INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATA SHEET APPRAISAL STAGE Report No.: ISDSA12986 0 Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 12-May-2015 o Date ISDS Approved/Disclosed: 27-May-2015 I. BASIC INFORMATION 1. Basic Project Data Country: Samoa Project ID: P154839 Project Name: Pacific Resilience Program (P154839) Task Team Denis Jean-Jacques Jordy,Michael Bonte-Grapentin Leader(s): Estimated 16-Mar-2015 Estimated 19-Jun-2015 Appraisal Date: Board Date: Managing Unit: GSURR Lending Investment Project Financing Instrument: Sector(s): Public administration- Water, sanitation and flood protection (30%), General water, sanitation and flood protection sector (70%) Theme(s): Climate change (40%), Natural disaster management (60%) Is this project processed under OP 8.50 (Emergency Recovery) or OP No 8.00 (Rapid Response to Crises and Emergencies)? Financing (In USD Million) Total Project Cost: 13.94 Total Bank Financing: 13.79 Financing Gap: 0.00 Financing Source Amount BORROWER/RECIPIENT 0.15 IDA Grant 13.79 Total 13.94 Environmental B - Partial Assessment Category: Is this a No Repeater project? 2. Project Development Objective(s) The objective of the Project is to strengthen early warning, resilient investments and financial protection of Samoa. 3. Project Description Economic instability in Samoa has been compounded significantly by a number of recent natural Page 1 of 7 disaster events, including the September 2009 earthquake and resultant tsunami, and Tropical Cyclone Evan (TCE), which struck the country in December, 2012, resulting in total damage and losses of approximately US$210 million (30% of annual GDP). The impacts of these disasters have been significant, and given the extreme vulnerability of Samoa to climate change and natural ) hazards, there is a risk that similar and possibly increasing losses will be experienced in the future. Despite recent progress in Samoa in terms of national level plans and policy to respond to disaster and climate risk, translating national climate change and DRM policy into sector policies and resilient investments has been a significant challenge. The PREP will build synergies with existing initiatives which aim to minimize the impact of climate change and natural hazards in Samoa. These include: (i) initiatives to strengthen climate resilience under the GEF Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF); (ii) the Strategic Program for Climate Resilience, under the Samoa Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR); and (iii) support from other donors such as the Climate and Oceans Monitoring Program for the Pacific (CoSPAC) from Australia and the Adaptation Fund; and (iv) the World Bank funded Samoa Agriculture and Fisheries Cyclone Response Project. The four main components of the project are: (1) strengthening early warning and preparedness; (2) risk reduction and resilient investments; (3) disaster risk financing; and (4) project and program management. Some of the specific sub-projects under consideration in Samoa with environmental management implications include: * Reconstruction and refurbishment of facilities, including the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and Samoa Meteorological Division (SMD) Seismic Operations Center. * Installing real-time connectivity (GSM) to hydrology network and monitoring stations in target water catchments (e.g. 18 rain gauges and 16 river flow in Samoa); * stockpiling of emergency goods and potential refurbishment of prepositioned supply hubs in provinces/districts; * constructing, strengthening and/or expanding the reach of existing communications networks (VHF/HF radio and mobile telecommunications); and * installing, connecting and/or refurbishing seismic monitoring stations with GPS and motion sensors including a new volcanic station at Savai'i. 4. Project location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis (if known) The Independent State of Samoa is made up of nine volcanic islands, two of which (Savai'i and Upolu) make up more than 99 per cent of land. More than half of the population lives on Upolu, where the capital Apia is located. Samoa is highly vulnerable to natural disasters, particularly cyclones occurring between November and April. In late 2012, Samoa was severely affected by Tropical Cyclone Evan which killed 12 people and displaced thousands. Samoa is also susceptible to strong earthquakes, with the linear island chain situated directly northeast of the Tonga-Kermadec trench, which is the main source of seismic activity. Earthquakes can also generate tsunamis impacting the many villages located along the coastlines. In September 2009, Samoa was struck by a tsunami that killed 143 and injured 310 people. Over 12,000 people were affected by waves that wiped out large stretches of the south and south-east coasts of the main island of Upolu. Specific locations for the instrumentation and monitoring equipment listed in Section 3 have not been determined, however hydrological monitoring equipment will necessarily be sited adjacent to drainage lines and seismic stations will likely be situated in upland locations. Government-owned land will be preferentially chosen to site these monitoring stations. Page 2 of 7 5. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists Nicholas John Valentine (GSURR) Ross James Butler (GSURR) o 6. Safeguard Policies Triggered? Explanation (Optional) O Environmental Yes This policy is triggered because project-specific civil Assessment OP/BP 4.01 works from sub-projects may generate negative environmental or social impacts. While these impacts are expected to be minor (eg. retrofitting of buildings, installation of monitoring stations) they will need to be appropriately managed. An ESMF is the key safeguard instrument and contains guidance on EMP preparation for specific activities. Natural Habitats OP/BP Yes Project activities are not expected to involve significant 4.04 loss or degradation of natural habitats, however this policy has been triggered as a precaution since specific sites are not yet known. Forests OP/BP 4.36 Yes The project will not support any civil works that encroach or adversely impact upon forests. However this policy is triggered as a precaution because limited incidental forest clearing may occur for small-scale civil works to establish new monitoring/communications infrastructure in rural areas or outer islands. Pest Management OP 4.09 No The Project does not involve procurement or use of pesticides. Physical Cultural Yes The project is not expected to finance any large-scale civil Resources OP/BP 4.11 works that could affect Physical Cultural Resources. However building refurbishment may include retrofitting of historical buildings, and civil works may involve chance finds of historically or culturally important resources. Indigenous Peoples OP/ Yes Based on prior country-level social analysis undertaken as BP 4.10 part of preparation of the Environmental and Social Safeguard Procedures for the Pacific Island Countries, OP 4.10 is not typically triggered in Samoa. Indigenous Peoples are defined by four characteristics: self- identification as members of a cultural group, collective attachment to habitats/territories, customary institutions, and indigenous language. All four characteristics must be present to trigger the policy. In Samoa, virtually all of the population is ethnic Samoan and there are no significant ethnic cleavages among them; therefore, they do not self-identify as members of a distinct indigenous cultural group within their own country. Similarly there are no customary cultural, Page 3 of 7 economic, social or political institutions that are separate from the dominant society and culture because they are the dominant society and culture. There also is no indigenous language different from the official language of the country Involuntary Resettlement Yes Although it is expected that the majority of project OP/BP 4.12 activities will be undertaken on state-owned or Crown land, there is potential for certain project activities (e.g. construction of monitoring stations) to encroach on customary or private lands. A Resettlement Policy Framework has been prepared to cover this eventuality. Safety of Dams OP/BP No 4.37 Projects on International No Waterways OP/BP 7.50 Projects in Disputed No Areas OP/BP 7.60 II. Key Safeguard Policy Issues and Their Management A. Summary of Key Safeguard Issues 1. Describe any safeguard issues and impacts associated with the proposed project. Identify and describe any potential large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts: The overall environmental and social impact of the PREP is expected to be positive and none of the eligible investments on the menu of options include activities that would generate significant risk or irreversible adverse environmental or social impacts. The first investment type includes eligible minor works activities to be funded under Components 1 and 2. While the specifics these activities are not yet determined, these activities are likely to include monitoring stations and construction/rehabilitation/ retrofitting of public buildings and community evacuation centres amongst others. Environment and social impacts from these activities would be only minor and the types of mitigation measures are well-known and proven. The overall social impact of the project is also expected to be highly positive, as the PREP will support poor and vulnerable communities to make informed decisions on disaster prevention and preparedness by: (i) supporting the provision of early warning mechanisms and improving disaster risk-awareness; and (ii) supporting risk-informed planning and investments to reduce disaster impacts on societies, manage residual risk and uncertainties, and strengthen the capacity of people and institutions to prepare for and respond to disasters. As such, prevention of the social impacts created by natural disasters and climate change underlies the purpose of the Program. An ESMF will ensure that any potential adverse environmental impacts that are generated as a result of the project are identified, and appropriate safeguard instruments are prepared to avoid, minimize, mitigate and, in such cases where there are residual impacts, offset there impacts. No large scale, significant and/or irreversible impacts are anticipated. 2. Describe any potential indirect and/or long term impacts due to anticipated future activities in the project area: The proposed activities under the PREP are likely to have widespread indirect and long-term Page 4 of 7 positive impacts. Strengthened early warning, resilient investment planning and financial protection capacity in Samoa will allow increased ability to prevent impacts from, and respond to, disaster events. Samoa will undertake specific activities to contribute towards its increased climate resilience thereby mitigating residual social and environmental impacts, and enhancing recovery, O Q) from natural disasters 3. Describe any project alternatives (if relevant) considered to help avoid or minimize adverse O impacts. N/A 4. Describe measures taken by the borrower to address safeguard policy issues. Provide an assessment of borrower capacity to plan and implement the measures described. Projects will be implemented and coordinated through a Project Management Unit (PMU). The PMU will be headed by a National Coordinator (NC). In Samoa the project components will be implemented by an entity within the Ministry of Finance, with input from Samoa's Disaster Management Office led by Filomena Nelson (Principal Disaster Management Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE)). Samoa's NC will be supported by the Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) within the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS). In addition, prior to commencement of Project Implementation, the PREP will provide funds for social and environmental safeguards support and oversight as needed. The ESMF will be the main instrument for Samoa to screen subprojects for potential environmental impacts. Adherence to the screening procedures and development and implementation of relevant safeguard instruments (eg. ESMPs and RAPs) will allow Samoa to implement required measures. 5. Identify the key stakeholders and describe the mechanisms for consultation and disclosure on safeguard policies, with an emphasis on potentially affected people. Consultation with key stakeholders took place in Apia from 2-5th December 2014. A second consultation session took place on the 13th February 2015 with the draft ESMF. The purpose of the public consultations was to gather stakeholder input and feedback into subproject development and design, and discuss the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Consultation sessions involved specific outreach measures, tailored to the needs of vulnerable groups such as women, children and the elderly. Two-way mechanisms for ongoing consultation may be necessary throughout the life of the project, to disclose information and seek feedback. Consultation with relevant government officials, the business community, and civil society (NGOs etc) will assist in providing a different perspectives and needs, and provoke discussion on practical alternatives relevant to the local context. lAs will establish dedicated channels for information dissemination to ensure consistent communication at national, subnational and local levels for the Program duration. B. Disclosure Requirements Environmental Assessment/Audit/Management Plan/Other Date of receipt by the Bank 24-Feb-2015 Date of submission to InfoShop 02-Mar-2015 For category A projects, date of distributing the Executive 00000000 Summary of the EA to the Executive Directors "In country" Disclosure Samoa 05-Mar-2015 Comments: Page 5 of 7 Resettlement Action Plan/Framework/Policy Process Date of receipt by the Bank 24-Feb-2015 Date of submission to InfoShop 02-Mar-2015 "In country" Disclosure Samoa 05-Mar-2015 O Comments: Indigenous Peoples Development Plan/Framework Date of receipt by the Bank 24-Feb-2015 Date of submission to InfoShop 02-Mar-2015 "In country" Disclosure Samoa 05-Mar-2015 Comments: If the project triggers the Pest Management and/or Physical Cultural Resources policies, the respective issues are to be addressed and disclosed as part of the Environmental Assessment/ Audit/or EMP. If in-country disclosure of any of the above documents is not expected, please explain why: C. Compliance Monitoring Indicators at the Corporate Level OP/BP/GP 4.01 - Environment Assessment Does the project require a stand-alone EA (including EMP) Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] report? If yes, then did the Regional Environment Unit or Practice Yes [X] No [ ] NA [ ] Manager (PM) review and approve the EA report? Are the cost and the accountabilities for the EMP incorporated Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] in the credit/loan? OP/BP 4.04 - Natural Habitats Would the project result in any significant conversion or Yes[ No[X] NA degradation of critical natural habitats? If the project would result in significant conversion or Yes No NA X degradation of other (non-critical) natural habitats, does the project include mitigation measures acceptable to the Bank? OP/BP 4.11 - Physical Cultural Resources Does the EA include adequate measures related to cultural Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] property? Does the credit/loan incorporate mechanisms to mitigate the Yes [X] No [ ] NA [ ] potential adverse impacts on cultural property? OP/BP 4.10 - Indigenous Peoples Has a separate Indigenous Peoples Plan/Planning Framework Yes [ ] No [X] NA [ ] (as appropriate) been prepared in consultation with affected Indigenous Peoples? OP/BP 4.12 - Involuntary Resettlement Page 6 of 7 Has a resettlement plan/abbreviated plan/policy framework/ Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] process framework (as appropriate) been prepared? If yes, then did the Regional unit responsible for safeguards or Yes [X] No [ ] NA [ ] Practice Manager review the plan? OP/BP 4.36 - Forests Has the sector-wide analysis of policy and institutional issues Yes [ ] No [ ] NA [ X] and constraints been carried out? Does the project design include satisfactory measures to Yes [ ] No [ ] NA [ X] overcome these constraints? Does the project finance commercial harvesting, and if so, Yes [ ] No [ ] NA [ X] does it include provisions for certification system? The World Bank Policy on Disclosure of Information Have relevant safeguard policies documents been sent to the Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] World Bank's Infoshop? Have relevant documents been disclosed in-country in a public Yes [X] No [ ] NA [ ] place in a form and language that are understandable and accessible to project-affected groups and local NGOs? All Safeguard Policies Have satisfactory calendar, budget and clear institutional Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] responsibilities been prepared for the implementation of measures related to safeguard policies? Have costs related to safeguard policy measures been included Yes [ X] No [ ] NA [ ] in the project cost? Does the Monitoring and Evaluation system of the project Yes[X] No[ ] NA[ ] include the monitoring of safeguard impacts and measures O related to safeguard policies? Have satisfactory implementation arrangements been agreed Yes[X] No[ NA[ with the borrower and the same been adequately reflected in the project legal documents? III. APPROVALS Task Team Leader(s): Name: Denis Jean-Jacques Jordy,Michael Bonte-Grapentin Approved By Practice Manager/ Name: Abhas Kumar Jha (PMGR) Date: 27-May-2015 Manager: Page 7 of 7