SFG3426 V27 Improving tourist infrastructure near the Ubisa Monastic Complex Environmental and Social Screening Report August, 2017 Sub-Project Description The Ubisa Monastic Complex is a monument of cultural heritage of the IX-X cc. distinguished for its antiquity, architecture and unique frescoes. The Monastic Complex is an active monastery celebrating various religious feasts and different Christian services (wedding, christening, etc.). The Monastery is an interesting site for touristic conditioned due to its strategic location (located 200 m from the highway). As a result, number of tourists visiting the he Monastery is increasing. The implementation of the Sub-Project (SP) is planned near the Ubisa Monastic Complex, in village Ubisa, on 700 m2 land area owned the Kharagauli Municipality. There is a small lake (pond) in this area. 12 benches will be installed in the park, a place for picnics and a closed pavilion (2 m x 6 m) will be arranged. In total a 100 m long faced internal path will be arranged in the park and decorative bushes and trees will be planted. Around the lake the path will be faced and a small bridge will be built across it. A special corner where the local people can sell the agricultural products, different souvenirs, hand-made items, etc. will be also arranged. The Municipal Development Fund (MDF) accomplished infrastructural works near the Ubisa Complex (e.g. built public toilets and internet- cafe there) and the SP will be the continuation of the works accomplished by the MDF and will fit well the current infrastructure. In overall, the following interventions will be made within the SP: • Install 12 benches • Arrange 70 m long faced internal path • Plant decorative bushes and trees • Place seven waste receptacles • Install nine lamps Environmental Screening and Classification (A) Impact Identification Has sub-project a tangible impact on the The SP construction phase covers 7 months’ period. The SP environment? will have a small-scale and short-term impact on the environment only in the construction phase, while its long- term impact on the natural and social environment will be positive. What are the significant beneficial and adverse The SP is expected to have positive long-term environmental environmental effects of the sub-project? impact through improved management of household waste on site. The expected negative environmental impacts are likely to be short-term. During construction period, the dust and emissions from the operation of construction machinery will increase, background noise and vibration levels will rise insignificantly, however the flow of traffic will not be obstructed. Does the sub-project have any significant The long-term social impact of the SP will be beneficial, potential impact on the local communities? because it will improve touristic experience of visitors. The physical environment will be improved and 700 m² of area will be used for recreational purposes, which will make the tourist environment more attractive. Tourists will have the opportunity not only to visit the monument of cultural heritage but also to rest and have picnic near it. The arrangement of the park will help to improve the environment around the cultural heritage monument and maintain cleanliness. The local population will receive extra income by selling agricultural and other products. Significant social impact of SP, such as change of local demographic structure and influx of new settlers is not envisaged. Implementation of the SP will not require turning off electricity for local population, since there will be a separate electricity line provided for lighting of posts If before, during or after SP implementation concerned community members have complaints/ questions/ recommendations, these can be addressed to the sub-grantee, contractor, or Elkana, whose contact information will be made available at the SP site. What impact has the sub-project on the human The dust, vibration and noise originated during the small- health? scale construction works will not have impact on the human health or safety. (B) Impact Mitigation What alternatives to the sub-project design have Planned works will not cause cutting of trees and preventive been considered and what mitigation measures measures will be undertaken to avoid any damage to the are proposed? nearby standing trees. Reduction of adverse environmental impact during the installation works will be possible through protecting the following key conditions: fencing the construction site in the parks, fixing the relevant signs throughout the construction perimeter, proper management of waste and constant monitoring, ensuring the technical functionality of machinery used during construction works, selecting less sensitive period for construction works. Have concerned communities been involved and During community mobilization, several priorities were have their interests and knowledge been identified, including arrangement of lighting in the village, adequately taken into consideration in sub- rehabilitation of village roads and arrangement of park project preparation? infrastructure near the Ubisa Monastic Complex. The latter was prioritized. (C) CATEGORIZATION AND CONCLUSION Conclusion of the environmental screening: ✓ Sub-project is declined □ ✓ Sub-project is accepted ■ ✓ Sub-project is classified as environmental Category B and needs EMP ■ ✓ Sub-project is classified as environmental Category C and does not need EMP □ Social Screening Social safeguards screening information Yes No 1 Is the information related to the affiliation, ownership and land use status of the sub-project site available and verifiable? (The screening cannot be ✓ completed until this is available) 2 Will the sub-project reduce people’s access to their economic resources, such as land, pasture, water, public services, sites of common public use or other ✓ resources that they depend on? 3 Will the sub-project result in resettlement of individuals or families or require the acquisition of land (public or private, temporarily or permanently) ✓ for its development? 4 Will the sub-project result in the temporary or permanent loss of crops, fruit trees and household infrastructure (such as ancillary facilities, fence, canal, ✓ granaries, outside toilets and kitchens, etc.)? If answer to any above question (except question 1) is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.12 Involuntary Resettlement is applicable and mitigation measures should follow this OP/BP 4.12 and the Resettlement Policy Framework Cultural resources safeguard screening information Yes No 5 Will the sub-project be implemented in the vicinity of a cultural heritage ✓ site? 6 Will the sub-project require excavation near any historical, archaeological ✓ or cultural heritage site? If answer to question 5 is “yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable. In this case, sub-project proponent must provide evidence that consultation was held with and an agreement on this sub- project was obtained from an authorized representative of culture and heritage protection authority. If answer to question 6 is “Yes�, then OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources is applicable and possible chance finds must be handled in accordance with OP/BP and relevant procedures provided in this EMF. Draft Environmental Management Plan Improving the park infrastructure near the Ubisa Monastic Complex PART A: GENERAL PROJECT AND SITE INFORMATION INSTITUTIONAL & ADMINISTRATIVE Project title Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector Sub-Project title Improving the park infrastructure near the Ubisa Monastic Complex Scope of site-specific activity In order to arrange the park infrastructure near the Ubisa Monastic Complex the following interventions are planned within the SP: • Install 12 benches • Arrange 70 m long faced internal path • Plant decorative bushes and trees • Place seven waste receptacles • Install nine lamps Institutional arrangements Task Team Leader: Safeguards Specialist: (WB) Gloria La Cava Darejan Kapanadze, Environment Rebecca Lacroix and David Jijelava, Social Implementation arrangements Implementing entity: Works supervisor: Works contractor: (Borrower) Biological Farming Biological Farming (tbd) Association “Elkana� Association “Elkana� SITE DESCRIPTION Who owns the building to be Works are not related to buildings constructed/extended/ reconstructed? Who owns the land allocated The SP site is the property of Kharagauli municipality. for sub-project? The area is used by the local residents and visitors for recreational Who uses the land purposes. (formal/informal)? Description of physical and Ubisa monastery complex is located in Boriti territorial unit of natural environment, and of Kharagauli municipality, in the village of Ubisa. This area is in the the socio-economic context municipal ownership. The municipal development fund has around the site conducted infrastructure works at Ubisa monastery complex, namely: public toilets, internet cafes were built, car park was arranged. These places belong to the Patriarchate. The climate in the lowland of the Kkharagauli Municipality is mildly subtropical with comparatively cold winter and dry summer. Average annual temperature is 14 C 0, temperature in January is 3,7 – 4,3 C 0 and in August - 24 C 0. Number of precipitations amounts to 1,190 mm. Temperature in hilly and mountainous zones is low. Eastern and western winds are frequent, wind sometimes is blown from the sea too. The SP area is located in the vicinity of the mouth of the rivers Dzirula and Kvirila. The river Kvirila’s head is located on the northern slope of the Racha mountain ridge, the Lake Ertso depression, at 1,711 m altitude and flows in the river Rioni from the left bank, northwards of the village Vartsikhe. The river length is 140 km, average slope – 11,6, the area of the catchment basin is – 3,630 km2, average altitude – 750 m. The river is fed by rain, snow and ground waters (the share of ground waters is negligible). The spring floods start in the beginning of March and reach their maximum by the end of April. During the summer period (VII-IX) shallow water condition is frequently interrupted by flash floods. Duration of flash floods is 3-8 days. The soils of Imereti plain are the sequence of the brown and alluvial type soils, their distribution here mostly depends on the relief age. Forest brown soils occur on the relatively old surface elements, while the alluvial (weakly developed) soils occur on the young (upper quaternary) river terraces. The natural vegetation of the Imereti plain is not well preserved – the former oak-hornbeam forests are degraded from anthropogenic impact and replaced with cultivated plants. As a result of organized protection campain, woodland is preserved only in the eastern part of Imereti plain – left bank of Rion-Kvirila. Imereti plain and its adjacent area is inhabited by typical Caucasian fauna. In the forests there are: wolf, fox, jackal, marten, least weasel, squirrel. There are also numerous bird species like: Sparrowhawk, falcon, milvus, jay. There are various perching birds here as well. The plains and swamps are inhabited by white storks, river banks – by seagulls. From the reptiles there are lizards and grass snakes. The ancient Ubisa monastery complex of the IX-XIV centuries is situated at Dzirula Riverbank at the outskirts of Village Ubisa in Kharagauli municipality, Imereti region at 320 m altitude above sea level, 175 km from Tbilisi. The site is acting Monastery open for visitors. Ubisa Monastery is widely visited by local and international tourists. The site consists of St. George Church (IX century), four- storied towerdwelling, ruins of the ancient fence (XII century), later additions to the structures (XVI century), church (bell) tower. Which of the project The SP is related to the Integrated Revitalization of Cultural Heritage intervention sites does sub- Site in Ubisa Monastery financed from the Second Regional project related to and how? Development Project. LEGISLATION National & local legislation According to the law of Georgia on Permit on Environmental Impact & permits that apply to sub- (2008), the SP does not require preparation of EIA and obtaining of project activity Permit on Environmental Impact. The SP triggers to the OP/BP 4.01 Environmental Assessment and OP/BP 4.11 Physical Cultural Resources of the World Bank. According to this safeguard policy and the Environmental Management Framework of the Project for Empowering Poor Communities and Micro-Entrepreneurs in the Georgia Tourism Sector, the SP is classified as environmental category B and requires preparation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP). PUBLIC CONSULTATION When / where the public SP-specific draft EMP was made available for Ubisa village and consultation process took / Monastic Complex residents and discussed in a consultation will take place meeting. ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the SP site; Attachment 2: Support letter from Kharagauli Municipality; Attachment 3: SP location; Attachment 4: SP site plan; Attachment 5: Minutes of consultation meeting. PART B: SAFEGUARDS INFORMATION ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SCREENING Activity/Issue Status Triggered Actions A. Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [√] No See Section A below B. New construction [√] Yes [ ] No See Section A below Will the site C. Individual wastewater treatment system [ ] Yes [√] No See Section B below activity D. Historic building(s) and districts [√] Yes [ ] No See Section C below include/involve any of the E. Acquisition of land1 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section D below following? F. Hazardous or toxic materials2 [ ] Yes [√] No See Section E below G. Impacts on forests and/or protected areas [ ] Yes [√] No See Section F below H. Handling / management of medical waste [ ] Yes [√] No See Section G below I. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety [√] Yes [ ] No See Section H below displacement of people, change of livelihood encroachment on private property this is to land that is purchased/transferred and affects people 1 Land acquisitions includes who are living and/or squatters and/or operate a business (kiosks) on land that is being acquired. 2 Toxic / hazardous material includes but is not limited to asbestos, toxic paints, noxious solvents, removal of lead paint, etc. PART C: MITIGATION MEASURES ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST 0. General Conditions Notification and Worker (a) The local construction and environment inspectorates and communities have been notified of Safety upcoming activities (b) The public has been notified of the works through appropriate notification in the media and/or at publicly accessible sites (including the site of the works) (c) All legally required permits have been acquired for construction and/or rehabilitation (d) The Contractor formally agrees that all work will be carried out in a safe and disciplined manner designed to minimize impacts on neighboring residents and environment. (e) Workers’ PPE will comply with international good practice (always hardhats, as needed masks and safety glasses, harnesses and safety boots) (f) Appropriate signposting of the sites will inform workers of key rules and regulations to follow. A. General Rehabilitation Air Quality (a) During interior demolition debris-chutes shall be used above the first floor and /or Construction Activities (b) Demolition debris shall be kept in controlled area and sprayed with water mist to reduce debris dust (c) During pneumatic drilling/wall destruction dust shall be suppressed by ongoing water spraying and/or installing dust screen enclosures at site (d) The surrounding environment (sidewalks, roads) shall be kept free of debris to minimize dust (e) There will be no open burning of construction / waste material at the site (f) There will be no excessive idling of construction vehicles at sites Noise (a) Construction noise will be limited to restricted times agreed to in the permit (b) During operations the engine covers of generators, air compressors and other powered mechanical equipment shall be closed, and equipment placed as far away from residential areas as possible Water Quality (a) The site will establish appropriate erosion and sediment control measures such as e.g. hay bales and / or silt fences to prevent sediment from moving off site and causing excessive turbidity in nearby streams and rivers. Waste management (a) Waste collection and disposal pathways and sites will be identified for all major waste types expected from demolition and construction activities. (b) Mineral construction and demolition wastes will be separated from general refuse, organic, liquid and chemical wastes by on-site sorting and stored in appropriate containers. (c) Construction waste will be collected and disposed properly by licensed collectors (d) The records of waste disposal will be maintained as proof for proper management as designed. (e) Whenever feasible the contractor will reuse and recycle appropriate and viable materials (except asbestos) B. Individual wastewater Water Quality (a) The approach to handling sanitary wastes and wastewater from building sites (installation or treatment system reconstruction) must be approved by the local authorities (b) Before being discharged into receiving waters, effluents from individual wastewater systems must be treated in order to meet the minimal quality criteria set out by national guidelines on effluent quality and wastewater treatment (c) Monitoring of new wastewater systems (before/after) will be carried out (d) Construction vehicles and machinery will be washed only in designated areas where runoff will not pollute natural surface water bodies. C. Historic building(s) Cultural Heritage (a) If the building is a designated historic structure, very close to such a structure, or located in a designated historic district, notification shall be made and approvals/permits be obtained from local authorities and all construction activities planned and carried out in line with local and national legislation. (b) It shall be ensured that provisions are put in place so that artifacts or other possible “chance finds� encountered in excavation or construction are noted and registered, responsible officials contacted, and works activities delayed or modified to account for such finds. D. Acquisition of land Land Acquisition (a) If expropriation of land was not expected but is required, or if loss of access to income of legal or Plan/Framework illegal users of land was not expected but may occur, that the Bank’s Task Team Leader shall be immediately consulted. (b) The approved Land Acquisition Plan/Framework (if required by the sub-project) will be implemented E. Toxic Materials Asbestos management (a) If asbestos is located on the sub-project site, it shall be marked clearly as hazardous material (b) When possible the asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure (c) The asbestos prior to removal (if removal is necessary) will be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust (d) Asbestos will be handled and disposed by skilled & experienced professionals (e) If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused Toxic / hazardous waste (a) Temporarily storage on site of all hazardous or toxic substances will be in safe containers labeled management with details of composition, properties and handling information (b) The containers of hazardous substances shall be placed in an leak-proof container to prevent spillage and leaching (c) The wastes shall be transported by specially licensed carriers and disposed in a licensed facility. (d) Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead-based paints will not be used F. Affected forests, Protection (a) All recognized natural habitats, wetlands and protected areas in the immediate vicinity of the wetlands and/or protected activity will not be damaged or exploited, all staff will be strictly prohibited from hunting, foraging, areas logging or other damaging activities. (b) A survey and an inventory shall be made of large trees in the vicinity of the construction activity, large trees shall be marked and cordoned off with fencing, their root system protected, and any damage to the trees avoided (c) Adjacent wetlands and streams shall be protected from construction site run-off with appropriate erosion and sediment control feature to include by not limited to hay bales and silt fences (d) There will be no unlicensed borrow pits, quarries or waste dumps in adjacent areas, especially not in protected areas. G. Disposal of medical Infrastructure for medical (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that newly constructed and/or waste waste management rehabilitated health care facilities include sufficient infrastructure for medical waste handling and disposal; this includes and not limited to: ▪ Special facilities for segregated healthcare waste (including soiled instruments “sharps�, and human tissue or fluids) from other waste disposal; and ▪ Appropriate storage facilities for medical waste are in place; and ▪ If the activity includes facility-based treatment, appropriate disposal options are in place and operational H Traffic and Pedestrian Direct or indirect hazards (a) In compliance with national regulations the contractor will insure that the construction site is Safety to public traffic and properly secured and construction related traffic regulated. This includes but is not limited to pedestrians by construction ▪ Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site will be clearly visible and the activities public warned of all potential hazards ▪ Traffic management system and staff training, especially for site access and near-site heavy traffic. Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians where construction traffic interferes. ▪ Adjustment of working hours to local traffic patterns, e.g. avoiding major transport activities during rush hours or times of livestock movement ▪ Active traffic management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the public. ▪ Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during renovation activities, if the buildings stay open for the public. PART D: MONITORING PLAN Where How When Why Who What Activity (Is the parameter to be (Is the parameter to be (Define the frequency / (Is the parameter being (Is responsible for (Is the parameter to be monitored?) monitored?) monitored?) or continuous?) monitored?) monitoring?) Transportation of Technical condition of vehicles and Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit pollution of soil Elkana construction machinery inspections during work and air from emissions; materials and waste hours and beyond movement of Confinement and protection of truck loads Limit nuisance to local construction with lining communities from noise machinery and vibration; Respect of the established hours and routes of transportation Minimize traffic disruption. Earthworks (small Backfilling of the excavated material Construction site Inspection In the course of earth Prevent pollution of the Elkana scale) and/or its disposal to the formally works construction site and its designated locations; surroundings with construction waste; In case of chance finds immediate suspension of works, notification of the Prevent damage and Ministry of Culture and Monument loss of physical cultural Protection, and resumption of works resources exclusively upon formal consent of the Ministry. Traffic disruption Installation of traffic limitation/diversion At and around the Inspection In the course of Prevent traffic Elkana and limitation of signage; construction site construction works accidents; pedestrian access Storage of construction materials and Limit nuisance nearby temporary placement of construction waste residents in a way preventing congestion of access roads Workers’ health and Provision of uniforms and safety gear to Construction site Inspection Unannounced Limit occurrence of on- Elkana safety workers; inspections in the course the-job accidents and of work emergencies Ensuring use of the personal protective gear by workers; Informing of workers and personnel on the personal safety rules and instructions for operating machinery/equipment, and strict compliance with these rules/instructions Attachment 1: Cadastral information on the Sub-Project site Attachment 2: Support letter from Kharagauli Municipality Attachment 3: Sub-Project location SP Site Attachment 4: Sub-Project site Plan Photography of proposed bench and Lamp pole Attachment 5: Minutes of consultation meeting Date: August 03, 2017 Venue: Kharagauli Municipality, Ubisa village Donor: Biological Farming Association “Elkana�, through funding from the Japan Social Development Fund and the World Bank Aim: Consult with the local community on the Draft Environment and Social Management Plan for the project “Improving the park infrastructure near the Ubisa Monastic Complex�. Elkana Regional Coordinator in Imereti, representative of NGO Women for the Future of the Country, local municipality and community members attended the meeting. In total 12 people participated in the gathering, including 11 women. Elkana Regional Coordinator presented planned project and activities, as well as the draft Environment Management Plans prepared to mitigate their possible negative impacts on the natural and social environment. After the presentation, meeting participants were given the floor for questions and comments. During the meeting, participants asked the following questions: Question: Will installation of lighting poles require turning of the electricity for local population? Answer: There will be separate electricity line provided for the park and therefore local population will not be affected during works. Question: Will the locals be able to use the part after completion of works? Answer: Both, locals and tourists will be able to use the park. Question: Who works require cutting of trees? Answer: Works will not require any cutting of trees or their branches. Community members were satisfied with the received information and supported implementation of the project. Signatures of attendees: Photo illustrations