Indigenous People Planning Framework Belize Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture Project (P172592) Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security & Enterprise GOVERNMENT OF BELIZE DRAFT VERSION 2 – OCTOBER 21, 2021 Table of Contents 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Objectives of the Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework .......................................... 1 1.2 Project Description ......................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Regulatory Context ......................................................................................................... 5 2 Overview of Indigenous Peoples in the Project Area ............................................................. 8 2.1 Maya ............................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Garifuna ........................................................................................................................ 10 2.3 Relevant Indigenous Peoples organisations and networks in the project area: .......... 11 3 Potential impacts .................................................................................................................. 11 4 Implementation Arrangement, Monitoring and Grievance Mechanism.............................. 13 4.1 Implementation Arrangement and Monitoring............................................................ 13 4.2 Grievance Mechanism .................................................................................................. 16 5 Capacity Building ................................................................................................................... 27 6 Budget ................................................................................................................................... 27 7 Screening, Social Assessment, and Indigenous Peoples Plan ............................................... 28 7.1 Screening and Social Assessment ................................................................................. 28 7.2 Indigenous Peoples Plan ............................................................................................... 30 8 Framework for Meaningful Consultations ............................................................................ 31 8.1 Consultation Principles ................................................................................................. 31 8.2 Consultation Protocol ................................................................................................... 33 8.3 Consultations during sub-project preparation ............................................................. 35 8.4 Consultation during sub-project implementation ........................................................ 35 8.5 Timeline and Consultation Process ............................................................................... 36 8.6 Summary of Consultations ............................................................................................ 36 9 Annex .................................................................................................................................... 37 9.1 Annex 1 – Preliminary Screening of Indigenous Peoples ............................................. 37 9.2 Annex 2 – GM................................................................................................................ 38 List of Tables Table 1 Summary of National Regulation and relevance to the project ..................................... 5 Table 2 Indigenous Maya population and geographical location by district .............................. 9 Table 3 Approximate population by Maya ethnic group affiliation and district ......................... 9 Table 4 Approximate population of Garifuna ethnic group by district ..................................... 11 Table 5 Monitoring Framework and Indicators ......................................................................... 15 Table 6 Preliminary Screening of Indigenous Peoples in project area ...................................... 37 II Abbreviations CERC - Contingent Emergency Response Component CRESAP - Climate Resilient Sustainable Agriculture Project CSA - Climate Smart Agriculture DFC - Development Finance Corporation ESF - Environmental and Social Framework ESMF - Environmental and Social Management Framework ESS - Environmental and Social Standards GBV - Gender Based Violence GM - Grievance Redress Mechanism IP - Indigenous Peoples IPP - Indigenous Peoples Plan IPPF - Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework LMP - Labour Management Procedures MAFSE - Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Enterprise NGO - Non-government Organisation NICH - National Institute of Culture and History NMS - National Meteorological Service PIU - Project Implementation Unit RPF - Resettlement Policy Framework SA - Social Assessment SEP - Stakeholder Engagement Plan III 1 Introduction 1.1 Objectives of the Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework 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 Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) is an instrument under ESS7 (Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities) of the ESF. The key purpose of an IPPF is to establish the requirements of ESS7, organizational arrangements, and design criteria to be applied to subprojects or project components to be prepared during project implementation when IPs may be present in, or have collective attachment to, the project area. The IPPF also sets out a framework to guide the project engagement with the indigenous communities in the project area of influence and address any grievances. Likewise, the IPPF sets out a mechanism for communication with indigenous groups and helps guide activities that will be implemented for indigenous peoples groups. Following the identification of the subprojects or individual project components and confirmation that IPs are present in, or have collective attachment to, the project area, specific Indigenous Peoples Plans (IPPs), proportionate to the potential risks and impacts, are prepared. The IPPs which will also be informed by the Social Assessment prepared under ESS1 and updated as needed once project activities and exact locations are selected. Project activities that may affect IPs do not commence until such specific plans are finalized and approved by the Bank. The IPPF sets out a framework for how the project will engage with indigenous communities for those communities in the project area of influence and address any grievances. The IPPF also sets out a mechanism for communication with indigenous groups and help guide activities that will be implemented for Indigenous Peoples groups. The IPPF will guide the establishment of specific Indigenous People’s Plans (IPPs), which will also be informed by the Social Assessment prepared under ESS1 and updated as needed once project activities and exact locations are selected. 1.2 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. 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 (MAFSE), 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 2 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 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 centers as an incentive for women’s participation (if needed). It will also support the identification and dissemination of gender-sensitive technologies that are labor-reducing for women and that are affordable, accessible, and based on their needs. The project will ensure that 40 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 3 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 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 labor-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 4 (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 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. 1.3 Regulatory Context 1.3.1 National Regulation around Indigenous Populations There is no specific law in Belize which explicitly addresses the protection of and prevention of discrimination and arbitrary deprivation of fundamental rights and freedoms for Indigenous People other than the Belize Constitution which applies to all Belizeans. This is unlike other Caribbean countries such as Guyana which passed the Amerindian Act in 2006 in recognition and protection of the collective rights of Amerindian Villages and Communities. The relevant sections of the Belize Constitution are highlighted in the table below. Table 1 Summary of National Regulation and relevance to the project Legislation and Description Relevance Section 5 Belize 3.Whereas every person in Belize is entitled to the Used in the 2007 Constitution fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, Supreme Court ruling, Section 3(d) and that is to say, the right, whatever his race, place of declaring that Maya 17 in the origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but customary land tenure Constitution subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of exists in all Maya others and for the public interest, to each and all of villages in the Toledo the following, namely, (d) protection from arbitrary District and where it deprivation of property exists, gives rise to collective and individual property rights 17. No property of any description shall be compulsorily taken possession of and no interest in or right over property of any description shall be compulsorily acquired Belize The people of Belize require policies of state which Indigenous peoples in Constitution – protect and safeguard the unity, freedom, Belize are duly PREAMBLE (e) sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize; which recognized by the Belize eliminate economic and social privilege and disparity Constitution and are among the citizens of Belize whether by race, guaranteed the same ethnicity, colour, creed, disability or sex; which fundamental rights and ensures gender equality; which protect the rights of freedoms as all other the individual to life, liberty, basic education, basic citizens. health, the right to vote in elections, the right to work and the pursuit of happiness; which protect the identity, dignity and social and cultural values of Belizeans, including Belize’s indigenous peoples; which preserve the right of the individual to the ownership of private property and the right to operate private businesses; which prohibit the exploitation of man by man or by the state; which ensure a just system of social security and welfare; which protect the environment; which promote international peace, security and cooperation among nations, the establishment of a just and equitable international economic and social order in the world with respect for international law and treaty obligations in the dealings among nations; 6 1.3.2 Relevant International Agreements entered into by Belize In addition to the Belize Constitution, Belize has subscribed to international conventions which have a bearing on the protection and well-being of Indigenous Peoples: • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (signed September 2007) • International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ratified in 2015) • International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (ratified in 1996) • International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) (ratified 2001) • Expressed support for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1.3.3 World Bank Policy The CRESAP must comply with World Bank Operations Policies for bank-funded projects. The ESS7 is relevant for this project due to the presence of Indigenous Peoples communities in the project area. For the purpose of World Bank policy, the term “Indigenous Peoples” is used in a generic sense to refer to a distinct, vulnerable, social and cultural group possessing the following characteristics in varying degrees: (a) self-identification as members of a distinct indigenous cultural group and recognition of this identity by others; (b) collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area and to the natural resources in these habitats and territories (c) customary cultural, economic, social, or political institutions that are separate from those of the dominant society and culture; and (d) an indigenous language, often different from the official language of the country or region. A group that has lost "collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories in the project area"; because of forced severance is considered eligible. The policy does not set an a priori minimum numerical threshold since groups of Indigenous Peoples may be very small in number and their size may make them more vulnerable. It is key to highlight the reference to “group” and not individuals. “Collective attachment” means that for generations there has been a physical presence in and economic ties to lands and territories traditionally owned, or customarily used or occupied, by the group concerned, including areas that hold special significance for it, such as sacred sites. “Forced severance” refers to loss of collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral territories occurring within the concerned group members’ lifetime because of conflict, government resettlement programs, dispossession from their lands, natural calamities, or incorporation of such territories into an urban area. For purposes of this policy, “urban area” 7 normally means a city or a large town, and takes into account all of the following characteristics, no single one of which is definitive: (a) the legal designation of the area as urban under domestic law; (b) high population density; and (c) high proportion of non-agricultural economic activities relative to agricultural activities. 2 Overview of Indigenous Peoples in the Project Area Belize is home to two major indigenous groups – the Maya and Garifuna. The Maya make up 11.3% of the population of Belize, while the Garifuna make up 6.1%1. 2.1 Maya The Maya in Belize are the direct descendants of the original indigenous inhabitants of the Yucatán peninsula dating back to pre-Columbian times. The three Maya groups in Belize are the Mopan, Q'eqchi', and Yucatec and are mainly subsistence farmers.2 The Mopan and Q’eqchi’ Maya in Belize today can be found mainly in the southern district of Toledo where they continue to practice a way of life that is distinct from mainstream society based on their own political, social and agrarian institutions. Mopan Maya settlements are located in San Antonio village in Toledo District. The Q’eqchi’ live in lowland areas along rivers and streams across 30 small, isolated villages throughout Toledo district. Because of their isolation, Q'eqchi' have remained the country's poorest and most neglected minority. The Mayas of Toledo have been able to sufficiently organize themselves to attract national and international attention and participate in international forums that seek to advance indigenous rights both as contributors and beneficiaries of the global indigenous peoples’ movements.3 Mestizos, who are descendants of indigenous Maya and European Spaniards, first came into northern Belize from southern Yucatan, Mexico as refugees of the Caste War of Yucatán in 1848. The Caste War was a Maya uprising against the Spaniards, but it eventually became a war against the Mestizos. The Mestizos, mixed Spanish, and Maya (indigenous) were allies of the Spaniards, and thus became targets of attacks by the Mayas. They came over to Belize to escape from these attacks and eventually settled in most of northern Belize. Even though Belizean Mestizos of the north share Maya ancestry from Mexico, in the past they do not as an ethnic group self-identify as indigenous peoples. Most consider themselves Mestizos and do not claim indigenous status. While a few speak the Maya Yucatec language, the predominant language spoken is Spanish. There is however a current resurgence in reclaiming indigenous 1 Statistical Institute of Belize (2011). 2010 Population and Housing Census. 2 Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Belize : Maya, December 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/49749d532d.html [accessed 9 May 2021] 3 The Nature Conservancy (2013). Indigenous People and REDD+ In Belize. 8 identity in northern Belize, which will be assessed further in the Social Assessment. Table 2 below includes the population of persons identifying as indigenous Maya, excluding those identifying as Mestizo given that Mestizos do not generally identify as IPs even though they may have some Maya heritage. Table 2 Indigenous Maya population and geographical location by district4 Indigenous Population by % Geographical location by district People ethnic group affiliation Maya Ketchi 20,616 56% Predominantly in the Toledo District though some have migrated out to other districts. Maya Mopan 13,022 35.6% Predominantly in the Toledo District though some have migrated out to other districts. Maya Yucatec 2,869 7.8% Predominantly present in the Corozal, Orange Walk, and to a lesser extent in the Cayo District. Total 36,507 100% Table 3 Approximate population by Maya ethnic group affiliation and district5 Corozal Orange Belize Cayo Stann Toledo Walk Creek Maya 399 254 1118 1904 1852 15089 Ketchi Maya 169 297 926 2371 3910 5349 Mopan 4 CADPI (2017). Country technical note on indigenous peoples’ issues, Belize. 5 CADPI (2017). Country technical note on indigenous peoples’ issues, Belize. 9 Maya 590 226 278 1699 47 29 Yucatec 2.1.1 Relevant communities in the project area: 2.1.1.1 Cayo The residents of Cristo Rey and San Antonio in the Cayo District are mostly Spanish-speaking Mestizos who are essentially a mix of indigenous Yucatec Maya primarily and European Spaniards. There are residents of these two communities, more so San Antonio, who identify as Maya Yucatec while others as Mestizo. While these two communities have a long-standing presence in the area, only some residents recognize themselves and identify as descendants of indigenous peoples and practice their language and traditional customs. These communities most closely fit the definition used by the World Bank for Indigenous Peoples. 2.1.1.2 Corozal and Orange Walk The communities of northern Belize share a common history, culture and ethnicity and are inhabited predominantly by the Mestizos. Very recently, there have been grassroots movements for these communities to reclaim their indigenous identities, particularly in and around villages across the Orange Walk and Corozal districts. The Social Assessment will be key to determine whether and to what degree persons in these communities;1) self-identify as indigenous and are recognised as such 2) have collective attachment to their communities, 3) have separate customary institutions, and 4) speak their indigenous language, in accordance with the general definition of indigenous communities used by the World Bank. Depending on the outcome of the assessment, the IPPF relevant communities would be updated accordingly. 2.2 Garifuna Garifuna, also known as Garinagu, are the descendants of an Afro-indigenous population from the Caribbean island of St Vincent who were exiled to the Honduran coast in the eighteenth century and subsequently moved to Belize. The first settlement in Belize was established at Dangriga, which still holds the largest Garifuna population in the country. The Garifuna mainly live on the coast but are also very present in towns and villages in the Stann Creek and Toledo Districts. Garifuna communities live mainly on agriculture, fishing and foreign remittances sent by relatives abroad. Some are also involved in the technical trades. Garifuna who live in the rural areas mainly pursue a subsistence lifestyle, while those in the urban areas pursue professional occupations.6 6 Minority Rights Group International, World Directory of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples - Belize : Garifuna, December 2017, available at: https://minorityrights.org/minorities/garifuna-garinagu/ [accessed 9 May 2021] 10 Table 4 Approximate population of Garifuna ethnic group by district2 Corozal Orange Belize Cayo Stann Toledo Walk Creek Garifuna 370 367 6098 1500 9439 1877 2.2.1 Relevant communities in project area: 2.2.1.1 Libertad, Corozal District A small Garifuna community established itself in Libertad, Corozal, which works diligently in keeping the culture alive through a small dedicated museum and re-enactments of the Garifuna arrival in Belize. 2.3 Relevant Indigenous Peoples organisations and networks in the project area: 1. The Xunantunich, Ukuxtal Masewal Association (Northern Belize) 2. Northern Maya Association of Belize 3. The Maya Institute of Belize 4. National Indigenous Council of Belize (BENIC) 5. The National Garifuna Council 6. Informal educational community and resource: Belize Yucatec Maya 3 Potential impacts Potential impacts on indigenous people are likely to occur within Component 2 and its associated subcomponents. The comprehensive list of potential environmental and social risks and impacts are outlined in the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) 7. Some are more directly relevant to IPs, although it is recognized that the wider risks and impacts around environmental integrity are also relevant for IP livelihoods and cultural traditions that are linked with the health of their ancestral lands and territories. The results of the Social Assessment will produce a more comprehensive list of potential impacts. 3.1.1.1 Cultural, Historical and Archaeological Resources 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 works. 7 See CRESAP’s ESMF for more details 11 Consequently, disturbances to historical and archaeological sites arising from project activities are possible. Mitigation Measures: 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 any excavation works during regular inspection visits. c) Report all potential historic and archaeological findings to the Institute of Creative Arts 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 who in turn will notify the Institute of Archaeology immediately. 3.1.1.2 Outside Workers In some of the work’s 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 indigenous people. 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. 3.1.1.3 Loss of Land and Assets Displacement or involuntary relocation is not expected to be significant under any of the subprojects in this component. Regardless, for the purpose siting of important agricultural infrastructure investments, it is not impossible to foresee the necessity to expropriate private property or there may be voluntary land donation by farmers and community residents. 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: 12 a) Implement measures specified in the project’s Resettlement Policy Framework for any expropriate of private property or land donation, including the development and implementation of resettlement plans before any resettlement occurs. b) Ensure that legally entitled rights are fully respected in any incidence of displacement and relocation. c) 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 3.1.1.4 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 of irrigation and draining systems, water harvesting facilities and related CSA training can sideline 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: a) The Contractor will be encouraged to promote the hiring of women in their staff, preferably aiming to hire around 20% female staff. b) Ensure that there is gender-equitable participation in consultation meetings and activities. c) 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. d) Provide childcare services to enable women to attend meetings and training workshops. 4 Implementation Arrangement, Monitoring and Grievance Mechanism 4.1 Implementation Arrangement and Monitoring Implementation by the PIU under the MAFSE: 4.1.1 Steps: Project Identification/Planning 1) Screening for subprojects (for all individual, collective and Ministry-led activities) will include whether Indigenous Peoples (IP) are located in the project footprint. 2) If yes, an IP plan (IPP) should be prepared following the guidelines provided in this IPPF. 3) The PIU ensures that the IPP is in line with other CRESAP ESS documents, including the Resettlement Action Plans, Environmental and Social Management Plan, and Stakeholder Engagement Plan found here: https://www.agriculture.gov.bz/climate-resilient- agriculture-project-cresap/. The Ministry of Agriculture will work closely with other Ministries and institutions working with IPs, including the Ministry of Rural Development, 13 the Ministry of Human Development, NICH, NGOs and development partners working with IPs, and IP representatives, to ensure plans are comprehensive. 4.1.2 Steps: Project Implementation 1) PIU and the Ministry of Agriculture ensures that the Social Assessment will be done by the E&S Specialist of the PIU with the support of external consultants for relevant project components. 2) The PIU and consultants will use primary and secondary resources to assess if and how the groups in the project area are impacted. 3) Continuous free, prior, and informed consultations with groups mentioned are key in order for the Ministry of Agriculture to draft IPPs for specific subcomponents. The consultations will be in accordance with the needs of IP groups, including language requirements, preferred times for meetings, process to engage and other considerations as outlined in the CRESAP Stakeholder Engagement Plan. 4) The IPP will be developed through a consultative and participatory process with full disclosure of information to potentially affected IP groups. All consultations will follow methods outlined in the CRESAP Stakeholder Engagement Plan, which takes into account the Bank technical guidance on “Public Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement in WB-supported operations when there are constraints on conducting public meetings, March 20, 2020.” World Bank and national guidance on COVID 19 will be followed for all activities. Further details on ensuring free, prior and informed consultations can be found in Section 8. 4.1.3 Steps: Monitoring and Reporting 4.1.3.1 Monitoring The objective of monitoring is to identify implementation problems and successes as early as possible so that the implementation arrangements can be adjusted. The monitoring process will help to determine the extent to which activities are being implemented effectively and will help to identify areas that need improvement or require adjustment. The MAFSE and PIU will determine the most effective mechanism for the ongoing reporting and monitoring for IPPs. Such reporting is the responsibility of the E&S Focal Point and supporting E&S specialists within the MAFSE PIU, while monitoring and verification is the responsibility of the M&E Specialist within the PIU. Reporting and monitoring may also involve IPs, external consultants and NGOs with intimate knowledge of working with the IPs. The appropriateness of the mechanism will be determined through the wider consultations to ensure buy-in and effectiveness. 4.1.4 Source of data: The Framework outlined below will be monitored using various sources of data: 14 • Field Activity Reports: District officers, E&S Specialist and other members of the PIU are required to document and report activities that involve engagement with IPs, including sessions and events. These reports should document data and time of events, purpose of the meetings, attendance of roles of attendees if applicable, summary of the meeting/event, points raised, and actions agreed upon. • Community Visits: Monitoring visits by the M&E Specialist of the PIU should occur with a frequency of monthly during construction phase, and every two months post construction in accordance with the CRESAP SEP. These visits should record similar information to the field activity reports. • Consultant reports: Technical consultants that support various aspects of the monitoring Framework are required to submit reports on their activities and consultations with IPs. 4.1.4.1 Reporting The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist of the PIU will be the overall officer responsible for monitoring of the IPPs and ensuring outcomes are being met. The M&E Specialist, responsible for Environmental, Social, Health and Safety compliance, will develop monthly reports and include in the progress reports to be submitted to the World Bank quarterly, which are verified by the M&E Specialist. Table 5 Monitoring Framework and Indicators Objective Indicators Means of Verification Responsible Ensuring Free, Prior and Informed Consultation with communities Communities are • Number of visits to • Website statistics PIU E&S Officer provided with relevant the documents on • Field reports project information the website • Consultation • Number of reports consultation workshops held Cultural traditions and • Time of community • Field reports PIU E&S Officer practices of meetings • Consultation communities are • Leaders involved in reports respected organising meetings • Attendance records and in decision • Evidence of making communication • Respecting between PIU and requirements of IPs leadership including language of meetings held 15 Objective Indicators Means of Verification Responsible Consultations • Number of women • Consultation PIU E&S Officer conducted in a gender- participants at reports sensitive and inclusive meetings • Attendance records manner • Representation of vulnerable groups including those living with disabilities, living with HIV/AIDs, the impoverished, and others identified in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan Social impacts are identified and mitigated Sub-projects are • Completion of the • Consultant reports PIU E&S Officer informed by the Social Social Assessment • Social Assessment Assessment document IPPs are prepared prior • Number of IPPs • IPP documents PIU E&S Officer to the start of activities prepared • Monitoring reports • Feedback received from communities Staff and communities • Training meetings • Training report PIU E&S Officer aware of and able to for staff on the GM • Field reports use the GM • Consultations on • GM documents the GM • Marketing material developed on the GM 4.2 Grievance Mechanism 4.2.1 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. 16 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). 4.2.2 Principles of GM Effective GMs usually embody seven core principles: a) Fairness: Grievances are treated confidentially, assessed impartially, and handled transparently. b) 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.). c) Simplicity and accessibility: Procedures to file grievances and seek action are simple enough that community members can easily understand them. Community members 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). d) 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. e) 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. 17 f) 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. g) 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. 4.2.3 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 4.2.4 GM Administration Process 4.2.4.1 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: 18 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 2. 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. 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: 19 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. 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 ind ividual’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. 4.2.4.2 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 20 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. 4.2.4.3 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 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. 4.2.5 Implementing the GM 4.2.5.1 Build Awareness of GM The GM will be presented by project staff to community members during community meetings or when undertaking community consultations for the Social Assessment and developing resettlement plans. Other ways to publicize the GM to the local communities include the following: • 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. 21 • All community awareness activities regarding the GM must adhere to the COVID 19 protocols established for stakeholder engagement above. Table 1 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 4.2.5.2 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: a) Sessions will focus on why the grievance mechanism is in place, its goals, benefits, and how it operates. b) 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. c) 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 22 to improved operations, reduce risk, and develop a supportive relationship with the community. d) 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. e) 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 4.2.5.3 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) MSN MC 10-1018 NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA 4.2.5.4 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. 23 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. • 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 24 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 procedures8: • 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 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 to ensure that the GBV system is survivor centric and focuses on not retraumatizing the victim and ensuring the proper support (legal, psychological, etc). 4.2.6 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: 8 Women’s Department. (2012). Handbook on Sexual Violence, Belize. 25 • Number of grievances • Issues raised • Common trends • Causes of grievances • Remedial Actions • Redress provided • Recommendations to prevent future recurrences 4.2.6.1 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 will 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/Specialist 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); 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. 26 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 needs of the project. Supporting consultants may be engaged when necessary, particularly in updating the Social Assessment and preparing and implementing the IPPs. 5 Capacity Building All PIU staff, including MAFSE District officers, will be trained on the following: Topic Objectives Time/Frequency Responsible Training on screening Understanding how Prior to MAFSE project areas communities operate, best commencement of methods for consultations, implementation additional resources required for consultations (see SEP) Training on GM Ensuring that project officers Prior to MAFSE are fully aware of grievance commencement of redress procedures, especially implementation in ensuring the seven outlined principles Training on IPP Provide an overview of the Prior to MAFSE World Bank principles for commencement of developing Indigenous Peoples implementation Plans, understand the key requirements that should be in an IPP and how they should be implemented, how to conduct consultations in line with the SEP, and how to monitor and report on IPPs Separate training on IP issues and mitigation measures will be conducted separately for contractors prior to the commencement of project implementation. 6 Budget Items Quantity Rate (BZD) Amount (BZD) 1 Preparing monitoring reports 42 $100 $4200 27 2 Data collection 42 $200 $4200 3 Social Assessment Lump sum $10,000 $10,000 4 Preparing IPPs 3 $15,000 $15,000 5 Transport & Food 42 $50 $2100 TOTAL (in BZD) $35,500 TOTAL (in USD) $17,750 The financing for these items will be derived from the CRESAP project budget. 7 Screening, Social Assessment, and Indigenous Peoples Plan For projects, such as the CRESAP, that involve the preparation and implementation of various sub-projects, it is required that a Social Assessment is conducted where indigenous peoples have been identified through screening. Below outlines the process in which these activities are carried out. 7.1 Screening and Social Assessment In accordance with consultation procedures outlined in the SEP, Indigenous People must be properly consulted in an appropriate manner, including dedicated consultations with IPs on the IPPF and IPPs. The screening should be done at the time of the first consultation with a community or village. All project areas that have indigenous people’s communities will be visited by the PIU E&S Specialist alongside relevant personnel, local authorities, or focal persons/experienced consultants that have experience working with IPs. These communities would be informed at least two weeks prior to the visit and be provided with draft documents, including the IPPF in the first instance. They would be informed of the objective of the project, including to gather baseline data, and be encouraged to share their views on the project activities proposed, in a culturally appropriate manner as outlined in the SEP. During the visit to the community, the E&S Specialist alongside an experienced consultant will undertake the screening for IPs with the support of IP leaders and local authorities that have intimate knowledge of the community. Data should be collected from IP leaders, chiefs, village leaders, and community members if appropriate. The screening checklist can be found in Annex 1, and cover the following: 1) Names of the IP groups in the affected community 2) Number of IP groups in the affected community 3) Number of IPs in the affected community 4) Number and percentage of IP households that may be directly impacted by the project 5) Whether there is collective attachment to the area 6) Whether groups self-identify as indigenous 28 If IPs are identified in project areas, the Social Assessment will inform the IPPs. The main purpose of the Social Assessment is to understand the relative vulnerability of the affected IP and exactly how the project activities may affect them. The assessment’s depth should be proportionate to the nature and scale of the potential risks to and impact on, as well as vulnerability, of the IP. It is also key for the assessment to recognize the differentiated gender impacts of the project activities, especially and women and children may be more affected even within their own community. Secondly, the Social Assessment will help evaluate the capacity to involve IP throughout the CRESAP sub-project design and implementation through consultations carried out in a culturally appropriate manner. The Social Assessment will therefore include the following elements: 1) Review of legal and institutional framework applicable to IPs 2) Baseline data gathered through desk research and consultations with IPs on the demographic, social, cultural and political characteristics of the IP; the land territories that they have traditionally owners or occupied; and the natural resources on which they depend 3) Taking the review and baseline information into account, the identification of key project stakeholders and the elaboration of a culturally appropriate process for consulting with local communities at each stage of sub-project preparation and implementation 4) An assessment, based on free, prior, and informed consultation, with the IPs, of the potential adverse and positive effects of the project. Critical to the determination of potential adverse impacts is an analysis of the relative vulnerability of, and risks to, the affected communities given their distinct circumstances and close ties to land and natural resources, as well as their lack of access to opportunities relative to other social groups in the communities, regions, or national societies in which they live 5) The identification and evaluation, based on free, prior, and informed consultation with the affected communities, of measures necessary to avoid adverse effects, or if such measures are not feasible, the identification of measures to minimize, mitigate, or compensate for such effects, and to ensure that the Indigenous Peoples receive culturally appropriate benefits under the project. The Social Assessment results are key to integrate into the IPPs that will be prepared for sub- projects. Note that there is one project-level Social Assessment that will be updated as needed as project activities and areas are identified during project implementation. Summary of the steps to Prepare an IPP during implementation 29 •Screening of subprojects by the Proponent (e.g. farmers/FI ESMS or contractors) using the checklist in Annex 1 to identify whether IPs are present in or have collective attachment to the project footprint •If IPs are found in the project area, the next step is to review the Social Assessment and update as needed Step 1 (by the PIU with the support of an expert consultant) •The Social Assessment, IPPF and consultations with IPs will reveal whether an IPP is required to mitigate impacts to IPs and/or to amplify potential positive social and economic benefits •To develop the IPP(s) the PIU will support of the consultant will follow the guidance provided in the IPPF and Step 2 the Social Assessment, in addition to the input that was gathered during the consultation with IPs and relevant stakeholders •IPPs are submitted to the World Bank as a key aspect of the implementation plan •The IPP needs to be disclosed freely and publicly on the MAFSE and World Bank websites, in English, Spanish and local IP language, if applicable (most IPs in Belize speak Spanish and/or English) Step 3 •A copy of the IPP will also be made available at the local councils of the IPs to allow for greater access •Update the Social Assessment during the project implementation monitoring process to ensure mitigation measures remain suitable, which may require the updating of the IPP as well. Step 4 7.2 Indigenous Peoples Plan The Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) is informed and guided by the IPPF, Social Assessment and consultations, including free, prior, and informed consultation with the IPs when required (see consultation section below). It is intended to be flexible and pragmatic and should include the following elements: 1) A summary of the baseline information, including demographic, social, cultural and political characteristics gathered from the social assessment and applicable legal and institutional framework 2) A summary of the overall Social Assessment 3) A summary of the results of the free, prior and informed consultation with IP 4) A framework for ensuring free, prior, and informed consultation tailored to IP during project implementation 5) Measures for ensuring IP receive social and economic benefits that are culturally appropriate and gender sensitive and steps for implementing them. If necessary, this may call for measures to enhance the capacity of the project implementing agencies 6) Measures to avoid, minimize, mitigate, or compensate IP for any potential adverse impacts that were identified in the social assessment, and steps for implementing them. 7) The cost estimates, financing plan, schedule, and roles and responsibilities for implementing the IPP 30 8) Accessible procedures appropriate to the project to address grievances by the affected IP arising from project implementation (GM) 9) Mechanisms and benchmarks appropriate to the project for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on the implementation of the IP Plan, including ways to consider input from project-affected IP in such mechanisms To ensure that the plan is indeed pragmatic, it is imperative to gather the following key information: • Demographic data • Socio-economic data and inventory of affected assets, including cultural resources • Household ownership of economic and productive assets to understand gender dynamics • Annual income from all employment opportunities • Economic information of the community, including economic and natural resources, institutions, livelihood systems, tenure systems, land ownership • Social information of the community as it relates to value systems, formal and information organisations, hierarchy of community • Potential impacts of activities on basic services, including water supply, clinics and schools • Potential impacts of activities on social and economic livelihood 8 Framework for Meaningful Consultations 8.1 Consultation Principles Consultations with IPs are critical throughout the sub-project design to implementation. Certain circumstances will require Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) as detailed below. In these cases, an effective engagement process that is free, prior, and informed helps to promote effective design, ensure local buy-in and ownership, and reduces the risk of project-related delays or controversies. The definition of free, prior, and informed consultation is defined below: • Free: consultation should be free of coercion, corruption, interference and external pressures. IPs should have the opportunity to participate regardless of gender, age or socio-economic class • Prior: the consultation should be during the design phase and prior to the execution of any sub-project activities that would impact them. Times of engagement should therefore be established in advance, including the dissemination of relevant material • Informed: Dissemination of information during consultations should be timely, sufficient and accessible, and should cover the potential impact of the project, both positive and adverse. Circumstances requiring Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC): 1. Indigenous Peoples are particularly vulnerable to the loss of, alienation from or exploitation of their land and access to natural and cultural resources. In recognition of this vulnerability, 31 and following the requirements of ESS1, 7 and 10 of the World Bank’s ESF, the Borrower will obtain the FPIC of the affected Indigenous Peoples in circumstances in which the project will: (a) have adverse impacts on land and natural resources subject to traditional ownership or under customary use or occupation. (b) cause relocation of Indigenous Peoples from land and natural resources subject to traditional ownership or under customary use or occupation; or (c) have significant impacts on Indigenous Peoples’ cultural heritage that is material to the identity and/or cultural, ceremonial, or spiritual aspects of the affected Indigenous Peoples’ lives. In these circumstances, the Borrower will engage independent specialists to assist in the identification of the project risks and impacts. 2. There is no universally accepted definition of FPIC. Following the requirements of ESS7, FPIC is established as follows: (a) The scope of FPIC applies to project design, implementation arrangements and expected outcomes related to risks and impacts on the affected Indigenous Peoples; (b) FPIC builds on and expands the process of meaningful consultation described in the World Banks’ Environmental & Social Standard 10 and will be established through good faith negotiation between the Borrower and affected Indigenous Peoples; (c) The Borrower will document: (i) the mutually accepted process to carry out good faith negotiations that has been agreed by the Borrower and Indigenous Peoples; and (ii) the outcome of the good faith negotiations between the Borrower and Indigenous Peoples, including all agreements reached as well as dissenting views; and (d) FPIC does not require unanimity and may be achieved even when individuals or groups within or among affected Indigenous Peoples explicitly disagree. These definitions feed into the following key requirements for meaningful consultation with IPs in particular: • IPs, including elders, chiefs and where appropriate other community members should be involved directly in the consultation, in a culturally appropriate and gender-inclusive manner regarding language, location and structure of the consultation • Sufficient time should be provided for IPs decision-making processes, as much as possible in accordance with existing customary institutions and decision-making processes • Ensure IPs can effectively participate in the design of activities or mitigation measures that could affect them, whether positively or negatively • Such consultation should continue an on-going basis and regularly inform project design and mitigation actions • Where virtual sessions are entirely unsuitable for the specific group, representatives of these groups may attend on their behalf. Where representatives equally would be unable to access such consultations, small group in person meetings may be considered in accordance with local law around the number of persons and households that can meet and only if deemed necessary 32 • Consultations on the IPPs should be conducted with IPs alone, and not with the wider set of potentially affected parties, other interested parties, and other vulnerable groups. Other important factors that shape the engagement process include to ensure the following: • Consultation should begin early and not simply be a forum for one-way communication from the project developers to the IPs • Ensure the prior disclosure and dissemination of relevant, transparent, objective, meaningful and easily accessible information at least two weeks in advance • Consultation should be free of external manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation • All feedback and communication with IP should be documented and disclosed by the project’s implementing party • IPs are given an additional five days after consultations to provide additional feedback and comments via the GM • Consultations with IPs in regard to this IPPF and IPPs should be done separately from other identified stakeholders in the SEP • All consultations will follow methods outlined in the CRESAP Stakeholder Engagement Plan, which takes into account the World Bank technical guidance on “Public Consultations and Stakeholder Engagement in WB-supported operations when there are constraints on conducting public meetings, March 20, 2020.” World Bank and national guidance on COVID 19 will be followed for all activities. 8.2 Consultation Protocol 8.2.1 Role of Local Leadership Indigenous Peoples communities identified may have their own established systems of leadership. Therefore, those communities that have Alcaldes should be informed and engaged in addition to Village Councils. These leaders should be approached first and arrangement for meetings organised through them. 8.2.2 Role of MAFSE Field Officers The MAFSE has a department of agriculture situated in each district. In each department, there are field officers that are responsible for engaging directly with farmers and farming communities. These officers play a key role in liaising with the relevant communities and ensuring the appropriate channels are used for notifying stakeholders and disseminating information. They can therefore be called upon to assist with planning and facilitating consultations. 8.2.3 Disseminating Information As outlined in the CRESAP Stakeholder Engagement Plan, IPs must be provided with relevant information about the project activities in a culturally appropriate manner during the various 33 stages of the project. Key information to provide include details of the subproject activities, potential impacts (both positive and adverse), mitigation measures for impacts, role and participation of the IPs, and the project-level GM. 8.2.4 Conducting Consultation Meetings When sub-project design has been proposed, a meeting with potentially affect communities, including IPs, should be called. These consultations could be held separately or in clusters of affected communities represented by their village councils as well as community members. The PIU E&S Officer and Field Officers will be invited to present at these meetings. The purpose of the first meeting is to provide information and gather feedback on potential areas of concern. This is also the meeting whereby the IP screening found in Annex 1 can be done. The meeting will also discuss the information disseminated, around impact, mitigation measures, roles and participation of IPs, and the project-level GM. The follow steps should be observed when carrying out consultation meetings with IPs: 1) Identify IP leaders and notify Field Officers of planned meeting 2) Contact formal leaders and provide notice of the meeting to them. This notice should include the purpose of the meeting and the importance of their participation. 3) The notice of meeting and dissemination of relevant material will be made 2 weeks prior to the date of the meeting via channels identified in the CRESAP SEP. *If community leaders are not notified of consultations, it can be interpreted as disrespectful and can derail the consultation process. 8.2.5 Appropriate Consultation Methods IPs must be engaged in appropriate methods that allow them to full absorb and engage on the information disseminated. One method to ensure this is using the appropriate language. In the project areas, Spanish is the predominant language spoken by most of the population. Presentations can be translated to indigenous languages by community members present and if the community members wish to express themselves in their preferred language. Indigenous communities’ value cultural practices and traditions are very important aspects of community life and their identities. It will be key, then, to ensure consultations do not coincide with important community gatherings and celebrations, as attendance to the consultation will not be prioritised. 8.2.6 Planning Meeting Logistics The Field Officers and Village Council Chairperson would be best placed to identify the appropriate times for meetings. Previous experience shows that meetings in the evenings and on weekends are when the communities would be more available to attend. As the consultations would take a virtual format, it is key to consider accessibility. If key community members are unable to attend, the Village Council Chairperson and/or Alcalde could attend on the community’s behalf or appoint a representative that will be able to relay back the information. 34 If regulations change and allow for gatherings in person, the venue must be suitable but neutral that is not associated with special interest groups/political parties. The community centre if available is usually a suitable location. 8.2.7 Gender considerations Chairpersons and alcaldes are usually men, therefore limiting the likelihood that women will have similar levels of participation. Usually, men represent the entire family at these meetings, meaning that women are unlikely to attend. To ensure that they are able to participate, especially since there may be potential impacts that may impact women and their children, the following should be considered: 1) Hold meetings with the women to ensure their participation if they are not well represented at initial meetings 2) Consider conducting phone surveys to reach women who were not able to attend 3) Account for the care-giving role of women and offer additional support for childcare 4) During the consultations, the role of women in the project implementation activities should be highlighted, and potential benefits to them 8.3 Consultations during sub-project preparation Key questions during pre-appraisal consultations should address the following questions and objectives: 1) What is the best way to reach IPs to ensure free, prior and informed consultations? 2) Does the proposed GM seem accessible? 3) How should potential impacts relating to land tenure and IPs be addressed? 4) Agreements on process for project to be modified to address adverse effects on IPs and ensure they benefit 5) Are they satisfied with the proposed level of engagement at the various project stages? 6) Are IPs satisfied with the project design? 8.4 Consultation during sub-project implementation Key questions for consultations during project implementation should address the following questions and objectives: 1) Have IPs been able to access consultations? 2) Has the GM been useful and accessible? 3) Have impacts relating to land tenure and IPs been addressed in the outlined timeframe? 4) Have all steps been taken to address adverse effects on IPs? 5) Have IPs benefited from the project activities? 6) Are they satisfied with the level of engagement at the various project stages? 7) Do IPs have feedback on the overall project rollout? 35 8.5 Timeline and Consultation Process Date of Community Invitees Method of Responsible consultation Notification October, San Antonio Village council leaders; IP District officers PIU/Consultant 2021 community via phone organisations, women’s call/text groups, IP NGOs outlined in Section 2.3 October, Cristo Rey Village council leaders; IP District officers PIU/Consultant 2021 community via phone organisations, women’s call/text groups, IP NGOs outlined in Section 2.3 October, Libertad Village council leaders; IP District officers PIU/Consultant 2021 community via phone organisations, women’s call/text groups, IP NGOs outlined in Section 2.3 October, Patchakan Village council leaders; IP District officers PIU/Consultant 2021 village community via phone organisations, women’s call/text groups, IP NGOs outlined in Section 2.3 The list of communities and groups to be consulted will be revised and redistributed after completion of the Social Assessment and verification of IP communities as per the World Bank definition. 8.6 Summary of Consultations This section will be further populated with information on the date, location, participant list, and evidence of consultations with IPs and identified IP representative groups once completed. 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. 36 9 Annex 9.1 Annex 1 – Preliminary Screening of Indigenous Peoples Table 6 Preliminary Screening of Indigenous Peoples in project area Name of Name of Number of IP Number of IP population Location (directly Is there Does the group Village Indigenous households where project collective self-identify as within group within activities are attachment to indigenous? project the project planned or in the the land or area area general vicinity) area? Total Female Children 9.2 Annex 2 – GM Grievance #: Date: Recorded by: Means of recording □ Phone Line (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 38 Proposed solution: Steps taken: Status of response (to □ Open be updated monthly): □ Action in Progress □ Closed 39