of Belize, jaguar, and mahogany trees. The poaching and extraction of any of these species is illegal. Other significant endangered fauna species that exists within the project area includes the Bromeliad Tree Frog, the Yellow-headed Parrot13, Mesoamerican River Turtle14 and keel-billed toucan. The Yucatan Black Howler Monkey and Baird’s Tapir were solely labelled as vulnerable in Belize a few years ago but have both quickly changed status and are now categorized as endangered. Sensitive habitats within the northern region include: Honey Camp National Park, Shipstern Nature Reserve, Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Fresh Water Creek Forest Reserve, Aguas Turbias National Park, Rio Bravo Conservation Area, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Spanish Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, Monkey Bay National Park, Peccary Hills National Park, Gales Point Wildlife Sanctuary, the Burdon Canal Nature Reserve, and the Community Baboon Sanctuary. Within the Cayo District there are several protected areas including nature and archaeological reserves15. Some sensitive habitats in the Cayo District include Chiquibul National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Five Blues Lake National Park, Thousand Foot Falls Natural Monument, Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve and Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve and the Noj Kaax Meen Elijio Panti National Park. b) Socio-economic Context and Baseline Population and Demographics Within the four targeted districts there are 119 villages spread out across the entire area. While each district has one or two main urban centers, given the nature of the project, those communities that are likely to be affected by the project will be those from rural areas. There is a total of 32,024 households with an average size of 4.4 persons and a total of 140,167 persons within the project area. There is a slightly higher number of males (51%) compared to females (49%). Table 18 Rural Population Breakdown of Project Sites District (Rural) No. of Total Males Females No. of HH Avg. HH Villages Size Corozal 29 30,774 15,589 15,185 6,562 4.6 Orange Walk 29 45,946 23,214 22,732 10,452 4.4 Belize 29 26,358 13,166 13,192 7,351 3.7 Cayo 32 37,089 18,862 18,227 7,659 5.0 13 Ibid. 14 Biodiversity and Environmental Resource Data System of Belize (BERDS). (2017). Belize Ecosystems 2017. Retrieved from http://www.biodiversity.bz 15 PACT. (2006). Protected areas. Retrieved from https://www.pactbelize.org/protected-areas/ 104 Total 119 140,167 70,831 69,336 32,024 4.4 The project area has Figure 5 Population Growth in Target Districts 1921 - 2010 (Source: SIB, experienced consistent 2020) population growth, though some at a more rapid pace than others. Even though the Corozal, Orange Walk and Cayo Districts started off with similar early population numbers, the Cayo District has experienced a more rapid rate of growth than the other two. The district with the largest number of rural households is the Orange Walk District with a total of approximately 10,452 households. The average household size ranges from 3.7 person in the Belize District to 5 persons in the Cayo District. Economy and Employment The northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk are highly dependent on sugar cane farming and participate heavily in the sugar industry even though it has been on the decline for some years now. Nonetheless, the sugar industry still dominates the economy of both districts along with all the support services along the sugar production value chain. Other forms of agriculture, both commercial and subsistence also contribute greatly to economy of the area. These two districts produce significant agricultural and livestock products including cash crops such as peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions. Residents of the Corozal District especially from the rural areas have turned to commercial fishing exploiting mainly the conch and lobster fishery products. Meanwhile, Orange Walk has a nascent tourism industry given the location of well- known Maya archaeological sites such as Lamanai. This is of course prior to the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic which has halted all international travel to Belize. Many residents of rural Belize District commute to work in Belize City and as such some of the rural communities can be considered suburban and peri-urban extensions of the urban centre especially those closer such as Ladyville, Lord’s Bank, Burrell Boom and Hattieville. Rural residents do take advantage of the availability of land in outer areas and many practice agriculture, especially cattle rearing. Vegetable production has steadily taken hold in some of the communities in the northern section of the district in villages such as Bomba. This new growth is driven mainly by immigrants who recently moved into the area from neighbouring countries. The level of dependence on agriculture varies from community to community as some practice mainly subsistence farming compared to those producing crops for sale at a 105 commercial scale. Typical crops grown in the area include, rice, plantains, corn, cassava, and a variety of vegetables. The Cayo District covers a wide area starting from La Democracia along the George Price Highway extending to La Gracia in the north and to San Antonio Village in the south. The Cayo District is known for both tourism and agricultural Figure 6: Major Crop Production (Source: ECLAC, 2013. production. After the cayes, Belize: Effects Of Climate Change On Agriculture) the Cayo District is the next largest tourism destination in Belize and as such is home to numerous jungle resorts and other tourism accommodations. The Cayo District has numerous natural attractions and archaeological sites and as such has grown over the years in terms of visitation. The COVID 19 pandemic has severely affected this sector of the local economy. Meanwhile, villages such as Valley of Peace, La Gracia and San Antonio well known agricultural communities. They produce significant amounts of cash crops (fruits and vegetables) for sale in the domestic market. Figure 6 Access to a Bank Account To benefit from a major component Source: SIB and UNICEF Belize, 2017 of the project through IFIs, farmers will need to have access to financial services. A majority of the residents of the target districts do have a bank account though it varies from district to district. Orange Walk and Cayo have the lowest access to a bank account at around 72% while the highest is in the Belize District. It may be necessary to assist those farmers who are currently outside of the banking system open bank accounts at local banks and credit unions. 106 Poverty and Social Development Belize’s most recent poverty report (2010) shows that 43% of the national population falls below the official poverty line of which 16% are considered indigent. The sharpest rise in poverty has been in the Corozal District where poverty doubled, and indigence tripled from 2002 to 2010. Notably, during the period when the poverty assessment Figure 8 Poverty Rates in Project Target Districts (Source: SIB, 2010) was conducted, Corozal was one of the districts repeatedly impacted by hurricane and flooding, thus underscoring the population’s vulnerability to disasters. Agricultural workers and people with unskilled jobs are more likely to be poor or indigent given the low wages earned in that sector. Overall, poverty in the agricultural sector has not changed since 2002 and continues to have higher poverty rates than any other sector. According to the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI), the poverty and deprivation in rural areas of Belize are driven mainly by poor nutrition and low school attendance which often results in poor education. Most of agriculture workers are generally educated at most to the primary school level. This is an important consideration for training activities for both men and women under the project. Training activities will have to utilize low- literate adult education methods such as experiential learning. Community Infrastructure All of the villages within the four target districts have 24-hour access to electricity provided by the Belize Electricity Limited. Similarly, Figure 9 Ownership of Assets (Source: SIB and UNICEF all have access to potable water Belize, 2017.) through a community-based water system or through Belize Water Services. Having access to running water is always a key input in post- production and value-adding activities for agricultural productions. There is also near universal access to mobile telephone and television in all of the target districts. There is high mobile phone penetration and is a good means of communication within the districts. This can facilitate communication of agro-met information to farmers as is part of the aim of the project. 107 There is a high ownership of televisions as well as portable radios, which is around 80%. Radio and cell phones are the most effective ways of communicating messages to rural residents. The ownership of motor vehicles in all of the districts is around 40% and this likely affects transportation from rural to urban areas especially for market access for agricultural products. Land Tenure Land is an important assets for households especially in farming rural areas. Lands in the project area fall into the categories of national lands or private lands. Private lands are held either as leasehold or freehold interest. Leasehold is an interest in land that is provided for a certain number of years, usually seven years, under stipulated conditions by the Minister responsible for lands whereas the freehold interest is accepted as absolute title and the term can be infinite. Private lands are generally surveyed with defined parameters regardless of size. Rural villages generally have two broad areas of land use especially those heavily dependent on agriculture. A segment of community lands is allotted as residential areas surveyed into house lots and other segment dedicated to farming and cultivation. This distinction is very clear especially in the sugarcane farming communities of the Northern districts of Corozal and Orange Walk. While this can be found in the Belize and Cayo Districts as well, there are those whose who reside on their homestead with larger landholdings but still considered to be living within a village. Cultural Heritage The Corozal and Orange Walk Districts and share a common history, culture, and ethnicity. These two northern districts are inhabited predominantly by an ethnic group called the Mestizos. Mestizos are descendants of indigenous Maya and European Spaniards and first came into northern Belize from southern Yucatan, Mexico as refugees of the Caste War of Yucatán in 184816. The residents of the Belize District are predominantly Belizean Creoles, who are Afro- descendants of British colonialists and African slaves. Creoles continue to represent a significant segment of Belize’s population second only to Mestizos, in terms of population size. The residents of the Cayo District are generally considered to be Mestizo. There are some historical distinctions however between these communities. La Gracia and Valley of Peace for instance originated as refugee settlements by persons coming from the neighbouring countries of El Salvador and Guatemala to escape the civil wars occurring in those countries in the 1980’s. There are also a few Creole communities in the Cayo District mostly along the George Price Highway, are inhabited by Creoles though recently there has been increasing presence of Hispanic/Mestizo residents moving as well. 16 The Caste War was a Maya uprising against the Spaniards but it eventually became a war against the Mestizos. 108 San Antonio in the Cayo District is generally considered a Maya-Yucatec community and as such it is considered as the only indigenous community in the project site that comes closest to the general definition held by the World Bank ESS7. The Figure 10 Archaeological Sites in residents of San Antonio are considered to be the Project Site descendants of Maya settlers from Yucatan who escaped to Belize and Petén, Guatemala during the Caste War of Yucatan in the mid-19th century17 similar those in Corozal and Orange Walk. Some communities in the Northern part of the country within the project area are said to be increasingly reclaiming their Maya identities and will be assessed further to identify whether they fit the general definition of the ESS7, as well. Being a part of the Meso-American region that was covered by the Maya Civilization means that Belize is littered with ancient temples and other archaeological sites from this period18. There are numerous Maya archaeological sites identified and excavated within the project area. These sites are protected by law and overseen by the Institute of Archaeology (ICA), an entity under the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). Damage or destruction to any archaeological site or object of antiquity a violation of existing laws. Earthworks for drainage systems especially may encounter ancient artifacts throughout the project site. A chance find procedure has therefore been established for the project in the event there is discovery during project implementation. Flora and Fauna Name Flora/Fauna Status (IUCN) Districts located Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), Flora least concern Corozal, Belize Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) Flora least concern Corozal, Belize White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemose) Flora least concern Corozal, Belize Warrie Wood (Caesalpinia gaumeri) Flora NA Corozal Senna atomaria Flora Least Concern Corozal Black Poisonwood (Metopium brownie) Flora NA Corozal Dalbergia glabra Flora Least concern Corozal Purple Passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) Flora Least concern Corozal Logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum) Flora least concern Corozal, Belize Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii) Flora NA Corozal 17 The Caste War and the Maya of Yucatan by Dr. Angel Cal in Readings in Belizean History, Edited by Lita Krohn and Froyla Salam, 3rd Edition. 18 Awe, J. J. The Ancient Maya of Belize and Central America in Krohn, L and Salam, F. (eds.) Readings in Belizean History (pp. 11) 3rd Edition. NICH. 109 Orchids (Orchidaceae) Flora least concern Orange Walk Mahogany Trees (swietenia macrophylla) Flora Vulnerable Orange Walk Trumpet Tree (Cecropia peltata) Flora least concern Orange Walk, Belize Cohune Palm (Attalea cohune) Flora Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo Caribbean Pine (Pinus caribaea) Flora least concern Belize, Cayo Bayleaf (Sabal mauritiiformis) Flora Belize, Cayo Bukut (Cassia grandis) Flora least concern Belize Guanacaste (Enterolobium cyclocarpum) Flora least concern Cayo Bullrush (Zamia prasina), - Flora critically Cayo endangered Nargusta (Terminalia amazonia) Flora least concern Cayo Mountain Pimento (Schippia concolor, [endemic Flora Vulnerable Cayo species]) False Jade (Chamaedorea neurochlamys Burret) Flora Cayo Quamwood (Schizolobium parahyba) Flora least concern Cayo Green Vine Snake (Oxybelis fulgidus) Fauna least concern Corozal Black Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) Fauna least concern Corozal Tabasco Mud Turtle (Kinosternon acutum) Fauna near threatened Corozal Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus Fauna least concern Corozal mexicanus) Coatimundi (Nasua narica) Fauna least concern Corozal Paca (Agouti paca nelson) Fauna least concern Corozal Yucatan Squirrel (Sciurus yucatanensis) Fauna least concern Corozal Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus holosericeus) Fauna least concern Corozal Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) Fauna least concern Corozal Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens) Fauna least concern Corozal Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) Fauna least concern Corozal Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) Fauna least concern Corozal Jaguars (Panthera onca) Fauna near threatened Orange Walk Puma (Puma concolor) Fauna least concern Orange Walk Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) Fauna least concern Orange Walk Margay (Leopardus wiedii) Fauna near threatened Orange Walk Jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) Fauna least concern Orange Walk Yucatan Black Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) Fauna endangered Orange Walk, Belize Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii), Fauna endangered Orange Walk, Belize, Cayo Gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Fauna least concern Orange Walk King vultures (Sarcoramphus papa) Fauna least concern Orange Walk Jabiru storks (Jabiru mycteria) Fauna least concern Orange Walk Black-bellied whistling ducks (Dendrocygna Fauna least concern Orange Walk autumnalis) Wood Stork (Mycteria americana) Fauna least concern Orange Walk Central American River Turtle (Dermatemys mawii) Fauna critically Belize, Cayo endangered Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) Fauna least concern Belize Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) Fauna least concern Belize, Cayo Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Fauna least concern Belize Common Opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) Fauna least concern Belize Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) Fauna least concern Belize 110 Greattailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) Fauna least concern Belize Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula) Fauna least concern Belize Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica), Fauna least concern Belize Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) Fauna least concern Belize Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix) Fauna endangered Belize Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla) Fauna least concern Cayo Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) Fauna Cayo Tayra (Eira barbara senex) Fauna least concern Cayo Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) Fauna least concern Cayo Brown Jay (Psilorhinus morio) Fauna least concern Cayo Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) Fauna least concern Cayo Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) Fauna least concern Cayo Dusky Antbird (Cercomacra tyrannina) Fauna least concern Cayo Figure 11 Major ecosystems maps of Belize (Source: Meerman, 2011) Annex 6 – Belize Environmental Clearance Process Chapter 2 Legal and Regulatory Framework includes a summary of national regulations relevant to CRESAP. a) Belize Environmental Clearance Process The Environmental Clearance Process must be followed to obtain approval and environmental clearance of a proposed undertaking, project, programme, policy or activities from the Department of the Environment. An overview of the Environmental Clearance Process of Belize, relevant publications and checklists can be found on the Department of Environment website: (e.g. EIA Manual Belize Final July 2011, Checklist for Agriculture, Checklist for Light Industry) Summary of other relevant guidelines 111 Checklist for Agriculture Projects (Link): This checklist provides information to assist Developers and the Government of Belize to identify impacts of a proposal and to take adequate and practical measures to mitigate any adverse environmental effects. It also helps the DoE decide whether an EIA is required. It gathers information on projects’ infrastructure and utilities requirements; transporting, handling and storing raw materials, chemicals and fuels; expected impacts to people, structures, plants and animals, land, water, and air quality. Checklist for Light Industry: This checklist is similar to that described for Agriculture project, with an additional focus on gathering information on the discharge of contaminated industrial effluents; discharge of cooling waters; leaching of solid industrial waste; emissions of contaminated gases and particles; and accidents cause by the use or transportation of dangerous material. Other checklists are available by the DOE on Petroleum, Mining, Tourism, Sub- divisions/Construction but are not anticipated to be required in this project. 112 Figure 7 Summary of the Environmental Clearance Process (Source: Department of the Environment. Environmental Clearance Process) 113 Belize Environmental Clearance Process: 1. Project Proposal and/or Environmental Checklists (purpose and activities of projects): • Project developers must submit a project proposal and/or completed environmental checklist to DOE. The proposal must include: • A detailed description of the project • Site location map, including land tenure or Proof of ownership of the site • Scaled layout plan • Company documents, including the Certificate of Company Registry and Articles & Memorandum of Association • Shareholder Roster and current registered list of Directors • Contact persons, including contact information Screening of Projects (EIA/LLES/No Study): • Screening process is conducted by DOE, including reviewal of documents and site inspection • Process determines if an environmental study is required or not • This can take up to 30 days Projects not requiring EIA/LLES: • Site inspection is conducted by the DOE • DOE may grant approval for Environmental Clearance via a No Objection Letter, an Environmental Clearance Letter with conditions, or an Environmental Clearance Letter with an Environmental Compliance Plan • This may take 14 to 30 days Projects requiring EIA/LLES – site inspection (scoping) – TOR – Preparation of study – Public Consultation – NEAC site inspection – NEAC Meeting – ECP –monitoring: • A Terms of Reference is developed by the Develop to identify the major environmental issues that the EIA/LLES study will need to address and is vetted by the DOE • During this process, an inspection of the project area is conducted to ensure that all relative aspects of the existing environment/baseline is taken into consideration while developing the TOR • The National Environmental Appraisal Committee review the Draft TOR and provides inputs where necessary, before the TOR is approved by the DOE • The TOR is approved and evidenced with a letter with an attached TOR by the DOE • A study is conducted by an Environmental Consultant selected by the Developer LLES Review process (skip if an EIA is necessary) • A Limited Level Environmental Study is needed for the prediction, evaluation, estimation and communication of possible environmental effects of some proposed projects, undertaking or activities where the activities could have some negative impacts on the environment. • *The TOR for an LLES is usually limited in nature and should not be as comprehensive as that of an EIA. The LLES takes many of the steps in the review process as the EIA, with the difference 114 that the public consultation is not mandatory and the report reviewed by a smaller group/ review panel selected from the NEAC membership. • Once the LLES is complete, it is submitted to the DOE as the first draft LLES Report. The first Draft LLES Report is reviewed to ensure that all sections of the approves TOR are addressed. • If there is need for improvement of the Report, the Developer is notifies of the requirements and the submissions of a second Draft LLES Reports is requested with the corrected sections highlighted. • Upon completing review of the second Draft LLES Report, and should the LLES be considered acceptable, the DOE requests, from the Developer the submissions of hard copies of the final LLES report along with the one digital copy. The number of copies is dependent on the composition of the review panel. The document is then disseminated to the review panel. • As part of the technical review of the LLES Report, the review panel conducts a site inspection of the proposed project site. The site inspection is coordinated by the DOE. • After the site inspection, the DOE convenes a meeting of the review panel to discuss the report and make recommendations to the DOE. • The Review Panel may recommend to the DOE: o That the LLES is inadequate and requires further investigation, o That the development does not proceed, o That the development proceeds subjected to conditions. Once the Review Panel recommends that the project proceed, subject to conditions, and the DOE accepts this recommendation, the process for granting environmental clearance commences as follows: • The DOE prepares an Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) in accordance with the information collected form the LLES Report and from the review panel recommendations • DOE circulates the Draft ECP to review panel for input • DOE submits the Draft ECP to the Development for comments • Developer informs DOE in writing of their acceptance of the Draft ECP • Once the ECP is agreed upon by both the DOE and the Developer, it is dated and signed by both the Developer and the Chief Environmental Officer of the DOE • Environmental Clearance letter is drafted and issued for the project after the ECP is signed • The Developer is granted Environmental Clearance to proceed with the project development once the Developer has received an Environmental Clearance letter issued by DOE accompanies with a True Original copy of the ECP signed by both the DOE and the Developer. • That may take up to 60 days but is usually completed within 30 days from the date of submissions of approved LLES report to the DOE. If an EIA is required, the EIA Report Review Process is as follows: • Developer submits EIA Report to DOE for dissemination and review: • Once the EIA Study is complete, the Developer submits it to the DOE as a First Draft EIA Report. The First Draft EIA Report is reviewed internally by the DOE to ensure that all sections of the approved TOR are found in the Draft EIA Report. • If the First Draft EIA Report does not cover all sections of the approved TOR and/or requires improvement, the DOE notifies the Developer via a letter specifying the section both absent 115 from the documents and/or requiring improvement; and requests the submission of a Second Draft Report with the inclusion of the corrected sections highlighted for ease of review. • The Developer submitted the Second Draft EIA Report with the corrected sections highlighted for review to the DOE • The DOE reviews internally the Second Draft EIA Report to see if both the absent sections and/or information requiring improvement were addressed • Upon completing review of the Second Draft EIA Report, and the EIA is considered acceptable, the DOE requests from the Developer, via a letter, the submissions of thirteen hardcopies and one electronic copy of the Final EIA Report for dissemination and review. Otherwise if during the review of the Second Draft EIA report, the information requested for inclusion or improvement are not corrected, a resubmission is requested before the process can continue. Dissemination and Publication of the EIA Report • Once the Developer submits the thirteen hardcopies and one electronic copy of the Final EIA Report to the DOE, the EIA Report must be disseminated to the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC) and the public for review. • DOE notifies the Developer via letter of the acceptance of the Final EIA Report and that, in accordance with the Regulations, the Developer is required to notify the public through the publication of a public notice in two widely circulated newspapers for two consecutive weeks of: • The submissions of the EIA to the DOE • Location of where the document can be reviewed • Time period for submissions of comments to the DOE • Date and time of the public consultation meeting • Prior to the publication of the Public Notice, the Developer must first submit to the DOE the draft public notice for betting and approval. The DOE reviews the Public Notice to ensure that is complies with the requirements stipulated in the EIA Regulations and that the location of lodgement of the Final EIA Report and date for Public Consultant Meeting is acceptable. The DOE then approves the public notice via a letter to the Developer • The Developer publishes the Public Notice in accordance with the Regulation • DOE hand delivers the hardcopy Final EIA Report to members of the National Environmental Appraisal Committee (NEAC). The NEAC is the legislated technical body that reviews and provides recommendation on the EIA Report to the DOE. Public Consultation Meeting • The Public Consultation Meeting is a two-way flow of information form the developer to the public and vice-versa. It includes presentation on the EIA Process (presented by the DOE), presentation on specifics of the EIA Report presented by the Developer, and a Q&A phase with the public and the developer. • The DOE selects an independent moderator for the Public Consultation session. Prior to holding the Public Consultation Meeting, a Public Notice must be published for a minimum of two 116 consecutive weeks in two widely circulated newspapers to advise the public of the date, tiem and location of the Public Consultation Meeting • In accordance with the Regulations, the Developer is required to submit a report on the Public Consultation Meeting to the DOE before the NEAC meets to review the document • All cost for the Public Consultation Meeting is borne by the Developer Review of the EIA Report by NEAC • As part of the technical review of the EIA Report, NEAC conducts a site inspection of the proposed project site. The site inspection is coordinated by the DOE • The NEAC also attends the Public Consultation session, to gain a better understanding of the public’s opinions, concerns comments and recommendations regarding the proposed project • A minimum of one week after the NEAC Site Inspection and Public Consultation Meeting, DOE convenes a NEAC Meeting to discuss and make recommendations on the EIA Report. Subsequent to the meeting, NEAC may recommend to the DOE • That the EIA is inadequate and requires further investigation • That further public consultation or a public hearing is necessary • That the development cannot proceed due to critical environmental concerns • That the development proceed subject to conditions • The Developer is informed by the DOE of the NEAC Recommendation via a letter within one week maximum of the NEAC Meeting Granting Environmental Clearance for the Proposed Development specified in the EIA Report • Once the NEAC recommends that the development proceed subject to conditions, and the DOE accepts this recommendation, the process for granting environmental clearance continues as follows: • The DOE prepares an Environmental Compliance Plan (ECP) in accordance with the information collected form the EIA Report, Public Consultation, and NEAC recommendation • DOE circulated the Draft ECP to the NEAC for input • DOE submits Draft ECP to the Developer for comments • Developer informs DOE in writing of their acceptance of the Draft ECO • Once the ECP is agreed upon by both the DOE and Developer, it is dated and signed by both the Developer and the Chief Environmental Officer of the DOE • Environmental Clearance Letter is drafted and issues for the project after the ECP is signed • The Developer is granted Environmental Clearance to proceed with the project development once the Developer has received an Environmental Clearance Letter issued by the DOE accompanied with an Original copy of the ECP signed by both the DOE and the Development. • This may take up to 60 days. Relevant International Policies and Treaties Below is a list of some of the international policies and treaties Belize has signed on to that are relevant to the project: • Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. (RAMSAR Convention 26/02/98). Focal Point: Forest Department. • Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (06/11/90): Focal Point: NICH. / World Heritage Convention • Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified December 1993). Focal Point: Forest Department. 117 • Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) since 1981. Focal Point: Forest Department • Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (1979). Focal point: Forest Department • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC). • Labour conventions under the International Labour Organization (ILO). Focal point: Ministry of Labour • Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) (ratified 1976). • Central American Alliance for Sustainable Development (ALIDES) in 1994 • Convention for the Conservation of Biodiversity and the Protection of Priority Areas in Central America 1992. • Agreement on Cooperation between Belize and Mexico for the Protection and the Improvement of the Environment and the Conversation of Natural Resources in the Border Zone (20 September, 1991) • Protocol on Specially Protected Wildlife (SPAW Protocol) • Convention on the Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes (1997) • Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and Protocol on Substances that Deplete the ozone Layer • International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil pollution Damage • Land-Based Sources of Pollution Protocol (LBSP) • United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (ratified September, 1994) • United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) • Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) ratified May 1990 • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (signed September 2007) • International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (signed September 2000) 118 Annex 7: Sample Grievance Registration Form Grievance #: Date: Recorded by: Means of recording □ Phone Line
(MOW) (check one): □ Village Chairperson □ Community Information Meetings □ Mail
 □ Informal □ Other (explain) Name of complainant Address: Telephone: Signature: Nature of grievance: Eligibility of □ Eligible (Proceed to Prioritize) Complaint: □ Ineligible (Terminate Reporting and inform complainant of reason for rejection). Priority □ Low □ Medium □ High Proposed solution: Steps taken: Status of response (to □ Open be updated monthly): □ Action in Progress □ Closed 119