The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) Environmental and Social Review Summary Appraisal Stage (ESRS Appraisal Stage) Date Prepared/Updated: June 1, 2019 | Report No: 142015 June 1 2019 Page 1 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data Country Region Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Republic of Gabon Sub-Saharan Africa P167065 Project Name Gabon – REDD+ Readiness Practice Area (Lead) Financing Instrument Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date GENA3 TF Grant N/A Recipient(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Republic of Gabon National Agency of National Parks Proposed Development Objective(s) To improve estimates of emissions from the forestry sector and to design and validate with key stakeholders a strategy to reduce emissions from forestry practices at a national scale. Financing (in USD Million) Amount Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) 1.95 Total Project Cost 1.95 B. Is the project being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project [including overview of Country, Sectoral & Institutional Contexts and Relationship to CPF] The proposed project provides US$ 1.95 million in technical assistance to Gabon to “improve estimates of emissions from the forestry sector and to design and validate with key stakeholders a strategy to reduce emissions from forestry June 1 2019 Page 2 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) practices at a national scale� (project development objective). The project does not entail physical investments on the ground. The project has three components: (i) Improve baseline emissions calculations from the forestry sector (US$ 0.712 M); (ii) Design of a national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector (US$ 1.10 M); and (iii) Project coordination (US$ 0.134). The implementing agency would be the National Agency of National Parks (Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux - ANPN). ANPN will liaise with the National Climate Council (NCC), the Gabonese Space Studies and Observations Agency (AGEOS) and the Ministry of Forest Economy, Fisheries and Environment (MINEF) who will also be involved in the implementation and technical oversight of project activities. A description of project activities is provided below: Component 1: Improve baseline emissions calculations from forestry sector. Upon adoption by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of a specific methodology and sampling strategy, an appropriate sampling strategy will be designed, and a team trained to implement these methodologies at a national scale, thereby calculating emissions from the forestry sector (Activity 1.1). All data generated will be included as an integral component of Gabon’s National Forest Monitoring System (NNRFOS). Gabon’s NNRFOS combines remote sensing and ground-based forest carbon inventory approaches to estimate anthropogenic forest-related greenhouse gas emissions and removals that can be monitored and validated within the UNFCCC. Even though the NNRFOS meets the country’s goal of monitoring land-use plan implementation and identifying un-planned deforestation events, taken alone it is not sufficient to accurately estimate and monitor emissions from the forestry sector. Component 2: Design of a national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector. Data generated from activities under Component 1 will be used to identify emissions factors associated with specific aspects of logging operations (e.g. residual damage from felling, skid trails, road creation, wood transformation and wood waste management, etc.). Based on these calculations, emissions from the industry will be identified and the most effective and feasible technical and legal mechanisms to reduce these emissions from the entire sector (Activity 2.1)1 will be defined. The GoG places high value on the evaluation of all reasonable options for meeting the country’s development, conservation and climate change mitigation objectives. Activities under this component will support the evaluation of well-designed plantations and other reforestation programs as a means of increasing economic revenue while decreasing emissions, namely by assessing the degree by which well-designed, multi-purposed plantations and reforestation programs could reduce emissions from the forestry sector through either carbon sequestration or by avoiding degradation of HCV/HCS forests. A full evaluation of how these activities could contribute to growing the economic contribution of forestry to the nation’s economy will also be undertaken (Activity 2.2). Finally, the potential for certifying forestry concessions as a means for simultaneously incentivizing the private sector and adding economic market value to Gabon’s wood products, through a “Green Gabon� label, will also be assessed (Activity 2.3). 1 Research has shown that logging improvements can maintain timber production and reduce carbon emissions by 30-50%. These improved harvest practices are known as Climate Effective Reduced Impact Logging, or RIL-C. Considering the need to balance human demand for timber products with climate change mitigation, RIL-C deserves attention as a potential strategic conservation intervention in Gabon. June 1 2019 Page 3 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) Component 3: Project coordination. This component will support the overall daily administration of the project, including the recruitment of an environmental and social management specialist. Funding for the project is provided by the global trust fund the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF). The activities to be implemented complement and are fully aligned with Gabon’s National Land Use Planning process (Plan National d'Affectation du Territoire - PNAT) being financed by the Central Africa Forest Initiative (CAFI). Gabon received funding from CAFI in support of its goals of minimizing and avoiding emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. CAFI is a collaborative partnership that supports strategic, holistic and country-level investments in low-emissions development, including activities that reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).2 Gabon, as part of the CAFI partnership, developed its National Investment Framework (NIF) which was finalized in April 2017 and presented to the CAFI Executive Board. Based on this NIF, the GoG and CAFI signed a Letter of Intent3 in June 2017 whereby CAFI pledged US$18 million and the GoG committed to reducing by 50% its greenhouse gases emissions by 2025, compared to 2005, from improved forestry practices. The Letter of Intent is articulated around three outcomes: o Outcome 1: The implementation of a national land use plan; o Outcome 2: A National Natural Resources and Forestry Observation System; o Outcome 3: Efforts to maintain carbon sequestration by forests, reduce emissions related to forest degradation and improve inclusive forest governance. In support of Outcome 3, the GoG requested support from the Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) to improve emissions estimates from the forestry sector and design a strategy to reduce emissions from forestry practices at a national scale, including examining the potential for reforestation. More specifically, support was requested to: (1) improve knowledge and estimates of current emission levels from forest degradation in logging concessions; (2) define guidelines for improved forestry management, with an emphasis on reduced impact logging-carbon (RIL-C); (3) examine the potential of reforestation, plantations and stock enhancement programs; and (4) examine the potential of a national “label� program to incentivize operators to implement RIL-C, or other best practice forestry guidelines. In September 2017, the FCPF Participants Committee allocated4 US$ 1.95 million to Gabon for the implementation of its REDD+ Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP). The activities to be financed with support from the FCPF are fully integrated into the activities being financed by CAFI. The GoG is continuing to work with CAFI to achieve Outcomes 1 and 2 but requires additional support to achieve 2 The Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI)’s objective is to recognize and preserve the value of the forests in the region to mitigate climate change, reduce poverty and contribute to sustainable development. CAFI support focuses on developing and implementing National Investment Frameworks (NIFs) endorsed at the highest level by national institutions with cross sectoral mandates , providing funding based on the achievement of policy and programmatic milestones that are spelled out in letters of intent, encouraging donor coordination and alignment of bilateral assistance to partner countries based on NIFs and promoting inclusive participation of all stakeholders. http://www.cafi.org/content/cafi/en/home.html 3 The financial commitment of US$ 18 million is pledged in two equal tranches. The second tranche is conditioned to reaching intermediary milestones that will be independently evaluated. Reports on all milestones will be regularly updated on the website: www.pnatgabon.ga. 4 Resolution PC24/2017/6 June 1 2019 Page 4 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) Outcome 3 (Efforts to maintain carbon sequestration by forests, reduce emissions related to forest degradation and improve inclusive forest governance). Country, Sectoral & Institutional Context Gabon, with its 1.7 million inhabitants, is one of Africa’s most urbanized countries with approximately 85 percent of its population living in urban centers, predominantly in Libreville (the capital), Port-Gentil (the economic capital), and Franceville (a mining region). In the 2016 Human Development Report, Gross National Income (GNI) per capita is US$19,044, among the highest in Africa. However, the country has not been able to ensure equitable development and social welfare among the population. It is ranked 109 in the world according to the Human Development Index. The rural population is thinly scattered over the hinterland where access is difficult. Gabon is the fifth largest producer of oil in Africa. Gabon is also well-endowed with forest, fisheries, biodiversity and mineral resources. It is Africa’s second largest exporter of timber and it has the second largest deposit of manganese worldwide. Forest exploitation is also a significant contributor to Gabon’s economy. In 2016,5 GDP for forest exploitation was CFAF 91.1 billion (+21.5%), or 1.1% (0.9%) of national GDP at current prices. GDP linked to wood-related industries was CFAF 149 billion (+6.6%), or 1.8% (1.6%) of national GDP. The entire sector represents CFAF 240.1 billion, or 2.9% of national GDP. Raw log production now reaches 1,523,000 m3 (+7.1%), while the related workforce has grown to 1,514 employees (+8.3%). Logging concessions cover approximately 150,883 km2, or 57% of the surface area of the country. Results for wood processing industries strengthened in 2016 due to better supply to plants. Thus, total production (with all segments merged) has increased (+17.9%) to 797,000 m3. Exports have shown the same trend, increasing by 11% to 677,000 m3, while jobs have risen (+6.7%) to 9,953 agents in response to staffing requirements for increased industrial capacity. Showing further commitment to the Green Gabon pillar and its commitment to develop its forest sector sustainably, the Gabonese President announced in September 2018 that all logging concessions must be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified by 2022. Any logging company operating in Gabon, not involved in this certification process in 2022, will be deprived of its license. Currently only three forestry companies out of 40 majors are FSC certified: Rougier Gabon, Precious Woods and CBG (Société des bois du Gabon). Gabon’s forest sector has significant potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Gabon submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC in April of 2015. Because a high percentage of Gabon’s estimated emissions are from the forest sector (due to the Greening Gabon pillar of the Emerging Gabon strategy), the NDC is largely focused on sustainable management of forests and sound land use planning. The Government of Gabon (GoG) has the vision that forests, their use, conservation and long-term functioning, have a true potential to achieve holistic low emission development. Lack of data hinders precise estimation of carbon emissions from the logging sector, but current approximations indicate that it accounts for a relatively high proportion of Gabon’s total emissions NDC. Consistent with the new strategic focus of Emerging Gabon, Gabon has been an active participant in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) negotiations. In 2010, the President established a National Climate Council to coordinate Gabon’s response to climate change by developing a strategic, overarching plan called Plan Climat, which incorporates climate change considerations into the country’s sectorial development strategies. Understanding that sound land use planning is critical to the implementation of Emerging Gabon, the GoG launched a National Land Use Planning process (Plan National d'Affectation du Territoire - PNAT) in 2013 under the political coordination of the Secrétaire Général du Gouvernement and technical oversight of the National Climate Council. 5 Source: DGEPF, 2016 National Economy Scoreboard. Figures in parentheses show changes in relation to 2015. June 1 2019 Page 5 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1. Project location(s) and salient characteristics relevant to the ES assessment [geographic, environmental, social] The scope of this Project is limited to technical assistance. It does not include the implementation of REDD+ investment programs on the ground and the FCPF support is limited to analytical studies, capacity building, and consultation processes at the national and sub-national levels. However, the national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector to be developed will eventually be implemented in forest concessions (though its implementation is not within the scope of this project). Forest logging presents potential risks and impacts for forest communities; illegal activities (poaching); exploited areas; trees preserved for populations; etc. The Strategy will consider that there are populations (forest dependent peoples and other communities’ groups) who live and have activities (agriculture, fishing, hunting and gathering) in areas where logging is undertaken. Actions to be included in the Strategy will consider potential impacts on their practices in terms of land use and access restrictions to forest resources. Gender related impacts will also be considered with specific mitigation provisions to be included in the Strategy. D. 2. Recipient’s Institutional Capacity The Recipient has an acceptable legal and regulatory environmental and social framework. The Ministry of Forest Economy, Fisheries and Environment (MINEF) through the Directorate General for the Environment and Nature Protection (or Direction Générale de l'Environnement et de la Protection de la Nature –DGEPN) is the principal agency responsible for the management of the environment. It coordinates, monitors, and supervises all activities in this field. The implementing agency (National Agency of National Parks or Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux – ANPN) has two safeguards specialists (social and environment) onboard and also has experience with the implementation of Bank- financed projects, including the Wildlife and human-elephant conflicts management in the South of Gabon project (P157249) and the Sustainable management of critical ecosystems project (P143914). An environmental and social management specialist dedicated to this project will be recruited with project funds. Safeguards staff do not have experience with the new Environmental and Social Framework (ESF). Given the expanded scope of the ESF and the clients’ lack of familiarity with the new ESF, capacity building and training will be required during the project’s lifetime. II. SCREENING OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL (ES) RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Substantial Environmental risk classification The environmental risk rating is estimated to be substantial at this stage, as some potential risks and impacts on the environment may be irreversible. The future implementation of the emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector is expected to have positive environmental impacts, as well as enhanced provision of ecosystem services. Some of these may include prohibiting forest conversion to agricultural land, avoiding degradation of High Conservation Value (HCV) and High Carbon Stock (HCS), promoting improved operational measures for logging operations (e.g. residual damage from felling, skid trails, road creation, wood transformation and wood waste management, etc.), and incentizing multi-purpose plantations and reforestation as a means for increasing economic revenue while decreasing emissions. However, there are key environmental concerns related to potential risks and impacts from implementation of the national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector. Forest logging, even in the context of Reduced-Impact Logging (RIL), presents potential risks and impacts for forest communities and could also lead to illegal activities such poaching and harvesting of June 1 2019 Page 6 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and access to sensitive sites. Potential negative impacts can be related to (i) disposal and management of wastes during logging and log processing; (ii) occupational health and safety of workers and (iii) nuisances related to air and noise emissions; (iv) labor influx; (v) forest damage during logging and (vi) forest access road construction and maintenance. Forest roads connect the most remote parts of the forest to existing township, county and state roads and highways, providing access to forest lands for timber management. Forest access road construction and maintenance are likely to lead to soil erosion; the disturbance to the natural flow of streams and sedimentation; etc. Social risk classification Social risk rating is estimated to be substantial as the national emissions reduction strategy to be elaborated would generate impacts on Indigenous Peoples (sensitive populations in the legal context of Gabon) and local communities (forest dependent peoples and other populations) living next to forest concessions. Social impacts would mainly be related to access restriction to land, relationships with local communities (gender based violence, respect of forest dependent’s style of life), and on local populations’ livelihoods. B. Environment and Social Standards (ESSs) that Apply to the Activities Being Considered B.1. General Assessment ESS1 Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Overview of application of ESS1: Assessment and management of environmental and social risks and impacts will be required mainly associated with Component 2 “Design of a national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector�. Potential risks and impacts are expected to result from the implementation of the Strategy and associated with forest operations (harvest planning; harvesting operations; postharvest activities; road construction; landing operation and transport operations) and log processing, which will be incorporated into the design of the Strategy. The future implementation of the Strategy is not within the scope of this project. However, impacts are expected to be adequately managed during implementation of the Strategy in accordance with the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) that will be prepared. The SESA will identify and propose environmental and social management measures to be implemented to address the potential environmental and social risks and impacts associated with the Strategy. The SESA will be prepared during project implementation along with the national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector and will be approved and disclosed prior to the grant’s completion. Forest concessions engaged in the implementation of the Strategy and certification processes will be required to prepare specific instruments but these will benefit from the strategy context created by the SESA and ESMF. The ESMF will include standing methods and procedures, along with appropriate institutional arrangements for screening, reviewing, implementing, and monitoring specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) to prevent adverse impacts, as well as cumulative impacts. The Bank’s review considered the project’s capacity to manage its environmental and social performance as a challenge. It can therefore be concluded that the project’s environmental and social management system and procedures will need to be complemented/enhanced to comply with ESS1 requirements. An Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) has been prepared by the Recipient to address these gaps Recipientand targeted training and support to the projects’s environmental and social specialists will be provided during the project’s lifetime. A gender analysis will be done as part of the SESA to identify gender risks and mitigation measures to be included in the design of the Strategy. June 1 2019 Page 7 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) The assessment and management of environmental and social risks and impacts arising from the PNAT process will be financed by CAFI/AFD; namely the Sustainable Development Impact Study (EIDD, by its French acronym) required by Gabonese law. Areas where reliance on the Recipient’s E&S Framework may be considered: Gabon has relevant law and regulations for environmental and social assessments. Article 29 of Law no. 007/2014 on the protection of the environment in the Republic of Gabon requires a Strategic Environmental Assessment for policies; plans, programs, and regional and sectoral studies. However, due to the nature of the complexities of potential emission activities and some limitations of the existing E&S frameworks, the project will folllow the ESF requirements. ESS10 Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Overview of application of ESS10: Stakeholder engagement is a critical tool for social and environmental risk management, project sustainability and success. In consultation with the Bank, the client has prepared and will implement an inclusive Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Plan (SEIDP) proportional to the nature and scale of the project and associated risks and impacts. This considers both forest dependent people, forest concessionaires, minorities, land use planners, etc. who may be affected in terms of land use and access restrictions to forest resources. The SEIDP will be disclosed prior to Grant Approval. During implementation of the SEIDP, the client will seek stakeholder feedback and opportunities for proposed future engagement, ensuring that all consultations are inclusive and accessible (both in format and location) and through channels that are suitable in the local context(s). The Recipient will engage in meaningful consultations with all stakeholders throughout the design of the Strategy paying particular attention to the inclusion of vulnerable (including the elderly, persons with disabilities, female headed households and orphans and vulnerable children) and Indigenous Peoples (sensitive populations in the legal context of Gabon). The Recipient will provide stakeholders with timely, relevant, understandable and accessible information, and consult with them in a culturally appropriate manner, which is free of manipulation, interference, coercion, discrimination and intimidation. The project includes a grievance mechanism which will be inclusive and culturally appropriate for the local communities. B.2. Specific Risks and Impacts A brief description of the potential environmental and social risks and impacts relevant to the Project. ESS2 Labor and Working Conditions Overview of the relevance of ESS2 for the project: Relevant: Forest harvesting operations and log processing require competent and properly motivated workforce. The Emissions Reduction Strategy for the Forest Sector and safeguards instruments (SESA, ESMF and subsequents instruments) to be prepared shall provide guidelines aimed at ensuring that service providers and forest concessionaires engaged in the Gabon emissions reduction program with the “Green Gabon� Label comply with the labour code. Hazardous and difficult conditions of work in the forest and in log processing firms make this consideration June 1 2019 Page 8 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) important and require the development of management guidelines that will have positive consequences on the operating conditions for workers and the neighbouring communities. The PIU, at minimum, will include direct workers who will need to meet requirements for: terms and conditions of employment; non-discrimination and equal opportunity; worker’s organizations; child labor; forced labor; gender and GBV aspects, a labor grievance mechanism; and, occupational health and safety (OHS). Civil servants working in connection with the project full-time or part-time will remain subject to the terms and conditions of their existing public-sector employment or agreement, unless there has been an effective legal transfer of their employment or engagement in the project; they will also apply ESS 2’s requirements concerning child labor, forced labor and OHS measures. ESS3 Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Overview of the relevance of ESS3 for the project: Relevant: This is relevant because the overall purpose of the Strategy is to promote harvesting practices which will improve standards of utilization, reduce negative environmental and social impacts, and help ensure that forests are sustained for future generations. Resource efficiency and pollution prevention and management are then one of the core components of the Strategy to be designed and implemented. Emission factors will likely be associated with wood waste management, wood processing; residual forest damages during logging; etc. The SESA and ESMF and subsequent instruments to be prepared will include guidance related to energy and water use in wood processing, pollution prevention and management; wood waste management in forest concessions; etc. The extraction of timber and non- timber products, or the use of forests for making commercial or non-commercial services available, can cause severe damage to the ecosystem and its capacity for regeneration. Additionally, this Standard is relevant because under this Project, Gabon is preparing a new land-use plan (Plan National d'Affectation du Territoire, PNAT) financed by CAFI. This will likely lead to diversification of new crops in agriculture, intensification, etc. The project will prepare a Pest Management Plan (PMP). ESS4 Community Health and Safety Overview of the relevance of ESS4 for the project: This standard is relevant because in Gabon, around 643 villages are located within the different types of forest permits and this calls for more attention to community health and safety. In addition, forest operations to be associated with the implementation of the Strategy may include road construction, landing operation and transport operations. The ESMF shall include guidelines to address potential risks associated with road traffic movements; workplace safety; influx of opportunistic migrants, GBV/SEA associated with forest concessions, etc. Implementation of the Strategy has the potential to result in impacts to community health, Gender-based violence (GBV), sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), and the spread of sexually transmitted and communicable diseases, may occur especially if the communities are rural, remote or small. The project will assess the risk of GBV/SEA in concessions engaged in activities related to the implementation of the Strategy and include measures to mitigate the risk as required. ESS5 Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement Overview of the relevance of ESS5 for the project: June 1 2019 Page 9 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) The national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector to be elaborated would generate land occupation risks (access restrictions) for local communities (Indigenous Peoples [sensitive populations in the legal context of Gabon] and other local communities). Measures should be taken to ensure that those potential project affected people (PAPs) are consulted when i) preparing the Strategy, ii) setting criteria for eligibility of affected persons, and iii) proposing measures to assist affected persons in their efforts to improve their livelihoods or restore them. A Process Framework will be prepared and will describe the consultation process and the mitigation measures to be implemented in case of impacts of land access restrictions. ESS6 Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources Overview of the relevance of ESS6 for the project: The project will not finance physical activities. However, this project will help ensure that forests are sustained for future generations and improve the economic and social contributions of forestry as a component of sustainable development. The Strategy to be designed will pave the way for reforestation and /or wood plantation, and certification of forestry concession programs. The extraction of timber and non-timber products, or the use of forests for making commercial or non-commercial services available, can cause severe damage to the ecosystem and its capacity for regeneration. The certification of forestry concessions and/or wood plantation or reforestation is expected to maintain and enhance – and not to compromise – the capacity of the ecosystem to produce a sustained flow of environmental goods and services and provide biological diversity and protective functions. Special attention will be paid to terrestrial forest environment (including HCV and HCS forests, areas of high timber value, and areas of importance for national and cultural heritage), village customary use zones and practices, and regions of high potential for agriculture. Logging is often accompanied by illegal activities such as poaching and harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products. The SESA and ESMF will reflect the requirements of the Bank’s new ESF regarding Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management. ESS7 Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities Overview of the relevance of ESS7 for the project: The national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector to be elaborated would generate potential impacts on Indigenous Peoples (sensitive populations in the legal context of Gabon) who live in and around forests concessions and who usually have hunting, gathering and fishing activities in those areas. An Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) will be elaborated to identify those potential impacts and set culturally appropriate mitigation measures to be integrated in the strategy. ESS8 Cultural Heritage Overview of the relevance of ESS8 for the project: This ESS is relevant because forest operations to be targeted will include forest access road construction and there are many sacred sites are around forest concessions. The ESMF will provide guidelines aimed at ensuring that protection of cultural heritage is considered in the improved forestry management activities. ESS9 Financial Intermediaries June 1 2019 Page 10 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) Overview of the relevance of ESS9 for the project: This project is not an FI operation. B.3 Other Relevant Project Risks Overview of all potential risks of relevance for the project that may impact the environmental and social assessment: Not relevant C. Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Projects on International Waterways No Explanation: the project will not finance activities that will affect International Waterways OP 7.60 Projects in Disputed Areas No Explanation: the project will not finance activities that will involve Disputed Areas III. WORLD BANK ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL DUE DILIGENCE A. Is a common approach being considered? Yes/No List possible Financing Partners The GoG has requested the World Bank to act as implementing partner for this project, whereas AFD is the implementing partner for the National Land Use Planning process (Plan National d'Affectation du Territoire, PNAT) financed by CAFI. The activities to be financed with support from this project complement the activities being financed by CAFI. The assessment and management of environmental and social risks and impacts arising from the PNAT process will be financed by CAFI/AFD; namely the Sustainable Development Impact Study (EIDD, by its French acronym) required by Gabonese law. To maximize partner synergies, environmental and social guidelines from a range of partners (current and future) will be integrated into the development of national methodological standards for the Environmental and Social Evaluation. As such, the Sustainable Development Impact Study will address environmental and social management guidelines from both AFD and the World Bank. It is through this process that the requirements of all international partners, including AFD, the World Bank and the FCPF’s Common Approach, will be aligned. B. Proposed Measures, Actions and Timing (Recipient’s commitments) Actions to be completed prior to Country Director Approval: - Preparation and disclosure of the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) with measures for addressing the environmental and social risks identified in the project - Preparation and disclosure of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Information Disclosure Plan (SEIDP) - Preparation and disclosure of the ToR for the project’s Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), June 1 2019 Page 11 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) including a gender analysis - Preparation and disclosure of the ToR for the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) - Preparation and disclosure of the ToR for a Pest Management Plan (PMP) - Preparation and disclosure of the ToR for the Process Framework (PF) - Preparation and disclosure of the ToR for the Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) Actions to be included in the Recipient Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP): - Elaborate the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Information Disclosure Plan (SEIDP) as part of the Recipient’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (with focus on Feedback, Grievance Redress Mechanism; information sharing, consultation and outreach; etc.) - Preparation of the SESA the ESMF and PMP as part of the Recipient’s Environmental and Social Commitment Plan - Preparation of an Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) - Preparation of Process Framework (PF) C. Timing Tentative target date for preparing the Appraisal Stage ESRS N/A IV. WORLD BANK ES OVERSIGHT Corporate advice/oversight will be provided by an Environmental and Social No Standards Adviser (ESSA) during project preparation The Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Information Disclosure Plan (SEIDP), as well as the TORs for the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and the associated environmental and social management risk instruments will be approved and disclosed prior to the grant’s approval by the Country Director. The SESA and the associated environmental and social risk management instruments will be prepared during project implementation, along with the national emissions reduction strategy for the forestry sector, and will be approved and disclosed prior to the grant’s completion. V. CONTACT POINTS June 1 2019 Page 12 of 13 The World Bank Gabon – REDD+ Readiness (P167065) World Bank Contact: Mirko Serkovic Title: Natural Resources Management Specialist Telephone No: Email: mserkovic@worldbank.org Recipient/Client/Recipient Implementing Agency(ies) ANPN VI. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects VII. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Mirko Serkovic Environmental and Social Standards Hanneke van Tilburg (Acting) Advisor (ESSA): Practice Manager: Aly Rahim; Africa Eshogba Olojoba Country Director: Elisabeth Huybens June 1 2019 Page 13 of 13