The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) Appraisal Environmental and Social Review Summary Appraisal Stage (ESRS Appraisal Stage) Public Disclosure Date Prepared/Updated: 03/19/2025 | Report No: ESRSA04085 Mar 24, 2025 Page 1 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) I. BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Operation Data Operation ID Product Operation Acronym Approval Fiscal Year P181459 Investment Project Financing (IPF) Central Asia One Health 2025 Operation Name One Health for Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience and Ecosystem Health in Central Asia Country/Region Code Beneficiary country/countries Region Practice Area (Lead) (borrower, recipient) Central Asia Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan EUROPE AND CENTRAL Agriculture and Food ASIA Borrower(s) Implementing Agency(ies) Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Ministry of Finance Kyrgyz Republic - Ministry of Health, 17-Mar-2025 27-May-2025 of the Kyrgyz Kyrgyz Republic - Ministry of Natural Republic, Ministry of Resources, Ecology and Technical Finance of the Supervision (MNRETS), Kyrgyz Republic Public Disclosure Republic of - Ministry of Water Resources, Tajikistan, Regional Agriculture and Processing Industry, Environmental Tajikistan - Committee for Centre for Central Environmental Protection, Tajikistan - Asia Committee for Food Security, Tajikistan - Ministry of Agriculture, Tajikistan - Ministry of Health and Social Protection and Population Estimated Decision Total Project Cost Review Date 27-Feb-2025 67,030,000.00 Proposed Development Objective To strengthen the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to priority zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety issues in Central Asia through a regional One Health approach. B. Is the operation being prepared in a Situation of Urgent Need of Assistance or Capacity Constraints, as per Bank IPF Policy, para. 12? Mar 24, 2025 Page 2 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) No C. Summary Description of Proposed Project Activities The Program will support the coordinated implementation of the Central Asia One Health Framework for Action. D. Environmental and Social Overview D.1 Overview of Environmental and Social Project Settings The MPA is expected to include three phases to be implemented over seven years (2025–2032) in five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, with the regional coordinating role led by the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia (CAREC). Phase 1 Projects will focus on a comprehensive set of interventions to establish multi-sectoral governance structures, strengthen workforce capacity through post-graduate education programs and training, and improve surveillance and laboratory capacity through works and procurement of equipment and supplies. Phase 1 will involve three recipients, the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan, that are each mobilizing IDA resources in addition to a PF Grant, along with the Regional Environmental Center for Central Asia (CAREC), which will receive a HEPR Grant for regional coordination. Phase 2 Projects will include Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, each receiving a PF Grant, and will be processed as soon as Phase 1 is effective in at least one of the recipient countries/organizations. The proposed Projects will focus on establishing an effective multi-sectoral coordination mechanism on One Health at a country-level. Phase 3 will include any of the five Central Asian countries, which requests IBRD/IDA financing, as well as CAREC if Public Disclosure additional grant resources are mobilized. Given the Phase 1 of the Program's focus on strengthening the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to priority zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and food safety issues, both urban and rural settings in the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan are expected to be included. The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked, lower-middle-income country of about 6.95 million people that relies heavily on remittances and natural resources. The country is characterized with significantly above-average rises in temperatures and increasing drought risk threatening the country’s pastoral systems while enhancing disease susceptibility in livestock and humans. And, going forward, rural households could increase their livestock holdings to offset productivity losses, perpetuating a cycle of overgrazing and ecological decline. The project interventions will be carried out within Bishkek and Osh cities as well as in Batken, Issyk-Kul, Jalal-Abad, Naryn, Osh, and Talas regions. The MPA1 using PF grant and IDA credit funds, will help develop the country’s capacities to implement a One Health approach at the national and regional levels, with a focus on establishing a governance mechanism and strengthening existing infrastructure and systems for improved prevention, detection, and response to zoonotic diseases, AMR, and food safety challenges. Activities envisaged within components 1,2, and 4 are expected to cause limited E&S risks focusing on cross-sectoral cooperation, multisectoral workforce strategies and capacity building activities, while under the third Component, the MPA1’s key activities include construction of three laboratories, a plant for the production of antiparasitic drugs; establishing the State Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers; upgrading of selected district veterinary laboratories; refurbishing and equipping public health laboratories, repairing and equipping local wet market veterinary/sanitary laboratories, repairing/equipping border veterinary control points, along with the laboratory equipment/furniture provision in existing labs, incl. equipping field staff in districts and protected areas for monitoring wildlife habitat, migration and Mar 24, 2025 Page 3 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) detecting corpses or ill wildlife, and purchasing of mobile laboratories, vaccines, tablets, industrial and household refrigerators, etc. The Project envisaged to engage medical waste management and environmental experts to help update the regulatory framework. The Republic of Tajikistan, a 93 percent mountainous and landlocked lower-middle-income country of nearly 9.95 million, has experienced strong growth and social progress in recent years. However, Tajikistan continues to face key sources of vulnerability including a lack of economic diversification, heavy reliance on remittances and exports, and susceptibility to natural disasters; the country is prone to flooding, earthquakes, and mudslides, which have a significant impact on social and economic development. Key risk factors for zoonosis, foodborne disease, and AMR include systemic weaknesses in surveillance systems, human and animal healthcare, food safety management, livestock sector realities, environmental degradation, and climate change. Disease surveillance is limited by a lack of early warning systems, laboratory capacity for diagnostics and confirmatory testing, real-time and integrated data, remote testing capacity (incl. for sample transportation), communication and coordination across human and animal health. Laboratories lack infrastructure and equipment, trained personnel, digital data management systems, external and other quality assurance programs. In the agriculture sector, overgrazing and inadequate management of animal waste, and challenging climate conditions featuring hot spells and aridity, affect disease emergence and host susceptibility. With respect to food safety, technical regulations are in place, but a lack of inter-ministerial coordination, laboratory capacity, and food product controls weaken implementation. Activities envisaged within Components 1, 2, and 4 are expected to have limited ESHS footprint. This is because the interventions will mainly support cross-sectoral cooperation, establish multisectoral workforce strategies and implement capacity building activities. However, activities under Component 3 will support activities that may Public Disclosure potentially pose ESHS risks and impacts due to the focus on construction, renovation, and equipment of laboratories, including the National Food Security Diagnostic Center, three interdistrict laboratories in the districts of Jomi, Hissar and Shaartuz; and within other relevant departments of implementing ministries, the central veterinary laboratory; construction of new public health laboratories at sub-national level; construction of new public health laboratories at sub-national level; and modern isolation facilities for temporary housing of animals and animal products at state food security checkpoints; procuring crematoriums for biological waste disposal for the National Center for Food Security Diagnostics and its regional centers; procuring medical and non-medical equipment and supplies for laboratories; including mobile laboratories, vehicles at points of entries and for sample transportation; developing SOPs for improved biosafety and biosecurity capacities at public health laboratories; and training laboratory specialists; building a quarantine enclosures at the “Specially Protected Natural Areas” institute of CEP; purchasing motoring equipment, including special transportation vehicle and equipment for carrying the corpse of wild animals and birds, etc. CAREC will participate as a regional coordination entity and a recipient of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) grant in Phase 1 of the Program. The Center will serve as a regional One Health Coordination Structure ensuring better coordination, communication, and information sharing across all countries and sectors to avoid any E&S implications. The environmental and social risks is rated as low. This is because the MPA1 interventions implemented by CAREC primarily support the following functions: (i) facilitating a regional dialogue; (ii) coordinating regional activities; (iii) sharing experience; and (iv) mobilizing resources to address common challenges under the Framework for Action. These activities are not expected to pose significant environmental and social risks. The SEPs and ESCPs of the participating countries include activities related to CAREC. D.2 Overview of Borrower’s Institutional Capacity for Managing Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Mar 24, 2025 Page 4 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) The Kyrgyz Republic The Kyrgyz Republic will participate in Phase 1 of the Program as a recipient of the multi-country Pandemic Fund (PF) grant (part of a larger multi-country grant) and a International Development Association (IDA) credit. The existing Agricultural Projects Implementation Unit (hereinafter APIU) under the Ministry of water resources, agriculture, and processing industry will serve as an implementing agency. Currently the PIU is implementing IFAD-financed project and will soon start implementation of the Asian Development Bank-financed Project. The latest World Bank-financed Project by the APIU was closed in 2019. The APIU has prepared the country-specific ESF package and will bear responsibility for managing E&S risks and impacts at the national level. Although the PIU has experience in managing environmental and social risks associated with the World Bank’s project, some constraints implementing the MPA1 following the ESF requirements could persist. The APIU will hire one dedicated environmental specialist and one dedicated social development specialist within 2-months from the Effectiveness Date. An expert in medical waste management is envisaged to be engaged by the Ministry of Health to provide support in updating medical waste regulations of the country for improved infection control and medical waste management practices under the first Component. The MPA1 would require investments in the institutional capacity of the APIU in line with World Bank’s ESF requirements to enforce and oversee Environment, Social, Health and Safety compliance during the project implementation. The APIU have prepared, consulted on, and disclosed the following ESF documents by the MPA1 appraisal: (a) draft ESMF that will guide the preparation of site-specific ESIAs and accompanying ESMPs/ESMP checklists; (b) LMP; (c) SEP that will guide stakeholder engagement; d) RPF, and (e) ESCP. The ESCP will include specific training required on the World Bank’s ESF and on other environmental and social management aspects including those related to laboratory biosafety and waste management. Public Disclosure The Republic of Tajikistan: Tajikistan will participate in Phase 1 of the Program as a recipient of the multi-country Pandemic Fund (PF) grant (part of a larger multi-country grant) and a International Development Association (IDA) credit. Given the State Institute “Agricultural Entrepreneurship Development” (AED) PMU’s current workload (the PMU is implementing the World Bank-supported “Strengthening Resilience of the Agriculture Sector” project (SRASP – P175952), it will be strengthened and staffed with additional dedicated Environmental and Social Specialists to specifically oversee the E&S risk management of the One health MPA1 given the multi-sectoral nature of the program and that activities are scattered across the country. The ES staff shall be hired within 2-months from the Effectiveness Date. The AED PMU will also contract consultants with an expertise in biosafety and medical waste management for improved infection control and medical waste management at the laboratories during the project implementation. The AED PMU have prepared, consulted on, and disclosed the following ESF documents by the MPA1 appraisal: a) draft ESMF that will guide the preparation of site-specific ESIAs and accompanying ESMPs/ESMP checklists; (b) LMP; (c) SEP that will guide stakeholder engagement; d) RPF, and (e) ESCP. The ESCP will include specific training required on the World Bank’s ESF and on other environmental and social management aspects including those related to laboratory biosafety and waste management. CAREC: The Center has experience in implementing the World Bank-financed programs, including RESILAND CA+ (P174135) and CAMP4ASB (P151363). CAREC will perform the following functions: (i) facilitating a regional dialogue; (ii) coordinating regional activities; (iii) sharing experience; and (iv) mobilizing resources to address common challenges under the Framework for Action. Under the MPA1, CAREC will engage a dedicated team of qualified specialists across core One Health areas, including a regional project coordinator, public health sector specialist, agriculture specialist, water and sanitation expert, and environmental protection expert to strengthen pathogen diagnostics, infection prevention, and Mar 24, 2025 Page 5 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) control. The activities to be implemented by CAREC do not envisage any physical works, therefore, environmental and social risks and impacts are not anticipated. However, CAREC will adhere to the Bank’s ESF requirements during the implementation of regional initiatives. CAREC has prepared, consulted on, and disclosed the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) by the end of the Project appraisal. II. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL (ES) RISKS AND IMPACTS A. Environmental and Social Risk Classification (ESRC) Substantial A.1 Environmental Risk Rating Substantial The Program’s environmental risk is rated as substantial at the appraisal stage. The first phase of the One Health MPA will bring largely positive environmental and social outcomes as it will contribute to strengthening the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to priority zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety issues in Central Asia through a regional One Health approach. However, the Program interventions can have direct and indirect adverse environmental, health and safety (EHS) risks and impacts if there are no appropriate systems for management of risks associated with construction, renovation, equipping/furnishing and operation of the public health facilities and veterinary laboratories, including sample collection, handling, and transportation to laboratories and diagnostics of priority zoonotic diseases, AMR, and food safety hazards. The construction, renovation and equipment installation activities are anticipated to have limited footprint on the environment. The possible environmental, health and safety risks and impacts relate to the operation phase given the limitations of the existing legislative framework and technical capacity concerns linked to potential challenges regarding insufficient compliance Public Disclosure with biomedical waste handling and disposal requirements, particularly in rural areas (e.g. waste management practices, soil and groundwater contamination). During laboratory facilities construction/renovation phase, the main EHS risks and impacts include: i) generation of dust, noise, vibration, waste and occupational and health and safety (OHS) issues due to physical, chemical, and biological hazards arising from civil works; ii) improper handling of construction waste, including solid waste, wastewater, and hazardous materials/wastes (e.g. asbestos-containing materials, fluorescent bulbs); (iii) water resources contamination from construction waste, spill of hazardous chemicals, and wastewater; and iv) issues related to resources efficiency (building materials, energy, and water). Key EHS and OHS risks that may result from both construction and operation of public health and laboratory diagnostics activities include: a) occupational and community health and safety risks due to potential exposure to zoonotic diseases and infections because of improper waste collection, handling, transportation, treatment and destruction/disposal of biomedical waste; b) worker and waste picker injuries from sharps (syringes, needles, blades etc.) disposed by antibiotics testing and/or vaccination programs, AMR; c) public health risks from mishandling of animal carcasses and other biological materials disposal; and (d) potential risks related to exposure of biological agents during transportation of samples if infectious substances are not properly packaged, marked, labelled, and documented to ensure safety and containment during the transport process; e) improper handling of chemical materials and waste which may be toxic, corrosive, flammable that could be generated through use of chemicals during testing/diagnostic works, cleaning and disinfection; f) inadequate provision of proper PPE to lab. staff and absence of emergency response plan; and g) a lack of knowledge among workers and community about zoonotic diseases and their transmission pathways. Moderate A.2 Social Risk Rating Mar 24, 2025 Page 6 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) The Program’s social risk is rated as Moderate at the appraisal stage. The regional One Health Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA) aims to strengthen the capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to priority zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety issues in Central Asian countries through a regional One Health approach. Although the program is expected to have overall positive impacts on the participating countries, there can be some adverse impacts due to various project interventions. One of the main types of civil works planned under the project will be the construction, renovation, and provision of equipment for laboratory facilities in order to prevent, monitor, detect, and respond to priority zoonotic diseases, foodborne diseases, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Program support for laboratories and healthcare centers could involve the handling of infectious products that present risks of contamination for workers and communities. Project implementation could also expose different types of workers including APIU staff, civil servants, local civil society organization staff, community health and nutrition workers being exposed to OHS risks. This may require construction of waste management and health care facilities as well. These activities may involve land acquisition and involuntary resettlement if suitable facilities are not available and/or government managed land is not available for construction of these facilities. B. Environment and Social Standards (ESS) that Apply to the Activities Being Considered B.1 Relevance of Environmental and Social Standards ESS1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts Relevant Although MPA1 activities expect to bring largely positive environmental and social impacts as it will contribute to reducing zoonotic diseases, the risk of antimicrobial resistance, and food safety risks, both direct and indirect Public Disclosure environmental and social risks and impacts during construction and operation phases are foreseen. The main EHS risks and impacts during construction and renovation of public health and veterinary lab. facilities, and installation of equipment to be supported under Component 3 include: (i) impact on air quality due to dust and other emissions from construction and renovation activities, (ii) noise and vibration pollution, (iii) construction waste including solid, liquid, and hazardous waste (asbestos fluorescent bulbs), (iv) impact on soil quality including soil compaction and contamination, (v) water resources contamination from construction waste, spill of hazardous chemicals, and wastewater, (vi) occupational health and safety risks due to physical, chemical, and biological hazards arising from construction/rehabilitation and installation activities, and (vii) risks associated with inefficient utilization of resources. Some of the above risks may not be significant given that most of the project activities during the implementation period are renovation, rehabilitation, and installation activities in existing laboratories which has limited footprint on the environment. Operation of public health and veterinary lab. facilities will result in EHS risks and impacts including among others: i) limitations of the existing legislative framework and technical capacity concerns linked to potential significant challenges regarding insufficient compliance with biomedical waste handling and disposal requirements, particularly in rural areas; (ii) generation of hazardous and non-hazardous pollutants; (ii) occupational and community health and safety risks; iii) worker and waste picker injuries from sharps (syringes, needles, blades etc.) disposed by antibiotics testing and/or vaccination programs, AMR; (iv) public health risks from mishandling of animal carcasses and other biological materials disposal; v) potential risks related to exposure of biological agents while transportation of samples if infectious substances are not properly packaged, marked, labelled and documented to ensure safety and containment during the transport process; (v) lack of provision of adequate PPE and absence of emergency preparedness and response plan; vi) improper handling of chemical materials and waste which may be toxic, corrosive, flammable that could be generated through use of chemicals during testing/diagnostic works, cleaning and Mar 24, 2025 Page 7 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) disinfection; and vii) a lack of knowledge among workers and community about zoonotic diseases and their transmission pathways. The Project will have long term positive social impacts as it contributes to reducing zoonotic diseases, AMR and food safety risks, and the better coordination and use of resources. Few of the project interventions like establishment of laboratories may require land acquisition and thus may have impact on land and livelihood of the people. There could also be some construction related impacts to communities and workers, including OHS for workers associated with establishing laboratories and other health facilities. Further, the project scope (involving many sectors) and the outreach campaigns planned may involve misunderstandings and social tensions. There are also risks for vulnerable and disadvantaged groups who could experience inequitable access to project supported facilities and services because of their qualifying characteristics, which could lead to social unrest and tensions and possible increase of their vulnerabilities. In addition, laboratory support may engage the handling of infectious products that present risks of contamination for workers in laboratories and medical health care centers, and then for the communities. The proposed MPA1 will be implemented at regional level and represented by the respective entities. The Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan that participate in the MPA1 supported by PF funds and IDA grants has prepared an Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), to be used for identifying and managing environmental and social risks arising from activities under their respective project components. The ESMF includes procedures for identifying, screening, instruments preparation, management, and monitoring of environmental and social risks and impacts, identified main environmental and social impacts of project activities, indicative environmental and social management and monitoring plans, template for Laboratory Biosafety and Waste Management Plan (LBWMP) and Labor Management Procedures. The ESMF will comply with WBG EHS Guidelines for Health Care Facilities, the WBG General EHS Guidelines, and WHO guidance on Laboratory Biosecurity. Specific subproject E&S risk management instruments and plans (e.g., ESMPs) will be prepared during project implementation Public Disclosure (prior to commencement of sub-project activities) following the requirements of the overall ESF and guidance to be provided in the ESMF. Each country has prepared Environmental and Social Commitment Plans (ESCPs) which outline the project implementing entities’ commitments to: i) implement the project activities in compliance with the requirements of the applicable environmental and social standards of the Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (to be implemented by APIU in Kyrgyz Republic and AED PMU in Tajikistan); ii) screen the subprojects per ESMF and prepare site-specific subproject E&S risk management instruments (e.g. ESMPs) and ensure assessment of ESHS risks in project technical assistance-related studies under Components 1 and 2; iii) exclusion/eligibility criteria iv) put an environmental and social risk management implementation arrangements including deployment of qualified staff at different levels of implementation including a capacity building program; and v) monitor and report on the implementation of environmental and social risk management tools. Each project implementer has also prepared a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) that contains identification and analysis of project stakeholders, and outline characteristics/interests of stakeholder groups as well as the timing and methods of engagement throughout the project life cycle. The MPA1 interventions funded under Components 1, 2, and 4 aim to establish and enhance institutions at regional, national, and sub-national levels to efficiently plan, coordinate, monitor, and assess One Health initiatives. These activities also focus on generating One Health knowledge, bolstering the capacity of the relevant workforce, and implementing project management frameworks. This includes communications, citizen engagement, adherence to environmental and social risk management, and the Program's learning agenda. These activities are not expected to involve adverse environmental and social impacts or risks as they do not involve feasibility or design studies that can have significant risks and impacts. ESS10 - Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure Relevant Mar 24, 2025 Page 8 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) The Project has prepared country specific Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEPs) for Kyrgyz Republic and Tajilistan which have already been disclosed and consulted to define a comprehensive program of stakeholder engagement, including public information disclosure and consultation throughout the entire project duration. The SEPs outline strategies and mechanisms for engaging with stakeholders, including affected communities, local authorities, civil society organizations, and other relevant actors and includes a mechanism by which people can raise concerns, provide feedback, or submit complaints about the project or any of its related activities. During project preparation, stakeholder mapping was carried out to identify individuals and groups that may be affected directly or indirectly, vulnerable groups, and other stakeholders such as government agencies/authorities and NGOs, which may differ between sub-components and will be refined in subsequent stages of project implementation. The SEPs include has developed a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to address the issue of transparency and feedback. CAREC will follow provisions in ESCP regarding stakeholder engagement in their functions. There is no need for a stand alone SEP for CAREC. The SEPs of other countries will include activities related to CAREC. ESS2 - Labor and Working Conditions Relevant Labor risks, including labor influx and associated gender-based violence, and child labor, are considered to be low given the small size of subproject construction works. Labour Management Procedures are also prepared for Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan for managing any labor related issues for the project. Since civil works to be implemented by the project, will be very small in scale, the risk of forced labor is expected to be low. Nonetheless, the contractor will be required to contractually commit to prohibit the use of child and forced labor and introduce mitigation measures against gender-based violence. The respective PIUs responsible for contractor supervision will monitor and report the absence of forced labor, child labour and any GBV related issues. Public Disclosure ESS3 - Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management Relevant ESS3 is relevant as pollution prevention and management measures are necessary to manage hazardous and non- hazardous wastes which could be generated because of the project activities. Environmental concerns associated with laboratory renovation activities include air pollution during the construction stage from equipment and machinery (exhaust gases and dust) generated during machinery movements, earthmoving operations, renovation and demolition works. Noise and vibration levels increase is anticipated during the demolition and renovation works, including loading/uploading of construction materials and hand-held power tools, or whole-body vibrations. Surface waters and groundwater may become polluted due to the improper placement of excavated soil, poor management of construction camps, improper storage of construction materials, leakage of fuel and lubricates from construction machinery, and washing of vehicles and equipment without proper maintenance. Soil compaction and pollution may occur due to the improper management of waste, including hazardous waste and off-road movement of machinery. There are risks related to poor management of chemicals and hazardous materials associated with small scale construction of laboratory and check-point operations. Also, there are potential risks from environmental liabilities at existing lab. facilities including soil and water contamination, asbestos containing materials/equipment, fluorescent bulbs. Resource efficiency concerns include energy and water use at the facilities. Potential environmental issues associated with veterinary labs include air emissions, improper waste management and wastewater. There are also potential risks of lack of appropriate refrigeration and related requirements for safe storage/transport of infectious substances, carcasses, vaccine, and chemicals. The country specific Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) prepared by two Implementing Agencies in Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, establish procedures for screening sub-projects, mitigation measures, and implementation arrangements. It also provides guidance on the Mar 24, 2025 Page 9 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) preparation of site-specific ESIA and/or ESMP, including checklist-based ESMP proportionate to the risk levels anticipated from subprojects together with providing outlines and key mitigation considerations for these management tools (i.e. waste management plan, air, soil, water pollution management plan, etc.). Specific biosafety expertise (consultant) would be required to help the Clients in preparation of the Laboratory Biosafety and Waste Management Plan (LBWMP) that will be relevant not only for civil works but for other activities envisaged under the project components that could potentially cause EHS and OHS risks. A Template for a LBWMP is included as part of the country-specific ESMFs. The document defines one generic LBWMP which will then be applied/modified for the numerous public health and veterinary facilities involved in the Program. Site-specific ESMPs along with the LBWMP shall be prepared prior to the commencement of civil works and will have to be consistent with international best practices and WHO standards. The environmental risks associated with the implementation of small-scale civil works will be mitigated by the application of the WB Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines (ESHGs) and Good International Industrial Practices (GIIPs). To minimize exposure of the environment with hazardous materials containing biological agents during transportation of infectious samples, the program will assess existing refrigeration infrastructure for beneficiary facilities, including associated energy needs. Project implementing entities (PIU/PMU) shall also adopt the WHO Guidance on regulations for the Transport of Infectious Substances (2021) so that potential EHS risks that may arise during transportation of biological agents could be properly managed. These and all other potential environmental risks are reversible and are easily managed by the implementation of proper subproject E&S tools and plans. The MPA1’s ESCP and subsequent ESMPs and LBWMP will have sufficient guidance and provisions to mitigate any potential environmental and social risks and impacts of the program activities. ESS4 - Community Health and Safety Relevant Public Disclosure ESS4 is relevant. Community health and safety risks include potential infection hazards within public health, veterenary laboratories, check-points as well as at waste disposal sites, hazards arising from the safety of project infrastructure and equipment, temporary traffic and road safety-related arrangments, community exposure to diseases. During the small-scale construction/renovation activities, increased traffic, noise and air pollution (potentially including asbestos dust) from construction activities may negatively impact on settlements near the project sites. If not properly managed and monitored, during the operation of the laboratories, the primary human health hazards may also pose the following potential risks (i) the transmission of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans if not well contained within laboratory or due to accidents/emergencies, and (ii) the infection of workers engaged in the collection, handling, transportation, treatment, and disposal of animal carcasses and other bio- medical wastes and chemicals. A lack of awareness among the public about zoonotic diseases and their transmission routes will heighten these risks. Other key community health and safety risks identified for the MPA1 relate to (a) potential social exclusion of vulnerable groups from the project benefits; (b) gender inequality as well as GBV/SEA/SH, and (c) transmission and spread of HIV/AIDS, and other communicable diseases (d) safety and security for project beneficiaries and workers, depending on location of project activities (e) threat from major accidents related to earthquake, fires and explosions during operation of facilities (f) other health and safety risks may relate to inappropriate use and disposal of hazardous and other biomedical waste. The Clients will conduct a risk hazard assessment (RHA) as part of the environmental and social assessment undertaken pursuant to ESS1. Based on the result of the RHA, prepare an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in coordination with the relevant local authorities and the affected community, considering the emergency prevention, preparedness, and response arrangements put in place for project workers under ESS2. Laboratories will follow respective procedures with a focus on appropriate waste management of contaminated materials, as well as protocols on the transport of samples and workers cleaning Mar 24, 2025 Page 10 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) before leaving the workplace. ESMF will provide measures for hazardous and non-hazardous waste management and propose mitigation measures. To address the environmental risks and impacts, the ESMF includes provisions for community health and safety. These issues will be included in the site specific ESMPs (eg. Community Health and Safety Plan, Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, Temporary road safety and traffic management arrangements, etc.). The ESMPs require that fencing should be installed around all construction sites and areas where there is a risk to community health and safety. All contractors will be required to adhere to Codes of Conduct, including requirements for respectful behavior and interaction with local communities and within work sites, the prohibition from engaging in illicit activities, sexual exploitation and abuse, or sexual harassment (SEA/SH), or forced or child labor. Furthermore, site specific ESMPs will include necessary measures prior to the start of civil works to:(i) ensure efficient waste management and pollution control, (ii) prevent the inadvertent spread of animal diseases, iii) prepare Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan, and (ii) provide relevant training. The Stakeholder Engagement Plan includes a public awareness and educational campaign. ESS5 - Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement Relevant Amongst the various activities identified to be implemented under the project, activities under Component 3, apart from providing technical assistance, support in capacity building, funding to purchase of medical equipment and inputs, also involves setting up of research centers and laboratories. These activities may involve land acquisition and involuntary resettlement if suitable facilities are not available and and/or government managed land is not available for construction of these facilities. The subproject designs, the exact location for construction and/or rehabilitation work of these facilities and the requirement of land acquisition have not been determined yet. Possible impacts associated with involuntary resettlement and land acquisition will be determined in detail once the location and Public Disclosure design is finalized. As the impacts are not identified yet, a framework approach has been followed in the project and accordingly a Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) has been formulated which lays down the principles and procedures for management of any resettlement impacts caused by project interventions. The Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) identifies key areas for appropriate mitigation measures, including compensation for mitigation and compensation for the impacts of land acquisition and resettlement resulting from project intervention. ESS6 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Relevant Resources ESS6 is relevant as the program focuses on reducing biodiversity loss, wildlife, sustainable livestock subsector in the region, which is a form of primary production of living natural resources. The project is not anticipated to have activities with an impact on biodiversity or living natural resources but to boost the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable management of living natural resources. Physical program’s activities do not involve major construction activities but are mostly focus on renovation/rehabilitation and installation of equipment at existing public health, veterinary lab facilities, including at quarantine stations to be established in the border areas of Specially Protected Natural Territories. It is anticipated that environment impacts from proposed activities will have limited impacts on biodiversity and protected areas as most program’s facilities are in populated areas with minor potential impacts on modified habitats presented in the settlements. Impacts on natural and critical habitat, along with legally protected and internationally and regionally recognized areas of biodiversity value are not foreseen within the scope of the project. Nevertheless, site-specific management plans to be prepared following the requirements of the ESMF, shall cover risk mitigation measures for possible impacts on biodiversity, if identified. Any tree cutting required during the construction of laboratories and facilities is envisioned to be minor. The E&S Mar 24, 2025 Page 11 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) requirements of ESS6 (incl. GIIP standards) shall be considered for all project interventions to be provided under the MPA1. During the operation phase, some biodiversity impacts could occur due to the diffusion of pathogens from domestic animals to wildlife, with risks for endemic species and biodiversity. ESMF provides guidance on the requirements of the ESS6 and includes Exclusion criteria so that activities that may significantly affect biodiversity and natural resources will not be eligible for the MPA1 financing. In addition, subproject ESIAs and/or ESMPs will provide details on subproject areas of influence, including a description of protected or sensitive areas and evaluation of project risks and impacts to local ecological systems and/or impacts on ecosystem services, if any. ESS7 - Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Not Currently Relevant Local Communities There is no Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities in the Central Asian region. ESS8 - Cultural Heritage Relevant ESS8 is relevant. The MPA1 activities are not known to be in the vicinity of known historical/cultural monuments. Most of Project works will be implemented in existing buildings. However, some activities will be related to new construction that could encounter tangible or intangible cultural heritage during excavation works. A Chance Finds Procedure is included in the ESMFs and will be part of ESMPs, and a chance find clause in the contract, requiring contractors to stop construction works in accordance with the Procedure if cultural heritage is encountered. ESS9 - Financial Intermediaries Not Currently Relevant Public Disclosure The project does not include activities which involve financial intermediaries nor support establishment of such intermediaries. B.2 Legal Operational Policies that Apply OP 7.50 Operations on International Waterways No OP 7.60 Operations in Disputed Areas No B.3 Other Salient Features Use of Borrower Framework No Use of borrower framework is not being considered at this stage. Use of Common Approach No None are envisaged at present. Mar 24, 2025 Page 12 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) C. Overview of Required Environmental and Social Risk Management Activities C.1 What Borrower environmental and social analyses, instruments, plans and/or frameworks are planned or required by implementation? By the end of the Program Appraisal, the Client/Recipient will: - Disclose, consult on, finalize, and adopt an ESMF, LMP, RPF (Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan), including SEP, and ESCP for the Project, consistent with the relevant ESSs. Before the commencement of civil works, the Client will develop the following site-specific ESF instruments based on the ESMF, RPF, SEP, and LMP prepared for the One Health MPA1 (Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan): - Preparation, consultation and disclosure of site-specific Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESIAs, ESMPs and/or checklist-based ESMPs), as guided by the ESMF. - Preparation, consultation and disclosure of site-specific Laboratory Biosafety and Waste Management Plan as part of the ESMP, in accordance with the annexed Template provided in the ESMF. III. CONTACT POINT World Bank Task Team Leader: Pierre Jean Gerber Title: Senior Agriculture Economist Email: pgerber@worldbank.org Public Disclosure TTL Contact: Asferachew Abate Abebe Job Title: Senior Environmental Specialist Email: aabate@worldbank.org TTL Contact: Takahiro Hasumi Job Title: Senior Health Specialist Email: thasumi@worldbank.org IV. 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 V. APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Pierre Jean Gerber, Asferachew Abate Abebe, Takahiro Hasumi Mar 24, 2025 Page 13 of 14 The World Bank One Health For Pandemic Prevention Food Systems Resilience And Ecosystem Health In Central Asia (P181459) V. APPROVAL ADM Environmental Specialist: Zhuldyz Zhurumbetova ADM Social Specialist: Harjot Kaur Public Disclosure Mar 24, 2025 Page 14 of 14