The World Bank Yangtze River Revitalization Program (P171644) Sustainable Fodder Production and Low Methane Livestock Development Program-for-Results (P181021) Environmental and Social Systems Assessment （Final Draft） World Bank May 2024 The World Bank Yangtze River Revitalization Program (P171644) Abbreviations and Acronyms ALBL Animal Lab Biosafety Level AFWB Agricultural, Forest, and Water Resources Bureau AHVMB Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine Bureau ARM Antimicrobial Resistance ARAB Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau BSL Biosafety Level CAB Civil Affairs Bureau CHAB Cultural Heritage Administration Bureau CPC Communist Party of China CPMO County Program Management Office CSA Climate-Smart Agriculture CSFPTP Climate-Smart Fodder Production Technologies and Practices CTB Culture and Tourism Bureau DARA Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs DCPC Disease Control and Prevention Center DEE Department of Ecology and Environment DLI Disbursement-Linked Indicator DMS Detailed Measurement Survey DNR Department of Natural Resources DOF Department of Finance DRC Development and Reform Commission E&S Environment and Social EEB Ecology and Environment Bureau EHS Environment, Health, and Safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment EM Ethnic Minority EMB Emergency Management Bureau EMS Environmental Management System EPL Environmental Protection Law ERL Environmental Conservation Redline ESMS Environmental and Social Management System ESSA Environmental and Social Systems Assessment FALU Facility Agriculture Land Use FB Financial Bureau FGB Forest and Grassland Bureau FGD Focus Group Discussion FMD Foot-and-Mouth Disease FSR Feasibility Study Report GHG Green House Gas GIIP Good International Industry Practice GPPC Gansu Provincial People's Congress GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point HC Health Commission HPAI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HRSSB Human Resources and Social Security Bureau IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development i IPF Investment Project Financing IPM Integrated Pest Management LAR Land Acquisition and Resettlement LURT Land Use Right Transfer MARA Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs MEE Ministry of Ecology and Environment MHRSS Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security MLS Minimum Living Subsidy MNR Ministry of Natural Resources MRV Measuring, Reporting and Verification MSA Market Supervision and Administration NDRC National Development and Reform Commission NFGA National Forest and Grassland Administration NGO Non-Governmental Organization NPC National People's Congress NPS Non-Point Source NRB Natural Resources Bureau O&M Operation and Maintenance OHS Occupational Health and Safety OIE Office of International Epizootic PAP Program Action Plan PCPB Public Complaints and Proposals Bureau PDO Program Development Objective PforR Program-for-Results PGGP People's Government of Gansu Provincial PLG Program Leading Group PIP Program Implementation Plan PIU Program Implementation Unit PLAC Political and Legal Affairs Committee PML Pathogenic Microorganism Laboratory POM Program Operational Manual PPE Personal Protective Equipment PPMO Provincial Program Management Office PPR Peste des Petits Ruminants PSC Program Steering Committee RA Result Area RRB Rural Revitalization Bureau SC State Council SEA or SH Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment SOP Standard Operation Procedure SSRA Social Stability Risk Assessment TLU Temporary Land Use WBG World Bank Group WF Women’s Federation WRB Water Resources Bureau WSC Water and Soil Conservation ii Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 2. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 GOVERNMENT PROGRAM ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.2 THE PFORR PROGRAM BOUNDARY........................................................................................................................................... 5 2.3 PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AGENCIES ..................................................................................................................................... 9 3. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIAL EFFECTS .................................................................................................... 11 3.1 E&S SCREENING ................................................................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 E&S ASSESSMENT SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 13 3.3 E&S BENEFITS............................................................................................................................................................. 13 3.4 POTENTIAL E&S RISK AND IMPACTS ....................................................................................................................................... 14 3.4.1 Direct Impacts......................................................................................................................................................... 14 3.4.2 Indirect Impacts ...................................................................................................................................................... 20 3.4.3 E&S Impacts Potentially Induced by ‘Soft’ Activities ............................................................................................... 21 3.4.4 Cumulative E&S Effects ........................................................................................................................................... 22 3.5 E&S ASSESSMENT AND RISK RATING ...................................................................................................................................... 23 3.5.1 Likely E&S effects .................................................................................................................................................... 23 3.5.2 E&S Contextual Risks .............................................................................................................................................. 24 3.5.3 Institutional capacity and complexity risks ............................................................................................................. 25 3.5.4 Political and Reputational Risks .............................................................................................................................. 25 3.5.5 Overall Risk ............................................................................................................................................................. 25 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................ 26 4.1 GENERAL PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................................................................... 26 4.2 EIA AND FOLLOW-UP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ......................................................................................................................... 32 4.2.1 Applicable Legal Framework .................................................................................................................................. 32 4.2.2 Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures ....................................................................................................... 36 4.2.3 Institutional Organization and Performance .......................................................................................................... 41 4.2.4 Brief Summary ........................................................................................................................................................ 42 4.3 POLLUTION CONTROL SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................................... 43 4.3.1 Environmental Management for Livestock Farming and Slaughtering .................................................................. 43 4.3.2 Environmental Management for Artificial Forage Cultivation and Feed Processing .............................................. 49 4.3.3 Environmental Management for Veterinary Service and Agro-food Quality Service Facilities. .............................. 59 4.4 ECO-ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ................................................................................................... 64 4.4.1 Natural Ecological Conservation ............................................................................................................................. 64 4.4.2 Water and Soil Conservation .................................................................................................................................. 78 4.5 HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ........................................................................................................................... 82 4.5.1 Animal Health, Agro-Food Quality, and Public Health Management System ......................................................... 83 4.5.2 Health and Safety Management System on the Use of Pesticide for Artificial Forage Pests Control ...................104 4.6 CONSISTENCY WITH THE WORLD BANK PRINCIPLES..................................................................................................................107 5. SOCIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................... 110 5.1 CORRELATION ANALYSIS WITH THE WORLD BANK’S PRINCIPLES ...........................................................................................110 5.2 ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL REGULATIONS AND POLICIES ........................................................................................................115 5.2.1 Core Principle 1: Sustainable social risks management system ................................................................116 5.2.2 Core Principle 2: Cultural heritage management system .....................................................................................119 5.2.3 Core Principle 3: Public and worker safety management system .........................................................................120 5.2.4 Core Principle 4: Involuntary resettlement management system .........................................................................123 5.2.5 Core Principle 5: Management system for ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups ...........................................128 5.2.6 Core Principle 6: Social conflict management system ..........................................................................................130 5.3 ASSESSMENT OF SOCIAL MANAGEMENT MECHANISM AND CAPACITY ..................................................................................130 5.3.1 Social Risk Assessment Management Agencies ....................................................................................................130 5.3.2 Cultural Relics Protection Agencies.......................................................................................................................131 5.3.3 Land Use Management Agencies .........................................................................................................................132 5.3.4 Public and Worker Health and Safety and Emergency Management Agencies ....................................................135 5.3.5 Ethnic Affairs Management Agencies ...................................................................................................................137 5.3.5 Vulnerable Group Protection Agencies .................................................................................................................138 5.4 ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTATION ...............................................................................................139 5.4.1 Core Principle 1: Sustainable social risks management system ............................................................................139 5.4.2 Core Principle 2: Cultural heritage management system .....................................................................................146 5.4.3 Core Principle 3: Public and worker safety management system .........................................................................148 5.4.4 Core Principle 4: Involuntary resettlement management system .........................................................................151 5.4.5 Core Principle 5: Management system for ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups ...........................................155 6. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND GRM.......................................................................................................................... 159 6.1 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ................................................................................................................................................159 6.1.1 Initial Participation Activities ........................................................................................................................159 6.1.2 Public Consultation on the ESSA ...................................................................................................................160 6.2 GRMS .....................................................................................................................................................................161 7. CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND ACTION PLANS ................................................................................... 162 7.1 CONCLUSIONS...........................................................................................................................................................162 7.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ..................................................................................................................................................163 7.3 ACTION PLAN ...........................................................................................................................................................163 8. MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ....................................................................................................................... 166 8.1 BORROWER...............................................................................................................................................................166 8.2 THE WORLD BANK .....................................................................................................................................................166 APPENDIX 1: BOUNDARY OF GOVERNMENT PROGRAM AND THE PFORR ...................................................................... 168 APPENDIX 2：E&S RISKS OR IMPACTS ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................... 182 APPENDIX 3：COMPARISON WITH THE WORLD BANK PFORR POLICY AND DIRECTIVE.................................................. 186 APPENDIX 4: STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................... 214 APPENDIX 5: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ................................................................................................................... 217 APPENDIX 6: FEEDBACK OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE ESSA .......................................................................... 220 APPENDIX 7: FIELD VISIT RECORDS ................................................................................................................................ 226 APPENDIX 8: GENERIC E&S MITIGATION MEASURES ...................................................................................................... 235 APPENDIX 9: RECORDS OF FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSION WITH EM-CONCENTRATED VILLAGE LEADERS AND VILLAGER REPRESENTATIVES .......................................................................................................................................................... 242 APPENDIX 10: SUPPLEMENTARY PROGRAM BENEFICIARIES ANALYSIS .......................................................................... 258 List of Tables Table 2-1: The PforR Activities, Outputs, or Outcomes and Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs) ............................ 7 Table 3-1: Review of Indirect E&S Impacts of Related Facilities .................................................................................. 20 Table 4-1: Domestic EMSs Applicable to the PforR ...................................................................................................... 30 Table 4-2: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on EIA and Follow-UP............................................................. 33 Table 4-3: Mechanisms for EIA and Follow-Up............................................................................................................. 36 Table 4-4: Pollutant Discharge Permitting Classification for Key PforR Activities ....................................................... 38 Table 4-5: Classification Management of Pollutant Discharge Permits for the Main Activities under the PforR .......... 40 Table 4-6: A List of Main Laws and Regulations on Livestock Sector .......................................................................... 43 Table 4-7: Mechanism for Pollution Control in Livestock Sector .................................................................................. 46 Table 4-8: Main Laws and Regulations on Forage Cultivation and Feed Processing..................................................... 50 Table 4-9: Mechanisms for Controlling Pollution form Forage Cultivation and Feed Processing ................................. 54 Table 4-10: List of Main Applicable Laws and Regulations on Animal Health, Veterinary Service, and Agro-Food Quality Testing Facilities ................................................................................................................................................ 59 Table 4-11: Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures for Controlling Pollution from Animal Health and Agro-Food Quality Service Facilities ................................................................................................................................................ 62 Table 4-12: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Natural Eco-Environment ................................................. 66 Table 4-13: Implementation Mechanism and Procedures for Eco-Environmental Conservation ................................... 73 Table 4-14: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Water and Soil Conservation ............................................. 78 Table 4-15: Implementation Mechanism and Procedures for WSC................................................................................ 80 Table 4-16: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Animal Health, Agro-Food Quality, and Public Health..... 83 Table 4-17: Implementation Mechanism for Animal Health and Disease Prevention and Control and Quality and Safety Management of Livestock Products ............................................................................................................................... 92 Table 4-18: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Use of Pesticides for Forage Pests Control ..................... 104 Table 4-19: Implementation Mechanism for Health and Safety Use of Pesticides ....................................................... 106 Table 5-1:Correlation Analysis between the Chinese Social Management System and the World Bank Policy .......... 110 Table 7-1: E&S Action Plans ........................................................................................................................................ 163 Table A-1: Stakeholder Identification and Analysis ..................................................................................................... 214 Table A-2: Range and Average Gross Product Value of Sample Farms in 2023.......................................................... 261 List of Figures Figure 2-1: Indicative location of the PforR ..................................................................................................................... 6 Figure 4-3-1: Exhaust gas deodorizer installed in Tianxin Livestock Farming Demonstration Base in Lanzhou New District .......................................................................................................................................................................... 226 Figure 4-3-2: Manure collection tank installed in the New Plateau Livestock Farming demonstration base in Lanzhou New District .................................................................................................................................................................. 226 Figure 4-3-3: Feed processing plant in the New Plateau Livestock Farming demonstration base in Lanzhou New District ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 226 Figure 4-3-4: Lab management procedures formulated by Agricultural Technology Service Center of Lanzhou New District .......................................................................................................................................................................... 226 Figure 4-3-5: Dry manure dump in Guazhou Breeding Center .................................................................................... 226 Figure 4-3-6: Dry manure dump in Guazhou Ecological Circular Agricultural Sectoral Park ..................................... 226 Figure 4-3-7: Organic Fertilizer Production Center in Guazhou Ecological Circular Agricultural Sectoral Park........ 226 Figure 4-3-8: Rules and Measures formulated by entity running Guazhou Ecological Circular Agricultural Sectoral Park ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 226 Figure 4-3-9: Sanitary disposal of dead and diseased animals in Guazhou Ecological Circular Agricultural Sectoral Park ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 226 Figure 4-3-10: Livestock farming zone run by a household in Qigong Village of Guazhou County ........................... 226 Figure 4-3-11: Isolation room for diseased animals in a livestock farming zone run by a cooperative........................ 226 Figure 4-3-12: Manure dump and fermentation tank run by a cooperative .................................................................. 226 Figure 4-3-13: Approval document of EEB on EIA form for a regional center for comprehensive treatment and resources utilization of livestock and poultry manure in Sunan County ...................................................................................... 227 Figure 4-3-14: Form filled by Xinruiwang Livestock Farming Cooperative for registration at EEB for endorsement227 Figure 4-3-15: Approval document of Jiuquan Municipal EEB on EIA form of a project for increased ecology and environmental monitoring capacity of Guazhou County .............................................................................................. 227 Figure 4-3-16: Opinion of Jiuquan Municipal EEB on environmental acceptance check at construction completion of increased ecology and environmental monitoring capacity of Guazhou County ......................................................... 227 Figure 4-3-17: Approval document of WRB on WSC scheme report for a livestock farms project located in rural revitalization industrial park of Lanzhou New District ................................................................................................ 227 Figure 4-3-18: Approval document of WRB on WSC scheme report for facility agriculture base to be used for sheep breeding (with stock capacity of 5,000) facility run by Gansu Huarui Agricultural Corporation Limited in Minle County ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 227 Figure 4-3-19: Safety facilities design for sheep and cattle slaughtering, splitting and deep processing production lines run by Grassland Huicheng Agro-food Co. Ltd of Sunan County ................................................................................ 227 Figure 4-3-20: Notice of Zhangye Municipal EEB on a Plan for on-site inspection of ecological and environmental law enforcement .................................................................................................................................................................. 227 Figure 4-3-21: Notice of Sunan Branch of Zhangye Municipal EEB and Sunan County ARAB on issuing and distributing the Implementation Plan of Agricultural NPS Pollution Control and Supervision in Sunan County (trial) ................. 228 Figure 4-3-22: Approval opinion of Guazhou branch EEB on the ‘A inspection opinion of livestock and poultry manure storage yard and other simple pollution treatment facilities’........................................................................................ 228 Figure 4-3-23: Agreement signed for disposal of medical waste generated by Jingchuan County Veterinary Service Center ........................................................................................................................................................................... 228 Figure 4-3-24: Unified fills for transferring hazardous waste generated by Minle County veterinary workstations ... 228 Figure 4-3-25: Permit for hazardous waste treatment held by Gansu Jingchuang Lvfeng Environmental Technological Co. Ltd. ......................................................................................................................................................................... 228 Figure 4-3-26: Letter of Gansu EED on environmental acceptance check after completion of construction of the hazardous disposal center project ................................................................................................................................. 228 Figure 4-3-27: Medical waste business permit held by Pingliang Municipal Huanchuang Centralized Medical Waste Disposal Co. Ltd. .......................................................................................................................................................... 228 Figure 4-3-28: Agreement signed for centralized disposal of medical waste generated by Zhengning County Community Health Service Center ................................................................................................................................................... 228 Figure 4-4-1: Artificial forage cultivation land development and forage cultivation ................................................... 228 Figure 4-4-2: Review opinions of the EEB on the special report on the impact of breeding center construction projects on the ecological environment of nature protected areas.............................................................................................. 228 Figure 4-4-3: Feed processing and distribution at a quality artificial forage cultivation base ...................................... 229 Figure 4-5-1: Inspection of livestock farming facility and issuing certificate to facilities meeting animal epidemic prevention conditions ................................................................................................................................................... 229 Figure 4-5-2: Flow chart of a county AHVMB in administrative licensing procedures ............................................... 229 Figure 4-5-3: Animal quarantine personnel training, assessment, and quarantine certificate management ................. 230 Figure 4-5-4: Flow chart of handling major animal epidemics at the county level ...................................................... 230 Figure 4-5-5: Layout of a veterinary service and agro-food testing lab at the county level ......................................... 230 Figure 4-5-6: SOP of a veterinary service and agro-food testing lab and separate collection of different categories of wastes ........................................................................................................................................................................... 230 Figure 4-5-7: Procedures and records of an administrative law enforcement team for supervision and inspection and for animal health and epidemic prevention ........................................................................................................................ 231 Figure 0-1: Notice of the Guazhou PLAC on the Conduct of SSRA for Major Matters .............................................. 231 Figure 0-2: SSRA workflow of Zhengning County ...................................................................................................... 231 Figure 0-3: FALU filing form of the Guziwen Livestock Farm ................................................................................... 231 Figure 0-4: Qualification review on the LURT of Guazhou Shunyue Agro-machinery Service Cooperatives ............ 232 Figure 0-5: SSRA report and filing sheet of the cattle shed construction project in Niujiayu Village, Gaoping Town 232 Figure 0-6: Mitigation measures for operational risks of Guazhou Shunyue Agro-machinery Service Cooperatives . 232 Figure 0-7: Notice on the Protection Scope of County-level Cultural Relics Protection Units and Construction Control Zone published by the People’s Government of Minle County .................................................................................... 232 Figure 0-8: Examination Opinion on the Cultural Relics Protection Area within the Preliminary Site Selection of the Jingchuan County Red Bull Industry Park Infrastructure Construction Project ........................................................... 232 Figure 0-9: Reply of Sunan CTB on the verification of cultural relics in a livestock farming zone construction project ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 232 Figure 0-10: Reply of Guazhou CTB on the verification of cultural relics in a livestock farming zone construction project ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 232 Figure 0-11: Construction contract of the affiliated facilities of Guazhou Hedong township beef cattle farming zone- safety management contract ......................................................................................................................................... 233 Figure 0-12: Completion and acceptance report of safety facilities of the Caoyuan Huicheng cattle and sheep slaughtering, cutting, and processing line construction project .................................................................................... 233 Figure 0-13: Sample of labor contract of Guazhou livestock breeding base ................................................................ 233 Figure 0-14: Sample of the safety and fire inspection record of Guazhou ARAB ....................................................... 233 Figure 0-15: Test report on beef issued by the MSA .................................................................................................... 233 Figure 0-16: Reply of the NRB of Lanzhou New District on the site selection of the Gansu Province Rural Revitalization Industrial Park Ecological Livestock Farming Park Project (phase II)......................................................................... 233 Figure 0-17: Sample of LURT agreement .................................................................................................................... 233 Figure 0-18: Payment record of LURT leasing fee ....................................................................................................... 233 Figure 0-19: ‘Annual Cultivated Land In-Out Balance Plan’ of Sunan County in 2023 .............................................. 233 Figure 0-20: Sample of FALU restoration agreement .................................................................................................. 233 Figure 0-21: Letter of Jingchuan ARAB on handling the issues related to LURT of a land ........................................ 233 Figure 0-22: FGD in EM-concentrated village (Songmutan Village, Sunan) ............................................................... 233 Figure 0-23: FGD in EM-concentrated village (Huiyuan Village, Guazhou) ............................................................... 234 Figure 0-24: FGD in EM-concentrated village (Dataocan Village, Sunan) .................................................................. 234 Figure 0-25: Information disclosure and meetings for public comments on the Plan for Construction of a Demonstration Zone for the Common Prosperity of All Ethnic Groups in Sunan County ................................................................... 234 Figure 0-26: Village meeting of Liuzhuangzi Village in Q1 2023................................................................................ 234 Figure 0-27: Consultations with provincial government departments .......................................................................... 234 Figure 0-28: Consultations with county-level government departments ...................................................................... 234 1. Introduction Background 1． China's continued quest for green growth and poverty reduction is increasingly constrained by slowing economic growth and the impact of climate change. With increasingly limited water resources and arable land, China's rural areas face greater challenges, and agriculture and the livelihoods of rural people are more vulnerable to adverse climate events. To promote sustainable agricultural development, sustain economic growth in rural areas, and strengthen climate resilience, the Chinese government issued the National Sustainable Agricultural Development Plan (NSADP) (2015–2030) on May 20, 2015, which provides a strategic framework for all provinces and cities across the country to achieve green growth in rural areas. The Gansu Sustainable Agricultural Development Plan is the Gansu Province’s contribution to the implementation of the NSADP (2015–2030) which sets out the goal of achieving the sustainable agriculture development outcomes by 2030. It is expected to be accomplished by establishing a new pattern of sustainable agricultural development characterized by “efficient resource utilization, green production environment, stable ecosystem, and beautiful pastoral scenery.� 2． As the plan (the government program) is aligned with the World Bank's China Country Partnership Framework (CPF; FY2020‒2025), the World Bank Group (WBG)’s Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development Framework, the WBG’s Climate Change Action Plan (2021‒2025), the World Bank intends to implement the Sustainable Low Carbon Livestock Development Program (P181021) in Gansu Province, through a Program-for-Results (PforR). The PforR aims to support the implementation of the National Agricultural Sustainable Development Plan (2015–2030) in Gansu Province to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental footprint and promote resilience in Gansu Province in the livestock sector. Objective and Tasks of the ESSA 3． This Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (ESSA) has been prepared as an instrument to address the environmental and social (E&S) risks and impacts of the PforR Program using national and local E&S legal frameworks and management systems. In the ESSA, the applicable national and local E&S frameworks and systems have been reviewed and assessed, compliance with the World Bank’s PforR core principles and requirements has been analyzed, and actions and recommendations have been proposed to fill the gaps to improve the implementation performance of the systems. The main objectives of the ESSA are as follows: • Screen, identify, and assess the potential E&S impacts and risks of the PforR activities. • Identify and assess the applicable national and local E&S policies and regulations. • Assess the implementation procedures, institutional settings, and personnel arrangements of the Gansu provincial and local E&S management systems. • Assess the institutional capacity and performance of E&S management authorities. • Propose recommendations and actions to improve the performance of the E&S management systems as required by China's regulations and the World Bank’s core principles. 1 Procedures and Methodologies of the ESSA 4． While the ESSA is the responsibility of the World Bank, close coordination is required with the borrower. The borrower provides information about the E&S management systems, coordinates the E&S due diligence and public consultation, and organizes stakeholder engagement and public consultation events at various phases of the PforR Program cycle. 5． At the identification stage, the ESSA team conducted a risk screening in two steps: applying the exclusionary criteria to eliminate activities that are not eligible for PforR financing and completing the preliminary risk rating process. At the preparation and appraisal stages, the ESSA team carried out a comprehensive ESSA in accordance with the agreed scope of work by assessing the E&S benefits, impacts, and risks of the PforR activities; assessing the domestic E&S management systems in terms of applicable legal frameworks, institutional arrangements, and implementation performance; and proposing recommendations and actions to fill the gaps between the E&S systems and the World Bank’s PforR policies. Appropriate consultations with key stakeholders have taken place on the draft ESSA report to agree on the recommended actions which have been incorporated into the Program Action Plan (PAP), and the final ESSA will be disclosed on the websites of both the government and the World Bank. 6． To ensure a robust assessment, the ESSA team collected information and engaged with stakeholders by various means. Based on the comprehensive collection of all relevant data of Gansu Province for the seven counties or districts supported by the PforR (Lanzhou New District, Minle County and Sunan County of Zhangye Municipality, Jingchuan County and Lingtai County of Pingliang Municipality, Zhengning County of Qingyang Municipality, and Guazhou County of Jiuquan Municipality), four key counties (Guazhou County, Sunan County, Jingchuan County, Lanzhou New District) were selected as sample counties. In-depth field surveys and interviews were conducted, and relevant data and information were collected by questionnaire surveys in the four counties. For the remaining counties, videoconferences were conducted. The selection of the sample counties (districts) for field survey and more in-depth investigation considered the following main factors: (a) Geographic coverage and distribution to cover different types of counties in pastoral areas, agricultural areas, and mixed pastoral agricultural areas) (b) Counties with diversified activities (c) Inclusion of representative areas of ethnic minority (EM)-concentrated counties and townships (for example, Sunan County is a Yugur autonomous county). The following methodologies were adopted in the ESSA preparation: • Secondary information collection and analysis. Secondary information used for the ESSA included documents provided by the provincial and county governments in the seven counties, online public data, and published literature and books. These documents were analyzed to understand the legal framework, institutional arrangements, and implementation procedures of national and provincial E&S management systems related to the PforR. Secondary data from other recent World Bank-financed programs were also consulted. • Primary information collection and analysis. Primary information was obtained in multiple ways, including through questionnaires, virtual consultations and interviews, and field visits. During October 2023, the ESSA team conducted a series of field visits to the four sample counties (Guazhou County, Sunan County, Jingchuan County and Lanzhou New District). During the field visits, meetings were held with representatives of governmental agencies at the provincial and county levels, farmers and large family farms, farmers collectives, enterprises engaged in livestock farms and the value chains, 2 and representatives of typical EM-concentrated villages. Additionally, visits to sites of typical activities were also conducted to assess the actual implementation effectiveness of the E&S systems. Eight EM-concentrated villages in Guazhou County and Sunan County were visited and discussions were organized with 167 representatives of residents to understand the potential E&S impact of typical activities to be supported by the PforR and solicit their opinions and suggestions on the preparation and implementation of the PforR (see Appendix 9 for details). A sample survey of 43 farms was conducted in seven program counties to collect targeted information regarding the social risks related to vulnerable groups including EMs relevant to the proposed operation which now focuses on livestock. This targeted survey enabled the ESSA to explore how the program will affect and engage with different stakeholder groups especially EM communities and assess the ability of the government to engage with these communities appropriately. In addition, during preparation, the World Bank team also conducted questionnaires and consultation activities with relevant provincial departments and seven counties, which provided a wider range of information sources for the ESSA. • Whole-process stakeholder engagement. Throughout the PforR preparation cycle (from identification till ESSA preparation), the ESSA team maintained communication with a variety of stakeholders at each step to ensure that stakeholders can participate in the process in a convenient and receptive manner. Information was provided by provincial authorities and sample counties, including relevant literature and domestic laws, regulations, policies, standards, guidelines, plans, and programs on E&S management. During the preparation of this report, the ESSA team interviewed various relevant government departments at the provincial and county levels and consulted different representatives of potentially affected community or village leaders and residents by means of virtual conferences and so on. Over 380 people were consulted of which about 30 percent were females. • ESSA report consultation. Soon after the first version of the draft ESSA was prepared in late November 2023, periodic communication with the Provincial Program Management Office (PPMO) was conducted to further clarify and supplement some information. In December 2023, the draft ESSA report was circulated through the PPMO to relevant provincial and county government authorities for their written comments and suggestions. Meanwhile, the draft ESSA report was disclosed at the official website of the Gansu Provincial Department of Agricultural and Rural Affairs (DARA) on December 14, 2023.1 On December 27, 2023, consultations on the draft ESSA report were conducted with government authorities, enterprises, and community representatives at the provincial level and all the seven program counties. Written feedback on the draft ESSA was also made available to the E&S team. The feedback has been incorporated into the ESSA report and the data collection and consultation activities are listed in Appendix 6. 7． In recent years, the World Bank has supported several PforR operations in China. These include the Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and Pollution Control Program (Henan and Shaanxi), the Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and Pollution Control Program (Gansu and Shandong), the Yangtze River Protection and Ecological Restoration Program (Jiangxi, Hunan), the Yangtze River Protection and Ecological Restoration Program (Hubei), the Green Agricultural and Rural Revitalization Program (Guangxi, Guizhou)，and the Green Agricultural and Rural Revitalization Program (Hubei, 1 https: or nync.gansu.gov.cn or nync or c107992 or 202312 or 173813301.shtml 3 Hunan). Gansu is one of the demonstration provinces in the Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and Pollution Control Program (Gansu and Shandong). 4 2. Program Description 2.1 Government Program 8． The PforR Program supports the government’s NSADP (2015–2030) and three sector plans for Gansu. The Government program has six priority areas: (a) enhancing the development layout to steadily increase capacity and productivity of agriculture and livestock production, (b) preserving cultivated land resources to promote sustainable land use in agriculture, (c) saving water resources and ensuring agricultural water security, (d) controlling environmental pollution to improve the agricultural and rural environment, (e) strengthening agricultural ecological protection and restoration to enhance ecological conservation functions, and (f) establishing institutional guarantee systems. 9． Gansu Province, situated in the northwest region of China, is bordered by the provinces of Shaanxi to the east, Sichuan, Chongqing, and Qinghai to the south, Xinjiang to the west, and Inner Mongolia and Ningxia to the north. The province, known for its historical significance and as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, encompasses an area of about 425,900 km2. The province's capital, Lanzhou, is an important industrial base and a key transportation hub in Northwest China. Gansu Province includes 14 cities (prefectures), including two ethnic autonomous prefectures, 1,229 townships (1,197 townships, 32 ethnic townships), and 127 subdistricts. At the end of 2022, the total population of Gansu Province was 24.9 million, of which 45.81 percent lived in rural areas. 10． Gansu Province is considered a relatively underdeveloped province in China with a per capita disposable income of CNY 23,273, which was only 63.1 percent of the national average level income of CNY 36,883 in 2022 and ranked at the bottom among 31 provinces and municipalities in China. The annual per capita disposable income of urban residents was CNY 37,572, accounting for 76.2 percent of the national average (CNY 49,283). The average annual per capita disposable income of rural residents was CNY 12,165, which is only about 32.4 percent of the average income level of urban residents. The Government of China declared the elimination of absolute poverty by the end of 2020, shifting social policy toward support for those with low income or those identified as facing special difficulties. In 2022, approximately 1.82 million individuals, including 1.5 million rural inhabitants and 0.32 million urban residents, were considered vulnerable and eligible to receive the minimum living subsidy (MLS), representing about 7.3 percent of the total population in Gansu Province. 11． Gansu Province faces several challenges in livestock development. First, the province faces the challenge of GHG emission to the atmosphere. Ruminants account for 78 percent of GHG emissions from meat production in Gansu, with beef accounting for 56 percent and sheep for 22 percent. If no measures are taken to reduce GHG emission intensity, the total GHG emission will increase significantly with increasing number of livestock. Second, low output efficiency, fragmented and low-premium value chains, and insufficient adoption of green and low-emission technologies characterize the value chains in Gansu. Third, there is a growing public concern to address issues related to food safety and control zoonotic and animal diseases. 2.2 The PforR Program Boundary 12． Program financing. The total program financing is estimated at US$824.8 million, of which US$200.0 million will be financed by the IBRD loan, to support Gansu in implementing activities in the provincial plan in the sub-areas of green and low-emission livestock production a management and regulatory and governance system improvement, in the future. The implementation period of the PforR is from 2024 to 2030, with 2022 serving as the baseline year against which outcomes will be measured. 5 13． Geographic coverage. The PforR Program is conceived as a provincial program in Gansu Province. Seven counties (or districts) distributed in five municipalities or districts have been selected: Lanzhou New District, Minle County and Sunan County of Zhangye Municipality, Jingchuan County and Lingtai County of Pingliang Municipality, Zhengning County of Qingyang Municipality, and Guazhou County of Jiuquan Municipality. The PforR covers 700 demonstration farms and 130,000 ha of fodder production area. Locations covered by the PforR are shown in Error! Reference source not found.. Figure 2-1: Indicative location of the PforR 14． Brief overview of the PforR areas. According to the statistic yearbook of seven program counties, at the end of 2022, the total resident population was 1.33 million, accounting for 5 percent of the total population of Gansu Province. Some 0.6 million live in urban areas, accounting for 46 percent of the population of seven counties. The urbanization rate of selected program counties is lower than the national level of 65.22 percent and six of them rank lower than the provincial urbanization level of 54.19 percent, except Lanzhou New District. About 0.72 million people are resident in rural areas, accounting for 54 percent of the total population of program counties. The population includes 0.23 million of low-income people (17 percent) and 77,079 people belonging to EMs (6 percent). 15． In 2022, the per capita disposable income of urban residents in seven program counties or districts ranged from CNY 28,802 to CNY 45,277, among which Lanzhou New District and Guazhou County reached the provincial level of CNY 37,572. The rest of the counties have a per capita disposable income lower than the provincial level. As regards the per capita disposable income of rural residents in seven program counties or districts, only Lingtai County’s was about 5 percent lower than the provincial level. The other six counties or districts had a per capita disposable income level higher than the provincial level 6 ranging between 9 and 91 percent. The disposable income of rural residents of Guazhou County and Sunan Yugur Autonomous County ranked at the top 2, far above other counties. 16． The Program Development Objective (PDO) and result areas (RAs).The PDO aims to improve productivity and reduce the GHG emissions in the selected (beef and dairy cattle and sheep or goats) value chains and improve the governance system for scale-up for low-emission technology and practice uptake in the livestock sector in Gansu. The expected results are grouped under two RAs which contribute to the PDO: • RA1: Increased Sustainability & Productivity and Reduced Emissions from Livestock Sector • RA2: Improved Governance System for Sustainable and Low-Emission Livestock Sector Management. 17． Typical PforR activities and expected outcomes. The planned activities under the three government programs were screened, and those that meet the PDO requirements and are not within the E&S exclusion list are included in the PforR scope as presented in Error! Reference source not found.. Table 2-1: The PforR Activities, Outputs, or Outcomes and Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs) Typical Activities Main Outputs or Outcomes DLIs RA1: Increased Sustainability & Productivity and Reduced Emissions from the Livestock Sector (a) Implement climate-smart (a) Hectares of fodder production area DLI 1: Area under fodder production where CSFPTP are consistently sustainable fodder technologies and practices being applied production where at least (CSFPTP) in the existing (b) Increased quantity of fodder three climate-smart and fodder production area for the production for the livestock sustainable agriculture livestock production system production system technologies and practice (b) Extend fodder production (c) Increased quality of fodder are being consistently area and consistently apply production for the livestock applied CSFPTP production system DLI 2: Number of livestock (c) Promote production- (d) Manual of production-improving, production entities that have improving, emission-reducing emission-reducing technologies adopted at least four technologies and practices for and practices developed and additional low-emission the livestock value chain awareness raised technologies and practices (d) Uptake livestock manure (e) Share of livestock farms adopting from the agreed eligible treatment better animal health practices technologies and practices (e) Support adoption of better (f) Developing (AMR) plans and list animal health practices implementing them DLI 3: Share of treated and (vaccinations) and (g) Livestock farms in the program recycled livestock manure development of antimicrobial counties that have adopted that meets effluent standards resistance (AMR) plans at the production-improving, emission- in the program counties livestock farm level reducing technologies and DLI 4: Farms adopting practices improved animal health (h) Reduced pollution and improved practices, specifically (a) animal welfare vaccination rate against (i) Reduced livestock disease and Peste des petits ruminants mortality (PPR), FMD, and brucellosis of at least 90 percent across all farms (large, medium, and small) and (b) AMR plans developed by selected farms in the program counties 7 Typical Activities Main Outputs or Outcomes DLIs RA2: Improved Governance System for Sustainable and Low-Emission Livestock Sector Management (a) Strengthen technical capacity (a) Number of technical guidelines DLI 5: MRV for measuring emission and regulatory framework for and technologies and regulatory reduction in the livestock value low-emission livestock value framework developed for low- chains developed and in use chain emission livestock value chain DLI 6: Establish incentive system for (b) Establish an incentive system (b) Incentive system for promoting promoting sustainable low-emission for promoting sustainable sustainable fodder production and technologies demonstrated, fodder production and low- low-emission technologies demonstration results evaluated, and emission technologies demonstrated, evaluated, and the realigned incentive system (c) Develop measuring, realigned elaborated reporting, and verification (c) Number of livestock products DLI 7: Increase in the number of (MRV) system for the certified with green or organic or livestock product certificates in livestock sector low-emission indicators compliance with green, organic, or (d) Increased capacity to market high- low-emission standards value green livestock product (e) MRV for livestock sector developed and in use (f) Increased readiness to trade on carbon market 18． In general, the PforR covers 700 target livestock production entities (TLPEs) and 130,000 ha of fodder production area in seven counties. The 7 TLPEs consist of the following farms: • Medium and large farms owned by 52 enterprises (with an average of 747 heads of cattle and 690 sheep) • 141 farmer cooperatives (average 206 heads of cattle and 283 sheep) • 82 family farms (average 57 heads of cattle and 24 sheep) • 425 household farms (average 37 heads of cattle and 244 sheep). 19． Of the 100,000 ha of feed production area, around 31,000 ha will be with the TLPEs and the remaining area will be clearly identified feed production areas suitable for the PforR. 20． Specific activities supported under the PforR are grouped into three main types: first, promotion of extension of technologies and practices, including eligible low-emission technologies and practices adopted by livestock production entities, promoting practices aimed at improving animal health, productivity, and welfare through timely vaccination against major animal diseases, and supporting livestock farms to develop AMR plans for improved food safety; second, soft activities, such as (a) developing and using an MRV system for emission reduction in the livestock value chains; (b) developing, evaluating, and enhancing an incentive system for promoting low-emission technologies and practices in the livestock sector; and (c) achieving certificates for livestock products compliant with green, organic, or low-emission standards; third, physical activities, including (a) supporting sustainable fodder production; (b) supporting the collection, treatment, and recycling of livestock manure in line with the prevailing effluent standards; (c) infrastructure and non-infrastructure construction or upgrading or operation which includes the promotion and application of technologies and practices, such as construction of low-emission artificial forage plantation base, construction and technical upgrading of small and medium livestock breeding and farming facilities, upgrading of livestock slaughtering and processing, cold chain storage, transportation, and market facilities, construction and technical upgrading of forage processing facilities, equipping and improving laboratories for veterinary service and quality and safety testing of livestock 8 products at the county level, and construction of facilities for the collection, transfer, and sanitary disposal of dead and diseased animals. The program activity screening and PforR scoping are given in Appendix 1. 2.3 Program implementation agencies 21． This PforR Program will be implemented by Gansu Province. At the provincial level, a provincial Program Steering Committee (PSC) has been established to support coordination among the government agencies at the provincial level and provide policy guidance during the program implementation. The PSC include members of Gansu Province’s Development and Reform Commissions (DRCs), the Department of Finance (DOF), the DARA, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Department of Ecology and Environment (DEE). 22． There has been a Foreign Investment Project Management Office (PPMO) in the provincial DARA. The PPMO was established in 2003 and runs as a public institution, staffed with 20 personnel and three leadership positions. The PPMO is experienced in implementing and managing projects financed by international financial organizations and has implemented 10 projects financed by grants and loans from the United Nations, World Food Program, the World Bank, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Asian Development Bank, and others with a total amount of funding of US$210 million, equivalent to CNY 1.296 billion. These projects played positive roles in promoting poverty alleviation in poverty-stricken areas, increasing farmers' income and agricultural efficiency, and promoting rural economic development and has achieved remarkable results, which have been praised by international organizations. The implementation of IFAD Rural Integrated Development Project in Gansu Province was fully affirmed and praised by the IFAD President, National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Ministry of Finance. The Gansu Characteristic Agriculture and Financial Service System Project financed by the Asian Development Bank was listed as the best example case for poverty reduction in the ‘Third Global Poverty Reduction Case Collection’, and the case was disseminated online as China and foreign poverty reduction case database in the South-South cooperation poverty reduction knowledge sharing website. The PPMO has a team with well-trained members with sound project or management skills. The team has acquired rich project management experience which provides a solid foundation for the implementation of this World Bank-financed PforR. 23． At the county level, a county Program Leading Group (PLG) headed by a responsible county leader and comprising senior officials from related sector departments will be established and a County Program Management Office (CPMO) with a technical support team will be set up in each of the program counties. The district agricultural, forest, and water resources bureau (AFWB) in Lanzhou New District and county ARABs in other six project counties will be the lead implementing agencies at the county (district) level while other agencies are expected to contribute to the implementation of some soft activities. Counties with dedicated CPMOs will be responsible for implementing the program activities. They will also be responsible, under the coordination of the PLG, for E&S screening which will be further reviewed by the PPMO. 24． The supervision or project support missions of past projects indicate that Gansu Province has extensive experience and a good track record in E&S management and monitoring in accordance with World Bank guidelines and policies, and the corresponding E&S management performance has been satisfactory to date. In addition, the PPMO has also recruited a group of experts, including experts in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, and so on, to provide technical advice and suggestions for the PforR implementation. The PPMO has designated at least two full-time employees with experience in E&S management of international projects. In addition to the PPMO, the CPMOs also coordinate project management through different government agencies and perform E&S management system functions. Each program county or district has assigned 5–10 people responsible for the preparation and implementation of 9 the PforR. Training on the environment and social (E&S) management related to the World Bank's PforR was provided to stakeholders during the preparation of this ESSA report, and further training will be conducted during the implementation phase. Specific staff are designated in the program counties to coordinate and manage the E&S issues related to the activities under the PforR. These institutions and their capabilities are discussed in depth in Chapter 4 and Section 5.3. 10 3. Potential Environment and Social Effects 3.1 E&S Screening 25． Purpose. The World Bank's core principles and requirements on E&S screening have been fully considered, and the government program activities have been screened to (a) help define the scope of activities required to achieve the PDO and prepare ESSA and (b) identify and exclude the activities with significant E&S risks or potential impacts: 26． Exclusionary criteria. Following the PforR Policy and Directive, activities that are “judged likely to have significant adverse impacts that are sensitive, diverse, or unprecedented on the environment or affected people are not eligible for financing and are excluded from the Program.� More specifically, the following criteria are applicable to exclude activities with significant E&S impacts: (a) Significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats or critical cultural heritage sites (b) Air, water, or soil contamination leading to significant adverse impacts on the health or safety of individuals, communities, or ecosystems (c) Workplace conditions that expose workers to significant risks to health and personal safety, (d) Land acquisition or resettlement of a scale or nature that will have significant adverse impacts on affected people or the use of forced evictions (e) Large-scale changes in land use or access to land or natural resources (for example, ecological resettlement)2 (f) Adverse E&S impacts covering large geographical areas, for example, large-scale water (surface and groundwater) resource infrastructure, including large dams, or activities involving the allocation or conveyance of water, including inter-basin water transfers or activities resulting in significant changes to water quality or availability3 (g) Significant cumulative, induced, or indirect impacts (h) Activities that involve the use of forced or child labor (i) Marginalization of, discrimination against, or conflict within or among, social (including ethnic and racial) groups4 (j) Activities that would (i) have adverse impacts on land and natural resources subject to traditional ownership or under customary use or occupation, (ii) cause relocation of EM groups from land and natural resources that are subject to traditional ownership or under customary use or occupation, or (iii) have significant impacts on EM culture. 2 Inthe context of this World Bank Guidance on the ESSA for the PforR, resettlement includes physical relocation of individuals and communities as well as the acquisition of land for program purposes. It is not necessarily helpful to define fixed numerical thresholds for ‘large scale’ because the significance of impacts depends very much on local contextual factors. The definition of significant resettlement impacts is closely related to the extent to which the borrower’s systems align with the core princip les and the borrower’s capacity to carry out land acquisition and resettlement (LAR) in accordance with policy principles and requirements. The emphasis should be on the potential for significant impacts on affected people regardless of scale, as significant adverse impacts are not acceptable to the World Bank even if they affect only a small number of people. 3 Para. 16 of Bank Guidance Program-for-Results Financing Environmental and Social Systems Assessment (September 18, 2020). 4 ‘Social groups’ in this context include indigenous peoples/Sub-Saharan African historically underserved traditional local communities, ethnic minorities, and racial groups. 11 27． Excluded activities. Following activities are excluded from the PforR based on the abovementioned criteria: (a) Activities that are classified as Class A (Environmental Impact Assessment Report category) according to the National Catalogue for the Classified Management of the Environmental Impact Assessment of Construction Projects (b) Activities requiring significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats, for example, activities within the scope of environmentally sensitive area,5 particularly within the scope of ecological conservation redline6 (ERL) for developing forage cultivation land and for building large-scale intensive livestock farming (c) Activities that would be conducted in areas with significant legacy E&S issues. These may include desertification or other environmental issues which are a legacy of past land management (or other) policies and activities or archaeological sites, ancient landmarks, and cultural relics which date back thousands of years. Activities in such areas—due to the higher E&S risks—should be excluded from the operation. (d) Activities of artificial forage cultivation with high water consumption (for example, forage cultivation activities that result in excessive extraction of groundwater, unbalanced total available groundwater, or water consumption quota for crop cultivation sector, or involve water reallocation that may cause significant changes in water quality, water availability and local aquatic ecosystems) (e) Construction projects involving large-scale land acquisition and physical displacement, such as new industrial parks for livestock production and processing (f) Activities involving the acquisition or occupation of permanent basic farmland or basic grassland (g) Activities that have significant livelihood impacts arising from restriction on access to land and natural resources, which may result in large-scale relocation of farmers and herdsmen or significant change of their income source (h) Activities that may have a significant adverse impact on the health or safety of individuals or communities, such as ecological restoration in areas prone to geological hazards (i) Activities that have significant adverse impact on EMs, such as relocation and major changes in production and lifestyle. 5 Environmentally sensitive areas, as defined in the Construction Project EIA Classification Catalogue, refer to the protection areas established legally at the various levels, and areas that are particularly sensitive to certain types of pollution factor(s) or ecological impact factor(s), mainly including (a) national parks, natural reserves, famous scenic spots, world culture and nature heritage sites, special marine protection areas, and drinking water source protection zones; (b) other areas subject to control requirements of ecological redlines, including permanent basic farmland, basic grassland natural parks (forest parks, geological parks, ocean parks, and so on) critical wetland, natural forests, important wildlife habitats, natural spawning feeding, wintering, migrating grounds or corridors of important aquatic life, natural fishery ground, key areas identified for soil erosion prevention and control, decertified areas, and enclosed and semi-enclosed sea areas; and (c) areas with residence, medical and health care, culture and education, scientific research and administrative offices as the main functions and cultural heritage conservation units. 6 ‘ERL’ refers to the area within the scope of ecological space and has special important ecological function that must be mandatorily and strictly protected. Ecological space is a territorial space with natural attributes and mainly functions to provide ecological service or ecological products. Natural protected areas (for example, national park, natural reserves, and natural parks) and other areas with relatively important ecological service functions or fragile ecosystems are defined within the scope of ERLs. 12 3.2 E&S Assessment Scope 28． The scope of E&S assessment in this report covers typical activities to be supported by the PforR (as detailed in Appendix 1), including physical activities, nonphysical soft activities, and facilities related to or associated with typical activities of the PforR: • Promotion, application, and extension of technologies and practices, including adoption of eligible low-emission technologies and practices by livestock farms or farming zones, promoting practices aimed at improving animal health, productivity, and welfare through timely vaccination against major animal diseases, and supporting livestock farms to develop AMR plans for improved food safety. • Physical activities under the PforR. After excluding the abovementioned activities, the main physical activities that the PforR will support include (a) supporting sustainable fodder production; (b) supporting the collection, treatment, and recycling of livestock manure in line with the prevailing effluent standards; and (c) infrastructure and non-infrastructure construction or upgrading or operation for improved animal welfare and health which will include technical upgrading of small and medium livestock breeding and farming facilities, upgrading of livestock slaughtering and processing, cold chain storage and transportation, and market facilities, construction and technical upgrading of forage processing facilities, equipping and improving laboratories for veterinary service and quality and safety testing of livestock products at the county level, and construction of facilities for the collection, transfer, and sanitary disposal of dead and diseased animals. • Nonphysical activities under the PforR such as (a) developing and using an MRV system for emission reduction in the livestock value chains; (b) developing, evaluating, and enhancing an incentive system for promoting low-emission technologies and practices in the livestock sector; and (c) achieving certificates for livestock products compliant with green, organic, or low-emission standards. • Related and associated facilities or activities. Associated (or linked) activities refer to activities that would be required to meet the PforR objectives but that are not explicitly defined as PforR activities or included in the expenditure framework. The ESSA team through its field visit and E&S due diligence found that there are no associated facilities or activities. Facilities and infrastructure for the livestock producing entity (LPE) including disposal facilities, roads, water supplies, power supplies, and so on already exist and will not be newly constructed or expanded due to the implementation activities under the PforR. Section 3.4.3 and Table 3-1 further detail the possible indirect impacts of the program implementation on these existing related facilities in the program counties. 3.3 E&S Benefits 29． As the objective of the PforR is to support low-emission livestock development in Gansu, China, through the promotion of livestock emission reduction, animal health, construction of facilities, technological extension, and mechanism building to improve livestock productivity and efficiency, it is expected to have significant E&S benefits. These benefits include the reduction of livestock emissions and multi-purpose utilization of livestock manure while improving livestock productivity and efficiency, promoting mutual benefit of livestock and agricultural development that tend to be more green, ecological, and circular. The PforR will help the recovery and utilization rate of crop straw feed, improvement of fertility and carbon sequestration potential of farmland and forage planting land, and improvement of the agricultural and rural ecological environment; in health and safety aspects, the PforR will implement the 13 concept of ‘one health’ in the program areas to further improve the livestock productivity and efficiency and protect the health and safety of practitioners, communities, and public through the prevention and control of animal diseases and the construction of related facilities, service upgrading, and improvement of measures. The PforR will also bring significant social benefits to farmers (including EMs and the low- income), including (a) upgraded livestock farming infrastructures; (b) improved livestock farming technologies, so livestock production becomes more productive and sustainable; (c) improved food safety in the livestock value chains, ensuring human health; (d) resilient livestock systems; and (e) more employment and income-generating opportunities. The PforR will significantly enhance the livestock husbandry resilience and sustainability for farmers, including EMs. 3.4 Potential E&S Risk and Impacts 30． The PforR activities are all aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of animal husbandry, reducing pollutants and GHG emissions, and ensuring the health and safety of humans and animals. However, some potential negative E&S impacts could be generated during implementation and operation. These are described in the following sections. The assessment of E&S risks of various typical activities is provided in Appendix 2. The adverse E&S impacts of these activities can be effectively mitigated with appropriate and well- established mitigation measures (as listed in Appendix 8 of this report, but not limited to), during implementation. 3.4.1 Direct Impacts 31． The physical activities (infrastructure construction and non-infrastructure operations activities) to be supported under the PforR will involve agricultural land use, land transfer, temporary land use, construction wastewater and waste gas emission, noise and vibration interference, and so on during construction. During operation of animal husbandry production activities, artificial forage plantation, and so on, certain direct E&S adverse impacts will be generated. These adverse impacts are analyzed as follows. 32． Major environmental risks or impacts: • During construction. The abovementioned physical activities will generate dust, noise, and spoil material from excavation, material handling and transportation, and so on. Exhaust from construction vehicles may also cause air pollution in the vicinity of the construction site. These impacts are short term and site specific and can be effectively mitigated with good construction management practices (such as water-spraying at construction sites, covering of bulk material and transportation trucks, use of low noise equipment or methods, and no nighttime construction). • During operation. New facilities (such as animal farms and farming zones, slaughtering and meat and dairy processing, feed processing, comprehensive utilization of animal waste, related laboratories, storage and transportation of livestock products and marketing, and so on) or existing facilities on which the technologies and practices will be applied, extended, or adopted may pose corresponding environmental problems during operation, including： o Solid waste (waste feed, animal waste, and carcasses), sludge from wastewater treatment plants or facilities installed for slaughterhouses, feed processing plants, veterinary labs, and animal product quality and safety testing labs. o Wastewater. First, this will constitute non-point source (NPS) effluents due to runoff from feed (including silage) storage, loading and unloading, livestock housing, feeding and watering, waste management facilities, and areas of land application of manure. Second, wastewater will also be generated during animal slaughter and meat processing. 14 Third, effluent will be produced due to animal disease control and food safety laboratory. Finally, wastewater will be generated during the process of feed processing, livestock and poultry manure treatment, and resource utilization. o GHG and air emission. The first source of GHG and air emissions will be ammonia (for example, management of animal waste), methane and nitrous oxide (for example, animal feeding and waste management), odors (for example, animal housing and waste management), bioaerosols, and dust (for example, feed storage, loading, and unloading, feeding, and waste management activities). Second, emissions will result from odor and exhaust gas, and dust and particulates produced during slaughtering and meat processing. Third, waste gas will be generated from animal disease control and food safety testing laboratories. Finally, dust produced during feed processing will also lead to emissions. o Hazardous materials. These are used throughout the livestock production cycles, for example, (a) disinfecting agents spread on animals and sheds; (b) antibiotic used for control of animal disease, (c) hormonal products used for animal breeding and milk production); and (d) occupational and public health risks from pathogens, hazardous biological waste and chemical waste from veterinary laboratories and livestock quality testing laboratories, and so on. o Pesticides. There is potential for pollution to the environment and effects on health and safety due to the use of pesticides (for the control of pests in livestock, sheds, and enclosures and pests and diseases of artificial forage in fodder production areas). o Special risk materials (SRMs). These are tissues in cattle that contain the agent that may transmit bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), or scrapie disease if reprocessed into animal feed. The human disease, variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), may result from human consumption of products from animals infected with BSE. However, such SRMs have never been reported to be found in China in the successive assessment reports of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA). The strengthened monitoring of these sensitive materials in China has shown negative results and monitoring and testing of these SRMs are only done at labs at the national level. The veterinary service labs at the county level which the PforR activities will support will not involve the testing of SRMs, except aiding the national labs when sampling. o Forage plantation requires watering, application of pesticides, and fertilizers, which will lead to the consumption of water resources, agricultural NPS pollution, soil compaction, and so on. NPS pollution caused by using chemical agents and pesticides for the prevention and control of pests for forage cultivation in fodder production areas will lead to negative impact on environment. Forage production could involve the introduction of imported grass and fodder species that may have wider effects on biodiversity. These adverse impacts during implementation can be significantly reduced by the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques, the adoption of low-emission technologies and measures in the PforR, and the local practice and promotion of the green livestock development model of circularity in crop and livestock production. 33． Major ecological impacts： • During design. Although there are some natural reserves that include natural grasslands within the program counties (districts), there will be no activities supported by the program on natural grasslands. Fodder production will be conducted on farmland in agricultural areas, and the forage cultivated from them will benefit the conservation of ecology of grassland and the natural reserves. 15 • During construction. Through land leveling and soil improvement, some project counties (districts) will develop state-owned unused gently sloped hilly areas into relatively flat crop land for artificial forage cultivation and green ecological land use, in line with the principle of ecological priority, to improve the natural conditions of soil erosion in local areas. The construction of some small- to medium-scale facilities may involve topsoil and vegetation stripping, earthwork excavation and backfill, and borrow pits, resulting in soil erosion without any preventive measures during construction. With the implementation of water and soil conservation schemes to be developed before construction, in line with China’s Soil and Water Conservation Law and Measures for the Administration of Water and Soil Conservation Schemes for Production and Construction Projects, and adoption of good construction management practices, this risk will be effectively reduced, and conditions will be restored after the end of construction. • During operation. The cultivation of artificial forage, improper use of plowing machinery or technology, or the imbalance of nutrient application can cause potential decline in soil fertility, soil compaction, and soil degradation and loss. The use of fertilizer can lead to runoff and eutrophication of nearby water bodies. The facilities to be used in crop cultivation will adopt climate-smart agricultural technologies, which will have little adverse impact on the natural ecosystem but will improve the quality of the regional ecosystem due to the various crop protection, water conservation, soil conservation measures, and agricultural technology extension proposed under the PforR. 34． Major health and safety risks: • During construction. There are potential health and safety risks in excavation, and driving machinery and vehicles, and so on. • During operation: o Occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards in the day-to-day operations of livestock breeding and farming include exposure of breeders to physical hazards and potential physical injuries from livestock slaughtering and processing machinery, exposure to chemical hazards (pesticides applied to livestock and sheds; organic dust in sheds; pathogenic substances such as bacteria, molds, mites, viruses, and so on; detergents; disinfectants used in slaughtering and processing workshops; related research and laboratory chemicals; and so on), and the dangers of exposure to confined spaces. o Use of pesticides (for controlling pests from animals, livestock sheds, and artificial forage) may pose health and safety risks to farmers and communities. o Animal disease-causing agents can spread rapidly, especially in intensive livestock operations. Animal diseases can enter a facility with new animals, through equipment, and people, which not only directly affect the health of animals but also pose risks of affecting the health and safety of operators who have direct contact with animals and the surrounding communities in animal infectious diseases, especially the zoonotic infectious diseases. o Quality vulnerabilities in livestock products (such as residual animal antibiotics, residual feed additives, contamination or adulteration during slaughter, processing, and marketing) can affect food quality and threaten public health and safety. o Animal welfare in animal husbandry. The high-density low-activity space of livestock farms or farming zones with harsh environmental conditions in intensive livestock operation, the mistreating of animals, and frightening behaviors of livestock stockman during animal feeding, transportation, and slaughtering will easily causes animal 16 sickness with low immunity. The use of prohibited antibiotics, ‘clenbuterol’ or other drugs in feed, or the excessive use of trace elements will cause the residue of harmful substances in animal products, which will affect animal health, lead to high incidence of animal disease, reduce breeding efficiency, and affect the quality of agro-food products, which in turn will affect public health and safety of agro-food consumers. 35． There are also risks to the health and safety of practitioners and the public from improper disposal of hazardous biological and chemical waste in veterinary laboratories and animal product quality testing laboratories and improper disposal of sick and dead animals. 36． These health and safety risks will be significantly mitigated and improved through the construction and upgrading of livestock sheds and animal disease prevention and control facilities, the provision of services by government-led and entrusted professional organizations, and the adoption and practice of better animal health practices and the ‘one health’ concept to be adopted by the PforR. 37． Major social impacts. Through screening and analysis of the activities in the Gansu provincial plans which are proposed to be included in the PforR, activities with potential high social risks have been excluded from the PforR boundary. Meanwhile, referring to the experience of local projects that have been implemented or are currently under implementation, it is considered that the remaining activities may involve certain social impacts or risks but can be managed effectively through the existing social management system. Different types of social impacts are analyzed as follows: • Labor impacts. Concerning physical activities such as construction and upgrade of facilities for livestock farming, livestock manure treatment and resource utilization, straw processing, and disease prevention and control, there are potential labor disputes and OHS risks to workers and, to a lesser extent, communities during the project construction process. For example, the construction may involve recruiting temporary labor from surrounding communities and settling daily expenses without signing labor contracts or service contracts, posing a risk of labor disputes. Construction may involve mechanical operation, fire, and electrical work, and wastewater, waste gas, noise, and so on are generated during the process. It may pose a threat to the health and safety of construction workers if appropriate protective measures are not taken and or machinery is not operated properly. Issues may also arise during the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the mentioned facilities and equipment including potential risks to workers' OHS, such as pesticide and fertilizer application in the process of forage cultivation, agricultural machinery operation, biogas and odors generated by livestock manure treatment facilities, zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis and anthrax during the O&M of livestock farming facilities (enterprises, cooperatives, large family farms), animal inspection and quarantine, slaughter, and processing of facilities. • Community impacts. During the construction of related facilities, the entry of external construction workers into the community may pose a risk of spreading infectious diseases. The wastewater, waste gas, and solid waste generated during construction and operation, as well as the movement of machinery and vehicles, may affect the daily life and road safety of surrounding communities. For example, the odor generated by livestock farming facilities and the associated livestock manure treatment facilities may have an impact on the living environment of the surrounding communities. Improper control of animal diseases may also lead to zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis and anthrax being transmitted to residents in the surrounding communities. • Land use and involuntary resettlement. Activities with potential high social risks are not required to achieve the Program objective for this operation and have been excluded from the PforR scope (including activities involving large-scale land acquisition and house demolition). 17 Based on interviews, consultations, and site visits during ESSA preparation, the project activities will not involve permanent land acquisition and house demolition. Given the focus on existing farms, the risk of any land acquisition is considered to be low. The main land use type of activities supported by the PforR include (a) facility agricultural land use (FALU), such as livestock farming and affiliated facilities, straw processing facilities, and inspection and quarantine facilities; (b) land use right transfer (LURT), including taking land as an investment to a certain activity and receiving land equity annually, mainly involved in activities such as forage planting and grain-to-feed conversion; (c) upgrading and renovation of existing facilities without involving new land use, such as works on large-scale livestock farms including slaughter and processing facilities, cold chain logistics, and wholesale markets; (d) temporary land use (TLU). Some facilities may require a small amount of temporary land during construction for the storage of equipment, materials, and camps, although in most cases adequate land will be available on the existing farms for these purposes. • Livelihood impacts. The project land use such as FALU and LURT will have limited impacts on farmers’ and herders’ livelihoods, as land leasing fees are negotiated and paid annually to the owner of land contract rights by land users based on market price. Overall, livelihood impacts can be expected to improve for the workers, contractors, and owners of the 700 livestock entities in the program as a result of improved livestock productivity. The distribution of benefits within the entities will likely vary between, and within, the different types of entities. There are 52 enterprises (8 percent), 141 cooperatives (20 percent), and 507 family farms (72 percent). For example, in large enterprises where formal contractual arrangements define relations between employers and employees, opportunities for workers to improve productivity should lead to improved payment arrangements for the workers. On the other hand, in family farms (72 percent of beneficiaries), the flow of benefits of improved productivity will be far more direct. A PAP is proposed to address this issue, especially in the large enterprises, to strengthen existing policy support and trainings. • EMs. Among the seven project counties (districts), there is one EM autonomous county, and there are eight EM-concentrated townships, and 137 EM-concentrated villages and communities, with a total population of 77,079. Majority (60 percent) of them are in Guazhou County and Sunan Yugur Autonomous County. Guazhou County has four EM-concentrated townships and 11 EM-concentrated villages and communities, with a total EM population of 23,919, primarily composed of Hui and Dongxiang people. Their economic and social conditions are generally comparable to the Han and are mainly engaged in livestock farming (confined) and crop planting. There are three townships and 102 villages of Sunan Yugur Autonomous County that are EM-concentrated township and villages or communities, with a total population of 22,590, mainly Yugur, Mongolian, and so on. The EMs in other five project counties are mainly scattered and mixed with the Han. There is one EM-concentrated township and 19 EM-concentrated villages and communities in the remaining five project counties. Their economic and social conditions are comparable with the Han community. (a) EM people and the program. the program activities target 700 existing farms and do not involve any activities on grasslands but only include the improvement of livestock farming technologies, facilities, and fodder production area management. To improve the sustainability and reduce emissions of the livestock sector, all target large family farms, cooperatives, and enterprises can selectively use what they choose from the 19 technologies to achieve the target. It will not bring about changes in the mode of production and means of livelihood but will increase the level of production and increase incomes. The treatment and recycling of livestock and poultry manure will improve the environmental hygiene of breeding and production and increase organic fertilizer and will not adversely affect the production mode. The recycling of manure as fertilizer in 18 fodder production areas or organic fertilizer to the market will increase farmer incomes. Animal vaccination, which has been carried out for many years, has long been familiar to farmers to improve the level of livestock epidemic prevention. There will be no permanent land acquisition of EM-contracted land. These activities are carried out on the basis of full disclosure of information and consultation, organized by government technical departments, and guided and trained by technical experts. Therefore, it is expected that there will be limited impact on EM people’s production mode and livelihood during program implementation. (b) Potential impacts on EM’s culture. As listed above, the program activities do not include any cultural property or cultural activities, nor do they involve relocation, permanent land acquisition, and the expropriation or adverse impact of sacred sites or properties of special significance on EMs, so this program will not have a negative impact on minority culture. (c) Accessibility of EM people. While the EMs self-identify as a distinct group, they have few characteristics that identify them as being different from the majority. In terms of language, Mandarin is the official language and is used on a day-to-day basis by EM people although some older people living in remote villages still speak an EM language. In Sunan and Guazhou counties, where EMs are relatively concentrated, ethnic languages and local dialects (Northwest Chinese Dialect, similar to Mandarin) are the most commonly spoken languages in villages, including village-level meetings, consultations, and training provided by village- or township-level technicians. Meetings and trainings organized by county governments are conducted in local Chinese dialects and Mandarin. In other program counties, EMs and Han Chinese live in scattered and mixed areas, and Mandarin is the most commonly used language. On informal institutions, EMs still adhere to customary cultural and social traditions to some extent. These remaining characteristics do not bring barriers for their participation in the program activities. (d) Information disclosure and public participation. For any activities to be implemented in EM-concentrated areas, meaningful consultation with EM residents have been and will be carried out when the program is in design, construction, and maintenance stages, to avoid or minimize significant negative impacts on them and respect their culture and customs. In addition, it is indicated through social survey that new livestock farming technologies and practices are provided to farmers on a voluntary basis so that farmers can choose whether and when to participate or adopt the new technologies or practices. A PAP is proposed to strengthen the existing consultation processes with EM communities. • Impacts on vulnerable groups including EMs. In the seven project counties (districts), there are 86,957 households with 226,482 persons who were categorized as low income, accounting for 17 percent of the total population. Among these, 82,161 households with 217,455 low- income people live in rural areas. According to the social survey, low-income people can be characterized as two types. One low-income group comprises those with physical disabilities and prolonged illness or older people with no family members. Such groups lack labor and do not engage in any crop planting or livestock farming activities. Their income sources rely highly on government subsidies and other forms of assistance and income from LURT. It is not expected that program activities will provide direct benefits to this group, but it is anticipated that they will benefit indirectly through improved fodder production area, resulting in an income increase from LURT and improved living environment as a result of proper manure treatment and animal disease control measures taken by surrounding livestock farmers. The second main category of low-income groups consists of those with low levels of 19 education, limited skills, and lack of start-up capital for production and who generally engage in crop planting and or livestock farming. The provincial and national governments have formulated a set of measures to support their sustainable livelihood and production, particularly in livestock husbandry, including (a) offering free trainings on livestock farming technologies, (b) providing government-subsidized small loans for each household (CNY 30,000–50,000), (c) giving subsidies and priority to them for introduction of superior species of sheep or cattle or construction or renovation of livestock farming facilities, and (d) prioritizing them when there are any employment opportunities and so on. The program has been designed (including specific PAPs) so that low-income groups will not be negatively affected by the PforR and, depending on individual circumstances, these groups have the potential to benefit from program activities. • All employees or workers in the 700 livestock entities. Of the 700 program livestock entities, 125 are owned or managed by EMs and they are likely to be employed in many of the other entities. Beneficiary engagement and grievance management or redress among livestock production entities 38． Staff and other workers may not feel comfortable voicing their concerns on whether (and how) to engage with the program. While stakeholder engagement systems exist, opportunities are likely to emerge for improvements to be made through the program. In addition, existing engagement mechanisms depend on the size and structure (ownership, family farm, cooperatives, or enterprise) and may not be sufficient for all potential social risks that may emerge. So, as a mitigation measure, the program would provide an opportunity to strengthen these systems through a PAP which focuses on EM people and women: Develop and deliver an improved engagement and grievance management system for beneficiaries and workers. Risk of uneven benefit distribution among and within entities 39． It is possible that certain cohorts within livestock production entities may benefit more than others. To address this, the Program includes a PAP: Develop and deliver a system for the development of a robust baseline dataset and ongoing monitoring of benefits across the program, disaggregated by ethnicity, language, gender, and age. If the process is weak or if it finds issues related to participation or benefit distributions, and so on, the World Bank team will identify corrective actions and agree on those with the client. 3.4.2 Indirect Impacts 40． The E&S team held discussions with relevant bureaus or agencies in the four sample counties in October 2023 and conducted on-site inspections of forage cultivation sites and animal veterinary workstations at the county and township levels for better understanding of the business connection procedures with upstream and downstream facilities. A questionnaire survey was also done particularly with downstream medical waste disposal operators who handle medical waste from veterinary labs. On this basis, E&S screening of related facilities was made and assessed. The residual risks rating (see Error! Reference source not found.) shows that the E&S management system of these related facilities or activities is mature, capable of managing the E&S impact of such facilities or activities, and the residual E&S risks are controllable. 20 Table 3-1: Review of Indirect E&S Impacts of Related Facilities Existing Related Potential E&S Impacts and Management Measures Residual Facilities or E&S Risks Activities Rating Dam safety of China has a sound dam safety management system, including laws and The reservoirs used for regulations at the national and Gansu Provincial levels, such as the Water Law, general irrigating artificial Regulations on Reservoir Dam Safety Management, and Measures for Dam E&S risk is forage land Registration, as well as implementation details at the local level. The reservoir Moderate O&M manual, emergency responsive preparedness plan, instrument plan, and to other management documents have been prepared for each reservoir as per the Substantial. requirements of laws and regulations that are strictly observed and implemented. All reservoir dams are regularly reinforced or upgraded. Except for some small reservoirs operated at the village level, other reservoirs have set up special reservoir management units and are staffed with sufficient O&M personnel. Before drawing water for irrigating forage, water users of enterprises, cooperatives, and farmer households must obtain water use permission from local water resources bureaus (WRBs), who are responsible for verifying that irrigation water consumption is controlled within the scope of the sectoral water quota of Gansu Province and supervising the management of dam safety or reservoirs. Facilities for The State has corresponding regulations, policies, and norms, including the Law The disposal of medical on the Prevention and Control of Solid Waste Pollution, the Regulations on the general or hazardous wastes Management of Medical Waste, the Measures for the Management of Medical E&S risk is from veterinary Waste in Medical Institutions, the Classification Catalogue of Medical Waste, Substantial. laboratories and the Technical Specifications for the centralized disposal of Medical Waste, to manage the facilities and operating institutions that undertake the transfer and disposal of medical waste from veterinary labs. Feedback from the seven counties on the E&S team’s questionnaires reveals that all counties or district are within the service coverage of the regional centralized and specialized medical waste disposal centers (the centers) that have been built and put into operation under the guidance of the government and are equipped with special vehicles with obvious medical waste labels. Medical waste from veterinary labs, sterilized by autoclaving and temporally is stored in yellow barrels marked clearly with ‘medical waste’, is handed over to the medical waste disposal center and recorded in detail. Five unified bills are used during transferring process to avoid oversight and be ready for verification by regulatory agencies. Agreements are signed between the veterinary lab operators and the medical disposal centers to regularly collect, transfer, and dispose medical waste and connected by the unified bill transferring system. 3.4.3 E&S Impacts Potentially Induced by ‘Soft’ Activities 41． In addition to physical activities, there are some ‘soft’ activities under the PforR, such as the establishment and improvement of policies, technical standards and incentive mechanisms for low-emission livestock farming, the provision of relevant technical promotion and training, the extensive public awareness of the concept of ‘one health’, and establishment of cross-sectoral collaboration mechanisms for veterinary and public health environments. The implementation of these activities will help improve the eco-environment management level of the program counties (districts), reduce GHG emissions, strengthen capacity for managing the PforR, improve the skills of livestock production entities in green and low- emission livestock production, and lead to long-term favorable E&S effects. In addition to a small number of health and safety risks involved in the employment of researchers and outdoor research activities, the implementation of soft activities does not involve any physical construction, and there will be little or even 21 no direct E&S risks or impacts. Technologies such as precision feeding may increase the cost of livestock production for buying forage. Off-site grazing in oasis straw fields may have some impacts (for example, livestock waste disposal, animal diseases and zoonotic disease prevention and control) on the living environment of residents in agricultural areas. These risks are predictable and can be prevented or mitigated through existing E&S management systems, technologies, and measures. Nevertheless, the implementation of such policies, mechanisms and technical standards will ultimately reduce carbon emissions and have long-term E&S benefits. In general, the nonphysical soft activities of this PforR will not cause significant negative E&S impacts, but due to their wide coverage, they may cause downstream indirect environmental and social risks and impacts, especially where inter-governmental departments or bureaus are involved, so the comprehensive E&S risks is Substantial. 3.4.4 Cumulative E&S Effects 42． During implementation, different types of activities under the PforR (including construction of facilities related to livestock breeding and farming, artificial forage land construction and cultivation, livestock manure treatment and comprehensive utilization, livestock slaughtering and processing and value chain extension-related facilities, animal health and disease prevention and control, livestock product quality testing service facilities, and so on), other projects or programs planned by the government in the region (such as large-scale intensive livestock farms, livestock industrial park construction driven by leading enterprises, high-standard farmland construction, development of a system of ‘multi-point’ protected natural areas, and construction of national parks, nature reserves, and natural parks, enhancement of wildlife protection capacity, beautiful countryside construction, and so on) and funded by foreign sources (such as the World Bank-financed Yellow River Basin Ecological Protection and Pollution Control Program-Gansu and Shandong) may be geographically and temporally implemented in parallel or alternately with each other. This might cause certain synergistic effects or cumulative impacts on the natural or social environment of a larger region of Gansu Province positively and negatively. 43． To assess and address the gaps of cumulative impacts of multi-project or program activities on the eco-environment that construction project EIAs are unable to address, China’s EPL and EIA Law, the Regulation on Plan EIA (detailed in Section 4.2) enacted in 2009, requires that programs or plans related to land use and special sector plans (including agriculture, animal husbandry development) have a Plan- EIA carried out to identify, analyze, project, and assess cumulative impacts potentially caused by implementing the said plan by considering the resource and environmental carrying capacity and proposing preventive and mitigative measures to reduce and minimize the adverse cumulative impact. Very similar to the project EIA, plan EIAs also need to conduct public consultation, reviewed by a panel of experts, approved by competent EEBs, and followed up. The plan EIA is the entry point and an important part of the strategic environmental assessment carried out at the early planning stage in China, which places environmental factors at the front of major macroeconomic decision-making chains by controlling and managing cumulative eco-environment impacts and proposing more reasonable strategic arrangements for major development. In practice, the ‘three lines, one list’7 environmental zoning management mechanism (detailed in Section 4.2 &4.4) is in place and provides a hard constraint for the implementation of strategic and plan EIAs, the approval of the construction project EIA, and a basis for space control for other environmental management work. In 2020, the Government of Gansu Province printed and circulated the Opinions of the People's Government of Gansu Province on the Implementation of the ‘Three Lines, One List’ Eco-environment Zoning Control Access List which was approved by MEE, further detailed by 7 The ‘three lines and one list’ refers to the redlines of ecological protection, the bottom lines of environmental quality, th e ceiling lines of resource utilization, and the ecological environment access list based on the environmental carrying capacity. The implementation of the ‘three lines, one list’ eco-environment zoning control is an important work to promote differentiated and refined management in different regions or zones, strengthen the prevention and control of the ecological environment at the source, and promote green and high-quality development. 22 governments at the municipal level and implemented at the county level. In the livestock sector, to manage the cumulative pollution from different scales of livestock farms, local livestock and poultry farming pollution control plans need to be prepared to delineate prohibited zones, restricted zones, and farming zones to properly locate farms, to guide the construction, expansion, or upgrading of livestock and poultry farms or manure treatment facilities at the county level. 44． From a social perspective, first, the land use for these activities or projects, irrespective of whether they will be supported or not by the PforR, must follow local overall spatial planning of natural land, which can ensure that time-specific land use must be managed as required and not be carried out in a disorderly manner. Second, these activities or projects will be carried out in different counties or districts. Most of the activities are related to the upgrading of existing facilities so it is unlikely to have many development and construction activities taking place at the same time in the same place, and their site-specific E&S impacts are unlikely to become significantly cumulative (for example, synergistic dust, noise, wastewater, solid waste, vegetation disturbance, interference of migrant workers to local communities, and price changes). Third, based on the PforR nature and the E&S exclusion criteria, the PforR activities will not include large- scale infrastructure that may adversely affect the production and livelihood of local residents, nor will it involve socially sensitive areas. 45． Civil works will not involve large-scale land acquisition and physical displacement, and the risk of cumulative adverse E&S impacts arising from interaction with other investment projects in the Program province is low. Therefore, the implementation of the PforR will not increase the regional negative cumulative social impacts. 46． Regarding the identification and management of cumulative social impacts related to planning activities, first, in accordance with the ‘Interim Regulations on Major Administrative Decision-Making Procedures’ (2019), decision-makers are required to predict the potential cost and benefits and E&S impacts, conduct risk analysis, identify risks, and propose risks mitigation measures and management plans when formulating significant plans in areas such as economic and social development. Second, following the ‘Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim)’, a social stability risk assessment (SSRA) is mandatory for major decision-making matters that directly concern the immediate interests of the people, have a wide-ranging impact, and are prone to triggering social stability issues. Before making decisions, a comprehensive analysis of potential social risks and risk rating is conducted, considering the interplay between development and social stability, overall and local considerations, and the relationships among different stakeholders. Specific measures are then taken to prevent and mitigate risks in a proactive manner. 3.5 E&S Assessment and Risk Rating 47． Risk criteria. Following the E&S exclusion procedure, the ESSA team assessed the E&S risks or impacts of the PforR activities, using four criteria: (a) likely E&S effects; (b) E&S contextual risks; (c) institutional capacity and complexity risks; and (d) political and reputational risks. All activities involved in the PforR have been analyzed against these four criteria which concludes that these activities have different levels of E&S risks. The following sections will provide general E&S assessment and risk screening and the details are presented in Appendix 2. 3.5.1 Likely E&S Effects 48． To achieve the PDO, the PforR Program designed a series of activities for construction and upgrading of low-emission animal husbandry facilities and improvement of sustainable and low-emission livestock management and supervision systems. The PforR will bring important positive benefits to the 23 environment and society in the region, including improving ecological and environmental management capacity, reducing GHG emissions, improving livestock breeding technology and efficiency, improving animal disease prevention and control and responsive capacity to accidents, reducing the incidence of zoonotic diseases among employees, ensuring human health and safety, ensuring the quality and safety of livestock products, and eventually improving overall capacity of rural areas in Gansu in addressing challenges brought by climate change and slower economic growth. 49． Activities with high E&S risks have been excluded. Typical environmental risks under the program include (a) construction risks or impacts which will be from small- to medium-scale construction and are temporary and site specific, such as nuisance dust, noise, wastewater, solid waste, vegetation and habitats disturbance, soil erosion, limited land acquisition or use, labor use, and OHS issues and (b) operational risks or impacts which will occur due to the operation of the constructed facilities and application of extension technologies promoted under the PforR such as the potential discharge or emission of various wastes that may adversely pollute water and air, endanger farmland ecology, spread pathogenic microorganisms, contaminate agro-food, contain large amounts of residual hazardous substances that pose risks to community health and public safety, and bring risks to workers and public health. Typical social risks include (a) social conflict, fairness, and transparency of benefit sharing; (b) tangible culture heritage; (c) minor land acquisition and restriction on land use and resettlement; and (d) inclusion/exclusion of vulnerable groups including EMs. 50． The proposed nonphysical activities may have some downstream E&S impacts. In general, these adverse E&S impacts are neither significant nor irreversible, some are moderate, and some are still substantial but can be easily identified, avoided, minimized, and mitigated through known and demonstrated technologies and good management practices. Given the large varieties of activities under the PforR in a broad coverage of seven counties (districts) in Gansu Province, the overall E&S effects risk associated with the PforR is rated Substantial. 3.5.2 E&S Contextual Risks 51． The program boundary is within the 700 identified livestock production entities. This ESSA recommends a PAP to enable ongoing monitoring of beneficiaries which will also allow an ongoing assessment of the nature and scale of any risks that may arise and how (and whether) they will affect the program or the associated risks. 52． Considering China’s strict management mechanisms of nature reserves, ERLs, and the environmental exclusionary principles under this ESSA, the physical activities and climate-smart agricultural technological and practice application and extension activities under RA 2 of the PforR are unlikely to take place in ecologically sensitive areas. Instead, they will take place in rural agricultural areas and semi-urban areas. After excluding activities with high E&S risks such as new construction of large- scale intensive livestock farms or industrial parks and new construction of large-scale slaughterhouses, the activities related to livestock production under the PforR will help reduce the pollution loads of existing livestock production without additional pollution load to the region. The forage cultivation is planned to be managed with climate-smart technology, and the intensity of use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides will be significantly reduced compared with other crops’ cultivation. However, nature reserves, ERLs, and EM- concentrated areas will still be involved in the program areas. Compared to enterprises, cooperatives and family farms may face more challenges and vulnerabilities in livestock farming development. There is a potential risk of uneven benefit distribution; with existing information disclosure channels and GRMs, there is still a need for improving and diversifying information delivery channels to farmers, such as written manuals, electronic versions, online platforms, specific promotion, and awareness raising to different target 24 groups such as women, EMs, older people, and so on. Therefore, the overall rating of the E&S contextual risks is Substantial. 3.5.3 Institutional Capacity and Complexity Risks 53． The impact management of E&S risks will involve some government authorities, such as DRCs, finance bureaus (FBs), agriculture and rural affairs bureaus (ARABs), and animal husbandry and veterinary medical bureaus (AHVMBs), ecology and environment bureaus (EEBs), natural resources bureaus NRBs), forests and grasslands bureaus (FGBs), WRBs, health commissions (HCs), emergency management bureaus (EMBs), market supervision and administrations (MSAs), and human resources and social security bureaus (HRSSBs). These authorities perform regular E&S management as per national or local laws and regulations with sufficient institutional organization, staffing, and budgets, and they will fulfill their responsibilities for implementing the PforR and managing the related E&S issues under the guidance of national and provincial governments and the coordination of the PPMOs. 54． The PforR activities are distributed in seven counties (districts) under five municipalities of Gansu Province covering a number of sectors. Strong coordination and cooperation among the related authorities is necessary to manage the activities well and address the associated E&S impacts. The PforR involves some innovative activities that are cross-sectoral in nature and cannot easily be implemented by ARABs alone. Therefore, the PSC at the provincial level and PLGs at the county (district) level were established to strength governmental inter-sector coordination. As for managing the program’s E&S risks, the DARA has capacity and experience in managing these risks proved by managing other projects funded by international finance institutions. The County (District) Program Coordinating Group and CPMOs will provide further coordination to support the PPMO which is technically supported by a panel of experts at the provincial and county levels to strengthen coordination vertically and horizontally among government authorities and act as an advisory body. All relevant sector authorities must implement activities in accordance with their respective responsibilities under the guidance of the government's program. Given the large number of governmental authorities from the provincial, municipal, county, and grass-root levels, considerable effort will be needed and the PSC and PLGs were established to coordinate them. The overall rating of institutional capacity and complexity risks is Moderate to Substantial. 3.5.4 Political and Reputational Risks 55． The PforR will help contribute to help Gansu Province become a role model in green and low- emission livestock production and to enhance the ‘one health’ concept. The objectives of the PforR are consistent with national and local policies and plans with high political security. Local people will largely benefit from the PforR and make efforts to support it. There will be minimal or no political risk to the PforR, which has been demonstrated by a variety of similar projects that were implemented in the past. Compared with the developed countries, there are still certain gaps in animal welfare protection in China. In recent years, China has enacted numerous animal husbandry laws and regulations and established a system of animal welfare standards, including national standards, sectoral standards, and association standards (as listed in Subsection 4.5.1). Animal welfare awareness raising by strengthened publicity, education, and training are recommended in the E&S PAP to mitigate potential reputation risks associated with the proposed PforR activities. Therefore, the overall rating of the political and reputational risks is Low to Moderate. 3.5.5 Overall Risk 56． The overall rating of the E&S risks associated with the PforR is Substantial. 25 4. Environmental Management System Assessment 4.1 General Principles 57． The World Bank adopts six core principles for the E&S system assessment, of which the first three are associated with environmental management systems (EMSs): • Core Principle 1: Environmental assessment and management. Program EMSs are designed to promote environmental sustainability in the program design; avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts; and promote informed decision-making relating to a program’s environmental effects (social impact assessment and management are described in Chapter 5). • Core Principle 2: Natural habitat protection. Program EMSs are designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts on natural habitats resulting from the program (physical cultural heritage protection is described in Chapter 5). • Core Principle 3: Health and safety management. Program EMSs are designed to protect public and worker safety against the potential risks associated with (a) exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, and otherwise dangerous materials under the program and (b) reconstruction or rehabilitation of infrastructure in areas prone to natural hazards. The risk management of animal health and animal infectious diseases of zoonotic diseases and some quality management of animal products under the PforR are assessed in Chapter 4. The risk management of human infectious diseases of zoonotic diseases and the quality management of some animal products are assessed in Chapter 5. 58． Corresponding to these principles, China also has a sound eco-environmental protection management system including the following: (a) A comprehensive eco-environmental management system, under the legal framework with the Environmental Protection Law (EPL) as the fundamental law, supported by a series of specific laws and regulations covering environmental impact assessment, resources and ecological conservation or protection, water and soil conservation (WSC), pollution prevention and control, a special chapter on agricultural resource, and agro-environmental protection under Agricultural Law, Animal Husbandry Law, Clean Production Promotion Law, and other fields. These laws and regulations empower various authorities, led by EEBs and assisted by multi-sectoral authorities to regulatory manage these environmental issues. (b) Animal health and safety management system, under a set of laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines governed by the Animal Husbandry Law, the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law, the Agricultural Product Quality Safety Law, and a series of separate laws, including the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, the Law on Import and Export Animal and Plant Quarantine, the National Biosafety Law and the Food Safety Law, and so on covering the field of livestock and poultry production, epidemic prevention of captive animals, management of animal health and safety activities, promotion of livestock production, prevention and control of zoonosis, and protection of public health and human health, especially livestock products and food safety. The system is similar to or even more complex than the environmental protection and pollution control system. 59． China has a sound EMS consistent with the World Bank's core principles. Since the promulgation of its first EPL in 1979 (trial) and its amendment in 2014, which establishes the legitimate position of environmental protection as a national strategy, China has gradually established and improved a comprehensive environmental management legal framework, with the EPL as the fundamental 26 comprehensive law, consisting of a series of specific laws, departmental bylaws, thousands of technical guidelines and standards at the national level, and numerous local regulations and implementation plans covering marine environment, wetland protection, clean production promotion, environmental impact assessment (EIA), WSC pollution control, natural environment and biodiversity conservation, resource protection and utilization, and special geographic areas or watershed protection. China has also signed a series of international conventions on environmental protection, including those on climate change. Environmental protection provisions in the relevant laws relating to livestock development that the PforR focused, special chapters or articles in the Agricultural Law, Animal Husbandry Law, Animal Epidemic Prevention Law, and Agricultural Product Quality Safety Law on agricultural resources, ecological environmental protection of agriculture and animal husbandry, management of animal epidemic prevention activities, and quality and safety of livestock products are put in place. In general, this legal framework can be roughly grouped into three categories: (a) laws and regulations issued by National People’s Congress (NPC) and the State Council (SC); (b) administrative regulations, standards, and technical guidelines issued by various ministries; (c) regulations, polices, and standards issued by local people’s congress and local government. 60． These legislations have basically put in place a legal system for eco-environmental conservation and resource protection and management including natural habitats, farmland, pollution prevention and control, WSC, energy management, circular economy promotion and ecological civilization construction as the mainstay and established following environmental protection management system and sustainable agricultural and livestock development system that are continuously improved and run under an institutional structure led by EEBs supported by multi-sectoral authorities. Eco-environmental conservation and pollution control management systems • Ecological compensation system. A new type of EMS aiming at preventing damage to the ecological environment and enhancing and promoting the sound development of the ecological system, targeting those engaged in production, management, development, and use that have or may have an impact on the ecological environment, with the rehabilitation and restoration of the ecological environment as the main content, economic regulation as the means, and law as the guarantee. • ERL system. The core system for ecological protection and the guarantee line for ecological security. • Environmental monitoring system. Monitoring data are the basic data for objective evaluation of environmental baselines and the results of implementing environmental management. • EIA system. As an important system in China's environmental protection legal system, EIA is a mandatory legal system covering both government programs or plans8 and construction projects. The plan EIA consider the comprehensive environmental impact of multiple construction projects that are planned and solves the significant cumulative impact of the project EIA by considering resources and environmental carrying capacity. The construction project EIA focuses on relatively short-term adverse effects of an individual development or construction activity on the environment to determine whether a construction project can be carried out. It is also the first gate of environmental management to implement the principle of prevention and control over incremental pollution. 8 Programs or plans refer to land use plans; plans to develop and utilized region, a river basin, and a sea area; as well as special plans for industry, agriculture, stock-breeding, forestry, energy, water resources, traffic, urban construction, tourism, and natural resource development. 27 • Pollutant discharge permitting system. A management system for fixed pollution sources, where polluters shall discharge their pollution in accordance with the pollutants discharge permit requirements. Discharge pollutants are not allowed without holding pollutant discharge permits. • Total load control and regional limited system. The total load control of key pollutants is a pollution control method and system that distributes pollutant discharge indicators to a certain region and controls the amount of pollutant discharge within prescribed limits. • Joint prevention and control system. A coordination mechanism established to prevent and control environmental pollution and damage ecology on focus areas across administrative areas and across watersheds. • Government responsibility system. Strengthening the government's responsibility for environmental protection to establish a backhand mechanism and encourage local governments to properly strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. • Information disclosure and public participation system. Information disclosure and public participation, as social supervision mechanisms, are conducive to solving social conflicts at the source. • Environmental protection regulatory and ‘three simultaneous’9 system of construction project. To prevent the construction project from causing damage to the ecological environment, the environmental protection facilities in the construction project that are legally required to prepare EIA documents shall be designed, constructed, and put into operation simultaneously with the main facilities of the project. • WSC management system and the ‘three simultaneousness’ system. To prevent soil erosion and ecological damage caused by productive and construction projects, China has established a WSC system under the management of WRBs. For any productive construction project that may lead to soil erosion, the responsible program implementation unit (PIU) should prepare a WSC scheme and submit it to the corresponding WRBs for approval. For any construction project that is subject to WSC scheme, the related WSC works must be designed, constructed, and put into operation simultaneously with the main facilities of the project. • Environmental public interest litigation system. An important weapon for environmental protection. Social organizations and procuratorial organs that meet the conditions may file lawsuits in court against acts that pollute the environment, destroy the ecology, and harm the social and public interests. • Responsibility system for environmental complaints and visits. Citizens, legal persons, or other organizations are permitted and regulated to report their situation of environmental protection and make suggestions, opinions, or complaints to the competent EEBs at various levels by means of letters, emails, faxes, telephone calls, or visits, which shall be handled by the EEBs in accordance with law. The EEBs at all levels shall establish and improve the responsibility system for environmental complaint reporting. In accordance with localization management and hierarchical responsibility, they shall safeguard the public's right to know, participate in and supervise environmental protection work, implement the principles of 9 The ‘three simultaneousness’ refers to the environmental protection facilities designed, construc ted, and put into use simultaneously with the main facilities. 28 openness in government affairs, conduct in-depth investigations and studies, seek truth from facts, properly handle and solve problems. • Legal liability system. Increased penalties to illegal acts that pollute environment and damage ecology. • Other systems. Include planning, standards, eco-environmental taxes and fees, ecological compensation, emergency response to ecological and environmental emergencies, soil pollution risk control and remediation, classification of wildlife protection, and access list for important ecological functions. Green agricultural and livestock development management systems • Establish an institutional system for green agricultural development and put in place a negative list for agricultural industry access, a system for fallow crop rotation, and a system for the utilization of livestock and poultry manures as resources. • Establish green ecological oriented agricultural and livestock subsidy system and prioritize central government investment in the rural and agriculture and livestock sector. • Establish and improve a modern livestock production system. Vigorously develop standardized large-scale farming, promote intensive and large-scale livestock production equipped with modern facilities and equipment such as automatic feeding, automatic drinking water and pollution control, technological extension, and application of reduced use of mineral element and feed additives, and promote clean farming techniques such as water, material, and energy saving and advanced practical technologies such as dry manure removal and microbial fermentation, to reduce emissions at source. • Slaughter pigs at designated sites, in Gansu Province, slaughter pigs, cattle, and sheep at designated sites. Management systems for animal health and epidemic prevention and control • Risk assessment system for animal epidemics and compulsory immunization system. Carry out risk assessment of animal epidemics and formulate and publish measures and technical specifications for the prevention, control, purification, and elimination of animal epidemics. Compulsory immunization shall be carried out against animal epidemics that seriously endanger livestock production and human health. • Sites certificate and employment institution license system. Animal farms, animal isolation sites, animal slaughtering and processing sites, and sanitary treatment sites of animals and animal products shall meet the conditions for animal epidemic prevention stipulated in the Measures for Reviewing Conditions for Animal Epidemic Prevention and obtain the certificate of animal epidemic prevention conditions. Institutions and units engaged in animal diagnosis and treatment, veterinary drug production, veterinary drug management, and the establishment of livestock and poultry farms or communities need to apply for and shall be reviewed by the AHVMBs with the conditions prescribed by laws and regulations and shall issue the corresponding production or business license after being deemed qualified. • Classified management on pathogenic microorganism laboratory (PML) with unified biosafety standard. The State classifies PMLs (including veterinary laboratories) into four categories according to the infectivity of pathogenic microorganisms and the degree of harm to individuals or groups after infection. The State divides PMLs into BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-3 based on according to the biosafety protection level of the laboratory against pathogenic microorganisms and in accordance with the provisions of the national standards 29 for laboratory biosafety. BSL-1 and BSL-2 labs shall not engage in experiments on highly pathogenic microorganisms. • Veterinary laboratory examination system. The State implements an examination system for veterinary laboratories. Only veterinary laboratories that have passed the examination and obtained the examination certificate may undertake the tasks of diagnosis, monitoring, and testing of animal epidemics. 61． Based on E&S screening as described in Chapter 3 and following the World Bank’s core principles and China’s environmental management requirements, the World Bank’s ESSA team classified the domestic EMSs that handle the environmental issues related to activities on low-emission livestock development, animal health, disease prevention and control, and agro-food safety under the PforR into four groups: (a) EIA and follow-up management system, (b) pollution control system, (c) eco-environmental conservation management system, and (d) health and safety management system. The legal and regulatory framework, management mechanism, institutional arrangement, and implementation performance for each system are reviewed, assessed, and compared with the World Bank’s core principles to identify any gaps to address during the PforR implementation. The EMSs that will serve the PforR activities are listed in Error! Reference source not found.. Table 4-1: Domestic EMSs Applicable to the PforR Bank Core Potential Impacts Form Typical Activities Domestic EMSs Responsible Principles Authorities 1. During construction： • EIA and follow-up • EEBs Environmental management system • ARABs The construction of abovementioned facilities assessment • Pollution control • AHVMBs during construction will generate temporal and and system (livestock limited adverse environmental impact, such as management production pollution nuisance dust, noise, and traffic disturbance. control, artificial forage During operation： and feed processing 1. Once the constructed facilities (for example, pollution control, livestock breeding and production sheds, pollution control for slaughter houses, meet or dairy processing veterinary lab and plants, feed processing plants, manure animal products quality treatment and integrated utilization facilities, testing lab, and so on） agro-food storage, distribution and marketing facilities, and so on) are put into operation, the following types of wastes will be discharged or emitted to potentially pollute water, air, endanger farmland ecology, spread pathogenic microorganisms and bring risks to public health: • Solid waste (waste feed, animal waste, and carcasses), sludge from wastewater treatment plants installed for slaughterhouses, feed processing plants, veterinary labs, animal product quality, and safety testing labs. • Wastewater. First, the NPS effluents due to runoff from feed (including silage) storage, loading, and unloading, livestock housing, feeding, and watering, waste management facilities, and areas of land application of manure; second, production wastewater generated during 30 Bank Core Potential Impacts Form Typical Activities Domestic EMSs Responsible Principles Authorities animal slaughter and meat processing; third, effluent from animal disease control and food safety laboratories; and fourth, wastewater generated in the process of feed processing, livestock and poultry manure treatment, and resource utilization. • GHG and air emission: First, ammonia (for example, management of animal waste), methane and nitrous oxide (for example, animal feeding and waste management), odors (for example, animal housing and waste management), bioaerosols, and dust (for example, feed storage, loading, and unloading, feeding, and waste management activities); second, the odor and exhaust gas, dust and particulates produced during slaughtering and meat processing; third, waste gas from animal disease control and food safety testing laboratories; and fourth, dust produced during feed processing. • Hazardous materials are used throughout the livestock production cycles, for example, (a) disinfecting agents spread on animals and sheds, (b) antibiotic used for control of animal disease, (c) hormonal products use for animal breeding and milk production), and (d) hazardous biological waste and chemical waste from veterinary laboratories and livestock quality testing laboratories. • SRMs are tissues in cattle that contain the agent that may transmit BSE, TSE, or scrapie disease if reprocessed into animal feed. The human disease, vCJD, may result from human consumption of products from animals infected with BSE. 2. Artificial forage cultivation, application of pesticides and fertilizers, which will lead to the consumption of water resources, agricultural NPS pollution, and soil compaction. NPS pollution caused by the use of chemical agents, pesticides for the prevention and control of fodder pest will bring negative impacts on the environment. 2. Natural During design: Site selection might trigger • Eco-environment • Natural habitat the local ecological protection redlines conservation Resources protection management system Bureaus (NRBs) During construction: The construction of • EEBs (natural eco- facilities and forage plantation land may environment • ARABs destroy vegetation and disturb habitats. A 31 Bank Core Potential Impacts Form Typical Activities Domestic EMSs Responsible Principles Authorities large amount of land leveling may cause conservation, WSC) • WRBs water and soil erosion, but the operation period is beneficial to improve the natural conditions for regional WSC. During operation: Livestock with access to creeks, rivers, and other natural water sources may cause environmental damage by contaminating the water with animal waste, destroying riparian habitat, and eroding the stream banks. 3. Health and Livestock production, especially in the • Health and safety • HCs safety context of large-scale, high-density, management system • EMBs management intensive farming practices, involves • ARABs potential health and safety risks from the lax (AHVMBs) control of animal diseases, including • EEBs infectious diseases, and some zoonosis pose • MSAs potential threats to human health: • Animal diseases have a negative impact on livestock health and livestock productivity. • Breeding personnel and operators of animal disease prevention and control may be exposed to physical hazards, chemicals, raw materials, and narrow Spaces, and so on), bringing OHS risks. • Impact on community health and agro- food health and safety: Zoonotic human diseases may spread animal diseases to communities around animal farms and animal farming zones. Public ingestion of animal foods, dairy products, and so on that are contaminated or spoiled or contain large amounts of residual hazardous substances (growth hormones, residual pesticides, antibiotics, and so on) poses risks to community health and public safety. • Risks to the health and safety of practitioners and the public from improper disposal of hazardous biological and chemical waste in veterinary laboratories and animal product quality testing laboratories. 4.2 EIA and Follow-Up Management System 4.2.1 Applicable Legal Framework 62． Based on the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Law’ combined with a series of relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines, China has established a comprehensive EIA and follow-up 32 management system for construction projects, including EIA, ‘Three Simultaneousness’, environmental acceptance check for construction completion, and so on. This system is under development toward a project life-cycle environmental management for construction projects. Table 4-2: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on EIA and Follow-UP Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications Environmental Impact SC approved It is required that when preparing government programs or plans10 Assessment Law in 2002 and and construction projects, potential environmental impacts should be 2nd amended identified, screened, and assessed early; mitigation measures should in 2018 be recommended; and follow-up monitoring and supervision should be conducted. It also stipulates basic requirements on EIA classification, EIA approval hierarchy, and ban from construction without EIA approval. Entities, experts, and individuals are encouraged to participate in public consultation on an EIA. EIA must be objective, open, and fair and comprehensively consider the possible impacts of planning or construction projects on various environmental factors and the ecosystem they constitute, to provide a scientific basis for decision-making. Construction Project SC issued in It reinforces the requirements on EIA screening and classification, Environmental Protection 1998, EIA approval hierarchy, ‘Three Simultaneousness’, and Management Regulations amended in environmental acceptance check for construction completion. 2017 Plan EIA Regulations SC issued in The regulation provided that for plans or program related to land 2009 use, integrated development plans or programs in a region or river basin or sea area, sectoral development plans (including industrial, agricultural, animal husbandry, and so on), the planners of such plans or programs shall have the plan-environmental impact assessed. The plan EIA shall focus on the analysis, prediction, and assessment of the overall or cumulative impact of planning implementation on the ecosystem of the relevant region, basin and sea area, and the long- term impact on the environment and human health, to prevent environmental pollution and ecological damage at the source and promote comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable development of economy, society, and environment. Regulation on Pollution SC issued in New construction, reconstruction, or expansion of livestock and Prevention and Control of 2013 poultry farms and farming zones shall conform to the development Scaled Livestock and plans for animal husbandry, pollution prevention and control plans Poultry Production for livestock and poultry farming shall meet the conditions for animal epidemic prevention and control, and EIA shall be conducted. For large, scaled livestock and poultry farms and farming zones with significant impact on the environment, EIA reports shall be prepared. For other livestock and poultry farms and farming zones, environmental impact registration for EEB endorsement shall be practiced. Measures of Public Ministry of If a construction project or a government program is likely to have Consultation in EIA Ecology and potential significant impacts on the environment, it is required to Environment carry out public consultation during preparing EIA report. The (MEE) issued measures clearly specify the relevant content and time limit to be 10Government programs or plans refer to land use plans; plans to develop and utilized region, a river basin, and a sea area; and special plans for industry, agriculture, stock-breeding, forestry, energy, water resources, traffic, urban construction, tourism, and natural resource development. 33 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications in 2018 disclosed by the PIU construction projects, and two-time disclosure, one announcement to be made by the approval authorities. Construction Project EIA Ministry of From EIA preparation till project commissioning, EEBs should Follow-Up Supervision Environmental oversee whether mitigation measures are implemented as per EIA Regulations Protection instruments and approval documents. After the project becomes (former MEE) operational, EEBs should check whether relevant environmental issued in 2015 regulations are complied with and whether post EIAs are conducted. Regulations on MEE issued in The PIU is responsible for undertaking environmental acceptance Environmental 2017 check for construction completion, preparing an investigation or Acceptance Check for monitoring report, and disclosing it to the public. The project is not Construction Completion allowed to start commissioning until proper mitigation measures and pollution control facilities are put in place with a pollutant discharge permit obtained following relevant requirements. The project should not start formal operation until the mitigation measures and the pollution control facilities have passed the environmental acceptance check. Construction Project EIA 2021 edition Criteria are given for classifying environmental impacts of 173 types Classified Management of projects in 55 sectors into three levels (Class A - high and Catalogue significant, requiring preparation of EIA report; Class B - small to moderate, requiring the preparation of EIA form; and Class C - minor, requiring registration by filling in a form), based on project nature, project scale, and contextual environment. Fixed-Source Pollutant 2019 edition The guidelines for classification of pollutant discharge permits for Discharge Permit 112 specific industries or sectors were provided. Considering the Classification Catalogue amount or volume of pollutants produced, the quantity of pollutants discharged and the degree of impact on the environment, the specific criteria for dividing the focused management, simplified management, and registration management are put forward. EIA Technical Guidelines Numerous China has developed more than 20 sets of EIA technical guidelines, and regularly including the General Guidelines and a series of specific guidelines updated on different environmental factors such as surface water, groundwater, soil, air, noise, and ecology and different industries such as water engineering, hydropower, coal, pharmacy, and steel. The General Guidelines provides fundamental guidance on the preparation EIA preparation documents (namely, the EIA report and EIA form) in terms of alternatives analysis, positive and negative impact assessment, long- and short-term impact assessment, direct and indirect impact assessment, cumulative impact assessment, mitigation measures, cost estimate, and environmental management and monitoring plans. Technical Specification on Numerous China has developed more than 70 guidelines on how to apply and Pollutant Discharge and regularly issue pollutant discharge permits, including General Guidelines and a Permit Application and updated series of specific guidelines for important industries (for example, Issuance non-ferrous metals, food processing, coal, pharmacy, steel, livestock and poultry farming, municipal sanitation, and water and wastewater treatment). The entities subject to the permits are required to submit pollutant discharge information, conduct pollutant monitoring, keep environmental management track records, and prepare implementation reports. The guidelines also recommend good technical practices on prevention and control of wastewater, waste gas, odor, and solid waste. 34 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications Guiding Opinion on MEE issued in It requires that ecological functions be kept from degrading by Ecology and Environment 2021 applying ecological protection redlines, the environment be Zoning Management protected from deteriorating by holding the environmental quality under the "Three Lines bottom lines, natural resources be conserved by keeping the and One List" Mechanism utilization ceiling lines, and construction or operation activities that (Trial) are to be carried out in any ecology and environment zones follow the lists of environmental entry criteria to strengthen pollution control. The ‘three lines and one list’ mechanism provides a strong fundament for implementing strategic EIAs, program EIAs, and project EIAs, and a basis for other environmental work. Notice on the issuance of MEE issued in Within the scope of ERLs, human activities are prohibited in the "Ecological Protection 2022 principle in the core protected areas of nature reserves, and Red Line Ecological development and productive construction activities are strictly Environment Supervision prohibited in other areas. Under the premise of complying with Measures (Trial)" current laws and regulations, only limited human activities that do not cause damage to ecological functions are allowed, except for major national strategic projects. Guiding opinions on MEE issued in The ‘double random, one open’11 is the basic mean and method of further strengthening the 2021 ecological environmental supervision activities, supplemented by supervision of the focused supervision and a regulatory mechanism based on credit ecological environment supervision. This method can effectively reduce the interference to "double random and one the normal production and business activities of enterprises, reduce open" the burden on enterprises, and promote the institutionalization and standardization of ecological environment. Management Measures on MEE issued in The PIU shall fill in the environmental impact registration form for Environmental Impact 2016 county EEB’s endorsement for construction projects with minor Registration and environmental impact as pre requirement of the Construction Project Endorsement EIA Classification Catalogue. The registration can be made on an online filing management system established and publicized by MEE. The PIU shall login the entity’s real information and submit the filled-in environmental impact registration form at the said online system. Measures on MEE issued in This measure is promulgated in accordance with Regulations on Environmental 2021 Complaint Letters and Visits and relevant environmental legislations Complaints to standardize the forms and channels of environmental complaints and visits, the acceptance of environmental complaints and visits, and the handling and supervision of environmental complaints and visits. The administrative head is required to assume responsibility for environmental complaints and visits. Gansu Provincial and Under the national legal framework, Gansu Province and local Local Regulations governments have also formulated more specific and stricter local regulations or measures, such as: Gansu Provincial Environmental Protection Regulation (Gansu Provincial People's Congress [GPPC] issued in 1994 and amended in 2020), Opinions of the People's Government of Gansu Province on the Implementation of the ‘three lines, one list’ Ecological Environment Zoning Control (2023), Provisions of Gansu Provincial DEE on Approval Procedures for Construction Projects’ EIA Documents (amended in 2023), 11‘Double random and one open’ refers to a supervision process where random inspection objects are selected, law enforcement inspectors are randomly selected, and the random inspection situation and investigation results are disclosed to the public on time. 35 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications Catalogue Construction Projects’ EIA Documents Subject to Gansu Provincial DEE’s Review and Approval (2023 edition), Implementation Rules of Gansu Province for the Administration of Pollutant Discharge Permits (Trial) (2021), and so on. These local regulations and measures have specified specific requirements and procedures for the spatial control of site selection for construction projects in Gansu Province and the classification and approval of EIA documents, providing a legal framework for EIA of construction projects and the environmental management throughout the life cycle of projects. 4.2.2 Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures 63． To implement the abovementioned relevant laws and regulations for EIA, China has established and is gradually improving the relevant implementation mechanism, which are listed in Error! Reference source not found.. Table 4-3: Mechanisms for EIA and Follow-Up Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Environmental To implement the EIA system, China has established a detailed and comprehensive catalogue impact screening for screening environmental impacts and classifying EIA processes proportional to project and classification nature, location, scale, environmental context, and so on. Environmental impacts of construction projects are classified into three levels: Class A - high and significant impacts; Class B - small to moderate impacts; and Class C - minor impacts. Correspondingly, the EIA instruments are divided into three categories: EIA report (Class A), EIA form (Class B), and EIA registration (Class C). With the exclusionary criteria, the PforR will not include any activities requiring EIA reports preparation, and the physical activities to be supported by the PforR may include land leveling for artificial forage cultivation, livestock breeding and farming, livestock slaughtering and processing, veterinary service labs, agro-food quality testing labs, dead and diseased animal sanitary treatment, and organic fertilizer production by use of manure. These physical activities are subject to EIA form preparation or environmental impact registration for EEB’s endorsement. Their environmental classification is listed in Table 4-4. For other activities with minor adverse environmental impact, no EIA will be required as per domestic EIA management requirement. This section only gives an initial analysis of EIA classification related to the PforR activities and specific types of EIA instruments applicable to each construction activities will be determined by local EEBs during the PforR implementation. Key procedures EIA preparation. PIUs are responsible for the quality and conclusions of EIA instruments for for processing their projects, and the agencies engaged to prepare EIAs also have certain responsibilities. EIA Under the national EIA engineer qualification system, chief technical personnel who are in charge of preparing EIA instruments must be certified EIA engineers who have passed the national exam and gotten related certifications. They must also be the full-time staff of the EIA consultant agency. EIA technical review. As the approval authorities, EEBs may organize technical agencies to go through a technical review of EIA reports and EIA forms. Technical review of EIA reports for a Class A project is usually undertaken by a panel of at least three independent experts who will be randomly selected from EEBs’ expert database. EIA forms for Class B projects can be 36 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures reviewed by either an expert panel or staff of EEBs. EIA approval. EIA reports and EIA forms should be submitted to competent EEBs for approval, while a simple EIA registration can be done online by PIUs themselves. EIA instruments (reports and forms) are approved by EEBs at different levels proportional to nature and scale of the corresponding projects, magnitude of the environmental impacts, and sensitivity of the environmental context, and so on. Public consultation and information disclosure. In the EIA process, PIUs (or under the assistance of EIA agencies) should carry out public consultation as required or needed, generally through website, newspapers, placard discussing meetings, hearings, and so on. The PforR activities do not include Class A projects that are subject to mandatory public consultation. While for Class B projects, public consultation is not compulsory, local EEBs would usually suggest the PIUs to conduct proper public consultation. In addition, it is legally required that EIA documents and approval comments be disclosed to the public for all construction projects requiring the preparation of EIA reports or EIA forms. EIA Follow-up Environmental ‘Three Simultaneousness’. Design, construction, and operation of a pollution and supervision control facility that is to support a construction project must be carried out simultaneously with the project main parts. The project design report must include a specific chapter to specify mitigation measures, pollution control facilities, and necessary cost estimates. To ensure the pollution control facilities be built properly as designed, the PIU is responsible for including the physical works of pollution control facilities into civil works contracts and ensuring construction or installing schedule and budget to be sufficient. The PIU is also responsible for implementing other mitigation measures that are recommended in the EIA instruments and approval documents. The project is not allowed to start operation until all pollution control facilities and mitigation measures have passed the environmental acceptance check for construction completion. Environmental management during construction. PIUs are responsible for implementing proper measures to mitigate environmental impacts during construction. As per China’s ‘Standard Construction Bidding Regulations’, a bidding document should include an environmental protection chapter to include the mitigation measures that are recommended in the approved EIA instruments. A standard civil work contract will also include an environmental protection chapter to clarify the contractor’s duties on environmental management such as implementing the mitigation measures. After the contract is signed, the contractor should develop construction implementation programs which should include environmental management plans that are reviewed and agreed upon by the PIU and supervision engineer before construction commissioning. During construction, the PIU and supervision engineer will oversee the implementation of the environmental management plans. Environmental acceptance check for construction completion. When construction of a project is completed, the PIU (or under the assistance of qualified agencies) should carry out a specific check for environmental acceptance, by undertaking tests or investigations, preparing an environmental acceptance check report, and seeking relevant experts’ comments. The PIU should disclose the environmental acceptance check report within five working days once the report is completed and keep it open to the public for at least 20 working days. Within five working days after the disclosure, the PIU should log into the national platform for environmental acceptance check to upload the project description, the review comments on the environmental acceptance check, and other basic information. This information will be disclosed to the public by EEBs that will supervise the procedures of the environmental acceptance check. EIA Follow-up supervision. The follow-up supervision during EIA is to check whether EEBs have justly fulfilled their duties in EIA approval, whether technical review agencies have provided rational review comments on EIA, whether EIA agencies have done accurate EIA based on true data and in a reliable way, and whether PIUs have gone through proper EIA 37 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures procedures and conducting public consultation as required. The follow-up supervision after EIA is to check whether EEBs have fulfilled their duties in ‘Three Simultaneousness’ supervision and whether PIUs have implemented the ‘Three Simultaneousness’ and other environmental management measures as required in the stages of design, construction, environmental acceptance check, and operation. Classified Entities that are to discharge pollutants to the environment are classified to three categories management of based on the quantity of pollutant production and discharge and the potential impacts on the pollutant environment: (a) an entity with a large amount of pollutant production or discharge or discharge substantial environmental impacts is subject to focus management, (b) an entity with a medium permits level of pollutant production and discharge and moderate environmental impacts is subject to general management, and (c) an entity with minimal pollutant production and little environmental impacts is subject to online registration (it is not necessary to apply for a pollutant discharge permit, but it should be filed on the national pollutant discharge permit management information platform). Any entity that is subject to pollutant discharge permitting should strictly follow the permit requirements when discharging pollutants, conduct monitoring of the effluents or emissions, establish environmental management and monitoring records and archives, and submit regular reports to EEBs. Entities under focus management must install and maintain automatic monitoring devices and co nnect them with the EEBs’ online systems. The indicative pollutant discharge permitting classification for the PforR activities such as livestock breeding and farming, artificial forage cultivation and processing, livestock slaughtering and processing, and livestock or poultry manure treatment and utilization (organic fertilizer production) is shown in Table 4-5, while other activities may not be subject to the permitting requirements. This section only gives an initial analysis on permitting classification, and specific types of permits that are applicable to the PforR activities will be determined by local EEBs during implementation. Environmental (a) Environmental quality monitoring: carry out in-depth monitoring of air, water, soil, ocean, Monitoring sound, and ecology and establish a unified monitoring network and evaluation system; (b) pollution sources monitoring: entities with pollutant discharge permits shall monitor and disclose information on their own, and EEBs jointly carry out law enforcement monitoring in accordance with the ‘double random’ inspection; (c) environmental emergency monitoring: Set up regional emergency monitoring bases and frame a cross-provincial emergency monitoring support system; and (d) other environmental monitoring activities: provide monitoring data for environmental management activities such as environmental status surveys and assessments. Table 4-4: Pollutant Discharge Permitting Classification for Key PforR Activities PforR Sector Domestic EIA Classification Likely EIA Typical Subsector Category A: Category B: Category C: Category of Activity EIA Report EIA Form EIA the PforR Registration Artificial Agriculture Agricultural or Involve others Usually, no EIA forage products base environmental is to be carried, cultivation project sensitive area only EIA base (including registration for medicinal endorsement is materials base) required. Livestock Livestock Livestock Large-scale or Others (except The PforR has breeding and sector production livestock and those below excluded the farming poultry faming with scale) (the large-scale capacity of annual specific scale livestock farms marketable fattened standards shall and farming 5,000 pigs (or other be referred to zone requiring 38 PforR Sector Domestic EIA Classification Likely EIA Typical Subsector Category A: Category B: Category C: Category of Activity EIA Report EIA Form EIA the PforR Registration animals equivalent the EIA reports. to fattened 5,000 Regulations The other pigs) or annual stock on Pollution small- to of 2,500 pigs (or Prevention medium-scale other animals and Control of farming zones equivalent to the Large-scale require only stock of 2,500 Livestock and environmental pigs12) and above; Poultry impact large-scale livestock Farming) registration for and poultry farming endorsement. involving environmentally sensitive areas Livestock Agro-food Feed or With or EIA forms are slaughtering processing processing fermentation required for and process; annual processing Annual processing processing of 10,000 tons or 10,000 tons or more feeds. more Slaughtering Slaughtering Other Other meet The PforR has and meet 100,000 live pigs, slaughtering; processing excluded the processing 10,000 beef cattle, annual meet large-scale 150,000 mutton processing of livestock sheep, and 10 20,000 tons slaughtering million or more and above and meet poultry processing activities requiring EIA report. Food Dairy products or Except those or EIA forms are manufacturing manufacturing with simple required for industry mixing and dairy products sub-packing manufacturing activities, except those with simple mixing and sub-packaging. Veterinary Professional Research and P3, P4 Biosafety Others (except or The PforR does service labs laboratory, experimental Laboratory; those that do not involve P3, and agro- research, and development transgenic not produce P4 Biosafety food quality development laboratory experimental Laboratory; testing labs (test) bases waste gas, transgenic wastewater, laboratory. and hazardous waste) Sanitary Ecological Medical waste Centralized disposal Others or EIA forms are 12 With reference to the ‘Pollutant Emission Standards for Livestock and Poultry Industry’ (GB18596 or 2001), the conversion coefficient between different types of livestock and pigs is as follows: one sow or boar is converted into five adult pigs, one cow is converted into ten pigs, one beef cow is converted into five pigs, and three sheep is converted into one pig. 39 PforR Sector Domestic EIA Classification Likely EIA Typical Subsector Category A: Category B: Category C: Category of Activity EIA Report EIA Form EIA the PforR Registration treatment of disposal, protection and of medical waste required for dead and sanitary environmental (except for simple sanitary diseased management treatment of collection and treatment of animals sector dead and storage) dead and diseased diseased animals animals. Livestock Manufacturing Fertilizer Project producing Others or EIA forms are and poultry of chemical manufacturing nitrogen fertilizer, required for waste to raw materials phosphate fertilizer, producing produce and chemical and compound organic organic products fertilizer by fertilizer by fertilizer chemical methods using livestock and poultry waste. Table 4-5: Classification Management of Pollutant Discharge Permits for the Main Activities under the PforR PforR Sectors Categories of Pollutant Discharge Permit Activities Category A: Focus Category B: General Category C: Registration Management Management Management Livestock Livestock Large-scale livestock or Large-scale livestock and farming breeding and and poultry farms and poultry farms and farming farming farming zones with zones without effluent effluent discharge outlets discharge outlets, livestock (the specific scale and poultry farms and standards shall be farming zones below the implemented according scale with effluent discharge to the Regulations on outlets Pollution Prevention and Control of Large-scale Livestock and Poultry Farming) Forage Feed or Feed processing (with Feed processing (without cultivation processing fermentation process) fermentation process) and feed processing Livestock Slaughtering Slaughterhouses withSlaughterhouses with annual Others slaughtering and meet annual capacity of capacity of 20,000 or more and processing 100,000 or more livelive pigs and less than processing pigs, 10,000 or more100,000 heads, 20,000 or more beef cattle and less than beef cattle, 150,000 or 10,000 heads, 25,000 or more more beef sheep, and 10 mutton sheep and less than million or more poultry 150,000 heads, 1 million or more poultry and less than 10 million birds, and 20,000 tons or more meat and poultry Dairy product Annual processing of Annual processing of less Simple mixing or packaging manufacturing 200,000 tons and above than 200,000 tons (excluding (excluding simple simple mixing or packaging) mixing or packaging) Livestock Manufacturing Nitrogen fertilizer Potash fertilizer Others 40 PforR Sectors Categories of Pollutant Discharge Permit Activities Category A: Focus Category B: General Category C: Registration Management Management Management and poultry of chemical manufacturing, manufacturing, organic waste to raw materials phosphate fertilizer fertilizer and microbial produce and chemical manufacturing, fertilizer manufacturing, other organic products compound fertilizer fertilizer manufacturing—the fertilizer manufacturing—the above do not include simple above do not include mixing or packaging; nitrogen simple mixing or fertilizer manufacture (simply packaging mixed or packaged) 4.2.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 64． EEBs are the competent authorities responsible for EIA and follow-up management. The EIA and Pollution Control Department under the MEE is responsible for overseeing EIAs and project life-cycle environmental management at the national level. The notice of the DEE of Gansu Province on the issuance of the Provisions on the Approval Procedures for EIA Documents of Construction Projects (2023 edition) stipulates the procedures for the application and acceptance of EIA documents of construction projects, assessment review (including the main points and requirements of the review) and announcement, approval, deadline, supervision, and management. In Gansu Province, EEBs from the provincial, prefecture level to the county level is staffed with EIA division or sections or administrative approval sections, respectively, with full-time staff. 65． According to the Construction Project EIA Classified Management Catalogue (2021 edition), and after exclusion of these activities with major and significant high E&S adverse impact, the typical activities related to low-emission livestock production, veterinary service labs, and agro-food quality testing labs are classified as activities or projects requiring the EIA form or EIA registration for endorsement. Most of them are only subject to EIA registration for endorsement and no EIA reports or EIA forms are to be prepared, reviewed, and approved. 66． The provincial DEE has an EIA and Emission Management Division (four to five staff), undertaking the comprehensive coordination and management of the plan EIA, policy EIA, and construction project EIA, and they also handle pollution discharge permitting and formulate and implement the ecological environment access list. An Assessment Center subordinated to the DEE (42 staff) provides technical support service to the DEE to carry out EIA document approval for construction projects. An Environmental Law Enforcement Bureau (about 40 staff) under the EDD is responsible for overseeing the implementation of ecological and environmental policies, plans, regulations, and standards and undertaking the enforcement of provincial environmental protection permits and the investigation and handling of major illegal cases. They also coordinate the settlement of trans-regional environmental pollution disputes. The DEE organizes the implementation of the ‘three simultaneous’ system for construction projects. The Environmental Monitoring Division under the DEE undertakes assignment on ecological environment monitoring network establishment and management, under which an Eco-Environmental Monitoring Center is responsible for provincial-wide eco-environment quality monitoring and management of the monitored data and provides technical support for pollution sources monitoring and technical guidance trainings on provincial-wide eco-environment monitoring system. 67． The municipal EEBs have administrative approval sections (four to five staff), who are responsible for reviewing and approval of EIA documents of those projects with proposals, check and approval, and endorsement at the provincial level, but outside the provincial DEE’s approval authority, they are responsible for reviewing and approval of EIA documents of those projects with proposals, check and 41 approval, and endorsement at the municipal level. Environmental monitoring sections under municipal EEBs (two to five staff) are responsible for planning the sites for eco-environmental quality monitoring, organizing EPL enforcement, conducting supervisory monitoring of pollution sources, and conducting environmental emergency monitoring, and so on, under which eco-environmental monitoring stations (about 20 staff) are responsible for municipal-wide eco-environmental monitoring and surveys. 68． The county EEBs have also EIA approval sections (two to three staff) who cooperate with corresponding municipal EEBs, provide advice to projects owners before the preparation of EIA documents, and guide and supervise enterprises or entities in implementing measures recommended by EIA documents in the later stage. At the town or township level, governments generally set up one to two full-time environmental cadres, responsible for environmental management assignment delegated from higher-level EEBs. 69． The E&S team found through its due diligence that environmental management records of activities similar to the typical PforR activities in sample counties (such as forage cultivation base development, large-scale livestock farms and farming zones, multi-purpose utilization of livestock waste, sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals, and organic fertilizer produced from livestock manure) were clearly kept. In general, these activities have been subject to EIA and follow-up management. For example, for the two-phase livestock production project located in industrial park for rural revitalization in Lanzhou New District, including feed processing and manure treatment facilities, EIA reports for both the phases (with a capacity of 10,000 dairy cow—10,000 head for phase 1 and additional 10,000 head for phase 2) were prepared and approved by EEB of Lanzhou New District. The hayshed and feed processing zone, mature treatment and recycling, air emission control facility, and wastewater treatment station in the livestock farms have been subjected to the environmental acceptance check for construction completion. The regular monitoring of the effluent, odor, and noise levels indicated that they have been in compliance with the discharge or emission standards. Other examples include construction projects of organic fertilizer or matric (100,000 tons) and a centralized sanitary treatment plant of dead and diseased animals in Guazhou County. EIA reports were prepared for the said two construction projects and reviewed and approved by EEB of Jiuquan Municipality (to whom Guazhou County is subordinated) in 2022 and 2023 respectively. EEB and ARAB of Guazhou jointly performed their regular inspection and supervision to the operation of the constructed projects. In the field visits during October 2023, the ESSA team reviewed a variety of track records on environmental management for similar facilities or activities in the four sample counties (see Appendix 7). 70． Information on EIA instruments and pollutant discharge is open to the public through various online platforms such as the EIA Information Disclosure, the Pollutant Discharge Permits Management, and the Pollution Source Monitoring Center. In addition, the MEE has other channels such as the National Ecological and Environmental Complaint and Reporting Platform, the minster’s mailbox, the 12369 Environmental Hotline, the 12369 WeChat account, and the 12345 Government Service Hotline for the public to report environmental complaints, track feedback, and voice their opinions. 4.2.4 Brief Summary 71． The EIA and follow-up supervision system, covering EIA processing, the ‘Three synchronizations’, environmental acceptance check for construction completion, and pollutant monitoring, has been implemented in China for several decades and has kept improving toward project life-cycle management. It is found through virtual interview that existing activities or facilities similar to those of the PforR have been subjected to EIA and follow-up supervision to avoid, reduce, and mitigate adverse environmental impacts. The system is deemed satisfactory and basically complies with the World Bank’s core principles. Appendix 8 provides generic mitigation measures for addressing potential adverse environmental impacts 42 of main activities under the PforR Program. During the program implementation, a program implementation plan (PIP) is to be developed, which will include a detailed environmental and safety code of conduct (ESCOP), which can refer to the generic mitigation measures listed in Appendix 8. These mitigation measures and ESCOP with estimated cost shall be included into the bidding documents for contractors to take specific actions. 4.3 Pollution Control System 4.3.1 Environmental Management for Livestock Farming and Slaughtering 72． Pollution control in livestock production was initiated relatively later in China. Since entering the twenty-first century, based on the ‘EPL’ and various pollution prevention and control laws ‘Animal Husbandry Law’, in combination with the needs of environmental management, the State has successively issued a pollution prevention and control laws, regulations, policies, standards, and norms related to livestock and poultry breeding, livestock and poultry slaughter, livestock and poultry manure treatment, and comprehensive utilization, to strengthen environment management of pollution prevention and control in livestock and poultry farming. 4.3.1.1 Applicable Legal Framework Table 4-6: A List of Main Laws and Regulations on Livestock Sector Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications Law of the PRC on Water NPC issued in 1984, Livestock and poultry farms and farming zones shall build Pollution Prevention and 2nd revised in 2017 comprehensive utilization or sanitary treatment facilities for Control livestock and poultry feces and wastewater and ensure the normal operation of the facilities and the discharge of effluents meeting the standard. Law of the PRC on the NPC issued in 2004, In large-scale livestock and poultry farming, solid wastes Prevention and Control of 3rd revised in 2020 such as livestock and poultry manure generated in the Environmental Pollution by farming process should be collected, stored, utilized, or Solid Waste disposed of on time to avoid environmental pollution. Law of the PRC on the NPC issued in 1987, Livestock and poultry farms and farming zones shall Prevention and Control of 2nd revised in 2018 promptly collect, store, clear, and dispose of wastewater, Atmospheric Pollution livestock, and poultry feces and carcasses and prevent the emission of malodorous gases. Law of the PRC on the NPC issued in 2018 Strengthen the supervision of the collection, storage, Prevention Soil Pollution utilization, and disposal of livestock and poultry manure, biogas residue, and biogas slurry to prevent soil pollution. Law of the PRC on Animal NPC issued in 2005, Livestock farming. One of the conditions that livestock and Husbandry amended in 2022 poultry farms and farming zones shall have is the facilities and equipment suitable for the sanitary treatment and resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure. Livestock and poultry farms shall ensure the normal operation of facilities for the sanitary treatment and resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure, ensure the comprehensive utilization of livestock and poultry manure or discharge meeting standards, and prevent environmental pollution. Where illegal discharge of waste material causes environmental pollution hazards, the hazards shall be 43 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications eliminated, and compensation shall be made according to law. Slaughtering: The State implements a system of designated site for slaughtering of live pigs. Livestock and poultry other than live pigs may be slaughtered at designated points. Regulation on Pollution SC issued in 2013 Animal husbandry development planning shall take into Prevention and Control of account the environmental carrying capacity and the Scaled Livestock and requirements for pollution prevention and control of Poultry Production livestock and poultry farming and scientifically determine the variety, scale, and total amount of livestock and poultry farming. Livestock and poultry farms and farming zones shall, according to the scale of farming and the needs of pollution prevention and control, install sanitary facilities for separating manure, wastewater from storm water, storing, bio-digesting, composting manure or processing the manure into organic fertilizer or biogas, storing and treating wastewater, comprehensive disposal, or utilization of animal carcasses. Only if livestock farms or farming zones have contracted with the third parties for comprehensive utilization and sanitary treatment of livestock and poultry farming wastes, the farms or farming zones may not be required to build or install facilities for comprehensive utilization and sanitary treatment may not be built on their own. The State encourages and supports the comprehensive utilization of livestock and poultry farming waste by returning manure to the field, producing biogas, and producing organic fertilizers. Technical Policy on Ministry of It stipulates the general principles of "source reduction, clean Pollution Control of Environmental production, comprehensive utilization of resources, and Livestock and Poultry Protection (the prevention of secondary pollution" for the treatment of Sector former MEE) issued livestock and poultry manure. in 2010 Regulations on the SC issued in 1997, The State implements a system of designated sites for administration of pig 4th amended in 2021 slaughtering of live pigs. One of the conditions that a slaughter customized slaughterhouse should meet is that it has inspection equipment, disinfection facilities, and pollution prevention measures that meet the requirements of environmental protection. Measures for the GPPG issued in 2005 The conditions for the establishment of designated Administration of Livestock slaughterhouses (plants) of cattle and sheep shall include (a) Slaughtering in Gansu the site selection, layout, and construction shall meet the Province requirements for epidemic prevention and environmental protection stipulated in the Law of the PRC on Animal Epidemic Prevention; (b) there should be lairage for reception of animals before slaughtering, slaughtering rooms, and sanitary treatment facilities for diseased animals, wastewater, feces, and bedding grass proportionate to the slaughtering capacity; and (c) slaughterhouse ground shall be an impermeable layer with no less than 1 meter cement wall skirt, and the operation process shall be reasonable to prevent cross-contamination. Opinions of the Ministry of Ministry of The standardized production of livestock and poultry implies 44 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications Agriculture on Accelerating Agriculture (the siting livestock farms or farming zones, constructing the Standardization of former MARA) livestock sheds and other facilities, selecting good verities large-scale livestock and issued in 2010 for breeding, feeding and other inputs, ensuring animal Poultry Farming health and preventing epidemic, sanitary treating wastes and organizing producing process by strictly implementing relevant laws, regulations and standards to achieve improved livestock and poultry production with good verities, sound farming facilities, standardized production, systematized epidemic prevention, sanitary manure treatment, and normal supervision. MARA promotes a shift to large-scale intensive livestock production through government guidance, policy support, and market-driven initiatives to lay a good foundation for effective prevention and control pollution from the livestock sector. Relevant National Policies, or Livestock and Poultry Farm Scale Standards and Filing Specifications, Standards Management Measures (Trial) (Draft for Comment) (2023); Standards for Supervision and Inspection of Pig slaughterhouses (plants); Environmental Quality Standards for Livestock Farms (NY or T 388-1999); Pollutant Discharge Standard of Livestock and Poultry Industry (GB 18596-2001), Technical Specification for Pollution Prevention and Control of Livestock and Poultry Industry (HJ or T 81-2001), Technical Specification for Sanitary Treatment of Livestock and Poultry Manure (GB or T 36195-2018); Notice on Further Clarifying the Requirements on Returning Livestock Manure to Field with Strengthened the Supervision of Pollution from Livestock Sector (2020); Technical Specification for Composting Livestock Manure (NY or T3442-2019); Technical Specification for Returning Livestock Manure to Field (GBT25246-2010); Technical Specification for Pollution Control Project of Livestock and Poultry Industry (HJ497-20) 09); "Technical Guide for Estimating the Carrying Capacity of Livestock and Poultry Waste Land" (2018); and so on Gansu Provincial and or Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Local Rules or Regulations Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management (2007), Measures for the Administration of livestock Slaughter in Gansu Province (2005), Application Conditions and Acceptance procedures for Livestock Slaughtering at Designated Site in Gansu Province, Notice of the General Office of the MARA and MEE on Further Clarifying the Requirements for Returning Livestock and Poultry Manure to the Field and Strengthening the Supervision of Pollution from Livestock Sector (2020), and so on. 4.3.1.2 Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures 73． To implement the abovementioned laws and regulations on livestock and poultry breeding, China has established and is gradually improving the relevant implementation mechanisms, which are listed in Table 4-7. 45 Table 4-7: Mechanism for Pollution Control in Livestock Sector Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Pollution (a) Prepare local livestock and poultry farming pollution control plans. (b) Establish prevention prohibited zones, restricted zones, and farming zones to properly site farms. (c) Construction, expansion, or upgrading of livestock and poultry farms or manure treatment facilities should follow relevant government plans and EIA requirements. Pollution (a) Reduction: Scientific manure cleaning methods (for example, dry-and-wet manure management separation, wastewater and storm water separation, dry manure collection, biological fermentation bed) are proposed to reduce wastewater and odor generation. (b) Treatment: Discharge of treated effluent or emission should comply with applicable national and or local standards. (c) Utilization: Comprehensive use of manure is encouraged such as applying manure to farmland or using manure to make organic fertilizer or biogas. Applying manure to farmland as fertilizers must match the farmland carrying capacity. Third-party professional entities should be engaged to accomplish manure utilization or disposal when the farms cannot find sufficient farmland to carry their manure. Biogas residues and slurry can be applied to farmland as fertilizers following sufficient treatment. (d) Sanitary disposal, dead and diseased animals, and related products should be disposed of by means of deep burying, rendering, incineration, and sterilization by autoclaving. Integrated Integrated utilization of manure by returning it to farmland, producing biogas, and utilization manufacturing organic fertilizer is highly supported; combine crops cultivation with livestock farming for returning manure matching the farmland carrying capacity. Encourage entities to act as a third party to provide service on manure collection, transfer, and farmland application. Upgrade the level of facilities and equipment and implement the mechanized return of livestock and poultry manure to the farmland. Strengthen supervision of commercial organic fertilizer products with livestock and poultry manure as the main raw material and promote the development of green organic geographical indication agro- food. Entity Enterprises, cooperatives, farmers, and herdsmen engaged in livestock sector are the main responsibility entities responsible for the utilization of manure and pollution prevention and control and should build facilities for the sanitary treatment and resource utilization of manure, ensure the normal operation of the facilities, and provide adequate farmland proportionated to caring capacity for application of manure. Third-party professional entities should be engaged to accomplish manure utilization or sanitary disposal. 4.3.1.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 74． ARABs are the competent authorities responsible for guiding, serving, and regulatory of livestock and poultry manure treatment and resource utilization. At the county level, livestock sections (one to four staff) under ARABs are responsible for day-to-day management of manure treatment and utilization facilities. They conduct site inspections at least once a month while providing guiding services. The county ARABs develop implementation plans for treating and utilizing manure and conduct regulatory assignment jointly with local EEBs, WRBs, and town or township governments and guide livestock farms or farming zones to upgrade their facilities on the manure resource utilization. • Registration for endorsement. As per Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management (2007), livestock farms or farming zones will have priority enjoy the relevant national and provincial support policies if they have registered for ARAB endorsement. Information for registration include selected site for livestock farming, production zones, animal epidemic prevention conditions reached, facilities used for sanitary treatment and resources utilization 46 of manure and dead and diseased animals, agreement signed for applying manure to farmland as fertilizer, EIA documents, pollutant monitoring data and so on, ARABs at the county, municipal and provincial levels shall review and examine this information. With this registered information, ARABs are able to effectively supervise and manage livestock manure. • Direct connection and reporting. A Livestock Farms Direct Connection and Reporting Information Platform is a livestock production management assessment information platform organized and developed by the National Livestock Station in 2018 based on the internet and the internet of things (IoT). It has the function of big data collection and reporting and cloud computing monitoring of production. All the livestock farms registered in the county ARAB system are required to fill in their farming scale, pollutant treatment facilities, and volume or amount of pollutants generated into the platform. The county ARABs can effectively monitor the number of animal husbandry and the resource utilization of livestock and poultry manure through the system platform. 75． EEBs. Livestock farms and farming zones, slaughterhouse and meet processing are subject to environmental management such as EIA, pollution discharge permitting, and so on. Information such as breeding varieties, farming capacity, volume of waste produced, discharged during livestock farming, and integrated utilization of waste is also registered for EEB endorsement. The county EPL enforcement team (about 10 staff) regularly inspects and supervises the livestock farming facilities by means of ‘double random, one open’ to assist and urge the livestock farms or farming zones to fully implement the primary responsibility for pollution prevention and control. • EIA system implementation. In accordance with local national laws and regulations on pollution prevention and control and EIA, EEBs conduct review and approval or endorsement of EIA documents (documents cover detailed analysis and assessment of waste and sanitary treatment facilities) for projects and construction of large-scale livestock farms and farming zones, slaughtering and processing plants, veterinary laboratories, animal product quality and safety testing labs, dead and diseased animal disposal centers, livestock product deep processing, storage, transportation and distribution facilities, and related medical waste treatment centers. EEBs also manage environmental acceptance check at construction completion and provide supervision during and after the event (see Section 4.2 for details). • Pollution discharge permitting system implementation. Pollution discharge permitting system is a basic system in China's eco-environment governance mechanism, which plays a key role in connecting the ‘three simultaneous’ environmental protection and improving the post-management of environmental protection. As per Catalogue of Classified Management of Discharge Permits for Fixed Pollution Sources (2019 edition) issued by MEE, EEBs carry out focus management, general management, and registration management for large-scale farms and farming zones, slaughtering, meat processing, feed processing, and other facilities (as listed in Table 4-5). The E&S team noticed in its site visits during October 2023 that the large-scale farms and farming zones in the seven program counties (districts) have achieved zero emission of manure (by return to the farmland as fertilizer) without fixed effluent outlets; therefore, these farms and farming zones are only required to register in a local EEB pollution discharge permitting management platform for endorsement by filling data such as entities basic data, where or how pollutants go or treated, applicable pollution discharge standards, and measures taken for controlling pollution. It is not necessary for them to apply for and be issued of pollution discharge permits. Enterprises operating slaughterhouses and meat processing facilities need to apply for permits to discharge pollutants. The permits will state clearly whether they are subject to focus management, general management, or registration management depending on scales of their facilities. With information documented in the 47 pollution discharge permits or recorded in the registration, EEBs and ARABs will be capable of regulatory to the operation of these facilities. 76． In terms of resource utilization of livestock manure, county ARABs and EEBs are staffed with sufficient funding budget to conduct supervision management of pollution prevention and control and great progress has been made. During the field visits to the four sample counties (Lanzhou New District, Guazhou County, Sunan County, and Jingchuan County in Gansu Province), the E&S team witnessed that various facilities or ways for sanitarily treating and utilizing livestock manure were implemented in livestock farms visited: (a) The large-scale livestock farms can basically treat and utilize livestock manure effectively. For example, in a large-scale livestock farming project located in the rural revitalization industrial park of Lanzhou New District (with farming capacity of 20,000 head of dairy cow after two phases of construction), manure was delivered through pipelines to a black file tank for fermentation. After dehydration and desulfurization, the biogas generated from the fermentation tank was treated by means of internal combustion. After the separation of biogas slurry, the solid was fermented and used as organic fertilizer and applied to farmland surrounding the farm. Wastewater from the black file tank was treated by an on-site treatment station and the treated effluents were applied to farmland surrounding the farm. The enterprise operating this farm has gone through all environmental management procedures, including the preparation of the EIA report that was approved by EEB, the environmental acceptance check at construction completion, keeping a ledger of manure treatment and utilization, and monitoring odor and treated effluent as specified in its pollution discharge permit to ensure monitored data compliance with applicable discharging standards. (b) Some of small- to medium-scale livestock farming zones with capacity reaching scale 13 defined in ‘Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management (2007)’ that are operated by cooperatives or smallholders have inadequate manure treatment and utilization and animals’ disease control facilities. Some of these use open-air manure stacking sheds with low processing levels. Some lack corresponding operational procedures and internal management systems. In comparison with ‘Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management (2007)’, there is room for improvement in small- to medium-scale livestock farming zones in terms of hardware facilities and internal management system. 77． Meanwhile, the 14th Five-Year Plan for Pollution Control of Livestock and Poultry Farming was developed at the Gansu provincial, municipal, and county levels. For example, in the same plan developed by Guazhou County in October 2022, the objectives, tasks, and key areas for pollution prevention and control of livestock and poultry farming are clarified. The requirements for the construction of pollution control facilities are determined, and pollution prevention and control measures such as the comprehensive utilization of livestock and poultry manure are determined. It is planned that by 2025, the comprehensive utilization rate of livestock and poultry manure will be increased from 83 percent to more than 85 percent, the rate of installed equipment for livestock and poultry farm manure treatment will be increased from 83 percent to 100 percent, the rate of ledges of livestock and poultry farm manure resource utilization will be increased from 70 percent to more than 85 percent, and the self-monitoring coverage rate of livestock and poultry farms that meet the discharge standards will reach 100 percent. 13As per Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management, the scale of a livestock farming zone is defined as raising 200–300 basic sows or 1,500–3,000 fattened marketable pigs (including breeding pigs) per year; raising and breeding 100–150 beef cattle (cows) or 300–500 beef cattle per year; raising and breeding 300–500 ewes or 1,000–1,500 meat sheep per year; raising 10,000 to 20,000 laying hens. 48 4.3.1.4 Brief Summary 78． China and Gansu Province have a relatively complete legal system and institutional setup in terms of livestock manure treatment and resource utilization. Particularly, since the beginning of the twenty-first century, the relevant departments of the nation, Gansu Province, and local governments have issued policies, regulations, management methods, planning, and technical guidelines or norms related to pollution control in livestock and poultry farming and animal slaughter and processing, guiding the shift from traditional decentralized farming to centralized, intensive, and standardized livestock production, which combines livestock farming with crop cultivation to be more green and circular. This management system is qualified to better manage the impact of pollution from livestock sector and is in line with the World Bank Group’s (WBG’s) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines for Mammalian Livestock Production and the Meat Processing, covering good international industrial practice (GIIP) for environmental protection in livestock production and agro-food processing. To further improve and standardize the hardware facilities of small- and medium-scale livestock farming zones in pollution prevention and control and improve the internal management mechanisms or procedures of livestock cooperatives operating the farming zones, enabling them to achieve the relevant standards set forth in the Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management (2007), it is recommended to document good practices and experiences from various counties in the prevention and control of livestock pollution and share this information with small and medium livestock farming facilities operators to help them prepare pollution control measures that can be included into the Environmental and Safety Code of Procedures (ESCOP). Also, the implementation of the PforR can be utilized to equip the necessary waste treatment facilities and incorporate them into the PIP. Appendix 8 lists generic mitigation measures for managing adverse E&S impacts which can be referred to by small and medium farming zones to prepare their ESCOP. 4.3.2 Environmental Management for Artificial Forage Cultivation and Feed Processing 79． The varieties of artificial forage in Gansu Province mainly include perennial and annual crops such as alfalfa, oats, and forage corn. Artificial forage cultivation involves irrigation, fertilization, use of agricultural mulch film, forage crop protection, and prevention of pests and diseases, and there is potential for the prevention and control of agricultural NPS pollution caused by excessive or unreasonable fertilization of fertilizers and pesticides, including nutrient and fertilizer management, pest and pesticide management, and irrigation water quality management. Forage production produces nearly no straw waste but involves non-crop waste management. Other crop straw can be used as animal feed, although feed processing will emit dust. With the deepening of China's ecological civilization construction and the concept of green agricultural development, China is accelerating the construction of agricultural and rural ecological environmental protection systems, including agricultural NPS pollution, integrated prevention and control of crop diseases and pests, and crop waste management and safety management systems closely related to forage cultivation and feed processing activities under the PforR. 4.3.2.1 Applicable Legal Framework 80． The main applicable laws and regulations on artificial forage cultivation and feed processing are listed in Table 4-8. 49 Table 4-8: Main Laws and Regulations on Forage Cultivation and Feed Processing Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications 1．Nutrient and fertilizer management - prevention and control agricultural NPS pollution and soil degradation due to over-fertilization Law of the PRC on NPC issued in The law stipulated that the production and operation of fertilizers Agriculture 1993 and 2nd shall be subject to a registration or licensing system in accordance amended in with the provisions of relevant laws and administrative regulations. December 2012 Rational use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural mulch film, as well as increased use of organic fertilizers, to prevent the pollution to farmland and soil fertility decline. Measures for the Ministry of The registration and management system for fertilizer products Administration of Agriculture issued shall be implemented. Unregistered fertilizer products shall not be Fertilizer Registration in 2006, amended imported, produced, sold, or used, nor shall they be advertised. by MARA in Before applying for fertilizer registration, producers conduct 2022 standardized field tests in China and pass the evaluation of the fertilizer chemistry, the fertilizer efficiency, and safety organized by MARA. If the registered fertilizer is proved to be harmful to people, livestock, and crops within the validity period of the registration, it shall be deliberated by the fertilizer registration and evaluation committee and announced to be restricted or prohibited from use by MARA. Action Plan on Zero Ministry of The plan sets the goal of zero growth of chemical fertilizer use for Growth of Chemical Agriculture issued major crops by 2020 in view of excessive and blind application of Fertilizer Use by 2020 in 2015 chemical fertilizer. It also puts forward action plans such as promoting soil tested formula fertilization, improving fertilization methods, promoting the use of efficient slow-release fertilizers, and increasing organic fertilizer application. Technical Guidelines Ministry of The guidelines set forth the principles, control technical measures, for Environmental Environmental and management measures for the environmentally safe use of Safety of Chemical Protection issued chemical fertilizers, focusing on reducing the use of chemical Fertilizer Use in 2010 fertilizers, their loss, and NPS pollution. Implementation Plan MARA and MEE It is planned to further promote the prevention and control of for Agricultural NPS jointly issued in agricultural NPS pollution such as the reduction of chemical Pollution Control and 2021 fertilizers and pesticides, the comprehensive utilization of straw, the Supervision and recycling of agricultural mulch film, and the treatment of livestock Guidance (Trial) manure. It is also planned to improve laws and regulations, standards, optimize economic policies, establish a pluralistic model of co-governance, carry out investigation and monitoring of agricultural pollution sources, assess the environmental impact of agricultural NPS pollution, and build a monitoring platform for agricultural NPS pollution. Other relevant national or In addition, a large number of sector laws and regulations cover the laws and regulations rational use of chemical fertilizers and the reduction of environmental pollution, including the EPL, the Water Pollution Prevention and Control Law, the Agricultural Technology Extension Law, the Marine EPL, the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Law, and so on. Gansu Provincial Regulations of Gansu Province on the Protection of Agro- relevant regulations Ecological Environment (2007) 50 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications 2．Pests14 and pesticide use Regulations on Crop SC issued in 2020 The prevention and control of crop diseases and pests is guided by Pests Prevention and the principle of prevention first followed by comprehensive control. Control The government shall take the leadership and local authorities shall take responsibility within its jurisdiction to apply green prevention and control approaches supported by scientific and technological technologies to manage pesticides in the manner that are classified. Information technology and biotechnology should be applied to promote intelligent and green control crop pests. The use of green technologies, advanced spraying equipment, and safe and efficient pesticides should be encouraged. The government encourages and supports specialized pest control service organizations through government purchase of services and encourages them to use green prevention and control technologies. Measures for the MRAR issued in ARABs at or above county levels shall strengthen the management Administration of 2021 of specialized service15 organizations for the prevention and control Specialized Services for of crop pests and provide them with technical training, guidance, the Control of Crop and service for specialized pests prevention and control to Pests standardizes their service behavior. Field operators of specialized service organizations shall be able to correctly identify crop diseases and insect pests in the service area with knowledge on correct scope, methods, intervals of various pesticides applications, as well as the knowledge of safety protection in-field operations. Field operators of specialized service organizations shall correctly use the application machinery and related articles for crop pest control, provide specialized services for the prevention and control of pests by taking comprehensive measures (such as agricultural, physical, biological, and chemical measures), and apply pesticides scientifically in accordance with the relevant regulations on the safe use of pesticides. Technical Guidelines MARA developed To build a technical system supporting the green development of for Green Agricultural in 2018 agriculture and vigorously promote the construction of ecological Development (2018- civilization and the green development of agriculture, the guideline 2030) proposed a number of important tasks related to the development of green inputs, including research and development of green production technology, development of green value added technology, and so on, in terms of research and development focus, integrated demonstration, promotion, and application. The important tasks include the application and extension of environmental-friendly high-efficient fertilizer, pesticides, and biological agents, technologies on agricultural NPS pollution control, fertilizer and pesticide use reduction, efficiency improvement, agricultural waste recycling, and so on. Pesticide Management SC issued in 1997, Pesticide producers and sellers have responsibility for the safety Regulations 2nd amended in and quality of their pesticide products and should accept 2022 government and public supervision. The government should 14Crop pests here refer to diseases, insects, grass, rats, and other harmful organisms that farm to crops and their products. 15Specialized control service for crop pest refers to behavior of specialized control service organizations providing crop pests control services for agricultural producers and operators. 51 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications encourage and support the research, production, and use of safe, efficient, and economical pesticides, promote the specialized use of pesticides, and promote the upgrading of the pesticide industry. The government should promote biological and physical approaches in pest control and encourage to use advanced spray equipment to reduce pesticide use. Pesticide producers and sellers are subject to pesticide registration and permitting requirements. Pesticide users are asked to follow specifications when applying pesticides. ARABs should regularly oversee pesticide production, sale, and use. Pesticide users shall protect the environment, beneficial organisms, and rare species and shall not discard pesticides, pesticide packages, or clean application instruments in drinking water source protection areas or river courses. Action Plan on Zero Ministry of To address the issue of high production cost, pesticide residue of Growth of Pesticides Agriculture products exceeding applicable standard, environmental pollution Use by 2020 developed in 2015 due to excessive application, and unscientific application of pesticides, the plan set up the goals on green prevention and control, unified control, and scientific application of pesticides and strives to achieve zero growth of total pesticide use. Management Measures MARA, MEE Pesticide producers and operators are required to perform the on Recycling and issued jointly in corresponding pesticide packaging waste recycling obligations in Disposal of Pesticides 2020 accordance with the principle of "who produces, manages, and who Packaging Waste recycling" and take effective measures to guide pesticide users to return pesticide packaging waste in time. Other relevant national or In terms of pesticide safety management, the relevant laws and laws and regulations regulations include the Agricultural Product Quality Safety Law, the Food Safety Law, the Regulations on the Administration of Hazardous Chemicals, the Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Registration, the Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Production Licensing, the Measures for the Administration of Pesticide Business Licensing, and technical norms such as the Code for the Safe Use of Pesticides and the Technical Guidelines for the Environmental Safety of Pesticide Use. At the same time, MARA also regularly updates the ‘List of Prohibited Pesticides’ and dynamically updates the pro hibited and restricted pesticides. These laws and regulations directly or indirectly put forward requirements for the safety management of pesticides and constitute the legal framework of pesticide management system. Gansu Relevant 2020 Gansu Action Plan on Zero Growth of Pesticides Use by 2020 regulations 3．Agricultural wastes management Measures for the State Areas with concentrated population, important transportation Administration of Straw Environmental facilities, and nature reserves are prohibited from straw burning, Burning Ban and Protection taking town or township as burning ban zone. It is encouraged to Comprehensive Administration make comprehensive utilization of straw. Utilization issued in 1999 Agricultural Mulch MARA, the Agricultural mulch film producers and sellers should establish and Film Management Ministry of keep mulch film sales records; farm owners, farmer cooperatives, 52 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications Regulations Industry and and other users should establish and keep use records; mulch film Information collection and recycling entities should keep collection and Technology, MEE, recycling records; and mulch film users should pick up mulch film State residues on time and deliver them to collectors or recycling Administration for enterprises instead of dumping, burying, or burning them. Market Regulation jointly issued in 2020 Measures for the MARA, MEE Pesticide producers and operators are required to fulfill the Management of jointly issued in corresponding obligation of recycling pesticide packaging waste in Recycling and Disposal 2020 accordance with the principle of "who produces and manages, who of Pesticide Packaging recycles" and take effective measures to guide pesticide users to Waste return pesticide packaging waste on time. Guidance on the MARA issued in Overall consideration and coordination with the recycling and Recycling and 2020 treatment of pesticide packaging waste to implement classified Treatment of Fertilizer disposal. Pesticide producers, sellers, and users shall bear their Packaging Waste respective obligations in collection and recycling under the principle of "who produces, who recycles, who sells, who recycles, who uses, who recycles." National Hazardous MARA, 2021 Packaging materials that are in direct contact with pesticides or Waste Catalogue edition contain pesticide residues that are discarded after the use of pesticides shall be managed as hazardous waste,16 unless they are collected and transferred to a set centralized storage point in accordance with the Measures for the Management of Recycling and Treatment of Pesticide Packaging Waste (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Management Measures’); pesticide packages are exempted from hazardous waste if they are collected, transported, and disposed of as required. Recycling process of pesticide packages by entities which reuse them in accordance with the requirement of the ‘Management Measures’ are exempted from hazardous waste management. Disposal process pesticide packages by means of sanitary landfill for domestic solid waste are also exempted from hazardous waste management. The 14th Five-Year MARA, NDRC, Promote the utilization of straw as fertilizer, feed, fuel, base Plan for National Ministry of material, and raw materials, strictly prohibit burning and control, Agricultural Green Science and and prevent regional air pollution caused by straw burning. Development Technologies, Ministry of Natural Resource (MNR), MEE, National Forestry and Grassland Administration 16As per the measures for the management of recycling and treatment of pesticide packaging waste (hereinafter referred to as the ‘management measures’), if pesticide packages are collected and transferred to the designated site for centralized storage po ints, the process of collection is exempted from hazardous waste, and the process of transferring is exempted from hazardous waste if they meet transportation conditions specified in the management measures. Recycling process of pesticide packages by entities who reuse them satisfying the requirement of the ‘management measures’ are exempted from hazardous waste management. Disposal process pesticide packages by means of sanitary landfill for domestic solid waste are also exempted from hazardous waste management. 53 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy or Time Standards, and Specifications (NFGA) developed in 2021 Relevant Gansu or Gansu Province on Implementation Plan for Further Strengthening Provincial regulations Plastic Pollution Control, Gansu Provincial Implementation Plan for Pesticide Packaging Waste Recycling and Treatment, Gansu Provincial Regulation on Agricultural Mulch film Recycling, and so on. 4.3.2.2 Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures 81． Mechanisms for controlling pollution form forage cultivation and feed processing are listed in Table 4-9. Table 4-9: Mechanisms for Controlling Pollution form Forage Cultivation and Feed Processing Implementation Mechanisms Description or Procedures Mechanism of fertilizers As per Measures for the Administration of Fertilizer Registration, MARA is registration responsible for nationwide fertilizer registration review, issuance of registration and approval certificate, publicity, and regulatory management of fertilizers. Only the registered fertilizers can be produced. Chemical fertilizer producing and selling activities are not subject to permitting requirements like pesticides; instead, they are produced and sold in a market-based manner. Producers and sellers manage their activities in line with market rules. The general practice is to sell to farmers through agricultural material companies at all levels and agricultural technology extension stations, soil fertilizer stations, plant protection stations, or sales agents. Approaches on nutrient BRARs at all levels issued guidelines on scientific fertilization of major crops management and chemical and set up teams of fertilizer experts to provide technical guidance on managing fertilizer use reduction and nutrient and fertilizer use reduction and efficiency improvement. Main efficiency improvement approaches includes (a) advancing test-based fertilization with formula constantly improved; (b) planting green manures to promote energy saving an low-carbon agricultural development; (c) replacing chemical fertilizer with organic fertilizer or mixture of the two; (d) promoting returning straw to the field to maximize the substitution and reduction of potassium fertilizer; (e) optimizing composition of fertilizers by means of application of special formula fertilizers (for example, alkaline fertilizer [applicable to Hunan where soil is dominated by acidic red soil], water-soluble fertilizer, and soil conditioner, selected rationally according to soil, role, nutrient demand of crops, and local ecosystem); (f) improving fertilization methods, such as water integrated water and fertilizer management, deeper mechanical fertilization, foliar fertilization, and so on; (g) emphasizing provision of technical training. Fertilizer package They are subject to integrated management considering the following: management (a) Scope of management. All packages of chemical, organic, microbiological, and water-soluble fertilizers should be properly managed. (b) Responsible entities. Fertilizer producers, sellers and users should take the lead in fertilizer packages recycling. Fertilizer producers and sellers should set up specific facilities to keep collected fertilizer packages. Farming service agencies, marketing cooperatives, and recycling enterprises are encouraged to participate in collection and recycling of fertilizer packages. 54 Implementation Mechanisms Description or Procedures (c) Recycling approaches. Reusable packages should be collected by users, recycled by sellers, and utilized by professional enterprises, and nonreusable packages can enter local rural solid waste systems or pesticide package management systems. (d) Source reduction. Fertilizer producers are encouraged to use large-volume recyclable packages and recoverable reused packages. (e) Social services. It is promoting socialized fertilizer formulation and application services, providing large-volume package of fertilizers to large- scale sellers, and encouraging unified fertilization service to large pieces of farmland and so on. Pesticide producer The State implements a licensing system for pesticide production. Pesticide management producer must be the holder of pesticide production license and should apply for a registration certificate for each pesticide product that provides basic information such as the pesticide name, ingredients, toxicity, scope of application, usage and dose, valid period, certificate holder, and reference number. A pesticide product must pass a quality test and obtain a qualification certificate before entering the market. The pesticide label should give key information of the product. Pesticide producer should keep sale records for at least two years and recycle pesticide packages as per government requirements. Pesticide packaging shall comply with the relevant provisions of the State, and wasted pesticide packages shall be recycled. Pesticide seller management The State implements a licensing system for pesticide selling, sellers must hold pesticide management licenses issued by ARAB at or above the county level and have staff with professional education background or 56-hour on-the-job training certifications in the field of agriculture, plant protection, pesticide, or other related subjects. Pesticide seller should have suitable selling and storage spaces and facilities, proper systems and regulations on recording, safety management, emergency response, storage management, waste recovery and disposal, technical instruction, and so on. Pesticide seller should not buy pesticides from any producer that does not have a pesticide production permit or any pesticide seller that does not have a pesticide selling permit and should not process or sub-package any pesticides. Pesticide seller should explain the scope, method, dose, requirement, and precautions about pesticide application to buyers and recycle pesticide packages. Pesticide user management Pesticide user should strictly follow the specifications on pesticide application scope, function, dose, methods, and precautions and should not apply pesticide beyond the specifications. Users are not allowed to use any prohibited pesticides and apply any pesticides in drinking water source protection areas or dump pesticides or pesticide packages in drinking water source protection areas or rivers. Reduced use of pesticides (a) Improvement of technique and use of new pesticide application devices: for example, using drones to increase spraying efficiency; (b) selection of pesticides to vigorously promote high-efficiency, low-toxicity, and low-residue pesticides by following the latest Recommended Catalogue of Scientific Use of Pesticides for Pest Control of Major Crops published by Hunan Provincial DRAR; (c) green pest control: combining multiple ways such as agronomic methods (for example, plowing), ecological methods (for example, improving soil environment, removing weeds), physical methods (for example, pest killer lamps, food or sexual attractants, insect nets, sticky colored boards), and biological methods (for example, ladybirds against aphids, microorganisms, and other biological pesticides); (d) promotion and increasing the coverage of specialized organization to provide prevention and control service, and (e) pesticide source control: ARABs at the county level (who have agricultural comprehensive law enforcement brigade) supervises and inspects the license of 55 Implementation Mechanisms Description or Procedures pesticide operators, pesticide quality, and safety and conducts training for pesticide users. Crop straw management and (a) Straw burning ban management: delimit area for straw burning ban where multi-purpose utilization fire is monitored for fire warning and response; (b) fertilizer utilization: use straw as fertilizer by returning decomposed or bio-reacted straw to farmland or processing straw into organic fertilizer production, and so on; (c) feed utilization: use straw as silage, or processed into granulated feed by means of ammoniating; (d) energy utilization: promote straw bio gasification, pyrolysis gasification, curing molding, carbonization, direct combustion for power generation, biomass energy utilization; (e) utilization of straw as culture base for mushroom cultivation or seedlings by means of biochemical technology; and (f) raw material utilization: using straw as raw material to produce non-wood pulp paper, xylitol, packaging materials, degradable films, tableware, artificial plates, composite materials, woven products, and so on. Agricultural mulch film With support from the government, farmers and agricultural operators are management required to pick up the agricultural mulch films at farmlands, store them in collection outlets at the village level, and have them recycled by township enterprises. Users, collection outlets, and township recycling enterprise of agricultural mulch films shall establish ledgers. Measures oriented for managing agricultural mulch film include (a) reduced use: promote the rational application of mulching technology, strengthen the exploration of the crop rotation system, and demonstrate and promote technologies such as multi-use of one piece of film and inter-row mulching; (b) standardization: introduce and implement local standards for mulching film and promote the application of thicker mulching film above 0.01 mm; (c) film picking mechanization: strengthen the research and development of agricultural mulch film recycling machinery and technology integration; and (d) specialized recycling: support specialized social service organizations or enterprises to provide service on agricultural mulch film recycling and processing. Pesticides packaging waste As per the latest Hazardous Waste Catalogue, pesticide packaging waste is no management longer collected, transported, and processed as hazardous waste if it meets the national exemption conditions, but it needs to be properly managed through the following mechanisms: (a) Recycling. Packaging directly contacting with pesticides or containing residues of pesticides, including bottles, cans, drums, bags, and so on, that are discarded after the use of pesticides (b) Entities responsible for recycling and treatment. Pesticide producers, operators, and users are the main entities responsible for pesticide packaging waste recycling, the first two of whom shall not refuse to accept the packaging waste produced and sold by them and take effective measures to guide pesticide users to return pesticide packaging waste on time by setting up recycling devices for pesticide packaging waste recycling. Pesticide users shall collect pesticide packaging waste in time and return it to pesticide seller or pesticide packaging waste recycling sites and shall not discard it at will. (c) Approaches for collection, storage, transportation, and treatment. The layout of the recycling site should be designed to cover pesticide production enterprises, pesticide stores, large-scale planting bases, agricultural parks, large pesticide users, cooperatives, and administrative villages. In principle, a temporary storage point for pesticide packaging waste should be established in each administrative village group, a transfer point for pesticide packaging waste should be established in each township, and a centralized storage point for pesticide packaging waste should be established in each county. Use rural waste recycling and disposal system 56 Implementation Mechanisms Description or Procedures to transfer regularly. Encourage and support the resource utilization of pesticide packaging waste (such as garbage power generation, manufacturing sewer manhole covers and underground pipelines). Others that are not utilization, shall be disposed of legally by means of landfilling, incineration, and other sanitary treatment. (d) Recycling and treatment costs. The costs shall be borne by the corresponding pesticide producers and operators. If the pesticide producer or operator is unclear, the disposal expenses shall be paid by the local people's government at the county level. (e) Source reduction. Pesticide producers are encouraged to use packaging that is easy to recycle and dispose of, water-soluble polymer packaging, or packaging that is degradable in the environment. Aluminum foil packaging shall be phased out, and the use of large-capacity packaging will be encouraged for easy to recycling. (f) Social services. Industry associations are encouraged to play a role in organizing and coordinating providing technical guidance and services in the recycling and treatment of pesticide packaging waste, and specialized service institutions are encouraged and supported to carry out the recycling and treatment of pesticide packaging waste. Fertilizers packaging waste Fertilizers packaging waste can be managed through the following: management (a) Recycling. Including chemical fertilizers, organic fertilizers, microbial fertilizers, water-soluble fertilizers, soil conditioners, and other fertilizer packaging waste (b) Entities responsible for recycling. Fertilizer producers, operators, and users are the main entities responsible for fertilizer packaging waste recycling, the first two of whom shall set up recycling devices for fertilizer packaging waste recycling. Agricultural production service organizations, supply and marketing cooperatives, and renewable resources enterprises are encouraged to carry out fertilizer packaging waste recycling. (c) Approaches for collection, storage, transportation, and treatment. Fertilizer packaging waste with reuse value is collected by users, recycled by market players, and reprocessed by enterprises. The waste with no reuse value can be included in the rural garbage collection and disposal system or the pesticide packaging waste recycling and treatment system; (d) Source reduction. Fertilizer producers are encouraged to use packaging that is easy to recycle and dispose of. The use of large-capacity packaging will be encouraged for easy to recycling. (e) Social services. Shift to unified distribution and application of fertilizer by unified social services organizations that can be provided with large size packaging fertilizer products and carry out centralized continuous fertilization and so on. Feed processing facilities The establishment of feed and feed additive production enterprises shall conform management to the feed industry development plan and industrial policies and have the following: (a) plants, equipment, and storage facilities suitable for the production of feed and feed additives; (b) full-time technical personnel suitable for the production of feed and feed additives; (c) the necessary product quality inspection institutions, personnel, facilities and quality management systems; (d) a production environment that meets the safety and health requirements stipulated by the State; (e) pollution prevention measures that meet the requirements of the State for environmental protection; and (f) other conditions stipulated in the quality and safety management standards for feed and feed additives formulated by MARA. 57 4.3.3.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 82． ARABs are the main competent authority for managing fertilizers. The Gansu Provincial DARA is responsible for provincial-wide planning and directions. ARABs at or above the county levels are responsible for the supervision and administration of fertilizers within their respective administrative areas and, through their comprehensive Law Enforcement Bureau, conduct regular or irregular supervision and inspection of fertilizers produced, operated, and used by entities or farmers under their jurisdiction. They require that products with unqualified quality improve within a time limit and shall not renew the fertilizer registration certificate after the expiration of its validity period for products that continue to have unqualified quality. Through the county or township agricultural extension stations, soil fertilizer stations, plant protection stations, farmers training schools, and other institutions, ARABs provide training and technical guidance to farmers. 83． In the Program Counties (districts), farming centers under each county ARAB (two to five staff) are responsible for day-to-day farmland fertilization, including preparing an annual implementation plan for reduced use of chemical fertilizer with efficiency improvement, providing or organizing to provide services on test-based formula fertilization and technical guidance, distributing fertilizer knowledge and publicity materials to farmers, regularly releasing fertilization formulas, organizing and providing relevant training, conducting in-depth investigation and statistics on fertilizer reduction performance of farmers, making annual work summary, and improving the work plan for the next year. The E&S team’s due diligence noticed that a few counties (districts) still face some difficulties in promoting technology extension, and more training needs to be provided to strengthen farmers' awareness and knowledge of scientific fertilization. 84． ARABs at all levels are also the competent authorities responsible for regulatory of pesticide production, selling and using. The new pesticides registration certificate shall be pre-examined by the provincial DARA, reviewed and issued by MARA. The pesticide production license shall be examined and approved by the provincial DARA. ARABs at or above the county levels shall examine and approve the pesticide selling license. The ARABs at the county level are responsible for the green prevention and control of pests and diseases, pesticide reduction, and safe use related to the forage crop cultivation under the PforR, and different units are set up to manage the integrated management of planting, livestock farming, agricultural product quality and safety, and farmland construction. In addition, the agricultural comprehensive law enforcement brigade under the ARABs is responsible for the supervision and inspection of the license of pesticide operators, pesticide quality, and safety management. Agricultural institutions (such as agricultural technology extension stations and plant protection stations) are responsible for providing technical services and training to pesticide users, including training on the safe use of pesticides. 85． ARABs at or above the county levels are responsible for taking the lead in supervising the recycling and comprehensive utilization of agricultural waste such as agricultural mulch film, pesticide and fertilizer packaging waste, and crop straw and guiding the construction of recycling and utilization systems. EEBs at or above the county level are responsible for the supervision of waste agricultural plastic recycling and treatment activities and the prevention and control of environmental pollution from straw burning. ARABs at the county level have plant protection stations or rural service centers and other institutions (two to five people) that conduct on-site surveys and inspections on the recycling and comprehensive utilization of mulch film and crop straws. They also have other duties, such as double-checking recycling archives, conducting publicity and education activities, organizing the construction-relevant facilities for collection, storage, and utilization of agricultural wastes, and overseeing the operation of facilities. The county EEBs have Pollution Control Divisions (two to five staff) or EPL enforcement teams (about 10 staff) to supervises the environmental protection and pollution prevention activities related to crop cultivation activities. 58 86． During E&S team’s due diligence, it was noticed that Gansu Province issued the ‘Implementation Plan of the Pilot Project of Comprehensive Utilization of Crop Straw’ in June 2023. All counties designated for the demonstration of recycling agriculture mulch files developed their respective implementation plan, and some counties also formulated the ‘plans for alfalfa cultivation and pesticide use in alfalfa base’. It was recorded in the annual performance summary report of ARAB of Minle County in Zhangye Municipality in 2021 that the county has carried out the zero-growth action of fertilizer and pesticide use, promoted mechanical fertilization, extended integrated water and fertilizer technologies, improved fertilizer utilization efficiency, promoted pesticide reduction and efficiency, and established 10 green organic agricultural product demonstration bases, resulting in reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides by 30 percent, saving water by 50 percent, established 10 demonstration bases for production of green and organic agro- food, 50 demonstration sites for integrated water-nutrient irrigation. For recycling agricultural mulch film and crop straw, a countrywide action was implemented to establish 16 standardized recycling outlets in towns and villages and a recycling network supported by village collection and enterprises transferring the reprocessing. As a result, in 2021, the county's comprehensive utilization of straw amounted to 1.817 million tons with comprehensive utilization rate of 92.47 percent, and 2,292.6 tons of wasted mulch film was recycled with a recycling rate of 73.5 percent. 4.3.3.4 Brief Summary 87． In terms of nutrient management, fertilizer reduction and efficiency improvement, green prevention and control of diseases and pests, pesticides use safety management, and agricultural waste management, China and Gansu Province have healthy legal frameworks, appropriate institutional settings, personnel arrangements, and financial guarantees and have achieved significant results, which can provide guarantee for agricultural wastes management related to the PforR activities. These measures and tools are in line with the WBG’s Guidelines for Annual or Perennial Crops Production, which cover GIIP, such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM), in line with the World Bank's core principles. Appendix 8 includes a list of generic mitigation measures for adverse E&S impacts associated with typical activities of the PforR, which can be used to combat pollution in forage cultivation and feed processing. 4.3.3 Environmental Management for Veterinary Service and Agro-food Quality Service Facilities. 4.3.3.1 Applicable Legal Framework 88． The main applicable laws and regulations on animal health, veterinary service, and agro-food quality testing facilities are listed in Table 4-10. Table 4-10: List of Main Applicable Laws and Regulations on Animal Health, Veterinary Service, and Agro- Food Quality Testing Facilities Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards and Time Specifications 1．Animal health and diseases prevention and control Law of the PRC on NPC issued in The law stipulates that the ARABs shall be responsible for the Animal Husbandry 2005, amended supervision and control of animal husbandry. Animal husbandry in 2022 producers and operators shall fulfill their obligations of animal epidemic prevention and ecological environmental protection according to law and accept the supervision and inspection carried out by relevant competent departments according to law. One of the 59 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards and Time Specifications conditions that livestock and poultry farms shall meet is having livestock and veterinary technicians available to serve them. Livestock and poultry farms shall establish breeding files that shall include the source, name, object of use, time, and amount of inputs such as veterinary drugs. Other requirements include quarantine, immunization, and disinfection; sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock and poultry; and manure collection, storing, sanitary disposal, and resource utilization. Law of the PRC on NPC issued in The law stipulates that animals infected with epidemic diseases and Animal Epidemic 1997, 2nd their excrement, products of animals infected with epidemic Prevention amended in 2021 diseases, animal excrement in vehicles of transport, bedding, packaging, containers, and other contaminated articles shall be disposed of in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State and shall not be disposed of at will. Law of the PRC on the NPC issued in The provisions in Chapter VI of the Law - Hazardous Waste are Prevention and Control 1995, 2nd applicable to the prevention and control of environmental pollution of Environmental amended in 2020 by hazardous waste. It includes containers and packaging of Pollution by Solid Waste hazardous waste as well as facilities, sites, and provisions for the National Hazardous MEE, NDRC, collection, storage, transportation, utilization, and disposal of Waste Catalogue Ministry of hazardous waste. Public Security, The National Hazardous Waste Catalogue classifies medical Ministry of waste as hazardous waste. Transport, The National Medical Waste Catalogue classifies medical waste National Health into infectious waste, injurious waste, and pathological waste. Commission, Each of the above two Catalogues has a ‘List of Hazardous Waste or edition of 2021 Medical Waste Exemption Management’ that lists the specific waste National Medical Waste MEE, National names, exemption links, exemption conditions, and exemption Catalogue Health contents. Commission edition of 2021 Medical Waste SC issued in The regulation is enacted to strengthen the safe management of Management 2003，amended medical waste, prevent the spread of diseases, protect the Regulation in 2011 environment and human health, and is applicable to the collection, transportation, storage, disposal, and supervision and management of medical waste. The regulation stipulates that the EEBs and HCs of the government at or above the county level shall, in accordance with the provisions of the regulation, supervise and inspect the medical and health institutions and medical and health treatment units according to the division of responsibilities. Management Measures MARA issued in The measure are enacted to strengthen the sanitary treatment of for Sanitary Treatment 2022 dead and diseased livestock and poultry and diseased livestock and of Dead and Diseased poultry products, prevent and control animal diseases, promote the Livestock and Poultry high-quality development of animal husbandry, and protect public and Diseased Livestock health safety and human health. It is suitable for the collection, and Poultry Products sanitary treatment, and supervision and management of sick dead livestock and poultry and diseased livestock and poultry products in the process of livestock production, slaughtering, operation, isolation, and transportation. The measures stipulate that ARABs of the local people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for the supervision and administration of the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock and poultry and diseased 60 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards and Time Specifications livestock and poultry products in their respective administrative areas. Technical Specification 2018 The technical requirements for the layout of livestock and poultry for Harmless Treatment farms and farming zones, manure storage, wastewater treatment, of Livestock and Poultry solid manure treatment and utilization, feeding and management, Manure treatment of dead and diseased animals, and pollutant monitoring are specified. Regulation on Pollution SC issued in The regulation applies to the prevention and control of pollution Prevention and Control 2013 from livestock farms and farming zones (excluding grazing and of Scaled Livestock and breeding in pastoral areas). The EEBs of the people's government at Poultry Production or above the county level shall be responsible for the unified supervision and administration of the prevention and control of pollution from livestock and poultry production. The regulation prohibits the construction of livestock farms and farming zones in environmentally sensitive areas such as urban residential areas, cultural, educational, and scientific research areas and other populated areas. The construction, reconstruction, or expansion of livestock farms and farming zones shall conform to the plans for the development of animal husbandry and the plans for the prevention and control of pollution from livestock and poultry production and meet the conditions for animal epidemic prevention. The corresponding pollution control facilities to be built in livestock and poultry farms and farming zones shall include comprehensive utilization and sanitary treatment facilities such as disposal of livestock and poultry carcasses. Measures for Biosafety State PMLs shall install or be equipped with pollution prevention facilities Environmental Environmental and equipment in accordance with the state regulations on Management of PMLs Protection environmental protection, and the EIA documents shall be approved Administration by competent EEBs. To prevent and control potential adverse (former MEE) environmental pollution from the operation PMLs, the measures set issued in 2006 forth a number of provisions, including (a) pollution control facilities or equipment to be installed, environmental acceptance check at construction completion, pollution permits; (b) proper collection, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste generated from the PMLs; (c) recordkeeping of and filling of experiment activities, which shall cover the harmless treatment, centralized disposal, and inspection of wastewater, exhaust gas, and hazardous waste; (d) PMLs shall formulate emergency plan for environmental pollution, submit it to the competent administrative department of environmental protection of the local people's government at the county level for the record, and conduct exercises regularly; and (e) formulate the rules and regulations for the prevention and control of laboratory wastewater, waste gas, and hazardous waste pollution and assign special (and part-time) staff responsible for environment, and subject to the supervision of EEBs at or above the county level. 2．Agro-food quality and public health and safety management Law of the PRC on the NPC issued in Article 73 of the Law - Laboratories of all types and levels and their Prevention and Control 1995, 2nd establishment entities shall strengthen the management of solid of Environmental amended in 2020 waste generated by laboratories and collect, store, transport, utilize, Pollution by Solid Waste and dispose of laboratory solid waste according to law. Laboratory National Hazardous MEE, NDRC, solid waste belongs to hazardous waste and shall be managed as 61 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards and Time Specifications Waste Catalogue Ministry of hazardous waste. The provisions in Chapter VI - Hazardous Wastes of the Law apply Public Security, Ministry of to the prevention and control of environmental pollution by Transport, hazardous wastes. The provisions include containers and packaging of hazardous waste, as well as facilities and sites, and stipulate the National Health Commission, collection, storage, transportation, utilization, and disposal of hazardous waste. edition of 2021 The catalogue classifies part of the experimental waste generated by chemical and biological laboratories as hazardous waste. At the same time, the catalogue listed the "exemption Management activities for handling hazardous waste," including the specific waste names, exemption links, exemption conditions, and exemption contents. 3．Gansu provincial regulations and measures Regulation for the Gansu Provincial The regulation and measures put forward specific requirements for Construction of Government epidemic prevention, waste sanitary treatment facilities, site Livestock and Poultry issued in 2007 selection, layout, and introduction of breeding stock, animal Farms and Farming immunization, required veterinary drugs, and sanitary treatment of Zones in Gansu dead and diseased livestock. Province and Measures The regulation and measures also put forward specific for Filing Management requirements for waste treatment and pollution prevention. Gansu Province "Notice HC, DEE, DRC, The notice puts forward relevant provisions to strengthen the on Further Department of management of medical waste in medical and health institutions, Standardizing the Public Security standardizes the operation activities of entities engaged in Management of Medical of Gansu centralized disposal of medical waste, calls for strengthened Waste" Province issued management of medical waste in grass-root medical and health in 2017 institutions, and promotes standardized management and supervision of medical waste. 4.3.3.2 Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures 89． Implementation mechanisms and procedures for controlling pollution form animal health and agro- food quality service facilities are summarized in Table 4-11. Table 4-11: Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures for Controlling Pollution from Animal Health and Agro-Food Quality Service Facilities Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Hazardous waste Hazardous waste transfer shall be efficiently controlled throughout the process and go collection and through relevant procedures in accordance with laws, administrative regulations, and disposal relevant provisions of the State. No transfer shall be made without the approval of the competent authority. Any entity engaged in the collection, storage, utilization, and disposal of hazardous waste shall obtain a license in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State and operation of the entity shall comply with relevant laws and regulations and applicable environmental protection standards. Hazardous waste shall not be dumped or stacked without authorization. Pursuant to legal requirement, entities producing hazardous waste shall develop plans for managing hazardous waste and register for endorsement by following legal procedures. If entities producing hazardous waste have obtained pollution discharge permits, the provisions of the discharge permit management system shall be applicable. 62 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Hazardous waste Entities producing hazardous waste shall establish a ledger for managing hazardous waste; transfer keep records of relevant information and monitoring data; and declare to local EEBs their hazardous waste categories, production quantity, source, flow direction, utilization, storage, disposal, and other relevant information through the hazardous waste information management system. Hazardous waste Entity engaged in the collection, storage, utilization, and disposal of hazardous waste shall emergency response formulate prevention measures and emergency plans for control environmental pollution by hazardous waste. Relevant responsible departments shall inspect the implementation of the said preventive measures and emergency plans. Medical waste Medical and health institutions and centralized medical waste disposal entities shall abide management by laws, administrative regulations, and relevant provisions of the State; submit information on the generation, collection, storage, transportation, and disposal of medical waste to the HCs, transportations, and EEBs of the people's governments at or above the county level; and take effective measures to prevent the loss, leakage, infiltration, and spread of medical waste. Medical and health institutions shall, according to law, sort and collect the medical waste generated and hand it over to the centralized treatment entities for disposal. The centralized medical waste disposal entity shall be reasonably equipped with collection and transfer facilities and vehicles and collect, store, transport, and dispose of medical waste in accordance with applicable regulations. Infectious medical waste shall be collected, stored, disinfected, transported, disposed of, and kept in accordance with applicable regulations and keep record of such data. Labs waste Laboratories at all levels and of all types and their establishment units shall, in accordance management with the law, strengthen the management of solid waste generated by the labs and collect, store, transport, utilize, and dispose of laboratory solid waste in accordance with the law. Labs solid waste belongs to hazardous waste and shall be managed as hazardous waste. 4.3.3.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 90． During the due diligence, the World Bank E&S team was informed that Gansu DARA once developed a provincial-wide plan for sanitary disposal of dead and diseased animals, including 18 regional centralized sanitary disposal centers by 2025, 8 of which have been constructed and operated as of the first half of 2023, 4 are under construction, and remaining of six (like the one in Jingchuan County serving Pingliang Municipality) are to be supported by the PforR or funded by other sources in parallel. In the program counties (districts), means of dead and diseased animals vary among different livestock farms, farming zones, cooperatives, and smallholders. Those large-scale livestock farms run by enterprises, due to the large-scale farm facilities with standardized design, are well equipped with dead and diseased animal sanitary treatment facilities (for example, rendering machine, incinerator, and so on) or have their dead and diseased animals outsourced to specialized enterprises for sanitary treatment or resources utilization (for example, biodiesel, organic fertilizer) and operated under standardized procedures set forth in the corporate management system. Pollution from dead and diseased animals can be well controlled and comply with the ‘Measures for the Management of Sanitary Treatment of Dead and Diseased Livestock and diseased livestock and Poultry Products’, while those livestock farming zones run by farmer cooperatives or households, with farming capacity relatively smaller than that of farms, have inadequate or poorly equipped rooms for isolating diseased animals, storing, and sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals. Layout and farming facilities can be improved to meet the requirements of ‘Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and Farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management’ and these improvements can be supported by the PforR. In the past, dead and diseased animals were deeply buried far away from the villager’s residential areas. In recent years, through the implementation of the mechanism of linking insurance with sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock, the government provides subsidies to all farmers and livestock farming cooperatives to encourage them to buy insurance 63 from professional insurance companies against the sanitary treatment of their dead and diseased animals. Once the insurance buyers notify the cases of dead and diseased animals, the insurance company shall mobilize the sanitary treatment center or the qualified enterprise that meets the sanitary treatment standards to transfer the dead and diseased animals to the designated sanitary treatment point or facility by special transportation means for disposal and accept the supervision of county-level AHVMBs. 91． HCs and EMBs are responsible for macro coordination and supervision of health and safety issues related to livestock production. The facilities’ operators or enterprises are responsible for specific health and safety management. The sector authorities (ARABs, EEBs, Housing and Urban and Rural Construction Bureaus) at the county level are responsible for supervision of the respective sectoral health and safety issues. These sectoral authorities conduct regular inspection (normally once a month) on OHS issues. For example, the law enforcement teams of ARABs, during their regular inspections, will request livestock farms and farming zones to enhance OHS of their employees and improve their deodorization devices, remind and guide farmers or cooperatives to store and use pesticides safely, and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at work to protect themselves and avoid toxic accidents to the public or users. 92． To handle medical waste, other hazardous waste from veterinary service labs and agro-food quality testing labs, certified competent agencies or companies were assigned to provide unified recycling and disposal of the said wastes. For example, Gansu Jinchuang Lufeng Environmental Technology Co., LTD has been assigned to serve for Lanzhou New District, Minle County, and Sunan County. Pingliang Municipal Huanchuang Medical Waste Centralized Disposal Co., LTD has been assigned to serve for Jingchuan County and Lingtai County; Qingyang Municipal Medical Waste Center has been assigned to serve for Zhengning County; and Yumen Municipal Runze Environmental Protection & Renewable Energy New Technology Co., LTD has been assigned to serve for Guazhou County. Agreements have been signed among them for recycling and disposal of hazardous waste and unified bills are used to transfer hazardous waste regularly for recycling or disposal. The veterinary service labs and agro-food quality testing labs have been subjected to EIA and environmental acceptance check at construction completion (see Appendix 7 for details). 4.3.3.4 Brief Summary 93． China and Gansu Province have a mature regulatory framework for managing environmental pollution from veterinary service labs and food quality testing labs, appropriate institutional settings, staffing, and financial support and have achieved significant results to support the management of the program activities. The management system is consistent with the WBG’s Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines and is in line with the World Bank's core principles. 4.4 Eco-Environmental Conservation Management System 4.4.1 Natural Ecological Conservation 94． Gansu Province is in the Yellow River water conservation area, and in the birthplace of other inland rivers, such as rivers of Dang, Shule, Black, and Shiyang. It has irreplaceable ecological regulation functions such as water conservation, ecological function, and wildlife protection function. The Qilian Mountains, located in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, span Gansu and Qinghai Provinces. It is an important ecological security barrier and an important source of water in western China, as well as a key ecological functional area and a priority area for biodiversity conservation in China. Qilian Mountain National Park covers an area of 50,200 km2, more than two-thirds of which are in Gansu Province, involving Sunan County and Minle County of the project. Anxi Extreme Arid Desert National Nature Reserve (covering 800,000 ha2) is in Guazhou County. 64 • Qilianshan National Park is located at the junction of Gansu and Qinghai Provinces. It is one of the top 10 national parks in China. The park covers a total area of 50,200 km2, including 34,400 km2 in Gansu and 15,800 km2 in Qinghai. In September 2017, the Chinese government approved the establishment of the Qilian Mountain National Park, with the main responsibility of protecting the biodiversity, the authenticity, and integrity of the natural ecosystem in the Qilian Mountain. As one of the important parts in the park, the Gansu Qilian Mountain National Nature Reserve is in the middle and east section of the north slope of the Qilian Mountains in Gansu Province, covering municipalities of Wuwei, Jinchang, and Zhangye, involving eight counties including Minle County and Sunan Yugur Autonomous County. In 1988, the SC approved the natural reserve to be a forest and wildlife type targeting the conservation of Qinghai spruce, Qilian cypress, demoiselle crane, and other creatures. • Anxi Extreme Drought Desert Natural Reserve is located at the intersection of temperate desert, extreme arid desert, and typical desert in Central Asia. This natural reserve is in the junction of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and Mongolia-Xinjiang Desert, and its desert ecosystem is typical and representative in the whole ancient Mediterranean region. It is the only multi- functional comprehensive natural reserve in China to protect the extremely arid desert ecosystem and its biodiversity. The reserve covers a total area of 800,000 ha, of which the core zone covers 83,900 ha, accounting for 10.5 percent of the reserve area. The buffer zone covers 131,200 ha, accounting for 16.4 percent of the protected area. The experimental zone covers 584,900 ha, accounting for 73.1 percent of the protected area. • Guazhou Tangtun Lake Nature Reserve (protected at the provincial level) is a typical wetland in the extreme arid desert area in the western inland. Part of the groundwater that has infiltrated into the protection area forms surface runoff in the form of spring water, which evolves into seasonal marshes and spring-fed rivers, forming a unique ecological landscape of the reserve and becoming an ideal place for migratory birds to live and breed. The core zone is 22,496.7 ha, the buffer zone is 20,211 ha, and the experimental zone is 28,852.3 ha, accounting for 40.3 percent. Among the protected area, forest land accounted for 60.4 percent, grassland accounted for 22.3 percent, and wetlands account for 6 percent. 95． Gansu Province is located at an area prone to soil erosion in China. The seven program counties (districts) are in the Hexi (west to the Yellow River) Corridor and Qilian Mountain key soil erosion prevention and prevention areas and the Longzhong (middle Gansu) and Longdong (eastern Gansu) key soil erosion management areas. Gansu is responsible for ecological protection and restoration, WSC, and the construction of ecological safety protection barriers. 96． The typical activities of livestock breeding and raising and animal health and disease prevention and control under RA1 of the PforR will be almost implemented in rural and quasi-urban areas. Activities on fodder productions areas will also be conducted on farmland in agricultural areas, and forage produced from them will support shifting to confined feeding, thus alleviating pressure of grazing on natural grassland (part of them within the scope of natural reserves and thus benefit the conservation of these natural reserves). 4.4.1.1 Applicable Legal Framework 97． The National and Gansu Provincial applicable laws and regulations on natural eco-environment are listed in Table 4-12. 65 Table 4-12: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Natural Eco-Environment Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications 1．Natural ecology conservation Law of the PRC on issued by NPC This law is to strengthen the protection of wetland, maintain wetland Wetland Protection & SC in 2022 ecological function and its biodiversity, safeguard ecological security, and promote the construction of ecological civilization. Wetlands are classified into important wetlands and general wetlands for better management in China. Except for national major projects, no other project is allowed to occupy national important wetlands. All construction projects are required to avoid wetlands in site or route selection, while if wetlands cannot be avoided, efforts should be made to minimize occupation and proper measures should be taken to mitigate the adverse impacts on the ecological functions of the wetlands. If site or route selection cannot avoid national important wetlands, comments must be sought from the national FGB. If provincial important wetlands or general wetlands are involved, comments must be sought from the FGBs at or above the county level. Law of the PRC on Wild NPC issued in If a construction project may have adverse impacts on nature reserves Animal Protection 1988, 4th or wild animals’ migration routes, the EEB that oversees reviewing and amended in approving EIA documents17 for a construction project should seek 2022 opinions of the same-level wildlife protection authorities. Any illegal hunting of wild animals and destruction of natural habitats are prohibited. Wild Plants Protection SC issued in If a construction project may have adverse impacts on growing Regulations 1996 and environment of national or local protected wild plants, the PIU must amended in ensure the impacts are assessed appropriately in EIA. Any entities or 2017 individuals are prohibited to illegally collect wild plants or damage their growing environment. Hunan Province also has the corresponding Regulations on the Protection of Wild Animal and Plant Resources (promulgated by the People's Congress of Hunan Province in 1988 and revised for the sixth time in 2020). Nature Reserves SC issued in A nature reserve must be set up to protect an important habitat. No one Regulations 1994 and 2nd is allowed to enter core zones of nature reserves (except for approved amended in scientific research activities). No production facility is allowed to be 2017 built in core and buffer zones of nature reserves. No production facility that may pollute the environment or destroy natural resources or landscape is allowed to be built in experimental zones. Accordingly, Gansu Province first promulgated Gansu Provincial Natural Reserves Regulation in 1996 and amended it in 2018. Law of the PRC on NPC issued in To develop agriculture and rural economy, natural resources such as Agriculture 1993 and 2nd land, water, forests, grasslands, wild animals, and plants must be amended in rationally utilized. Ecological agriculture shall be developed for December improving the ecological environment. 2012 Law of the PRC on NPC issued This law applies to the protection, cultivation, and utilization of forests 17EIA documents refer to the EIA report and EIA form to be prepared, respectively, for the construction projects that may cause major environmental impact and mild environmental impact as per the requirement of classified EIA management catalogue construction projects. 66 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications Forest in1984, 2nd and trees and the management of forests, trees, and woodlands within amended in the territory of China. Forest resources shall be owned by the State, 2019 except those owned by collectives as prescribed by law. The law stipulated that the State shall strengthen the protection of forest resources and maximize the functions of forests (for example, water storage and soil conservation, climate regulation, environment improvement, biodiversity maintenance, and forest products). A system of natural protected areas with national parks as the mainstay shall be established in the typical forest ecological areas in different natural zones, forests where precious animals and plants grow and reproduce, natural tropical rainforests, and other natural forests of special protection value for strengthened protection and management. Law of the PRC on NPC issued in Animal husbandry producers and operators shall fulfill the obligations Animal Husbandry 2005, amended of animal epidemic prevention and ecological environmental protection in 2022 according to law and accept the supervision and inspection carried out by the relevant competent departments according to law. Guiding Opinions on SC issued in The aim is to build a Chinese special system of natural protected areas Establishing a System of 2019 with national parks as the mainstay. In accordance with the natural Natural Protected Areas ecosystem of authenticity, integrity, systematisms, and inherent law, with National Parks as nature protected areas are classified into three categories based on the the Mainstay ecological value and significance in the order of protection intensity: national parks, nature reserves, and natural parks. Opinions on SC issued in It is required to strictly safeguard ERLs and delineate ERLs in key Accelerating the 2015 ecological function areas and sensitive and vulnerable areas to ensure Construction of that ecological functions are not reduced, their size is not reduced, and Ecological Civilization their nature is not changed. Subsequently, the Chinese government issued the Technical Guidelines on Delineating ERLs, the Guiding Opinions on Strengthening the Management and Control of the Red Lines for Resources, Environment and Ecology, and the Technical Guidelines on the Preparation of the “Three Lines and One Order". China Biodiversity SC issued in Three strategic objectives of biodiversity conservation in China are put Conservation Strategy 2010 forward: effectively curb the decline of biodiversity in key areas by and Action Plan (2011– 2015, achieve basic control of biodiversity loss by 2020, and ensure 2030) that biodiversity is effectively protected by 2030. Relevant to the action plan are • National List of Rare and Endangered Plants, 1991; • List of Wildlife under Special State Protection, 1989; and so on. Opinions on Further Central On the basis of the current system of protected natural areas with Strengthening Committee of national parks as the mainstay, China will continue to promote the Biodiversity Communist baseline survey and assessment of priority regions and national Conservation Party of Chin strategic regions for biodiversity conservation and build a national (CPC) & SC biodiversity monitoring network and a relatively stable spatial issued in 2021 framework for biodiversity conservation. China will speed up the establishment and improvement of laws and regulations for biodiversity conservation, incorporate biodiversity conservation into mid-term, long-term plans of all sectors and all levels of government, formulate and improve policies and institutions related to biodiversity conservation, build a complete monitoring system for biodiversity 67 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications conservation, improve biosafety management, innovate mechanisms for sustainable use of biodiversity, and strengthen enforcement, supervision, and inspection of relevant laws and regulations. China will deepen international cooperation and exchanges, comprehensively promote public participation in biodiversity conservation, and improve safeguard measures for biodiversity conservation. Guiding Opinions on SC issued in The three ecological protection redlines, permanent basic farmlands, Delineation and 2019 and urban development boundaries should be delineated and Implementation of implemented in an integrated way. A national territorial spatial basic Three Control Lines in information platform should be established and improved to realize Territorial Spatial cross-sectoral information sharing and monitor the implementation of Planning the three control lines. Occupying any ecological protection redlines or permanent basic farmlands is subject to approval by the SC. Opinions on Delineation Central It aims to protect important ecological space by setting up redlines to and Strictly Safeguard Committee of ensure non-degradation of ecological functions, non-reduction of Ecological Protection CPC, SC ecological space, and non-changes of ecological property and to Redlines issued in 2017 protect the country’s ecological safety and promote sustainable economic and social development. In principle, the ecological protection redlines should be regarded and managed as the areas within which developments are prohibited. Circular on MNR, MEE, The ERLs will be strictly managed and controlled through the Strengthening NFGA jointly following: Management of issued in (a) Enhanced data sharing, for example, the ERP scheme approved Ecological Protection August, 2022 by the SC is incorporated into ‘one map’ of national land spatial Redlines (Trial) planning, connected with the ERL environmental monitoring platform under MEE for information sharing. (b) Intensified regulatory management, for example, the NRBs at all levels shall work together with relevant authorities to strengthen oversight and inspection of the implementation of BPR. NRBs at all levels shall strictly control and supervise the territorial and spatial use regulation, EEBs at all levels should conduct ecological and environmental supervision on the ERLs, and FGBs at all levels should focus on the supervision and administration of natural protected areas. (c) Controlled strictly adjustment procedures, for example, once the ERL has been delineated, and it is strictly prohibited to be adjusted without approval. Based on the monitoring of the carrying capacity of resources and the environment, the evaluation on the importance of ecological conservation and the implementation of the territorial and spatial planning shall be carried out once in five years. Provincial-level government may work out partial adjustment on the ERL scheme, incorporate them into the revised plans for the territorial and spatial planning that are subject to the approval of the SC, and send a copy to MEE. Guiding Opinions on MEE issued in With no reduction in ecological functions, no decline in environmental the Implementation of November quality, and no breakthrough in the carrying capacity of resources and the "Three lines, One 2021 the environment as the bottom line, it is required to implement the List" Ecological ‘three lines, one list’ ecological environment zoning control 68 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications Environment Zoning requirements, resolutely stop production and construction activities in Control (Trial) violation of the provisions of the ecological environment access list, and constantly strengthen the prevention and control of the ecological environment at the source. The ‘three lines, one order’ system provides a hard constraint for the implementation of strategic and planning EIA and the approval of construction project EIA and provides a basis for space control for other environmental management work. Measures for Ecological MEE issued This measures are applicable to the ecological environment supervision and Environmental December work carried out by the MEE or EEBs. It is stipulated that MEE is Supervision on the ERL 2022 responsible for organizing the supervision of the ecological (Trial) environment of the national ERLs, and the provincial Ecology and Environment Departments are responsible for organizing the supervision of the ERLs in the administrative region, the content of the supervision work, and the main process of the supervision work. Regulations on the GPPC issued In the conservation areas, we must focus on management and Management of Qilian in November protection, carry out comprehensive and in-depth scientific research, Mountain National 2017 carry out ecological restoration work such as sealing mountains and Nature Reserve in cultivating forests and grass according to local conditions, Gansu Province continuously expand forest and grass vegetation area, strengthen the protection of glaciers, wetlands, frozen soil, and wild animals and plants, obey the positioning of key ecological functional areas determined by the main functional zoning of the State, and improve ecological service functions. No production facilities shall be constructed in the core zone and buffer zone of the reserve. It is prohibited to hunt, kill, and purchase or traffic wild animals in the reserve. It is prohibited to introduce exotic wild plants in the reserve. It is also prohibited to release wild animals introduced from outside the area in the reserve. Interim Measures for NFGA issued The interim measures are a sectoral regulation for the standardization Supervision and in 2020 supervision and management of the construction facilities 18 or Administration of construction projects in Qilian Mountain National Park. The park Construction Projects in zoning is divided into core protected zone and general control zone, Qilian Mountain and differentiated management is implemented. The interim measures National Park stipulated the types of new production facility activities that could be allowed or could not be allowed to be approved in the core zone and the general control zone, respectively. Qilian Mountain NFGA issued The access list is an important basis for strictly controlling all kinds of National Park in 2020 development activities in Qilian Mountain National Park. The main Industrial Access List body of the list is ‘restricted access’, and the items outside the list are prohibited. It is divided into the access lists in general control zone and core protected zone: • Industrial access list in general control zone (2020 edition). It is stipulated, only the listed projects, ecological protection and restoration projects, the transformation of residents' production and living facilities that do not damage the functions of the ecosystem, and natural tourism, ecological experience, indigenous grazing, farming, and other activities in line with the 18Construction facilities refer to the construction of facilities by means of traversing space or occupying land, including the construction of permanent facilities and temporary facilities. 69 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications national park planning can be allowed access in the core protected zone. Other production and construction activities are prohibited. • Industrial access list in core protected zone (2020 edition). It is stipulated that in addition to the necessary protection facilities, ancillary facilities, and scientific experiments, no other construction and production activities shall be carried out in the protected zone. Regulations on the GPPC issued Since some provisions in the regulation do not comply with the Management of Anxi in 2008, provisions of the upper law and other reasons, it was repealed by Extreme Drought Desert repealed in GPPC in July 2020. At the same time, the current relevant laws and National Nature 2020 regulations have been able to meet the needs of the protection and Reserve in Gansu management of nature reserves, and the content of the above law has Province been clearly stipulated without repetitive provisions. Other agricultural Seed law, Measures for Management of Agricultural Seed biodiversity protection Substance Resources, implemented a series of programs for laws and regulations conserving agricultural biodiversity, such as China's biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan, Outline of the National Plan for Conservation and Utilization of biological species Resources, National Medium- and long-term Development Plan for the Protection and Utilization of Crop germplasm Resources (2015 –2030), and so on. In the construction of the natural protected area system, a multi-level agrobiodiversity conservation system is also established, which combines the original habitat protection sites of agricultural wild plants and the ex situ conservation of germplasm banks and germplasm nurseries. Efforts are made to increase diversity of flora, fauna, and microorganisms in agroecosystems through the reduction of pesticides and chemical fertilizer use as well as recycling and reusing of livestock and poultry manure, crop residues, and agricultural mulch for agricultural NPS pollution reduction. Opinions of the People's Gansu The provincial territory was delineated into 842 environmental control Government of Gansu Provincial units, categorized as priority protection units (491), key control units Province on Government (263), and general control units (88). The units will be implemented in Implementing the issued in 2020 the way that are classified management and control. "Three lines, One list" To manage and control the environmental control units, it is stipulated ecological Environment that ecological environmental laws and regulations and national, zoning Control provincial, and key regional (river basin) environmental management policies shall be strictly implemented. The regional development strategy and ecological function positioning shall be accurately followed to establish and improve a four-level list system of the ‘1+5+15+N’, comprising provincial, key regions or river basins, municipal, and all types of environmental control units for implementation: • ‘1’ refers to the provincial-level list, reflecting the fundamentality and bottom linearity requirement of units in the province. • ‘5’ refers to the list of key regions or river basins of inland rivers under Qilian Mountain, the Yellow River in the middle, Gannan plateau region, eastern and middle region of Gansu, and Qinba mountainous at the south of Gansu, reflecting the special characteristics and specialties of units in the key regions or river 70 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications basins. • ‘15’ refers to municipal-level list, reflecting territoriality, locality requirement of the units within the municipality. • ‘N’ (842) refers to the list of environmental control units, reflecting differences and site-specific characteristics. Grassland Law of the NPC issued in The purpose of the law is to protect, build, and rationally use PRC June 1985, 3rd grasslands (natural grasslands and artificial grasslands), improve the amended in ecological environment, maintain biodiversity, develop modern animal 2021 husbandry, and promote sustainable economic and social development. Grasslands are owned by the State, except those that are owned by collectives as prescribed by law. The regulations stipulate the ownership of grasslands and the planning, construction, utilization, protection, supervision, and inspection of grasslands. Three important mechanisms for grassland protection are provided: basic grassland protection mechanism, grassland and livestock balance mechanism, and grazing ban mechanism. The State encourages and supports the construction of artificial grasslands and the improvement of natural grasslands and forage and feed bases. The State applies a mechanism of protection to basic grasslands19 and prohibits the extraction of plants and other activities that damage grassland vegetation in deserts, semi- deserts, seriously degraded, sandy, salinized, stony desertification, soil erosion, and ecologically fragile areas. Regulation on GPPC issued According to the regulation, people's governments at all levels shall, Grasslands of Gansu in 2006， in accordance with the plans for the protection, construction, and Province amended in utilization of grasslands, designate areas for the control of grasslands 2022 that are degraded, decertified, salinized, desertification, and soil eroded and make special efforts to control them. Efforts shall be made to promote and improve grasslands by means of no-tillage supplementary sowing, broadcast sowing, and air sowing in accordance with local conditions, strengthen the construction of grass seed bases, encourage and support the selection, introduction, and promotion of fine forage varieties suitable for local conditions, strengthen supervision and management of grass seed production, processing, introduction, promotion, management, inspection, and quarantine, and ensure the quality of grass seeds. At the same time, people's governments at all levels shall implement the mechanism of determining grazing capacity based on biomass of grassland and balance between forage and animal. The governmental FGBs at or above county level shall, in accordance with the standards for the carrying capacity of livestock on the grasslands formulated by NFGA under the SC, check and approve the carrying capacity of livestock once in every five years and establish a file for the grass-livestock balance. 2．National sectoral technical standards 19 Basic grasslands include (a) important pasture; (b) hayfield; (c) artificial grassland, grassland returned from farmland and improved grassland, and grass seed base for animal husbandry production; (d) grassland with special function for regulating climate, conserving water source, conserving soil and water, preventing wind, and fixing sand; (e) grasslands that are the key living environment for national key protected wild animals and plants; (f) grassland used for scientific research or used as teaching experimental base; and (g) other grasslands that shall be classified as basic grasslands as stipulated by the SC. 71 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Policy Authority or Standards, and Time Specifications EIA Technical HJ19-2022 Efforts should be made to avoid occupation of any ecological-sensitive Guidelines - Ecological sectoral areas when selecting site or alignment for a construction project. Impacts standard issued Ecological impacts at different stages should be identified, predicted, by MEE and evaluated. Feasibility of the project should be determined by taking consideration the ecological impacts. Ecological protection measures should be proposed in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy of avoidance, reduce, restoration, and compensation. Technical Specifications HJ 1140— This technical specification specified the requirements for the process, for ERL Supervision- 2020 sectoral content, technology, and method of the baseline survey on ERL and Baseline survey standard issued application of taking the baseline survey as basic information for ERL by MEE supervision as well as the application of the result of the baseline survey. Technical Specifications HJ 1141— This technical specification specified the monitoring method, technical for ERL Supervision- 2020 sectoral process, monitoring items, monitoring indicators and frequency, and ecological status standard issued quality control requirements of ecological status within the scope of monitoring (trial) by MEE ERLs. This technical specification is applicable to the dynamic monitoring of the surface area, nature, function, and human disturbance activities within the territorial area of ERLs by the comprehensive use of satellite remote sensing, aerial remote sensing, and ground monitoring methods, and it is also applicable to the monitoring of dynamic changes of ecological status within the territorial ERL in administrative regions at and above the county level. Other Gansu provincial • Implementation Opinions on Further Strengthening Biodiversity and local relevant laws Conservation in Gansu Province (2022) and county-level and regulations and Biodiversity Conservation Plans policy opinions, notices • The Implementation Opinions on Comprehensively Promoting Gansu provincial and the Three-Year Action of "Green Guazhou" to further implement local relevant laws and the strategy of "Ecological County Development� regulations and policy • Notice on issuing the System for the Management and Protection opinions, notices of Natural Forest Resources in Qilian Mountain Nature Reserve (Qilian Mountain National Park) and other regulations • Notice of Zhangye Municipal People's Government on printing and distributing the "Three Lines, One List� Ecological Environment Zoning Control Plan • Minle County’s Implementation plan for Strengthening supervision of “Green Shield 2022� Nature Protected Area 4.4.1.2 Implementation Mechanism and Procedures 98． To implement the above laws and regulations on the conservation of the natural eco-environment, China has established and is gradually improving the relevant implementation mechanisms, which are listed in Table 4-13. 72 Table 4-13: Implementation Mechanism and Procedures for Eco-Environmental Conservation Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Mechanism of Following the instruction of Guiding Opinions on Establishing a System of Natural Protected nature protected Areas with National Parks as the mainstay, China is accelerating the establishment of a areas system of protected natural areas with national parks as the mainstay and stepping up efforts to protect the natural ecosystem. To promote functions optimization and system restructuring, the various types of existing natural protected areas20 are comprehensively assessed and reclassified based on their nature, value, and significance, to form a nature protected areas system composed of national parks, nature reserves, and natural parks. Almost all the natural protected areas are delineated within the scope of ERLs and strictly protected. National parks and nature reserves have core zones and ordinary zones. Human activity is prohibited in core zones and restricted in ordinary zones. Natural parks are managed as ordinary zones in principle. To deepen institutional reform, the National Forest and Grassland Bureau was established based on original National Forest Bureau and its counterpart (FGBs) at all levels who integrated responsibility of supervision and management on natural protected areas distributed originally to various government authorities to preform integrated management on natural protected areas. Mechanism of ERL mechanism is an important institutional innovation in ecological and environmental ecological protection in China. Government authorities such as NRBs, EEBs, and FGBs integrate and conservation reorganize the areas that have important ecological functions (such as water conservation, redlines biodiversity conservation, WSC, wind prevention and sand fixation, and coastal protection) and the areas that are extremely sensitive or vulnerable (for example, soil erosion, soil desertification, rock desertification, and coastal erosion) and have them delineated within the scope of ecological protection redlines. All provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions have completed the delineation of their respective ERL schemes. After the approval of the ERL by the SC, the provincial governments promulgated the ERL schemes for implementation. The nationwide ERL covers all the national biodiversity protection ecological functional areas, ecological vulnerable areas, and released biodiversity key areas: about 90 percent of critical ecosystem types and 74 percent of wildlife are within the scope of ERLs and well protected. Development and productive construction activities outside the core protection areas of the natural protected areas within the ERL are prohibited; in principle, only the limited, managed, controlled, normalized human activities without destruction to ecological function, under the premise of complying with laws and regulations can be allowable. An ERL regulatory system is being established. In addition to abovementioned Circular on Strengthening Management of Ecological Protection Redlines (Trial), recently MEE issued Measures for Ecological and Environmental Supervision on ERL (Trial), ERL Indicators System (trial), and Technical Specification for the Supervision of ERL – Protection Effectiveness Assessment (trial). For review and approval of a proposed construction project, NRBs take the lead in checking whether the selected site is within the scopes of ERLs or not when pre-examining PIUs’ application for land use. PIUs should seek opinions of FGBs and EEBs to confirm that the project sites do not occupy any ecological protection redlines before NRBs complete the pre-examination of land use application and report to the corresponding government for approval. Mechanism of The various areas within the administrative area are divided into environmental units, which “Three lines, One List� zoning management and control 20Existing natural protected areas include nature reserves, scenic areas, geological parks, forest parks, ocean parks, wetland parks, glacier parks, meadow parks, desert parks, meadow scenic areas, aquatic germplasm resource conservation areas, wild plant habitat conservation areas, nature mini-reserves, and key wild animal habitats. 73 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures are divided into priority protection units,21 key control units,22 and general control units.23 Based on the environmental unit, combined with the delineation of the ‘three lines’, from the aspects of spatial layout, pollutant emission management, environmental risk prevention and control, and resource utilization efficiency, the requirements for access, restriction, and prohibition are clearly defined, and the ecological environment access list of each environmental control unit is provided to implement the requirements of ecological environment control. During EIA for a construction project, the project developer or EIA consulting unit shall check with the local EEBs on which kind of environment control unit that the proposed project site belongs to and whether the project components are in the ecological environment access list. After such initial screening, the proposed construction project can be proceeded to the following step of environmental impact assessment and analysis. Control Any kinds of ecological or environmentally sensitive areas should be avoided in site selection mechanism of of a construction project following the requirements on ecological protection redlines, ecological- territorial spatial planning, and ecological environment zoning. As per requirement of the sensitive area Technical Guidelines for EIA - for Ecological Impact, when preparing the EIA documents, under EIA system ecological impacts during construction, operation, and decommissioning shall be identified, predicted, and assessed properly and ecological protection measures should be proposed in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy of avoidance, reduction, restoration, and compensation to justify ecological feasibility of the said construction project. When reviewing and approving the EIA documents on a construction project, EEBs will require a written explanatory note from the correspondent NRB at the county level for inquiring whether the selected site or alignment of a construction project is against the ERL, usually together with indicative figures showing relationship between the selected site or alignment and the scope of ERLs be attached in the annexes. Such a written explanatory note will be one of the important bases for decision-making. Mechanism of In 2016, the NDRC issued the Measures for the Preparation of the Negative List for negative list for Industrial or Sectoral Access in Key Ecological Functional Zones, to actively promote the industrial or establishment and implementation of a negative list mechanism for industrial or sectoral sectoral access in access in key ecological functional zones and improve the quality of the ecological key ecological environment by curbing new prohibited industries and promoting structural adjustment, functional zones transformation, and upgrading of restricted industries. Or, for investment projects involving ecological environmental protection, a series of access standards and conditions are formulated for the approval of the proposed project. 4.4.4.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 99． The above laws and regulations on eco-environmental conservation entrust the following levels of governments and competent authorities to implement and enforce relevant laws, regulations, and mechanisms. Their respective responsibilities, procedures, and means for performing their duties, the management performance, and their collaboration found by the E&S team for this PforR are analyzed as follows. 21 Priorityprotection units. They mainly include ERLs, natural protection areas, centralized drinking water source protection areas, and other important ecological function areas and ecological environment-sensitive areas. 22 Key control units. They mainly include central urban areas and urban planning areas, industrial parks (agglomeration areas), and other areas with high development intensity and relatively concentrated environmental problems. 23 General control units. Within such units, the main goal is to promote the coordination of ecological functions of production, implement the basic requirements of ecological and environmental protection, strengthen the control of domestic pollution and agricultural non-point source pollution, and promote the continuous improvement of regional ecological and environmental quality and the sustainable development of regional economy and society. 74 100． NRBs are the regulatory authorities that manage and supervise natural resource. NRBs leading the oversight and inspection of the implementation of ERLs, together with relevant government authorities, have the responsibility of particularly regulating territorial and spatial use. Specifically, from the perspective of territorial space use control, NRBs are responsible for pre-review whether the site selection of a construction project is within the scope of applicable construction land and whether it is within the scope of ERLs before approval of a land use application. NRBs actively participate in the project developers for site selection, based on the territorial spatial planning and land use control rules, with the ‘one map’ of the territorial spatial planning as the working base map (supported by territorial spatial basic information platform, MNR’s natural resources usage regulatory system, and the provincial-wide intelligent approval and supervision system for construction land use). They focus on the protection of cultivated land and permanent basic farmland, the conservation of ERL, and conservation and intensive land use; fill in the site selection suggestion forms; and deliver written opinion of NRBs participating in site selection. Of their administration duties in regulating territorial space use for safeguarding the ERL, there are two key points for NRBs to pre-review and approval of construction land use: • For investment projects subject to land use pre-review or planned site selection, justification of site selection will be required. If the proposed site is to do with ERLs, the proposed project will be required to justify that the ERLs are unavoidable. • For the construction projects with proposed sites pre-reviewed, before the formal approval of the land use, a stand-alone justification report on the limited human activities allowed within the scope of ERL or the ERL(s) will be required. The municipal or prefectural government will be required to give their ascertaining opinion on limited human activities allowed within the scope of ERL or the ERL(s) or argumentation on the non-avoidance of ERLs. • NRBs at the county or district level, there are a territorial planning and land use section or land consolidation center (two to six staff) and County Planning Service Center (about eight staff), which are responsible for pre-review and approval of land use application for investment projects and control over the ERL in accordance with Guiding Opinions on the Overall Delineation and Implementation of the Three Lines of Control in Territorial Space Planning. Whether the proposed site is related to ERL must be decided by the NRBs at high levels. 101． FGBs. At the county level, the secondary bureaus under NRBs are administrative agencies in charge of natural protected areas (including national parks and nature reserves), wildlife protection and wetland management, forest resources management, grassland management, and so on. They are regulatory bodies for forestry and grassland resources management. • Natural protected areas are specifically managed and protected by the administrative bodies of the natural protected areas. For example: o Zhangye Branch of Gansu Provincial Administration Bureau for Qilian Mountain National Park is a branch of the Qilian Mountain National Park Administration. It is entrusted to perform the duties of the owners of natural resource assets in domestic parks and implement unified supervision and classified management of construction projects. There are 22 protection stations in 19 sections, with nearly 1,500 employees (including long-term village-level grass-root intendants). Among them, there are Dahekou Nature protection Station in Minle County and Xishui Nature Protection Station in Sunan County, which are specifically responsible for the use of forest and grass land for construction projects in nature protection areas and the examination and approval of related construction activities and work hard for ecological restoration and wildlife protection. 75 o Anxi Extreme Drought Desert National Nature Reserve Management Center has four sections and two conservation stations, which are staffed with professional technical and management personnel, among which the Tangdunhu Provincial Nature Reserve Management Station in Guazhou, Gansu Province, has nine employees. o Tangdunhu Provincial Nature Reserve Management Station in Guazhou, Gansu Province, has nine employees and two grass-root protection stations. It is responsible for improving rules and regulations, improving the management basis, implementing management and protection measures, intensifying inspection and supervision (inspection frequency is at least once a week), carrying out the overall planning, completing the baseline survey of resources, and conducting the survey of invasive alien species and survey of germplasm resources. The results are of their works are reflected in the stability of the ecosystem and its function in the protected zone. 102． EEBs are the governmental authorities implementing the mechanism of the ‘three lines, one list’ (that is, ecological conservation redlines, environmental quality bottom lines, resources utilization topline, and eco-environment zoning control access list) for eco-environment zoning management and control and carry out eco-environmental supervision of any activities within the scope of ERLs. EEBs are responsible for the implementation of ‘three lines, one list’ eco-environment zoning management and control plan, follow-up assessment, updating the plan, establishment of the ‘three lines, one list’ application system, and coordination with other government line agencies about the ‘three lines, one list’ for eco-environment zoning management and control mechanism. In 2018, the Provincial EED drafted the provincial-wide “Three Lines, One List� Eco-environment Zoning Control Access List Scheme, which was reviewed by the Provincial Government, which coordinated to connect it with the provincial-wide functional zone strategy, territorial space planning, zoning and use control, energy and resources management, and eco- environmental elements management. The revised scheme was submitted to MEE. With the final approval of MEE, the Government of Gansu Provincial in 2020 printed and circulated the Opinions of the People's Government of Gansu Province on the Implementation of the ‘Three Lines, One List’ Eco-environment Zoning Control Access List. On this basis, the Provincial EED defined the Provincial-level Eco- environment Zoning Control Access List for implementation. The municipal EEBs drafted their respective Municipal-wide Eco-environment Zoning Control Access List schemes covering counties within the respective jurisdiction. With the approval of the respective municipal governments, the Municipal-wide Eco-environment Zoning Control Access List schemes were printed and circulated to the respective municipalities and counties for implementation. In response to the requirement of establishing dynamic updated and regular adjustment mechanism stipulated in the MEE’s Guidance on the Implementation of the ’Three lines, One List’ Eco- environment Zoning Control (Trial), recently, from the provincial to the municipal level, Gansu is making the second round revision of the respective schemes. In addition, EEBs, together with DRCs, NRBs, FGBs, WRBs, and so on, are responsible for implementing the government's work on biodiversity conservation, including the improvement of relevant policies and laws, the formulation of medium- and long-term plans and policies, the continuous optimization of the spatial pattern of biodiversity conservation, the protection and restoration of ecosystems, the establishment of a complete biodiversity conservation monitoring system, and the improvement of the biodiversity assessment system, and so on. Under each county's EEBs’ branch, the Atmospheric Environment and Natural Ecology Protection Section (two to five staff) and the Eco-environment Protection Administrative Enforcement Team (8 people) are responsible for the supervision of the ERL in the ‘three lines and one list’. The Environmental Development and Regulatory Publicity Section (two to five staff) is responsible for publicity and education activities related to biodiversity conservation in grasslands. For any livestock production and construction activities (such as large-scale farming) in natural protected areas, or in the scope of ERLs, it is required according to the latest EIA Classification Catalogue to prepare EIA report. The said report will be technically reviewed by experts nominated by EEB at or above the municipal level. Based on technically approval of experts, EEB will give its review opinion on the said report (see Figure 4-4-3 EEB’s review 76 comments on the Special Report on the Impact of Breeding Stock Construction Projects on the Eco- environment of a Natural Protected Area in Appendix 7). 103． ARABs are administrative regulatory agencies of agriculture, animal husbandry production, animal health, and forage production. At the county level, sections or units involved in fodder production are crop farming section (two to five staff). They are responsible for developing forage cultivation bases on unused state-owned land in agricultural areas or utilizing farmland to produce increased forage supply by means of (a) ‘conversion of grains to forage’ 24 to plant high-yield and high-quality forage by adopting efficient water-saving drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation technology and green agricultural technology with reduced use of fertilizers and pesticides compared to general crops, (b) the remaining harvested crop straw processed and distributed by enterprises or special cooperatives, (c) lending the harvested straw field to pastoral areas for herbal livestock grazing (see Figure 4-4-45 in Appendix 7), and so on. The increased forage supply not only greatly reduces the pressure of insufficient forage supply for livestock production due to reduced grazing load on grasslands and changes of livestock raising methods but also promotes the sustainable development of agriculture and animal husbandry inside and outside the jurisdiction areas (see Figure 4-4- 5 and Figure 4-4-6 artificial forage bases development and forage plantation, processing and distribution in Appendix 7). Other units related to livestock breeding, raising, and animal health at the county level are Animal Husbandry Section (one to three staff) and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Technology Center (14–120 staff) which are responsible for, in addition to animal health, disease prevention, and control, leading the construction and provision of relatively centralized standardized livestock facilities relatively concentrated into a scale to form livestock zone to guide the transition of the traditional grazing on natural grasslands to centralized, scaled, and standardized shed-feeding livestock production (see Figure 4-4-7 standardized livestock zone in pastoral area in Appendix 7). 4.4.1.4 Brief Summary 104． The typical physical activities of the PforR will be carried out in a wide range of areas within the seven program counties or district in Gansu Province, which involve mixed agricultural and animal husbandry areas. In view of the fact that China, Gansu Province, and the Program area have established and are improving the corresponding laws and regulations system and have been practicing the relevant mechanisms to promote ecological civilization and the green cycle of agriculture and animal husbandry, in terms of controlling the ERL and natural habitat and monitoring the ecological environmental impact of construction projects related to the development of animal husbandry, there is a complete set of laws and regulation and mechanisms with reasonable institutional settings of all levels and relevant management units for natural protected areas staffed with relatively complete personnel. The eco-environment conservation management system is sound and there will be no activities to be supported by the program on natural habitats and grassland ecosystems. The program of ‘convention grains to forage’ can not only promote the adjustment of agricultural structure, optimize land utilization, reduce feeding costs, and increase farmers' income but also improve the rural environment, reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, reduce the generation of agricultural waste, and help protect and improve the rural ecological environment. The program E&S team found that in the program counties or districts in recent years, the development and productive activities related to livestock production that would damage the ecological function of the protected area within the ERL have been avoided. Those development and productive activities of livestock production (such as the development and production of large-scale livestock and poultry farm, and 24 ‘Conversion of grains to forage’ is an agricultural reform carried out by the MARA, which mainly guides the planting of whole silage corn, in adaptation to local conditions; promotes forage grass in areas suitable for high-quality forage (such as alfalfa, oats, and so on); changes the simple granary into ‘granary + milk tank + meat warehouse’; and adjusts the dual structure of food an d cash crops to the triplex structure of food, and feed crops. The focus is to adjust the planting structure, combining of plantation with breeding for circular development, guide the planting of high-quality forage, develop herbivorous animal husbandry, and promote the optimization of agricultural production structure. Financial departments at all levels take the form of awards instead of subsidies as incentives. 77 slaughtering and processing) are in agricultural or quasi-urban areas that have been disturbed by human activities without occupying important natural protected areas or habitats. The typical activities to be supported by the PforR are those that further orient existing activities to areas that are more conducive to more climate-smart green cycling, improving livestock production efficiency, and reduction of pollution and GHG emissions. In addition, China has corresponding legal and regulatory management systems and measures for the protection of agricultural biodiversity. The system is in line with the WBG's Environmental, Health, and Safety Guidelines for Perennial Crop Production, which covers agro-ecological and environmental protection practices (GIIP) as well as the World Bank's Core Principles for Natural Habitats. 4.4.2 Water and Soil Conservation 105． In the field of soil and water conservation, the prevention of soil erosion caused by construction projects, and the maintenance and construction of ecological environments, China has established a WSC system under the management of WRBs which is in parallel with EIA process for construction projects. The ESSA team, therefore, conducted due diligence to the WSC system. 4.4.2.1 Applicable Legal Framework Table 4-14: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Water and Soil Conservation Names of Laws, Issuing Authority or Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Time Policy Standards, and Specifications Water and Soil SC issued in 1991, To prevent and control water and soil erosion, it is stipulated that Conservation Law amended in 2010 and cultivation of crops on steep slopes above 25 degrees is implemented since 2021 prohibited. Selection of site or alignment of productive construction project shall avoid the focused areas for soil prevention and rehabilitation. If it cannot be avoided, the prevention and control standards shall be upgraded by prioritizing the construction process to minimize surface disturbance and vegetation damage and effectively control loss of water and soil. For any construction project located at mountainous or hilly or sandstorm areas or other areas prone to soil erosion as determined by the soil WSC plan, the responsible PIU should prepare a WSC scheme and submit it to the corresponding WRBs for approval. For any construction project that is subject to WSC scheme preparation, the related WSC works must be designed, constructed, and put into operation simultaneously with the project main parts. Once the construction is completed, the WSC works must be checked for acceptance. The project is not allowed to put into operation if the check is not conducted or accepted. Law of the PRC on NPC issued in 2022 The local people's governments at or above the county level in Yellow River the Yellow River Basin shall organize and promote key soil and Protection water conservation projects such as comprehensive management of small river basins, comprehensive improvement of sloping farmland, treatment and protection of the Loess tableland, and construction of suitable vegetation; adopt measures such as protection of loss table land surface and protection of gully heads, gully slopes, and gully channels; strengthen control of areas with heavy and coarse sand; and carry out ecological clean watershed construction. PIUs of production and construction projects shall work out and strictly implement approved plans for WSC pursuant to law. 78 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority or Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Time Policy Standards, and Specifications Agricultural Law SC issued in 1993, 2nd It is stipulated in Article 58 that farmers and agricultural amended in 2012 production organizations shall conserve cultivated land; utilize chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural mulch rationally; increase the use of organic fertilizers; adopt advanced technologies; protect and improve soil fertility; and prevent farmland from pollution, damage, and fertility declining. Measures for MRW issued 2022, to be PIUs of production and construction projects are the main entities Construction implemented staring from responsible for the prevention and control of soil erosion in Projects Water and March 2023 production and construction projects. They should strengthen the Soil Conservation management of WSC in the whole project life cycle, optimize the Supervision construction process and timing, improve the utilization efficiency of soil and water resources, reduce surface disturbance and vegetation damage, take WSC measures on time, and effectively control soil and water loss that may be caused. Technical MWR, Ministry of This standard has five chapters and five appendixes; the main Standards for Soil Housing & Urban and content includes general provisions, terminology, basic and Water Rural Development provisions, soil and water conservation program, and soil and Conservation in jointly issued in 2018 water conservation measures design requirements. The technical Production and work of soil and water conservation in production and Construction construction projects should mainly include (a) the preparation of Projects GB or soil and water conservation plans, (b) the design of soil and water T50433-2018 conservation measures, (c) the supervision on construction of soil and water conservation, (d) soil and water conservation monitoring, and (e) the acceptance of soil and water conservation facilities. Standard of Soil Ministry of Housing & The standard levels of soil erosion prevention and control in Erosion Control Urban and Rural production and construction projects should be classified into for Production and Development, State Class I, Class II, and Class III. Construction Administration for Market The standard indicators of soil and water loss control should Projects Regulation jointly issued include percentage of controlled soil erosion area, proportion of GB or T50434- in 2018 soil erosion control, percentage of blocked dregs and soil, 2018 percentage of protected topsoil, percentage of recovered forestry and grass, and percentage of forestry and grass coverage. Soil and water loss control indicators’ values should be divided into eight areas according to soil and water conservation areas: northeast black soil area, north wind-blown sand area, north soil and rock mountain area, northwest loess Plateau area, south red soil area, southwest purple soil area, southwest Karst area, and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau area. Relevant local or In addition, there are other national and local guidelines such as regulations in the ‘Water and Soil Conservation - General Guidelines on Gansu Province Planning’ (GB or T15772-2008), the ‘Technical Guidelines on and ministerial Comprehensive Management of Water and Soil Conservation’ regulations and (SL534-2013), the ‘Technical Guidelines on Ecological and normative Clean Small River Basins Development’ (SL534-2013), and the documents ‘Guidelines on Water and Soil Conservation Monitoring for Construction Projects’ (trial, 2015). Gansu Province has also formulated the ‘Gansu Provincial Regulations on Soil and Water Conservation’ (enforced in 2012 and amended in 2023) and the ‘Gansu Provincial Water Resources Department on the Issuance of the Strengthening of Supervision in the Aftermath of the Event 79 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority or Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Time Policy Standards, and Specifications to Regulate the Implementation of the Autonomous Acceptance of Soil and Water Conservation Facilities in Production and Construction Projects’ (2017), which will further prevent and manage soil and water erosion, strengthen the follow-up management system, and safeguard the sustainable development of the economy and society. 4.4.2.2 Implementation mechanisms and procedures Table 4-15: Implementation Mechanism and Procedures for WSC Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Classified In accordance with the ‘Law on Water and Soil Conservation’ and other relevant management provisions, in mountainous areas, hilly areas, sandstorms and other areas prone to water and soil erosion or in production and construction projects that may cause water and soil erosion25 as defined in the WSC plans approved by the people's governments at or above the county level or the departments authorized by them, the PIUs of production and construction projects shall go through the following procedures to complete WSC scheme preparation, submission, and approval before the commencement of production and construction projects: (a) a project with land acquisition or occupation over 5 ha or earthwork or stonework over 50,000 m 3 is subject to preparation of a WSC report; (b) a project with land acquisition or occupation below 5 ha but over 0.5 ha or earthwork or stonework below 50,000 m3 but over 1,000 m3 is subject to preparation of a WSC form; and (c) a project with land acquisition or occupation below 0.5 ha or earthwork or stonework below 1,000 m3 is exempted from preparation of WSC schemes, but the responsible entity or individual should take measures to prevent soil erosion to meet relevant technical standards. Approval For a project that is approved, ratified, or filed by the SC or relevant departments of the SC, the WSC reports should be approved by the Ministry of Water Resources. For a project that is approved, ratified, or filed by local governments at the county level or above and the relevant departments, the WSC reports should be approved by the competent department of water administration of the people's government at the same level. For projects in cross-administrative areas, the WSC reports should be approved by the common water conservancy administrative department at the higher level. Check for For large and medium projects that may cause serious soil erosion, PIUs should monitor acceptance the soil erosion caused by construction activities, timely and quantitatively grasp soil erosion and its prevention and control of the situation, evaluate scientifically the effectiveness of prevention and control, and report the monitoring situation to the water conservancy administrative department according to the relevant provisions. WSC supervision should be in accordance with the provisions of the water conservancy project construction supervision and soil and water conservation supervision specifications. Monitoring Before the production and construction projects are put into operation and used, the production and construction units shall, in accordance with the standards and requirements stipulated by the Ministry of Water Resources, carry out independent acceptance of soil and water conservation facilities, and the results of the acceptance shall be disclosed to the public and reported to the competent administrative department of water for approval of 25Production and construction projects that may cause water and soil erosion refer to projects that will disturb land surface, involving excavation and backfilling of earthwork or stonework during production and construction, and which need to go through the procedures of examination or approval or record for endorsement pursuant to law. 80 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures the soil and water conservation program for the record. The competent water administration department shall issue an acknowledgment of the record. Supervision and WRBs are responsible for strengthening the supervision of the whole process of the WSC inspection plans, fully utilizing satellite remote sensing, drones, bi g data, ‘internet and supervision’ and other means to supervise and inspect the implementation, monitoring, and supervision of the WSC and acceptance of the WSC facilities. The problems found should be handled in accordance with the law. Random sampling of inspection targets at the annual rate of at least 10 percent and random selection of inspectors shall be implemented and the regulatory information shall be disclosed on time. 4.4.2.3 Institutional organization and performance 106． WRBs at all levels are the competent authorities involved in WSC plans’ approval and supervision. The interviews with the example districts or counties reveal that county-level WRBs have WSC and water resources sections (three to five staff) responsible for approving WSC schemes for construction projects that are subject to approval by local governments and generally completing the application and approval process through the local administrative approval halls. Before the preliminary design documents of regional development and land leveling construction projects are submitted from the county to the municipal level for approval, they should be involved in the preapproval at the county level for the soil and water conservation measures in the design documents at the county level of preapproval. 107． It was found during the field visits that Lanzhou New District is a typical administrative area for the development of large-scale modernized farming and animal husbandry cycle ecological farming in agricultural areas through the development of unused state-owned hilly loess gully land for planting artificial forage in the vicinity of new urban areas. In the process of development and construction of unutilized state-owned land, high priority is given to ecology in principle, 50 percent of the developed land are used as ecological land, 30 percent as forage cultivation bases, and 20 percent as public utilities. Before land development, feasibility studies on the land development were prepared and authoritative scientific research institutions were invited to justify repeatedly the approaches to be used with tremendous scientific calculations on reduced wind erosion, soil erosion, ecosystem service value, and so on, and mitigation measures were proposed against potential soil erosion. During the development activities that involve large volume of land leveling and earth excavation and backfilling, the WSC scheme has been compiled in strict accordance with the requirements of the Regulations on Preparation and Approval of Water and Soil Conservation Schemes and other laws and regulations, effective measures have been taken to prevent and control water and soil erosion during the construction, and the self-check for WSC acceptance has been carried out at the completion of the project and then subject to follow-up management by Agricultural, Forestry and Water Bureau of Lanzhou New District. In recent years, the new land use areas were developed comprehensively from unused land to minimize the occupation of arable land. Through such development approaches over the past 10 year, Lanzhou New District increased its new arable land by 100,000 mu, accounting for 15 percent of the total area of unused land. There are 21 million m2 of green land, accounting for 35.8 percent the constructed urban area in Lanzhou New District. At present, Lanzhou New District has accumulated more than 120,000 mu of ecological restoration land and afforestation and greening of more than 200,000 mu, and the natural environment and ecological status quo of the region has significantly improved, which has a great positive effect on the prevention and control of soil erosion. These activities have increased the vegetation cover of the region, improved the effectiveness of wind and soil protection in hilly loess gullies and gullies, and improved the originally arid and salinized soil through forage cultivation, and effectively increased the organic matter content of the soil. Livestock manure from large- and medium-scale farms were properly treated sanitarily and returned to the forage cultivation land, contributing to the increased soil carbon sequestration capacity. 81 4.4.2.4 Brief Summary 108． China and Gansu Province have established an effective WSC management system. The system is operated under a well-staffed operationable mechanism what is qualified to manage the WSC work and help improve ecological environment under the PforR. It follows WBG’s EHS Guidelines and the core principles of the World Bank. Generic mitigation measures for addressing potential adverse environmental impacts of main activities under the PforR Program are provided in Appendix 8. These mitigation measures with estimated cost shall be included in the bidding documents for contractors to take specific actions. 4.5 Health and Safety Management System 109． The process of livestock production and value chain extension may involve the following public health and OHS risks: • Biological hazard. First, the health of the animal itself directly affects the production capacity and efficiency of animal husbandry. The second is the OHS impact to operators working in veterinary service labs and the impacts of biosafety of veterinary service lab and quality of agro-food on health and safety of publics. The third is impact of zoonotic diseases on animals, livestock farming operators, staff engaged in providing service for prevention and control of infectious diseases, and communities in the vicinity of the farm and public’s health and safety. In addition, livestock farming operators and staff engaged in providing service for prevention and control of animal diseases may be injured or bitten by stinging, poisonous animals, or vector mosquitoes. • Food safety impact. Routine treatment of animals with antibiotics may result in antibiotic- resistant microorganisms in the intestinal tract of treated animals. Potential routes for infection of humans are the consumption of contaminated meat or water or food contaminated by manure. People living near the farm may also be at risk of infection. Residues of feed additives and contaminants may also be present in meat and dairy products. • Physical hazard. Workers engaged in activities such as construction, forage cultivation, livestock farming, agro-food processing, and veterinary service may be exposed to hazards such as falling; lifting heavy weights or repetitive movements; sharp and moving objects in the workplace; over-exposure to noise, vibration, and extreme or adverse weather conditions; and injuries from working in confined spaces. Farmers or workers may be exposed to harmful organic dust that may be generated during forage harvesting, storage and transportation, and animal feed processing. • Chemical hazard. In the process of cultivation of artificial forage, practitioners are exposed to pesticides, herbicides and other chemical harmful pesticides, and chemical waste of animals’ disease prevention and control laboratories. 110． The risk management of animal health and animal infectious diseases of zoonotic diseases and some quality management of animal products associated with livestock production and value chain extension are assessed in this section. The OHS risk management of human infectious diseases of zoonotic diseases and the quality management of some animal products are assessed in Chapter 5. 82 4.5.1 Animal Health, Agro-Food Quality, and Public Health Management System 4.5.1.1 Applicable Legal Framework 111． The national and Gansu provincial applicable laws and regulations on animal health, agro-food quality, and public health and safety are listed in Table 4-16. Table 4-16: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Animal Health, Agro-Food Quality, and Public Health Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications 1．Animal health and diseases prevention and control Law of the PRC NPC issued in The law stipulates that the ARABs shall be responsible for the supervision on Animal 2005, amended in and control of animal husbandry. Animal husbandry producers and Husbandry 2022 operators shall fulfill their obligations of animal epidemic prevention and ecological environmental protection according to law and accept the supervision and inspection carried out by relevant competent departments according to law. One of the conditions that livestock and poultry farms shall meet is having livestock and veterinary technicians available to serve them. Livestock and poultry farms shall establish breeding files that shall include the source, name, object of use, time, and amount of inputs such as veterinary drugs. Other requirements include quarantine, immunization, and disinfection and sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock and poultry. Law of the PRC NPC issued in The law was enacted to strengthen the management of animal epidemic On Animal 1997，2nd prevention activities to prevent, control, purify, and eliminate animal Epidemic amended in 2021 epidemics, promote the development of the livestock industry, prevent and Prevention control zoonotic infectious diseases, and ensure public health safety and human health. The law is applicable to the epidemic prevention, supervision, and administration of animals (domestic livestock and poultry and other animals raised and captured in captivity) in China. The prevention and control of animal epidemic diseases referred to in this law refers to the prevention, control, diagnosis and treatment, purification, and eradication of epidemic diseases and the quarantine of animals and animal products as well as the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals and diseased animal products. The law stipulates that "the people's governments at or above the county level shall exercise unified leadership over animal epidemic prevention, and ARABs shall be in charge of animal epidemic prevention within their respective administrative areas." According to the degree of harm to the livestock production and human health, animal epidemics as provided for in this law shall be divided into the following three categories: • Category I epidemics refer to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), African swine fever, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), and other diseases that pose particularly serious harm to humans and animals, may cause major economic losses and social impacts, and require urgent and strict compulsory prevention and control measures. • Class II epidemics refer to babies, brucellosis, hemorrhagic disease of 83 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications grass carp, and so on that cause serious harm to humans and animals, may cause great economic losses and social impact, and require strict prevention and control measures. • Class III epidemics refer to colibacillosis, avian tuberculosis, and so on that are common and frequent, such as colibacillosis, avian tuberculosis, and turtle mumps, which cause harm to humans and animals, may cause economic losses and social impact to a certain extent, and need to be promptly prevented and controlled. The law consists of 113 articles under 12 chapters, covering the preventions of animal epidemics, the reporting, notification, and publication of animal epidemics, the control of animal epidemics, the quarantine of animals and animal products, the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals and diseased animal products, animal diagnosis and treatment, veterinary management, supervision and management, safeguard measures, legal liabilities, and others. Regulation on SC issued in 2005, The regulation defines major animal epidemics as "the emergent and Emergency amended in 2017 rapid spread of animal epidemics with high morbidity or mortality, Response to including HPAI, which pose a serious threat or harm to the production Major Animal safety of the livestock production, may cause harm to the health and safety Epidemics of the public, including particularly serious animal epidemics." The Outbreaks regulation stipulates that "major animal epidemic emergency response work shall be done in accordance with the principle of localization administration, the implementation of unified government leadership, shared responsibility among governmental bureaus, establishment level by level a responsibility system." These involve ARABs, veterinary, forestry, entry inspection and quarantine authorities, and other government departments or bureaus. According to the regulation, people's governments at or above the county level shall, in accordance with the actual situation of their respective regions, formulate emergency plans for major animal epidemics in their respective administrative regions and report them to the competent governmental veterinary authorities at the higher level for endorsement. The Regulation consists of general provisions, emergency preparedness, monitoring report and distribution, emergency handling, legal liability and other chapters, and the corresponding provisions are formulated. Law of the PRC NPC issued in The purpose of this law is to prevent, control, and eliminate the occurrence on the 1989, amended in and prevalence of infectious diseases and protect human health and public prevention and 2013 health. The law classified infectious diseases into three categories: A, B, control of and C according to the outbreak, prevalence, and harm degree of infectious infectious diseases. People's governments at all levels shall lead the prevention and diseases treatment of infectious diseases. The HCs under the local people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases and their supervision and administration within their respective administrative areas. The ARABs, FGBs, and other relevant bureaus of the people's governments at or above the county level shall, according to their respective functions and duties, be responsible for the prevention and control of animal diseases related to zoonotic diseases. 84 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications Law of the PRC NPC issued in The law was formulated to safeguard national security, prevent and on Biosecurity 2020 respond to biosafety risks, safeguard people's lives and health, protect biological resources and the ecological environment, promote the healthy development of biotechnology, promote the building of a community with a shared future, and realize harmonious coexistence between man and nature. The law includes provisions related to the prevention and control of major emerging infectious diseases, animal and plant epidemics outbreaks, laboratory biosafety management of pathogenic microorganisms, and prevention of alien species invasion and protection of biodiversity. No individual may set up a PML or engage in pathogenic microorganism experiment activities. Chatter 5 of the law is on biosafety of PMLs. It is stipulated that pathogenic microorganism experiment activities should be carried out in the laboratory reaching the corresponding biosafety level. The lower biosafety-level PMLs shall not engage in the high pathogenic microorganism experiment activities that should be carried out in the higher biosafety level PMLs as stipulated in the National Pathogenic Microorganism Catalogue. Regulations on SC issued in 2004, The regulation stipulated that the State exercises classified management Biosafety 2nd amended in over pathogenic microorganisms and graded management over Management of 2018 laboratories and classifies pathogenic microorganisms into four categories Pathogenic according to their infectivity and degree of harm to individuals or groups Microorganism after infection. The categories of degree of harm from high to low are Laboratories Category A, Category B, Category C, and Category D. Of them, Category Classification of Ministry of A and Category B are called highly pathogenic microorganisms. Pathogenic Agriculture issued Microorganisms in 2005 As per the Classification of Pathogenic Microorganisms in Animals, in Animals Category A pathogenic microorganisms in animals include 10 species, Category B pathogenic microorganisms in animals include 8 species, Category C pathogenic microorganisms in animals include 105 species, and Category D pathogenic microorganisms in animals include remaining species. The State shall adopt unified laboratory biosafety standards. The laboratory shall meet the national standards and requirements. The State shall, according to the biosafety protection level of the laboratory against pathogenic microorganisms and in accordance with the provisions of the national standards for laboratory biosafety, divide the laboratory into BSL- 1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-4. BSL-1 and BSL-2 laboratories shall not engage in experiments operations on highly pathogenic microorganisms. Veterinary Ministry of The code specified the basic principles of biosafety protection in laboratory Agriculture issued veterinary laboratories, the classification of laboratories, the basic biosafety in 2003 requirements and management of laboratories at all levels, and the management standard is the minimum requirement code Law of the PRC NPC issued in The provisions in Chapter VI of the Law - Hazardous Waste are applicable on the 1995, 2nd to the prevention and control of environmental pollution by hazardous Prevention and amended in 2020 waste. It includes containers and packaging of hazardous waste as well as Control of facilities, sites, and provisions for the collection, storage, transportation, 85 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications Environmental utilization, and disposal of hazardous waste. Pollution by Solid Waste The National Hazardous Waste Catalogue classifies medical waste as National MEE, NDRC, hazardous waste. Hazardous Ministry of Public The National Medical Waste Catalogue classifies medical waste into Waste Catalogue Security, Ministry infectious waste, injurious waste, and pathological waste. of Transport, National Health Each of the above two catalogues has a ‘List of Hazardous Waste or Commission Medical Waste Exemption Management’ that lists the specific waste edition of 2021 names, exemption links, exemption conditions, and exemption contents. National MEE, National Medical Waste Health Catalogue Commission edition of 2021 Medical Waste SC issued in 2003, The regulation is enacted to strengthen the safe management of medical Management amended in 2011 waste, prevent the spread of diseases, protect the environment and human Regulation health, and is applicable to the collection, transportation, storage, disposal, and supervision and management of medical waste. The regulation stipulates that the EEBs and HCs of the government at or above the county level shall, in accordance with the provisions of the regulation, supervise and inspect the medical and health institutions and medical and health treatment units according to the division of responsibilities. Management MARA issued in The management measures is enacted to strengthen the sanitary Measures for 2022 treatment of dead and diseased livestock and poultry and diseased Sanitary livestock and poultry products, prevent and control animal diseases, Treatment of promote the high-quality development of animal husbandry, and protect Dead and public health safety and human health. It is suitable for the collection, Diseased sanitary treatment, and supervision and management of sick dead livestock Livestock and and poultry and diseased livestock and poultry products in the process of Poultry and livestock production, slaughtering, operation, isolation, and transportation. Diseased The management measures stipulates that ARABs of the local people's Livestock and governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for the Poultry Products supervision and administration of the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock and poultry and diseased livestock and poultry products in their respective administrative areas. Regulation on SC issued in 2013 The regulation applies to the prevention and control of pollution from Pollution livestock farms and farming zones (excluding grazing and breeding in Prevention and pastoral areas). The EEBs of the people's government at or above the Control of county level shall be responsible for the unified supervision and Scaled Livestock administration of the prevention and control of pollution from livestock and Poultry and poultry production. Production The regulation prohibits the construction of livestock farms and farming zones in environmentally sensitive areas such as urban residential areas, cultural, educational, and scientific research areas, and other populated areas. The construction, reconstruction, or expansion of livestock farms and farming zones shall conform to the plans for the development of animal husbandry and the plans for the prevention and control of pollution from livestock and poultry production and meet the conditions for animal 86 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications epidemic prevention. The corresponding pollution control facilities to be built in livestock and poultry farms and farming zones shall include comprehensive utilization and sanitary treatment facilities such as disposal of livestock and poultry carcasses. Regulation on SC issued in 2004, This is an administrative regulation aimed at strengthening the the 3rd amended in management and ensuring the quality of veterinary drugs, preventing and Administration 2020 controlling animal diseases, promoting the development of the livestock of Veterinary production, and maintaining human health. The regulation stipulates that Drugs "the AHVMBs of the local people's government at or above the county level shall be responsible for the supervision and administration of veterinary drugs within its administrative area" and make specific provisions on the research, production, marketing, import and export, use, supervision and administration, and legal responsibilities of veterinary drugs. Measures for the MARA issued in The two measures aim to standardize the work of compulsory animal Administration 2002 immunization, effectively control major animal epidemics, standardize the of Animal production and operation behaviors of animal husbandry, strengthen the Immunization management of livestock and poultry labels and breeding files, establish a Labeling traceability system for livestock and poultry products, effectively prevent Measures for the MARA issued in and control major animal epidemics, and ensure the quality and safety of Management of 2006 livestock and poultry products. Among the others, it is stipulated that "the Livestock and identification of livestock and poultry shall implement one animal and one Poultry Marking mark, and the code shall be unique," "livestock and poultry farms shall and Breeding establish breeding files," and "AHVMBs at the county level shall establish Archives livestock and poultry epidemic prevention archives." Measures for the MARA issued in The measures are formulated for strengthening the management of animal Administration 2022 quarantine activities, preventing, controlling, purifying, and eliminating of Animal animal epidemics, preventing and controlling zoonotic infectious diseases, Quarantine and ensuring public health safety and human health, in accordance with the Law of the PRC on Animal Epidemic Prevention. There are specific provisions on quarantine declaration, origin quarantine, slaughter quarantine, animal quarantine into areas without provisions for animal epidemic, official veterinarian, animal quarantine certificate mark management, supervision and management, legal responsibility, and so on. Measures for MARA issued in The measures aimed at standardizing the review of animal epidemic Reviewing 2010, amended in prevention conditions, effectively preventing, controlling, purifying, and Conditions for 2022 eliminating animal epidemics, preventing and controlling zoonotic Animal infectious diseases, and ensuring public health safety and human health. It Epidemic is stipulated that livestock farms, animal isolation places, animal Prevention slaughtering and processing places, and sanitary treatment places of animals and animal products shall meet the conditions for animal epidemic prevention as provided for in the measures and obtain the certificate of animal epidemic prevention conditions. Markets dealing in livestock and animal products shall meet the conditions for animal epidemic prevention as provided for in the measures. The measures also stipulate that "AHVMBs of the local people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for the examination, supervision and administration of animal epidemic prevention conditions within their respective 87 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications administrative areas." Rules for the MARA issued in The rules are formulated to cultivate fine breeding stock, improve the Registration of 2006 genetic quality of breeding stock, and recommend fine breeding stock to Fine Breeding the society. Stock 2. Agro-food quality safety management Law of the PRC NPC issued in The law is enacted to ensure the quality and safety26 of agro-food,27 on Agro-Food 2018, amended in safeguard public health, and promote agricultural and rural economic Quality and 2022 development. The law has a total of 81 articles, covering six chapters, that Safety is, general provisions, agricultural product quality and safety risk management and standard formulation, agricultural product origin, agricultural product production, agricultural product sales, and supervision and management. Feed and Feed SC issued in 1999, The regulation is formulated to strengthen the management of feed and Additives 4th amended in feed additives, improve the quality of feed and feed additives, ensure the Regulation 2017 safety and quality of animal products, and maintain public health. The regulation stipulates the supervision of feed and feed additives in the agricultural and rural sectors. Specific provisions have been made on the registration, production, operation and use, and legal liability of feed and feed additives. Measures for the General The administrative measures aim to strengthen the management of Administration Administration of pollution-free agro-food, safeguard the rights and interests of consumers, of Pollution- Quality improve the quality of agro-food, protect the agricultural eco-environment, Free Agro-Food Supervision, and promote sustainable agricultural development. The administrative Inspection and measures defined that pollution-free agro-food refers to the environment Quarantine, of origin, production process, and product quality meeting the Ministry of requirements of the relevant standards and norms of the State. Through the Agriculture issued certification of raw or pre-processed edible agricultural products permitted in 2002, amended in the certificate, they can be marked as pollution-free agro-food. The by MARA IN administrative measures have made specific provisions on the conditions 2007 of certification on origin and production management and the place of origin. 3．Animal welfare Laws and • Wildlife Protection Law of the PRC. Acts endangering wildlife such regulations with as illegal killing, trafficking, consumption, and abuse shall be provisions on prohibited, and violators shall be punished and held accountable. animal welfare • Animal Husbandry Law of the PRC stipulated. The competent MARA under the SC shall guide animal husbandry producers and operators to improve the conditions and environment for breeding, farming, feeding, transportation, and slaughtering of livestock and poultry. Livestock producers are required to comply with livestock technical specifications, ensure the health and safety of livestock and poultry, and improve the quality and safety of livestock products. The 26 Agro-food quality safety means that the quality of agricultural products meets the quality and safety standards of agricultural products and meets the requirements for protecting human health and safety. 27 Agro-food refers to primary products derived from farming, forestry, animal husbandry, and fishery, that is, plants, animals, microorganisms, and their products obtained in agricultural activities. 88 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications law prohibits ill-treatment, abandonment, abuse, and other acts that endanger livestock and poultry and imposes penalties and accountability on violators. • Law of the PRC on Animal Epidemic Prevention. Animal breeders and veterinary practitioners are required to abide by the regulations on animal epidemic prevention, report and handle animal outbreaks on time, and prevent the spread and spread of the disease. • Veterinary Medicine Law of PRC. It is required that veterinary practitioners have appropriate qualifications and capabilities, abide by professional ethics and norms, and provide reasonable and effective diagnosis and treatment services for animals. • The Law on the Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products and the relevant sectoral standards for ensuring quality and safety of agro- food products also imply that behaviors of livestock stockman and slaughterhouse employees are regulated not to mistreat or frighten animals or feed prohibited feed additives and antibiotics and are subject to the strict supervision and management of the local AHVMBs and MSBs. Relevant National Standard Welfare Criteria for Animals to Be Slaughtered (BG or T42304-2023) standards or specify the animal welfare requirements of the slaughtering process of codes pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens, and ducks and apply to the animal welfare management of the slaughtering process of pigs, cattle, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Welfare on Killing Animals for Disease control Purpose (GB or T42071-2022). The standard regulates the options, personnel requirements, options selection, safety measures, and supervision of livestock and poultry culling under different factors. At the same time, to facilitate the operation and implementation, the specific requirements for the culling methods, culling equipment, culling preparation, and post-culling treatment of pigs, poultry, cattle, and sheep are detailed, to minimize the suffering of the above-mentioned animals when they are culled. Sectoral Standards • SN or T 3774-2014 Animal Welfare Code for Feeding, Transportation and Slaughtering of Cattle • SN or T4102-2015 Animal Welfare Code for Feeding, Transportation and Slaughtering of Horse • SN or T5485-2022 Animal Welfare Code for Feeding, Transportation and Slaughtering of Donkey Group or • T or CAS 235-2014 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for Pigs Association • T or CAI 001-2019 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for waterfowl Standards • T or CAS 269-2017 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for hens • T or CAI 004-2021 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for Dairy Cattle • T or CAS 238-2014 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for Beef Cattle • T or CAS 267-2017 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for Meet-type Chicken • T or CAI 003-2019 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for Cashmere Goat • T or CAS 242-2015 Farm Animal Welfare Requirement for Sheep raised for Mutton 89 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications • T or ZJMEAT 002-2022 Code of Practice for Animal Welfare During Transport and Slaughtering of Live Pigs 4. Relevant Gansu provincial regulations and administrative measures Regulation of GPPC issued in The regulation is formulated in accordance with the Law of the PRC on Gansu Province 2013, amended in Animal Epidemic Prevention and the Emergency Regulations on on Animal 2021 Major Animal Epidemics of the State Council and in combination with Epidemic the actual conditions of Gansu Province, aiming to strengthen the Prevention management of animal epidemic prevention activities, prevent, control, purify, and eliminate animal epidemics, promote the development of livestock production, prevent and control zoonotic infectious diseases, and ensure public health safety and human health. The regulations stipulates that "units and individuals engaged in livestock production, feeding, slaughtering, operation, isolation, transportation, as well as the production, operation, processing, storage and other activities of animal products shall, in accordance with the provisions of the State, shall work well on immunization, disinfection, testing, isolation, purification, elimination, sanitary treatment and other animal epidemic prevention tasks, and bear the relevant responsibilities for animal epidemic prevention." Measures for the Government of The administrative measures are formulated in accordance with the Administration Gansu Province Regulations on the Administration of Pig Slaughter of the State Council, of Livestock issued in 2005 applicable to livestock (pigs, cattle, and sheep) and their unprocessed Slaughtering in carcasses, meat, fat, organs, blood, bones, heads, hooves, skins, and so on, Gansu Province after slaughter in Gansu Province. The administrative measures stipulates that "slaughtering livestock must be carried out in approved designated slaughterhouses." No unit or individual may slaughter livestock without being designated by the people's governments of municipalities, prefectures, counties, and districts. The conditions for setting up the designated slaughterhouse of domestic animals are specified. Meat production and processing enterprises that need to slaughter domestic animals by themselves shall apply for the qualification of designated slaughter in accordance with the conditions and procedures stipulated in the administrative measures. The administrative measures also make specific provisions on quality control such as pre-slaughter and post- slaughter quarantine, meat quality inspection, freezing and refrigeration storage, transportation, and marketing. Regulation for Government of The regulation and measures put forward specific requirements for the Construction Gansu Province epidemic prevention, waste sanitary treatment facilities, site selection, of Livestock and issued in 2007 layout, introduction of breeding stock, animal immunization, required Poultry Farms veterinary drugs, and sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock as and farming well as the requirements on the rules and regulation to be established by Zones in Gansu enterprises or rural collectives or households who runs the livestock farms Province and or farming zones. Measures for The regulation and measures stipulate that the built and new livestock Filing and poultry farms and farming zones in the province shall carry out Management registration for endorsement and the county-level AHVMBs are responsible for the registration. The regulation and measures also make specific provisions on the use of veterinary drugs and feed additives. For example, "the use of homologous animal source feed for ruminants such as 90 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications cattle and sheep is prohibited." Measures for AHVMB of Gansu The measures clarify the division of responsibilities, content and methods Supervision and Province issued in of supervision, frequency and coverage of supervision and examination Examination of 2023 procedures, and results of supervision in major animal disease prevention the Prevention and control from provincial to municipal and county veterinary authorities and Control of (including animal husbandry and veterinary bureaus or sections or units Major Animal and animal disease prevention and control agencies and animal health Epidemics in supervision agencies). The purpose is to standardize the behavior of Gansu Province animal epidemic prevention supervision, improve administrative efficiency and work efficiency, promote the implementation of the responsibility and measures for animal epidemic prevention of major animal diseases in the province, and promote the high-quality development of animal husbandry. Plan for AHVMB of Gansu In this plan, the main zoonotic diseases related to herbivorous livestock Prevention and Province issued in that need to be controlled and prevented are classified as follows: Control of February 2023 • Focused prevention: brucellosis, cattle disease, combined cattle Zoonotic disease, anthrax, echinococcosis, malleosis of horse Diseases among • Routine prevention: melioidosis Animals in • External precautions: bovine spongy encephalopathy. Gansu Province (2023–2030) Implementation Government of One of the objectives of the implementation plan is to reduce pollution Plan on Further Gansu Province and carbon emission in animal husbandry and improve the quality of agro- Strengthening issued in 2019 foods with characteristics of Gansu Province. the Construction The so called "Three Goods and One Standard" refer to agro-foods of Two "Three produced to be "pollution-free agricultural products, green food, organic Goods and One agricultural products, geographical indication agricultural products" Standard" to deemed as the “good variety, good quality, good brands meeting Build a well- standards.� Known Brand of "Gansu-Flavor" Agricultural Products (2019– 2023) Local In accordance with the relevant laws and regulations on animal epidemic emergency prevention, special emergency plans are prepared by ARABs at the plans for major provincial, municipal, and county levels and issued by governments at the animal epidemic same level. For example, Gansu Province Emergency Plan for Major prevention Animal Epidemic Outbreak, Gansu Province Emergency Plan for Major Animal Epidemics 2022, and each county's Emergency Plan for Major Animal Epidemics 2022. 5．Sectoral standards and technical codes Animal health Technical Specification for Sanitary treatment of Dead and Diseased and epidemic Animals, Technical Specification for Prevention and Control of FMD, prevention and Technical Specification for Anthrax Control, Technical Specification control for Prevention and Treatment of Sheep Pox, Technical Specification for Bovine Tuberculosis Control, Brucellosis Control Techniques, Technical Specification for the Prevention and Treatment of HPAI, Generals for Biosafety in Veterinary Laboratories-NY or T1948-2010, 91 Names of Laws, Issuing Authority Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, or Time Policy Standards, and Specifications Quality and Technical Requirements for Veterinary Laboratories, and so on Sectoral MARA The ‘Feed Raw Materials Catalogue’ was issued by the Ministry of standards for Agriculture on June 1, 2012, implemented on January 1, 2012, and then safeguard revised by MARA several times, and the current revision announcement is healthy and up to July 2023: Catalog of Feed Additives (2013); Feed Quality and quality of agro- Safety Management Code (2014); Code for Safe Use of Feed Additives foods (2018); List of allowable feed additive Varieties; Code for the Use of Feed Drug Additives; Guidelines for the Management of Pollution- free Feed for Pigs (NY or T5033-2001); Guidelines for the Breeding and Management of pollution-free Meat Sheep (NY or T5151-2002); Guidelines for the Feeding and Management of pollution-free Beef Cattle (NY or T5033-2001) Guidelines for the feeding and Management of pollution-free Dairy Cattle (NY or T5049-2001); and so on Laboratory National standards General Requirements for Laboratory Biosafety (GB19489-2008), biosafety or codes Technical Code for Biosafety Laboratory Construction (GB50346-2011) Sectoral standards General Biosafety Requirements for Veterinary Laboratories (NY or T or codes 1948-2010), Quality and Technical Requirements for Veterinary Laboratories (NY or T 2961-2016) Technical Specification for Collection, Preservation and Transportation of Veterinary Diagnostic Samples (NY or T541-2016) 4.5.1.2 Implementation Mechanisms and Procedures 112． To implement the abovementioned laws and regulations on animal health, disease prevention and control, and the quality and safety of livestock products, China has established and is gradually improving the relevant implementation mechanisms, which are summarized in Table 4-17. Table 4-17: Implementation Mechanism for Animal Health and Disease Prevention and Control and Quality and Safety Management of Livestock Products Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures 1．Animal health and epidemic prevention and control Mechanism of The competent departments of ARABs shall, in accordance with the animal epidemic situation animal disease at home and abroad and the need for the protection of livestock production and human health, risk assessment conduct risk assessment of animal epidemics on time together with the health and other relevant departments under the SC and formulate and publish measures and technical specifications for the prevention, control, purification, and elimination of animal epidemics. Compulsory immunization shall be carried out against animal epidemics that seriously endanger livestock production and human health. In Gansu Province, the provincial DARA has established a risk assessment and early warning system for animal epidemics, carried out the provincial-wide risk assessment of animal epidemics in conjunction with the relevant departments and bureaus of health at the same level, and issued early warnings of animal epidemics on time according to the prediction of the occurrence and epidemic trend of animal epidemics. The early warnings specified disease, 92 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures zones, stages for prevention and control, purification, and elimination of animal epidemics. Mechanism of The State implements an animal epidemic monitoring and early warning mechanism. People's animal governments at or above the county level shall establish and improve animal epidemic disease epidemics monitoring networks and strengthen animal epidemic disease monitoring. The ARABs at monitoring and various levels shall formulate animal epidemic disease monitoring plans for their respective early warning administrative areas to forecast the occurrence and epidemic trend of animal epidemics and issue timely early warnings of animal epidemics. After receiving early warnings of animal epidemics, local people's governments at various levels shall take timely preventive and control measures. Mechanism of The State implements animal epidemic prevention condition examine mechanism. Entities that examine animal plan to establish animal farms and isolation sites, animal slaughtering and processing sites, and epidemic sanitary treatment sites for animals and animal products shall submit to ARABs the local prevention people's government at or above the county level, attached with relevant materials. The conditions ARABs accepting applications shall examine them in accordance with this law and the Administrative Licensing Law of the PRC. A certificate of the conditions for animal epidemic prevention shall be issued to those who pass the examination. If the applicant is not qualified, it shall notify the applicant and explain the reasons. Compulsory The State implements compulsory immunization against animal epidemics that seriously immunization endanger livestock production and human health. Units and individuals that raise animals shall mechanism fulfill the obligation of compulsory immunization against animal epidemics, vaccinate animals against animal epidemics in accordance with the compulsory immunization plan and technical norms, and establish immunization files and label livestock and poultry in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State to ensure traceability. Vaccines used for preventive vaccination shall conform to the quality standards of the State. In Gansu, the provincial DARA, together with relevant departments, formulated the provincial compulsory immunization plan for animal diseases in accordance with the national compulsory immunization plan and submitted it to MARA for record with the approval of the provincial government. The municipal and county-level ARABs or AHVMBs shall, in accordance with the provincial compulsory immunization plan against animal epidemics, organize the implementation of compulsory immunization against animal epidemics in their respective administrative areas. Animal epidemic The State practices an animal epidemic notification mechanism. The ARABs notify the notification occurrence and handling of major animal epidemics. mechanism Inter- First, establish a cooperation mechanism for the prevention and treatment of zoonotic diseases department covering the national, provincial, municipal, and county levels of health, agriculture, rural cooperation areas, wildlife protection, and other competent departments. Second, establish a cooperation mechanism mechanism at the national level between MARA and the General Administration of Customs and other departments to prevent the import of animal diseases from overseas. When the epidemic of zoonotic infectious diseases occurs, the ARABs, HCs, FGBs, and AHVMBs of the people's governments at or above the county level shall strengthen information communication and establish a cooperative mechanism for the prevention and treatment of zoonotic infectious diseases. In the event of an animal epidemic, air, railway, road, and waterway transport enterprises shall give priority to organizing the transport of epidemic prevention personnel and materials. The local people's government at or above the county level shall, in accordance with the emergency plan for major animal epidemics at the higher level and the actual situation of the region, formulate the emergency plan for major animal epidemics in its administrative region, report it to the ARABs of the people's government at the higher level for the record, and send a copy to the emergency management department of the people's government at the higher level. The ARABs of the local people's governments at or above the county level shall, in accordance with the different types of animal epidemics, their epidemic characteristics and 93 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures the degree of harm, formulate implementation plans respectively. Quarantine of Animal health supervision agencies shall quarantine animals and animal products in animals and accordance with the relevant law and regulations and MARA’s provisions. Official animal products veterinarians of animal health supervision institutions shall conduct quarantine of animals and animal products. In addition, there are corresponding administrative measures and regulations on quarantine declaration, official quarantine, issuance of quarantine certificates, quarantine signs and other aspects for quarantine animals from live, slaughter, product processing, transportation and distribution, and marketing. Official Veterinarian, that is, the official veterinarian of the animal health regulatory institution, shall veterinarian have the conditions prescribed by MARA, be confirmed by the ARABs of the governments of appointment provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government in mechanism accordance with the procedures, and be appointed by ARABs of the governments at or above the county level. The State implements a qualification examination system for practicing veterinarians. Rural veterinarians who have professional education or meet the conditions and pass the qualification examination for practicing veterinarians shall be issued a qualification certificate by ARABs of the people's government of a province, autonomous region, or municipality directly under the central government. Mechanism of Livestock farms, farming zones, animal isolation sites, animal slaughtering and processing sites certificate sites, and sanitary treatment sites of animals and animal products shall meet the conditions for and institution animal epidemic prevention as provided for in relevant laws and regulations and obtain the license certificate of meeting animal epidemic prevention conditions. Institutions and units engaged in animal diagnosis and treatment, veterinary drug production, veterinary drug marketing, and the establishment of livestock and poultry farms or farming zones need to apply for and shall be reviewed by the competent authorities to comply with the conditions prescribed by laws and regulations and shall be issued with the corresponding production or business license after being deemed qualified. Mechanism of With reference to the national Conditions for the Management of Pig Slaughter , combined designated site with the actual situation of Gansu, an animal husbandry province, the Measures for the for slaughtering Management of Livestock Slaughter in Gansu Province stipulates that "within the pigs, cattle, and administrative area of the province, designated slaughtering and centralized quarantine of pigs, sheep cattle and sheep shall be implemented, and designated slaughtering and centralized quarantine of poultry shall be gradually implemented. No unit or individual may engage in slaughtering activities outside designated places, except for individuals in rural areas who slaughter and eat themselves." Centralized and The State promotes the centralized and harmless disposal of medical waste. Governments at or harmless above the county level shall be responsible for organizing the construction of centralized disposal of medical waste disposal facilities. medical waste Medical and health institutions and centralized disposal units of medical waste shall register medical waste and implement hazardous waste transferring unified bill mechanism. Implementation Gansu Province has formulated the Responsibility System for the Prevention and Control of the target Major Animal Epidemics and the Measures for Accountability, clarifying the responsibility management in places within jurisdiction of county and the main responsibilities of regulatory agencies as responsibility well as the principle responsibility of management counterparts. mechanism for animal epidemic prevention in Gansu Mechanism of Through government subsidies, livestock farmers or cooperatives are encouraged to actively linking participate in the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased livestock, reduce environmental insurance with pollution and animal disease prevention and control risks, protect the economic interests of 94 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures sanitary farmers, and safeguard the ecological environment and public health safety. It involves the link treatment of or interaction of four departments: AHVMBs are responsible for coordinating and organizing dead and the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals, formulating relevant subsidy policies and diseased standards, and carrying out information release and publicity work. Professional insurance livestock companies are responsible for providing insurance products for the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals to protect the economic interests of farmers. The Centre for the Safe Disposal of Dead and diseased Animals is responsible for the transport and safe disposal of dead and diseased animals. The supervision department is responsible for supervising and inspecting the implementation of the sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals. Classified The State classifies PMLs (including veterinary laboratories) into four categories according to management on the infectivity of pathogenic microorganisms and the degree of harm to individuals or groups PML with after infection. The State divides PMLs into BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3, and BSL-3 based on unified biosafety according to the biosafety protection level of the laboratory against pathogenic microorganisms standard and in accordance with the provisions of the national standards for laboratory biosafety. BSL-1 & BSL-2 labs shall not engage in experiments operations on highly pathogenic microorganisms. Requirement of biosafety level of veterinary labs: Animal Lab Biosafety Level-1 (ABSL-1): The biosafety level that can safely carry out work in animals infected with clearly defined pathogenic microorganisms that are not found to definitely cause disease in healthy adults and pose minimal risk to laboratory workers, animals, and the environment. ABSL-2: The biosafety level that can safely carry out work in animals infected with pathogenic microorganisms that pose minimal risk to laboratory workers, animals, and the environment. These pathogenic microorganisms cause harm through exposure to the digestive tract and skin and mucous membranes. ABSL-3: The biosafety level at which it is safe to work in animals, both domestic and foreign, that may be infected by pathogenic microorganisms that cause severe or fatal diseases through respiratory infections. ABSL-4: The biosafety level that can safely engage in animals that may be infected by pathogenic microorganisms, domestically and internationally, and the pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted through aerosols. Laboratory infection is highly dangerous and seriously harmful to human and animal life and the environment without specific prevention and treatment measures. A list of floor areas and biosafety levels for veterinary laboratories at different administrative levels Administrative Level County Municipality Provincial Regional National Total floor area (no less 200 300 1500 2000 than m2 Biosafety level (the BSL-1 BSL-2 BSL-2 BSL-3 BSL-4 highest) Veterinary The State implements an examination system for veterinary laboratories. Only veterinary laboratory laboratories that have passed the examination and obtained the examination certificate may examination undertake the tasks of diagnosis, monitoring, and testing of animal epidemics. If the veterinary system laboratory fails to pass the assessment and has not obtained the assessment certificate, the task of diagnosis, monitoring, and testing of animal epidemics in the administrative area shall be entrusted to the veterinary laboratory that has obtained the assessment certificate of the veterinary laboratory. 2．Agro-foods quality safety management 95 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Agro-food Provincial ARADs shall formulate the implementation plan for monitoring the quality and quality and safety risks of agricultural products in their respective administrative areas, and report it to the safety risk competent DARA under the SC for the record. The competent departments of agriculture and monitoring rural affairs under the local people's governments at or above the county level shall be mechanism responsible for organizing the implementation of monitoring the quality and safety risks of agricultural products in their respective administrative areas. Provincial DADAs shall formulate the implementation plan for monitoring the quality and safety risks of agro-food and report it to MARA for record. The ARABs under the local people's governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for organizing the implementation of monitoring the quality and safety risks of agro-foods in their respective administrative areas. Agro-food MARA shall set up an expert committee on agro-food quality and safety risk assessment to quality and conduct risk analysis and assessment of potential hazards that may affect the quality and safety safety risk of agro-food and timely report the results of monitoring and risk assessment of agro-food assessment quality and safety risk to the market supervision and administration, health, and other mechanism departments under the SC and ARABs of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. Establishment The State establishes and improves a system of quality and safety standards for agro-food to and ensure their strict implementation. The quality and safety standards of agro-food are mandatory improvement of standards. a system for agro-food quality and safety standards Mechanism of ARABs at or above the county level shall, together with the EEBs and NRBs at the same level, origin formulate monitoring plans for the production areas of ago-food and strengthen the monitoring on investigation, monitoring, and evaluation of the safety of agricultural products. It mainly agro-food involves crop and soil pollution control. Standard system The State regulates feeding management and ensures the quality and safety of livestock for feed and feed products by establishing a standard system for feed and feed additives directly related to additives livestock production. According to the provisions of the Regulation on the Administration of Feed and Feed Additives on "prohibiting the addition of animal-derived ingredients other than milk and dairy products in ruminant feed," the standard system for feed and feed additives related to herbivorous animals is established to avoid the production of special hazards (SRM) during cattle and sheep feeding: tissues that transmit vectors such as BSE, hereditary TSE, or Scrapie in cattle after processing into animal feed. People consuming animal products infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy may suffer from vCJD, that is, mad cow disease, and so on. The said system helped avoid cattle and sheep farming falling into the ‘sick cow disease’ abyss. Mechanism of Commitment certificate compliance with the standard is a certificate of commitment issued commitment voluntarily by edible agro-food producers and buyers that the quality of their agro-food certificate produced or sold is in accordance with national laws and regulations and mandatory standards compliance with for agro-food quality and safety and they strictly meet the existing agro-food quality and safety standard control requirements. Requirements for pledging commitment to meet standard certificate include the following: agro-food production enterprises and farmers' specialized cooperatives shall implement the provisions of laws and regulations and the relevant mandatory standards of the State; they should ensure that the agro-food they sell meet the quality and safety standards of agro-food; they should issue a certificate of compliance according to the quality and safety control and 96 Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures testing results, promising not to use prohibited pesticides, veterinary drugs, and other compounds; the residues of conventional pesticides and veterinary drugs used will not exceed the standard; and so on. The commitment certificate is a promise identifier, traceability certificate, reputation proof, and powerful tool for supervision. 4.5.1.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 113． The above laws and regulations related to animal health and epidemic prevention and control and the quality and safety of livestock products empowered the following levels of governments and competent departments or bureaus with the responsibility to implement and enforce the relevant laws, regulations, and mechanisms. Their respective responsibilities, procedures, and means for performing their duties and the management performance found by the E&S team of the PforR are analyzed as follows. 114． ARABs are the most important government supervision authorities for animal health and epidemics prevention and control. They play the most important role in animal health and epidemic prevention and control, ensuring the quality of livestock products and public safety, especially in all important links or points before the slaughter and finishing processing of livestock. There are AHVMBs or workstations (subordinated to ARAB) at the provincial, municipal, and county levels. At the county level, there are AHVMBs or workstation (1–14 staff), a law enforcement supervision and quarantine section (4–16 staff), and technical service agencies providing laboratory services for animal epidemic prevention and control and agro-food quality tests (for example, the county animal disease prevention and control center, agricultural [animal husbandry] technical service center, and animal health surveillance office [3–19 staff]). There are also livestock stations at town or township level and grass-root animal quarantine attendants (two to four staff per village on average) at the village level. Among them, the AHVMB of the second bureau of Jingchuan County ARAB has relatively complete institutional settings and technical service institutions from the county bureau to the township level, with more than 130 personnel, including more than 100 professional and technical personnel. These AHVMBs are responsible for the prevention and treatment of animal epidemics, epidemiological investigation diagnosis and treatment, and veterinary medical administration in the county, responsible for quarantine, supervision, and other work of animals and animal products in the county. To be specific, there daily duties include the following: • Serving animal health and epidemic prevention and control at the grass-root level. The abovementioned AHVMBs under ARABs at all levels have the institutions and personnel holding the quarantine certificate go deep into the farms, farming communities or cooperatives, and households in the agricultural and pastoral areas, widely publicize the animal epidemic prevention and control policies and relevant knowledge, and provide necessary skills training, and inspect the conditions of animal epidemic prevention in their breeding facilities and issue Animal Epidemic Prevention Certificates when the inspected conditions deemed satisfactory (See Figure 4-5-1 in Appendix 7). In accordance with the annual immunization plan, they provide livestock farms, farming zones or cooperatives, and farming households with regular national compulsory immunization services and disease- related immunization services, focusing on FMD disease, avian influenza, swine fever, Peste petit ruminant, and so on to achieve the planned targets of animal immune density and herd immune antibody qualification rate as well as service on cleaning and disinfecting the breeding facilities. For example, in Minle County in 2022, the immune density of all kinds of livestock and poultry reached more than 98 percent, and the qualification rate of herd immune antibodies reached more than 80 percent. A total of 2.7686 million livestock and poultry were immunized against diseases. Focusing on livestock and poultry farms and intensive farming 97 zones, they carried out four special actions of ‘big cleaning and disinfection’, using 6.9 tons of disinfection drugs covering 7.422 million m2. In addition, large-scale livestock farms also have supplement immunization items according to the requirements of livestock varieties, populations, and enterprise production. Breeding stock farms (such as sheep breeding farms, to prevent and control the transmission of brucellosis) adopt purification measures to prevent and control animal epidemics. • Handling administrative licenses for employees or institutions and sites and formulating emergency plans for major animal epidemics outbreak. To implement the official veterinary mechanism, animal and animal product quarantine mechanism, and site and practitioner certification mechanism, and in responding to the applications of individual institutions engaged in livestock production, slaughtering and processing, veterinary service, animal quarantine service, and veterinary drug business, they inspect the conditions of the sites and handle administrative licenses. In Jingchuan County, for example, the administrative licensing power operation flowchart of the county AHVMB is displayed in detail in the administrative publicity column of the county AHVMB (see Figure 4-5-2 in Appendix 7 and Figure 4-5-3 in Appendix 7). In accordance with the provision of relevant national and provincial laws and regulations on the emergency plan for major animal epidemics outbreaks, ARABs at the provincial, municipal and county levels formulated their respective Emergency Plans for Major Animal Epidemics Outbreaks and regularly update them with the latest editions in 2022. In line with the said emergency plans, some counties have drawn a working flow chart for the disposal of local major animal epidemics (see Figure 4-5-4 in Appendix 7). • Conducting animal epidemiological serving and clinical diagnosis. Through monitoring, survey, and analysis, and in combination with the practice of animal health and disease prevention and control at the grass-root level, they conduct animal epidemiological surveys and clinical diagnoses and animal epidemic prediction to provide a decision-making basis for the formulation of the animal disease prevention and control plans and immunization plans in the county and the adoption of isolation, culling, and disinfection measures. These efforts laid a foundation for AHVMBs to carry out law enforcement and supervision of various animal disease policies. • Risk assessment-based domestic28 animal quarantine testing. As an important means to prevent the spread of animal infectious diseases and protect animal husbandry production and people's health, the above AHVMBs under the ARABs at all levels have their certified agencies and practitioners holding quarantine certificates carry out domestic animal quarantine testing at key sites or links of animal production (from breeding, farming up to slaughter and segmentation) in accordance with statutory quarantine items, standards, and methods. The key sites or links of animal production for quarantine testing or inspection include livestock breeding sites, farming sites, site transition (for example, testing before transferring of newborn animal from breeding stock to fattening farm and fattened stock), the main transportation channel for the transfer of livestock across the administrative region, and slaughterhouses (live animal at bye-kill zone and rough-processed products after slaughter). The quarantine inspection methods are a combination of field rapid detection and laboratory testing. For those who pass the quarantine test, issue the official ‘animal quarantine certificate’, sign the animal quarantine seal, issue the animal quarantine mark and a unified bill, and enter 28Since this report is based on the fact that large-scale intensive livestock production activities with high environmental and social risks have been excluded, only the existing small and medium livestock production and animal health disease prevention and control management systems in the county are assessed. The ESSA only focuses on the domestic animal disease detection part. The import and export quarantine of animals and livestock products that may be brought about by large-scale livestock production activities and those related to the customs quarantine management system are not included in the scope of this assessment. 98 the next step (as an important voucher for the regulatory of the relay downstream link of the Market Supervision Administration). In case of failure, the ‘quarantine treatment notice’ will be issued to require the operation to be quarantined and observed until the quarantine passes; otherwise, sanitary treatment shall be carried out under the supervision of the ARABs in accordance with the relevant provisions of the State. • Technical supporting - veterinary laboratory and agricultural product quality and safety testing laboratory. The said laboratories are important technical support for animal quarantine, diagnosis and treatment, scientific animal disease prevention and control, and ensuring the quality and safety of animal products and public health. Laboratories to be supported under the PforR are at the county level, a few of them (such as the ones in Jingchuan and Lanzhou New District which will function as municipal laboratories) with biosafety levels of BSL-1 and BSL-2. The construction or upgrading of these types of labs requires the preparation of EIA form as per Construction Project EIA Classified Management Catalogue, and these biosafety levels of labs will first be certified by passing examination before operation and not be engaged in high pathogenic microorganism experiment activities that should be carried out in the higher biosafety level PMLs as stipulated in the National Pathogenic Microorganism Catalogue. The E&S team of the PforR found through its due diligence that AHVMBs or stations in some counties have only simple laboratory facilities and limited technical personnel to undertake the sampling work of disease surveillance and submit it to qualified professional laboratories in the provinces and municipalities for testing. Some counties are equipped with laboratories that meet the requirements of BSL-1 laboratories in site selection, layout, internal facilities, and internal environment and can undertake tasks such as anatomy, sampling, sample storage, serological testing, and pathological testing. Some counties (such as Jingchuan County, Lanzhou New District) have laboratories meeting the requirements of BSL-2 laboratories in their location, layout, internal facilities, and internal environment. In addition to the general county veterinary laboratory testing tasks, they can also undertake molecular biology testing tasks, layout of PCR laboratories and corresponding instruments, close to the level of municipal veterinary laboratories. For example, the agricultural technology service center of Lanzhou New District has laboratory facilities, instruments and staff, and a CAM-certified lab. This lab is equipped with facilities meet the requirements of BSL-2 laboratories and a quality testing for agricultural and livestock products, which can undertake the tasks of crop pesticide residue detection, plant disease and pest detection, pest and weed detection, and veterinary drug residue detection of livestock products. These laboratory operators have developed sound management systems, biosafety management manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and careful laboratory records. In accordance with the Quality and Technical Requirements for Veterinary Laboratories formulated by the Ministry of Agriculture NY or T2961-2016 (Normative Appendix B- Waste Management for veterinary laboratories), indoor wastes are collected separately with buckets marked with different colors and labels. Among them, buckets marked with ‘medical waste’ are used for collection of laboratory viruses, bacterial culture medium, wasted bacterial strains, residual or expired positive samples, and other hazardous waste. These medical wastes are sterilized by autoclaving and temporally stored in the designated place of the lab before they are handed over to the county medical waste disposal center, which transports the waste by using unified transfer bill to the harmless medical waste treatment facility of the center for final disposal (see Figure 4-5-5 and Figure 4-5-6 in Appendix 7). Medical waste transfer and harmless disposal facilities are identified to be related facilities under this PforR, and their E&S risk assessment is provided in Section 3.4.2. • Managing dead and diseased animals. As described in Subsection 4.3.3.3 of the findings of E&S team of the PforR, the plan for the provincial-wide regional centralized harmless 99 disposal center for dead and diseased animals has been developed by Gansu DADA in accordance with national and provincial orientation for controlling pollution of dead and diseased animals and safe, hygienic, and harmless disposal. The disposal of dead and diseased animals from each county’s livestock production is now in transition from a distributed deep- burial mode toward safer and a healthier centralized harmless disposal mode. The subsidy + insurance linkage mechanism has also been introduced for sanitary treatment of dead and diseased animals. With the insurance MARA's Measures for the Management of the Sanitary Treatment of Dead and Diseased Livestock and Diseased Livestock and Poultry Products in May 2022, and the gradual completion and operation of the regional centralized sanitary treatment center for dead and diseased animals in Gansu Province, not only sick and dead animals but also livestock and poultry and livestock and poultry products29 defined by the measures to be subject to sanitary treatment will be further harmlessly treated in a standardized manner. • Risks management and control in ‘off-site grazing’. In view of the risks of animal diseases and zoonotic diseases, as well as the potential risk of additional crop pests caused by direct returning of untreated animal feces to the cropland under the ‘off-site grazing’ mode, AHVMBs under ARABs of local governments are taking the following measures: First, before cattle and sheep are transferred from the pastoral area to the straw land in the agricultural area for grazing, the AHVMBs will conduct quarantine inspection on the animals, and only the animals with quarantine certificate are allowed to enter the agricultural area. Vice versa, before leaving the ‘off-site grazing’ land, animals were subject to another quarantine inspection. The double quarantine inspections helped avoid the transfer of infected animals between the pastoral area and the agricultural area. Second, the ‘off-site grazing’ areas were provided with special breeding rooms for female animals. Livestock farming workers or operators from pastoral areas are long experienced in delivering female animals and preventing diseases, especially brucellosis, who wear PPE during the breeding of female animals in the winter in agricultural areas. Childbirth waste was promptly incinerated by individual households on the spot, and the heat generated by the incineration was used for winter heating. The Sunan County AHVMB plans to procure mobile female breeding service facilities to be supported under the PforR for further strengthening the service capacity of ‘off-site grazing’ management and ability to control animal disease and zoonotic diseases. Third, the agricultural machinery services center under ARABs which are responsible for crops protection have set up crop pests monitoring points in the ‘off-site grazing’ area for monitoring, warning, and forecasting pests. Once there are any signs of potential crop pests and diseases, specialized service organizations will be notified in time for crop pest prevention and control. In the past seven to eight years of off-site grazing practice, only some weeds in the grazing area were observed during the grazing process, and no significant increase in the incidence of crop diseases and pests was observed. • Implementing measures to reduce the use of veterinary drugs. To effectively strengthen the comprehensive treatment of antimicrobial drugs for veterinary use, effectively curb the resistance of animal-derived bacteria, correct the excessive residues of veterinary drugs, comprehensively improve the level of green and healthy livestock and poultry farming, promote the high-quality development of animal husbandry, and effectively safeguard the production safety of livestock, food safety of animal origin, public health security, and 29Livestock and poultry and livestock and poultry products that should be treated harmlessly include those that died of epidemic disease or suspected epidemic disease or died of disease or the cause of death is unknown; those subject to quarantine or inspection that may be harmful to human or animal health; death due to natural disasters, stress reactions, physical extrusion, and other factors; the meat confirmed to be inedible by inspection of its quality during slaughter; stillbirth, mummy fetus, and so on; those being culled or destroyed for the prevention and control of animal epidemics; and other items that shall be treated harmlessly. 100 biosecurity, MARA formulated the National Action Plan for Reducing the Use of Veterinary Antimicrobials (2021–2025) and the DARA of Gansu Province formulated the Implementation Plan for Reducing the use of veterinary Antimicrobials (2021–2025). At the municipal level, the Implementation Plan for Reducing the Use of Antimicrobial Drugs for Veterinary Use was developed. At the county level, actions are taken to implement the plans, including mobilization meetings, provision of relevant trainings, ‘conducting resistance reduction actions’ in farms, breeding communities, or cooperatives, conducting self- assessment of reduction, and identifying those farms or cooperatives that have met the requirements of county-level resistance reduction actions. • Regulatory and law enforcement management. In accordance with the provisions of relevant laws and regulations on animal health and disease prevention and control, AHVMB under DARA of Gansu Province formulated the Measures for Supervision and Examination of the Prevention and Control of Major Animal Epidemics in Gansu Province in 2013, revised again in August 2023. The measures standardize the supervision and inspection of animal epidemic prevention and improve the administrative efficiency and work efficiency. The law enforcement teams of AHVMBs are responsible for supervision and examination of animal epidemic prevention conditions certified for livestock farms, farming zones, households, animal slaughterhouses, dead and diseased animal sanitary disposal sites, veterinary drugs business outlets, and animal feeds outlets. At the meantime, they worked jointly with MSAs at or above the same levels to supervise and administer animal and animal product trading markets and animal product storage sites. For example, Animal Health Surveillance Office of Jingchuan County, to perform its animal health supervision and law enforcement duties in a standardized and transparent manner, drew a clear regulatory inspection flowchart for specific law enforcement management work. The office carried out regular and irregular random sampling supervision and inspection, maintaining a record of quarantine inspection for the key links or points of livestock production. Supervision and management of animal disease prevention and control and animal production safety were conducted through the establishment of animal epidemic prevention and key work guidance ledger and production safety and fire safety supervision and inspection records (see Figure 4- 5-7 in Appendix 7). 115． EEBs are important authorities for controlling the pollution from various in all important links of livestock production (such as livestock farms and farming zones, slaughter and processing, forage planting and feed processing, animal health and disease prevention and control, disposal of sick and dead animals, deep processing, storage, transportation and distribution of livestock products, sanitary treatment of medical waste as related facilities, and so on). EEBs participate in the relevant departments or bureaus to formulate the reduced uses of agricultural and rural fertilizers, pesticides, veterinary drugs, the agro-food production site purification action plans, agricultural and rural carbon sequestration and emission reduction plans, to safeguard animal health, animal product quality, and public health and safety. There are EIA divisions or sections or administrative approval sections (two to three staff) and environmental law enforcement teams (about 10 staff at the county level) under EEBs at the provincial, municipal, and county levels. Specifically in the protection of animal health, quality and safety of livestock products, and public health management, they have the following responsibilities: • Implementing EIA system to prevent pollution in livestock production. In accordance with local national laws and regulations on pollution prevention and control and EIA, they conduct review and approval of EIA document (the said documents cover detailed analysis and assessment of wastes and sanitary treatment) for construction projects of large-scale livestock farms and farming zone, slaughtering and processing plants, veterinary laboratories, animal product quality and safety testing labs, sick and dead animal disposal centers, livestock product deep processing, storage, transportation, and distribution facilities and related medical 101 waste treatment centers, and registration for endorsement and follow-up activities (see Section 4.2 of this report for details). • Controlling pollution from livestock production through implementation of pollution discharge permit mechanism. Livestock farms, farming zones, animals slaughter houses and processing plants, veterinary laboratories and animal product quality and safety testing labs, sick and dead animal disposal centers, livestock product deep processing, storage, transportation, and distribution facilities, and the related medical waste treatment centers shall have pollution discharge or emission permits (certificates allowing pollutant discharge units to discharge a certain amount of pollutants) issued by EEBs. EEBs’ law enforcement teams carry out focused management, simplified management, or registration management on the above-said pollution discharge or emission units by means of regular or irregular and random sampling. These activities are often done in collaboration with integrated agricultural law enforcement or animal and veterinary law enforcement teams of ARABs (see Section 4.3 for details). • Participating in the formulation of rural NPS pollution control, emission reduction, and carbon sequestration action plans with relevant departments or bureaus. EEBs participate in the formulation of action plans for reduced use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, veterinary drugs, production sites environmental purification action plans, and agricultural and rural carbon sequestration and emission reduction plans with relevant departments and guide the implementation of these action plans (for details, see Section 4.5.2). 116． MSAs are responsible for managing and supervising agro-food safety and quality at the key links or points of livestock value chains, the downstream after slaughtering, such as deep processing of livestock products, cold storage, distribution, and market, to ensure public health and safety (see Chapter 5 for details). 117． HCs are responsible for safeguarding human health and safety through prevention and control of human diseases related to zoonotic diseases (see Chapter 5 for details). 118． EMBs are responsible for emergency management, guiding relevant sectors to respond to production safety, emergencies, and comprehensive supervision of production safety. In the event of a major animal epidemic situation, EMBs take the initiative to organize relevant ARABs and AHVMBs to plan emergency plans for major animal epidemics, organize and coordinate livestock production safety production and emergency rescue for animal epidemics, establish an emergency reporting system, and reserve and uniformly dispatch materials. They actively organize the handling, investigation, and accountability of accidents and disasters (see Chapter 5 for details). 119． In addition, some enterprises engaged in livestock production and product processing, under the incentive of the certification system, create an internal quality management system of the enterprise and pass the GB or T19001-2008 or ISO9001 international quality certification, food safety management system of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification, and green food certification of animal products. Through the industrialization development model of ‘company + cooperative + farmers and herdsmen’, the enterprises drive the surrounding communities and farmers and herdsmen to implement the provincial government's Implementation plan on further Strengthening the Establishment of Two "Three Goods and One Standard" to Build a Well-Known Brand of "Gansu-Flavor" Agricultural Products (2019– 2023), to respond positively to the calls for improving the quality of livestock products and ensuring public health and safety. 120． Animal welfare practice in China and Gansu livestock operation. Although, compared with developed country, China’s legislation and standard system for improved animal welfare lags behind, with the development of China's economy with consumers’ demand change, animal welfare is on the rise. China 102 is gradually attaching importance to the formulation of animal welfare standards. In May 2014, China's first farm animal welfare standard ‘Farm Animal welfare Requirements for Pigs’ was enacted, filling the gap in China's animal welfare standards, followed by a series of farm animal welfare requirements for other types of livestock. Some agribusiness enterprises engaged in the livestock sector are exploring and practicing animal welfare measure suitable for local conditions by collaboration with international counterpart and referring to international animal welfare standards. During the field visit, the E&S team observed the following animal welfare practices: (a) Livestock housing condition favorable to animal welfare. The newly built livestock farms or farming zones that EIA cleared were designed to comply with Technical Specification for Design of Livestock Farm with a certain activity space for animals to stand, stretch, turn around, sit, and interact with herd or flock mates. Walls are built to protect animals from predators, pests, and excessive noise. There are special feed channels and drinking tanks, equipped with harmless disposal of manure, effluent drainage, ventilation, lighting facilities, or equipment. Special open ground for animal sports are provided. In the cold and highland area of Sunan County, warm animal housing was provided, and special warm “clothes� were designed for lamb to wear during winter. Some companies certified with green, organic animal products certificates play music during cow rearing and milking. (b) To maintain animal health, regular disinfection, animal quarantine, and timely diagnosis and treatment of sick animals are provided by official veterinarians from local animal husbandry and veterinary stations to livestock farming zones run by smallholders, cooperatives, or veterinary professionals employed by agribusiness enterprises engaged in the livestock sector themselves, to ensure animals do not suffer from pain, injury, and illness. (c) Animal welfare in slaughtering. Gansu Province implements the fixed-point slaughter system for live pigs, cattle, and sheep, which generally relies on the slaughter facilities built by large enterprises engaged in animal husbandry as officially recognized fixed-point slaughterhouses. The slaughterhouses are designed with lairage for reception of animals delivered, where water and feed are provided. The slaughter workshop is highly automatically controlled mechanical equipment, and the first process is stunning, sticking, and then bleeding, to avoid the animal sentient situation of slaughtering; (d) In agro-food quality management, one of the tasks of the law enforcement teams under county AHVMBs is the inspection or supervision of whether the animal feed contains banned antibiotic ‘the clenbuterol’ and feed additives. The main task of local MSAs in their regular inspection and supervision on marketable animal food is sampling and testing for illegal waterlogged meat and residual antibiotics. With such enforcement, inspections also force enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers engaged in animal breeding and slaughtering to refrain from ill-treating and frightening animals. With the newly established standard application, these practices are to be further improved to reach the level of good practice described in IFC’s Good Practice Note on Improving Animal Welfare in Livestock Operation (December 2014) and Good Practice Note on Animal Health and Related Risk. It is noted, however, due to the initial stage, the awareness raising of animal welfare among the Chinese public and relevant enterprises is yet to be improved through strengthened publicity, education, and training. 4.5.1.4 Brief Summary 121． The typical physical activities of the PforR will be carried out in a wide range of areas within the seven program counties (districts) in Gansu Province. Among them, livestock production methods and scales differ from county to county (such as grazing, shed-feeding and semi-shed-feeding, animal 103 immunization density, and potential disease transmission modes vary in the pastoral areas or agro-pastoral mixed areas, and agricultural areas, which put forward high requirements for animal health and epidemic prevention and control). As one of the largest livestock production provinces in China, Gansu has established a set of relevant institutional systems, technical support measures, and law enforcement supervision measures under the framework of national and local laws and regulations to improve the protection of animal health and epidemic prevention and control. Measures such as publicity and education, monitoring, immunization, and quarantine of all livestock production links or points have been taken at the grass-root level, standardized livestock production facilities and technologies, including pollution control and safety isolation, have been gradually equipped and popularized, and corresponding management measures have been formulated, centers for the sanitary treatment of sick and dead animals have been standardized and built, and actions to reduce the use of veterinary drugs have been implemented. These measures and tools are generally in line with the WBG's EHS Guidelines for Mammalian Livestock Production and the Office of International Epizootic (OIE)’s Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals (Terrestrial Manual), covering agro-food quality and safety practices in good international industry practice, as well as the World Bank's Core Principles on Health and Safety. The animal health, agro-food quality, and public health management system can effectively control the potential risks of animal diseases and agro-food quality. The county-level veterinary laboratories to be supported by the PforR will not engage in experiments of highly pathogenic microorganisms according to the requirements of relevant national laws and regulations. The construction and operation of the labs will be carried out in strict accordance with relevant national and sectoral standards or code, and their biosafety will be fully manageable. The E&S team found during its due diligence that some small- to medium-scale livestock farming zones have inadequate health and safety management measures, disease (including zoonotic diseases) prevention and control measures, and supporting facilities, some workers or operators were not wearing PPE, and operational procedures and internal management systems are inadequate. This gap is yet to be improved to comply with the Regulation for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and farming Zones in Gansu Province and Measures for Filing Management. The awareness raising of animal welfare among the Chinese public and relevant enterprises is yet to be improved through strengthened publicity and education and training. It is recommended to document good practices and experiences from various counties in preventing and controlling animal diseases and zoonotic diseases and animal welfare and share this information with small and medium livestock farming facilities operators for them to prepare safety measures to be included into the ESCOP. 4.5.2 Health and Safety Management System on the Use of Pesticide for Artificial Forage Pests Control 4.5.2.1 Applicable Legal Framework Table 4-18: A List of Applicable Laws and Regulations on Use of Pesticides for Forage Pests Control Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Authority or Policy Time Standards, and Specifications Phytosanitary SC issued in The ordinance is formulated to prevent the spread of dangerous venereal Ordinance 1983, amended diseases, insects, and weeds that harm plants and protect the safety of in 2017 agricultural and forestry production. MARA and the NFGA under the SC shall oversee the work of plant quarantine throughout the country, and the ARABs and FGBs of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities shall be in charge of the work of plant quarantine in their respective regions. The ordinance stipulate that "all diseases, insects and weeds that are locally dangerous and can be spread with plants and their products shall be 104 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Authority or Policy Time Standards, and Specifications designated as plant quarantine objects." Biosecurity Law NPC, issued in For the prevention and control of major new outbreaks of animal and plant of the PRC 2020 diseases, the law stipulated that the competent departments of ARABs and FGBs under the people's governments at or above the county level shall strengthen the guidance and supervision of rational use of drugs or pesticides in agricultural production and take measures to prevent inappropriate use of antimicrobials and reduce residues in agricultural production environments. The State has strengthened prevention and response to the invasion of alien species to protect biodiversity. The competent MARA under the SC shall, in conjunction with other relevant departments under the SC, formulates a list of invasive alien species and measures for their management Measures for the MARA, MNR, The measures, formulated in accordance with the Biosafety Law of the Management of MEE, General PRC, aim to prevent and respond to the harm of invasive alien species, Invasive Alien Administration ensure the sustainable development of agriculture, forestry, animal Species of Customs husbandry, and fisheries, and protect biodiversity. The measures make jointly issued in provisions on the prevention, monitoring and early warning, and treatment May 2022 of invasive alien species at the source, further strengthen the prevention and control of invasive alien species from all aspects, and build a whole-chain prevention and control system. It clears responsibilities among authorities: the MARA, together with relevant departments, shall established an inter- ministerial coordination mechanism for the prevention and control of alien invasive species. Local people's governments at or above the county level are responsible for the prevention and control of alien invasive species in their respective administrative areas according to law, and relevant departments of local people's governments at or above the county level are responsible for the prevention and control work according to their respective responsibilities. The measures encourage public participation, call for strengthened publicity, education, and scientific popularization, and encourage and guide the public to participate in prevention and control work according to law. No unit or individual shall introduce, release, or discard alien species without approval. Pesticide SC issued in Pesticide producers and sellers are responsible for the safety and quality of Management 1997, 2nd their pesticide products and should accept government and public Regulations amended in 2022 supervision. The government should encourage and support the research, production, and use of safe, efficient, and economical pesticides, promote the specialized use of pesticides, and promote the upgrading of the pesticide industry. The government should promote biological and physical approaches in pest control and encourage to use advanced spray equipment to reduce pesticide use. Pesticide producers and sellers are subject to pesticide registration and permitting requirements. Pesticide users are asked to follow specifications when applying pesticides. ARABs should regularly oversee pesticide production, sale, and use. Pesticide users shall protect the environment, beneficial organisms, and rare species and shall not discard pesticides, pesticide packages, or clean application instruments in drinking water source protection areas or river courses. Technical The technical program advocates vigorously promoting the green prevention program for the and control technology of diseases and insects, in-depth implementation of annual pesticide zero-growth action, and protection of agricultural production, agro- prevention and food quality, and agricultural ecological environment safety in the province. 105 Names of Laws, Issuing Relevant Main Provisions Regulations, Authority or Policy Time Standards, and Specifications control of major crop diseases and pests in Gansu Province Others Laws, regulations, and guidelines related to pollution control from the prevention and control forage crops pest, such as the Regulations on Pest Control of Crops, the Measures for the Management of Specialized Pest Control Services of Crops, the Technical Guidelines for Green Agricultural Development (2018–2030), and the Action Plan for Zero Growth of Pesticide Use by 2020 (see Section 4.3.2) 4.5.2.2 Implementation Mechanism and Procedures 122． To implement the abovementioned laws and regulations on the health and safety management of pest and the prevention and control of diseases and pests in artificial forage planting, China and Gansu Province are establishing and gradually improving the relevant implementation mechanisms, which are listed in Table 4-19. Table 4-19: Implementation Mechanism for Health and Safety Use of Pesticides Implementation Description Mechanisms or Procedures Licensing In the production and marketing links, pesticide producers and sellers implement the pesticides registration certificate system and consciously accept government supervision and social producers and supervision, to ensure the safety and effectiveness of pesticides and to supervise pesticide sellers producers and operators. Integrated and Management of pesticide users in the use of pesticides. The government provides unified specialized pest control and control services for diseases and pests, including forage grass, through the control purchase of specialized service agencies. Compared with small farmers, specialized service mechanism agencies have the following advantages that are conducive to the safety of pesticide use: • Providing integrated pest control technologies to support the implementation of the government's pesticide use reduction initiatives. • There are more stringent safety regulations and preventive equipment to minimize the safety risks of contact and exposure to pesticides. • With relevant professional knowledge, means, and equipment, the specialized service agencies are capable of using environmental-friendly and efficient fertilizers and pesticides and biological agents. They also apply agricultural NPS control technology, reduce the use of fertilizer and pesticide with efficiency improvement technology, and implement agricultural waste recycling technology. 4.5.2.3 Institutional Organization and Performance 123． ARABs are the main management and supervision competent departments or bureaus for forage crops’ pest control and health and safety use of pesticides. From Gansu Province to the municipalities and counties, there are crop plant protection institutions and technical teams, and the governments provide specialized services for crop disease and pest control through the purchase of specialized service agencies. In terms of measures, measures such as dynamic monitoring of crop diseases and insect pests and 106 preparation of the annual major crop disease prevention and control technical program were taken. In terms of technical means, priority is given to adopting more environmental-friendly and IPM methods, such as physical or biological technologies, to replace the use of chemical pesticides. Low-toxicity and high- efficiency pesticides are recommended. Pesticide producers must register their pesticide products and obtain a production license. Sellers of pesticides must obtain a marketing license. Pesticide users should follow the regulations for the safe use and storage of pesticides and use the necessary PPE (masks, goggles, gloves, and so on) to avoid accidents while applying pesticides. 124． Inter-departmental action for integrated safety guarantee. In principle, EMBs and HCs at all levels are responsible for the extensive coordination and guidance of health and safety management involved in production and construction activities. FGBs and ARABs will guide professional service agencies for pest control in grasslands and in forage plantation to safely store, apply pesticides, and wear PPE to avoid poisoning the public or application operators and ensure the quality and safety of agricultural and livestock products. 4.5.2.3 Brief Summary 125． China and Gansu Province have the appropriate regulatory framework, institutional organization, staffing, and funding for forage crop pest control and pesticides management. They are vigorously promoting green and IPM measures and implementing pesticide use reduction actions in line with the principle of ecological priority. The system is comparable to the World Bank's General Guidelines on EHS and Guidance on EHS for Annual or Perennial Crop Production and covers GIIP for pest management, pesticide use, and management. They have made significant achievements in the past and their experience and abilities have proved to be sufficient to serve the management of this PforR. The system is consistent with the World Bank's core principles. 4.6 Consistency with the World Bank Principles 126． After assessing the four EMSs, namely the EIA and follow-up management system, the pollution control management system, the eco-environmental conservation management system, and the health and safety management system, the consistency with the World Bank's core principles and elements is analyzed in this section with details presented in Appendix 3. Principle 1: EIA and management. Program environmental management systems are designed to promote environmental sustainability in the program design; avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts; and promote informed decision-making related to a program’s environmental effects. Other aspects are analyzed in Chapter 5. 127． China has established a complete legal framework on environmental management. Governed by the EPL, numerous environmental management laws, bylaws, technical guidelines, standards, mechanisms, and procedures on conserving natural ecosystem, EIA and pollution control constitute a comprehensive legal framework. In the field of animal husbandry and crops plantation, the EPL has articles and provisions specifically covering animal husbandry production and agro-ecological environmental protection. In the Agricultural Law, Animal Husbandry Law, and Animal Epidemic Prevention Law, there are special chapters and provisions on eco-environmental protection as well as regulations or management measures related to livestock and poultry pollution control, agricultural NPS pollution control, animal and plant protection, fertilizer disease and pest management, and so on, such as the ‘livestock and poultry large-scale farming pollution control regulations’, ‘crop pest control regulations’, ‘Crop pest control regulations’, ‘pesticides management regulations’, ‘Regulation Gansu Province for the Construction of Livestock and Poultry Farms and Farming zones and Measures for Record Management’, relevant national and local management methods, technical guidelines, sectoral environmental standards, and so on. In accordance with these 107 legislations, China and Gansu Province have established corresponding implementation mechanisms to guide the assessment of the environmental impact of the project activities and the management of environmental risks. 128． The EIA management system requires conducting environmental screening and classification at the early stage of construction project design and EIA. EIA instruments will include alternative analysis, projection and assessment of impacts (including positive and negative, long-term and short-term, direct and indirect, and cumulative impacts), mitigation measures, management responsibilities and budgets, environmental monitoring plan, public consultation, information disclosure, monitoring plans, and so on. 129． The World Bank E&S team found through its due diligence that activities similar to typical activities to be supported under the PforR strictly implemented the mechanisms of ERLs and the list for industrial or sectoral access in key ecological functional zones. Livestock farms were planned and sited following the principles set forth in the technical guidelines for demarcating forbidden areas for livestock and poultry farming. In general, activities or facilities were designed, prepared, constructed, and operated in compliance with relevant laws and regulations, with appropriate measures meeting the requirements of health and safety management of workers. However, some of farming cooperatives or households who run livestock farming zones with stock capacity reaching the defined scale in the ‘Gansu Province Livestock and Poultry Farming Zone Construction Standards and Filing Management Measures’ (2007) have inadequate manure treatment and utilization and animal disease and zoonotic diseased control facilities. Some of them use open-air manure stacking sheds with low processing levels. Some operators of small and medium livestock farming facilities or individuals exhibit a lower adoption rate of health and safety management measures, disease prevention and control measures (including zoonotic diseases), and inadequate wearing of PPE. Thus, the health of the workers and the surrounding communities is potentially negatively affected. Some of them lack corresponding operational procedures and internal management systems. It is recommended that those small- and medium-scale livestock farming zones with poor environment and sanitary conditions be upgraded and equipped with necessary animal safety, animal disease, and zoonotic disease prevention and control facilities and manure treatment facilities by incorporating such upgrading activities into the PIP. Training and education of the awareness of entities operating small- to medium-scale livestock farming zones on health and safety, environmental protection, necessity & importance of wearing PPE, accident prevention, and emergency responsiveness should be strengthened. Cases of good practices and experiences of various counties in controlling pollution from livestock production and in preventing and controlling animal disease and zoonotic disease should be documented and shared with small-medium livestock farming zone operators for them to prepare ESCOP. Principle 2: Natural habitat protection. Program environmental management systems are designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts on natural habitats resulting from the program. Program activities that involve the significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats are not eligible for PforR financing. Other aspects are analyzed in Chapter 5. 130． The PforR Program boundary is 700 livestock entities and associated commercial farming land. This land is already heavily disturbed. 131． China has brought critical or natural habitats into the scope of ERLs that are strictly conserved and managed. Ecological factors (including critical habitats and biodiversity) are important sensitive receptors to be identified and assessed in EIA, and ecological impact assessment is one of the important components of EIA. EIA must strictly follow the requirements of ERLs. For new constructive project, site selection must be subject to approval by NRBs, EEBs, FGBs, and other related authorities, so the relationship between project site and natural habitats or other environmental sensitive areas will be identified in the early stage of project preparation. If the construction of facilities related to livestock production involves the experimental zones of nature reserves or natural habitats, environmental impact reports or special 108 reports on the ecological impact of the proposed facilities on nature reserves must be prepared and approved after strict expert assessment and departmental review. Principle 3: Health and safety. Program environmental management systems are designed to protect public and worker safety against the potential risks associated with exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, and otherwise dangerous materials under the PforR. Other aspects are analyzed in Chapter 5. 132． China has basically established a sound management system for animal health, epidemic prevention and control, and the quality and safety of livestock products. Based on a sound environmental protection system and a sound human health prevention and control system, China is building and improving the ‘one health’ management system for the health of animals, environment, and human. Under a set of laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines, there are similar or more complex than environmental protection and pollution control systems. In terms of animal husbandry, there are the Animal Husbandry Law, the Animal Epidemic Prevention Law, the Regulation on Emergency Response to Major Animal Epidemic Outbreaks, the Regulations on the Management of Veterinary Drugs, and the relevant regulations concerning various animal quarantine, animal husbandry safety production, sick and dead animals, and pollution prevention and control (including medical waste prevention and control). In the cultivation of feed crops, there are ‘Regulation on Pesticide Management’, ‘Measures for the Management of pesticide packaging waste recycling and treatment’, ‘Guidelines for the safe use of pesticides’, ‘Classification of Occupational Hazards of Construction Projects’, ‘Classification and Catalogue of Occupational Diseases’, and so on. In terms of the quality assurance of livestock products, there are ‘Agricultural Product Quality Safety Law’, ‘Feed and Feed Additives Management Regulation’, and ‘Pollution-Free Agricultural Products Management Measures’. 133． ARABs (FGBs), EEBs, HCs, EMBs, and MSAs at all levels have the ability and experience to implement environmental, health, and safety management under the strict supervision of local governments. Through the promotion and education of animal disease prevention and control knowledge and skills in farms or cooperatives or enterprises, the implementation of animal disease surveillance, early warning and forecasting, animal quarantine, crop disease and pest control, and veterinary drug reduction actions, they vigorously promote measures such as low-toxic and high-efficiency insecticides and supervision of animal husbandry and veterinary law enforcement teams and build a relatively complete institutional system, technical support measures, and law enforcement supervision means to protect animal health disease prevention and control, which can effectively serve the PforR. There is some room for improvement and upgrading in some small and medium livestock farming zones operated by smallholders or cooperatives. These zones need to improve their management in pollution control, health and hygiene, and animal safety, epidemic prevention and control, and upgrading their corresponding facilities; the ‘off-site grazing’ model has room to improve animal disease and zoonotic disease prevention and control. These improvements will be listed in the E&S action plans (see Chapter 7). 134． Conclusion. The comparison concludes that China’s EMSs in terms of legal framework, management mechanism, and institutional arrangement are well established, and the implementation performance is demonstrated substantially satisfactory. In general, the EMSs are consistent with the core principles, the EHS guidelines (including the general guidelines and guidelines for annual or perennial crop production, for mammalian livestock production), and OIE’s Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals. The EMSs are qualified to manage the environmental issues associated with the PforR typical activities, including livestock production. A generic E&S mitigation measure for managing potential E&S risks related to the PforR activities is also attached in Appendix 8 for reference of relevant agencies in Gansu Province. The environmental action plans have been recommended in the ESSA (as presented in Chapter 7) to fill the gaps identified in the due diligence investigation, and the EMSs are expected to be improved through the implementation of the PforR. 109 5. Social Management System Assessment 135． The World Bank’s PforR ESSA Guidance establishes a set of principles and elements for assessing the borrower’s E&S systems systematically. This chapter identifies and analyzes China’s corresponding social management systems and assesses the relevant social management regulations, management mechanisms and capacity, and implementation performance based on the types of social risks and impacts based on the guidance. It also proposes recommendations and an action plan for the identified gaps. In relation to social aspects, this guidance includes three specific principles (in addition to Principles 1, 2, and 3 relating primarily to environmental issues outlined in Chapter 4): • Core principle 4: Involuntary resettlement management system, which established the system parameters for the acquisition of land, restrictions to land uses and resettlement, and loss of access to natural resources in a way that avoids or minimizes displacement and assists affected people in improving or at a minimum restoring, their livelihoods and living standards. • Core principle 5: Management System for EMs and vulnerable groups, which established the system parameters which give due consideration to the cultural appropriateness of, and equitable access to, program benefits, giving special attention to the rights and interests of indigenous peoples, EMs, and vulnerable groups. • Core principle 6: Social conflict management systems. Program E&S systems avoid exacerbating social conflict. 136． Chapter 3 shows that the social impacts and risks of the PforR activities in Gansu fall into the following types: comprehensive social impacts (for example, social conflict, fairness, transparency and so on), tangible culture heritage, public and worker safety, land acquisition, restriction on land use and resettlement, and non-inclusiveness impacts on vulnerable groups including EMs. 137． Social risk management is achieved in China from the national to local levels by formulating and implementing a series of laws and policies and establishing and running appropriate management agencies and mechanisms. Social management systems consist of laws and regulations, management agencies and mechanisms, and management practices. In China’s social management systems, different social risks and impacts are managed by different government agencies (see Error! Reference source not found.). 5.1 Correlation Analysis with the World Bank’s Principles Table 5-1:Correlation Analysis between the Chinese Social Management System and the World Bank Policy Social Impacts and Bank Policy China’s Social Impacts and Risks Management System Risks Principle Relevant Social Laws and Social Management Agencies Regulations Comprehensive Principle 1: Notice of the National Development State: NDRC social impacts, for Social impacts and Reform Commission on Issuing Gansu Province: example, social and risks the Measures for the Social Stability  Leading authorities: Provincial conflict, fairness, assessment and Risk Assessment of Major Fixed DRC, provincial, municipal, and transparency management Asset Investment Projects (2021 county political and legal affairs system Amendment) committees (PLACs), public Notice of the General Office of the complaints and proposals Principle 6: National Development and Reform bureaus (PCPB) Social conflict Commission on Issuing the Outline for the Preparation of the Chapter on 110 Social Impacts and Bank Policy China’s Social Impacts and Risks Management System Risks Principle Relevant Social Laws and Social Management Agencies Regulations the Social Stability Risk Assessment  Assessors: Municipal and of Major Fixed Asset Investment county competent authorities Projects and Assessment Report and appointed third parties (Interim) (NDRCOI [2013] No.428)  Registration authorities: Opinions on Strengthening the Provincial (cross-regional or Mechanism of Social Stability Risk cross-departmental projects) or Assessment for Major Decisions in municipal and county PLACs the New Situation (ZBF [2021]  Decision-making authorities: No.11) Municipal and county executive Notice on Issuing Implementation meetings of CPC and Measures for Social Stability Risk government leaders Assessment for Major Decisions of  Implementing agencies: Gansu Provincial Water Resources Assessors and entrusted Department (GWBF [2013] No.170) operating units Notice of Gansu Provincial  Supervising agencies: Committee and Government on Municipal and county Issuing Several Implementation governments and their grass-root Measures for Strengthening the agencies (for example, township Mechanism of Social Stability Risk governments) Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances (GBF [2021] No.33) Interim Regulations on Major Administrative Decision-making Procedures (2019.9.1) Regulations on Letters and Visits (2022.2.25) Regulation on Guaranteeing Wage Payment for Migrant Workers (2020.1.7) Notice of the MARA General Office on the Training of High-quality Farmers in 2022 (2022.4.15) Notice of Gansu Provincial DARA on Implementation Plan for Training of High-quality Farmers in 2022 (GNCF [2022] No.33) Tangible cultural Principle 2: Cultural Relics Protection Law (2017 State: National Cultural Heritage heritage Cultural heritage Amendment) Administration conservation Regulations for the Implementation Gansu: Provincial, municipal, and of the Cultural Relics Protection Law county cultural relic protection (2017) authorities Regulations on the Protection of Cultural Relics in Gansu Province (Sept. 23, 2005) Public and worker Principle 3: Civil Code of the People’s Republic Public and workers’ security safety Labor and of China (2021.1) State: Ministry of Emergency occupational The Labor Law of the People’s Management health Republic of China (2018.12.29) Gansu: Emergency management Work Safety Law of the People’s department and competent Republic of China (2021.6) authorities at the provincial, Law of the People’s Republic of municipal, and county levels, 111 Social Impacts and Bank Policy China’s Social Impacts and Risks Management System Risks Principle Relevant Social Laws and Social Management Agencies Regulations China on the Prevention and Control production and operation entities, of Occupational Diseases (2018.12) associations, work safety technical Guidelines on the Prevention and supporting agencies Control of Occupational Diseases for Health of the public and Employers (2010.8) occupational groups OHS Management Systems— State: National HC Requirements with Guidance for Use Gansu: Provincial, municipal, and (2018.3) county HCs, ARABs, AHVMBs, Classification and Catalogue of MSAs, occupational diseases Occupational Diseases (2013) prevention and treatment agencies, Catalogue for the Classified occupational health technical Management of Occupational Disease service agencies, occupational Hazards and Risks of Construction health inspection and diagnosis Projects (2021.3.12) agencies Law of the People's Republic of Labor management China on the Prevention and Control State: Ministry of Human of Infectious Diseases (2013.6.29) Resources and Social Security Public Security Administration (MHRSS), All-China Federation of Punishment Law of the People's Trade Unions Republic of China (2012.10.26) Gansu: Provincial, municipal, and Notice on Strengthening AIDS county federations of trade unions Prevention and Control Work in the and industrial unions; trade unions Construction Industry (2005.12.14) of enterprises and public institutions Special Rules on the Labor Protection of Female Employees (Decree No.619 of the SC) (2012.5) Notice on the Issuance of the National Plan for Occupational Diseases Prevention and Control (2021-2025) (NHC [2021] No. 39) Regulations on Work-related Injury Insurance (2010.12.20) Implementation Measures for Regulations on Labor Protection of Female Employees of Gansu Province (2002.7.9) Regulations on Prohibition of the Use of Child Labor (2002.12.1) Gansu Province "14th Five-Year Plan for Occupational Diseases Prevention and Control" (GWF [2022] No.36) Stock-breeding Law of the People’s Republic of China (2022.10.20) Law of the People’s Republic of China on Animal Epidemic Prevention (2021.1.22) Food Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China (2021.4.29) Law of the People’s Republic of China on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products (2022.9.2) Law on the Prevention and Treatment 112 Social Impacts and Bank Policy China’s Social Impacts and Risks Management System Risks Principle Relevant Social Laws and Social Management Agencies Regulations of Infectious Diseases (2020) Emergency Response Law of the People’s Republic of China (2007.11.1) Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Geological Disasters (2004.3.1) Regulations on the Defense against Meteorological Disasters (1 April 2010.4.1) Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Flood Control (2005.7.15) Law of the People’s Republic of China on Protecting against and Mitigating Earthquake Disasters (2009.5.1) Land acquisition, Principle 4: Land Measures for the Administration of Land acquisition and TLU restriction on land acquisition, the Pre-examination on the Use of State: MNR use and resettlement livelihood Land for Construction Projects Gansu: Provincial, municipal, and restoration and (2017) county governments and natural public Land Administration Law (2020.1) resources authorities participation Regulations for the Implementation of the Land Administration Law FALU: (2021 Amendment) State: MNR, MARA Notice of the Ministry of Natural Gansu: NRBs and ARABs at the Resources on Regulating Temporary provincial, municipal, and county Land Use Management (MNRP levels and township governments [2021] No.2) Guidelines on Improving the LURT: Compensation and Resettlement State: MARA System for Land Acquisition (MLR Gansu: Provincial, municipal, and [2004] No.238) county agriculture and rural affairs Notice on Doing a Good Job in authorities, township governments Employment Training and Social Security for Land-expropriated Livelihood restoration Farmers (SCO [2006] No.29) State: MHRSS Notice of the Ministry of Labor and Gansu : Provincial, municipal, and Social Security, and the Ministry of county human resources and social Land and Resources on Doing a security authorities, county and Substantially Good Job in Social township governments, community Security for Land-expropriated committees, village committees Farmers (MLSS [2007] No.14) Guidelines of The General Office of the SC on Scientific Greening (GBF [2021] No.19) Guiding Opinions of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the SC on the Overall Delineation and Implementation of the Three Control Lines in National Spatial Planning (TZ [2019] No. 48) 113 Social Impacts and Bank Policy China’s Social Impacts and Risks Management System Risks Principle Relevant Social Laws and Social Management Agencies Regulations Notice of MNR, MARA and NFGA on Issues concerning Strict Control of Cultivated Land Usage (MNRP [2021] No.166) Measures for the Administration of the Land Use Right Transfer of Rural Land (Decree 2021 No.1 of MARA) Circular of the MNR and MARA on Issues Related to the Management of Facility Agricultural Land (ZRZG [2019] No. 4) Implementation Opinions of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and Provincial Government on Strengthening Protection of Cultivated Land and Improving Occupation and Compensation Balance (GF [2018] No. 5) Notice of Gansu DNR, DARA and FGB on Issues Relating to Strict Use Control of Cultivated Land (GZF [2022] No. 42) Notice of Gansu DARA on Strengthening Management of Rural Land Operation Right Transfer (2021.7.23) Notice of Gansu DNR and DARA on Strengthening the Management of Agricultural Land for Facilities (2020.4.1) Note of the People’s Government of Gansu Province on Issuing the Standard of Block Compensation Land Price on Farmland Acquisition (GZF [2023] No.55) Notice on Implementing MNR Requirements on Further Strengthening Temporary Land Use Administration (GZZ [2021] No.81) Implementation Measures for Land- lost Farmers to Participate in Residents' Basic Endowment Insurance in Gansu Province (GZF [2018] No.18) EMs and vulnerable Principle 5: Constitution (2018 Amendment) EMs groups Ethnic minorities Law of the People's Republic of Gansu: Provincial, municipal, and and vulnerable China on Regional National county ethnic affairs departments groups Autonomy (2001 Amendment) Women Several Provisions of the SC on the State: All-China Women’s Implementation of the Regional Federation National Autonomy Law (2005.5) Gansu: women’s federations at Notice of the State Council on different levels 114 Social Impacts and Bank Policy China’s Social Impacts and Risks Management System Risks Principle Relevant Social Laws and Social Management Agencies Regulations Issuing the 13th Five-year Plan for Promoting the Development of Children Minority Areas and Smaller Ethnic Functional authorities of Minorities (SC [2016] No.79) governments at or above the county Law of the People's Republic of level, township governments, China on the Protection of Women's subdistrict offices, community Rights and Interests (2022.10.30 committees, village committees Amendment) Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (2020.10.17) Opinions on Reforming and Improving the Social Assistance System (ZBF [2020] No.18) Several Provisions on the Implementation of Regional Ethnic Autonomy Law in Gansu Province (2006.6.1) Gansu Province "14th Five-Year Plan" and "14th Five-Year Plan" for Progress in National Solidarity (2021) Implementation Measures of Gansu Province for the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests (2007.9.27) The 14th Five-Year Plan of Gansu Province for the Development of Civil Affairs (2021.10) Plan of Gansu Province for Women’s Development (2021-2030) (GZF [2021] No.91) Plan of Gansu Province for Children's Development (2021-2030) (GZF [2021] No.91) Notice of Gansu Provincial General Office of the CPC Central Committee and Government on Issuing Measures for the Reform and Improvement of the Social Assistance System (GBF [2021] No.5) 5.2 Assessment of Social Regulations and Policies 138． China’s legal framework consists of the following: (a) laws and regulations promulgated by the NPC and the SC; (b) regulations, standards, and technical specifications promulgated by ministries and commissions; and (c) regulations promulgated by local people’s congresses and governments. In general, regulations, standards, and policies on LAR, EM development, labor rights, public participation and consultation, grievance redress, and so on have been promulgated and implemented at the national, 115 provincial, municipal, and county levels to systematically manage potential social risks and impacts in the PforR life cycle. 139． Appendix 3 compares the World Bank policy with the applicable social management regulations. This section compares the relevant social management regulations with the World Bank policy based on the core principles and elements, then identifies gaps in social regulations and policies where applicable, and proposes actions and recommendations for improvement. 5.2.1 Core Principle 1: Sustainable social risks management system30 140． Core Principle 1 includes two elements, and both are relevant to social regulations and policies. The consistency analysis is summarized as follows. Element 1: The legal framework and management agencies can direct social assessment adequately at the PforR Program level. 141． SSRA. The Chinese government uses SSRA as a tool to systematically manage the substantial social risks and impacts that may be involved in major projects, policies, and reforms and mitigates and manages social impacts actively by establishing and implementing a whole SSRA system, to promote scientific decision-making and sustainable program and social development. • NDRC promulgated the Interim Measures for the Social Stability Risk Assessment of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects in 2012, stating that the project organization shall investigate and analyze social stability risks when conducting preparatory work; collect opinions from relevant people; identify risks, risk possibilities, and risk impacts; and propose prevention and mitigation measures and social stability risk ratings after such measures are taken. • The General Office of the SC promulgated the Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim) in 2012, requiring that an SSRA shall be conducted on major decisions, projects, and policies. • In April 2019, the SC issued the Interim Regulations on Procedures for Making Major Administrative Decisions, which require that for the implementation of major administrative decisions that may adversely affect social stability, public security, and other aspects, the decision-making contractor or other unit responsible for risk assessment should organize an assessment of the controllability of risks in the draft decision. Major administrative decisions include (a) the development of public services, market regulation, social management, environmental protection, and other aspects of major public policies and measures; (b) the development of economic and social development and other aspects of important planning; (c) the decision to implement in the administrative region of the major public construction projects; (d) the decision on economic and social development has a significant impact on the public interest or the public's immediate interests, and other important matters; and so on. • In February 2021, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the SC released the Opinions on Strengthening Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances, requiring that an SSRA shall be carried out on major decisions including those on major construction projects. It specifies the contents, methods, procedures, and management of SSRA and application of SSRA results and underlines that 30Chapter 5 of this report quotes the information related to social system analysis in the core principles and elements in the PforR ESSA Guidance for a consistent comparative analysis. 116 the contents of SSRA are integral to the program's feasibility study report (FSR) and application reports. • The Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim) promulgated by the General Office of the SC in 2012 was succeeded by the Notice on Issuing Implementation Measures for Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions of Gansu Provincial Water Resources Department (GWBF [2013] No.170), specifying requirements for the implementation of SSRA in Gansu Province. In December 2021, it was superseded by the Notice of Gansu Provincial Committee and Government on Issuing Several Implementation Measures for Strengthening the Mechanism of Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances (GBF [2021] No.33), which particularly stipulates the contents, methods, procedures, management, application of results, and implementation of mitigation measures of SSRA for major decisions in Gansu Province. • The Land Administration Law (effective from 1 January 2020) requires that an SSRA shall be conducted before land acquisition and house demolition. In SSRA, the social stability risk status of land acquisition shall be comprehensively studied and judged, risks shall be determined, and risk prevention measures and disposal plans shall be put forward. SSRA shall be participated in by the rural collective economic organizations and their members, villagers’ committees, and other interested parties whose land has been acquired, and the assessment result is an important basis of applying for land acquisition. 142． Assessment: SSRA is an important procedural requirement in project application and feasibility study. Relevant policies, mechanisms, standards, and management procedures have been formulated and implemented at the national and Gansu provincial levels to regulate SSRA. It is learned through due diligence and assessment that the related municipal and county authorities take SSRA seriously. The conclusions and risk ratings of SSRA are the key reference for the governments in their decision-making, and relevant authorities are requested to track the mitigation measures implementation progress and effects during project implementation. Therefore, the social regulations and policies are generally consistent with Element 1. Element 2: Incorporate recognized elements of good practice in E&S assessment and management, including six aspects. 143． According to the social risk screening results (Appendix 2), the consistency of social impact management system at the national and provincial levels of Gansu and Elements 2 and 5 is analyzed below. 144． (i) Early screening. During site selection and feasibility study of related projects, the relevant authorities (for example, NRB and cultural heritage administration bureau [CHAB]) shall be coordinated to conduct a joint survey and risk and impact screening. For example, the Measures for the Administration of the Pre-review on the Use of Land for Construction Projects (2017) and the Land Administration Law (effective from January 1, 2020) require that screening be conducted so that the construction project complies with the overall spatial planning of national land and avoids any acquisition of basic farmland. The Cultural Relics Protection Law (2017 Revision) requires that a cultural relic survey shall be conducted before project site selection to minimize impacts on cultural relics. The Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Geologic Disasters (2004) require that the project area shall not be selected in disaster areas, and related disaster prevention and control requirements should be defined through a geological disaster assessment to reduce public security risks of any project to be constructed in areas liable to geological disasters. The Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of a Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions under New Circumstances require that social stability risk assessments should be conducted for all major decisions that are directly related to the immediate interests of the people and that are likely to have a greater impact on social stability, public security, and other aspects and that 117 investigations should be conducted into the legitimacy, reasonableness, feasibility, and controllability of the implementation of the major decision-making matters. The scope of the investigations should cover the stakeholders of the areas involved, the opinions of the people and the stakeholders should be fully listened to and comprehensively collected, and the risk factors that may give rise to social stability should be comprehensively and consistently identified and analyzed. 145． (ii) Alternatives. Options should be compared and analyzed during project site selection and feasibility study. The Administrative License Law of the People's Republic of China and the Decision of the SC on Establishing Administrative License for Administrative Review and Approval Items Really Necessary to Be Retained require that the feasibility study of a project shall compare E&S impacts of different options to avoid or minimize local negative E&S impacts. The Notice of the General Office of the NDRC on Issuing the Outline for the Preparation of the Chapter on the Social Stability Risk Analysis of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects and Assessment Report (Interim) (2013) also stipulates that the PIUs and assessment agencies shall obtain the support of local governments and related departments, grass-root organizations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and so on for the proposed project in terms of planning, land acquisition, house demolition, compensation, resettlement, environmental protection, and so on, thereby selecting an option with acceptable social stability risks. 146． (iii) Developing measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate social impacts. The Notice on Issuing the Outline for the Preparation of the Chapter on the Social Stability Risk Analysis of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects and Assessment Report (Interim) (2013) requires that plans and measures shall be proposed to prevent and mitigate risks. The Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim) stipulate that if the assessment report assesses that a high risk is present, a decision of non-implementation shall be made or a decision be made after the plan is adjusted or the risk level reduced. If an intermediate risk is present, a decision of implementation shall be made after effective risk prevention and mitigation measures are taken. If a low risk is present, a decision of implementation may be made, but actions in terms of explanation and persuasion to the people affected shall be conducted and appeals of relevant people handled properly. SSRA shall also address the legitimacy, rationality, feasibility, and controllability of the proposed activities and require that an appropriate contingency plan be developed. 147． (iv) Clear articulation of institutional responsibilities and resources to support implementation of plans. The Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim) require that the reasonability, fairness and timeliness of related compensation, resettlement, or assistance measures offered are assessed and if appropriate manpower, material, and financial resources are available. 148． (v) Public participation, information disclosure, and grievance redress mechanism (GRM). The SSRA policies of Gansu require that public consultation be conducted with all stakeholders involved in a plan to collect their opinions and suggestions, including advice, needs, and directions of public opinion on the proposed project from mass, online, mobile, and other emerging media. The Notice on Issuing the Outline for the Preparation of the Chapter on the Social Stability Risk Analysis of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects and Assessment Report (Interim) (2013) stipulates that the PIUs and assessment agencies shall obtain supports of the local governments and related departments, grass-root organizations, NGOs, and so on for the proposed project, and the completeness of public participation shall be assessed as well, including if the procedural requirements of public participation, expert consultation, and information disclosure are all well implemented. For any project involving land acquisition and house demolition, the Land Administration Law (effective from January 1, 2020) requires that the government at or above the county level shall be the responsible party of announcement and implementation. Before land application submission, detailed measurement survey (DMS) and SSRA should be conducted and the key information, for example, the purpose and boundary of land acquisition, current status, compensation rate, 118 resettlement mode, social security, and so on, should be disclosed in the township (town), village, and village group for at least 30 days, to collect comments from the affected rural collective economic organization and its members, village committee, and other stakeholders. Upon completion of the relevant preliminary work, local people's governments at or above the county level may apply for land acquisition and make land acquisition announcement and implementation upon approval in accordance with legal procedures. Where parties concerned refuse to accept the decisions, the disputes may be brought to the courts within 30 days after the notification on the decision is received. No party shall change the status quo of the land before the disputes over ownership and use right are settled. Where a construction unit or individual refuses to accept the administrative punishment decisions on dismantling the buildings and other facilities, it may bring the case to the court within 15 days starting from the day when the decision is received. The MNR issued the Standard Guidelines for Grass-root Government Affairs Disclosure in Rural Collective Land Acquisition on June 27, 2019, making detailed provisions on project land acquisition policies, and the scope, time limit, and channels of disclosure during preparation, approval, and implementation. The Provisional Regulations on Major Administrative Decision-making Procedures require that decision-making contractors should adopt ways to facilitate public participation to fully listen to opinions, such as symposiums, hearings, on-site visits, written solicitations, public solicitations to the community, questionnaires, public opinion surveys, and other methods. 149． Assessment. Social impact assessment and planning are carried out by means of SSRA in China and Gansu Province. There are clear mechanisms for early-stage screening of impacts, option comparison, and arrangements for defining measures on social risk (for example, LAR) management. The regulations also define the responsible agencies to manage specific impacts. The regulatory framework on managing social stability risks and related issues, such as the laws and regulations on land acquisition and house demolition, have provided detailed procedures and requirements on information disclosure, public participation, and grievance redress. Therefore, the social regulations and policies are generally consistent with Element 2. 5.2.2 Core Principle 2: Cultural heritage management system 150． Elements 3 and 4 under Core Principle 2 define management requirements for natural habitats, which were discussed in Section 3. Only the consistency with Element 5 is assessed here. Element 5: Consider potential adverse effects on physical cultural property and provide adequate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate such effects. 151． Cultural relic protection. The project activities in Gansu will involve civil works, such as construction and upgrading of livestock breeding facilities, livestock and poultry manure treatment and resource utilization facilities, straw forage processing facilities, and construction of disease prevention and control facilities. According to the social impact screening (Appendix 2), the PforR Program is unlikely to affect any tangible culture heritage. China has established and implemented a sound cultural relic protection law to assess and manage potential cultural relic impacts of construction activities. The Cultural Relics Protection Law requires that no construction works or operations such as blasting, drilling, and digging are allowed within the area of historical and cultural protection site. At the time of site selection for a construction project, a location where immovable cultural relics are located should be avoided. If a project needs to be implemented, other construction projects within the protection scope should be approved by the people's government which approved and announced the cultural relic protection unit. Construction projects within the construction control zone need to obtain the consent of the cultural relic administrative department, need to be submitted to the urban-rural development department for approval, and shall not pollute such relic and its environment, and any activities that may affect its safety and environment are not allowed to be conducted. Any such facilities that already exist in the area shall be disposed within a specific time limit. Before launching a large-scale infrastructure construction project, the construction unit shall first 119 apply to the provincial cultural relic authority for arranging a unit engaged in archaeological excavations to conduct an archaeological investigation at places where cultural relics may be buried underground within the project area. 152． Assessment. The Cultural Relics Protection Law and the Regulations for the Implementation of the Cultural Relics Protection Law considers potential impacts on cultural relics to protect cultural relics from construction. The regulations on tangible cultural heritage protection of China and Gansu are consistent with Element 5. 5.2.3 Core Principle 3: Public and worker safety management system 153． Element 7 under Core Principle 3 defines requirements for toxic and hazardous substances and pest control related to environmental system analysis. The consistency with the public security and labor safety requirements in Elements 6 and 8 is assessed here. Element 6: Promote adequate community, individual, and worker health, safety, and security through the safe design, construction, operation, and maintenance of program activities or in carrying out activities that may be dependent on existing infrastructure, incorporate safety measures, inspections, or remedial works as appropriate. 154． Worker safety management. Project activities will inevitably involve risks to the health and safety of workers, including the health and safety management of contractors' workers during the construction and upgrading of animal husbandry facilities, livestock and poultry manure treatment and resource utilization facilities, straw forage processing facilities, and disease prevention and control facilities as well as the management of occupational health of the relevant facilities belonging to operating units and their employees. China has established and implemented a system to manage labor safety: • The Labor Law (2018 Amendment) and the Civil Code make provisions on child labor, discrimination, forced labor, and so on. For example, Article 15 of the Labor Law stipulates that the employer be banned from recruiting juveniles under the age of 16. Special protection shall be given to female and underaged workers (above 16 years old and below 18 years old) and Article 94 regulates that if an employer illegally recruits persons under the age of 16, the labor administrative department in charge shall authorize a correction and a fine. If the case is serious, the license of the employer shall be revoked. In addition, the Regulations on Prohibition of the Use of Child Labor (issued by the SC in 2002) stipulates the following: (a) Article 2: no employer, including state organs, social organizations, enterprises, institutions, private non-enterprise units, or individual industrial and commercial households shall hire individuals under the age of 16. It is forbidden for any entity or individual to introduce employment opportunities to individuals under the age of 16. Individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from starting individual business operations. (b) Article 6: if an employer uses child labor, the labor administrative authorities shall impose a penalty according to a standard of CNY 5,000 per month for each employed child laborer. The MHRSS categorizes the use of child labor as illegal employment in the Regulations on One-time Compensation for Injury or Death of Employees Due to Illegal Employment (2011). The Labor Law also stipulates that workers shall not be discriminated against based on ethnic group, race, gender, or religion and that women shall enjoy the same employment rights as men. Forced labor is prohibited. • The Work Safety Law requires that production and operation entities must establish a sound work safety responsibility system and relevant rules and regulations and improve work safety conditions to ensure work safety. It also requires that reporting information be disclosed to the public for public scrutiny. 120 • The Civil Code requires that work safety and health facilities of construction, reconstruction, and expansion works shall be designed, constructed, and put into operation along with these works. • The Regulations on Work-related Injury Insurance (2010 Amendment) requires that enterprises, public institutions, social organizations, private non-enterprise units, foundations, law firms, accounting firms, and other organizations as well as individual industrial and commercial households with employed workers (hereinafter referred to as employers) within the territory of the People's Republic of China shall participate in work-related injury insurance in accordance with the provisions of the regulations and pay work-related injury insurance premiums for all employees or employees of the unit. • The OHS Management Systems—Requirements with Guidance for Use promulgated in 2020 require that enterprises shall identify and control potential OHS hazards systematically and eliminate safety accidents at the beginning, thereby protecting worker’s health and safety. Enterprises may apply for ‘OHS management system’ certification and establish a normative management system, realizing the source identification and whole-process control of hazards and continual improvement. However, the OHS management system is not a mandatory requirement. 155． Community and public health and safety management. In addition to the general OHS regulations applicable to all construction and production activities, specific management policies have been established in China for community health and safety management during the construction and operation of livestock farming facilities. For example, the revised Stock-breeding Law of the People’s Republic of China in October 2022 stipulates that the site selection of stock-breeding farms should comply with national regulations, keeping a considerable distance from drinking water sources, animal slaughter and processing facilities, and animal and animal product markets, with a minimum distance of at least 500 m from other livestock farms or villages. The amended Law of the People’s Republic of China on Animal Epidemic Prevention in January 2021 mandates that livestock farms, quarantine facilities, slaughter and processing plants (yards), harmless treatment plants, and places for isolating infected animals must meet the animal epidemic prevention conditions specified by the administrative authorities of agricultural and rural affairs under the SC. Regarding the potential spread of infectious diseases, security risks and sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (SEA or SH) risks emanating from significant foreign or outside labor force deployment for physical activities, China has set up a set of regulations and policies, including the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases. This law requires that for external migrant workers who may pose a risk of infectious disease transmission, health checks and registration are required. Necessary preventive measures, such as vaccination and isolation treatment, should be implemented to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The Notice on Strengthening AIDS Prevention and Control Work in the Construction Industry (2005) requires construction administrative authorities across regions to widely conduct AIDS prevention and control knowledge training for migrant workers. It emphasizes the improvement of the working environment and living conditions of on-site construction workers and the implementation of preventive immunization measures for AIDS and other infectious diseases. The notice further calls for organizing pre-employment and routine health examinations for migrant workers. The Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China requires that the construction unit shall establish identity registration of migrant workers at local government and implement stringent measures against illegal activities and crimes to ensure social stability. Article 1010 of the Civil Code of PRC stipulates that a person who has been sexually harassed by another person through oral words, written language, images, physical acts, or the like has the right to request the actor to bear civil lability in accordance with law. Article 40 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests stipulates that sexual harassment against women is prohibited and victims have the right to file complaints with relevant units. Article 11 of the ‘Special Rules on the Labor Protection of Female Employees’ stipulates that employers in the workplace 121 must prevent and stop sexual harassment against female workers. Furthermore, a series of departmental and local regulations, such as the Provisions on the Site Management of Construction Projects, have further refined the requirements for safety, environmental protection, and social security at construction sites as well as the corresponding legal responsibilities. 156． In terms of the slaughter and animal products processing phases, the revised ‘Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China’ in April 2021 requires that food producers and operators must establish and implement a health management system for employees. Individuals suffering from diseases that jeopardize food safety, as specified by the health administrative department of the SC, are prohibited from engaging in work involving direct contact with food intended for human consumption. Personnel involved in work directly related to food for human consumption must undergo an annual health check. They are allowed to work only after obtaining a health certificate. Additionally, the law also establishes fundamental principles and systems for the quality and safety of agricultural products, including standards, monitoring, and traceability. Among them, specific requirements and management measures for the use of feed and veterinary drugs and agricultural product quality and safety in the livestock farming industry chain are outlined. Furthermore, the amended Law of the People’s Republic of China on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products in September 2022 regulates that agricultural product enterprises and cooperatives should issue a commitment certificate for the quality of their agricultural products and those entities or individuals who sell these edible agricultural products must be responsible for the content of the commitment certificate. Entities engaged in the testing of agricultural product quality and safety must obtain a qualification certificate issued through assessment before conducting such testing activities. 157． Labor GRM. As documented in Paragraph 154 above, China has a number of established laws and regulation related to child labor, discrimination, forced labor. These also specify provisions on labor GRM. It is stipulated that when labor disputes arise between the employers and workers, the parties concerned may, according to law, apply for mediation or arbitration or bring the case before the people's court or may settle them through consultation. When a labor dispute arises, the parties concerned may apply with the labor dispute mediation committee of their own unit for mediation. Should the mediation fail and one of the parties concerned demands arbitration, they may apply to the labor disputes arbitration committee for arbitration. One of the parties concerned may also file an application directly with the labor disputes arbitration committee for arbitration. If the arbitration ruling is not accepted, the case may be brought before the people's court. A labor dispute mediation committee may be set up in an employer's unit. The labor dispute mediation committee shall be made up of representatives of workers, the employer, and the trade union. One of the parties to a dispute demanding arbitration should file a written application with the labor disputes arbitration committee within 60 days starting from the date when the dispute arises. The arbitration ruling should usually be awarded within 60 days starting from the date when the application for arbitration is received. If no exception is taken with the arbitration ruling, the parties concerned shall comply. If a party to a labor dispute refuses to accept the ruling, the party may bring the case before the people's court within 15 days starting from the date when the arbitration award is received. If a party refuses to bring the case before the people's court and refuses to implement the arbitration ruling within the time prescribed by law, the other party may apply with the people's court for compulsory implementation. If a dispute arises from the conclusion of a collective contract and the parties concerned fail to settle the disputes through consultation, the labor administrative department of the local people's government may organize all quarters for settlement. If a dispute arises from the performance of a collective contract and yet the parties concerned fail to settle it through consultation, they may apply for arbitration with the labor disputes arbitration committee. If the arbitration ruling is not accepted, the case may be brought before the people's court within 15 days starting from the date when the arbitration award is received. 158． Assessment. A comprehensive set of regulations and systems exist to protect workers in livestock farming industry and the public’s health and safety has been established in China and Gansu to fully protect worker and public rights. The regulations also require that appropriate safety measures, inspections, or 122 remedial works should be taken during design, construction, and operation to ensure community, individual, and worker safety. The regulations on public and labor safety are consistent with Element 6. Element 8: Include adequate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate community, individual, and worker risks when the PforR Program activities are in areas prone to natural hazards such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other severe weather or affected by climate events. 159． Disaster safety management mechanisms. The PforR is in Gansu and may involve areas prone to natural disasters, such as snowstorms, floods, lightning, and landslides. During implementation, the flow of migrant workers may lead to the spread of disease. For urban-rural planning and major project construction, the Regulations on the Defense against Meteorological Disasters require that governments at or above the county level shall fully consider meteorological factors and natural disasters and propose measures to avoid or mitigate disasters. In addition, the Regulations on the Defense against Meteorological Disasters require that lightning protectors of newly constructed, reconstructed, or expanded buildings (structures), places, and facilities shall be designed, constructed, and put into operation along with these works. The Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Flood Control make systematic arrangements for floods in terms of organization, flood prevention preparation and implementation, rescue, follow-up work, funding, reward, and punishment, and so on. The Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Geological Disasters make systematic arrangements for the investigation, prevention, and management of geologic disasters, such as prevention, emergency response, governance, and legal liabilities. It is required that geological disaster risk assessment be carried out at the feasibility study stage for construction projects in areas prone to geological disasters, and the assessment results shall be an integral part of the FSR. Without this assessment, the FSR shall not be approved. The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Protecting against and Mitigating Earthquake Disasters requires that newly constructed, reconstructed or expanded construction works shall meet seismic design requirements and make specific provisions on seismic safety assessment and earthquake protection. The Law on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (April 2020) stipulates that governments at or above the county level shall develop and implement infectious disease prevention and control plans and establish a prevention, treatment, and supervision management system; news media shall conduct public welfare publicity on infectious disease prevention and control and public health education. 160． Assessment. The regulations on natural disaster prevention and control measures are consistent with Element 8. 5.2.4 Core Principle 4: Involuntary resettlement management system 161． Element 9 under Core Principle 4 manages Program LAR in six aspects, all of which are related to the social regulations and policies applicable to the PforR. Consistency is analyzed as follows. 162． (i) Minimizing negative impacts related to land acquisition. The analysis of ‘early-stage impact screening’ under Element 2, the Measures for the Administration of the Pre-examination on the Use of Land for Construction Projects (2017), the Land Administration Law (effective from January 1, 2020), and the regulations on SSRA require that projects and enterprises shall utilize existing construction land and avoid any occupation of farmland (especially permanent basic farmland) where possible. It also requires a reduction of LAR impacts through design optimization, thereby reducing social stability risks. At the preparation stage, natural resources authorities will participate in the survey to confirm the land to be used for the project, and the feasibility study compares different options for LAR impacts. The government authorities will check if the land use plan is rational during land use review and feasibility study. 163． For TLU during the project construction, it is stipulated in the Notice of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Regulating Temporary Land Use Management (MNRP [2021] No.2) not to occupy cultivated 123 land or to occupy it as little as possible. It also requires strict control of the occupation of cultivated land if it is difficult to restore after use and the original planting conditions shall be restored after the completion of works. 164． For the transferring of land management rights, the Measures for the Administration of the Transfer of Rural Land Management Rights (MARA, Decree No. 1, 2021) require that the transferee submit an application and that the local people's government at or above the county level or the people's government of the township or township shall, in accordance with the law, organize a review and examination of the relevant functional departments, the representatives of the rural collective economic organizations, the representatives of the farmers, and the experts regarding the use of the land, the ability of the transferee subject to agricultural business, and whether the business project is in line with the food production and other industrial plans. It also requires that the transfer of the right to manage land may not be carried out without the submission of the application for review and examination in accordance with the regulations or if the review and examination fails. 165． In response to the situation of facility-based agricultural land use, in 2019, the MNR issued the Notice on Issues Related to the Management of Facility-based Agricultural Land Use (ZRZG [2019] No. 4), which strictly defines the scope of facility-based agricultural land use and clarifies the policies for supporting and regulating the land use of facilities directly used for crop cultivation and livestock, poultry, and aquaculture in agricultural production. On this basis, Gansu DNR and DARA issued the Notice on Strengthening the Management of Facility Agricultural Land Use in 2020, which requires that the land used for facility agriculture should be in line with the territorial spatial planning or the overall land use planning, the village planning, and the agricultural development planning. It further requires that, on the premise of protecting cultivated land and rationally utilizing the land, it should maximize the use of unutilized land and inefficient and idle land, and the land should be utilized as much as possible on the premise of protecting cultivated land and rationally utilizing land. If it is necessary to occupy cultivated land, effort must be made to occupy poor quality cultivated land and avoid indiscriminate occupation of high-quality cultivated land and at the same time minimize the destruction of the tillage layer through engineering, technology, and other measures. The Measures for the Implementation of the Land Management Law of the People's Republic of China in Gansu Province, which came into effect on January 1, 2022, clearly state that "the people's governments of counties (municipalities and districts) shall implement the national strategy of rural revitalization, and shall guarantee the demand for land for the development of rural industries, rural public facilities and public welfare undertakings in accordance with the law, and reserve relevant land for construction in accordance with national regulations. On the premise of conforming to the scope and scale standards for land use stipulated by the State and the province, priority may be given to arranging land for agricultural facilities directly used for crop cultivation and livestock and poultry aquaculture." 166． The MNR published the Notice of MNR, MARA, and NFGA on Issues Concerning Strict Control of Cultivated Land Usage (MNRP [2021] No.166) in 2021, requiring that permanent basic farmland shall not be converted into forest land, grassland, garden land, and other agricultural land or agricultural facilities construction land. The annual ‘balance in and out’ shall be carried out for any conversion of cultivated land to other agricultural land and agricultural facilities construction land, and the same amount and quality of cultivated land shall be made up by means of the consolidation of forest land, grassland, garden land, other agricultural land, and agricultural facilities construction land into cultivated land. Gansu Province has been working out its own ‘balance in and out’ plan for cultivated land occupation. For example, the Notice of the General Office of the People's Government of Gansu Province on the Issuance of Administrative Measures for Balancing the Occupancy and Compensation of Cultivated Land in Gansu Province (GZBF [2019] No. 11) and the Notice of the Gansu DNR, DARA, and FGB on the Issues Relating to the Strict Control of Cultivated Land Usage (GZF [2022] No. 42), include the detailed implementation details of the ‘in and out balancing’ of cultivated land. 124 167． (ii) Identifying and addressing economic and social impacts arising from land acquisition or loss of access to natural resources. The Land Administration Law (effective from January 1, 2020) stipulates that “Owners or users of the land to be acquired shall, within the time limit specified in the announcement, go to fill the compensation registration form with holding its assets ownership certificate. The people’s government at or above the county level shall organize the department concerned to estimate the relevant costs and make them fully available.� The land acquisition compensation measures of Gansu make systematic arrangements for land acquisition compensation and resettlement in accordance with the Land Administration Law, including for those lacking legal title. During land acquisition, affected people shall confirm the results of DMS, and the land acquisition agency shall enter into compensation and resettlement agreements with landowners and users before submitting application for project approval. In terms of TLU, Gansu Province requires applicants to sign contracts for the TLU with the county (city) NRB or rural collective economic organizations or villagers' committees according to the land ownership. Where LURT is involved, the Measures for the Administration of the Land Use Right Transfer of Rural Land (Decree 2021 No.1 of MARA) require that the LURT shall follow the principle of compliance, voluntariness, and compensation, a LURT contract shall be signed, and the transfer income shall be paid to the land contractor. Regarding the use of agricultural land for facilities, Gansu Province requires that "before the use of agricultural land for facilities, the operator shall draw up a program for the construction of facilities, which includes the name of the project, the location of the construction, the type and use of the facilities, the number, the standard and the size of the land, etc." In addition, a whole set of GRMs for land acquisition compensation has been established from village or community level to townships governments’ level or to the county level or above. If any affected person is dissatisfied with the DMS result or the compensation or resettlement, he or she may file a grievance with the village head or village committee or with the township or county or municipal government. According to the Regulations on Letters and Visits (2022), party committees and relevant departments of the government at or above the county level shall perform duties such as acceptance, transmitting, assigning, coordination, handling, supervision, and inspection. If a complainant is dissatisfied with the results of settlement, he or she may settle the dispute through litigation to protect his or her lawful rights and interests. 168． (iii) Compensation and transition subsidy to be fully paid at replacement cost before land use. The Land Administration Law (effective from January 1, 2020) defines compensation policies, rates, principles, flows, schedules, and so on for different types of land use. Article 47 stipulates that fair and reasonable compensation shall be granted for land acquisition to ensure that the living standard of the affected farmers is not reduced and their long-term livelihoods are secured. In case of land acquisition, the land compensation fees, resettlement subsidy, and compensation fees for rural residential houses, other ground attachments, young crops, and so on shall be paid on time and fully according to the law, and social security costs for the affected farmers should be disbursed accordingly. The rates of land compensation fees and resettlement subsidy for acquired agricultural land are determined based on the block comprehensive land price formulated and disclosed by provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, which shall be adjusted or reissued at least every three years. Compensation rates for acquired land other than agricultural land, ground attachments, young crops, and so on shall be developed by provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. For rural residential houses, fair and reasonable compensation shall be provided on the principle of compensation before relocation and residential condition improvement by means such as reallocating housing land for house construction, offering resettlement houses, or granting cash compensation, and relocation, temporary resettlement, and other costs resulting from acquisition shall be compensated for to protect the lawful residential and property rights of rural residents. 169． Compensation rates for land acquisition are usually adjusted every two to three years based on local economic development and market conditions in each province, city, and county. For example, Gansu promulgated the Notice of the People’s Government of Gansu Province on Issuing the Standard of Block Compensation Land Price on Farmland Acquisition (GZF [2023] No.55) on September 3, 2023, clarified that 60 percent of the block comprehensive land price is the resettlement subsidy and 40 percent is the land 125 compensation fee, excluding the social security insurance subsidies for land-lost farmers as stipulated by law. For other farm land and construction land, one time of the standard shall be applied; for unused land acquired, 0.1 times of the standard shall be applied. In addition to the explicit price of grassland in pastoral areas, 0.4 times of the standard shall be applied for grassland in other non-pastoral agricultural land acquired. For state-owned farmland and construction land, reference should be made to the compensation standard of collective land within the region. For state-owned unused land, no compensation is required. In terms of young crops and ground attachments on collective land, specific compensation standards have been promulgated in Gansu based on their own conditions. In addition, the new Land Administration Law requires that compensation should be paid before land occupation or land use. 170． The compensation for young crops and ground attachments affected by TLU is determined through mutual negotiation and shall be paid before construction. For LURT, both parties shall reach an agreement through equal negotiation. For any project involving extensive transfer, many households, and high operating risks, a risk security fund may be established. For projects involving the transfer of land use right of the whole village (group) with a large area, a large number of rural households, and higher operational risks, risk security funds may be established, and the specific extent of the fund shall be negotiated by both parties. The land rent for agricultural facilities shall be determined through negotiation between the place of supply and the place of use. 171． (iv) Policy arrangements for livelihood restoration. The Land Administration Law (2020) requires that the living standard of the affected farmers shall not be reduced, and their long-term livelihoods shall be secured. In general, five main resettlement modes are available to land-expropriated farmers: agricultural production, reemployment, equity participation, non-local resettlement (Guidelines on Improving the Compensation and Resettlement System for Land Acquisition [MLR [2004] No. 238]), and endowment insurance (Article 48 of the Land Administration Law [2020] and so on). In addition to the above five modes, state policies, such as the Notice on Doing a Good Job in Employment Training and Social Security for Land-expropriated Farmers (SC [2006] No.29), also requires that local government shall establish a social security system suited to the characteristics and needs of land-expropriated farmers, secure employment training and social security funds, promote land-expropriated farmers to get employed and be incorporated into urban society, and ensure that the living standard of land-expropriated farmers is not reduced due to land acquisition and their long-term livelihoods are secured. For eligible land-expropriated farmers, employment and start-up supporting policies shall be implemented, occupational training should be further strengthened, and public employment services should be improved to promote their employment and start-up. For example, according to the Notice on Implementing MNR Requirements on Further Strengthening Temporary Land Use Administration (GZZ [2021] No.81), farmers, who lost their contracted land due to unified land acquisition by the government, shall be covered by the social security system. The application shall be prepared by the land-expropriated individuals, discussed by the rural collective economic organization or villagers' committee, primarily checked by the township (subdistrict) government, reviewed by county or municipal or district-level ARAB or NRB and confirmed by HRSSB. After that, the township (subdistrict) government shall disclose the information within the affected rural collective economic organizations or village committees for no less than 10 days and then submit to county or municipal or district-level government for approval and HRSSB for registration. Land-expropriated farmers who meet the conditions can choose to participate in the basic endowment insurance for urban workers or social endowment insurance for urban and rural residents on their own will, and the government will provide corresponding subsidies to land-expropriated farmers. The standard of subsidy funds for land expropriation insurance is the provincial average annual salary of workers of the previous year multiplied by the proportion of land expropriated. 172． (v) Policy arrangements for infrastructure restoration. For potential infrastructure impacts arising from land acquisition and house demolition, the Land Administration Law and the Regulations for the Implementation of the Land Administration Law stipulate that after the land acquisition plan is approved 126 and announced, the county government shall organize a land details measurement survey within the range of land acquisition and disclose the results to the public for at least 30 days. Article 48 of the new Land Administration Law (2020) stipulates, “For rural residential houses, fair and reasonable compensation shall be provided on the principle of compensation before relocation and residential condition improvement.� 173． (vi) Information disclosure, public participation, and informed decision-making. Public participation runs through the whole project life cycle and is an important measure to ensure the success of LAR activities. The MNR issued the Standard Guidelines for Grass-root Government Affairs Disclosure in Rural Collective Land Acquisition in June 2019, sorting out matters to be disclosed, regulating the disclosure process, and improving modes of disclosure to protect the people’s rights of information, participation, expression, and supervision. The main objectives of public participation at different stages of LAR are as follows: • During option assessment and comparison, the project owner and design agency shall conduct meaningful consultation with affected people and other stakeholders and improve the engineering measures and determine the range of land use based on feedback, thereby evading sensitive objects and minimizing LAR impacts. • Participation at the DMS stage includes land acquisition announcement, DMS publicity, participation in the DMS, confirmation, disclosure, and review of DMS results. • At the SSRA stage, meaningful consultation will be conducted with stakeholders to assess potential major social risks arising from land acquisition and house demolition, including other major risks that are not directly related to but may materially affect the project. • During the drafting of the compensation plan, the plan should be disclosed to collect comments from affected people, and a public hearing held when necessary. • Public participation at the implementation stage mainly includes production and life resettlement, and effective information disclosure and consultation should be conducted in the allocation and use of compensation. 174． If TLU is involved, the TLU approval should be disclosed to the public as requested according to the Notice of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Regulating Temporary Land Use Management (MNRP [2021] No.2). On that basis, it is requested in Gansu province that the county or district-level NRB shall disclose the TLU information through relevant government websites. If LURT is involved, the LURT agreement shall be reached based on equality and voluntariness. If TLU of land for agricultural facilities is involved, after consensus is reached on the construction plan and land use conditions, announcements will be made to the public through the village and group public affairs and other forms of publicity for a period of not less than 10 days. If there are no objections at the end of the period of notification, the rural collective economic organizations and operators will sign a land use agreement. 175． Assessment. China has established a complete legal framework and policy system on land acquisition, TLU, LURT, house demolition, resettlement, and compensation. The implementation of rural land acquisition and house demolition is based mainly on the Land Administration Law (2020), the measures for the implementation of the Land Administration Law of Gansu, and relevant compensation rates. Urban house demolition is based mainly on the Regulations on the Expropriation of Houses on State- owned Land and Compensation (2011). The Land Administration Law that was amended on August 26, 2019, and came into effect on January 1, 2020, has substantively coordinated the practices of land acquisition and house demolition in rural and urban areas. The new Land Administration Law defines the scope of land acquisition for public interests, strengthens preparatory risk management for land acquisition, emphasizes information disclosure and public participation (including public hearings) in land acquisition and house demolition, and requires that an agreement shall be signed with the landowner and user before 127 application for land approval. It also requires that compensation and resettlement funds should be arranged in advance. The new law requires that land acquisition compensation rates shall be determined based on block comprehensive land prices and adjusted or reissued at least every three years, and it also requires that fair and reasonable compensation shall be granted for land acquisition to ensure that the living standard of the affected farmers is not reduced. Therefore, the new Land Administration Law will protect the rights and interests of affected persons, ensure sustainable livelihoods, and improve living conditions more effectively. In general, the LAR regulations are consistent with the requirements of Core Principle 4 and Element 9. 5.2.5 Core Principle 5: Management system for ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups 176． The three elements under Core Principle 5 are related to the social regulations system of the PforR Program. Ethnicity did not play a role in project design, nor is it anticipated to be relevant during implementation. However, consistency against this principle is analyzed below as it relates to consultations. Element 10: Undertake meaningful consultations if the ethnic minorities are potentially affected (positively or negatively), to determine whether there is broad community support for the PforR Program activities. 177． Policy requirements for EM consultation: Gansu is a province with a sizeable population of EMs. There are 55 EMs in Gansu Province. According to the seventh national census in 2020, there were 2.6564 million EM people in Gansu Province, accounting for 10.62 percent of the total population. These include 10 long dwelling EMs like Hui, Tibetan, Dongxiang, Bao’an, Yugu, etc. The project area involves one ethnic autonomous county, the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, eight EM-concentrated townships and 137 EM-concentrated villages, with a total EM population of 77,079. The Law of the People's Republic of China on Regional National Autonomy stipulates, in dealing with special issues concerning the various nationalities within its area that the organ of self-government of a national autonomous area must conduct full consultation with their representatives and respect their opinions. 178． Table 5-1 above details the key legal framework parameters related to management of risks associated with EMs and vulnerable people. Furthermore, according to the regulations on SSRA (which is an important part of the system), at the feasibility study stage of a project, the PIU (or through an entrusted specialized agency) shall conduct a SSRA to identify impacts, propose mitigation measures, and prepare a SSRA report. If a government at or above the county level applies for land acquisition, a current status survey and a SSRA should be conducted. Each municipal or county government in Gansu has formulated local policies according to the applicable regulations, such as the Notice of Gansu Provincial Committee and Government on Issuing Several Implementation Measures for Strengthening the Mechanism of Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances (GBF [2021] No.33) promulgated by Gansu Province in December 2021. 179． Assessment: Policies have been established in China and Gansu to respect minority opinions, ensure ethnic equality, and respect minority customs and institutional arrangements are in place.. Element 11: Ensure that ethnic minorities can participate in devising opportunities to benefit from exploitation of customary resources and indigenous knowledge, the latter to include the consent of ethnic minorities. 180． Policy basis for EM development: The Law of the People's Republic of China on Regional National Autonomy stipulates that when developing resources or carrying out construction in a national autonomy area, the State shall protect its interests, make arrangements favorable to its economic development, and the livelihoods of local minority residents. Further, it will include major ecological balance and environmental protection projects in the local national economic and social development plan. 128 From the perspective of public consultation, the Interim Regulations on Major Administrative Decision- making Procedures stipulates that when developing major economic and social development plans, and determining major local infrastructure projects, prior public participation shall be conducted, and also makes systematic provisions on the schedule, form, process, recording, etc. of public participation. 181． Assessment: Public consultation is required under Government systems for relevant plans and projects in accordance with the Interim Regulations on Major Administrative Decision- making Procedures. This system for consultations is well resourced and a clear system of Governance from the village level, up through municipal/county governments to the Provincial government and higher exists to allow input to project and program designs. Element 12: Give attention to groups vulnerable to hardship or discrimination, including, as relevant, the poor, the disabled, women and children, the elderly, EMs, racial groups, or other marginalized groups; and if necessary, take special measures to promote equitable access to PforR Program benefits. 182． Poverty and poverty reduction systems: Currently, the country’s main focus is on those groups who are at risk of returning to poverty due to various reasons, like households who just have been out of poverty, general farmers, and those in difficulties due to sudden increase of rigid expenditure or reduced income caused by emergencies. Correspondingly, the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the SC issued the Opinions on Reforming and Improving the Social Assistance System (ZBF [2020] No. 18) in August 2020, requiring to develop the social assistance system in a coordinated manner to consolidate achievements in poverty alleviation, and safeguarding the bottom line of people’s basic livelihood. An MLS is provided to the family whose per capita income of family members living together is lower than the local minimum standard of living security and conforms to the provisions of property status. Gansu Province issued “Several Measures on Reforming and Improving the Social Assistance System� (GBF (2021) No. 5). Gansu Province annually publishes urban and rural MLSs and special hardship support standards and policies, which are uniformly formulated by the local governments at or above the county level, with standards varying from place to place. In 2023, the average urban MLS standard is CNY 8,400 per year per person, and the average rural MLS standard is CNY 5,580 per year per person, the subsidy for people in extreme hardship in urban and rural area is CNY 10,920 and CNY 7,260 respectively. 183． The 14th Five-Year Plan of Civil Affairs of Gansu Province (2021.10.15) set 15 key development targets, 12 specified fields, 24 engineering projects and 89 key tasks in the aspects of basic livelihood guarantee, basic social services, elderly care services, etc., covering social assistance, elderly care services, children's welfare, grassroots social governance, basic social services, social organization development, philanthropy and social work, regional name management services, and so on. 184． Protection of women’s rights and interests: In terms of gender equality and women’s development, the Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests (2018 Revision) requires that women’s lawful rights and interests shall be protected, and gender equality promoted. It defines the State shall ensure that women enjoy the same labor and social security rights as men. In September 2021, the SC promulgated the Outline for Women's Development in China (2021-2030) that specifies comprehensive goals related to gender equality across multiple sectors. It also recommends that a sounder legal framework is established to effectively protect women's legitimate rights and interests; and women's sense of gain, happiness and security is increased significantly. 185． The Plan of Gansu Province for Women’s Development (2021-2030) (2021.12.30) sets 75 targets and 93 strategical methods in eight aspects, including health, education, economy, participation in decision- making and administration, social security, family development, environment, and law. 186． Child protection: The Law of the Peoples Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (2020 Amendment) stipulates that minors shall enjoy all rights equally in accordance with the law, regardless of 129 the nationality, race, gender, household registration, occupation, religious belief, education level, family status, physical and mental health of themselves or their parents or other guardians. The law makes detailed provisions on family, school, social, network, government and judicial protection for the minors. The Plan of Gansu Province for Children’s Development (2021-2030) (2021.12.30) sets 70 targets and 89 strategical methods in seven aspects, including health, safety, education, welfare, family, environment, and legal protection. 187． Assessment: Based on the above analysis, there are systematic plans, measures and institutional arrangements on the development, and rights and protection of vulnerable groups including EMs, women and children in China and Gansu, ensuring that all relevant groups participate in the project equally, and benefit from projects fairly. Therefore, the policies on vulnerable groups and women are consistent with Core Principle 5 and Element 12. 5.2.6 Core Principle 6: Social conflict management system 188． Element 13 requires that conflict risks be considered, including distributional equity and cultural sensitiveness, and is not related to the PforR in general. In addition, based on the analysis of Core Principle 1 and Element 1, China manages social risks and impacts comprehensively through social stability risk analysis. Therefore, the PforR will not exacerbate local social conflict. 5.3 Assessment of Social Management Mechanism and Capacity 189． As shown in Table 5-1, the provincial, municipal, and county (district) authorities in Gansu have established clear management agencies for different social risks, which have been equipped with qualified staff. This section analyzes the organizational setup of the social management system of agencies which influence social management systems with a direct link to the PforR operation. It assesses if the organizational settings are adequately functional and if there is a need for improvement or systems strengthening. The assessment has been prepared based on information gathered through consultation and research during ESSA preparation. It is observed that the number of staffing is tens of staff for each department at the provincial and county (district) levels. The staff numbers of departments are not the same in different agencies as human and other resources are managed to meet changing demands from time to time. For different social risks, the corresponding organizations or organizational groups are assessed and analyzed in this section. Table 4-1 sets out detailed stakeholder analysis conclusions, including the responsibilities of different government authorities involved in different types of activities and results of authority interviews under the social management system. 5.3.1 Social Risk Assessment Management Agencies31 • Provincial DRC. Approving major fixed asset investment projects based on social stability risks and other documents relevant (attaching the SSRA report and review comments when applying for FSR approval) • Provincial PLAC. Coordinating, supervising, and directing SSRA. Instructing the subjects of decision-making and assessment to convene different PLACs and authorities for cross- regional or departmental projects • Municipal or county (district) government. Conducting countywide social stability risk assessment, decision-making, implementation, and supervision, and the SSRA report is 31This section summarizes the responsibilities of the relevant agencies related to program social risk management, which may not be all responsibilities of the government authorities concerned. 130 discussed and approved in the meeting of the standing committee of the municipal or county CPC, the meeting of government executive committee, or the meeting of the party and the government leadership team. • Municipal or county (district) PLACs. Reviewing and registering the SSRA report and supervising the work of the subjects of assessment • Assessor. Conducting or appointing an independent appraisal agency to conduct SSRA and implementing SSRA measures • Independent appraisal agency. Attending SSRA training and reviews organized by NDRC and getting registered at the provincial PLAC in advance. 190． As an example, the PLAC of Minle County has established a social stability maintenance office (two staff), responsible for directing subjects of assessment to conduct SSRA on major decisions and construction projects, providing policy advice and guidance, supervising subjects of assessment to implement risk mitigation measures which are presented in the SSRA reports, coordinating and handling of major issues which may affect social stability, preventing and resolving social conflicts and incidents with potential social stability risks, investigating contradictions, regularly analyzing social stability situations and stability maintenance evaluation mechanism, and studying and putting forward countermeasures. After reviewing the content of SSRA, the Municipal Political and Legal Committee makes a record and issue a letter of confirmation. Staff of the Municipal Political and Legal Committee participate in at least two capacity trainings per year organized by the municipal or provincial government. 191． Assessment. The State and local regulations stipulate responsibilities for the agencies concerned and their staff quotas, and the related Gansu Provincial PLAC requires that staff concerned should attend relevant training. In addition, sufficient budgets are made available during SSRA to ensure that relevant measures can be implemented. Although the project risk control measures are implemented by the assessor and supervised by the municipal and county authorities, various authorities are involved for different social risks. For example, the natural resources authority supervises land acquisition and house demolition compensation and resettlement only, while for other social risks, such as public participation in site selection, supervision is undertaken by another agency, like the PCPBs. Therefore, the SSRA mechanism of Gansu is effective and consistent with the World Bank policy. 5.3.2 Cultural Relics Protection Agencies • CHAB under the provincial culture and tourism department. Coordinating and directing cultural relics investigation, protection and utilization, archaeology, and major project implementation through the cultural relics protection division • Municipal or county (district) government. Responsible for the territorial management of cultural relic safety • Municipal or county (district) cultural relics authority under the culture and tourism bureau (CTB). Coordinating and directing cultural relic protection, conducting administrative law enforcement for cultural relics, assisting the competent authority in reviewing projects involving cultural relic protection, and supporting the superior cultural relic and archaeological authority in conducting cultural relic investigation and exploration and archaeological excavation. where any cultural relic burial area cannot be avoided in site selection, the provincial CHAB shall organize the archaeological excavation agency to conduct cultural relic investigation and exploration at the expense of the project owner • Municipal or county (district) DRC. Organizing feasibility study review for construction projects and ensuring that the project design does not affect cultural relics 131 • Planning division of natural resources authority. Assisting the cultural relic authority in defining the range of cultural relic protection and construction control area during local planning and project site selection. 192． Assessment. For potential adverse impacts on material cultural heritage, there are state and local regulations to avoid or minimize such impacts. The existing state and local authorities are capable of managing cultural relic risks effectively, consistent with Core Principle 2. 5.3.3 Land Use Management Agencies 193． Land use approval agencies • MNR. Reviewing project-specific permanent basic farmland and ecological conservation redline acquisition and supervising the management of national land • Provincial DNR. Reviewing project-specific permanent acquisition of collective land (except permanent basic farmland and ecological conservation redline) • Municipal and county NRBs. Accepting land use applications for construction projects, directing the PIUs to prepare necessary land approval application documents, and submitting such documents to the competent government • People’ government at and above the county (district) level. Approving land use within corresponding authority. Land acquisition • County (district) or above NRBs or land acquisition and house demolition authority. Implementing the applicable laws and regulations, drafting the local overall spatial planning of national land, directing land users to submit land use application materials, and reviewing and submitting such materials to the higher level authority; establishing a leading group for land acquisition and house demolition compensation and resettlement; entrusting the land and house expropriation department to take the lead and local township people's governments and communities to cooperate with the third party to carry out SSRA and survey and mapping, especially land status survey, household visits, policy publicity, resettlement measures discussion, grievance handling, and so on; disclosing relevant land acquisition pre- announcement; drafting a compensation and resettlement plan at the municipal or county level; organizing public hearings on land acquisition and house demolition; signing land acquisition agreements with affected persons or entities, disclosing land acquisition announcement, and conducting land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement after obtaining approval • Township government and village committee. Participating in and supporting land acquisition and house demolition, especially DMS, door-to-door visit, policies publicity and communication, resettlement measure discussion, grievance redress, and so on • County (District)-level HRSSBs. Calculating of subsidy funds for the social insurance of land lost to farmers, processing the payment of insurance premiums, approving and disbursing the pension, and managing the subsidy funds for farmers who lose land • Third-party appraisal agency. Where house demolishing involved, a qualified real estate appraisal agency is appointed by the affected village or community under the direction of the natural resources authority to appraise house compensation rates, where relevant • Financial bureau. Preparing necessary budgetary funds according to the resettlement budget submitted by the NRBs and land user 132 • Auditing bureau. Auditing resettlement costs regularly according to the statutory process and giving opinions. TLU • National and provincial DNRs and DARAs. Studying and formulating TLU management policies, deploying TLU supervision and random inspection. • Municipal NRBs, and ARABs. Exanimating, approving, and managing the TLU when cultivated land and permanent basic farmland involved • County (District) NRBs, and ARABs. Responsible for the approval and routine supervision of other TLU without cultivated land and permanent basic farmland being involved, supervising the land users to perform land restoration according to law, uploading TLU related information and documents like approvals, agreements, location, photos of current land status onto the TLU data system, disclosing the TLU information to the public and timely updating the TLU restoration information in the system • Rural collective economic organization. Supervise whether the TLU applicants use the land and fulfill the responsibility of land restoration in accordance with the agreement LURT • MARA. Directing nationwide LURT and contract management. • ARABs at or above the county (district) level. Play a role in LURT by establishing operating rules, conducting policy assessments, undertaking information disclosure, equity appraisal, and other key aspects of the LURT process. They also play a role in setting technical specifications, improving the management level of LURT, directing the work of township rural land contracting management authorities, encouraging transferees to develop crop production, and guiding enterprises to develop modern cultivation and stock-breeding suitable for large-scale operation. • Township governments. Responsible for LURT and contract management, including providing a sample contract to both parties and directing them to sign the contract, correcting violations in the contract, establishing a LURT ledger to timely and accurately record the transfer status, and keeping LURT records and documents properly. 194． For example, in Jingchuan County, land transfer supervision and management are handled by the county-level Agricultural Operation Service Center (with 18 staff members) and the townships that have set up land transfer workstations (one to two staff members), and in Sunan County, land transfer supervision and management are handled by the county-level Rural Property Rights Trading Center's Rural Operation Guidance Station (six staff members). Other programs are similar in land transfer supervision and management institutions. Land transfer area of less than 100 mu is filed by the village level, between 100 and 500 mu is filed by the township agricultural economic station or agricultural service center, and more than 500 mu is filed by the county-level land transfer center or agricultural business service center. Personnel of land transfer management organizations in each county will participate in at least three trainings on capacity building each year, including at least one each in the province, city, and county, and the main trainings will include land rights confirmation, arbitration, and mediation of conflicts and disputes related to land ownership or compensation. Agricultural facility land use • MNR and provincial DNR, MARA, and provincial DARA. Responsible for the supervision of agricultural land for facilities through various technical means 133 • Municipal NRB and ARABs. Responsible for the supervision and guidance for the management of facility agricultural land, establish and improve the inspection system, fully implement the supervision of facility agricultural land, and report the information on the filing of facility agricultural land to the provincial-level competent departments on an annual basis • County (district) NRBs and ARABs. Responsible for the daily supervision of agricultural land for facilities, scientifically guiding the siting of facility construction in accordance with the requirements of the economical and intensive use of land, determining whether to destroy the tillage layer, accepting land reclamation, and submitting the filing information to the State (municipal) competent departments on a quarterly basis. Among them, the competent DNR will promptly review and carry out the uploading of maps into the database on the regulatory platform for agricultural land for facilities after receiving the approval documents for agricultural land for facilities and related filing information provided by the townships. The annual change survey of land for facility agricultural land shall be done in accordance with the regulations; the county-level departments in charge of agriculture and rural areas shall strengthen the guidance on the standards of facility agricultural land. If it is necessary to occupy general farmland for facility agricultural land, it should be included in the county- level annual farmland ‘in and out of balance’ overall program approved in accordance with the regulations and then implemented. • Township government. Organize for village collective economic organizations and operators under the guidance of county-level departments in charge of natural resources and departments in charge of agriculture and rural areas based on the overall spatial planning of national land, agricultural development planning, and village planning under the premise of protecting cultivated land and rationally utilizing the land; make good use of all kinds of policies on natural resources, agriculture, and forestry, and in accordance with the facility construction plan; and apply comprehensive measures to reasonably determine the location and scope of land for facility construction. Organize rural collective economic organizations and operators to select sites for facility agricultural land and guide the completion of the transfer of land contract management rights and the signing of land use agreements, track the entire process of facility agricultural land construction, supervise the implementation of land reclamation, and return and disclose information on facility agricultural land. Where contracted cultivated land is converted to other land types such as forest land, the township people's government puts forward opinions on the implementation of cultivated land ‘in and out balance’. Upon approval, the contracting party is guided to re-sign or change the certificate of ownership of the contracted land with the contracted farmers in accordance with the law. • Rural collective economic organization. Supervise whether the applicants use the land and fulfill the responsibility of land restoration in accordance with the agreement and disclose land use information in the village. 195． Assessment. China has established a sophisticated organizational structure for land acquisition, TLU, LURT, and FALU from the county level to township and village level, led by the county NRB and ARAB, with responsibilities clearly defined for every organization involved. The Land Administration Law requires that land occupied or used for projects shall be compensated for before occupation or use and the finance and audit bureaus shall review the budget regularly. In addition, during the survey, it is found that the competent authorities implement or participate in LAR, TLU, LURT, compensation, and resettlement for several different types of projects every year, and they have rich experience to implement and manage land acquisition and compensation, consistent with Core Principle 4. 196． Livelihood restoration 134 • Livelihood restoration measures are flexible, including agricultural resettlement, reemployment, resettlement with assets, relocation, social security, and so on, which involve different management agencies. Specifically, agricultural resettlement is usually conducted by the village collective economic organization based on the land status and villagers opinions, which may decide to allocate undistributed collective land to households affected by land acquisition or conduct land reallocation if no undistributed collective land is available. Reemployment is chosen by affected households based on their own needs, where free training and employment support are provided by the county labor and employment authority; or local governments coordinate employment positions, such as forest rangers, cleaners, and other public welfare positions, according to the degree of impact on the farmers; or the land use applicants give priority to the affected people who are willing to be employed when they need to use labor during the construction and operation of the project. Shares resettlement is determined by the PIU in consultation with affected households. Relocation is requested by the affected households for new land farming at other areas, and decided by local governments after assessing and consulting with the host village collective economic organizations. Social security for land-expropriated farmers is implemented by the county HRSSB with the support of the land acquisition-affected township government and village or community committee. Livelihood restoration will be discussed in detail in Section 5.4.4, including case sharing, based on field visit and consultation results. 197． Assessment. Livelihood restoration is part of LAR. Different livelihood restoration measures involve different implementing agencies, such as village collectives, social security authorities, employment authorities, and enterprises, which have clearly defined responsibilities. Public finance supports the implementation of these measures. In addition, different livelihood restoration measures have different funding sources. Livelihood restoration measures can be well implemented in practice due to rich experience and sound regulations on measures, organizational structures, and fund arrangements, consistent with Element 9 under Core Principle 4. 5.3.4 Public and Worker Health and Safety and Emergency Management Agencies 198． Worker health and safety (at the project construction and operation phase) • National Health Commission and Disease Control and Prevention Center (DCPC). Preparing, adjusting, and disclosing classes and catalogs of occupational diseases, and supervising national occupational disease prevention and treatment • Provincial Health Commission. Formulating and implementing policies and standards related to occupational health and radiological health, carrying out monitoring of key occupational diseases, special investigations, occupational health risk assessment, and health management of occupational populations, and coordinating the prevention and control of occupational diseases • Provincial Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases or DCPC. Providing technical guidance, training, and quality control for the province's prevention and control work • Provincial AHVMB. Responsible for the management of key zoonotic diseases; coordinating the work of safe production in the animal husbandry and veterinary medicine industry • Municipal or county (district) HCs. Supervising, managing, and implementing the work related to local occupational health prevention and treatment, and ensuring that workers receive OHS rights according to law 135 • Municipal or county (district) animal husbandry and veterinary institutions. Responsible for the arrangement and implementation of matters relating to the physical health examination of animal husbandry and farming practitioners within their jurisdiction • Municipal or county (district) HRSSBs. Managing work-related injury insurance; establishing a tripartite mechanism in labor relations with trade unions and enterprises to solve relevant major issues • Occupational health examination agency. Obtaining a practicing license and registering in the Provincial Health Commission, where medical practitioner and nurses for registered types and items of occupational health review should be equipped and at least one licensed physician with occupational disease diagnosis qualification is required • Women’s federation. Protecting the legal rights and interests of women and children and providing assistance to aggrieved women and children. 199． HCs of different counties have a similar organizational structure. For example, in Jingchuan County, three organizations under the county HC are responsible for health management: (a) the health and wellness affairs center of the HC, (b) the integrated health law enforcement brigade, and (c) the disease prevention and control center. At the same time, public medical institutions qualified for occupational health examination are set up in Jingchuan County, including County Hospital. The county DCPC, township hospital, and community health service centers provide support. • Health and wellness affairs center (five staff). Formulating and implementing policies and standards related to occupational health and radiation health in the county; carrying out key occupational disease monitoring, special investigation, occupational health risk assessment, and working groups’ health management; coordinating and carrying out the prevention and control of occupational diseases; coordinating with the county ARAB in arranging for staff of livestock stations in townships, countywide rural animal vaccinators, and large farming households to participate in blood tests for brucellosis • Integrated health law enforcement brigade (four staff). Supervising and inspecting the implementation of management measures by the employer where occupational-disease- inductive factors exist; supervising and managing the occupational health inspection institutions, occupational disease diagnosis institutions, and occupational health technical service institutions within the jurisdiction; investigating and handling occupational-disease- inductive accidents and occupational health violations; and publicizing laws and regulations on occupational health management • DCPC (five staff). Classifying corporate hazards into five categories (pneumoconiosis, chemical, biological, physical, and radioactive factors) and providing necessary technical support to enterprises annually. Responsible for operational training in animal husbandry as well as technical guidance, serological testing, data collection, data analysis, and summary writing for project work • Hospitals. For example, Jingchuan County People’s Hospital provides pre-job, on-the-job, and post-job occupational health examinations for relevant workers of enterprises with toxic and hazardous factors and takes measures accordingly • Township (central) health centers and community health service centers. Responsible for serum collection, business training, and publicity and health education for the key populations of brucellosis under their jurisdiction. 200． Public health and safety (food safety) 136 • Provincial, municipal, and county (district) AHVMBs. Supervision and management of breeding livestock and poultry production, slaughter and other aspects of quality and safety • Provincial, municipal, and county (district) MSAs. Regular research and deployment of supervision of food safety of edible agricultural products, to carry out publicity on food safety laws and regulations, popularize the basic knowledge of food safety, law enforcement, and supervision of agricultural and livestock product production, processing, and circulation, and carry out sampling and testing of food safety • County (district) inspection and quarantine centers. The quality and safety of agricultural and livestock products for testing. 201． For brucellosis, anthrax, and other zoonotic diseases involved in the livestock breeding industry under the project, a joint prevention and control mechanism among the departments of health, animal husbandry, and veterinary medicine has been established at the provincial level, which exchanges information on brucellosis on a monthly basis, analyzes and studies the form of epidemic regularly, and carries out surveys and analyses jointly in key prevalent areas. 202． Safe production management • Production or operation entity. The key leader, for example, the legal person, is responsible comprehensively for its work safety and shall formulate and implement the work safety system and set up work safety management organizations and personnel, and the trade union shall supervise work safety. • Hazardous chemicals production or operation or transportation or storage agency. Setting up a work safety management agency or appointing full-time work safety staff. • Emergency Management authority. Instructing local departments to respond to emergencies cases such as production safety and natural disasters and work on comprehensive disaster prevention, reduction, and response, being responsible for the comprehensive supervision and administration of production safety. 203． In Gansu Province, a work safety mechanism is in place, featuring the leadership of production and operation entities, participation of workers, supervision by the government and public, and self-discipline by the industry. Safety education covers all people, and work safety trainings are provided to each level of government official。 204． Assessment. For OHS of workers, public health and safety, and management of work safety during project construction and operation, Gansu Province has defined departmental responsibilities consistent with Element 8 under Core Principle 3. 5.3.5 Ethnic Affairs Management Agencies • Provincial ethnic affair commission (EAC). Responsible for the coordination supervision and implementation of the decisions and arrangements of the central and provincial government on ethnic work as well as the implementation of ethnic laws and regulations by various regions and departments. 205． Assessment. Ethnicity did not play a role in project design, nor is it anticipated to be relevant during implementation as EAC does not have mandate over the 700 LPE. Consultations will be carried out in an open and transparent manner with EM people within the program boundaries. 137 5.3.5 Vulnerable Group Protection Agencies 206． Rural revitalization bureaus (RRBs), women’s federations, civil affairs bureaus (CABs), and federations for people with disabilities have been established, and poverty reduction and vulnerable groups support policies and plans at the national, provincial, and county levels to plan and manage low-income people assistance, women and children’s development, and assistance for the disabled, left-behind old people and minors, and so on. All authorities have appropriate staff and budgets and evaluation mechanism for their performance: • CAB. Managing affairs related to old people and left-behind (distressed) minors needing assistance, including conducting survey, statistics, filing and recording, establishing a local management mechanism for left-behind (distressed) minors and a local old-age care mechanism, and securing funds • Women’s federation. Uniting and mobilizing women to play a unique role in society and family, protecting the lawful rights and interests of women and children, providing assistance to aggrieved women and children, promoting the implementation of gender equality policies, and so on • Federation for people with disabilities. Protecting the civil rights of the disabled, collecting their opinions and needs, mobilizing the public to understand, respect, care for and support them, and eliminate discrimination and obstacles, assisting the government in developing outlines for disabled persons’ programs, promoting their rehabilitation, education, employment, rights protection, culture, sports, social security, information technology application, disability prevention, and so on, and improving the environment and conditions for their accessing to social life • RRB. Strengthening poverty alleviation outcomes and preventing re-impoverishment or additional impoverishment • Township government and village or community committee. A supervisor of left-behind (distressed) minors is appointed at the township level, a director for minor’s affairs is assigned at the village or community committee level, a regional old-age care service center and a women’s federation office are established at the township level, and a children’s director is appointed and an old-age care service station and women’s federation chairman mechanism are established in each village or community. 207． The work on the elderly and minors left behind is carried out by the ‘Elderly Affairs Section’, ‘Children Section’, or ‘Social Affairs and Social Welfare Unit’ in each county, which is staffed with two to six employees. 208． The work of consolidating and expanding the achievements of poverty eradication and rural revitalization in all counties is usually carried out by RRB, which has in general 15 to 30 staff. All counties have set up coordinating bodies such as ‘rural revitalization strategy commands’ at the county and municipal governments, consisting of key leaders of the county government and various government departments, and from time to time organize and convene industry sectoral consultation meetings according to the needs of the work and the situation of the advancement of the work. 209． Assessment. There are competent authorities to manage different vulnerable groups in China, such as poverty reduction offices or RRBs for poverty issues, federation for people with disabilities, CABs for the left-behind old people and minors, and women’s federations for women. These authorities are flexibly staffed and may engage extra staff as necessary in addition to their regular staff and secured with funds. 138 Therefore, the state and local governments have clearly defined responsibilities in the rights protection of vulnerable groups, and their management capacity complies with Core Principle 5. 5.4 Assessment of the Social Effects of Implementation 210． The assessment of social effects of implementation is mainly based on the information obtained from sample cities or counties and the investigation and understanding of the social risk management process and effects of previous similar typical activities. During the site survey, interviews were conducted with key stakeholders in all the counties visited to cross-examine their attitudes toward and satisfaction with the implementation of related activities. Special attention was paid to analyzing the implementation of policies consistent with the World Bank's principles to assess whether the objectives set out in the core principles and elements can be met. Therefore, this section provides analysis and assessment against the six core principles and elements of social relevance. 5.4.1 Core Principle 1: Sustainable social risks management system Element 1: Operate within an adequate legal and regulatory framework to guide E&S impact assessments, mitigation, management, and monitoring at the PforR Program level. 211． As presented in Chapter 2, the activities supported by this PforR encompass both physical projects, such as the construction of livestock farming production and affiliated facilities, as well as improvement and upgrading initiatives. Additionally, it includes nonphysical activities, such as applying livestock product certificates with green and organic or low-emission indications, the formulation and implementation of policies, mechanisms, and technical standards related to low-carbon livestock development, and relevant skill and technology promotion and training. 212． To ensure the quality and effectiveness of SSRA, each project county has established a pool of experts for SSRA. For example, in Jingchuan County, the social stability maintenance office selected 57 experts through invitation, experts' applications, and recommendations. Experts in the pool mainly consist of personnel with strong professional knowledge and extensive practical experience from 45 government authorities. The stability maintenance office of the county has also issued the Management Measures for the Expert Pool for Social Stability Risk Assessment in Jingchuan County (trial), outlining the responsibilities of each expert. The establishment of the expert pool effectively promotes the in-depth implementation of SSRA. In Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, a leading group for SSRA of major decisions has been established to guide the countywide SSRA work. Guazhou County considers SSRA as a crucial prelude to decision-making, policy formulation, reform, and project initiation. It covers various fields, gradually forming a pattern of "unified leadership by the Party committee and government, organizational promotion by competent departments, specific implementation by responsible entities, and guidance and supervision by the PLAC" in SSRA. The responsibility for SSRA has been incorporated into the annual key performance indicator assessment of leadership teams in townships and departments involved. It is required to conduct SSRAs for major matters related to the vital interests of the public in advance and strictly implement rigid preconditions, ensuring thorough assessments before decision-making, discussion in meetings, project listing, and implementation. In this regard, the PLACs of Guazhou County, Sunan County, and other counties notify townships and government departments to comprehensively review major decisions, policies, reform matters, projects, and events on an annual or semiannual basis and conduct SSRA in advance. 213． According to information provided by the PLAC of the sample counties, SSRAs are usually undertaken by the specific PIUs. When these units apply for project approval or filing with the DRC, the DRC would provide a checklist of required documentation, which includes the necessity of conducting a SSRA. Based on the potential social impacts of the project, the procedures for filing SSRA can be 139 categorized into two types: simplified procedures and general procedures. The PIUs usually hire qualified consulting firms to conduct SSRA and invite industrial experts to review the reports. For projects eligible for simplified procedures, once the SSRA report is completed, it can be directly filed with the PLAC of the county. In the case of projects subject to general procedures, only SSRA reports that have passed expert reviews can be filed. Additionally, SSRA can be an independent document or a specialized chapter within the project FSR or design documents. The SSRA workflows in the sample counties are generally consistent, as shown in Appendix 7, Figure 0-2. 214． Through the site survey of sample counties, it was found that various types of projects have conducted SSRA in accordance with policy requirements. For example, in 2022, all 62 major decision- making items of Guazhou County underwent SSRA and filing procedures; Minle County conducted 97 SSRAs and filings for major decisions; and Lingtai County conducted 67 SSRAs and filings for major items from January to October 2023, including projects related to ecological rehabilitation, infrastructure improvement and renovation, and the construction of agricultural and livestock product processing bases. 215． Skills and technology promotion and training activities related to low-carbon livestock development will not directly cause losses to farmers. Instead, they aim to improve their environmental awareness and gradually change their livestock farming practices. Such a change requires farmers to acquire certain skills and technologies to improve their capabilities. To address such impacts, a farmer training system has been established from the MARA to the provincial and county levels. This is accompanied by a series of technical support, policy guidance, and other measures to assist farmers in accelerating their improvement and transformation. 216． Education and training: • Training mechanism to farmers. (a) Overall planning: It is a long-term strategy for the Chinese national and local governments for training the farmers on economic growth, technique improvement, environment protection, health, and safety. It is under the uniform deployment and arrangement of the MARA to all provinces, cities, and counties and is carried out in all counties and cities every year, which is part of the annual performance assessment of the agriculture and rural affairs departments. For example, in April 2022, MARA issued the Notice on Training of the High-Quality Farmers in 2022, putting forward the work ideas, main tasks, special actions, and work requirements for the training of high-quality farmers nationwide in 2022. Accordingly, the annual work plans were developed by integrating the requirements of MARA and local situation. For example, in 2022, Gansu Province modified the Regulations on Trainings to Farmers in Gansu Province and published the Notice of Gansu ARAB on Issuing the Implementation Plan of High-quality Farmers in 2022. (b) Institution: the county or district ARABs are responsible for implementation of trainings to the farms through dedicated organization and agencies, such as the General Administration Office of Farmer Education and Training, Agricultural Radio and Television Schools at Provincial, Municipal and County Levels, and so on. (c) Budget: The training is free for farmers, including the cost on meals and dormitory during the training. The budget of training is mainly covered by the special finance support of the central and provincial governments, for example, the budget of Gansu Province was CNY 84.6 million in 2022, among which CNY 400,000 for Guazhou, Minle, and Sunan, CNY 1 million for Zhengning and Lingtai, and CNY 1.2 million for Jingzhuan County. Most of the budget is spent on training courses, experiments, and in- field observation, and the rest is normally spent on others, for example, training promotion and enrollment work. (d) Application: Farmers who intend to join the training can apply through the village committees or community offices or through the official website or apps of local ARABs. For example, people can join the training through the website of China Rural Remote Education (www.ngx.net.cn) or APPs on the cloud platforms established. (e) Teachers: 140 All the teachers must be selected from the list of teachers issued by the MARA. Priority will be given to those who are recommended by levels of government departments. All teachers should be those with required certificates, that is, teacher qualification certificate, or valid certificates approved by qualified official units. More than half of teachers in a class should be certificated as the provincial or higher level. • Context. The training contents are suitable for the development level of agriculture and rural, areas, advancement of time, and changes in society, economics, and the ecological environment. For example, the Skills Training for Leaders of Getting Rich in Rural Areas in 2003 focused on economic increase, while the focus in the new period is more on high-quality development with the improvement of production and living levels of the people and their increasing awareness on environment protection. According to the Notice of Jinghua Gansu ARAB on Issuing the Implementation Plan of High-Quality Farmers in 2023, 29,670 farmers will be trained. The training Jinghua courses include three types: business management (such as leaders of new agricultural management, leaders of industry development, masters in crops planting, livestock raising, and product processing), professional production (such as cattle and sheep farming, dairy farmer training, and corn planting), and technical services (such as agricultural mechanic, animal epidemic prevention, and rural electricity business) • Performance effect. A total of 17,300 persons were trained in 2022, among which 104 persons of Jingchuan County were trained with a pass rate of 100 percent and satisfaction rate of 95.15 percent. 217． Technical support: • Technical support by the government. Investigation in the four demonstration counties of Gansu Province indicated that dedicated offices are established in each county, responsible for training and guidance. Offices providing these types of supports include animal husbandry and veterinary stations, soil and fertilizer stations, and cultivation and protection station. In addition, each township government also arranged one to two representatives from its agriculture affairs service center and animal husbandry and veterinary stations to provide technical guidance and support during the animal husbandry and vaccination in the spring and autumn, sowing, and field management of corn, wheat, and other crops. The support includes not only agriculture and livestock farming technologies but also environment protection during farming, reduction of pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and recycling of agro-wastes. All the crops planting and livestock farming entities or individuals are the target groups. • Leading by the agriculture cooperatives. The site investigation found that the agricultural mode of ‘cooperative plus smallholders’ are broadly developing in Gansu, which means a cooperative operates hundreds or thousands of mu of land in an area with planting or livestock farming through LURT; in parallel, it also leads tens or dozens of family farms to plant or breed by using the unified plan and standard. To improve the quality, reputation, and price of the products, the cooperative always leads the family farms to operate in green and environment protective ways. For example, the county's Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Center assigned professional technical personnel to Shengtong Livestock Farming Cooperatives in Yudu Town, Jingchuan County, to organize training sessions on beef cattle farming knowledge regularly, providing training on aspects such as beef cattle farming and disease prevention and timely technical services to members of the cooperatives and other livestock family farms. Additionally, the cooperatives purchased disinfection equipment and conducted regular disinfection for other members. The cooperatives also alleviated financial pressure on members and other livestock family farms by centrally procuring feed and veterinary drugs at favorable prices from manufacturers and professional markets. 141 • Technique application. Scientific and technological support has created favorable conditions for farmers to transform and improve their business methods. For example, Gansu Province has established the ‘Gannongyun’ APP that farmers can use to learn about planting and livestock farming online. 218． Policy guidance and demonstration: • Straw utilization. In 2021 and 2022, MARA successively issued the Notice on Comprehensive Utilization of Crop Straw, implemented the action of comprehensive utilization of crop straw, and insisted on the strategy of fertilization, feeding and energization. A total of 300 counties and 600 demonstration bases for comprehensive utilization of crop straw have been established nationwide. The objective is to ensure that the comprehensive utilization rate of straw across the country remains above 86 percent. In 2023, Gansu Province carried out comprehensive straw utilization pilot projects in 14 counties and cities across the province, including the project counties Jingchuan and Lingtai. The initiative involves the establishment of over 56 comprehensive straw utilization demonstration bases, focusing on improving the automation level of straw feed processing and the research and development of new technologies and processes, supporting the enhancement of storage capacity for haylage (silage) through equipping with facilities for crushing, compacting, and pelleting, to promote the transformation and added value of straw. 219． Assessment. The field survey and consultation on sample counties in Gansu Province showed that the overall social impact of the PforR activities was not significant. For potential social impacts, Gansu and each county have formulated implementation plans or rules in accordance with related laws and regulations issued by the national and local relevant departments, including SSRA and land use management system, institutionalized training arrangement, and specific management authorities and personnel with the objective of effectively controlling corresponding risks. Element 2: Incorporate recognized elements of good practice in E&S assessment and management. 220． (i) Early screening. According to the documents provided by the provincial and county-level natural resources departments of Gansu as well as the site survey, it is confirmed that investigation and verification are implemented jointly at pre-construction stages. Site selection approval is required for those projects that involve FALU and access control procedures are mandatory for large-scale LURT. The FSRs are required to be appraised through the panels of related professionals under the organization of the local DRC, and the result of site selection must be in compliance with the local overall spatial planning of national land. 221． The NRBs of sample counties (districts) introduced the project site selection process. Through comparison, the management process of sample counties is basically the same. For construction projects involving FALU, such as the Guziwen Livestock Farm in Tianshengchang Community, Qifeng Tibetan Township, Sunan County, the project site selection process followed the land management requirements for FALU in Gansu Province, signed a land use agreement with the township and community, and filed records with the county's NRB and ARAB. During discussions with the NRBs of the four sample counties, it was confirmed that the FALU filing process typically involves obtaining approval from the relevant village or community committee (confirming awareness and consent), review by the natural resources department of the township government (confirming awareness and consent, aligning with local overall spatial planning of national land), and review by the county's NRB (examining whether it is line with the planning, determining whether it involves permanent basic farmland and adheres to ecological protection redlines). Figure 0-3 shows the FALU filing form of the Guziwen Livestock Farm. For projects invested by social capitals and involving large-scale LURT, the sample counties have formulated and implemented systems for the entry supervision and risk control, including review of qualifications of such enterprises, for example, 142 legal status, registered address, qualification and credit, technical expertise, production and operation management capability, land restoration capability, and performance, control of the duration and area of LURT, and the payment of performance bonds for one-time LURT exceeding 500 mu. For example, when Shunyue Agricultural Machinery Service Farmers Professional Cooperative in Guazhou County leased 628 mu of farmland in group 7 of Nancha Village through LURT, the village committee and township government reviewed the cooperative's qualifications, the location of the leased land, involved farmers, purpose, LURT price, and so on during the filing stage (as shown in Figure 0-4). In addition, the competent departments are invited to participate in the review and evaluation of the project documents like FSR and project design, including the screening and identification of project impacts and risks, and the development of management plans. For example, the WRB provides opinions on soil and water conservation and water source protection for the project, the EEB's requirements on environmental protection and management during construction, and the cultural relics management department's opinions on whether to protect and manage cultural relics. 222． By reviewing the sample project documents provided by each county, it was observed that projects that prepared a specific SSRA had more comprehensive screening and analysis of social risks, developed corresponding mitigation measures, and incorporated into the project design and supervision during implementation, demonstrating good performance. For example, factors such as environmental impact, labor use, and other risks during the construction phase of projects were identified and analyzed in SSRA. Corresponding measures for risk mitigation and control were formulated and incorporated into design, reflected in project construction and supervision contracts. On the other hand, for some small facilities, such as livestock farming zone, although existing management systems and measures were effective, the identification and mitigation measures of social risks and impacts were not sufficiently reflected in the design and implementation management documents (for example, project proposals, FSR, and design documents), or the records of public consultations and information disclosure processes were not complete. 223． (ii) Alternatives. During the project preparation stage, relevant project assessment reports, such as the project FSR, should propose several principles for site selection; compare them among different alternatives, including compliance with land use policies, economic analysis, and E&S impact analysis; and recommend a certain option based on this. For example, in the 2023 Cultivated Land in and out Balance Plan of Sunan County, specific requirements were outlined for the rationality of site selection for eight construction projects, including the Minghua Township Minghua Logistics Industry Road Construction Project and the construction of livestock farming zones in Longfeng Village, Kangle Town. These requirements include land conditions, degree of concentration, village and farmer preferences, project implementation challenges, transportation conditions, and industrial clusters. 224． (iii) Avoidance, minimum, and reduction of impacts and risks. The SSRAs and FSRs of previous projects in four sample counties were reviewed. The results showed that all the SSRAs referred to the requirements of the Notice of the General Office of the NDRC on Printing and Distributing the Social Stability Risk Analysis Chapter and the Outline for the Preparation of the Assessment Report (Trial) of Major Fixed Assets Investment Projects (FGBTZ [2013] No. 428) and included a basic framework of social risks identification, analysis, prevention, and mitigation. For example, in the SSRA report of the 2023 Ecological Rehabilitation Project at the Eastern Entrance of Guazhou County, detailed preventive and mitigative measures were proposed for risks related to project policies, planning and approval, technical and economic, ecological and environmental impacts, economic and social impacts, and risks during project implementation and operation. In the SSRA report of the construction of the cattle shed project in Niujiayu Village, Gaoping Town, Jingchuan County (see Figure 0-5), specific measures were outlined to address identified safety risks during construction and the risk of wage arrears for migrant workers. These measures include (1) strict adherence to construction procedures to promote project quality, (2) intensifying project publicity efforts to maximize community support, (3) rigorous implementation of safety measures during construction, and (4) strict enforcement of the wage guarantee deposit system for migrant workers to protect 143 their legitimate rights. As shown in Figure 0-6, concerning the LURT of Shunyue Agricultural Machinery Service Farmers Professional Cooperative in Guazhou County, preventive measures were implemented by the Nancha Town government to mitigate the economic losses to farmers caused by the cooperative's operational risks. The preventive measures include paying leasing fee first before planting and paying a land leasing deposit of CNY 62,800 at a rate of CNY 100 per mu, ensuring farmers' rights. 225． (iv) Institution and budget. In Gansu Province, the government responsibilities for livestock farming-related projects in various counties are generally similar. The ARAB and AHVMB oversee projects related to livestock farming. Once specific projects are included in the national or local investment plans, it is required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, including overall project assessments (such as approval of FSR) and specific assessments (such as site selection approval, land use approval, and SSRA). In addition, the project investment budget and funding plan must be approved through joint reviews by the financial department and other relevant authorities so that the project has a clear and sufficient budget source, organizational structure, and management plan. At the provincial level, departments work under the unified coordination of the provincial government, with specific representatives assigned for coordination. For example, the coordination of this PforR is assigned to the provincial DARA. The arrangements at the county level are generally consistent with that at the provincial level. Project preparation, construction, and operation by PIUs are subject to routine guidance and supervision from departments such as EEB, NRB, HRSSB, HC, FB, and Audit Bureau, ensuring the implementation of E&S management measures. 226． (v) Public participation, information disclosure, and GRM. According to the site survey in four sample counties and the analysis of SSRA reports of sample projects, such as SSAR report of the 2023 Ecological Rehabilitation Project at the East Entrance of Guazhou County and the Cattle Shed Construction Project in Niujiayu Village, Gaoping Town, all projects conducted public consultations as required during the SSRA process. For example, the SSRA report of the Cattle Shed Construction Project in Niujiayu Village, Gaoping Town, indicates that the project conducted public consultations and comment collection from relevant departments and surrounding residents by on-site visits and information disclosures and organized stakeholder engagement and expert review meetings to form the final report. The SSRAs for projects in various counties all underwent expert reviews and were officially filed by the government. 227． The NRB of each county introduced the management procedures, information disclosure, and public participation mechanisms of FALU during the site survey. The details include the following: first, the land user is required to consult with the village community and township government at the initiation stage. Second, after reaching a preliminary agreement, the land user must seek opinions from various departments such as the county WRB, FGB, Transportation Bureau, NRB, and cultural relics management department. Third, once all approvals are obtained, a public announcement should be made in the village community, for a period not less than 10 days. Last, if no objections are received at the end of the public notice period, the village community organization can sign the LURT agreement with the land user. According to the introduction from the Agricultural Service Center of the ARAB, for LURT, the land use party needs to undergo qualification review by the village community and township government during the application stage. For those above a certain scale, county ARAB review is also required. After passing the review, while negotiating the LURT agreement between relevant parties, the land user must ensure that the relevant project information is freely and unconditionally open to the township government, collective economic organizations, and affected households. The land-using parties can only sign the LURT agreement after reaching an agreement on various terms such as boundaries, area, duration, and price). Therefore, LURT is a result mutually recognized by both parties. At the specific project level, in addition to the above procedures, requirements for information disclosure, public participation, and GRMs are included in the project assessment documents, such as EIA, with specialized monitoring and supervision mechanisms in place. 144 228． The focus group discussions (FGDs) with 167 representatives of eight EM-concentrated communities in Guazhou County and Sunan County and 43 sample farms in seven program counties revealed that each village has established a WeChat group with all villagers joined in. Daily notifications and information are primarily disseminated to villagers through such WeChat group. For matters affecting a large number of villagers, the village committee organizes village meetings to solicit opinions. Representatives from EM-concentrated communities in Sunan County indicated that their villages had previously implemented projects similar to infrastructure construction and renovation for livestock farming and so on. Before implementing these projects, villagers were informed through public notices and village meetings, and feedback from villagers was generally considered and accepted. Regarding the proposed activities under the PforR, representatives who participated in FGDs expressed support, but they also voiced concerns about whether project activities might increase the cost of livestock farming. To address these concerns, it is recommended to conduct effective information disclosure and public consultation during the preparation and implementation stages of each activity to gain the support and understanding of farmers. 229． The site survey in sample counties of Gansu confirmed that local government departments implemented the Regulation on Letters and Visits, and there was a complete set of GRMs. Taking Sunan County as an example, the village (community)-level GRM includes three levels: first, the situation is directly reported to the relevant implementation units for solutions; second, the issue is raised for solutions through village committees or community committees which will report to and coordinate with township governments or subdistrict offices; and third, complaints are handled through the PCPB of the county government or the county head's hotline or mailbox. The process includes the mechanism of collection, starting within seven days, and processing and feedback within two months. In addition, residents can also resolve major disputes through civil litigation in the court. Overall, the GRM is sound and effective. 230． Assessment. The site survey to Gansu Province and relevant project counties shows that relevant assessments have been implemented and approved as required in the early stage of the project like livestock farms construction. The screening processes of social risks like SSRA, FSR, and alternative comparison and selection were also conducted. Public consultation and information disclosure were carried out during the relevant assessments. The review opinions of relevant departments and reasonable suggestions from public participation were fully considered in the project design. For some small facilities, although existing management systems and measures were effective, the identification and mitigation measures of social risks and impacts were not sufficiently reflected in the design and implementation management documents (for example, project proposals, FSR, design documents), or the records of public consultations and information disclosure processes were not complete. Regarding the proposed activities under the PforR, representatives who participated in FGDs also voiced concerns about whether project activities might increase the cost of livestock farming. There is also a call for improving and diversifying information delivery channels from farmers, such as written manuals, electronic versions, online platforms, and specific promotion and awareness raising among different target groups like women, EMs, and older people. To address these concerns, it is recommended to strengthen the engagement and grievance management and conduct effective information disclosure and public consultation during the preparation and implementation stages of each activity so that all beneficiaries are aware whether and how to engage with the program. 231． Recommendation. Strengthen the engagement and grievance management so that all beneficiaries are well informed and engaged with the program, particularly women, EMs, and older people. Clearly document aspects of E&S risks management process and measures in project FSR, design documents, and so on, including risk identification analysis and mitigation measures, budgets, and meaningful stakeholder consultations. 145 5.4.2 Core Principle 2: Cultural heritage management system Element 5: Take into account potential adverse effects on tangible cultural heritage and provide adequate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate such effects. 232． During the communication with the NRBs and CHABs of Gansu Province and sample counties, it was learned that the planning department consulted and listened to the opinions of the CHAB when formulating and updating the local spatial planning of national land, including obtaining the regional cultural relics distribution data, and integrating the cultural relics census results into the local land use planning. As introduced by the CHAB of Lanzhou New District, Guazhou, Sunan and Jingchuan County, when a project involves occupation of state-owned land that (a) falls within the underground cultural relics protection area, (b) covers an area of over 20,000 m2, (c) is within the scope of a famous historical and cultural city, and (d) involves the protection scope and construction control zone of cultural relics protection units, archaeological surveys and exploration of cultural relics should be conducted before land supply. The land that may contain historical and cultural relics (a) is usually approved by the local CHAB and designated as an underground cultural relic protection distribution area. The specific scope is agreed with the local NRB and reported to the local people's government for approval before being announced to the public. The protection scope and construction control zone of historical cities (d) and other areas and immovable cultural relics protection units (a) shall be approved by the local CHAB and reported to the local people's government for approval before being announced to the public. For example, Figure 0-7 presents the Notice on the Protection Scope of County-level Cultural Relics Protection Units and Construction Control Zone published by the People’s Government of Minle County. According to the introduction of Jingchuan County, 319 cultural relics protection areas within the county have been included in the land space planning, including three national key cultural relics protection unit, nine provincial cultural relics protection units, 35 county-level cultural relics protection units, and 269 general cultural relics sites. At the preliminary examination and site selection stage of the project, the project site selection shall comply with the local overall spatial planning of national land, so that no other construction activities, for example, blasting, drilling, excavation, and other operations, are allowed within the protection scope of the cultural relic protection units required by the Law on the Protection of Cultural Relics. 233． During the preparation phase of construction projects, the PIU is required to submit relevant documents such as site selection, designs, drawings, and implementation plans to the CHAB for verification. Following approval from the CHAB, the submission proceeds to the urban and rural construction planning department for final approval. At the project review stage, the local DRC would invite experts from the CHAB to participate in the project FSR review. If the selected site of the relevant construction project is within the specified scope of cultural relics protection units, a hierarchical reporting process is initiated according to the level of the cultural heritage protection unit, and it is necessary for the CHAB to entrust qualified cultural relics exploration institutions to implement cultural relics protection measures. For example, when the Jingchuan County Industrial Concentration Zone Administration Committee was preparing the Jingchuan County Red Bull Industry Park Infrastructure Construction Project, it initially submitted a letter to the county museum titled ‘Regarding the Application for Verification of Whether the Preliminary Site Selection for the Jingchuan County Red Bull Industry Park Infrastructure Construction Project Falls within a Cultural Relics Protection Area’. Following the review, the county museum issued an ‘Examination Opinion on the Cultural Relics Protection Area within the Preliminary Site Selection of the Jingchuan County Red Bull Industry Park Infrastructure Construction Project’ to the county CTB. After further verification, the CTB issued an ‘Examination Opinion on the Cultural Relics Protection Area within the Preliminary Site Selection of the Jingchuan County Red Bull Industry Park Infrastructure Construction Project’ to the Jingchuan Industrial Concentration Zone Administration Committee (see Figure 0-8), which confirmed that the project site selection did not involve national, provincial, or county-level cultural relics protection units, nor general cultural relics sites. 146 234． If reconstruction of existing underground pipelines, roads, squares, green spaces, plant areas, and other construction projects does not exceed the original area and depth or the original depth has been excavated to the raw soil layer, archaeological exploration may not be conducted after investigation and confirmation by a qualified unit for archaeological investigation and exploration and approval by the municipal administrative department of cultural relics. For example, construction projects implemented within the Lanzhou New District, with a land area of less than 100,000 m2, and explicitly not involving cultural relics protection units do not require verification by the CTB. 235． For construction projects in other areas with unknown cultural relics, it is necessary to conduct cultural relics exploration first, confirm by qualified units for archaeological investigation and exploration, and report to the municipal cultural relics administrative department for approval. If cultural relics are not discovered before project construction but found during excavation, the cultural relics administrative department shall entrust a qualified cultural relics exploration institution to implement cultural relics protection measures. After discovering cultural relics, the construction unit will promptly report to the county-level cultural relics administrative department in accordance with the provisions of the Cultural Relics Protection Law, and then the county level cultural relics administrative department will report to the provincial cultural relics administrative department level by level to organize archaeological excavation units to conduct archaeological investigation and exploration of the places where cultural relics are buried within the project area. When encountering national key cultural relics protection units, provincial cultural relics protection units, municipal and county-level protection units, and immovable cultural relics during the project site selection, it is necessary to change the project site. Following confirmation with the provincial and local cultural relics administrative departments, it is affirmed that approval from cultural relics administrative department is required for all construction projects related to facility agriculture under the PforR, including livestock farms, zones, and cooperatives, as well as other soil-disturbing civil works. For example, Figure 0-9 (Appendix 7) presents an official document issued by the CTB of Sunan Yugur Autonomous County regarding the verification of whether any tourism zones and natural and cultural heritage sites are involved in the construction of cattle sheds for the Huashulin Livestock Farming Farmers' Professional Cooperative. Meanwhile, Figure 0-10 presents a reply on the site selection of livestock farming zones of Taoyan village and Zhuoni village in Guangzhi Township issued by the CTB of Guazhou County, which clearly specifies (a) that no registered cultural relics are present in the selected area and approve the project site selection; (b) incorporation of cultural relics protection fund into the project budget due to the potential discovery of relics or buried artifacts; (c) an immediate halt to construction and prompt reporting to the county CTB upon identifying new relics or buried artifacts during construction; (d) meticulous minimization of disturbance to the original soil layers surrounding the selected site, given its adjacency to the construction control zone of the Guangzhi Northern Tomb Cluster; and (e) prohibition of arbitrary alterations to the project site. A reply of the CTB of Guazhou County on the comprehensive survey of gold and polymetallic minerals in the Laoshitu area of Guazhou County, Gansu Province, explicitly stated that the scope of the project site involves a cultural relics protection and construction control zone and recommended the project owner to change the site selection. 236． The CHABs of four sample counties confirmed that there is no need to conduct cultural relics exploration for projects that do not break ground. The system of cultural relics administration in each county of Gansu Province is basically the same, including the management of site selection in the early stage of the project and the protection and management of cultural relics during the project implementation process. The relevant cultural relics management system can avoid the impact of the project on cultural relics resources. 237． Assessment. In the process of project management, all relevant departments fully considered the potential impact on cultural relics resources according to the requirements of cultural relics protection laws and regulations and avoided the impact on cultural relics as much as possible through optimization of 147 project designs. For unavoidable impacts, strict management plans need to be formulated and approved before implementation. 5.4.3 Core Principle 3: Public and worker safety management system Element 6: Promote adequate community, individual, and worker health, safety, and security through the safe design, construction, operation, and maintenance of program activities, or, in carrying out activities that may be dependent on existing infrastructure, incorporate safety measures, inspections, or remedial works as appropriate. 238． As mentioned in Sections 5.2 and 5.3, a workers and community management system for the whole process from design to construction and operation and maintenance has been established by government at all levels, including related laws and regulations, and corresponding management institutions, such as labor safety management system, occupational health management system, labor contract management system, bidding and procurement system, emergency response mechanism, and community and labor grievance mechanism. Field investigations conducted in Lanzhou New District, Guazhou, Sunan, and Jingchuan Counties, also showed that previous and ongoing projects in various regions have basically complied with the requirements of laws and regulations. 239． Worker’s health and safety management during the construction and operation of livestock farming facilities. During the design phase, projects usually carried out EIA, SSRA, safety assessment, and occupational health assessments based on project characteristics, project location, and surrounding natural and living conditions, technical requirements, and legal requirements, and developed various management plans, including emergency response plans, community engagement mechanisms, and employee GRMs. The safety risks of specific project-related communities and workers have been identified through these assessments, and corresponding management measures have been developed. For example, in the FSR of the Guazhou County Livestock and Poultry Manure Resource Utilization Promotion Project, it dedicates the analysis of potential safety risks during project implementation and operation and formulates mitigation measures for OHS in Chapter 8 Environmental Protection, Labor Safety, and Fire Safety. Similarly, in the FSR for the Guazhou County Thousand-Head Beef Cattle Raising Demonstration Farm and Thousand Mu of High-Quality Forage Planting Demonstration Base Project, Chapter 11, focusing on organization and management, includes a dedicated section on labor protection and OHS. Furthermore, in the SSRA report of the 2023 Ecological Rehabilitation Project at the Eastern Entrance of Guazhou County, specific preventive and mitigation measures are outlined for identified construction safety risks. During the project construction phase, various safety measures were implemented together with the main works, and usually equipped with environmental monitoring and engineering supervision to promote the effective implementation of the measures. Taking the example of the Beef Cattle Farming Zone Affiliated Infrastructure Construction Project in Hedong Town, Guazhou County, during the tendering phase, specific requirements were imposed on the construction unit concerning safety management. These requirements encompass adherence to safety production regulations, provision of safety training, installation of safety facilities, arrangement of work-related injury insurance, and strict adherence to safety operating procedures. These stipulations were explicitly incorporated into the construction contract (see Figure 0-11 in Appendix 7). During the construction phase, a supervision unit was hired to conduct overall oversight of the implementation of safety measures, management practices, on-site civilized construction, and safety maintenance throughout the entire construction process. Upon the completion of project construction, the PIU, relevant government departments, and experts conducted inspections and issued a completion acceptance report for safety facilities, as shown in Figure 0-12. During the operational phase, potential occupational health hazards related to the low-emission livestock farming activities supported by the PforR are primarily brucellosis and anthrax, which are zoonotic diseases. On the one hand, competent government authorities such as the county-level AHVMBs and DCPCs of the HC organize regular free testing for brucellosis among practitioners and conduct disease prevention and control technical promotion and 148 training. For example, Sunan County has formulated the 2023 Brucellosis Prevention and Control Project Implementation Plan, allocating CNY 30,000, mandates the county DCPC to conduct high-risk population screening before 30 July 30, targeting individuals with an 80 percent history of exposure to brucellosis, including those involved in farming, slaughter, sale of cattle and sheep, processing of milk, beef, and fur and veterinarians and laboratory personnel. On the other hand, relevant facilities have established corresponding health and safety management systems and provided employees with health examinations, PPE, and OHS trainings. For example, the Agriculture Investment Group of Lanzhou New District has formulated specific safety regulations for the Ecological Livestock Farming Project in the Rural Revitalization Industry Park. 240． This includes safety production goals and assessment methods, establishment of safety organizations and personnel, identification, assessment, monitoring, and management of hazards, occupational health management, labor protection supplies management, emergency rescue, accident reporting, investigation, and handling. Regular safety inspection meetings were organized, and corrective measures were proposed and tracked for identified safety hazards. Safety operation procedures and safety warning signs were also displayed in the workplace of relevant facilities. The labor contracts between the relevant facilities and their employees include provisions specifying that the enterprise must provide necessary working conditions and tools for employees; establish work norms, labor safety and health systems, and standards; and offer essential labor protection and protective equipment, ensuring the safety and health of the employees. The contracts also require the employer to truthfully inform employees about potential occupational health hazards and consequences, preventive measures, and benefits during the work process, as depicted in Figure 0-13. Moreover, the ARABs, EMBs, HCs, and so on periodically conducted safety inspections on relevant facilities, as illustrated in Figure 0-14. 241． These inspections assess whether OHS measures in related enterprises are in place, the implementation status of the ‘three simultaneities’, and the monitoring of occupational health hazards by these facilities. In cases where issues were identified during inspections, enterprises were urged to address and rectify them. Through site visits and FGDs with community representatives, it was observed that standardized and large-scale livestock farming facilities typically have more comprehensive health and safety management systems, with good implementation practices. For example, they require employees to undergo pre-employment, on-position, and exit health examinations. However, some cooperatives and family farms exhibit a lower adoption of health and safety protective measures, incomplete disease prevention and control measures (including zoonotic diseases), inadequate use of PPE, and poor management systems. Furthermore, the frequency of routine supervision and inspections by health departments on such non-enterprise nature facilities is relatively low. Few positive cases were detected and reported during the annual screening of practitioners for brucellosis. 242． Community and public safety management. Regarding potential health and safety risks to consumers and the public from the circulation of livestock products in the market, it is learned from the site survey on ARABs, MSABs, and selected enterprises in sample counties that management is primarily implemented in three stages: (a) Livestock raising stage. Livestock raising enterprises and the AHVMBs undertake disease prevention and control measures. (b) Production and processing stage. Livestock product processing enterprises execute food safety production management. For example, the Guazhou County Caoyuan Huicheng Food Co., Ltd. has established a system for the health management and examination of food processing personnel, which mandates pre-employment health checks for employees, daily health checks, and annual health examinations and requires employees to wear clean work clothes and hats, maintaining hand 149 hygiene on position. Detailed records, including employee health certificates, health examinations and interventions, and routine sanitary inspections are maintained and documented. (c) Market circulation stage. The MSABs conduct random inspections on livestock product quality, including checks for residues of drugs, as illustrated in Figure 0-15. 243． No issues about forced labor or child labor or SEA or SH were identified during the site survey. No large-scale construction activities are expected under the PforR, so the potential risks related to significant labor influx will be low. 244． Labor GRM. Labor dispute settlement mechanisms exist at three levels from enterprises to county governments, including the corporate internal settlement mechanism, township labor dispute mediation center, and county labor dispute mediation center. Workers can choose to resolve labor disputes through mediation and arbitration or lawsuit to the court or negotiation. For example, as introduced by the HRSSB of Zhengning County, there is a labor dispute mediation center in each of the two sub-districts and 10 townships. From 2021, the HRSSB received 102 cases of labor disputes through such mechanism, involving a salary amount of CNY 1.08 million. Among them, 68 cases were resolved through mediation and 34 cases through arbitration, with a resolution rate of 100 percent. The HRSSB also provided consulting services on labor protection laws and regulation to over 20,000 person-times. In addition, local HRSSBs said that the labor union is also one of the channels to solve labor safety and labor disputes, and the labor union can help employees obtain rights and interests in terms of safety training, health examination, working environment, and living needs. 245． The HRSSB of Jingchuan County described the labor dispute settlement mechanisms in detail. When a labor or personnel dispute arises, worker can seek help from the labor inspection and enforcement authorities of the labor authority. The labor inspection and enforcement authorities investigate and determine whether to file a case within 5 days after receiving the complaint and requires the case meeting the acceptance principle (for example, the violation occurred within two years) be closed in 60 working days. It can be extended to 30 working days for complicated cases upon approval of HRSSB. Workers directly submit to labor disputes arbitration for resolution. The application for labor arbitration is valid for a period of one year. The labor arbitration consists of two levels: mediation and arbitration. Usually, labor mediation is recommended as the priority, and the mediation will be completed within 15 days of receiving the application. If the mediation is successful, the labor and management will sign a mediation agreement, and if not, the worker may apply for labor arbitration. The cases subject to arbitration by an arbitral tribunal shall be ended within 45 days after the arbitration committee accepts the application for arbitration. If an extension is required due to the complexity of the case, it may be extended and notified in writing to the parties upon approval of the chairman of the arbitration committee, but the extension period shall not exceed 15 days. If the arbitration decision has not been made within the time limit, the worker may bring a lawsuit to the people's court concerning the labor dispute. The results include pre-case mediation, case acceptance, and no acceptance. If not accepted, a written explanation should be provided to the applicant. For example, in a project in Guazhou County, where 17 workers experienced salary arrears, the affected workers filed an arbitration application with the Guazhou County People's Labor Disputes Arbitration Committee on May 31, 2022. The committee issued an acknowledgment notice on June 1, 2022, and conducted a court hearing on June 16, 2022. The arbitration decision was rendered on June 24, 2022, and promptly delivered to both parties. Subsequently, within 15 days of receiving the arbitration decision, neither party lodged an appeal with the court. 246． Assessment. Overall, majority of the relevant farms fulfilled the requirements and management measures for workers' health and safety in accordance with national laws and regulations at the stages of project preparation, design, construction, and operation. However, some cooperatives and family farms exhibit a lower adoption of health and safety protective measures, incomplete disease prevention and control measures (including zoonotic diseases), inadequate use of PPE, and poor management systems. 150 Furthermore, the frequency of routine supervision and inspections by health departments on such non- enterprise nature facilities is relatively low. Few positive cases were detected and reported during the annual screening of practitioners for brucellosis. 247． Recommendation. Strengthen the publicity, education, supervision, and management of the prevention and control of animal diseases, zoonotic diseases, health and safety training, and management of the cooperatives and family farms. Element 8: Include adequate measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate community, individual, and worker risks when the PforR Program activities are located in areas prone to natural hazards such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or other severe weather or affected by climate events. 248． The facilities related to livestock farming, processing, and inspection are primarily located near villages or within urban areas. The project activities mainly involve upgrading and renovating these facilities, resulting in overall low risks of natural disasters during project construction and operation. Based on collected data and site survey, it is found that, at the preparation stage, FSRs or project designs included analysis of geo-hazards. Alternatively, specialized geo-hazard assessments were conducted to identify potential impacts and risks of natural disasters during the construction and operational phases and formulate management plans. During the construction phase, construction contracts signed referred to the conclusions of FSRs and specialized assessments and specified the responsibilities and obligations of the construction party in managing community and employee health and safety. Throughout the construction period, various safety management positions and personnel, including safety supervisors, were established according to the safety management plans to implement health and safety management on the construction site and monitoring mechanisms were developed to promote health and safety management measures conform to the requirements outlined in the management plan. During the project's operation phase, rules and regulations in various forms were developed based on assessment conclusions and management plans and related trainings, record, and supervision systems were implemented. For example, the Guazhou County Livestock and Poultry Manure Resource Utilization Promotion Project conducted a survey on geological conditions, such as the discovery of structural fault zones and recent structural activities, as outlined in the FSR. 249． Assessment. During the construction phase, requirements have been made for the implementation of relevant measures. The investigation of project facilities in relevant counties shows that relevant units have fully managed the implementation process of natural disaster management. 5.4.4 Core Principle 4: Involuntary resettlement management system 250． In terms of land use, the PforR Program does not support any activities involving large-scale land acquisition and house demolition. Most of the activities will be implemented through FALU and LURT or within existing facilities or sites. The main land use type include the following: • FALU. Involved by the activities related to the livestock production and affiliated facilities, like the construction of green, standardized, regulated, and low-emission livestock farms and zones, breeding farms, hey storage sheds, organic fertilizer processing plants, waste disposal facilities for livestock farming, slaughtering, processing and distribution process, diseases inspection and quarantine facilities, forage processing facilities, straw processing facilities, and so on. • LURT. Involved by the activities of forage (for example, alfalfa, corn) plantation in agricultural areas. 151 • Upgrade on the existing facilities. Including the construction of emission reduction facilities for livestock farms (enterprises, cooperatives, family farms), precision feeding facilities, sheltered and penned feeding facilities, upgrade of livestock and poultry manure treatment facilities and, the digitization of environmental and disease monitoring systems throughout the livestock production, distribution, and slaughter processes, as well as low-emission transformations for existing slaughter and processing enterprises, and enhancements to facilities for animal disease prevention, control, inspection, and quarantine. The majority of these activities involve upgrades and enhancements to existing facilities without additional land acquisition or occupation. • Limited TLU. In some cases, during the construction of some livestock farming facilities, there might be a limited TLU during the construction phase. 251． The negative impacts of each type of land use are managed by different systems. The aspects under Element 9 are analyzed as follows. (i) Minimizing negative impacts related to land acquisition 252． The physical activities supported by this PforR must undergo the basic processes of preliminary evaluation, design, and approval by competent government departments, monitoring or supervision of construction process, and completion acceptance. According to the requirements of laws and regulations related to project permitting and management, the preliminary assessments of the project need to be reviewed by the NRB for compliance, including reviewing whether the project land use meets national and local spatial planning, whether the land type meets policy requirements, and whether the project site selection follows the principle of avoiding or minimizing land occupation (especially not occupying basic farmland). For example, the Gansu Province Rural Revitalization Industrial Park (Ecological Livestock Farming Park) Project located in Lanzhou New District underwent a meticulous site selection process. Following the final determination of the site during the preparation phase, the project submitted a request to the Agricultural and Forestry Water Bureau and the NRB of Lanzhou New District. The Agricultural and Forestry Water Bureau granted an approval and outlined key clarifications in the document as: (a) the project site is not within a restricted livestock farming area; (b) the selected area does not occupy forestry land, wetland parks, or basic farmland and high-standard farmland; (c) the project site complies with epidemic prevention distance requirements. The NRB of Lanzhou New District, in its approval regarding the project site (see Figure 0-16), explicitly specified (i) prohibition of permanent basic farmland occupation; (ii) approval requirement and adherence to relevant standards for agricultural facility construction on general cultivated land; and (iii) implementation of cultivated land “in and out balanced� when involving conversion of cultivated land to other agricultural land and construction land for agricultural facilities; (d) The project is situated within the scope of the Dengjiagou Ecological Restoration Project, and it is suggested to minimize or avoid occupying cultivated land. It is found through this case that avoiding and minimizing land acquisition is an important principle for project site selection in the early evaluation and design stages of each project, which is also one of the important measures to avoid and minimize the negative social impacts of the project. The investigation and analysis of project cases in this regard are described in detail in Section 5.4.1. 253． LURT typically applies to forage cultivation and related activities. According to legal requirements, LURT must be strictly limited to those activities related to agricultural cultivation, ensuring that the land remains dedicated to agricultural use. The ownership nature and agricultural purpose of the contracted land must not be changed. To prevent the ‘non-agriculturalization’ of cultivated land, a daily inspection mechanism has been established by the law enforcement team within the county NRB. Therefore, the LURT management systems in each county can effectively minimize adverse impacts resulting from land occupancy. 152 (ii) Identifying and addressing economic and social impacts arising from land acquisition or loss of access to natural resources 254． It is confirmed by NRBs at sample counties that the laws and regulations as well as procedures of FALU, LURT, and TLU are basically the same. There is an identification process of socioeconomic impacts caused by each type of land use according to law and development of management measures accordingly. This section mainly discusses the identification process of social impacts caused by various types of land use, and section (iv) discusses socioeconomic impact management: • FALU: Before initiating the land review process, relevant departments must conduct on-site inspections, boundary surveys, DMS and registration of impacts caused by land use and obtaining confirmation and signatures from affected villagers. The DMS results and the draft agreement for FALU are disclosed in the affected community for at least 10 days. If there are no objections received at the end of the announcement period, the signing of the land use agreement can proceed. For land no longer in use, land restoration must be taken as required before returning to the village, and compensation for soil fertility loss should be provided. Take the been established Guziwen Livestock Farm in Tianshengchang Community, Qifeng Tibetan Township, Sunan County as an example, the responsible authorities for approving the FALU include the County ARAB confirmed that the project's land complies with facility agriculture land policies; the NRB verified that the land use aligns with local spatial planning of national land and policies, while the FGB confirmed the project complies with grassland use policies. Simultaneously, the Guzai Township Government and the Tianshengchang Community Committee expressed their consent and acknowledged that the project's construction is conducive to the development of village collective economy and the overall livestock industry in the township. • LURT: there are usually two forms of LURT. First, villagers directly sign LURT agreements with the land user. In general, it involves limited land area and Guzan fewer households. The LURT agreement explicitly outlines terms such as the area, land type, price, duration, and payment conditions (see Figure 0-17). The second form is collective economic organizations signing LURT agreements with the land user. In such cases, the land area is usually larger, involving more households. The village collective organization registers the affected households and their land areas and disburses LURT compensation fee to affected households after receiving the payment from the land user. The price of LURT is agreed upon by both parties. 255． In addition, a systematical GRM has been established from grass-root rural village committees or community committees to township government, county-level government and above ( see Section 6.2 for details about GRM). (iii) Compensation and transition subsidy to be fully paid at replacement cost before land use 256． According to consultations with relevant provincial and county-level NRBs, ARABs, and sample enterprises or facilities in Gansu Province, the funds for project land use must be in place first, and compensation must be made before using land. Otherwise, local governments and villagers would oppose the use of land, and land cannot be provided. The leasing fees for FALU and LURT are typically determined through mutual agreement and explicitly stated in the land use agreement. For example, before the land user completes the LURT filing procedures, the corresponding leasing fees or payments must be paid to the affected farmers. The payment receipt serves as one of the materials for the filing review, as shown in Figure 0-18. In addition to the annual leasing payment of LURT, land equity is also one of the ways of LURT, that is, the village community or villagers to covert the land use rights into a certain number of shares in a production activity and to receive equity dividends annually according to the shareholding agreement. 153 (iv) Livelihood restoration 257． As described in Section 5.1.4, livelihood restoration mechanisms are included in the domestic social management system. For example, the Land Management Law (2020) requires that living standard of farmers whose land has been expropriated should not be reduced and their long-term livelihoods should be guaranteed. The Notice of the MNRs, the MARA, the State Forestry and Grassland Administration on Issues Related to Strict Control of the Use of Cultivated Land (ZRZF [2021] No.166) requires that permanent basic farmland should not be converted to forest land, grassland, garden land, and other agricultural land and agricultural facility construction land. The annual in and out balance should be implemented for the conversion of cultivated land to other agricultural land and agricultural facility construction land by converting other agricultural land, such as forest land, grassland, garden land, and other agricultural facility construction land, into cultivated land to supplement the same amount and quality of cultivated land that can be used stably for a long time, and priority should be given to balancing cultivated land ‘in and out’ within the collective economic organization so that affected people within the economic organization can have access to the same amount and quality of land. For example, Sunan County engaged a third-party company to formulate the ‘Annual Cultivated Land In-Out Balance Plan’ (see Figure 0-19) each year. This plan entails a detailed investigation into the location, area, scope, and current status of the proposed construction projects and allocates additional cultivated land area adhering to the principle of supplement before use. This approach promotes the non-reduction of cultivated land area and land quality. The Notice on Issues Related to the Management of Facility Agricultural Land Use (ZRZY [2019] No. 4) has strict regulations on the use and scale of FALU. The facility agricultural land that is no longer used must be restored as required (see Figure 0-20). All these measures are means to avoid or minimize the project impacts on farmers' livelihoods as much as possible from a systematic perspective. 258． After excluding the activities involving large-scale land acquisition, the land use scale of activities supported by the PforR Program is limited. Most of the activities will be implemented through FALU, LURT, TLU, or within existing facilities or site, without involving permanent land acquisition. During the PforR implementation, farmers may be affected in the short term and compensated for such impacts or receive continuous benefits through leasing fee or shareholder dividends. Upon the expiration of the land use period, the land will be returned to the farmers. Furthermore, farmers can also participate in work during the land lease period to obtain secondary benefits, thereby promoting the development of livelihoods. For example, the Hongdesen Alfalfa Planting Demonstration Base in Zhenxing Village, Qinchuan Park of Lanzhou New Zone not only pays LURT fees but also employs several hundred villagers from nearby communities for alfalfa cultivation, with an average wage ranging of CNY 130–150 or day. Lanzhou Tianxin Modern Livestock Farming Demonstration Base employs about 90 staff, all of whom are farmers affected by LURT, contributing to increased income of affected households. Jingchuan County Xukang Food Co. Ltd. not only provides employment opportunities to LURT-affected farmers but also leads approximately 4,060 people from 1,296 households in surrounding villages to engage in livestock farming with offering technical supports, including (a) quarterly free livestock farming technology training and practical training organized jointly by the county ARAB, with a cumulative participation of 3,000 person- times and (b) providing superior breeds and feed formulas and recovering fattened bulls from farmers, leaving cows for breeding. Additionally, as mentioned in Section 5.41, ARABs have established a free farmer training system from the provincial to the county level. Moreover, localities are exploring effective measures to help farmers quickly improve their agricultural plantation and livestock production technology and management skills; the HRSSBs also organize various types of vocational skills training to help farmers broaden their income sources. (v) Information disclosure, public participation, and informed decision-making 259． As analyzed above, In the process of implementing FALU, information disclosure, village meetings, and public notices were carried out according to law in sample counties, because records of information 154 disclosure and public participation are essential components of the land approval application materials. Concerning LURT, the land user underwent qualification reviews by the village community and township government during the application phase. For projects exceeding a certain scale, such as over 1,000 mu, reviews of county ARABs were conducted. Upon review, while negotiating the LURT agreement, relevant project information was freely and unconditionally shared with the township government, collective economic organizations, and farmers involved. Both parties involved can only sign the LURT agreement after reaching a consensus on various terms, such as boundaries, area, duration, and price. Therefore, LURT is the mutually recognized result. 260． It is learned from the communication with representatives of villagers during the site survey that villagers are generally satisfied with the process and compensation of land use and compensation. During the implementation process, affected people can raise their complaints or concerns to village committees, PIUs, or competent government authorities. Villagers confirmed that their complaints can get a satisfied resolution. For example, in 2021, some farmers in Jingchuan County leased their contracted land to a project as a mixing site. However, it was later found that the project engaged in unauthorized sand mining without approval and failed to promptly pay the land leasing fee. In response, the affected farmers reported the situation to the village committee, the township government, and the NRB, resulting in the immediate cessation of illegal sand mining activities. Regarding the delayed payment of the land leasing fee, a complaint was reported to the ARAB. After receiving the complaint, the ARAB promptly conducted an investigation and informed the investigation results and corrective measures in written form (see Figure 0-21) to the township government for appropriate action. 261． Assessment. For FALU, LURT, TLU, and so on that may be involved in the PforR Program, a systematic legal system has been established at the national and local levels. Mature impact control principles, identification process, compensation, resettlement, and livelihood restoration mechanisms have been established, and specialized implementation agencies and financial support have been arranged. These mechanisms and their effective operation help manage impacts of land use. In terms of information disclosure, land use information within the village needs to be disclosed for a certain period for all types of land use. Through the survey of villagers' representatives in the sample counties, people are generally satisfied with the implementation process and compensation payment of FALU, LURT, TLU, and so on. 5.4.5 Core Principle 5: Management system for ethnic minorities and vulnerable groups Element 10: Undertake meaningful consultations if the ethnic minorities are potentially affected (positively or negatively), to determine whether there is broad community support for the PforR Program activities. 262． Among the seven demonstration counties (districts) under the PforR, there are one ethnic autonomous county, namely the Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, 8 EM-concentrated townships, and 137 EM-concentrated villages, with a total EM population of 77,079, accounting for 6 percent of the total population. The details of EM-concentrated townships, villages, and population in each county are as follows: • There are 24 EM groups with an EM population of about 16,000 in Lanzhou New District, accounting for 3 percent of the total population. The EM people are living in a scattered manner and mixed with the Han people. There are no EM-concentrated townships or villages. • There are 22 EM groups with an EM population of 23,919 in Guazhou County, mainly the Hui, Dongxiang, Tibetan, and so on, accounting for 18 percent of the total population of Guazhou. There are 4 EM-concentrated townships and 11 EM villages. The differences between the EM residents and the Han are primarily in language, religious beliefs, clothes, 155 and food practices. All ethnic groups in the county are involved in the livestock sector (confined feeding) and crop plantation. • Sunan Yugur Autonomous County is the only one Yugur autonomous county in China, with a total population of about 39,300. Among them, 22,590 are EM people of 20 EM groups, accounting for 57.5 percent of the total population. Three townships and 102 villages or communities of the county are EM-concentrated townships and villages or communities. Among the EM population, 10,684 are the Yugur, accounting for 27.2 percent of the total population. Livestock farming is the main income source of local EM people. • There are 931 EM people in Minle County, mainly the Hui, Mongolian, Uyghur, and so on, accounting for 0.5 percent of the total population. The EM people are living in a scattered manner and mixed with the Han people. There are no EM-concentrated townships or villages. • There are 25 EM groups with a population of 2,292 in Jingchuan County, accounting for 0.7 percent of the total population. Among them, 2,040 are the Hui people living in two villages concentratedly, accounting for 89 percent of the total EM population. There are no EM townships in the county. • There are no EM-concentrated townships in Lingtai County, but there are 16 EM-concentrated villages with a total EM population of 8,562, mainly the Hui, Miao, Tujia, Zhuang, Mongolian, and so on, accounting for 3.8 percent of the total population in the county. • There are 23 EM groups with 2,785 persons in Zhengning County, accounting for 1.15 percent of the total population. Among them, 2,592 are the Hui people, accounting for 93 percent of the total EM people in the county. There are one EM-concentrated (the Hui) township and three EM-concentrated villages in the county. 263． Village leaders, village-resident task teams, and villagers’ representatives participated in the meeting, discussed key infrastructure construction projects in the village and the annual village work plan, and collected feedback on current needs, hotspots, and challenges from the residents sought opinions and suggestions from village representatives specifically for collective benefit projects such as road paving, safe drinking water, environment and sanitation improvement, and infrastructure development in the farming areas (see Figure 0-26). During the FGDs with representatives of EM-concentrated villages, it was found that a sound communication mechanism has been established in each village. It was highlighted that each village has established a WeChat group for villagers, and matters concerning the interests of villagers were disclosed through WeChat groups, bulletin boards, or village meetings. There are two situations for matters to be discussed or decided through the villagers' meeting, depending on their importance: (a) Each villagers' group shall have a group of villagers' representatives. These representatives are elected by the villagers through voting. Villagers who are not representatives of the villagers who are voted but are interested in participating may also attend the meeting and put forward their opinions. (b) The villagers' meeting of the whole village shall have more than 60 percent of the total number of villagers, with at least one representative of each household, regardless of gender. If for any reason they are unable to attend the meeting, they should notify the village committee first. At the same time, each village group and village level have a WeChat group. At least one representative from each household joins the WeChat group. All information related to the villagers is released to the villagers through WeChat groups, including training information, program proposals, subsidy verification, and policy advocacy. Villagers can choose to participate or not according to their wishes and interests. The investigation found that all activities implemented in the village were informed through the villagers' WeChat groups and villagers' meetings, and the villagers' consent was obtained before implementation. 156 264． Assessment. When implementing projects in EM areas, the interests of EM are protected according to law and the right to be informed is guaranteed. Consultation practices are consistent with the World Bank policy. Element 11: Ensure that ethnic minorities can participate in devising opportunities to benefit from exploitation of customary resources and indigenous knowledge, the latter to include the consent of ethnic minorities. 265． The PforR will not involve culture-related activities, land or asset taking, create adverse impact on their unique cultural identities and well-being, or bring barriers for their participation in the program activities. Village representatives expressed strong support for the implementation of the PforR, believing that activities promoting sustainable low-emission livestock industry development are beneficial for the economic development of the local communities, including EMs. For example, in Guazhou County, the mode of livestock farming is confined feeding. Activities such as livestock farming technology promotion and livestock infrastructure improvement will contribute to the local development of livestock husbandry. During the FGDs with representatives of EM-concentrated villages in Sunan County, it was found that the county implemented activities such as confined feeding in the past. The government provided corresponding subsidies to affected farmers and carried out public consultations and information disclosure before subsidies distribution. Village representatives expressed full understanding and support to the PforR and the implementation of the PforR would not face significant challenges. At the same time, when it comes to livestock technology, farmers are completely voluntary. You can choose to adopt or not to adopt new technologies based on your needs and considerations. The discussion showed that even if costs increase and there are no subsidies, as long as it is profitable, such a technology will be welcomed by farmers. 266． Assessment. Despite varying cultures in EM areas involved in the program, plans and relevant protective projects are in place and implemented every year to protect the cultures of EMs. To better understand how EMs benefit from the program, there is a need to establish a monitoring system to monitor benefits across the program. 267． Recommendation. Establish social benefit monitoring system to monitor beneficiaries’ composition and distribution of benefits, to assess how (whether) EMs benefit from the program. Element 12: Give attention to groups vulnerable to hardship or discrimination, including, as relevant, the poor, the disabled, women and children, the elderly, ethnic minorities, racial groups, or other marginalized groups, and if necessary, take special measures to promote equitable access to PforR Program benefits. 268． All rural extreme poor residents and all 75 poor counties in Gansu Province had been officially lifted out of poverty by the end of 2020 through the national poverty reduction. In Gansu Province, the Measures for Recognizing Low-Income Population and Providing Assistance in Gansu Province was published in December 2022. According to this policy, the low-income people include those who (a) have been out of poverty but are still under the government monitoring of prevention for return to poverty again; (b) are below the minimum living standard ; (c) are in extreme hardship, such as widowed and orphaned elderly; (d) are on the margins of minimum living standard; and (e) are in expenditure-type difficulties. By the end of 2022, among the seven program counties or districts, 86,957 households with 226,482 persons were categorized as the low-income, accounting for 17 percent of the total population. Among them, 4,796 households with 9,027 low-income people in urban areas (4 percent) and 82,161 households with 217,455 low-income people in rural areas (96 percent). The social survey indicated that the main causes of low incomes and vulnerability were (a) physical disabilities and prolonged illness; (b) the small working-age population, low education levels; (c) lack of start-up capital for production; and (d) limited skills and lack of jobs. 157 269． According to law, the protection of women's rights and interests is part of the routine management work of all departments and units, which is mainly implemented through women's federations at all levels and women's affairs management departments within enterprises and units. Projects and funds for the protection of women's rights and interests and women's development are prepared by governments and women's federations at all levels and the internal management departments of enterprises arrange every year. It is confirmed through the investigation that supporting women's development is one of the main tasks of the local women's federations, and significant resources are deployed every year. 270． The CABs and disabled persons’ federations at each county are responsible for information collection and assistance for orphans, minors and old people left behind, disabled persons, and extremely poor persons within the administrative areas. Special financial funds are arranged by the government to protect these groups’ rights and interests. Surveys identified that CABs at all levels are the competent authorities for the management and monitoring of low-income households. Although all regions have been officially lifted out of extreme poverty in 2020, the local governments still track, record, and manage the names and family conditions of the people who have been lifted out of poverty in each village. At the same time, the governments still implement the ‘four measures’ for households lifted out of poverty: responsibility, policies, assistance, and supervision. In this regard, all counties have formulated corresponding policies and measures and made budgetary arrangements to consolidate the results of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization in an effective manner. In general, the governments expect to take five- year transition period to consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation and provide a smooth transition period for poverty-lifted rural households to become self-reliant and self-improvement through orderly adjustment. 271． Assessment. In terms of women's development and protection of women’s rights and interests, it is guaranteed through women's federations, women’s organizations in enterprises, and grass-root women's organizations. For left-behind minors and old people, the government has established relevant databases mainly through CABs and provided timely assistance through township governments and villages or communities. In terms of the support to poor and low-income families, the national and local governments have established a complete system and mechanism that includes policies, budgets, and institutional arrangements, which can not only protect the legitimate rights and interests of poor and low-income families in various projects but also effectively manage the support and development of poor and low-come families. However, compared to others, women and low-income households may face more challenges and vulnerabilities in livestock farming development. There is a need to establish a monitoring system to monitor how such groups of people benefit across the program. 272． Recommendation. Establish social benefit monitoring system to monitor beneficiaries’ composition and distribution of benefits, to assess how (whether) they benefit from the program. 158 6. Public Participation and GRM 6.1 Public Participation 273． Stakeholder engagement is an important aspect of this ESSA and a requirement of the World Bank policy. During the ESSA, stakeholders have been identified based on the impacts of activities, interest in the activities, and power of influence on decisions, mainly including government authorities at different levels, villages and communities, activity implementation agencies, women’s federations and other social organizations, affected persons, and so on (see Appendix 4). During the ESSA preparation, extensive stakeholder engagements were conducted with provincial and seven county (district) authorities of Gansu Province from September to November 2023 through virtual and in-person consultation meetings. Consultations on the ESSA report with relevant government authorities at the provincial and county (district) levels were carried out in December 2023. 6.1.1 Initial Participation Activities 274． At the preparation stage, the World Bank team and ESSA consulting team engaged with relevant authorities of the Gansu provincial and county/district-level governments from September to October 2023, covering the World Bank’s PforR provisions, E&S policies, implementation management practices, operating processes, assessment document preparation, and so on. 275． From October 2023, there has been extensive public participation in Gansu Province to prepare and improve this report (see Appendix 5), including consultation meetings with provincial authorities, involving provincial DARA, AHVMB, FGB, Grassland Technology Extension General Station (GTEGS), DEE, DNR, and so on. At the county level, Lanzhou New District, Guazhou County and Sunan County of Zhangye City, Jingchuan County of Pingliang City in Gansu Province were visited, and FGDs were held with government authorities with over 70 participants cumulatively. In additional, information was also collected from seven project counties (districts) for further confirmation. In the various surveys and FGDs as mentioned above, exchanges were made with government authorities, relevant enterprises (large-scale livestock husbandry enterprises, livestock farming zones in the village, livestock farming cooperatives, family farms, forage planting enterprises, cattle and sheep breeding enterprises, and so on), head of village committees, villager representatives (including four EM-concentrated villages), and so on. Livestock farms, animal and plant inspection and quarantine facilities, forage planting areas, land consolidation projects, livestock and poultry manure treatment and resource utilization facilities, straw processing facilities, and other sites of typical activities were visited. These activities cover the following items: • Responsibilities and organizational setup of each authority • Prevailing main sectoral policies and regulations • Scope of implementation, policy requirements, implementation progress, effects and main issues related to livestock breeding, livestock farming, animal and plants inspection and quarantine, livestock and poultry manure treatment and resource utilization, forage planting, straw processing, waste treatment of animal died of diseases, and so on. • Enterprise scale, recruitment mode, worker benefits, safety and skills training, occupational health hazards and inspection, availability of protective equipment, facility land use approval, EIA, SSRA, safety assessment, geological disasters, management, and so on. 159 • Villager employment, especially participation in livestock farming, forage planting, and process projects. 276． Between October 2023 and February 2024, the E&S team also carried out a special visit to eight EM-concentrated villages in Guazhou County and Sunan Yugur Autonomous County of Gansu Province and had discussions with village leaders and villagers' representatives. In March 2024, the E&S team conducted supplementary site visits to seven program counties (districts) and conducted a questionnaire survey on 43 sample farms, covering enterprises, cooperatives, family farms, and household farms. The visits and consultations helped understand the potential impact and benefits of the project on local village residents, including their basic social, economic, and cultural conditions, and conduct project-related actions including information disclosure, public participation, GRM, and so on. The consultation indicated that the project will not pose negative impacts on the EM-concentrated villages and has won wide support of all the visited villages which will much benefit from the proposed activities. For example, the implementation and promotion of low-emission livestock production technologies mainly target existing livestock enterprises, cooperatives, large family farms, and affiliated facilities and will not involve new construction or expansion of large-scale livestock farms. Therefore, it will not involve new land acquisition. At the same time, activities such as livestock and poultry manure treatment and resource utilization, forage formula improvement, technical trainings, and the establishment of ‘one health’ collaborative mechanism will enhance the overall ecological environment of the local area and improve farmers’ livestock production technologies and standards, which will contribute to the improvement of the livelihood and living standards of local EM residents (see Appendix 9 for details). 6.1.2 Public Consultation on the ESSA 277． The draft ESSA was provided to Gansu Province on November 20, 2023, and an initial discussion on the draft ESSA was conducted between the PPMO and the ESSA team on November 28, 2023. The draft ESSA was revised and provided to the PPMO again for public consultation on December 12, 2023. The PPMO then shared the draft ESSA report with all relevant government departments at the provincial and county (district) levels to seek their comments and disclosed on the government official website for public comments on December 14, 2023. The PPMO organized all relevant provincial and county/district-level government authorities to have consultation meetings with the ESSA team from December 26 to 28, 2023. The participants include officials from the provincial authorities such as ARAB, AHVMB, FGB, NRB, WRB, EEB, HC, DCPC, HRSSB, and CAB and relevant county-level government authorities, enterprises, and community representatives of seven demonstration counties (districts). At the meetings, the PforR and the draft ESSA report were introduced, including the purpose, scope, methods, conclusions, and recommendations of the ESSA. The main concerns of the meetings include the following: • Whether the laws and regulations quoted in the ESSA are accurate and relevant • Whether the analysis of the laws and regulations is pertinent • Whether the description of the organizational setup in the report is accurate and whether the assessment of institutional capacity is appropriate • Whether the conclusions of this report are acceptable, particularly whether the gaps identified between domestic ESMSs and the World Bank’s PforR policy are correct, and if the recommendations proposed are feasible and acceptable. 278． At the meetings, the participants gave positive opinions on the ESSA report, accepted the recommendations, and provided valuable comments on revision, such as validity of some policies, latest institutional arrangements, and organizational responsibilities. The ESSA team listened to, recorded, and 160 studied the comments carefully and revised the report accordingly. The written feedback from the governments and the responses made by the ESSA team are presented in Appendix 6. 6.2 GRMs 279． Existing program-level GRMs usually include village/community-level and enterprise-level GRMs. The village/community-level GRM consists of three levels: first, grievances are reported directly to the relevant PIUs to seek a solution; second, grievances are reported to the village or community committee and resolved by grass-root government, which usually take two weeks; third, grievances are reported to the county PCPBs or the county head’s hotline or mailbox, which includes a mechanism of collection, initiation within seven days, and solving within two months. In addition, residents can resolve more serious disputes through civil actions at court. An enterprise GRM basically has two aspects: one is workers’ grievances: workers’ grievances are handled through a three-tier labor dispute resolution mechanism, namely the enterprise labor disputes and redressing mechanism, the township government’s labor dispute mediation center, and the county government’s labor disputes mediation center. At the enterprise level, workers can seek a solution through the enterprise or factory manager mailbox or the trade union. If any dispute cannot be addressed satisfactorily, the worker can go through the government mediation mechanism or seek solution by labor arbitration (see Principle 3 under Element 8 in Section 5.4). Second, the enterprise sets up an external relations department and assigns a contact and a telephone number to collect complaints and suggestions from the public. There are also various channels for the public to report and track environmental-related grievances, such as the ‘National Ecological and Environmental Complaints and Reporting Platform’, the Minister’s Mailbox, 12369 hotlines, and the mayor’s hotline, which enable the public to effectively supervise the environmental management of construction projects. Any persons and entities can raise their suggestions, opinions, or complaints in many ways like website, letters, telephone call, fax, visits, and so on. The key operating principles of the GRMs mentioned above include the following: (a) the GRM should be disclosed to the public through all means, including address, contact information, persons in charge, time and location for visits, ways to check progress and results of resolution, and so on; (b) the GRM is open to all people for free; and (c) people or entities can raise their complaints using their real name or anonymously. It shall not disclose or transfer the petitioner's report information to the person or organization being denounced or reported and resolve in a legal, fair, and timely manner. 280． Assessment. Based on interviews with village/community committees and villager (resident) representatives, village/community-level GRMs are sophisticated in general. For any projects to be implemented in the village, consent of villagers was obtained through notification in villagers’ WeChat group and village meetings before implementation. The number of grievances or complaints was low. Over 98 percent complaints or grievances received were resolved at the village level and the rest were resolved as well through discussion with township or county-level governments, with very few solved through civil litigation. GRMs for labors of enterprises are quite normative and can solve worker grievances. Therefore, the existing GRMs are workable. However, considering various types of beneficiaries of the Program, it is suggested to strengthen the GRM to enable issues and complaints from all types of beneficiaries to be received, recorded, and resolved on time. 161 7. Conclusions, Recommendations, and Action Plans 7.1 Conclusions 281． The program aims to improve the low-emission livestock industry value chain. High-risk activities are excluded from the operation and have therefore not been addressed by the ESSA. On this basis, the operation will not have any major negative E&S impacts, but it is possible that some short-term, site- specific, small-scale, and mitigatable adverse impacts may be created during the implementation. 282． Risk rating. The nature of the likely impacts present mostly moderate risks. It is also noted that the boundaries of the program are known and comprise physical areas which can be identified and closely monitored. Notwithstanding, because the program covers demonstration counties (districts) in Gansu Province, including areas and livestock entities with EM communities, the overall E&S risk rating of the operation is Substantial. 283． Contextual risks. The program boundary is within the 700 identified livestock production entities. This ESSA recommends a PAP to enable ongoing monitoring of beneficiaries which will also allow an ongoing assessment of the nature and the scale of any risks that may arise and how (and whether) they affect the program and or affect the associated risks. 284． E&S system assessment. The ESSA found that the existing E&S systems are effective for managing the assessed E&S risks, but it also identified opportunities for systems strengthening through PAPs to improve the development outcomes, to further mitigate impacts, and to provide technical remedies in the event of risks not being effectively mitigated. Effective E&S management systems have been established in China as well as Gansu Province to identify, assess, avoid, mitigate, manage, and monitor the E&S impacts and risks related to the PforR activities, such as (a) a complete regulatory system, including applicable laws, regulations, policies, standards, and technical guidelines at the state and local levels; (b) clear implementation mechanisms, including clear administrative procedures, institutional arrangements, responsibilities for E&S impacts and risk management, and necessary professionals and financial resources; and (c) satisfactory outcome performance of the E&S systems. The random surveys on the past cases in the sample counties (districts) show that E&S impacts and risk management measures have been implemented effectively. Based on the assessment, the E&S systems related to the PforR are compatible with the requirements of the World Bank’s PforR policy and guidance. Although the systems to manage the likely risks are generally adequate and the legal framework provides a sound basis for addressing the E&S issues related to the program activities, some gaps and opportunities to improve systems and manage risks in the program have been identified in the ESSA. 285． The ESSA has also identified the following risks and areas for improvement: • The environment and sanitary conditions of some small and medium livestock farming zones are poor due to inadequate manure treatment and utilization and animal diseases control facilities, and some operators of them exhibit a lower adoption rate of health and safety environmental protection management measures due to inadequate operational procedures and internal management systems and are supervised and inspected inadequately by health authorities. There is a need to upgrade pollution control and animal disease and zoonotic disease control facilities, improve their internal management systems, and further strengthen the health and safety (including animal welfare) awareness-raising and environmental protection training as well as the daily supervision. 162 • There are various types of beneficiaries of the program, although existing information disclosure channels and GRMs are functioning, the opportunity exists to improve and diversify information delivery channels from farmers, such as written manuals, electronic versions, online platforms, specific promotion, and awareness raising to different target groups such as women, EMs, and older people. Identification and management of E&S risks and impacts as well as public consultation and information disclosure in relation to construction and operation of some facilities were not consistently reflected in the project documents. In addition, there is an opportunity to strengthen the GRM to manage potential risk of uneven benefit distribution and E&S risk management. • Compared to enterprises, cooperatives and family farms may face more challenges and vulnerabilities in livestock farming development. There is a potential risk that social benefits and beneficiary composition (gender, EM, and so on) do not improve over time. To promote the objective of all target farms, regardless of the farm size and structure, gender, and ethnicity, benefiting equally from the program, ongoing beneficiary monitoring will enable ongoing assessment of the nature and scale of these risks and how (and whether) they benefit from the program or affect the associated risks. 7.2 Recommendations 286． For the abovementioned E&S issues, the following recommendations are proposed： • Recommendation 1: Document cases of the good practices and experiences from various counties in controlling pollution from livestock production and in preventing and controlling animal diseases and zoonotic disease and ensuring animal welfare and share these cases with participating cooperatives and large family farms for them to prepare ESCOP. • Recommendation 2: Strengthen the publicity, education, supervision, and management of the prevention and control of animal diseases and zoonotic diseases, health and safety, environmental protection training, and management of the operators of cooperatives and family farms. • Recommendation 3: Strengthen the engagement and grievance management so that all beneficiaries are well informed and engaged with the Program, particularly women, EMs, and older people and to identify, manage and record E&S risks in relation to program activities. • Recommendation 4: Establish a social benefit monitoring system to monitor beneficiaries’ composition and distribution of benefits. 7.3 Action Plan 287． To effectively execute the above recommendations, the following actions should be included in the PAP and taken during the PforR implementation. Table 7-1: E&S Action Plans No. Action Responsibility Timing for Completion Measurement Completion 1 Document cases of the good PMOs; local Throughout the • Cases of good practices and practices and experiences from relevant implementation experiences from various counties various counties in controlling government are documented with clear and 163 No. Action Responsibility Timing for Completion Measurement Completion pollution from livestock authorities; detailed insights into pollution production and in preventing and PIUs control measures, prevention of controlling animal diseases and animal diseases, and zoonotic zoonotic diseases and ensuring disease control. animal welfare and share these • ESCOP based on good cases with the participating international industry practice is cooperatives and large family prepared by each of cooperative farms for them to prepare ESCOP. and large family farm. • The participating livestock production cooperatives and large family farms upgrade their farming facilities to address or equip them with essential animal safety, disease prevention and control facilities, and manure treatment facilities. Incorporate this into the PIP. • Report the implementation progress of above activities in the semiannual program progress report to the World Bank. 2 Strengthen the publicity, PMOs; local Throughout the • Develop training programs based education, supervision, and relevant implementation on good international industry management of the prevention and government practice. control of animal diseases and authorities; • Training programs are zoonotic diseases, health and PIUs implemented in each program safety, animal welfare and county (district) at least twice a environmental protection training, year. and management of the operators • The PIUs record the information of cooperatives and large family of publicity, education, and farms. training activities, including date, location, contents, participants, photologs, and so on, and report in the semiannual program progress report to the World Bank. 3 Strengthen engagement and PMOs; local Within 6 months • Citizen engagement and GRM grievance management system for relevant after system, with particular focus on beneficiaries and workers with government effectiveness vulnerable people and based on focus on EM people and women authorities; good international industry Throughout the and E&S risks management. PIUs practice, in place within 6 months implementation after effectiveness for beneficiaries to provide ongoing feedback and resolve grievances in a timely way during program implementation. • Stakeholder engagement, E&S risk identification, analysis, and management measures for each physical program activity, grievance received, and details of the manner in which the grievance was resolved are recorded and reported in the semiannual program progress report to the 164 No. Action Responsibility Timing for Completion Measurement Completion World Bank, including the name, gender, ethnicity of complainant, reported issues, resolutions, and progress. 4 Develop Social Benefit PMOs; local Within 6 months • A baseline database established Monitoring system to monitor relevant after within 6 months after beneficiary composition and government effectiveness effectiveness, disaggregated by distribution of benefits. authorities; ethnicity, language, religion PIUs Semiannually (where appropriate), gender, and throughout the age. implementation • A monitoring system based on good international industry practice established within 6 months after effectiveness for ongoing measurement of benefits across the program, disaggregated by ethnicity, language, gender, and age. • Periodic monitoring carried out and reported in the semiannual program progress report to the World Bank. 165 8. Management and Monitoring 288． As per the World Bank PforR Policy 32 and the agreements between the World Bank and the borrower, the two parties will manage and monitor the PforR implementation from different perspectives. 8.1 Borrower 289． The borrower is responsible for implementing the PforR, monitoring the implementation progress, evaluating the indicators, and performing relevant commitments as per the legal documents including the PAP. Such responsibilities include that the borrower should keep the E&S management systems effective, implement monitoring plans, and identify and solve issues in a timely and effective manner. The borrower should • Prepare and implement the E&S risk management measures defined as the Program Operational Manual (POM33); • Implement the agreed E&S actions as per the PAP and maintain the E&S management systems and the implementation capacity as recommended by the ESSA; • Submit semiannual monitoring reports on the PAP implementation to prove continuous compliance with the applicable E&S management mechanism. The monitoring reports should include the reflection of implementation of the social risk identification, screening, management, documentation, and beneficiaries’ composition and distribution of benefits; • Evaluate and audit the system performance regularly as necessary; • Review the performance of GRMs (both village level and enterprise level), procedures, and results regularly and include specific grievance cases in the progress reports; and • Consult the World Bank for any change made to the E&S systems during implementation. 290． The Gansu PPMO is responsible for the overall management of the PforR activities. The county/district-level CPMOs are responsible for overall implementation of county-level activities. The PIUs may include the ARABs, AHVMBs, FGBs, NRBs, WRBs, EEBs, and and they are also responsible for implementing the proposed E&S actions. The PIUs should have specific divisions and staff to implement the E&S actions, report to the county-level CPMOs, and provide information to the PPMO and the World Bank for supervision and monitoring. 8.2 The World Bank 291． The World Bank is to provide support to the implementation of the PforR and oversee the E&S management performance against the ESSA requirements especially the PAP. The World Bank will monitor the borrower’s commitment to compliance with E&S risk management, including actions to strengthen institutional capacity. The World Bank will evaluate the PforR performance based on the risk assessment 32 As per the World Bank's PforR policy (paragraph 12), the borrower is responsible for preparing and implementing the PforR Program. The PforR Program’s scope and objectives and the borrower’s contractual obligations to the World Bank are set out in the legal agreements with the World Bank. These obligations include the requirement to carry out the PforR Program with due diligence and maintain appropriate monitoring and evaluation arrangements (including credible DLI verification protocols), fiduciary and environmental and social PforR Program systems, and governance arrangements. 33 The POM is a stand-alone document when the ESSA is finalized. It will specify each gap and corresponding action, the dedicated organization and person in charge, roles and responsibilities, training arrangement, budget required, and the timeline. Details of the POM will be confirmed with the PPMO and CPMOs. 166 conducted at the preparation stage and hence help the borrower handle expected and unexpected risks and give recommendations to manage the risks. The World Bank will also conduct field visits and provide support to the PIUs and stakeholders and review audit and progress reports. At least two supervision missions will be conducted per year throughout the life of the program with participation of international specialists. The World Bank team will submit a memorandum to the World Bank management group to report the PforR implementation performance regularly, through document review, consultation with the PIUs and stakeholders, field visits, and so on. The main activities are as follows: • Verify the implementation of agreed actions, including any agreed capacity-building activity and any designated E&S mitigation measure. • Conduct regular monitoring so that the borrower’s E&S management system (ESMS) performance at the implementation stage is accepted by the World Bank. • Identify any extra management measure that may be taken to underperformance or any unexpected challenge during implementation. • Enable the effective operation and monitoring of the GRMs through semiannual reports. 167 Appendix 1: Boundary of Government Program and the PforR Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs (1) Optimization of Standardized and Upgrade and renovation of emission reduction facilities in large- Same as the left RA2 - Increased the development scaled livestock scale intensive livestock farms, bases, and parks for adoption of column Sustainability and layout to steadily development low-emission technologies and practice. For example, the Reduced improve the Lanzhou New District proposes to establish a smart management Emission from productivity of system and an intelligent forage processing facilities for existing the Livestock agriculture and ecological livestock industrial parks, and so on. Sector livestock industry Upgrading livestock farms and farming zones by emphasizing Same as the left RA2 - Increased green standardization, regularization, and the adoption of low- column Sustainability and emission technologies, while also promoting technological and Reduced facilities upgrades to achieve low emissions in livestock farming. Emission from For example, (i) the Sunan County Standardized Livestock the Livestock Improvement Project, including the construction of 80 cattle and Sector sheep sheds (400 m2 each), 30 forage storage facilities (200 m2 each), 5 manure storage sheds (200 m2 each), and the establishment of 23 collection points for the harmless treatment of dead livestock and poultry (including 23 intelligent cold storage units with a capacity of 100 m3, 10 transformers with a capacity of 10 kW, 7 harmless treatment refrigerated vehicles, and the construction of basic infrastructure such as water, electricity, and roads); (ii) the Minle County Low-Carbon Smart Sheep Farming Technology Upgrade Project, focuses on the improvement of facilities and equipment for low-carbon and smart sheep farming. This includes the construction of facilities for precision feeding, targeted feeding, automated transportation, automated feeding, and residual material recovery systems. 34 PGGP = People's Government of Gansu Provincial. 168 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs Additionally, the project involves the renovation and improvement of facilities for pregnant ewe exercise pens and the construction of sheep isolation pens, encompassing both the infrastructure and equipment required for these components; and so on. Construction of new large-scale intensive livestock farms, bases, None None Potentially or parks, with a capacity exceeding 1,000 head of cattle or high E&S equivalent livestock. risks Constructing forage Climate-smart fodder production: For example, (i) A project in Same as the left RA1 - Increased crops plantation Minle County aims to build a 15,000 mu low-carbon smart column Sustainability and bases fodder production area for artificial forage cultivation, including Productivity and land leveling and upgrading, along with the construction of Reduced supporting facilities such as machinery wells, reservoirs, pump Emission from stations, inspection wells, seepage wells, electricity distribution the Livestock cabinets, water supply pipelines, agricultural machinery, smart Sector drip irrigation systems, and so on. It also includes enhancing basic infrastructure like water supply and roads, the installation of smart management systems like automatic control system for irrigation, field management, soil moisture monitoring, meteorological stations, video surveillance, and so on. (ii) The Guazhou County High-Yield, High-Quality Alfalfa (artificial forage) Demonstration Base Construction Project, with a total investment of CNY 7.35 million, aims to construct a base covering 10,500 mu over three years, with an annual addition of 3,500 mu, and a subsidy of CNY 700 per mu is provided. (iii) The proposed construction of a 60,000 mu forage crop planting base in the Lanzhou New District through land consolidation. (iv) The Minle County Low-Carbon Organic Fodder Production Base Transformation Project: This initiative involves the transformation of a 20,000 mu organic fodder production base, with the cultivation of crops such as silage corn on over 13,500 169 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs mu and alfalfa on more than 6,500 mu. The project also includes comprehensive statistical accounting of carbon emissions from farm machinery, irrigation, fertilization, and the carbon sequestration capacity of crops and soil during the forage production process and the purchase and transformation of 20 sets of new energy machinery; and so on. Construction of artificial forage plantation bases that are water- None None Potentially intensive and require the development of new water sources and high E&S the construction of large-scale water irrigation facilities. risks Strengthening the Introducing and breeding high-quality, efficient, and low- Same as the left RA1 - Increased technological emission livestock breeds. For example, (i) The Guazhou column Sustainability and support in livestock County Livestock Improvement Project, categorized by livestock Productivity and sector type, with an investment of CNY 42.57 million for beef cattle and Reduced CNY 21.12 million for sheep. For beef cattle, the funds will be Emission from used to introduce 1,290 foundation cows to scale breeding farms the Livestock across the county. For sheep, the investment aims to introduce Sector 13,200 foundation ewes to livestock farmers throughout the county. (ii) The Jingchuan County Livestock Breeding System Enhancement Project, including the protection and utilization of breeding cows, promotion of using frozen semen from Pingliang Red Cattle for beef cattle improvement, with an annual target of over 10,000 heads, upgrading of existing frozen semen improvement stations and expanding to more than 30 improvement stations, upgrading the Pingliang Red Cattle Breeding Center with a renovated area of 2,160 m 2, purchase of automated feeding, frozen semen production, testing, and analysis systems, and introducing 30 breeding bulls to cultivate excellent Pingliang Red Cattle. The total investment for this project is estimated to be CNY 6.8 million. (iii) The establishment of a breeding laboratory in Sunan County, which includes importing 200 high-quality fine-wool ram sheep and breeding an additional 170 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs 200 fine-wool ram sheep, introducing 150 high-quality wild blood yaks, and breeding 100 excellent yaks, and purchasing 30,000 doses of frozen beef cattle semen. (iv) The Minle County Low-Carbon Smart Sheep Technology Enhancement Project - Germplasm Resource Enhancement subproject, which aims to enhance the germplasm resources by introducing 1,000 Dongfuli ewes and 200 rams, embryo breeding with a target of 10,000 embryos, utilizing both in vivo and in vitro techniques. Enhancing dietary formulas for balanced nutrition and Same as the left RA1 - Increased establishing precision feeding facilities to reduce the intestinal column Sustainability and methane emissions per unit of livestock and poultry products and Productivity and improve the efficiency of inputs. For example, (i) the Minle Reduced County Forage Inspection Center and the biological feed and Emission from fresh green forage Development Project; (ii) the Zhengning the Livestock County Green and Efficient Feed Processing, and Harmless Sector Treatment of Dead Poultry Project, includes the construction of new facilities such as hay sheds (1,620 m2), forage sheds (864 m2), silage pits (3,395 m2), and hardened areas (2,130 m2). Establishing a big data platform to promote the application of Same as the left RA1 - Increased modern information technologies such as the IoT (IoT), cloud column Sustainability and computing, and mobile internet in various stages of livestock Productivity and production, distribution, and slaughter. For example, the Reduced Guazhou County Smart Livestock Platform Construction Emission from Project, with a total investment of CNY 15 million, entails the the Livestock establishment of an intelligent animal husbandry big data Sector management platform, encompasses livestock management, inventory and sales management, traceability system, disease prevention and control, and early warning functionalities. The project also includes purchase of a 20 m2 big data display screen, seven sets of livestock management systems (incorporating weight measurement, size measurement, pedigree, meat-to-feed 171 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs ratio determination, environmental monitoring, and video), 680,000 livestock and poultry RFID chips and four sets of total mixed ration (TMR) fully automatic feeding equipment equipped with an automated control system; and so on. Improving Applying low-emission technologies to renovate the existing Same as the left Increased livestock products slaughter and processing enterprises, complemented by enhancing column Sustainability and processing facilities and equipment for cutting and processing, cold storage Productivity and and freezing, cold chain distribution and wholesale market, and Reduced so on. For example, (i) construction of an e-commerce trading Emission from center, two agricultural product sorting, processing, and the Livestock packaging workshops, a logistics transfer and distribution station, Sector a temperature-controlled cold storage, a light food by-product processing and packaging plant, an administrative building, a raw material warehouse, and a wastewater treatment station, seven cold chain delivery vehicles, and pre-packaged vegetables and beef jerky production lines with supporting facilities in Sunan County. (ii) Establishment of an automated precise environmental monitoring system and a digitized precision feeding management system at existing livestock farms in Jingchuan County. (iii) Construction of an automated slaughterhouse, cold storage, feed processing facility, manure resource utilization center, and a beef trading center in Suoyang Township, and the purchase of relevant facilities and equipment in Guazhou County. Construction of large-scale livestock slaughtering and processing None None Potentially facilities (with a capacity of exceeding 100,000 head of pigs, high E&S 10,000 head of cattle, 150,000 head of goats, 10 million of risks poultry). Construction of modern livestock industrial parks None None Potentially high E&S risks 172 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs Strengthening Establishing food safety traceability systems. for example, the Same as the left RA1- Increased animal health and Construction Project of a Quality Traceability System Across the column Sustainability and diseases control, Full Industry Chain of Pingliang Red Cattle in Jingchuan Productivity and improving whole County, including the application of IT to establish a Reduced value chain food comprehensive product identification and traceability system that Emission from safety management covers the entire process from breeding, standardized farming, the Livestock practices processing, cold chain logistics, sales, and post-sales service. This Sector system is designed to create end-to-end monitoring mechanisms and achieve full traceability management for Pingliang Red Cattle throughout the entire supply chain Constructing or improving the county-level animal diseases Same as the left RA1 - Increased prevention and control system. For example, (i) the Guazhou column Sustainability and County Livestock and Veterinary Service System Construction Productivity and Project, with a total investment of CNY 20 million, encompasses Reduced several key components: (1) establishment of livestock and Emission from veterinary stations in all 13 rural townships across the county. the Livestock Each station, occupying an area of 500 m 2 includes a newly Sector constructed or expanded office building of 300 m 2; (2) procurement of 13 sets of equipment for the stations. This equipment includes a microscope, centrifuge, constant temperature box, high-pressure disinfection pot, laboratory workbench, animal dissection table, quarantine workbox, vaccine refrigeration box, infrared thermometer, cattle artificial insemination instruments, sheep artificial insemination instruments, refrigerated cabinet, office furniture, computer printer, ultrasound machine, pipettor, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analyzer, plate washer, biochemical incubator, and forage nutritional analysis equipment; (3) establishment of a village-level epidemic prevention room in each of the 75 administrative villages throughout the county; (4) renovation of the county-level animal disease prevention and 173 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs control training base. (ii) The Minle County Prevention and Quarantine Capacity Enhancement Project at Biandukou involves the construction of one epidemic prevention channel and the provision of supporting facilities and equipment for epidemic prevention and quarantine. (iii) The Lingtai County Major Animal Disease Prevention and Control System Construction Project, includes the establishment of a 3,000 m2 Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center and Livestock Technology Extension Center, the construction of laboratories for livestock performance testing, forage formulation, and disease detection, the purchase of two animal disease monitoring vehicles and 60 sets of testing and inspection facilities, the construction of a Smart Livestock Big Data Platform and a digitalized livestock farming and animal disease monitoring and prevention system to enhance animal disease monitoring and prevention capabilities through frozen semen breeding improvement, the promotion of new and superior technologies, and comprehensive supervision of the breeding process. (iv) The Animal Epidemic Prevention System Construction Project in Sunan County, includes the construction of a 100 km electronic fence, the establishment of eight new township animal husbandry and veterinary stations with vaccine cold storage facilities (each measuring 20 m2), the acquisition of nine matching vaccine transport vehicles, 60 sets each of mobile disinfection foggers, continuous injectors, and refrigerated boxes; the Animal Product Safety Production System Construction Project in Sunan County, involves the customization of 400,000 identification tags, 4,000 packaging boxes, and the creation of 15 promotional signs; and so on. Applying livestock product certificates with green and organic or Same as the left RA1 - Increased low-emission indications and system certification. For example, column Sustainability and (i) The Green and Organic Livestock Product Branding Project in Productivity and 174 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs Lingtai County supports livestock farming and processing Reduced enterprises in the county through project funding to achieve the Emission from registration and certification of three distinct brands: ‘Ganwei’, the Livestock ‘Fine Quality’, and ‘Green’. The goal is to enhance the Sector recognition of livestock products within the county, ultimately increasing the profitability of the livestock industry. (ii) The Green Livestock Product Branding Project in Zhengning County, involves achieving ISO9000, ISO14001, ISO45001, HACCP certifications, as well as Green Food certification and the establishment of a quality management system for the ‘Ganwei’ brand; and so on. Strengthening the assessment, management, and communication Same as the left RA1 - Increased of public health and food safety risks along the dairy and meat column Sustainability and value chains. Support will be provided to better communicate Productivity and behavioral and environmental risks for disease occurrence or Reduced outbreaks, development of risk communication tools for Emission from influencing health, food, and hygiene behaviors, campaigns to the Livestock communicate the risks of human exposure to wildlife, and others. Sector Other activities Activities like optimizing trade structures, implementing waste None None Not a segregation, constructing new energy bases, enhancing urban PforR environmental infrastructure, and conducting green priority transformations of transportation technologies and facilities. (2) Preservation of Reducing or Restoring the cultivated land to forest or grassland, restoring the None None Potentially cultivated land restoring cultivated grazing pastures to grassland. high E&S resources to land to grassland at risks promote sustainable appropriate level land use in Other activities Maintaining the total area and improving the quality of cultivated None None Not a agriculture land, constructing high-quality farmland, and so on. PforR (including priority grasslands) 175 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs (3) Implementation Promotion of high- Establishing resource efficiency (energy, water) value chain Same as the left RA1 - Increased of high-efficiency efficiency water through application of green and renewable energy, energy- and column Sustainability and and water-saving and energy-saving water-saving technologies, and equipment or machines along the Productivity and practices to ensure technologies value chain, such as farming machinery, feed milling, livestock Reduced agricultural water slaughtering and meat processing, cold chain storage, and logistic Emission from security transportation. the Livestock Sector Construction of Constructing or renovating large and medium irrigation backbone None None Potentially water-saving projects incorporating water-saving facilities. high E&S irrigation facilities risks Other activities Activities related to water resource management, the construction None None Not a of rainwater collection systems in farmland, and the PforR establishment of rainwater collection pits and other facilities. priority (4) Remediation of Livestock and Upgrading or constructing low-emission manure treatment and Same as the left RA1 - Increased environmental poultry manure utilization facilities for livestock and poultry farms (zones, column Sustainability and pollution to improve treatment and cooperatives). For example, (i) The Eco-friendly Livestock and Productivity and the agricultural and utilization Poultry Manure Treatment Project in Lanzhou New District Reduced rural environment provides complementary manure treatment facilities for the rural Emission from revitalization industrial park's ecological livestock farming the Livestock project, including one set of an eco-friendly manure collection Sector and utilization recycling system and one supporting facility for the resourceful utilization of manure; and so on. Constructing organic fertilizer processing facilities, such as (i) the Same as the left RA1 - Increased Organic Fertilizer Processing Project in Zhengning County column Sustainability and involves the establishment of one organic fertilizer processing Productivity and plant, the purchase of equipment such as overturning machines, Reduced drying machines, cooling machines, screening machines, and Emission from pelletizers, along with the construction of supporting facilities the Livestock like storage workshops. The annual production capacity is Sector targeted at 20,000 tons. (ii) The Comprehensive Utilization Construction Project for Livestock and Poultry Manure Resources 176 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs in Minle County aims to construct 50 mu comprehensive manure resources utilization facilities, including manure pools, solid- liquid separation workshops, manure fermentation workshops, liquid fertilizer storage pools, yards, screening and crushing workshops, and production management rooms, and also road construction, landscaping, lighting, and outdoor pipeline networks, and intelligent processing equipment. Construction of Establishing waste treatment facilities at the farming, Same as the left RA1 - Increased collection, transfer, slaughtering, or processing and distribution stages of the value column Sustainability and and sanitary chain to improve waste management and effective utilization of Productivity and treatment facilities residues and to reduce emissions. For example, (i) The Reduced for livestock and Construction Project for the Harmless Collection and Disposal Emission from poultry died of System of Livestock Died of Diseases in Minle County the Livestock diseases comprises the establishment of five centralized storage sites for Sector livestock that died of diseases, including five cold storage facilities with a capacity of 1,500 m3 each, along with five management buildings covering an area of 300 m 2, five sewage sedimentation tanks (50 m3 each), a perimeter wall and gate spanning a total of 600 m, the hardening of the factory floor area by 1,500 m2, and the purchase of disinfection, loading or unloading, and monitoring equipment in sets of five each, two vehicles for the transportation of livestock that died of diseases. (ii) The Construction Project for the Standardized Collection and Transportation Center for Animals Died of Diseases In Zhengning County includes establishing one standardized collection and transportation center with supporting facilities and equipment; the Green and Efficient Feed Processing and Harmless Treatment Project for Livestock Died of Diseases in Zhengning County entails the purchase of a set equipment for the harmless treatment of animals died of diseases. 177 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs Integrated Establishing straw feed processing factory to enhance the Same as the left RA1 - Increased utilization of crops utilization of crops straw and increase the supply of forage. For column Sustainability and straw example, the Forage Processing Base Construction Project in Productivity and Lingtai County, which involves the establishment of five high- Reduced quality forage processing bases, along with 30 pieces (sets) Emission from supporting facilities and equipment for forage storage, the Livestock processing, and transportation, with an annual storage and Sector processing capacity of 300,000 tons for whole-plant corn silage and dry forage from crop straw. Other activities Activities like the prevention and control of non-point source None None Not a pollution from farmland, the construction of ecological ditches PforR and wastewater purification facilities in farmland, plastic film priority recycling and utilization, regulation of heavily polluted cultivated land, the development of village remediation plans, and rural development. (5) Restoration of Optimizing livestock structure, accelerating livestock turnout, and Same as the left RA1 - Increased agricultural promoting confined feeding. column Sustainability and ecosystems to Productivity and improve ecological Reduced functionality Emission from the Livestock Sector （6）Establishment Establishing and Establishing and implementing incentive systems (subsidies) to Same as the left RA2 - Improved of institutional improving legal promote the sustainable low-emission livestock development column Governance guarantee systems system technologies and practices. For example, (i) the 2023 Jingchuan System for (provincial activities County Cattle Industry Development Subsidy Project, providing Sustainable and and demonstration subsidy to livestock farming cooperatives, enterprises, Low-Emission in project counties) smallholders who purchased at least three high-quality cows. (ii) Livestock Sector Subsidies to livestock farmers for purchase of cows in Minle Management County. (iii) Subsidies are provided in each project county to encourage livestock farming zones or smallholders to purchase 178 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs animal health insurance and the harmless disposal of animals died of diseases. Improving the policies and technical standards: identify the Same as the left RA2 - Improved regulatory and standards gaps for promotion and scale-up of low- column Governance emission livestock production, processing and logistics and System for support work for closing these identified gaps, such as sustainable Sustainable and low-emission technologies and practices. When necessary, Low-Emission developing a regulating framework for carbon trade. Livestock Sector Management Establishing cross-sectoral collaboration mechanism between Same as the left RA2 - Improved veterinary services, public health, and environment (wildlife and column Governance forestry) departments. System for Sustainable and Low-Emission Livestock Sector Management Establishing a Support review and strengthening of the existing livestock sector Same as the left RA2 - Improved green technology MRV systems, as well as support development of new MRV column Governance innovation system protocols for GHG emissions. System for Establishing the new technologies application system for green Sustainable and value chain, for example, the establishment of a green Low-Emission development model of “fine breed selection and breeding + Livestock Sector efficient reproduction + nutrition control + precision feeding + Management comprehensive prevention and control of diseases + standardized production + marketing and branding� for the whole industry chain of livestock development in Sunan County. Developing GHG emission measurement app for grazing Same as the left RA2 - Improved livestock, to raise farmers’ awareness on GHG emission source column Governance and level. System for Sustainable and Low-Emission 179 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs Livestock Sector Management Developing easy-to-use low-methane emission diet formulation Same as the left RA2 - Improved app for grazing livestock. column Governance System for Sustainable and Low-Emission Livestock Sector Management Disseminating, Training on food safety: promoting science-based livestock Same as the left RA1 - Increased training, and farming and food safety practices, such as promoting on-farm column Sustainability and technologies biosecurity, responsible use of antibiotics, reducing human, Productivity and promotion animal, and wildlife interface, improving milk and meat quality Reduced through tailored capacity building to farmers, and enhanced Emission from extension service delivery. the Livestock Sector Trainings on smart agricultural technologies. Same as the left RA1 - Increased column Sustainability and Productivity and Reduced Emission from the Livestock Sector Promotion and training on precise feeding and low-emission Same as the left RA1 - Increased livestock technologies and practices. column Sustainability and Productivity and Reduced Emission from the Livestock Sector 180 Government Program: The NSADP (2015 –2030) and Sector Plans for Gansu Sustainable Agricultural The PforR Reason for Development: Activities to Be Related RAs of Non- Notice of the PGGP34 on Accelerating the Establishment and Improvement of the Implementation Plan Included in the PforR inclusion for a Green, Low-Carbon and Circular Development Economic System (2025) and Notice of the the PforR General Office of the PGGP on the Implementation Plan for Optimizing and Upgrading the Agricultural Industrial Structure Using the Breeding Industry as the Lead (2025) and Gansu Province Green Carbon Sequestration Implementation Opinions Planning Areas Categories of Typical Activities under Provincial and County-Level Developments Government Programs Raising awareness and understanding of carbon trading markets Same as the left RA2 - Improved among livestock producers and the public agencies responsible column Governance for implementing the MRV protocols. System for Sustainable and Low-Emission Livestock Sector Management Strengthening the support to and promotion of One Health Same as the left RA2 - Improved concept. This could be achieved by reinforcing cross-sectoral column Governance collaboration and communication between veterinary services, System for public health, and environment (wildlife and forestry), reinforcing Sustainable and the control of drugs residues, and promoting best practices for Low-Emission responsible use of antibiotics. Livestock Sector Management Other activities Activities like creating a green finance support system, advancing None None Not a reforms in green trading markets, developing infrastructure for PforR state-owned forest farms, reforming forest and grassland priority contractual management rights and paid usage systems, enhancing the performance evaluation system, and so on. Note: The examples listed in the table serve are illustrative examples of typical activities. It is indicated that activities of such types can be included within the boundaries of the PforR. These examples should not be interpreted in the traditional concept of Investment Project Financing (IPF) with specifically defined construction content and scale. 181 Appendix 2: E&S Risks or Impacts Assessment Typical Activities Likely E&S Effects E&S Contextual Risks Institutional Political and Overall Capacity and Reputational Risk Complexity Risks Ranking Risks RA1: Increased Sustainability and Productivity and Reduced Emissions from Livestock Sector  Construct or upgrade  Upgrading livestock production facilities and  The activities sites are mainly  The activities  The activities Substanti livestock breeding and supporting facilities that involve FALU, mainly in rural areas and quasi-urban will involve are in line al farming facilities run unused land, construction land, and so on, or a areas, do not involve ARABs, with national by enterprises, small piece of cultivated land, or the important natural habitats that AHVMBs, and local cooperatives, large transformation is based on existing facilities and have not been disturbed by NRBs, EEBs, laws, family farms who does not involve the change of land type. human beings, without WRBs, regulations, adopt low-emission  The construction activities have short-term and encroachment to the natural Industrial and policies and technologies, limited social impacts, such as TLU, labor reserves and are conducive to Communicatio procedures undertaking livestock employment, construction safety risks. reducing pollution and GHG n Bureaus, with no certificate with green emissions, and alleviating the MSAs, HCs, political  The construction activities have short-term and and organic or low- pressure on the ecology DCPCs, DRCs, risks. limited environmental impacts, such as dust, emission indicators brought by overgrazing in the FBs, and so on,  The activities noise, solid water, wastewater, topsoil disturbance,  Upgrade the livestock protected areas. requiring cross- are soil erosion. These impacts are predictable and can slaughtering  The activities will be carried sectoral conducive to be mitigated through application of known processing, cold chain out through broad coverage, collaboration. reduce technologies and measures. logistics and market including areas inhabited by  Risk is emission,  Operation of the constructed facilities involve facilities ethnic minorities. substantial. improving health and safety risks to workers and the  Upgrade livestock and  Risk is substantial. eco- community. For example, livestock and poultry poultry manure environment, manure treatment and utilization activities may treatment facilities for improving produce wastewater affecting the environment, livestock farms or livestock and odor and flying dust affecting the health of zones or smallholders productivity workers and nearby residents; the risk of and  Artificial forage pathogens caused by sick and dead animals; efficiency cultivation in fodder biosafety risk from handling of diseased animals, and quality production areas pathogens in veterinary laboratories, quarantine and safety of  Construct straw for facilities; the quality of organic fertilizer or agro-food. forage use processing manure fertilizer disqualified or excessive The activities facilities application may pollute the soil environment; will be laboratories generate general and hazardous  Increase animal health widely chemical, biological (medical) waste. service capacity by supported by 182 equipping veterinary  The use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and the public service labs and agro- irrigation to the fodder production area involve the with no food quality testing consumption of water resources, soil degradation, reputational labs at the county level and environmental pollution from agricultural risk.  Collection, transfer, NPS pollution. These impacts are predictable and  China is in and sanitary disposal of can be mitigated through application of known the process dead and diseased technologies and measures (refer to Appendix 8), of animals while better management of artificial forage establishing a plantation will be positive to carbon sequestration. standard  Risk is substantial. system for animal welfare and related laws and regulations, and there is a need for widespread awareness raising on animal welfare.  Risk is low to moderate. 183 RA2: Improved Governance System for Sustainable and Low-Emission Livestock Sector Management  Establish incentive  Soft activities on policies, mechanism, technical  The activities have provincial-  The activities  The activities Moderate system for promoting standards that do not involve any civil works and wide implications, involving will involve are in line sustainable low- will not have direct negative E&S impacts, and non- physical construction. ARABs, with national emission technologies. pose only minor health and safety risks to the But the E&S contexts in AHVMBs, and local  Strengthen technical people involved. which downstream activities MSAs, NRBs, laws, capacity and regulatory  The implementation of the policies, mechanisms, are triggered can be FGBs, EEBs, regulations, framework for low- and technical standards may induce downstream diversified. HCs, DCPCs, policies and emission livestock activities with indirect E&S impacts, for example,  The activities will be carried and so on, procedures value chain. livestock breeding, farming facilities, out through broad coverage, requiring cross- with no slaughterhouses, meat processing, agro-food including areas inhabited by sectoral political distribution facilities, as well as long-term ethnic minorities. collaboration. risks. operational E&S risks from the operation of these  Risk is moderate.  Risk is  The activities constructed facilities. These facilities will moderate. are indirectly generate temporary, site-specific, conducive to limited environmental impact caused by dust, reduce noise, solid waste, wastewater, topsoil disturbance, emission, soil erosion, land use or occupation, labor improving employment, construction safety risks, and so on. eco- These impacts are predictable and can be environment. mitigated through application of known The activities technologies and measures. The implementation of will be the policies, mechanism, technical standards will widely eventually reduce emission and bring about long- supported by term positive E&S effects. the public  Training and study tour activities may pose health with no and safety risks to the people involved. reputational risk.  Risk is moderate.  Risk is low.  Develop MRV system  Soft activities will not involve any civil works and  The activities have provincial-  The activities  The activities Low for livestock sector. will have nearly no direct negative E&S impact. wide implications, involving will involve are in line  These activities will not induce downstream neither physical construction, ARABs, with national activities with no indirect E&S impacts. nor downstream activities AHVMBs, and local with no triggering of E&S MSAs, EEBs, laws,  Risk is low. sensitive contexts. HCs, DCPCs, regulations,  Risk is low. and so on, policies and requiring cross- procedures with no 184 sectoral political collaboration. risks.  Risk is  The activities moderate. are conducive to enhancing capacity to respond to animal diseases control, ensuring quality and safety of agro-food, and OHS of workers engaged in the livestock sector, benefiting the local residents. The activities will be widely supported by the public with no reputational risk.  Risk is low. Overall assessment Substantial Substantial Moderate to Low to Substant Substantial Moderate ial 185 Appendix 3: Comparison with the World Bank PforR Policy and Directive PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements Principle 1: Program E&S management systems are designed to promote E&S sustainability in the program design; avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts; and promote informed decision-making relating to a program’s E&S effects. Element 1: Environmental: China has established a complete legal framework on environmental management. (1) Governed Consistent Operate within an by the ‘EPL’, China has developed a variety of environmental management laws, regulations, standards, technical adequate legal guidelines, such as the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Law’ (2018), the ‘Water Pollution Prevention and and regulatory Control Law’ (2017), the ‘Air Pollution Prevention and Control Law’ (2018), the ‘Solid Waste Pollution Prevention framework to and Control Law’ (2020), the ‘Soil Pollution Prevention and Control Law’ (2018), the ‘Regulations on Pollution guide E&S Prevention and Control of Large-scale Livestock and Poultry Farming’ (2013), the ‘Construction Projects impact Environmental Protection Management Regulations’ (2017), the ‘Construction Projects EIA Classification assessments, Catalogue’ (2021), the ‘EIA Technical Guidelines’, ‘Classified Management Catalogue for Discharge Permits of mitigation, Fixed Pollution Sources’ (2019), and so on, which constitute the legal framework for guiding the assessment of management, and environmental impacts and managing the environmental risks of the PforR activities. (2) Gansu Province has monitoring at the established PPMO at the provincial level, coordinating various provincial authorities (for example, EEBs, ARABs, PforR level. NRBs, WRBs, FGBs, MSAs) to jointly implement the PforR. These provincial government authorities, together with local counterparts, will be responsible for mobilizing their resources, taking necessary actions, and designating their statutory regulatory bodies to manage the PforR environmental impacts or risks. A review of the adequacy of EMSs in China and the Gansu Province shows that it has a sound legal and regulatory framework to guide E&S impact assessments, mitigation, management, and monitoring at the PforR level. Specifically, the national EMSs are also compared with the WBG’s EHS guidelines. The system for managing water and wastewater is found to be equivalent to WBG’s EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation by covering GIIP, such as improving design, operation and maintenance of manure treatment facilities to be in compliance with national allowable discharging standards, installing rendering equipment in closed spaces and operate under negative pressure compared to ambient air conditions to prevent odor from emission and so on. To improve the quality of crop irrigation, Water Quality Standard for Farming Irrigation of China includes basic control indicators and selected control indicators by referring to similar standards of international organizations, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), USA, Canada, and other countries. The standard states that the EEBs at all levels shall lead and work together with ARABs at all levels to supervise the implementation of the standard. China’s national ‘Pollutant Discharge Standards for Livestock and Poultry Farming’ set the maximum allowable concentration of effluent, which is the same as recommended in the WBG’s EHS Guidelines for Water and Sanitation. 186 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements Social: (i) Notice of the National Development and Reform Commission on Issuing the Interim Measures for Consistent the Social Stability Risk Assessment of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects (NDRCI 2012): For any major fixed asset investment project in China, the owner shall conduct an SSRA at the preparatory stage to identify risks and degree of impact, solicit opinions from the affected people, propose measures to prevent and mitigate risks, and determine the recommended social stability risk rating after such measures are taken. (ii) Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim) (CPCCCO [2012] No. 2): An SSRA shall be conducted for any decision-making on major projects or matters that concern the immediate interests of the public, and is likely to cause social stability risks farmers’ burden, state-owned enterprise restructuring, environmental impacts, social security, and public welfare. (iii) The Opinions on Strengthening Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances promulgated by the General Office of the CPC Central Committee and the General Office of the SC in February 2020: An SSRA shall be carried out on major decisions including those on major construction projects. It specifies the contents, methods, procedures, and management of SSRA, and application of SSRA results, and underlines that the contents of SSRA are integral to the Program's feasibility study and application reports. The Social Impact Assessment system applicable to the Program is adequate. Specific laws and regulations are sorted out by the following principles and elements. Element 2: Environment: China has established a complete EIA system, covering environmental impacts screening, Consistent Incorporate alternatives comparison, site selection, impacts assessment (positive vs. vegetative, direct vs. indirect, cumulative, recognized and so on), mitigation measures, environmental management institutional arrangement, environmental management elements of good costs, public consultation, and information disclosure, and so on. In the due diligence investigation, the ESSA team practice in E&S collected a variety of primary and secondary data and sample EIA documents approved by EEBs as evidence for assessment and similar projects, which demonstrate that the EIA system is well established. Details are given below. management, Social: The state laws and regulations on project screening include the Measures for the Administration of the Pre- Consistent including examination on the Use of Land for Construction Projects (2008.11.29), Cultural Relics Protection Law (2017 Amendment), Land Administration Law (2020.1.1), Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Geologic Disasters (2004.3.1), and Notice of the National Development and Reform Commission on Issuing the Interim Measures for the Social Stability Risk Assessment of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects (NDRCI 2012), and Opinions on Strengthening Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances (GOSC, 2020.2.22) (i) Early Environment: The Environmental Impact Assessment Law clearly requires that early screening should be Consistent screening of conducted to confirm EIA category for each construction project. The Construction Projects EIA Classification potential impacts Catalogue (2021) provides a guidance on classifying EIA instruments for 173 types of projects in 55 sectors. Environmental impacts are classified to Class A - high to significant impacts, Class B - small to moderate impacts, and Class C - minor impacts based on project nature, scale, and environmental sensitivity. EIA report, EIA form, and EIA online registration for EEBs endorsement will then be developed for Class A, Class B, and Class C, respectively. Environmental impact identification and EIA classification are necessary procedures for every construction project. The small facilities related to livestock production, including farming zones in Gansu, only 187 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements EIA registration for EEBs’ endorsement is required due to their minor adverse environmental impact. The EIA law also requires that Plan EIA shall be carried out for plans related to land use, integrated development, sectoral development (including agricultural sector and livestock sector) at the early planning stage to manage and control cumulative environmental impact. Social: Guidelines on Establishing a Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim): Scope of assessment: The Party and government institutions shall conduct an SSRA before making any decision on any major project or policy or matter that concerns the immediate interests of the public, and is likely to cause social stability risks, such as LA and HD, farmers’ burden, state-owned enterprise restructuring, environmental impacts, social security, and public welfare. Decisions subject to SSRA shall be made by relevant local authorities according to the above regulations and in the light of the realities, and SSRA of any major construction project shall be an integral part of its feasibility study. Measures for the Administration of the Pre-examination on the Use of Land for Construction Projects: The area and type of the land used for the project shall be identified before the FSR or project proposal is reviewed to avoid the expropriation of permanent basic farmland, and nature reserves, and so on. (ii) Consideration Environment: EIAs for construction projects are required to include comparison of different natural background Consistent of strategic, conditions especially environmental-sensitive areas, site alternatives, pollution control options, pollutants treatment technical, and techniques, as well as environmental benefits and costs of different designs. In addition, EIAs will review site alternatives environmental legacy issues and clarify how the environment will continue deteriorating without the proposed (including the project, which is equivalent to analysis of ‘with’ and ‘without’ project alternatives. ‘no action’ For these PforR activities, when selecting sites, the following principles will be followed: (1) the sites with alternative) activities’ nature shall be subject to the constraint of the ERL and the ‘list for industrial or sectoral access in ecological functional zones’; (2) when planning and designing sites for livestock farming, the ‘Principles of Technical Guidelines for the Demarcation of Prohibited Areas for Livestock and Poultry Farming’ will be strictly followed by each Program county. Social: Cultural Relics Protection Law: Article 20: The site selected for a construction project shall keep away Consistent from immovable cultural relics as far as possible. If the impact on a protected culture relic cannot be avoided for special circumstances, the original site shall be protected by whatever possible means. Article 29: Before launching a large-scale capital construction project, the construction contractor shall first apply to the cultural relic authority of the concerned province, autonomous region, and municipality for an archaeological investigation at places where cultural relics may be buried underground within the project area. Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Geologic Disasters: Article 13: The development and implementation of the overall plan for land utilization and other plans for the construction of a major project shall take full account of the requirements on prevention and control of geologic disasters to avoid and mitigate the losses arising from geologic disasters. The plans on prevention and control of geologic disasters shall be an integral part of the overall plans developed at the municipal, village, or township levels. 188 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements (iii) Explicit Environment：The Regulation on Plan EIA requires that programs or plans related to land use and special sector Consistent assessment of plan (including agriculture, animal husbandry development), plan EIA shall be carried out to identify, analyze, potential induced, project, and assess cumulative impacts potentially caused by implementing the said plan. Furthermore, according to cumulative, and the ‘Technical Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment’, EIA documents will include the assessment of trans-boundary cumulative impacts in temporal and spatial aspects if construction projects are likely to have cumulative impacts on impacts the environment. Social: Outline for the Preparation of the Chapter on the Social Stability Risk Analysis of Major Fixed Asset Consistent Investment Projects and Assessment Report (Interim) (NDRCOI [2013] No. 428): Analysis of potential induced and cumulative risks shall be conducted, with effective risks management measures being taken. (iv) Identification Environment: According to the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Law’, EIA documents will include proper Generally consistent. of measures to measures to avoid or mitigate negative environmental impacts. As per the ‘Technical Guidelines on Environmental Recommendations： mitigate adverse Impact Assessment’, EIAs will also include specific and operational mitigation measures to manage the identified Document cases of the E&S risks and environmental impacts, and the measures will be incorporated into Environmental Management Plans. Any EIA good practices and impacts that document without appropriate mitigation measures and institutional arrangement will not pass review and approval. experiences of various cannot be counties in controlling otherwise It is noted that the environmental and sanitary conditions of some small-medium livestock farming zones are poor pollution from livestock avoided or due to inadequate manure treatment and utilization and animals’ diseases control facilities. Some of these lack production, and in minimized corresponding operational procedures and internal management systems. There is still room for improvement with preventing and regard to the ‘Gansu Province Livestock and Poultry Farming Zone Construction Standards and Filing Management controlling animal Measures’. diseases and zoonotic diseases, and animal welfare, share with operators of productivity for them to prepare ESCOP；Complete or equip necessary animal safety, disease prevention and control facilities, and manure treatment facilities, and include them in the PIP. Social: Guidelines on Establishing a Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Consistent Matters (Interim): The SSRA report shall specify the scope and procedures of SSRA; opinions of relevant parties and opinions accepted; social stability risks potentially caused by any major decision; conclusions of SSRA; proposals, risks prevention, and mitigation measures; emergency response plans, and so on. If the assessment report thinks that a high risk is present, a decision of non-implementation shall be made, or a decision may be made after 189 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements the plan is adjusted or the risk level is reduced; if an moderate risk is present, a decision of implementation shall be made after effective risk prevention and mitigation measures are taken; and if a low risk is present, a decision of implementation may be made, provided that actions like explanation and persuasion to the people affected are taken and reasonable requests of people affected are handled properly. The SSRA report, signed by person in charge, shall be submitted to the decision-making authority for step-by-step review, with copies sent to the decision implementation, political and legislative affairs, comprehensive social governance, stability maintenance, legislative affairs, and letters and visits authorities. (v) Clear Environment: According to the ‘Technical Guidelines on Environmental Impact Assessment’, EIA documents Consistent articulation of should clearly define institutional organization and responsibilities, environmental management costs and financial institutional resources, and environmental monitoring and supervision arrangement in terms of parameters, timing, frequency, responsibilities and so on. and resources to Social: Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions Consistent support and Matters (Interim): Implementation agency of SSRA: SSRA of any major decision shall be conducted by the implementation assessor. For decisions made by the local party committee and government, the assessor shall be designated by such of plans party committee and government; for decisions made by any department of the local party committee and government, the assessor shall be designated by such department or the leading department in consultation with other relevant departments; for decisions made by multiple parties and government institutions at different levels, the assessor shall be designated by the initial decision-making authority. During SSRA, the assessor may organize an assessment group composed of officials from the political and legislative affairs, comprehensive social governance, stability maintenance, legislative affairs, and letters and visits authorities, NGOs, specialized agencies, experts, and representatives of the affected people. Notice of the NDRC on Issuing the Interim Measures for the Social Stability Risk Assessment of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects: Article 3: At the feasibility study stage of a project, the PIU (or through a specialized agency) shall conduct an SSRA to identify impacts, carry out public consultation, propose mitigation measures, and prepare an SSRA report. Regulations for the Implementation of the Land Administration Law: Article 25: In accordance with approved land acquisition plans, the land administration authority of the municipal or county government shall, in conjunction with other relevant departments, formulate land acquisition compensation and resettlement plans, announce such plans at the affected townships and villages, consider the opinions of affected rural collective economic organizations and farmers. All costs arising from land acquisition shall be fully disbursed within three months after the approval of land acquisition compensation and resettlement plans. (vi) Environment: It is stipulated in the ‘Environmental Impact Assessment Law’ that Class A projects subject to full Consistent Responsiveness EIA reports should go through public consultation. Though it is not compulsory for Class B projects to carry out and public consultation, local EEBs usually suggest the PIUs to seek public opinions if the proposed facilities would accountability have potential impacts on adjacent receptors (for example, odor emitted from livestock and poultry manure through treatment facilities, solid waste or hazardous waste from sick and diseased animals or veterinary service labs). As stakeholder per the ‘Mechanism of Information Disclosure for Construction Project EIA’, all PIUs shall disclose the consultation, environmental information including the project siting, the process of construction and operation, and so on, and 190 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements timely local EEBs shall disclose the management information including the progress of review and approval of EIA dissemination of documents, the supervision findings, and so on. As for the PforR activities related to the small to medium livestock the PforR farming zones, the EIA form (similar to the World Bank’s Category B) are usually prepared as per the ‘EIA information, and Classified Management Catalogue’ and public consultation may not be compulsory, the competent ARABs, responsive representatives of villages and cooperatives will be invited to participate in the selection of construction sites. GRMs Social: Land Administration Law: Article 47: For expropriation of land by the state, the local governments at Consistent and above the county level shall make an announcement and organize implementation after approval according to the legal procedures. If a government at or above the county level is to apply for land acquisition, it shall conduct the current status survey and SSRA, and disclose the range and purpose of acquisition, current status, compensation rate, resettlement mode, social security, and so on, in the township, village, and village group affected for at least 30 days to collect comments from the rural collective economic organization and its members, village committee, and other affected stakeholders. Principle 2: Program E&S management systems are designed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse impacts on natural habitats and physical cultural resources resulting from the program. Element 3: Environment：According to The Technical Guidelines for Environmental Impact Assessment - Ecological Impact, Consistent Identify, and identification and screening of ecological environmental elements (such as wild fauna and flora, important habitat, screen for biodiversity) is one of the important assignments for EIA to identify environmental protection targets. At the early adverse effects stage of project proposal and EIA preparation, NRBs and EEBs will strictly implement the ERL mechanism for on potentially ecological protection based on Opinions on Delineating and Strictly Observing the EPL, and local Scheme for important Delineating ERL when reviewing and approving the selected project site. If any project encroaches the ERL and biodiversity and may cause adverse impact on natural reserves, the proposed project site will be rejected. cultural resource For activities related to intensive livestock production, if the selected sites are to be in the experimental zone of a areas and provide natural reserve, EIA report or a special report on the impact of the activities to the ecology of the natural reserve adequate will be prepared, that are subject to strict experts’ review before being approved by EEBs. These are the type of measures to activities excluded from the scope of the PforR. The Program activities in Sunan and Guazhou Counties are avoid, minimize, conducive to alleviate the pressure of grazing on natural grassland and thus bring about very positive impact on or mitigate biodiversity protection. Therefore, the PforR will not cause significant damage to or degradation of important adverse effects. natural habitats. Social: Cultural Relics Protection Law: Article 20: The site selected for a construction project shall Consistent keep away from immovable cultural relics as far as possible. If the impact on a protected cultural relic cannot be avoided due to special circumstances, the original site shall be protected by all possible means. Article 29: Before launching a large-scale capital construction project, the construction contractor shall first apply to the cultural relic authority of the concerned province, autonomous region, and municipality for an archaeological investigation at places where cultural relics may be buried underground within the project area. Element 4: Environment: The PforR activities will take place in rural areas and quasi-urban areas without Consistent. Support and encroachment to natural protected areas. (1) China has many laws and regulations on conserving and 191 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements promote the managing natural ecology, for example, Law on Wetland Conservation, Law on Wild Animal protection, Conservation, Regulation on Wild Plants Conservation, Regulation on Natural Reserves, Grassland Law, conservation, Animal Husbandry Law, Opinion on Delineating and Strictly Observing the Red Line for Ecological maintenance, and Protection. The PforR is designed, constructed, and operated to strictly comply with the requirements of rehabilitation of these laws and regulations. (2) Program activities in Sunan and Guazhou Counties are conducive to natural habitats. alleviate the pressure of grazing on natural grassland to avoid degradation of natural grassland and Avoid significant conserve grassland ecosystem, some of which are within the natural protected areas. (3) Important plant conversion or and animal resources and natural habitats have been included in the scope of ERL management; the site degradation of selection of various physical facilities construction activities will be under the supervision of NRBs and critical natural EEBs and other departments or bureaus, as per the strict requirement of the ERL mechanism, and will not habitats. If easily trigger the ERL and affect the natural habitat. (4) The PforR exclusion criteria have excluded any avoiding the activities that may negatively affect natural habitats. (5) The contractors will be required to perform their significant contractual responsibilities on eco-environment protection to reduce disturbance to artificial and natural conversion of ecosystems and restore vegetation immediately after the completion of construction; WSC will be natural habitats is performed to reduce soil erosion and improve regional eco-environment. In summary, the PforR activities not technically will not cause significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats. feasible, include measures to mitigate or offset the adverse impacts of the PforR activities. Element 5: Take Social: Cultural Relics Protection Law: Article 17: No construction works or operations such as blasting, Consistent into account drilling, and digging are allowed within the area of a protected cultural relic. If such works or operations are potential adverse unavoidable, measures must be taken to ensure the safety of the protected cultural relic, and such works or effects on operations shall be subject to approval by the government and announcing its status as a protected cultural relic . physical cultural Article 20: The site selected for a construction project shall keep away from immovable cultural relics as far as property and possible. If the impact on a protected culture relic cannot be avoided due to special circumstances, the original site provide adequate shall be protected by all possible means. Article 29: Before launching a large-scale capital construction project, the measures to construction contractor shall first apply to the cultural relic authority of the concerned province, autonomous avoid, minimize, region, and municipality for an archaeological investigation at places where cultural relics may be buried or mitigate such underground within the project area. Article 31: The expenses needed for archaeological investigation, prospecting, effects. or excavation, which have to be carried out because of capital construction or construction for productive purposes, shall be included in the budget of the construction contractor for the construction project. Regulations for the Implementation of the Cultural Relics Protection Law: Article 25: The scope and rates of funds for archaeological investigation, exploration, and excavation shall be in line with applicable Chinese regulations. Principle 3: Program E&S management systems are designed to protect public and worker safety against the potential risks associated with (a) the construction 192 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements or operation of facilities or other operational practices under the program; (b) exposure to toxic chemicals, hazardous wastes, and otherwise dangerous materials under the program; and (c) reconstruction or rehabilitation of infrastructure located in areas prone to natural hazards. Element 6: Environment: China's management system on animal health disease prevention and control, zoonotic disease Generally consistent. Promote prevention and control, and quality and safety of livestock products is in line with the WBG's General EHS Recommendation： adequate Guidelines and for Mammalian Livestock Production, EHS Guidelines for Annual or Perennial Crop Production, Strengthen the publicity, community, for Hazardous Materials Management, and the OIE’s Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial education, supervision, individual, and Animals covering GIIP. Technical Specifications for Sanitary Treatment of Sick and Diseased Animals, Technical and management of the worker health, Specifications or Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Major Animal Diseases, Quality and Technical prevention and control of safety, and Requirements for Veterinary Laboratories, Guidelines for the Rational Use of Pesticides (GB or T 8321.10-2018), animal diseases, zoonotic security through Code for the Safe Use of Feed Additives, and Guidelines for Farming and Management of Pollution-Free Food diseases, health and the safe design, Pigs, and so on, were developed in accordance with the FAO or World Health Organization (WHO), the World safety and animal construction, Organization for Animal Health, and reference to other countries, which specified the maximum values of residue welfare, environmental operation, and limits of pesticides in the pork. The management system can guide the scientific, reasonable, and safe use of animal protection training, and maintenance of feed and feed additives, pesticides and veterinary drugs, effectively prevent and control forage diseases, insects and management of the program rodents, and ensure that pesticide residues in agro-food do not exceed the prescribed limits. To implement the operators in participating activities; or, in operational mechanism of the system, Gansu and the Program counties (districts) are staffed with appropriate cooperatives and large carrying out personnel and resources to perform the health and safety management responsibilities and be in line with the World family farms. activities that Bank's core principles. may be It is noted that some operators of small-medium livestock farming zones exhibit a lower adoption rate of health and dependent on safety management measures, disease prevention, and control measures (including zoonotic diseases) and existing inadequate use of PPE. There is a need to upgrade animal diseases and zoonotic diseases control facilities, and infrastructure, further strengthen health and safety and animal welfare awareness-raising and environmental protection training as incorporate well as daily supervision. safety measures, Social: China has established a full set of work safety management systems at the design, construction, and inspections, or operation stages of projects. Safety management is the top priority during project implementation. The remedial work as implementation of safety management measures is subject to all-round supervision by competent industry appropriate. supervision and emergency management (work safety) authorities. The owner, construction contractor, and operator of a project must establish a well-staffed safety management organization, and competent administrative authorities must develop work safety management mechanisms to supervise the effectiveness and outcomes of work safety in the project. In addition, the emergency management bureau (work safety authority) is responsible for supervising and regulating all industries and key sectors. Thus, China's work safety management system is adequate for safety supervision of the PforR Program activities. (i) Labor Law: Article 15: The employer shall be banned from recruiting juveniles under the age of 16 and shall not recruit minors (under 16 years); special protection shall be given to female and underage (above 16 years old and below 18 years old) workers. Article 53: Labor health and safety facilities shall comply with the national standards. Newly constructed, reconstructed, or expanded labor health and safety facilities must be put into operation together with main parts of the project. Article 54: The employer must provide labor health and safety 193 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements conditions, and necessary labor protection articles complying with the State provisions to workers, and workers dealing with operations with occupational hazards shall receive health checkup regularly. Article 57: The State shall establish a statistical reporting and handling system of accidents and occupational diseases. Article 61: Pregnant female workers shall not be allowed to perform physical labor of intensity level III stipulated by the State and prohibited labor, and female workers pregnant for seven months or more shall not work overtime or at night. Article 94: If an employer illegally recruits persons under the age of 16, the labor administrative department in charge shall stipulate a correction and a fine. If the case is very serious, the license of the employer shall be revoked. (ii) Regulations on Prohibition of the Use of Child Labor (2002): Article 2: No employer, including state organs, social organizations, enterprises, institutions, private non-enterprise units, or individual industrial and commercial households shall hire individuals under the age of 16. It is forbidden for any entity or individual to introduce employment opportunities to individuals under the age of 16. Individuals under the age of 16 are prohibited from starting individual business operations. Article 6: If an employer uses child labor, the labor administrative authorities shall impose a penalty at a rate of CNY 5,000 per month for each employed child laborer. (iii) Work Safety Law: Article 21: The primary person in charge of a production and operation entity shall be responsible for establishing and improving its work safety responsibility system, developing policies, rules, and operating procedures for work safety, developing and implementing work safety education and training plans, supervising and inspecting work safety to eliminate hidden risks of work safety accidents on time, preparing and implementing emergency rescue plans for work safety accidents, and reporting work safety accidents in a timely and honest manner. Article 73: Departments in charge of supervision and control over work safety shall set up a complaint system, internet reporting platforms such as complaint telephone numbers, mailbox numbers, or email addresses known to the public, to facilitate receipt of complaints related to work safety. Article 74: All units and individuals shall have the right to report or complain about hidden dangers that may lead to accidents and practices violating work safety laws to the departments in charge of supervision and control over work safety. Article 75: When community committees or villager committees discover hidden dangers that may lead to accidents or practices violating work safety laws in production and business units located in their areas, they shall report the matter to the local people’s governments or the departments concerned. (iv) The Civil Code requires that labor safety and hygiene facilities for new construction, reconstruction, and expansion projects must be designed, constructed, put into production, and used at the same time as the main project; a person who has been sexually harassed by another person, through oral words, written language, images, physical acts, or the like, has the right request the actor to bear civil liability in accordance with the law. (v) The Regulations on Work-Related Injury Insurance (Amended in 2010) stipulate that enterprises, institutions, social organizations, private non-enterprise units, foundations, law firms, accounting firms, and other organizations within the territory of the People's Republic of China, as well as individual industrial and commercial enterprises with employees (hereinafter referred to as ‘employers’), shall participate in work-injury insurance in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations, and pay work-related injury insurance premiums for all of the workers or employees of the organization (hereinafter referred to as ‘employees’). 194 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements (vi) Law on the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases (2018 Amendment): Article 4: Employees shall be entitled to occupational health protection according to law. Employers shall ensure work environment and conditions meeting the national occupational health standards and health requirements and take measures to ensure that employees receive occupational health protection. Trade unions shall oversee the prevention and control of occupational diseases and protect the lawful rights and interests of employees according to law. When formulating or amending rules and regulations on the prevention and control of occupational diseases, employers shall solicit the opinions of trade unions. Article 5: Employers shall establish and improve a responsibility system for the prevention and control of occupational diseases, strengthen the management of prevention and control of occupational diseases, improve their capabilities of prevention and control of occupational diseases, and assume responsibilities for their own occupational hazards. Article 6: The primary person in charge of the employer shall assume the overall responsibility for the employer's prevention and control of occupational diseases. Article 7: Employers must make work-related injury insurance available for their employees according to law. Article 9: An occupational health supervision system shall be implemented in China. Article 10: The SC and the local governments at and above the county level shall prepare plans on the prevention and control of occupational diseases, which shall be included in the national economic and social development plan, and organize the implementation of such plans. (vii) Provisions on the Management of Occupational Hygiene in Workplaces (2020), Article 8: Employers with serious hazards of occupational diseases shall set up or designate occupational hygiene management institutions or organizations with full-time occupational hygiene management personnel. Article 9: The main person in charge of the employing unit and the occupational hygiene management personnel shall have occupational hygiene knowledge and management ability appropriate to the production and business activities engaged in by the unit and shall receive occupational hygiene training. Article 10: Employers shall provide occupational hygiene training to workers before they start work and regular occupational hygiene training during their employment, popularize occupational hygiene knowledge, and urge workers to comply with laws, regulations, rules, national occupational hygiene standards, and operating procedures for the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases. Article 11: Employers with occupational disease hazards shall formulate plans for the prevention and control of occupational disease hazards and implementation programs and establish and improve occupational health management systems and operating procedures. Article 13: Where hazardous factors for occupational diseases listed in the Occupational Disease Catalog exist in the workplace of an employer, the employer shall, in accordance with the Measures for Declaration of Occupational Disease Hazardous Items, promptly and truthfully declare the occupational disease hazardous items to the competent department of health at the location and accept the supervision and inspection of the competent department of health. (viii) The ‘Requirements and Guidelines for the Use of OHS Management System’ (2020) requires enterprises to commit themselves to comprehensively and systematically identifying and controlling potential sources of OHS hazards of the organization, and to try their best to nip safety accidents that may arise in the course of the organization's activities in the bud, so as to achieve the purpose of protecting the health and safety of employees. Enterprises can apply for the certification of ‘OHS Management System’, and through the establishment of a 195 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements systematic and standardized management system, identify the source of hazards and control the whole process, to achieve continuous improvement and compliance with the law. However, an OHS management system is not a mandatory requirement. (ix) The Stock-breeding Law of the People’s Republic of China (2022) stipulates that the site selection of stock- breeding farms should comply with national regulations, keeping a considerable distance from drinking water sources, animal slaughter and processing facilities, and animal and animal product markets, with a minimum distance of at least 500 m from other livestock farms or villages. (x) The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Animal Epidemic Prevention (2021) mandates that livestock farms, quarantine facilities, slaughter and processing plants (yards), harmless treatment plants, and places for isolating infected animals must meet the animal epidemic prevention conditions specified by the administrative authorities of agricultural and rural affairs under the SC. (xi) The Food Safety Law of the People's Republic of China (2021) requires that, in the slaughter and animal products processing phases, (i) food producers and operators must establish and implement a health management system for employees. Individuals suffering from diseases that jeopardize food safety, as specified by the health administrative department of the SC, are prohibited from engaging in work involving direct contact with food intended for human consumption. (ii) Personnel involved in work directly related to food for human consumption must undergo an annual health check. They are allowed to work only after obtaining a health certificate. Additionally, the law also establishes fundamental principles and systems for the quality and safety of agricultural products, including standards, monitoring, and traceability. Among which, specific requirements and management measures for the use of feed and veterinary drugs and agricultural product quality and safety in the livestock farming industry chain are outlined. (xii) The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Quality and Safety of Agricultural Products (2022) regulates that agricultural production enterprises and cooperatives should issue a commitment certificate for the quality of its agricultural products and those entities or individual who sell these edible agricultural products must be responsible for the content of the commitment certificate. Entities engaged in the testing of agricultural product quality and safety must obtain a qualification certificate issued through assessment before conducting such testing activities. (xiii) Others: The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases requires that for external migrant workers who may pose a risk of infectious disease transmission, health checks and registration are required. Necessary preventive measures, such as vaccination and isolation treatment, should be implemented to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The Notice on Strengthening AIDS Prevention and Control Work in the Construction Industry (2005) requires construction administrative authorities across regions to widely conduct AIDS prevention and control knowledge training for migrant workers. It emphasizes the improvement of the working environment and living conditions of on-site construction workers and the implementation of preventive immunization measures for AIDS and other statutory infectious diseases. The notice further calls for organizing pre-employment and routine health examinations for migrant workers. The Public Security Administration Punishment Law of the People's Republic of China requires that the 196 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements construction unit shall process identity registration of migrant workers at the local government and implement stringent measures against illegal activities and crimes to ensure social stability. Element 7: (i) Environment: Regarding the possible physical, biological, and chemical injuries during livestock production and Consistent Promote the use risks of animal health, diseases control, agro-food quality and safety, public health, and OHS, China has established of recognized a comprehensive health and safety management system under a series set of laws, regulations, standards, and good practice in guidelines, such as the ‘Law on the Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases’, the ‘Provisions on the the production, Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases’, the ‘Law on Animal Epidemic Prevention’, the ‘Regulations on management, the Management of Veterinary Drugs’, the ‘Regulations on the Management of Pesticides’, the ‘Regulations on the storage, Management of Medical Waste’, the ‘Regulations on the Implementation of Pest Control and Rodent Control in transport, and Grasslands’, and relevant guidelines for safe use, the ‘Safety Instruction Manual for Confined Space Operations’, disposal of and so on. According to the ‘Classification of Occupational Hazards in Construction Projects’, risk of crop hazardous cultivation under the agricultural sector is classified as ‘general’, risk of cattle and sheep farming are classified materials ‘severe’, risks of other operations related to livestock and poultry production, slaughtering, meet processing are generated under classified ‘general’. With regard to livestock facilities, there are safety management procedures during design and the PforR. construction. During the operation, to manage the safety of the use of veterinary drugs and pesticides, the competent government authorities (mainly the AHVMBs), provide official veterinarian service or unified service through procurement of specialized agencies for crop pest prevention and control who have more stringent safety rules and regulations and preventive equipment to minimize the safety risks of small farmers and herdsmen's exposure to pesticides. With regard to the management of risks of health and safety potentially due to hazardous wastes from veterinary service labs and agro-food quality testing labs, collection, transferring, and disposal of sick and dead animals and diseased animal products, mechanisms of ‘official veterinarian appointment’, ‘site certificated and institutions licensing’, ‘designated sites for slaughtering’ , ‘link insurance with sanitary treatment of sick and dead animals’, ‘unified bills for collection, transferring and centralized sanitary treatment of medical wastes’, and so on, are implemented to minimize risks of operators, communities, public from exposure to hazardous wastes in the PforR activities. Social: (i) Work Safety Law: Article 24: An entity engaged in mining, metal smelting, building construction, or Consistent road transportation, or an entity manufacturing, marketing, or storing hazardous substances shall establish a work safety management body or have full-time work safety management personnel. Article 25: The work safety management body and work safety management personnel of a production and operation entity shall be responsible for (1) organizing or participating in the development of the work safety policies, rules and operating procedures, and the emergency rescue plans for work safety accidents; (2) organizing or participating in and honestly recording its work safety education and training; (3) supervising the implementation of safety control measures for the major hazard installations of the production and operation entity; (4) organizing or participating in the emergency rescue rehearsals of the production and operation entity; (5) inspecting its work safety condition, conducting screening for any work safety risks on time, and offering recommendations for improving work safety management; (6) prohibiting and redressing any command against rules, forced operation at risk, or violation of the operating procedures; and (7) supervising the work safety related corrective actions taken by the production and operation 197 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements entity. (ii) Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals: Article 4: A hazardous chemical entity shall provide safety education, legal education, and on-the-job technical training to its employees. Employees shall accept education and training and may not hold office until they have passed the relevant examinations. (iii) Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems—Requirements with Guidance for Use: This is a regional standard on OHS management systems, designed to systematically identify and control occupational health and safety risks that may arise in organizational activities, products and services, prevent safety accidents, and protect workers’ health and safety. Enterprises may apply for OHS management system certification, establish a normative management system for the source identification and whole-process control of hazards, and realize continual improvement and compliance. An assessment includes (1) OHS pre-assessment, (2) inspection reports on OHS and fire protection, (3) test reports on OHS and fire protection, (4) chemical safety reports for hazardous chemicals, (5) copy of manufacturing license (when required), and (6) copy of business license. The following shall be reviewed comprehensively: (1) the organization’s work safety permit; (2) production or service flowchart; (3) organizational chart; (4) list of applicable laws and regulations; (5) location map; (6) factory layout; (7) workshop layout; (8) list of major hazards; (9) OHS targets, indicators, and management plan; and (10) certificate of compliance, and so on. (iv) Guidelines for Occupational Disease Prevention and Control for Employers : The general requirements for occupational disease prevention and control, classified and tiered management, occupational health file management, and OHS assessment, and so on, are stipulated, including the following: a corporate occupational health policy shall be developed; an occupational disease prevention and treatment agency and an occupational health management agency shall be established, with relevant functions being clearly defined and full- or part-time occupational health officers being appointed; occupational disease prevention and control shall be included in the management-by-objective responsibility system; an occupational disease prevention and control plan and an implementation plan shall be developed; a sound occupational health management system and job SOPs shall be established; sound occupational health files shall be established; efforts shall be made to establish a sound workplace occupational hazard monitoring and evaluation system, provide necessary financial support for occupational disease prevention and control, develop a sound emergency rescue plan for occupational diseases, and make work-related injury insurance available. (v) Gansu Province ‘14th Five-Year Plan for Occupational Diseases Prevention and Control’ (GWF [2022] No. 36): By 2025, a sounder occupational health management system shall be established, the occurrence of occupational diseases will be significantly reduced, the labor management and working time management will be further improved, key occupational diseases like pneumoconiosis will be effectively controlled and the service for occupational health will be significantly improved, the awareness of the public on occupational health will be improved and workers health condition will be further improved. Below are the main objectives: the number of contributors of work-related injury insurance is increased steadily; over 90 percent of industrial enterprises and projects exposed to occupational hazards are declared; over 85 percent of workplaces pass the occupational hazard monitoring; over 90 percent of non-medical radiation workers receive the radiation dose monitoring; over 85 198 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements percent of key groups exposed to occupational hazards have a good knowledge of occupational health protection; the rate of accessibility of centralized pneumoconiosis rehabilitation service in townships (communities) is over 90 percent; occupational health violations are fully investigated and handled; existing medical resources are made use of to establish provincial medical institutions providing occupational diseases treatment; at least one provincial agency is designated to provide technical guidance on the protection against occupational hazards such as dust, poisonous chemicals, noise and radiation; at least one public medical and health institution in every city (prefecture) is designated to provide diagnosis of occupational diseases; at least one public medical and health institution in every city, county, and district to provide occupational health examination with a service coverage of 95 percent. (ii) Promote the Environment: China has a mature pesticide management system and has formulated regulations and systems such Consistent use of IPM as the ‘Regulations on Pesticide Management’, the ‘Regulations on the Implementation of Pest Control and Rodent practices to Control in Grasslands’, and the ‘Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Crop Diseases and Pests’. The manage or reduce production and marketing of pesticides shall be subject to a licensing system, and pesticide users shall use the adverse pesticides according to requirements. In grassland management practice, following the principles of prevention impacts of pests first, comprehensive treatment and ecological priority, those insecticides and rodenticides with high-efficiency, low- or disease toxicity, economic and safe natures are used with the help of helicopters and drones t and other equipment for vectors. spraying, while chemicals with secondary poisoning and serious environmental pollution effects will be strictly prohibited. Such activities are subject to supervision of FGBs’ law enforcement teams. In the forage cultivation practice, IPM is encouraged. Reduced use of pesticide actions is undertaken through the use of ecological management, healthy cultivation, biological control, physical control, and other green prevention and control technologies. ARABs at all levels have full-time institutions responsible for the comprehensive supervision of pest control and pesticide reduction. (iii) Provide Environment: The use of chemical pesticides in the prevention and control of pests and diseases in artificial forage Consistent training for cultivation may involve the use of organophosphorus pesticides, chloramine, and other hazardous chemicals that workers involved are harmful to operators’ health. In accordance with the Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous in the production, Chemicals, the Catalogue of Hazardous Chemicals, the Law on Safety in Production, and the Law on the procurement, Prevention and Control of Occupational Diseases, the IPM measures promote the reduction of toxic chemical storage, pesticides. Specialized organizations are purchased by county ARABs for providing unified service for prevention transport, use, and control of crop pests. These specialized organizations have formulated sound safety management systems and and disposal of better measures and equipment for pesticides application, operators are equipped with standard labor protective hazardous equipment under the guidance and supervision of ARABs or AHVMBs. chemicals in Social: Consistent accordance with (i) Regulations on the Safety Management of Hazardous Chemicals: Article 4: A hazardous chemical entity the relevant shall provide safety education, legal education and on-the-job technical training to its employees. Employees shall international accept education and training and may not hold office until they have passed the relevant examinations. guidelines and (ii) Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems—Requirements with Guidance for Use: This is a conventions. regional standard on OHS management systems, designed to systematically identify and control occupational health 199 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements and safety risks that may arise in organizational activities, products, and services, prevent safety accidents, and protect workers’ health and safety. Enterprises may apply for OHS management system certification, establish a normative management system for the source identification and whole-process control of hazards, and realize continual improvement and compliance. An assessment includes (1) OHS pre-assessment; (2) inspection reports on OHS and fire protection; (3) test reports on OHS and fire protection; (4) chemical safety reports for hazardous chemicals; (5) copy of manufacturing license (when required); and (6) copy of business license. The following shall be reviewed comprehensively: (1) the organization’s work safety permit; (2) production or service flowchart; (3) organizational chart; (4) list of applicable laws and regulations; (5) location map; (6) factory layout; (7) workshop layout; (8) list of major hazards; (9) OHS targets, indicators and management plan; and (10) certificate of compliance, and so on. (iii) Guidelines for Occupational Disease Prevention and Control for Employers: The general requirements for occupational disease prevention and treatment, tiered and classified management, occupational health file management, and OHS assessment, and so on are stipulated, including the following: a corporate occupational health policy shall be developed and an occupational disease prevention and treatment agency and an occupational health management agency shall be established, with relevant functions being clearly defined and full- or part-time occupational health officers being appointed; occupational disease prevention and control shall be included in the management-by-objective responsibility system; an occupational disease prevention and control plan and an implementation plan shall be developed; a sound occupational health management system and job SOPs shall be established; sound occupational health files shall be established; efforts shall be made to establish a sound workplace occupational hazard monitoring and evaluation system, provide necessary financial support for occupational disease prevention and control, develop a sound emergency rescue plan for occupational diseases, and make work-related injury insurance available. Element 8: Social: Consistent Include adequate (i) Regulations on the Defense against Meteorological Disasters: Article 27: When implementing major national measures to construction projects and major regional economic development projects, and preparing urban and rural avoid, minimize, development plans, governments at or above the county level shall consider climatic feasibility and risks of or mitigate meteorological disasters and take actions to avoid or mitigate such impacts. Article 23: Lightning protection community, devices of buildings, places, and facilities shall comply with the national lightning protection standards. Lightning individual, and protection devices of newly constructed, reconstructed, or expanded buildings, places, and facilities must be worker risks designed, constructed, and put into operation together with main parts of the project. when the PforR (ii) Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Flood Control: Systematic arrangements for flood control activities are in terms of organization, preparation, implementation, emergency rescue, recovery, and funding are made. located in areas (iii) Regulations on the Prevention and Control of Geologic Disasters: Article 10: A geologic disaster prone to natural investigation system shall be implemented at the State, provincial and county levels. The land and resources hazards such as authority shall work out the planning on prevention and control of geologic disasters within its own jurisdiction floods, according to the result from the investigation of geologic disasters within such jurisdiction as well as the planning hurricanes, of the next higher level on prevention and control of geologic disasters and submit it to the government at the same 200 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements earthquakes, or level for approval and promulgation after expert evaluation. Systematic arrangements for the investigation, other severe prevention and control of geological disasters are made in terms of the prevention, emergency response, and control weather or of geological disasters, legal responsibilities, and so on. climate events. (iv) Law on Protecting Against and Mitigating Earthquake Disasters: Article 35: The construction projects newly built, expanded, or rebuilt shall meet the seismic fortification requirements. Major construction projects and construction projects which may induce serious secondary disasters shall be subject to the seismic safety evaluation as required, and the seismic fortification shall be conducted in accordance with the seismic fortification requirements determined by the approved seismic safety evaluation reports. The seismic safety evaluation entities of construction projects shall, in accordance with the relevant standards of the State, carry out seismic safety evaluation, and be responsible for the quality of the seismic safety evaluation reports. Construction projects other than those prescribed in the preceding paragraph shall be fortified against earthquakes according to the seismic fortification requirements determined by the seismic intensity zoning map or the ground motion parameter zoning map. Construction projects in densely populated places such as schools and hospitals shall be designed and implemented in compliance with the seismic fortification requirements higher than those for other buildings in the locality, and effective measures shall be taken to increase the capability of seismic fortification. Principle 4: Program E&S systems manage land acquisition and loss of access to natural resources in a way that avoids or minimizes displacement and assists affected people in improving or, at the minimum, restoring their livelihoods and living standards. Element 9: (i) Measures for the Administration of the Pre-examination on the Use of Land for Construction Projects: Consistent (i) Avoid or The area and type of the land used for the project shall be identified before the FSR or project proposal is reviewed minimize land to avoid the acquisition of permanent basic farmland, and nature reserves, and so on. acquisition and (ii) Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and related adverse Matters (Interim) (CPCCCO [2012] No.2): An SSRA shall be conducted for any project involving LA and HD, impacts. farmers’ burden, or social security. (iii) Guidelines on Establishing a Social Stability Risk Assessment Mechanism for Major Decisions and Matters (Interim): If the assessment report thinks that a high risk is present, a decision of non-implementation shall be made, or a decision may be made after the plan is adjusted or the risk level is reduced; if a moderate risk is present, a decision of implementation shall be made after effective risk prevention and mitigation measures are taken; and if a low risk is present, a decision of implementation may be made, provided that actions like explanation and persuasion to the people affected are taken and reasonable requests of people affected are handled properly. For impact and risk management, the legitimacy, rationality, feasibility, and controllability of measures shall be assessed. (iv) Opinions on Strengthening Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New Circumstances: SSRA, if required, shall be an important part of the feasibility study of any major construction project. Major decisions, items and matters with low social stability risks planned to be implemented when conditions are ripe shall be advanced in a well-planned way in accordance with the risk control plan. If social stability risks are identified and the conditions are not ripe, the decision-making shall be subject to approval or be postponed until the original plan is improved, the conditions are ripe, and risks are eliminated. Decisions, items and 201 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements matters urgently that needed to be put in place despite high risks shall be advanced prudently and carefully after precautionary and mitigation measures are taken. Those with major social stability risks and fall short of relevant requirements shall in no case be put in place. (v) The Circular of the MNR on Regulating the Management of Temporary Land Use (Natural Resources Regulation [2021] No. 2) requires that cultivated land should not be occupied or occupied as little as possible. Cultivated land used temporarily for construction purposes needs to be restored to its original planting conditions after the construction is completed. (vi) Notice of MNR, MARA and NFGA on Issues concerning Strict Control of Cultivated Land Usage (MNRP [2021] No. 166) requires that permanent basic farmland shall not be converted into forest land, grassland, garden land and other agricultural land, or agricultural facilities construction land. The annual ‘balance in and out’ shall be carried out for any conversion of cultivated land to other agricultural land and agricultural facilities construction land, and the same amount and quality of cultivated land shall be made up by means of the consolidation of forest land, grassland, garden land, other agricultural land, and agricultural facilities construction land into cultivated land. (vii) Measures for the Administration of the Transfer of Rural Land Management Rights (MARA, Decree No. 1, 2021), which requires that when the transferee subject submits an application, the local people's government at or above the county level or the people's government of the township or township shall, in accordance with the law, organize an examination and review by the relevant departments, representatives of the collective economic organization of the rural area, representatives of the farmers, and experts on the use of the land, the ability of the transferee subject to engage in agricultural business, and whether the business project is in line with the planning of the food production industry, other industrial planning, and so on, and that where an application for the examination and review is not submitted in accordance with the regulations or where the examination and review fails to be carried out, the transfer of the right to operate the land may not proceed. (viii) Implementing Opinions of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and the People's Government of Gansu Province on Strengthening the Protection of Cultivated Land and Improving the Balance of Occupancy and Compensation (GZBF [2019]): (1) Strengthen the control of land planning and the control of use, giving full play to the overall control role of the overall plan for land use, approving the scale of new construction land in a stringent manner, optimizing the layout of construction land, and controlling the occupancy of cultivated land for construction in a stringent manner, especially high-quality cultivated land. (2) Strictly delineate and protect permanent basic farmland. Basic farmland delimitation and protection, all relevant departments in the preparation of urban and rural construction, infrastructure, ecological construction, and other related planning, to promote the process of multi-planning, should be fully integrated with the layout of permanent basic farmland which, in principle, shall not break through the boundaries of the permanent basic farmland. (3) Strictly control the occupation of non-agricultural construction of permanent basic farmland. Once the permanent basic farmland is delineated, no unit or individual shall occupy or change the use without authorization. In addition to the legal provisions of the energy, transportation, water conservancy, mining, military facilities, and other national and provincial key construction projects site that cannot be avoided, any other construction projects are not allowed to 202 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements occupy permanent basic farmland. If it is really difficult to avoid the permanent basic farmland for major construction projects, the necessity, reasonableness, and feasibility of the replenishment program must be rigorously demonstrated during the feasibility study stage, and the land use preapproval of the Ministry of Land and Resources must be passed; and the conversion of agricultural land and land acquisition shall be reported to the SC for approval in accordance with laws and regulations. (4) Ease the pressure on the occupation of cultivated land for construction with land-saving and land-intensive use. Strictly control the total amount and intensity of construction land. (5) Do a good job of demonstrating the occupation of cultivated land for construction, strictly implement the rules of determining the occupation by replenishment, replenishment before occupation, and guide the construction projects not to occupy or occupy less cultivated land, and avoid the cultivated land of higher quality if it is necessary to occupy cultivated land. Strengthening the pre-examination of construction land, strict project control, land use pre-examination stage, prohibiting the approval of construction projects unrelated to environmental protection at all levels and in all types of protected areas. (6) Reasonably adjust the proportion of construction land structure. Activate the stock of construction land, guide the structural adjustment of urban construction land, optimize the structure of rural construction land, promote the structural adjustment of urban and rural land use, reasonably increase urban land use, and increase the remediation of idle, unused, and inefficient land in rural areas. (7) Strictly prevent the ‘non-agriculturalization’ of collective land transfer. Strictly adhere to the agricultural use of agricultural land, strictly prohibit non-agricultural construction in the name of agricultural land transfer, prevent the ‘non-food’ and ‘non-farming’ of cultivated land, and strictly prohibit the ‘non-farming’ of cultivated land. (8) Strictly implement the responsibility of cultivated land occupation and replenishment balance, and complete the task of replenishing cultivated land. (ix) The Notice of Gansu DNR on Implementing the Requirements of MNR Circular to Further Strengthen the Management of Temporary Land Use (GZZ [2021] No. 81) stipulates that the TLU shall try not to take up or take up as little as possible of cultivated land. If it is difficult to restore the original planting conditions, such as girder making yard and mixing station, the TLU shall not occupy cultivated land and permanent basic farmland, and the land can be used in the way of construction land use or temporary occupation of unutilized land. If the TLU does need to occupy permanent basic farmland, it must be able to restore the original planting conditions. (x) Notice on Issues Related to the Management of Facility Agricultural Land (ZRZG [2019] No. 4) strictly defines the scope of facility agricultural land, clarifies the support policies and regulatory opinions for facility land directly used for crop cultivation and livestock, poultry, and aquaculture in agricultural production, and at the same time, requires the relevant departments at the provincial level to highlight the characteristics of the local conditions, and to further refine the scale of production and construction standards. (xi) The Measures for Implementation of the Land Management Law of the People's Republic of China in Gansu Province (effective January 1, 2022) clearly states that "any unit or individual is prohibited from engaging in land development activities within the scope of prohibited reclamation as determined by the spatial planning of the land. It is prohibited to destroy forests and grasslands to reclaim cultivated land, and it is prohibited to encircle lakes to create fields and encroach on river banklands." At the same time, the Measures also propose that "county (city and district) people's governments shall implement the national rural revitalization strategy, and safeguard the 203 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements demand for land for the development of rural industries, rural public facilities, and construction of public welfare undertakings in accordance with law, as well as reserving relevant construction land indexes in accordance with state regulations. Land use indicators. On the premise of conforming to the land use scope and scale standards stipulated by the State and the province, priority may be given to arranging land for facility agriculture that is directly used for crop cultivation and livestock, poultry and aquaculture." (xii) ‘Notice on Strengthening the Management of Facility Agriculture Land Use (2020, Gansu DNR and DARA)’ clearly puts forward that "the land use agreement for facility agricultural land shall be implemented under the land use agreement filing system, which shall be filed by the township under the jurisdiction of the township, and the township government and the collective economic organization of the village shall be the main body of the management of the land used for facility agricultural land, and the county-level DNRs and the department of agriculture and rural areas shall be responsible for the supervision of facility agricultural land." The county-level natural resources departments and agricultural and rural departments are responsible for the supervision of agricultural land for facilities, and accordingly formulate strict procedures and work requirements. (ii) Identify and (i) Land Administration Law: Article 26: Owners or users of the land to be acquired shall, within the time limit Consistent address economic specified in the announcement, go through compensation registration on the strength of the real estate ownership and social certificate as required by the local land and resources authority. For expropriation of land by the State, the local impacts arising governments at and above the county level shall make an announcement and organize implementation after from land approval according to the legal procedures. acquisition or (ii) Regulations for the Implementation of the Land Administration Law: Article 25: Municipal or county loss of access to government of the locality whose land has been expropriated shall, upon approval of the Land Acquisition plan natural resources. according to law, organize its implementation, and make an announcement in the township and village where land acquisition occurs on the approval organ of the LA, number of the approval document, use, scope and area of the acquired land as well as the rates for compensation of LA, measures for the resettlement of agricultural workers and duration for processing LA compensation. Article 26: Land compensation fee shall go to the rural collective economic organization, and compensation for ground attachments and standing crops shall be disbursed to their owners. (iii) The Measures for the Administration of the Transfer of Rural Land Management Rights (Order No. 1 of MARA, 2021) requires that the transfer of land management rights should follow the principles of lawfulness, voluntariness, and compensation, and that a contract for the transfer of land management rights should be signed; and that the proceeds from the transfer of land management rights should be attributed to the contracting party. In addition, a full set of mechanisms for handling complaints regarding compensation for land expropriation has been established from the grass-root level in rural areas or communities, to townships, and to governments at the county level and above. If affected persons are dissatisfied with the handling of identification, compensation, and resettlement affecting their rights and interests, villagers may appeal to the president or village committee and request that the matter be handled, or they may apply to the township government and the county and municipal governments for handling of the matter. (iv) The Regulations on Letters and Visits (2022): The letters and calls departments of the party committees and 204 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements governments at all levels shall fulfill their duties of accepting, transferring, handing over, and coordinating the resolution of complaints, and supervising, and checking. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome of the complaint, he or she may also resolve the dispute through legal proceedings to safeguard his or her legitimate rights and interests. (iii) Provide (i) Real Right Law: Article 42: For collective land acquired, land compensation, resettlement subsidy, Consistent compensation compensation for ground attachments and standing crops, and so on, shall be fully paid according to law, and social sufficient to security funds for land-expropriated farmers shall be appropriated to secure their livelihoods and protect their purchase lawful rights and interests. Where any house or other immovable property of any entity or individual is replacement expropriated, compensation shall be granted according to law to protect the lawful rights and interests of the assets of affected entity or individual. Where any personal residence is expropriated, the affected person’s housing conditions equivalent value shall be secured. and to meet any (ii) Land Administration Law: Article 48: Fair and reasonable compensation shall be granted for land acquisition. necessary In case of land acquisition, the land compensation, resettlement subsidy, and compensation for rural residential transitional houses, other ground attachments and standing crops, and so on, shall be paid on time and fully according to law, expenses, paid and social security costs for the affected farmers shall be disbursed. before taking (iii) Notice of the People’s Government of Gansu Province on Issuing the Standard of Block Compensation land or restricting Land Price on Farmland Acquisition (GZF [2023] No.55), clarifies that 60 percent of the block land price is the access. resettlement subsidy and 40 percent is the land compensation fee, excluding the social security insurance subsidies for land-lost farmers as stipulated by law; for other farm land and construction land, one time of the standard shall be applied; for unused land acquired, 0.1 times of the standard shall be applied, In addition to the explicit price of grassland in pastoral areas, 0.4 times of the standard shall be applied for grassland in other non-pastoral agricultural land acquired; for state-owned farmland and construction land (got the land through allocation), refer to the compensation standard of collective land within the region; for state-owned unused land, no compensation is required. (iv) Provide (i) Land Administration Law: Article 48: Efforts shall be made to ensure that living standard of farmers affected Consistent supplemental by land expropriation are not reduced, and that their long-term livelihoods are secured. livelihood (ii) Guidelines on Improving the Compensation and Resettlement System for Land Acquisition (MLR [2004] improvement or No.238): (1) Agricultural resettlement: When rural collective land out of urban planning areas is acquired, land- restoration expropriated farmers shall be first provided with necessary cultivated land in forms of mobile collective land, measures if contracted land turned over by contractors and cultivated land arising from land development so that they continue taking of land to pursue agricultural production. (2) Reemployment resettlement: Conditions shall be created actively to provide causes loss of free labor skills training to land-expropriated farmers and place them in corresponding jobs. Under equal income- conditions, land users shall first employ land-expropriated farmers. When rural collective land within urban generating planning areas is acquired, land-expropriated farmers shall be included in the urban employment system and the opportunity (for social security system. (3) Dividend distribution resettlement: When any land with long-term stable yields is to be example, loss of used for a project, the affected rural collective economic organization may become a project shareholder with crop production compensation fees for LA or rights to use construction land in consultation with the land user. The rural collective 205 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements or employment). economic organization and rural households will receive dividends as agreed. (4) Non-local resettlement: If basic production and living conditions are not available locally to land-expropriated farmers, non-local resettlement may be practiced under the leadership of the government in consultation with the rural collective economic organization and rural households. (iii) Notice on Doing a Good Job in Employment Training and Social Security for Land-expropriated Farmers (SC [2006] No.29): Employment training and social security for land-expropriated farmers shall be an important part of land acquisition system reform. Local governments shall, against the backdrop of coordinating economic and social development in urban and rural areas, enhance employment training and social security, include employment of land-expropriated farmers in the economic and social development plans and annual plans of local governments, establish a social security system suited to the characteristics and needs of land-expropriated farmers, take effective measures to secure employment training and social security funds, help land-expropriated farmers get employed and assimilated into the urban community, and ensure that the living standard of land- expropriated farmers is not reduced due to land expropriation and that their long-term livelihoods are secured. (iv) Notice of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of Land and Resources on Doing a Substantially Good Job in Social Security for Land-expropriated Farmers (MLSS [2007] No.14): All localities shall establish a social security system for land-expropriated farmers as soon as possible. Funds required for social security for land-expropriated farmers shall be fully transferred to the special account and credited to the individual or pooling account within three months after the approval of the land acquisition compensation and resettlement plan. (v) Implementation Measures for Basic Endowment Insurance for Land-lost Farmers in Gansu Province (GZZ [2021] No.81): Farmers, who lost their contracted land (including pasture, grassland) due to unified land acquisition by the government, shall be covered by the social security system. The application shall be prepared by the land-expropriated individuals, discussed by the rural collective economic organization or villagers' committee, primarily checked by the township (subdistrict) government, reviewed by county or municipal or district level ARAB or NRB, and confirmed by HRSSB. After that, the township (subdistrict) government shall disclose the information within the affected rural collective economic organizations or village committees for no less than 10 days, and then submit to county or municipal or district level government for approval and HRSSB for registration. Land-expropriated farmers who meet the conditions can choose to participate in the basic endowment insurance for urban workers or social endowment insurance for urban and rural residents on their own will, and the subsidy funds for the participation of land-lost farmers in basic endowment insurance should be included in the project budget, counted as part of the cost of land acquisition, and arranged separately and in full in the compensation costs. The standard for the subsidy funds is the average annual wage of employed persons in full-caliber urban units in the previous year, multiplied by the proportion of land acquired (v) Restore or (i) Land Administration Law: Article 47: For expropriation of land by the State, the local governments at and Consistent replace public above the county level shall make an announcement and organize implementation after approval according to the infrastructure and legal procedures. If a government at or above the county level is to apply for land acquisition, it shall conduct the community current status survey and SSRA, and disclose the range and purpose of acquisition, current status, compensation 206 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements services that may rate, resettlement mode, social security, and so on, in the township, village, and village group affected for at least 30 be adversely days to collect comments from the rural collective economic organization and its members, village committee, and affected by the other affected stakeholders. Program. (ii) Regulations for the Implementation of the Land Administration Law: Article 25: Municipal or county government of the locality whose land has been acquired shall, upon approval of the LA plan according to law, organize its implementation, and make an announcement in the township and village where land acquisition occurs on the approval organ of the LA, number of the approval document, use, scope and area of the acquired land as well as the rates for compensation of LA, measures for the resettlement of agricultural workers and time limit for completing LA compensation. (iii) Real Right Law: Article 36: If any immovable or movable property is damaged, the right holder may request repair, rework, replacement, or restoration. (vi) Information (i) Land Administration Law: Article 26: Owners or users of the land to be expropriated shall, within the time Consistent disclosure, public limit specified in the announcement, go through compensation registration on the strength of the real estate participation, and ownership certificate as required by the local land and resources authority. For expropriation of land by the State, informed the local governments at and above the county level shall make an announcement and organize implementation decision-making after approval according to the legal procedures. Article 47: If a government at or above the county level is to apply for land acquisition, it shall conduct the current status survey and SSRA, and disclose the range and purpose of acquisition, current status, compensation rate, resettlement mode, social security, and so on, in the township, village, and village group affected for at least 30 days to collect comments from the rural collective economic organization and its members, village committee, and other affected stakeholders. (ii) Regulations on Letters and Visits: Article 14: The party committee and relevant departments of the people’s government at all levels, as the specific administrative organ in charge of complaint letters and visits, shall perform the following duties: (1) accept, transmit, and assign another organ to handle the letter-or-visit matters; (2) coordinate efforts in handling important letter-or-visit matters; (3) urge and examine the handling of letter-or-visit matters; (4) reflect on the information of letters and visits, analyze, and judge the situation of both letters and visits, provide suggestions to party committees and governments for decision-making; (5) provide guidance to other relevant departments of the people’s government at the corresponding level and the department or units for letters and visits of the people’s government at lower level in their work regarding letters and visit; (6) provide suggestions for work, policy. and accountability improvement; and (7) undertake other tasks assigned by the Party Committee and people’s government at the corresponding level. (iii) Document No.1 of the Central Government (2020): Leaders, especially municipal and county leaders, shall pay regular visits to departments at grass-root level to deal with complaints proactively. Diversified legal services like designating one legal adviser for each village shall be offered, and civil mediation shall be strengthened to ensure that disputes and conflicts are resolved at the village and township levels where possible. Unblocked complaint channels shall be made available for farmers to have their reasonable complaints resolved in a timely and proper manner. (iv) Standard Guide to Grass-root Government Affairs Disclosure on Collective Land Acquisition (June 207 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements 2019, MNRs): Efforts shall be made to define matters to be disclosed and the scope of disclosure, standardize the disclosure procedures, improve modes of disclosure, and practically safeguard the people's rights to know, participate, oversee and be heard. The main objectives of public participation at different stages of LAR are as follows: • During project preparation, option argumentation and comparison, the project owner and design agency shall conduct meaningful consultation with affected people and other stakeholders, improve the engineering measures, and determine the range of land use based on feedback, thereby evading sensitive objects and minimizing LAR impacts. • Participation at the DMS stage includes land acquisition announcement, DMS publicity, participation in the DMS, and confirmation, disclosure, and review of DMS results. • At the SSRA stage, meaningful consultation shall be conducted with stakeholders to assess potential major social risks arising from land expropriation and house demolition, including other major risks that are not directly related to but may materially affect the project. • During the drafting of the compensation plan, the plan should be disclosed to collect comments from affected people, and a public hearing will be held when necessary. • Public participation at the implementation stage mainly includes effective information disclosure and consultation in relation to production and livelihood restoration and the allocation and use of compensation to ensure that opinions of the affected people are heard and agreements are signed through negotiation. (v) Notice on Implementing MNR Requirements on Further Strengthening Temporary Land Use Administration (GZZ [2021] No.81), requiring that TLU agreement shall be signed with the rural economic organizations or village committees in terms of occupying collective land, and confirmation of farmers shall be attached if farmers’ contracted land is involved. Principle 5: Program E&S systems give due consideration to the cultural appropriateness of, and equitable access to, Program benefits, giving special attention to the rights and interests of indigenous people and vulnerable groups. Element 10: (i) Constitution: Article 4: All ethnic groups in the People's Republic of China are equal. Generally consistent. Undertake prior (ii) Law of the People’s Republic of China on Regional National Autonomy: Article 51: In dealing with special Recommendation: informed issues concerning the various nationalities within its area, the organ of self-government of a national autonomous Strengthen engagement consultations if area must conduct full consultation with their representatives and respect their opinions. Article 52: The organ of and grievance the ethnic self-government of a national autonomous area shall guarantee that citizens of the various nationalities in the area management to ensure all minorities are enjoy the rights of citizens as prescribed in the Constitution. beneficiaries are well potentially (iii) Social Stability Risk Assessment of Major Fixed Asset Investment Projects: Article 3: At the feasibility informed and engaged affected study stage of a project, the PIU (or through a specialized agency) shall conduct an SSRA to identify impacts, with the Program, (positively or propose mitigation measures, and prepare an SSRA report. On the other hand, if a government at or above the particularly women, negatively) free county level applies for land acquisition, a current status survey and an SSRA should be conducted for the land to ethnic minorities, and of charge, to be expropriated. The SSRA report shall be reviewed by experts organized by the designated authority of the county older people. determine government before being approved. Local governments have issued opinions or notices on the implementation of whether there is SSRA, such as the Notice of Gansu Provincial Committee and Government on Issuing Several Implementation 208 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements broad community Measures for Strengthening the Mechanism of Social Stability Risk Assessment for Major Decisions under New support for the Circumstances (GBF [2021] No.33). PforR Program (iv) Land Administration Law (2020): Article 47: For expropriation of land by the State, the local governments at activities. and above the county level shall make an announcement and organize implementation after approval according to the legal procedures. If a government at or above the county level is to apply for land acquisition, it shall conduct the current status survey and SSRA and disclose the range and purpose of acquisition, current status, compensation rate, resettlement mode, social security, and so on, in the township, village, and village group affected for at least 30 days to collect comments from the rural collective economic organization and its members, village committee, and other affected stakeholders. However, there are various types of beneficiaries of the Program, although existing information disclosure channels and GRMs are functioning, there is a need to improve and diversify information delivery channels from farmers, such as written manuals, electronic versions, online platforms, specific promotion and awareness raising to different target groups like women, ethnic minorities, older people, and so on. In addition, there is a need to strengthen the GRM to manage potential risk of uneven benefit distribution and E&S risks management. Element 11: (i) Law of the People’s Republic of China on Regional National Autonomy: Article 65: While exploiting Generally, consistent. Ensure that resources and carrying out construction in national autonomous areas, the State shall give consideration to the Recommendation: ethnic minorities interests of these areas, make arrangements favorable to local economic development and pay proper attention to Establish social benefit can participate in the productive pursuits and the life of local minority nationalities. Article 66: State organs at higher levels shall monitoring system to devising incorporate major projects for maintaining ecological balance and achieving comprehensive environmental monitor beneficiaries’ opportunities to protection in national autonomous areas into national economic and social development plans. composition and benefit from (ii) Interim Regulations on Major Administrative Decision-making Procedures (2019.9.1): Prior public distribution of benefits, exploitation of consultation shall be conducted for decision-making in relation to the development of important plans for economic to promote the Program customary and social development and other aspects; the development of major public policies and measures to develop, objective of all resources and utilize, and protect important natural and cultural resources; the implementation of major public construction beneficiaries equally indigenous projects in the administrative region; and other major matters that have a significant impact on economic and social benefiting from the knowledge—the development, involve material public interests, or the immediate interests of the public. Article 14: The decision- Program. latter to include making entity shall solicit opinions ensuing wide public participation. Opinions may be solicited in such forms as the consent of symposiums, hearings, field visits, written solicitation of opinions from the public, questionnaires, opinion polls, ethnic minorities. and so on. Article 15: If public opinions are solicited for a matter subject to decision-making, the decision-making entity shall disclose the draft decision and its explanation, and the mode and period of solicitation of public opinions by publicly available means, such as government websites, new media, newspapers, radio, TV, and so on. The period of solicitation of public opinion is usually not less than 30 days, and explanations shall be made when the solicitation of public opinions begins if such period is to be shortened due to emergencies. For matters of extensive public concern, or highly technical matters, the decision-making entity may make explanations by means of expert interviews, and so on. Article 16: If any matter subject to decision-making concerns immediate interests of citizens, legal persons, or other organizations, or involves a major dispute, a public hearing may be held in accordance with any applicable laws, regulations, and rules. The decision-making entity or the organizer of the 209 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements public hearing shall disclose the draft decision and its explanation in advance and make clear the time and venue of the public hearing. Article 29: If the public participation procedure is performed, the decision-making entity shall submit the draft decision together with main accepted public opinions to the decision-making authority for discussion. Article 30: When the draft decision is discussed, the meeting attendees shall give opinions adequately, and the chief administrative officer shall give a final opinion. If such final opinion differs from the majority opinion, the reason shall be given at the meeting. (iii) The 13th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of Ethnic Minorities-concentrated Areas of Gansu Province sets objectives in the area of accelerating infrastructure construction, poverty alleviation, social programs, ecological construction, industrial restructuring, and so on, increasing capital investment to EM areas, providing more preferential policies and financial support and solving the shortages in their development. Compared to enterprises, cooperatives and family farms may face more challenges and vulnerabilities in livestock farming development. There is a potential risk that social benefits and beneficiary composition (gender, EM, and so on) do not improve over time. To promote the objective of all target farms, regardless of farm size and structure, gender, and ethnicity, benefiting equally from the Program, beneficiary monitoring will enable ongoing assessment of the nature and scale of these risks and how (and whether) they are benefiting from the Program or affecting the associated risks. Element 12: (i) Notice of the State Council on Issuing the 13th Five-Year Plan for Promoting the Development of Minority Generally consistent. Give attention to Areas and Smaller Ethnic Minorities (SC [2016] No.79): The development of industries which improve incomes, Recommendation: (i) groups especially stock-breeding and traditional handicrafts, of poor EM areas and villages shall be supported, and efforts Strengthen the vulnerable to shall be made to achieve rural revitalization and poverty alleviation by developing village-specific leading products engagement and hardship or and industries and making use of the internet in poor villages. Poverty alleviation by e-commerce, rural tourism, grievance management to discrimination, and so on shall be implemented to increase local residents’ income, and major infrastructure and construction ensure all beneficiaries including, as projects shall be carried out in EM areas to improve livelihoods. Basic social service mechanisms in EM areas shall are well informed and relevant, the be improved to provide support in old-age services, social assistance, social welfare, special care, and resettlement. engaged with the poor, the The disaster assistance and emergency relief system for natural disasters shall be improved in EM areas. Urban and Program, particularly disabled, women rural MLS for EM areas shall be fixed rationally, and the sound development of public welfare and charity women, ethnic and children, the programs shall be supported. minorities, and older elderly, ethnic (ii) The Opinions on Reform and Improvement of the Social Assistance System (ZBF [2020] No. 18) calls for people. (ii) minorities, racial the integrated development of the social assistance system, the consolidation of the results of the poverty Establish a social benefit groups, or other eradication campaign, and the practical realization of the bottom line of basic livelihood protection. Families in monitoring system to marginalized which the per capita income of family members living together is less than the local minimum subsistence monitor beneficiaries’ groups; and if guarantee standard and in line with the property status regulations are given minimum subsistence guarantee. For composition and necessary, take urban and rural elderly people, persons with disabilities, and minors who are unable to work, have no source of distribution of benefits, special measures livelihood, and have no legal obligor to provide support or maintenance, or whose legal obligor has no ability to to promote the Program to promote fulfill his or her obligations, they are provided with assistance and sustenance for persons in special hardship. At the objective of beneficiaries equitable access same time, special social assistance in the areas of medical care, housing, education, and employment is provided in equitably benefiting from to PforR Program accordance with actual needs. For low-income families that do not meet the requirements for low-income insurance the Program 210 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements benefits and, if or special hardship support, and for families with large rigid expenditures that cause serious difficulties in their necessary, take basic lives, special social assistance in the form of medical care, housing, education, employment, and so on, is special measures provided in accordance with actual needs, or other necessary assistance measures are implemented. Families or to promote individuals suffering from emergencies, accidental injuries, major illnesses, public health emergencies such as equitable access infectious disease outbreaks, or other special reasons that lead to temporary difficulties in their basic lives, as well to PforR Program as those who are in temporary distress and have no means of subsistence, are provided with social assistance in benefits. emergencies. In the event of a natural disaster, assistance is provided to those affected by the disaster. (iii) Several Measures on Reform and Improvement of the Social Assistance System (GBF (2021) No. 5) focuses on creating a multi-level assistance system, continuously expanding the ways of providing social assistance, promoting the integrated and coordinated development of urban and rural areas, improving the minimum subsistence guarantee system, improving the system of providing assistance and support to people in special hardship, improving the mechanism for dynamic adjustment of assistance standards, and improving the mechanism for dynamic management of assistance recipients. The provincial and municipal civil affairs departments have formulated detailed requirements and specifications for such work as strengthening guidance and supervision of the dynamic management of social assistance. (iv) The 14th Five-Year Plan of Civil Affairs of Gansu Province (2021.10.15) sets 15 key development targets, 12 specified fields, 24 engineering projects, and 89 key tasks in the aspects of basic livelihood guarantee, basic social services, elderly care services, and so on, covering social assistance, elderly care services, children's welfare, grassroots social governance, basic social services, social organization development, philanthropy and social work, regional name management services, ‘five modernizations’ of new Gansu civil affairs. The Plan requires that by 2025: the annual growth rate of MLS in rural areas shall be no lower than that of per capita consumption expenditure of the previous year; the MLS standard in urban and rural areas accounts for more than 75 percent of that in urban areas; living subsidies are provided to all financially challenged disabled people; nursing care allowances are offered to all severely disabled people; trans-provincial marriage registration is fully achieved; all vagrants and beggars with known identity information are returned to their homes; nonprofit cremains burying (storage) facilities are available in all counties; at least 55 percent of beds in elderly care institutions meet requirements for nursing care; comprehensive elderly care institutions are accessible in 50 percent of townships (subdistricts); minor protection centers are available in 50 percent of townships (subdistricts); the number of social service professionals stands at 24,000; volunteer service centers account for 80 percent of comprehensive urban and rural community service facilities; the area of comprehensive community service facilities accessible by every 100 residents tops 30 m2; and the number of full-time employees of social organizations reaches 300,000. (v) Other poverty alleviation policies: In China, poor households refer mainly to those below the minimum living security (MLS) standard and are classified into (a) MLS households, whose per capita annual income is below the MLS standard. MLS standards and relevant policies are updated by the local governments every year. In 2023, the MLS standard is CNY 8,400 per capita per year in urban areas and CNY 5,580 per capita per year in rural areas in the Gansu Province; and (b) extremely poor persons, old and disabled persons, and persons under 16 years with no ability to work, no income source, or statutory supporter, or whose statutory supporter is incapable to support. In 211 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements 2023, extremely poor persons in urban and rural areas of Gansu Province were eligible for financial support of CNY 10,920 per person per year and CNY 7,260 per person per year, respectively in the Gansu Province. These poor households receive full support from the Chinese Government for food, clothing, medical care, housing, children education, and basic income which is no less than the local MLS standard. All localities shall establish files for the poor households, and offer living and housing subsidies, free children education, interest-free loans, special occupational training, and priority in job placement. (vi) Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Protection of Women’s Rights and Interests (2022 Revision): Article 40: Sexual harassment against women is prohibited and victims have the right to file complaints with relevant units. Article 41: Women shall enjoy the same labor and social security rights as men. Article 45: Men and women shall receive equal pay for equal work, and women shall enjoy the same remuneration rights as men. Article 47: Employers shall protect women’s health, safety, and time for rest at work. Women shall receive special protection during menstruation, pregnancy, lying-in, and breastfeeding. Article 48: No employer shall reduce female workers’ salaries and welfares, restrict female workers from career promotion and professional and technical titles and posts, evaluation and assignment, or dismiss female workers, or unilaterally terminate the labor (employment) contract or service agreement with them on the basis of marriage, pregnancy, lying-in, and breastfeeding. Article 50: The State shall develop social insurance services, ensure that women are entitled to social insurance, social assistance, and social welfares, and encourage and support public welfare activities for women. Article 51: The State shall implement maternity insurance system and establish a sound security system for women in other aspects like baby care service. (vii) Outline for Women's Development in China (2021–2030): The overall objective is to fully implement the basic state policy of gender equality to innovate and improve the systems and mechanisms for promotion of gender equality and women’s all-round development. Women have equal access to a full range and whole life-cycle health services, and measure will be taken for their continued health improvement. Women shall enjoy equal rights to education, and their quality and ability will be continuously improved. Women shall enjoy equal economic rights and interests, and their economic status will be steadily improved. Women shall enjoy equal political rights, and their participation in the administration of country, economic, cultural, and social affairs will be gradually improved. Women shall enjoy equal access to multi-level and sustainable social security, and their treatment levels will be steadily improved. The policies and regulations for supporting family development will be improved, and the new trend of socialist family civilization will be widely promoted. The concept of gender equality will become more popular, and the environment for women's development will be improved. The legal system will be improved to protect women's legitimate rights and interests effectively. Women's sense of gain, happiness, and security will increase significantly. (viii) The Gansu Provincial Women's Development Plan (2021–2030) (2021.12.30) sets eight areas for women's development: health, education, economy, participation in decision-making and management, social security, family building, environment, and law, and puts forward 75 major goals and 93 strategic measures. (ix) The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Protection of Minors (Revised in 2020) stipulates that minors enjoy all rights equally in accordance with the law and are not discriminated against on the basis of their 212 PforR core China’s E&S Management Requirements and Practices Consistency and Principles or Recommendations Elements ethnicity, race, gender, household registration, occupation, religious beliefs, level of education, family status, or physical or mental health status, or that of their parents or other guardians. The law has made detailed provisions for the protection of minors in family, school, society, network, government, and judiciary. (x) The Gansu Provincial Child Development Plan (2021–2030) (2021.12.30) puts forward 70 major goals and 89 strategic measures in seven areas of child development: health, safety, education, welfare, family, environment, and legal protection. However, there are various types of beneficiaries of the Program. Although existing information disclosure channels and GRMs are functioning, there is a call to improve and diversify information delivery channels from farmers, such as written manuals, electronic versions, online platforms, specific promotion and awareness raising to different target groups like women, ethnic minorities, older people, and so on. In addition, there is a need to strengthen the GRM to manage potential risk of uneven benefit distribution and E&S risks management. Compared to enterprises, cooperatives and family farms may face more challenges and vulnerabilities in livestock farming development. There is a potential risk that social benefits and beneficiary composition (gender, EM, and so on) do not improve over time. To ensure all target farms, regardless of farm size and structure, gender, and ethnicity, equally benefit from the Program, there is a need to establish a monitoring system to monitor benefits across the Program. Principle 6: Program E&S systems avoid exacerbating social conflict, especially in fragile states, post-conflict areas, or areas subject to territorial disputes. Element 13: Not relevant. Consider conflict risks, including distributional equity and cultural sensitivities. 213 Appendix 4: Stakeholder Analysis The ESMS of the PforR Program will involve different stakeholders, including individuals, government authorities, and other agencies. Stakeholders are either affected by any activity or affect the construction and operation of any activity. Therefore, for each activity under the Program, stakeholders involved will be identified through a mechanism. Stakeholders under each type of outcome under the ESMS of the PforR Program are consistent, including affected parties, interested parties, and management authorities. Refer to Table A-1 for the results of stakeholder identification and analysis based on the investigations conducted for the Program. Table A-1: Stakeholder Identification and Analysis Result Typical Activities Affected Interested Entities Management Agencies Area Entities RA1: • Apply climate- • Livestock • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as Increased smart farmers organizations concerned provincial and county-level Sustainabili agriculture • Forage about ecological ARABs, NRBs, Natural ty and (CSA) planters environment Reserves Administration Productivit technologies in Agencies y and fodder • County governments Reduced production area • Township governments Emissions plantation • Village (community) committees from the • Construct straw • Livestock • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as Livestock for forage use farming organizations concerned provincial and county-level Sector processing enterprises, about ecological ARABs, EEBs facilities cooperatives, environment • County governments and family • Organic fertilizer • Township governments farms producers • Village (community) committees • Villages or • Service and goods residents providers affected by land occupation • Apply low- • Livestock • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as emission farming organizations concerned provincial and county-level technologies enterprises, about ecological ARABs, AHVMBs, NRBs, and practices in cooperatives, environment EEBs livestock farms and family • County governments farms • Township governments • Village (community) committees • Construct or • Livestock • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as upgrade farming organizations concerned provincial and county-level livestock enterprises, about ecological ARABs, AHVMBs, NRBs, breeding and cooperatives, environment EEBs farming and family • Individuals and • County governments facilities run by farms organizations concerned • Township governments enterprises, • Villages or about the development of • Village (community) committees cooperatives, residents the low-income, women, and family affected by and ethnic minorities farmers who land • Service and goods adopt low- occupation providers emission technologies 214 Result Typical Activities Affected Interested Entities Management Agencies Area Entities practice, undertaking livestock certificate with green and organic or low- emission indications • Upgrade • Livestock • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as livestock and farming organizations concerned provincial and county-level poultry manure enterprises, about ecological ARABs, EEBs treatment cooperatives, environment • County governments facilities for and family • Organic fertilizer • Township governments livestock farms farms producers • Village (community) committees • Villages or • Service and goods residents providers affected by land occupation • Upgrade the • Villages or • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as livestock residents organizations concerned provincial and county-level slaughtering, affected by about ecological ARABs, AHVMBs, NRBs, processing, cold land environment Industry and Information chain logistics, occupation • Individuals and Technology Bureaus, EEBs and market organizations concerned • County governments facilities about the development of • Township governments the low-income, women, • Village (community) committees and ethnic minorities • Service and goods providers • Increase animal • Villages or • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as health service residents organizations concerned provincial and county-level capacity by affected by about ecological ARABs, AHVMBs equipping land environment • County governments veterinary occupation • Service and goods • Township governments service labs and • Workers in providers • Village (community) committees agro-food laboratories quality testing labs at the county level • Collection, • Livestock • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as transfer, and farming organizations concerned provincial and county-level sanitary enterprises, about ecological ARABs, AHVMBs, EEBs disposal of dead cooperatives, environment • County governments and diseased and family • Individuals and • Township governments animals farms organizations concerned • Village (community) committees • Villages or about the development of residents the low-income, women affected by and ethnic minorities land • Service and goods occupation providers RA2: • Establish • Livestock • Individuals or • Central and provincial Improved incentive farming organizations concerned government, and ARABs, EEBs, 215 Result Typical Activities Affected Interested Entities Management Agencies Area Entities Governanc system for enterprises, about ecological NRBs, FBs, and so on, at all e System promoting cooperatives, environment levels for sustainable and family • Individuals and Sustainable fodder farms organizations concerned and Low- production area • Households about the development of Emission management of contracted the low-income, women, Livestock and low- land and ethnic minorities Sector emission • Forage Manageme technologies planters nt • Strengthen • Livestock technical products capacity and processing, regulatory logistic framework for transporting, low-emission retail livestock value enterprises chain and their employees • Develop MRV • None • Individuals or • Provincial and county-level protocols for organizations concerned ARABs, AHVMBs, EEBs, HCs, livestock sector about ecological MSAs, and so on environment • Individuals or organizations concerned about public health and wellness • Apply for • Livestok • Individuals or • Competent departments, such as livestock farms organizations concerned provincial and county-level product about ecological ARABs, AHVMBs, EEBs certificates in environment compliance with • Individuals or green, organic, organizations concerned or low-emission about public health and standards wellness 216 Appendix 5: Stakeholder Engagement No. Date Venue Authorities Involved E&S Topics 1 2023.10.16– Lanzhou New PPMO, AFWB, NRB, Consultations with E&S competent departments and 17 District of EEB, EMB, HC, Bureau of site survey in Lanzhou New District: Gansu CPC, Civil Affairs, Justice • Large-scale forage planting bases Province and Social Security Bureau, • Large-scale livestock farms CTB, Agricultural • Animal and plant inspection and quarantine Investment Group, Animal • Land consolidation and Plant Inspections and • Livestock and poultry manure treatment and Quarantine Laboratory, resource utilization facilities representatives of livestock • Harmless collection and disposal of animals that farming bases, forage died of diseases planting base, and so on • Fine breed reproduction • Animal diseases prevention and control • E&S risks and impacts, corresponding management system and performance at county, township levels • Interviews with representatives of forage planting enterprises and livestock farming enterprises 2 2023.10.18 Provincial PPMO, provincial DRC, Kick-off meeting: DARA DOF, DARA, AHVMB • PforR objectives, scope, RAs, DLIs, and so on • ESSA arrangements 3 2023.10.19– Provincial PPMO, provincial DARA, Consultations with provincial E&S competent 21 DARA AHVMB, FGB, DNR, departments: DEE, PLAC, HC, HRSSB, • Low-carbon livestock development plans CAB, RRB, WRB, MSA, • Livestock farming management system and so on • E&S risks and impacts, corresponding management system, institutional arrangements, and procedures at the provincial level 4 2023.10.21– Guazhou PPMO, county-level Consultations with county-level E&S competent 23 County of ARAB, AHVMB, FGB, departments and site survey: Jiuquan City NRB, EEB, PLAC, HC, • Livestock farming facilities and management 5 2023.10.24– Sunan County HRSSB, CAB, RRB, MSA, • Animal diseases prevention and control 25 of Zhangye WRB, Women’s • Livestock and poultry manure treatment and City Federation, PCPAB, CTB, resource utilization facilities 6 2023.10.26– Jingchuan and so on • Forage planting and processing facilities 27 County of • Straw processing facilities Pingliang • Harmless collection and disposal of animals that City died of diseases • Livestock slaughtering, processing, cold chain, and logistic facilities • Certification of livestock products • Trainings on high-quality farming or new agricultural business entities • Management of land acquisition and house demolition, LURT, FALU • Implementation of SSRA • OHS management and supervision • Implementation of GRMs, such as public complaints, labor disputes remediation and arbitration • Development of EMs 217 No. Date Venue Authorities Involved E&S Topics • Assistance to vulnerable groups including EMs, management and monitoring of the people lifted out of the poverty • Women’s right and interest protection and women’s development • Cultural relics protection 7 2023.10.21 Guazhou Huiyuan village and Consultation with people of ethnic minority- County of Xinhua village in Guazhou concentrated villages in Guazhou County and Sunan Jiuquan City County Yugur Autonomous County: 8 2023.10.24 Sunan County Dacaotan village and • Introduction of the PforR of Zhangye Songmutan village in • Communication and understanding of local City Sunan Yugur Autonomous environment, ethnic culture or resources, and County livelihood • Communication of the PforR activities and potential E&S impacts, and confirm that there are no negative impacts like land acquisition, income and livelihood impact, or impact on culture or resources to EM peoples, but there is improvement of local livestock, increase of income, and improvement of ecological environment • Confirmation that the ethnic people support the implementation of the PforR 9 2023.10.30 Online PPMO, 7 CPMOs, Wrap-up meeting: provincial DARA, and • Key findings of the E&S due diligence county-level ARABs • Subsequent ESSA arrangements 10 2023.11.28 Online PPMO Communicate with the PPMO on the draft ESSA, findings, and recommendations 11 2024.2.23– Guazhou Four EM-concentrated Consultation with people of EM-concentrated 24 County of villages villages in Guazhou County and Sunan Yugur Jiuquan City Autonomous County: 12 2024.2.24– Sunan County • Introduction of the PforR 25 of Zhangye • Communication and understanding of local City environment, ethnic culture or resources, and livelihood • Communication of the PforR activities and potential E&S impacts, and confirm that there are no negative impacts like land acquisition, income and livelihood impact, or impact on culture or resources to EM peoples, but there is improvement of local livestock, increase of income, and improvement of ecological environment • Confirmation that the ethnic people support the implementation of the PforR 13 2024.3.14– Seven Social survey on sample Consultation with 43 sample farms from 700 21 program farms demonstration farms on counties • Socioeconomic background (districts) • Existing experience and practices in livestock farming • Knowledges and technologies applied, and impacts • Labor use • Information disclosure, promotions, and trainings 218 No. Date Venue Authorities Involved E&S Topics • Needs and expectations on the Program • Willingness to participate the Program 219 Appendix 6: Feedback of the Public Consultation on the ESSA No. Issues Comments Advised by Report Revision About the PforR activities 1 Appendix 1: Typical It is suggested to update according to Provincial It is agreed that the table activities under the project list which is still under DARA will be updated when the provincial and county- preparation; all activities in the project latest list of typical level government list are strongly linked to the RAs and activities is defined jointly programs DLIs and shall not be excluded. by the World Bank technical team and Gansu. The E&S team also explained that activities with high E&S risks will be excluded. 2 Full text: Description It is suggested to update all ‘project Provincial Updated of the project counties counties’ to ‘project counties (districts)’ DARA is not accurate Use a unified unit of fodder area. About E&S impacts or risks 3 Section 3.5: E&S risk Is it the same as the SSRA risk rating? Jingchuan The E&S team explained rating PLAC to all government departments that these are two different separate risk rating mechanisms. 4 Environment impacts The impacts on biodiversity should be Technical Updated in Section 3.4.1 identification and considered. expert hired by and Appendix 8. mitigation the PPMO About the versions and sufficiency of regulatory documents 5 Table 5-1: Applicable It is suggested to replace the ‘Gansu Provincial DNR Updated land acquisition and Province Block Compensation Land compensation policy Price on Farmland Acquisition (GZF has been updated [2020] No.41)’ by ‘Notice of the Gansu People’s Government on Issuing Standard of Block Compensation Land Price on Farmland Acquisition (GZF [2023] No.55)’. 6 Para 178, 179, and It is suggested to update the date as Provincial Updated Appendix 3: Date of ‘2021.12.30’.� Women’s issuing Plan of Gansu Federation Province for Women’s Jingchuan Development (2021– Women’s 2030) (GZF [2021] Federation No.91) and Plan of Gansu Province for Children’s Development (2021- 2030) (GZF [2021] No.91) is not accurate 7 Table 5-1: Date of It is suggested to update ‘May 2021’ to Provincial Updated issuing the Special ‘2021.4.28’ HRSSB Rules on the Labor Protection of Female Employees (Decree 220 No. Issues Comments Advised by Report Revision No.619 of the SC) (May 2012) is not accurate 8 Measures on The versions of 1997 and 2006 have Provincial Updated to the latest Environmental expired. PCPA regulations on letters and Complaints visits and relevant environment laws and regulations revised in 2021. 9 Version of applicable It is suggested to delete the information Provincial DEE Updated in Section 4.2 laws and regulations disclosure mechanism of EIA of on EIA and construction projects and update the information disclosure relevant provisions and time frame of of construction three times of information disclosure by projects the construction unit and two announcements and one public notice by the competent authority as stipulated in the Measures for Public Participation in EIA issued by the MEE in 2018. 10 Version and The Management Regulations on the Provincial Updated in Section 4.4.2 applicability of Preparation and Approval of Soil and WRB relevant laws and Water Conservation Plan for regulations on soil and Development and Construction Projects water conservation has expired. It is suggested to replace it with the Management Measures for the Soil and Water Conservation Plan of Construction Projects which is published in 2023 and update Table 4- 14 accordingly. Some technical specifications presented in the draft report are not applicable to the PforR Program. It is suggested to update them. About policy analysis and understanding 11 Para 143: Process of It is suggested to update as “For any Provincial DNR Updated land acquisition and project involving land acquisition and compensation house demolition, the Land Administration Law (effective from January 1, 2020) requires that the government at or above the county level shall be the responsible party of announcement and implementation. Before land application submission, DMS and SSRA should be conducted and the key information, e.g. the purpose and boundary of land acquisition, current status, compensation rate, resettlement mode, social security, etc. should be disclosed in the township (town), village and village group for at least 30 days, to collect comments from the affected rural collective economic organization and its members, village committee and other stakeholders. Upon completion of 221 No. Issues Comments Advised by Report Revision the relevant preliminary work, local people's governments at or above the county level may apply for land acquisition, and make land acquisition announcement and implementation upon approval in accordance with legal procedures.� 12 Para 148: It is suggested to update ‘16–18 years’ Provincial Updated Explanation of as ‘above 16 years old and below 18 HRSSB underage workers years old’. 13 Appendix 3: It is suggested to update ‘for no less Provincial As checked with the Process of social than 10 days’ to ‘for no less than 5 HRSSB HRSSB, the period of insurance for land-lost days’; update “and the government disclosure remains farmers provides corresponding subsidies to unchanged, and the rest land-expropriated farmers. The standard has been updated. of subsidy funds for land expropriation insurance is the provincial average annual salary of workers of the previous year multiplied by the proportion of land expropriated� to “subsidy funds for the participation of land-lost farmers in basic endowment insurance should be included in the project budget, counted as part of the cost of land acquisition, and arranged separately and in full in the compensation costs. The standard for the subsidy funds is the average annual wage of employed persons in full-calibre urban units in the previous year, multiplied by the proportion of land acquired.� 14 Para 266: It is suggested to update ‘township labor Provincial Updated GRM for labor dispute mediation center’ and ‘county HRSSB disputes government’s labor mediation center’ to ‘township labor disputes mediation center’ and ‘county-level labor disputes mediation center’. About analysis of E&S management systems 15 Para 221: Description It is suggested to update the ‘national Provincial Updated of cultural relics cultural relics protection unit’ to CHAB ‘national key cultural relics protection unit’. 16 Cultural relics review It is recommended that the Program Provincial It has been communicated of the PforR Program should avoid immovable cultural relics CHAB and aligned with the as far as possible in the process of PPMO and CPMOs. planning and site selection. The agricultural construction projects within the protection scope and construction control zone of cultural relics protection units and the area of immovable cultural relics which has not been approved and announced as cultural relics protection unit, should carry out reporting and approval procedures in accordance with 222 No. Issues Comments Advised by Report Revision the relevant laws and regulations for cultural relics protection. 17 Section 5.3.3: It is suggested to change all ‘overall Provincial DNR Updated Description of spatial land use planning’ to ‘overall spatial planning of national planning of national land’. land 18 Full text: Description It is suggested to update ‘EM village’ to Provincial EAC Updated of ethnic minority ‘EM-concentrated village’, ‘EM township’ to ‘EM-concentrated township’, ‘EM autonomous area’ to ‘ethnic autonomous area’. 19 Section 5.2.5 and It is suggested to separate the EM Provincial EAC The EM management Section 5.4.5: EM management system from vulnerable system is discussed management system groups management system. separately from the vulnerable groups by elements. 20 Para 258: Low-income The competent authority of the low- Provincial RRB Updated management system income is the CAB, and the RRB is responsible for the monitoring and management of people who are lifted out of poverty and those prone to poverty. 21 Para 251: Data of EM It should be updated as “there are 23 Zhengning Updated in Zhengning County EM groups with a total population of County 2,785, accounting for 1.15 percent of the total population. Among them, 2,592 are the Hui people, accounting for 93 percent of the total population of EM; there is one ethnic minority- concentrated township and 3 EM- concentrated villages.� 22 Para 256: Description It is suggested to delete all words about Zhengning Updated of ethnic minority religious belief. County 23 Para 193: Joint It is suggested to update as "With regard Provincial Updated Prevention and Control to brucellosis, anthrax, and other Health Mechanism for zoonotic diseases involved in the Commission Brucella melitensis livestock development industry under this PforR, in the case of brucellosis, the HC and AHVMB have established a joint prevention and control mechanism at the provincial level to exchange monitoring information on a monthly basis, regularly analyze and examine the outbreak, and jointly carry out research and supervision in key areas." 24 Section 5.4.1: The description is not accurate. It is Jingchuan Updated Technical staff of suggested to update as “County Animal DARA Jingchuan County Husbandry and Veterinary Medical AHVMB Center assigns professional technician to Jingchuan County Yudu Town Shengtong Livestock Farming Cooperatives as the cooperatives' designated technician.� 25 Para 233: Address It is suggested to update as “In the event Provincial Updated 223 No. Issues Comments Advised by Report Revision mechanism of labor of a labor dispute, the employee may HRSSB disputes file a complaint with the labor security supervisory agency of the local HRSSB. The labor security supervisory agency will file a case for investigation and handling within five working days after receiving the complaint that meets the principle of acceptance. Generally, it is required to address the complaint within 60 working days, which may be extended for up to 30 working days for cases in complex situations with the approval of the head of HRSSB. It can also apply for labor disputes arbitration. The effective period for applying for arbitration of labor disputes is one year.� 26 Appendix 8: Purchase It is suggested to update Provincial Updated of social insurance “purchase…insurance� to “pay HRSSB for …insurance.� 27 Para 173 and It is suggested to use the standards of Provincial CAB Updated Appendix 3: Standards 2023. of urban and rural MLS and subsidies for urban and rural people in extreme hardship 28 Full text: Description It is suggested to update all ‘basic Provincial DNR Updated of basic farmland farmland’ to ‘permanent basic farmland’ according to the revised policies. About institutional organization, roles, and responsibilities 30 Section 5.3.4 and It is suggested to update as “protect the Provincial Updated Section 5.3.5: legal rights and interests of women and Women’s Responsibilities of children, provide assistance to Federation Women’s Federation aggrieved women and children� and (WF) “responsible for uniting and mobilizing women to play a unique role in society and family, protecting the legal rights and interests of women and children, providing assistance to aggrieved women and children, promoting the implementation of the basic national policy of gender equality,� respectively. 31 Section 5.3.3: It is suggested to update as “The Provincial Updated Responsibilities of HRSSB is responsible for calculating of HRSSB HRSSB subsidy funds for the social insurance of land-lost farmers, processing the participation and payment of insurance premiums, approving and disbursing the pension, and doing a good job of managing the subsidy funds for land- lost farmers.� 32 Para 192: Institutional It is suggested to update “At the same Jingchuan HC Updated organization of time, public medical institutions Jingchuan HC qualified for occupational health 224 No. Issues Comments Advised by Report Revision examination are set up in Jingchuan County, including County Hospital, county disease prevention and control center, township hospital, and community health service centers� as “At the same time, public medical institutions qualified for occupational health examination are set up in Jingchuan County, namely County Hospital.� The staff number of the Health and Wellness Affairs Center should be updated as 5. 33 Full text: Name of The NRB and Planning Bureau has been Provincial DNR Updated NRB combined as one department, it should be updated as ‘NRB’. 34 Responsibility of EIA The qualifications of consulting Provincial DEE Updated in Section 4.2 competent authorities agencies for the preparation of EIA and Jingchuan EEB and Appendix 3 the manner of registration and filing of EIA are not accurate, and there is no mandatory requirement for technical assessment before the approval of EIA. The statement of environment protection acceptance upon project completion conducted by construction unit independently is not precise enough. 35 Para 93: Responsibility The definition of ‘three lines and one Provincial DEE Updated in Section 4.4.1 of EEB on ‘three lines list’ as well as the responsibilities of and Para 93. and one list’ EEB at the provincial and municipal levels on ‘three lines and one list’ is not accurate and needs to be updated. 36 Role of environment As specified in the 14th Five-Year Plan Provincial DEE Updated in Section 4.3.1 law enforcement team on Livestock and Poultry Pollution on livestock and Prevention of Gansu Province and the poultry pollution Implementation Plan of Agriculture prevention and Exempted from Pollution Control and supervision Supervision in Gansu Province, the environment law enforcement team is also responsible for supporting and urging livestock farming enterprises to implement pollution prevention and control in addition to environment regulatory responsibilities. 225 Appendix 7: Field Visit Records Photologs for Chapter 4 on Environmental Management System Assessment 4-3 EMS for Livestock Breeding and Farming Figure 4-3-1: Exhaust gas Figure 4-3-2: Manure Figure 4-3-3: Feed processing Figure 4-3-4: Lab deodorizer installed in Tianxin collection tank installed in plant in the New Plateau management procedures Livestock Farming the New Plateau Livestock Livestock Farming formulated by Agricultural Demonstration Base in Lanzhou Farming demonstration base demonstration base in Technology Service Center New District in Lanzhou New District Lanzhou New District of Lanzhou New District Figure 4-3-5: Dry manure dump Figure 4-3-6: Dry manure Figure 4-3-7: Organic Figure 4-3-8: Rules and in Guazhou Breeding Center dump in Guazhou Fertilizer Production Center Measures formulated by Ecological Circular in Guazhou Ecological entity running Guazhou Agricultural Sectoral Park Circular Agricultural Sectoral Ecological Circular Park Agricultural Sectoral Park Figure 4-3-9: Sanitary disposal of Figure 4-3-10: Livestock Figure 4-3-11: Isolation room Figure 4-3-12: Manure dead and diseased animals in farming zone run by a for diseased animals in a dump and fermentation tank Guazhou Ecological Circular household in Qigong livestock farming zone run by run by a cooperative Agricultural Sectoral Park Village of Guazhou County a cooperative 226 Figure 4-3-13: Approval Figure 4-3-14: Form filled Figure 4-3-15: Approval Figure 4-3-16: Opinion of document of EEB on EIA form by Xinruiwang Livestock document of Jiuquan Jiuquan Municipal EEB on for a regional center for Farming Cooperative for Municipal EEB on EIA form environmental acceptance comprehensive treatment and registration at EEB for of a project for increased check at construction resources utilization of livestock endorsement ecology and environmental completion of increased and poultry manure in Sunan monitoring capacity of ecology and environmental County Guazhou County monitoring capacity of Guazhou County Figure 4-3-17: Approval Figure 4-3-18: Approval Figure 4-3-19: Safety Figure 4-3-20: Notice of document of WRB on WSC document of WRB on WSC facilities design for sheep and Zhangye Municipal EEB on scheme report for a livestock scheme report for facility cattle slaughtering, splitting a Plan for on-site inspection farms project located in rural agriculture base to be used and deep processing of ecological and revitalization industrial park of for sheep breeding (with production lines run by environmental law Lanzhou New District stock capacity of 5,000) Grassland Huicheng Agro- enforcement facility run by Gansu food Co. Ltd of Sunan Huarui Agricultural County Corporation Limited in Minle County 227 Figure 4-3-21: Notice of Sunan Figure 4-3-22: Approval Figure 4-3-23: Agreement Figure 4-3-24: Unified fills Branch of Zhangye Municipal opinion of Guazhou branch signed for disposal of medical for transferring hazardous EEB and Sunan County ARAB EEB on the ‘A inspection waste generated by Jingchuan waste generated by Minle on issuing and distributing the opinion of livestock and County Veterinary Service County veterinary Implementation Plan of poultry manure storage yard Center workstations Agricultural NPS Pollution and other simple pollution Control and Supervision in Sunan treatment facilities’ County (trial) Figure 4-3-25: Permit for Figure 4-3-26: Letter of Figure 4-3-27: Medical waste Figure 4-3-28: Agreement hazardous waste treatment held Gansu EED on business permit held by signed for centralized by Gansu Jingchuang Lvfeng environmental acceptance Pingliang Municipal disposal of medical waste Environmental Technological Co. check after completion of Huanchuang Centralized generated by Zhengning Ltd. construction of the Medical Waste Disposal Co. County Community Health hazardous disposal center Ltd. Service Center project 4-4 EMS for Eco-Environment Conservation Figure 4-4-1: Artificial forage cultivation land development and Figure 4-4-2: Review opinions of the EEB on the special forage cultivation report on the impact of breeding center construction projects on the ecological environment of nature protected areas 228 Figure 4-4-3: Feed processing and distribution at a quality artificial forage cultivation base 4-5 EMS for Animal Health, Agro-Food Quality and Publics Health and Safety Figure 4-5-1: Inspection of livestock farming facility and issuing Figure 4-5-2: Flow chart of a county AHVMB in certificate to facilities meeting animal epidemic prevention administrative licensing procedures conditions 229 Figure 4-5-3: Animal quarantine personnel training, assessment, and quarantine certificate management Figure 4-5-4: Flow chart of handling major animal epidemics at Figure 4-5-5: Layout of a veterinary service and agro-food the county level testing lab at the county level Figure 4-5-6: SOP of a veterinary service and agro-food testing lab and separate collection of different categories of wastes 230 Figure 4-5-7: Procedures and records of an administrative law enforcement team for supervision and inspection and for animal health and epidemic prevention Photologs for Chapter 5 Social Management System Figure 0-1: Notice of the Figure 0-2: SSRA workflow of Zhengning County Figure 0-3: FALU filing form of the Guazhou PLAC on the Guziwen Livestock Farm Conduct of SSRA for Major Matters 231 Figure 0-4: Qualification review Figure 0-5: SSRA report and filing sheet of the Figure 0-6: Mitigation on the LURT of Guazhou Shunyue cattle shed construction project in Niujiayu measures for operational Agro-machinery Service Village, Gaoping Town risks of Guazhou Cooperatives Shunyue Agro- machinery Service Cooperatives Figure 0-7: Notice on the Figure 0-8: Examination Figure 0-9: Reply of Sunan Figure 0-10: Reply of Protection Scope of County- Opinion on the Cultural CTB on the verification of Guazhou CTB on the level Cultural Relics Relics Protection Area cultural relics in a livestock verification of cultural Protection Units and within the Preliminary Site farming zone construction relics in a livestock farming Construction Control Zone Selection of the Jingchuan project zone construction project published by the People’s County Red Bull Industry Government of Minle Park Infrastructure County Construction Project 232 Figure 0-11: Figure 0-12: Figure 0-13: Figure 0-14: Figure 0-15: Test Construction contract Completion and Sample of labor Sample of the report on beef of the affiliated acceptance report of contract of safety and fire issued by the MSA facilities of Guazhou safety facilities of the Guazhou livestock inspection record of Hedong township Caoyuan Huicheng breeding base Guazhou ARAB beef cattle farming cattle and sheep zone-safety slaughtering, cutting, management contract and processing line construction project Figure 0-16: Reply of Figure 0-17: Sample Figure 0-18: Payment record the NRB of Lanzhou of LURT agreement of LURT leasing fee New District on the site selection of the Gansu Province Rural Revitalization Industrial Park Ecological Livestock Farming Park Project (phase II) Figure 0-19: ‘Annual Figure 0-20: Sample Figure 0-21: Letter of Figure 0-22: FGD in EM- Cultivated Land In- of FALU restoration Jingchuan ARAB on concentrated village (Songmutan Out Balance Plan’ of agreement handling the issues Village, Sunan) Sunan County in 2023 related to LURT of a land 233 Figure 0-23: FGD in EM- Figure 0-24: FGD in EM- Figure 0-25: Information disclosure and meetings concentrated village (Huiyuan concentrated village (Dataocan for public comments on the Plan for Construction Village, Guazhou) Village, Sunan) of a Demonstration Zone for the Common Prosperity of All Ethnic Groups in Sunan County Figure 0-26: Village meeting Figure 0-27: Consultations with Figure 0-28: Consultations with of Liuzhuangzi Village in Q1 provincial government departments county-level government departments 2023 234 Appendix 8: Generic E&S Mitigation Measures The following general E&S impact mitigation measures are summarized in this report based on previous experiences in similar project or program management. Specific mitigation measures for each main activity under the PforR Program will be detailed in the specific and standardized subsections on E&S management, with estimated cost, and included in the bidding documents and contracts. Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures Pollution Civil works Potential pollution from The bidding documents and construction contract prevention construction dust, noise, wastewater, shall include environmental protection clauses; the and control construction waste, contractors’ construction implementation plan shall spoil, and so on incorporate environmental protection measures recommended in the approved EIA and water conservation scheme into their construction design, (such as water sprinkling to reduce dust, reasonable arrangement of operating hours and installation of sound barriers, collection and reuse of construction wastewater); these clauses and measures are implemented by the construction unit, inspected by the supervision unit, monitored by the employer, and supervised by the EEBs or Housing and Urban and Rural Construction Bureaus (HURCBs). Operation of Potential pollution from Livestock and farms or farming zones shall apply livestock and odor, wastewater, separation of urine from dry feces, biological poultry farming, biogas residue, biogas fermentation, and other processes and technologies manure treatment slurry, and so on to reduce the volume of wastewater and odor impact and utilization and spray deodorants on livestock sheds and manure facilities treatment facilities. The biogas residue and biogas liquid can be reused as organic fertilizer by in-depth fermentation. The ARABs, EEBs, shall strengthen supervision and provide technical guidance and training. Slaughtering and Odor, wastewater Installation of deodorization device, on-site meat processing wastewater treatment stations to ensure effluent compliance with discharge standard. The ARABs, EEBs, shall strengthen supervision and provide technical guidance and training. Veterinary service Medical waste, Wastes generated from such labs are usually medical and agro-food hazardous waste or hazardous wastes, which shall be collected quality and safety separately on-site and handed over to the certified testing labs agencies for unified collection, transfer, and disposal. Contracts shall be signed between the labs and the certified agencies with unified bills for transfer and disposal. Artificial forage Soil degradation and Applying test-based formula fertilization, integrated cultivation environmental pollution water-nutrient irrigation technologies, substitute from agricultural runoff chemical fertilizer by organic fertilizer to reduce the caused by improper use use of chemical fertilizer. The ARABs, shall of fertilizers strengthen supervision and provide technical guidance and training. Environmental Strictly implement the pesticide management pollution, animal mechanism, licensing mechanism for pesticide health, agro-food safety producers and sellers. IPM is highly encouraged. The 235 Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures impact, human health use of green prevention and control technologies impact caused by such as ecological management, healthy cultivation, improper use of biological control, and physical control shall be pesticides promoted to reduce the use of pesticides. The ARABs, shall strengthen supervision and provide technical guidance and training. Ecological Civil works Short-term disturbance The construction units shall be responsible for conservation construction to artificial or natural requesting the contractors to taking actions to ecosystem, impact on implement those mitigation measures on eco- water ecological environmental conservation, that the WSC environment, local soil recommended in the EIA document or WSC scheme. erosion, and so on For example, controlling the length of working time in water; scheduling construction period during dry seasons; in water operations, isolation construction methods (building dikes or diverting water) can be used to keep from disturbing silt; avoiding important stages in the life cycle of plants and animals (such as migration season, spawning season); avoiding soil erosion caused by construction during rainy days; restoring surface vegetation on time after construction, and regularly carrying out water protection monitoring. Artificial forage Destruction of forest, Strictly abide by the relevant national laws and cultivation grasslands, and wetland regulations; strictly observe the ERL mechanism for resources; forest pests natural protected areas; it is forbidden to destroy and forest fires forests and grass for land reclamation; prevent and control invasive alien species; implement the responsibility system for forest and pests and fire prevention and control; carry out forest and grasslands resources monitoring, and so on. Health and Civil works Health and safety risks The contractors shall set up a safety management safety construction to construction workers unit and mechanism, and be staffed with full-time due to excessive force, safety personnel; appropriate safety construction slips, dust, moving measures and safety protection facilities shall be machinery, excavation, made at the construction site, and distinct safety and construction in warning signs shall be placed at dangerous locations confined spaces of the construction site; construction workers shall be provided with standard PPE and safety trainings and informed, in writing, of the operation procedures of dangerous positions. Construction supervision firm shall designate full-time safety personnel responsible for safety supervision in accordance with laws, regulations, and construction standards. Animal health and Environmental and Control farm animals, equipment, personnel, and disease, zoonotic ecological safety wild or domestic animals entering the facility (for disease prevention incidents pose risks to example, quarantine periods for new animals, and control the health and safety of washing and disinfecting crates, disinfection and farmers, veterinary coverage of shoes before entry into livestock zones, quarantine personnel, providing protective clothing to personnel, and laboratory workers, closing holes in buildings to keep out wild animals； communities, and the sanitize animal sheds or housing areas, identify and public segregate sick animals and develop management procedures for adequate removal and disposal of dead animals); vehicles that go from farm to farm 236 Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures shall be subject to special precautions such as limiting their operation to special areas with biosecurity measures, spraying of tires, and treating parking areas with disinfectants. Voluntarily receive compulsory animal immunization. Operating agencies shall abide by production safety laws, regulations, and technical norms to establish a production safety management system, set up full- time safety officers, and formulate safety operation procedures, formulate emergency plans for responding to animal epidemics and reporting to the EMBs for record, and conduct emergency response program exercises. In veterinary service labs and agro-food quality testing labs, biosafety cabinets shall be installed at the key points of aerosol emission and fume hoods at key points of volatile organic compound emission. For the use of hazardous chemicals, veterinary labs shall assign particular staff responsible for managing medical waste and other hazardous waste; when working in limited space, distinct safety warning signs shall be placed and workers or operators shall be provided with training and PPE. Operating agencies shall regularly carry out self-inspection of cleaning and disinfection operations, and government departments shall regularly inspect and provide guidance. The villagers, community residents, and the general public should be extensively trained or educated on the knowledge of preventive measures for preventing and controlling animal diseases, especially zoonotic diseases. Animal welfare Mistreating livestock Provide farm animals with healthy and clean feed animals will affect and water, shed or protection, good veterinary care animal health, lead to including vaccination, periodic checks for the high incidence of presence of parasites or sickness. Use compliant animal disease, reduce additives according to relevant standards and breeding efficiency, and specifications. Any sick or injured animals should be affect the quality of treated or cared for to alleviate pain and distress as agro-food products soon as practically possible; animals should be handled using low-stress methods, equipment, and facilities that facilitate calm animal movement; animal accommodation should be designed, constructed, and maintained to allow all animals space to stand, stretch, turn around, sit, and or lie down comfortably. Facilities for loading, transporting, and unloading should be designed, constructed, and maintained to permit proper handling of animals and minimize risk of injury; prior to slaughter, proper handling techniques, and lighting, space, and ventilation should be used to keep the animals calm. Animals should be slaughtered as soon as possible after arriving at the slaughter facility. In cases where animals are kept for long periods prior to slaughter, feed and water must 237 Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures be provided and no water shall be injected for the purpose of increased weight. Agro-food safety Hazards to public health Mechanisms of site certificates, institutional from residues of licensing, animal epidemic prevention and control veterinary drugs, feed certificate should be obtained before livestock farms additives and or farming zones are put into operation, with official contaminants in animal veterinarians, and so on. products Veterinary drugs and animal food additives are used under the advisory supervision of official veterinarians. Strictly implement the sectoral standards for ensuring the quality and safety of livestock products issued by MARA; avoid excessive veterinary use and illegal use of animal feed additives. AHVMBs and MSAs shall strengthen the supervision and inspection. Livestock manure Risks of environmental Ensure that all underground manure storage tanks treatment and emergencies, odors, and and lagoons are properly covered and fenced off at a resource hazardous chemicals sufficient height; store liquid manure (for example, utilization, operating in limited in barn pits, pumping stations, storage tanks, and sanitary treatment space application tankers) to minimize release of dangerous of sick and dead gases (for example, hydrogen sulfide); design pens, animals gates, and chutes to facilitate movement of livestock and reduce the need for farm workers to enter pens; instruct staff in correct livestock care to reduce the incidence of bites and kicks. Enterprises, cooperatives, households engaged in the livestock sector, as required, shall improve measures such as the collection and treatment of feces and the sanitary treatment of sick and dead livestock and poultry to eliminate hidden dangers from the source, establish safe production mechanisms, and provide on-the-job training for operators and equip them with necessary PPE, assign full-time safety personnel, formulate safety code of procedures, prepare emergency plans for environmental emergencies, report the plan to EMBs for recording, carry out emergency drills, close the main links that produce odor according to the design requirements, obtain licenses for the use of hazardous chemicals and assign personnel to manage them, set up warning signs and harmful substances notification plates in limited spaces. Government departments must conduct regular inspections and provide guidance. Artificial forage Risk of health effects of Formulate and implement IPM programs and cultivation pesticides, rodenticides, strengthen the training and guidance on the safe use and insecticides of pesticides; operators shall wear necessary protective equipment when applying pesticides (for example, gloves, protective clothing, goggles, masks). Cultural Construction of Cultural relics No construction works or operations such as blasting, relics facilities underground may be drilling, and digging are allowed within a historical protection excavated and cultural protected site. At the time of site selection for a construction project, the location where immovable cultural relics are located should 238 Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures be avoided. If it is necessary for a construction project, it should first be approved by the cultural relic authority and then the urban-rural development and planning authority. Within the protection area or construction-restricted area of a protected cultural relic, any facilities that may pollute such relics and their environment are not allowed to be constructed, and any activities that may affect their safety and environment are not allowed. Before launching a large-scale infrastructure construction project, the construction unit shall first apply to the provincial cultural relic authority for arranging a unit engaged in archaeological excavations to conduct archaeological investigation at places where cultural relics may be buried underground within the project area. When the construction unit prepares the budget, they should allocate funds for cultural relics protection as contingency expenses in the project budget. Before the project implementation begins, both the project management unit and the construction unit should provide additional training to their on-site staff to enhance their awareness of cultural relics protection. If cultural relics such as historical sites or tombs are discovered during the construction process, construction activities should be immediately halted to protect the site, and the Yichang Municipal CTB should be contacted to handle the situation. Labor Construction of Potential labor disputes, The operation units shall sign labor contracts or management facilities; O&M of for example, labor service contracts with employees at the time of manure treatment relationship, payment of onboarding according to law, and the terms of facilities, forage salary, social security, working time, location, salary; timely payment, planting and and so on social security insurance for workers, and timely and processing complete salary payment should be included. The facilities, animal local HRSSBs shall supervise and inspect operation and plants units regularly, and request to take corrective action inspection and if any noncompliance identified. GRMs must be quarantine, maintained to receive and resolve related complaints. livestock Potential gender Implement gender equality, equal pay for equal slaughtering, discrimination, like work, remove restriction on male recruitment; livestock products refusing to hire women develop special preferential policies for female processing employees, like providing free cervical and breast facilities, and so cancer screening and physical examination, listen to on female employees’ opinions when taking decisions, ensure pregnant women are not placed in positions requiring high strength or in poor working environment, provide maternity leave and other protection measures and welfare measures in accordance with the law. Potential OHS risks Operation units shall identify and test occupational health hazard factors; implement the ‘three simultaneous’ measures, develop, and implement an OHS training plan for workers; provide necessary PPE for workers during operation, and organize and 239 Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures carry out regular physical examination, and purchase work-related injury insurance for all employees. Community Construction of Daily life and Conduct FSR, SSRA, and so on, at the preparation impacts facilities productivity of stage according to law, including alternative sites surrounding residents selection, social impacts identification, analysis, may be affected due to mitigation, and monitoring plan; carry out dust, noise and ‘three information disclosure and public participation wastes’ generated activities to inform people about potential adverse impacts in advance, negotiate and design mitigation measures; and set up GRM to receive, resolve, and reply to related grievance, appeal, complaints on time. Involuntary Construction of TLU may be involved Site selection should adhere to the principle of "how resettlement facilities much to use, how much to approve, how much to occupy, and how much to restore," and try not to occupy or occupy minimum farmland. For temporary land that is difficult to restore after use, the occupation of cultivated land must be strictly controlled. If it is indeed needed to occupy permanent basic farmland, it must be able to restore it to the original planting conditions. Organize and carry out information disclosure and public participation activities to fully consult farmers' opinions. Sign land use and compensation agreements, in which terms of land use area, period, and payment time should be listed. Set up GRM to receive, resolve, and reply to related grievance, appeal, complaints on time. Forage planting, LURT may be involved Organize and carry out information disclosure and livestock farming public participation activities to fully consult farmers' opinions following legal, voluntariness, and compensation principles. Sign LURT agreements, in which terms of land use area, period, rent, and payment timeline should be listed. For projects involving the transfer of land use rights of the whole village (group) with a large area, numerous rural households and higher operational risks, risk security funds may be established. Give priority to affected farmers when there are any employment opportunities. Set up GRM to receive, resolve, and reply to related grievance, appeal, complaints on time. Construction of FALU may be involved Follow the law, voluntariness, and compensation livestock farming principles. Organize and carry out information zones, livestock disclosure and public participation activities to fully and poultry consult farmers' opinions. Sign land use and manure treatment compensation agreements, in which terms of land use and resource area, period, and payment time is listed. Give priority utilization to the affected farmers, if there is a demand for labor facilities, forage or during the construction and operation and straw processing maintenance of facilities. Process the procedures for facilities, FALU on time. Set up GRM to receive, resolve, and inspection and reply related grievance, appeal, complaints on time. quarantine 240 Item Main Activities Main Impacts Generic Mitigation Measures facilities, and so on Ethnic All program Some ethnic townships During the preparation and implementation phase of minorities activities or villages may be the project, conduct extensive consultation and affected negotiation with representatives of EMs during the program activities preparation and implementation. Respect and incorporate their opinions into the program activities design. Vulnerable All program Vulnerable groups may During the preparation and implementation phase of groups activities be affected more the project, conduct extensive consultation and heavily than others negotiation with representatives of vulnerable groups during the program activities preparation and implementation. Respect and incorporate their opinions into the program activities design. Develop and implement supporting measures for affected vulnerable groups, for example, give priority to them in labor use, provide welfare employment opportunities, covered by urban or rural MLS. 241 Appendix 9: Records of Focus Group Discussion with EM- concentrated Village Leaders and Villager Representatives 1. Huiyuan Village, Qidun Township of the Hui and Dongxiang People, Guazhou County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Date: October 21, 2023 Location: Huiyuan Village, Qidun Township of the Hui and Dongxiang People, Guazhou County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Attendees: One representative of the PPMO, one representative of the ARAB of Guazhou County, one representative of the Qidun township government, three representatives of the Huiyuan village committee, and ten representatives of villagers (among which, four were female, all are EM people) Records: The social specialist briefly introduced about the PforR, typical activities, goals of this FGD to all representatives, learned about the social, economic, and cultural conditions, and sought comments and suggestions from representatives on the PforR and its potential E&S impacts. Basic information about the population of Huiyuan Village: This village consists of five villager groups, with a total of 173 households and 1,049 persons. All of them are EMs, with 50 percent each of Hui and Dongxiang people. The villagers are living in a concentrated area. The village has a total labor force of about 310 people, and most of them work in other cities in Gansu Province and outside the province, mainly working on construction sites, electronics factories, and so on. There are 142 households and 859 persons who have been lifted out of poverty, 34 persons with disability, 29 households and 103 persons living on the minimum living security, and no households in extreme hardship. According to the representative of the villagers, the Dongxiang people have their own language and characters, and the Hui people basically speak Mandarin, which is a local dialect. The main daily communication language is the local dialect. The customs and culture of the Dongxiang and Hui people are basically the same, such as the Eid al-Adha, Friday prayers, and so on. In 2022, the annual net income per capita of the villagers was CNY 12,442—of this, 50 percent was from migrant work, 30 percent was from agricultural planting, and 20 percent from livestock farming. The village has a certain amount of EM development funds every year, normally used for upgrading and renovating livestock farming facilities, such as pen repairs, and so on. The village has a total of 5,665 mu of cultivated land, with an average cultivated land per capita of about 5 mu; forest land covers about 1,000 mu, primarily designated for farmland shelterbelt purposes; the rest are wasteland and unused land, no grassland area. The cultivated land is predominantly planted with corn, alfalfa, and safflower, all of which are cultivated by the households themselves, without any LURT arrangements. Corn and alfalfa are mainly used as forage for their own livestock production. The village is identified as a specialized livestock production community, currently housing 510 cattle and over 10,000 sheep, all raised in fixed enclosures situated around residential areas. Lambs are typically bred by villagers themselves. The forage primarily comes from locally cultivated corn and alfalfa, supplemented by purchases from surrounding townships. The manure of cattle and sheep is usually gathered in spring, left to undergo natural fermentation, and subsequently utilized in fields during spring plowing. The livestock disease control and prevention are mainly managed by village-level veterinary officers, administering compulsory vaccinations in both spring and autumn for free. Cattle and sheep that die of diseases are generally handled by the villagers themselves by burying them in excavated pits. There is no 242 centralized disposal site for animals that die of diseases or waste in surrounding townships. Traders visit the village to purchase cattle and sheep periodically, so villagers do not need to transport animals to designated markets. Additionally, the county and township animal husbandry and veterinary medicine stations offer irregular livestock farming-related skill training sessions for farmers. Village representatives expressed that they had not heard about the PforR. Because there is no grassland in the village, there are no subsidies related to prohibiting grazing, rotation grazing, or balance between capacity of grassland and livestock. Villagers traditionally release cattle and sheep into harvested fields for a duration of approximately two weeks in autumn. Testing for brucellosis primarily falls under the purview of the county. In the event of infectious diseases such as brucellosis in cattle and sheep, centralized intervention is carried out by the township government. There are two livestock farming zones in the village, constructed with funding from the local government, but they are currently underutilized. Representatives interviewed generally support the PforR implementation, recognizing the potential benefits for the village's livestock industry and the enhancement of livestock quality. However, concerns were also raised about the potential increase in costs associated with low-emission livestock production techniques. Information disclosure and public participation: There is a WeChat group that all villagers have been invited in. Notices and information are usually disseminated to villagers through WeChat. Village meetings are held for comments when majority of the villagers are affected by any event or project. GRM: Villagers usually contact the village committee first for resolution if they have any questions, suggestions, or complaints on an event. Representatives of the village committee and villagers expressed that most of the grievances or complaints can be addressed at the village level. 2. Xinhua Village of Shuangta Township in Guazhou County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Date: November 21, 2023 Location: Xinhua Village of Shuangta Township in Guazhou County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Attendees: One representative of the PPMO, one representative of the ARAB of Guazhou County, one representative of the Shuangta township government, one representatives of the village committee, and seven representatives of villagers (all male and EM people) Records: The social specialist briefly introduced about the PforR, typical activities, goals of this FGD to all representatives, learned about the social, economic, and cultural conditions, and sought comments and suggestions from representatives on the PforR and its potential E&S impacts. Basic information about the population: The village consists of five villager groups, totaling 431 households with 2,561 persons—all are the Hui people. They relocated from Yongjing County in 2003 and reside collectively. The village has about 900 people in the labor force, of which 500 are working outside as migrant workers in sectors such as construction, catering, factories, and transportation. There are 244 households that have been lifted out of poverty, 44 persons with disabilities, 71 households with 225 persons living on minimum living subsidies, and one household categorized as in extreme hardship. According to villager representatives, the Hui people in the village primarily communicate in the local Chinese dialect of Mandarin. In terms of customs and culture, the key distinctions between the Hui people and the Han manifest in dietary preferences and festivals (such as Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and Friday prayers). The main sources of income for villagers are migrant work, supplemented by livestock farming. In 2022, the average annual net income per capita for villagers was about CNY 10,000—of this, migrant work accounted 243 for 40 percent, livestock farming 30 percent, crop cultivation 20 percent, and other sources accounted for the remaining 10 percent. The village did not receive any EM development funds. The village has a total cultivated land area of 7,200 mu, with average cultivated land per capita of approximately 3 mu. Forest land covers about 1,100 mu, while the remaining areas consist of wasteland and unused land. There is no grassland in the village. The cultivated land is primarily used for the cultivation of wheat, corn, Chinese wolfberry, and licorice. Most of the land is cultivated by villagers themselves, while some households with limited labor force lease their land to other households for planting or livestock farming at a rate of about CNY 200 per mu per year. Wheat and corn are mainly used as forage for livestock production. The village is one of the specialized livestock production communities, currently housing over 500 cattle and more than 8,000 sheep. These animals are housed in fixed enclosures situated around the residential area of households, with an average of several dozen to over a hundred sheep per household. The village has one livestock farming zone, with over 10 households engaging in livestock farming within the designated area. Lambs are typically bred by the villagers themselves, and forage is primarily sourced from locally cultivated crops and purchased from surrounding townships. About 50 percent of households in the village possess forage processing machinery, while others borrow such equipment from neighbors. The manure of cattle and sheep is usually excavated in spring, left to naturally ferment, and then utilized in fields during spring plowing. Disease prevention and control for cattle and sheep is overseen by village- level veterinary officers, with compulsory vaccinations administered in both spring and autumn for free. Animals died of diseases are generally buried by villagers in excavated pits. Traders visit the village to purchase cattle and sheep periodically, so villagers do not need to transport animals to designated markets. The county-level and township-level animal husbandry and veterinary medicine stations offer irregular livestock farming-related skill trainings for farmers, including guidance on disease prevention measures. Village representatives mentioned being previously unaware of the PforR. Given that there is no grassland in the village, there are no related grassland subsidies and programs on balance between capacity of grassland and livestock. Regarding the PforR activities, representatives interviewed expressed support, recognizing potential benefits for the village's livestock industry and the enhancement of livestock quality, for example, organic fertilizer processing could contribute to improving the efficiency of manure utilization. The village has established a WeChat group encompassing all villagers, serving as a platform for daily communication. Typically, village affairs involving villagers are disseminated and opinions are sought through the WeChat group and village meetings. Regarding grievances and complaints, villagers commonly choose to contact the village committee for coordination and resolution. Both village committee and villager representatives conveyed that most of the grievances can be effectively addressed at the village level. 3. Dacaotan Village of Kangle Township in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Date: October 24, 2023 Location: Dacaotan Village of Kangle Township in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Attendees: One representative of the PPMO, one representative of the ARAB of Sunan County, one representative of the ERAB, one representative of the Kangle township government, 1 representatives of the village committee and 13 representatives of villagers (including five female) Records: 244 The social specialist briefly introduced about the PforR, typical activities, goals of this FGD to all representatives, learned about the social, economic, and cultural conditions, and sought comments and suggestions from representatives on the PforR and its potential E&S impacts. Basic information about the population: Dacaotan Village is predominantly inhabited by the Yugur ethnic group, with other ethnicities such as Hui, Han, and Mongolian also residing in this village. The village has a total of 108 households with 329 persons, among which, females account for 51 percent of the population. There are 85 EM households with 286 persons, accounting for 87 percent of the total population. The village has a labor force of 268 persons, with the majority engaged in livestock farming activities, and only around 20 persons working outside the village. There are 14 persons with disabilities, 14 households with 14 persons living on minimum living subsidies, and three households categorized as in extreme hardship. According to villager representatives, the Yugur people have their own language but no characters, and they believe in Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan and Mongolian ethnic groups have their own languages and characters, while the Tu people do not have a distinct language and characters. The Yugur language in the village is similar to the Mongolian language. Despite the diversity, all villagers can speak Mandarin in local Chinese dialect. Residents adapt their dwelling patterns based on seasonal grazing demands, with a relatively concentrated settlement during the summer and a more dispersed one in winter. Men in the family primarily handle livestock farming activities and other heavy works, while women are chiefly responsible for taking care of the elderly, children, and domestic chores. Additionally, villagers place significant emphasis on education, reflected in the relatively high education level of children in each household— generally every household has at least one child who has studied or is studying in university. The primary source of income for villagers is livestock farming activities. In 2022, the average annual net income per capita reached CNY 25,000. Of this, livestock farming accounted for 85 percent, crop cultivation accounted for 10 percent, and migrant work accounted for 5 percent. The village received EM development funds from the national and provincial levels every year, for example, it was CNY 4.26 million in 2022 and CNY 2.1 million in 2023. These funds were primarily allocated for infrastructure development within the village and the improvement of the livestock industry, including the construction of roads, houses, and enclosures. Each household possesses a small car for transportation and an agricultural vehicle for livestock farming needs. Cultivated land is normally used for the cultivation of forage such as corn and oats for self-use. There is one livestock farming cooperative and 65 livestock farming households. At the end of 2022, there was an inventory of about 11,000 sheep and 2,600 yaks in the village, averaging 200 sheep per household in the realm of cattle and sheep farming:  Each household has fixed enclosures in front and behind their residential houses and simple quarters and enclosures on the pasture.  Breeding primarily relies on natural mating, with unified and free breeding services provided by the township animal husbandry and veterinary medicine stations.  Animal disease prevention and control involve two to three rounds of deworming and vaccination conducted by the township animal husbandry and veterinary medicine stations annually. Key diseases include brucellosis and enterotoxemia. According to the survey, villagers’ representatives surveyed rarely wear necessary masks and gloves during lambing, and there had been cases of villagers being infected with brucellosis. Manure disposal methods primarily include (i) sheep dung collected by planting households in the agricultural area for fermentation and returning to the fields and (ii) cattle dung used as fuel by farmers themselves.  Regarding animals that died of diseases, there are some designated harmless treatment pits in the village primarily using deep burial as the disposal method.  Cattle and sheep sales mainly involve door-to-door purchases by traders. 245  The county and township animal husbandry and veterinary medicine stations conduct two to three training sessions annually on livestock farming, covering topics such as breeding techniques and disease prevention and control. These sessions are typically organized in spring, summer, and autumn. The villagers' representatives expressed that they had not heard of this PforR before, but were very supportive of the PforR implementation, believing that it would be beneficial to the development of the village's livestock farming industry, the improvement of farming techniques, and would not have any significant negative impacts. They also expressed their expectations on improvement and maintenance of enclosures, grass-storage sheds, and so on. In terms of information disclosure and public participation, villagers' representatives said that similar projects had been implemented in their village before and that they had been notified by way of public announcements and village meetings prior to implementation, and that the feedback from the villagers had basically been adopted. When it comes to complaints and grievances, villagers generally choose to contact the village committee for coordination. The representatives of villagers and village community indicated that most complaints could be resolved at the village level. In response to the feedback from the villagers' representatives during the FGD, the technical experts of the PforR team provided detailed answers and reminded the representatives of the farmers to further strengthen personal safety protection and take the necessary safety measures, such as wearing gloves, masks, and so on, in the process of livestock farming. 4. Songmutan Village of Dahe Township in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Date: October 24, 2023 Location: Songmutan Village of Dahe Township in Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye City, Gansu Province Attendees: One representative of the PPMO, one representative of the ARAB of Sunan County, one representative of the ERAB, one representative of the Kangle township government, one representative of the village committee, and ten representatives of villagers (including five female) Records: The social specialist briefly introduced about the PforR, typical activities, goals of this FGD to all representatives, learned about the social, economic, and cultural conditions, and sought comments and suggestions from representatives on the PforR and its potential E&S impacts. Basic information about the population: Songmutan Village is predominantly inhabited by the Yugur ethnic group, with other ethnicities such as Hui, Tu, and Han also residing in this village. The village has a total of 106 households with 291 persons—of these, females account for 47 percent. There are 90 EM households with 240 persons, accounting for 82 percent of the total population. The village has a labor force of about 100 persons. Among them, those under 30 years are working outside as migrant workers and the rest are engaged in livestock farming activities. There are 9 persons with disabilities, 9 households with 19 persons living on minimum living subsidies, and one person categorized as in extreme hardship. According to villager representatives, the Yugur people has their own language but no characters, and they believe in Buddhism. The Tu people do not have a distinct language and characters. Villager speak their own language and Mandarin in local dialect in daily communication, while children normally speak Mandarin. All 246 villagers live in the urban area of Sunan County except one household. Men in the family primarily handle livestock farming activities and other heavy works, while women are chiefly responsible for taking care of the elderly, children, and domestic chores. The income of this village is mainly based on livestock production and ecological tourism. In 2022, the annual net income per capita of villagers was CNY 26,842—of this, livestock farming accounted for 80 percent and migrant work accounted for 20 percent. This village receives national and provincial EM development funds and special funds for rural revitalization every year, such as CNY 960,000 in 2022 and CNY 2.72 million in 2023, which were mainly used for infrastructure construction as well as the development of livestock production. A total of 56 households in this village are engaged in livestock farming, stocking about 7,550 sheep and 4,787 yaks at the end of 2022, with an average of 300 sheep and 180 yaks per household. In yak and sheep farming:  Each household has simple quarters and enclosures on the pasture.  Breeding primarily is conducted by the farmers themselves through purchasing yak and sheep for improvement, and local government provides subsidy support of about CNY 3,000 per household.  Animal disease prevention and control is carried out by the two village-level veterinary officers who are responsible for vaccination, deworming, and technical support.  Manure is treated through gathering and spreading into the fodder production field every spring.  Animals died of diseases are buried deeply by villagers themselves.  Yaks and sheep sales mainly involve door-to-door purchases by traders.  The county and township animal husbandry and veterinary medicine stations conduct two to three training sessions on livestock farming every year, covering topics such as livestock farming techniques and disease prevention and control. These sessions are usually provided in summer in the form of intensive training on the pasture.  Some of the farmers engage a small amount of labor during the lambing period in winter and spring, mainly villagers of surrounding villages and communities and relatives, with a labor cost of about CNY 100 per day and a work period of about two to three months. Villager representatives expressed that they had not heard about the PforR before but strongly support its implementation. They believe that it will be good for the development of the village's livestock production and promoting advancements in livestock farming techniques without causing significant adverse effects. Villager representatives highlighted that the overall costs of livestock farming are high. They expressed a desire for increased support in introducing superior breeding stock, constructing enclosures, and so on. In terms of information disclosure and public participation, villager representatives noted that similar projects have been previously implemented in the village. Prior to implementation, villagers were informed through public announcements and village meetings. Regarding soliciting opinions on other projects, such as the formulation of government development plans, the opinions of village leaders were consulted. Cases of grievances or complaints are generally rare among villagers. In the cases where they occur, villagers typically choose to contact the village committee for coordination and resolution, and these matters are generally resolved at the village level. 5. Xinhua Village, Shuangta Township, Guazhou County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province 247 Date: February 24, 2024 Location: Xinhua Village, Shuangta Township, Guazhou County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province Attendee: Representatives of PPMO (two females), county mayor of Guazhou, head of the Guazhou ARAB, head of the Shuangta township government, representatives of village committee (two persons), representatives of villagers (36 persons, including 12 females; all were the Hui people) Records: In this meeting, the social specialist briefly introduced the typical activities under the World Bank PforR and the purpose and significance of this FGD, gained an understanding the basic production and living conditions of the villagers, the implementation of similar projects in the past, and solicited the opinions and suggestions of the representatives on the Program activities and the potential impacts. Population Overview: Xinhua Village has five villager groups, a total of 439 households and 2,560 people, all of whom are the Hui people. Villagers live in a concentrated manner. There are 244 households with 1,479 people just lifted out of poverty, 2 households with 8 people under poverty monitoring, 44 persons with disabilities, 71 households with 225 people living on government minimum living subsidies, one household in extremely hardship. The main income source of these groups of people is government subsidies, living and nursing subsidies for people with disabilities, and income from public welfare positions. The Hui residents of the village do not have their own ethnic language, the commonly used language is the local Chinese dialect. All villagers can understand and speak Mandarin; the Hui people believe in Islam and there is a mosque in the village; their ethnic festivals are Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. In terms of economic activities, there is no difference from the surrounding Han villages. The village has a total labor force of about 960 persons, of which about 580 persons work outside as migrant workers, mainly engaged in construction, catering, transportation, services, and other work. The remaining labor force and other villagers mainly engage in planting and livestock farming or working at the local market (crane operation, freight, and so on). There are six officials in the village committee, all of whom are Hui. Villagers’ Economic Situation: As of the end of 2022, the per capita disposable income of the villagers was about CNY 16,922 and the per capita net income was CNY 10,938. Of this, the income from migrant work accounted for 40 percent, livestock farming accounted for 25–30 percent, crop planting accounted for 20 percent, and the income from running business accounted for 10 percent. According to the interviews with the villager representatives, almost all the villagers used loans from government as the start-up capital for livelihood development, with an average loan of about CNY 100,000 per household, mainly used for building houses, buying cranes, and so on. Poverty-alleviated households benefited from government- subsidized loans of CNY 30,000–50,000 and the interest rate for loans among ordinary resident households averaged around 6 percent. Crop Cultivation: This village encompasses a cultivated land area of 7,200 mu and woodland of approximately 1,100 mu; the rest comprises barren and unused land. There is no grassland in the village. Cultivated land area per capita is about 3 mu, predominantly cultivating wheat, corn, Chinese wolfberry, and alfalfa, most of which is for self-cultivation, with straw utilized for livestock breeding. Livestock Farming: There are no livestock farming cooperatives in the village, all are smallholders. Of these, 80 percent of households adopt the confined breeding model, while the remaining 20 percent households favor free-range methods. On average, each household raises around 80–100 head of sheep and 300 head of cattle. Villagers primarily breed cattle and sheep by themselves, with the government offering subsidies for the introduction of new species (CNY 200–280 per head) or artificial insemination subsidies, with villagers bearing a portion of the costs themselves. Livestock feed primarily consists of corn, wheat, 248 straw, and alfalfa grown by the villagers themselves. Livestock manure is managed through composting and returning to fields. In terms of disease prevention and control, the village appoints one epidemic prevention officer, who conducts one to two free vaccinations in each spring and autumn, and at other times, villagers conduct diseases prevention and control under the guidance of technical personnel from the village and township livestock veterinary station. Regarding livestock sales, some are collected by traders while others are transported by livestock farming households to slaughterhouses, with the processed meat sold in local markets. Labor is minimally involved in the process of livestock farming. Livestock Farming-related Technology Promotion and Training: Technicians from the government's livestock veterinary center conduct at least three to four free training sessions annually in the village, focusing on the promotion of new livestock farming technologies and targeted training organized based on community needs after investigation. Training is primarily conducted in Mandarin. Farmers decide whether to participate in training based on their own needs; for example, there is generally high enthusiasm among livestock farming households to participate in training, while those whose livelihoods do not primarily rely on livestock farming have lower participation rates. Past Livestock Technology Promotion and Application Activities: There are no grasslands in the village, thus there were no activities related to grasslands protection and restoration. In terms of livestock farming, technologies such as optimizing feed formulations, improving forage quality, and promoting the breeding of superior species were implemented.  Optimizing feed formulations involves increasing the proportion of green forage in the feed for cattle and sheep to 40–60 percent. Before implementing feed formulation optimization, the feed for smallholders included wheat and corn straw (corn straw was priced at CNY 800–900 per ton, wheat straw at CNY 1,200 per ton) and concentrate feed. The average daily cost of raising a head of sheep was CNY 1.2–1.5, with a lamb survival rate of approximately two to three per year and a feeding period of four to five months. After increasing the proportion of green forage (priced at CNY 500 per ton), the daily cost of raising a head of sheep decreased to CNY 0.8–1, the lamb survival rate increased to three to four per year, and the feeding period shortened to three to four months. Overall, the cost of raising livestock decreased, while profits increased significantly.  Improving forage quality primarily involves expanding alfalfa cultivation among villagers, with the government providing a subsidy of CNY 600 per mu to planting households.  Breeding superior species includes the introduction of new species of rams and basic ewes. Representatives of livestock farming households stated that after introducing new species, meat production of cattle and sheep increased, fattening periods reduced, costs decreased, and profits increased, resulting in increased household income. The government provides free ram introductions or subsidized or interest-free loans for low-income families annually, while other households bear the corresponding costs themselves (CNY 2,000–3,000 per head). Regarding previous activities like promoting and applying new livestock farming technologies, villagers expressed support and willingness to participate. Attendees generally support the Program activities, believing they are beneficial for the development of livestock industry, improving livestock survival rates, meat quality, shortening fattening periods, reducing costs, and increasing income, without causing negative impacts on villagers. Even if the application of new technologies might lead to increased costs, they are still willing to participate. Information Disclosure and Public Participation: Given that both the village committee officials and villagers are the Hui people, meetings are typically conducted in the local Chinese dialect. Each villager group elected several village representatives. For relevant construction activities or projects within the 249 village, villagers usually submit applications to the village committee based on their needs. The village committee convenes meetings of village representatives for discussion and consultation. Upon unanimous consent, proposals are forwarded to the township and county-level governments for approval and subsequent implementation. GRM: The GRM in the village primarily involves the following steps: Villagers initially raise complaints or appeals to the village committee, which then conducts investigations, mediations, or resolutions. If the village committee is unable to address the issues, they are escalated step by step to the township and county- level governments for resolution. For example, appeals regarding livestock farming technologies are reported by villagers to the village committee, which then forwards them to the township's livestock veterinary station, and subsequently to the county-level livestock veterinary center. Villagers usually raise their complaints orally, or through phone calls or WeChat. In the past, almost all grievances were resolved at the village level, with very few cases requiring escalation to the township and county-level governments. Suggestions or Expectations on this PforR: Villager representatives expressed that the management of smallholders’ livestock farming is relatively extensive and expected that the implementation of this PforR could enhance their livestock farming techniques. Furthermore, they offer the following suggestions: (a) Promotion and Application of Green Forage: Currently, smallholders face challenges such as inadequate green forage technology, lack of green forage storage facilities, and absence of machinery for green forage packaging. Engaging third-party services for green forage harvesting and packaging incurs high costs (approximately CNY 190 per mu). Therefore, they propose the introduction of socialized services for green forage packaging machinery (priced at CNY 60 per ton) to reduce costs. Additionally, they seek technical guidance and subsidy policies for constructing green forage storage facilities. (b) Disease Prevention and Control: Currently, mandatory immunization in spring and autumn only targets certain diseases, leaving some diseases outside the scope of compulsory immunization. They urge the government to expand the scope of mandatory immunization to cover all relevant animal diseases. (c) Forage Processing: There is a significant demand among livestock farmers for forage mixing machines, but the purchasing cost is relatively high (approximately CNY 10,000 for each). They request government subsidies and support for forage processing machinery to alleviate the financial burden. 6. Hezhou Village, Shahe Township, Guazhou County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province Date: February 24, 2024 Location: Hezhou village, Shahe Township, Guazhou County, Jiuquan, Gansu Province Attendee: Representatives of PPMO (two females), county mayor of Guazhou, head of the Guazhou ARAB, head of the Shahe township government, representatives of village committee (three persons, including one female and one EM), representatives of villagers (20 persons, including 4 females; 13 EMs) Records: In this meeting, the social specialist briefly introduced the typical activities under the World Bank PforR and the purpose and significance of this FGD, understood the basic production and living conditions of the villagers, the implementation of similar projects in the past, and solicited the opinions and suggestions of the representatives on the Program activities and the potential impacts. 250 Population Overview: This village is a resettlement village, relocated from Ningxia County around 1980. There are a total of four villager groups with 261 households and 1,192 residents living in a concentrated manner. Of these, there are 206 households and 890 people belonging to EMs, including the Hui, Dongxiang, and Bao'an. In terms of cultural customs, the Hui residents in the village observe two additional festivals compared to other ethnic groups. There are two mosques in the village where the Hui residents gather for prayers every weekend. There are some differences in attire, mainly reflected in headwear, while other customs are generally comparable to those of the Han. Both EM residents and the Han residents primarily engage in crops planting and livestock farming, with occasional employment as migrant workers. The total labor force in the village is 530 people, with over 300 individuals working in electronics factories in Fujian, Jiangsu, and Guangdong as migrant workers. Those not engaged in migrant work are employed within the county. There are 189 households with 890 persons just lifted out of poverty in 2020, two households with eight people still under government poverty monitoring, 13 persons with disabilities, 48 households with 108 people living on the MLS, and two households with two people in extreme hardship. While households under government poverty monitoring are still involved in crop planting and livestock farming with corresponding government subsidies, those with disabilities, living on MLS, and in extreme hardship rely mainly on government subsidies such as MLS, severe hardship allowances, disability living allowances, and care subsidies as they are unable to engage in crop planting or animal farming due to lack of labor force. Villagers’ Economic Situation: The average net income per capita for villagers in 2022 was around CNY 12,000. Of this, 35 percent came from crop planting, 30 percent from livestock farming, 25 percent from migrant work, and 5 percent from other sources. Crop Cultivation: This village has a total cultivated land area of 1,130 mu, with an average per capita cultivated land area of one1 mu. There are 30 mu of woodland and no grassland area. The cultivated land is primarily used for planting alfalfa, corn, Chinese wolfberry, and wheat, all cultivated by the farmers themselves, with straw used for livestock farming. Livestock Farming: There is one livestock farming cooperative in the village, with 220 smallholders engaged in livestock husbandry. Apart from those households engaged in migrant work, all other households are involved in livestock farming, with an average of over 20 head of sheep per household, primarily raised in enclosures with no free-range practices. Breeding of cattle and sheep is primarily done by the farmers themselves, facilitated by government-assisted ram introductions. Feed comes from crops grown by farmers themselves, such as corn, wheat, and alfalfa, although some households with larger livestock numbers need to purchase additional feed from the market. The village has four forage processing machines available for rental by villagers at a processing cost of CNY 2 per bag. Manure is collected and naturally fermented in fields after being cleared in spring, to be used as fertilizer during planting. Regarding disease prevention and control, a village-level technician conducts centralized vaccination during spring and autumn, while villagers purchase medicine from the township veterinary station during other times. Diseased animals undergo specific procedures before being buried in designated deep pits. During the sale phase, large-scale breeders usually transport livestock to external markets such as Yumen Livestock Trading Market, while smallholders mainly rely on traders for purchases. In terms of labor, livestock farming involving fewer than 70 head of cattle and sheep is usually managed by the farmers themselves without additional labor. The operating costs of livestock cooperatives are slightly higher than those of smallholders due to the involvement of labor and higher levels of management. Livestock Farming Technology Promotion and Training: The government organizes no fewer than four free livestock farming technology training sessions annually in the village, conducted by county or township livestock veterinary technicians. Additionally, at least two training sessions per year are organized for large- scale farmers to receive centralized training outside the village, led by livestock farming experts, and provided free of charge. Before organizing these training sessions, the county-level livestock veterinary center issues training notices to township governments, which then disseminate the information to villages. 251 Villages notify residents through village WeChat groups, villager representative meetings, and other means, and residents voluntarily register for participation. Local training primarily employs the local Chinese dialect, while training conducted outside the village is in Mandarin. Representatives of those who participated in the trainings before generally find the training content highly practical and effective. They also share the knowledge gained with other livestock farmers in the village who did not participate in the training. Past Livestock Farming Technology Promotion and Application: This village previously implemented projects focusing on breeding superior species, including the introduction of superior rams, basic breeding cows, and superior bulls. Before implementation, technicians conducted promotional training and explanations during villager meetings, allowing villagers to voluntarily choose whether and when to participate based on their actual needs. Villager representatives noted that through the breeding of superior species, calves and lambs became healthier, with increased survival rates, reduced diseases, faster growth rates, improved meat quality, and decreased costs. The enthusiasm among livestock farmers to participate was very high. However, the county currently has limited annual allocations for the introduction of superior rams and basic breeding ewes, prioritizing the low-income households, leaving other farmers in high demand. For example, before the introduction of new species, farmers primarily raised local yellow cattle, purchasing calves at CNY 3,500 per head, with a two-year feeding period and feeding costs of approximately CNY 6,000 per year. The slaughtered weight was around 150 kg, sold at CNY 44 per kg, resulting in a total cost of approximately CNY 15,500 per head and an income of CNY 6,600 per head, leaving farmers in significant loss. With the introduction of new species, the purchase price of calves increased to CNY 7,000 per head, with a feeding period of 10 months and a cost of CNY 6,000 per head. The slaughtered weight increased to 350–400 kg, sold at CNY 44 per kg (or even higher), resulting in a total cost of CNY 13,000 per head and an income of CNY 15,400–17,600 per head, yielding a net income of CNY 2,400–4,600 per head in just one year. Regarding subsidies, the government provides a subsidy of CNY 3,000 per head for low-income families participating in superior ram introductions, while other farmers obtain a three-year subsidized loan from the government to purchase rams from the market. In addition, in 2023, the government provided a subsidy of CNY 5,000 per household to each livestock farmer for the purchase of materials such as hollow bricks to renovate cattle and sheep pens through a project initiative. Information Disclosure and Public Participation: The village committee consists of four village cadres, including one EM. Based on the number of households, approximately 50 villager representatives were elected through recommendations from villager group leaders and self-nominations by villagers, comprising both EM and the Han residents. Daily communication among villagers primarily occurs in the local Chinese dialect, although villagers understand and speak Mandarin, albeit not always fluently. When meetings concerning village affairs are necessary, the village committee typically notifies villagers through WeChat groups. Depending on the importance of the matter, the village committee organizes villager representative meetings or general villager meetings. Sometimes, meetings are conducted separately for each villager group to ensure the participation of all villagers in discussions and decision-making processes. Language used in villager meetings includes both Mandarin and the local Chinese dialect, with meetings held within the village primarily using the local Chinese dialect. GRM: Villagers first report grievances or complaints to the village committee, which coordinates resolution efforts. If the village committee cannot resolve the issues, they are escalated to the township government for further explanation and resolution. Suggestions or Expectations on the Program: Villager representatives participating in the discussion unanimously expressed support for the PforR implementation, believing it would have a positive impact on livestock farming with minimal negative impacts. Villager representatives were willing to accept increased costs as long as the project increases income. However, they highlighted the poor market conditions for 252 cattle and sheep sales over the past two years, which have somewhat dampened the enthusiasm of farmers. Additionally, they expected focused support in the following areas: • Organic Fertilizer Processing • Animal Disease Prevention and Control • Improvement of Forage Quality • Slaughtering Facilities: Currently, cattle and sheep sold locally must be transported to designated slaughterhouses for processing, costing CNY 500 per head for cattle, and without quarantine certificates, making them ineligible for market sale. They hope for the construction of improved slaughterhouses to reduce processing costs, issue quarantine certificates, and facilitate the sale of beef and mutton. • Trade Market Construction: Currently, local cattle and sheep are mainly transported by railway to the Yumen livestock trading market, where prices are determined by the buyers, resulting in relatively low prices and low profitability. They aspire to enhance cattle and sheep sales by constructing a local trading market to increase selling prices and broaden sales channels. 7. Bayin Village, Kangle Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye, Gansu Province Date: February 5, 2024 Location: Bayin village, Kangle Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye, Gansu Province Attendee: Representative of PPMO (one female), Sunan ARAB (three persons, including one female), township government (one person), village committee (two persons), villager representatives (eleven persons, all the Yugur, including five females) Records: In this meeting, the social specialist briefly introduced the typical activities under the World Bank PforR and the purpose and significance of this FGD, gained an understanding of the basic production and living conditions of the villagers, the implementation of similar projects in the past, and solicited the opinions and suggestions of the representatives on the Program activities and the potential impacts. Population Overview: The village comprises a total of 82 households with 222 persons—EMs account for 69 households with 170 individuals, with over 80 percent belonging to the Yugur ethnic group. Most households in the village are scattered, spaced about 1 km apart. There are a total of 149 people in the labor force, with 29 individuals working outside the village, mainly in other counties and cities within Gansu Province. The village has no households under poverty monitoring, but it includes 17 persons with disabilities, 16 households receiving MLS, and one household under extreme hardship assistance. These individuals, due to illness or the loss of labor capabilities, are not engaged in crop planting or livestock farming and primarily rely on government subsidies for their livelihoods. The Yugur people in the village have their own language without a written form, although they understand Mandarin, and typically communicate in the Yugur language among themselves. The other EMs in the village have their own language and script, also understand and speak the Yugur language, and they communicate in various languages depending on the situation, with local and county officials often using local Chinese dialect. Both Yugur and the other EM people celebrate their own festivals, such as the 15th day of the first lunar month, the 11th day of the fourth lunar month, and arts festivals in the 7th and 8th lunar months, usually organizing village-wide festivities by themselves. All EM groups adhere to Buddhism, with a Kanglong Temple located in the village. In Yugur families, women hold higher status, often taking charge of household affairs. 253 Villagers’ Economic Situation: Livestock farming serves as the primary source of income for villagers. In 2022, the per capita net income of villagers was CNY 23,363. Livestock farming income accounted for over 80 percent, while income from migrant work accounted only 10 percent, and other sources accounted for 5 percent. Additionally, the village received central and provincial minority development funds every year for production and infrastructure development. For example, in 2023, the village received a total of CNY 300,000 of EM development funds, which was used to construct a wool storage facility for farmers and herders to store wool. Crop Cultivation: The village has a total cultivated land area of 122 mu. The per capita cultivated land area is 1 mu, primarily used for planting corn and oats. Livestock Farming: There are a total of 71 households with 170 individuals engaged in livestock farming in the village, all of whom are smallholders, with no livestock farming cooperatives established. Currently, the households with the most sheep raise around 300 heads. For young cattle and sheep, the villagers primarily rely on self-breeding and self-rearing. Regarding manure treatment, it is applied to the fields after fermentation. In terms of disease prevention and control, each village has a technician assigned by the township's animal husbandry and veterinary station, and the village also has two epidemic prevention focal points who provide free vaccination during the spring and autumn seasons. Regarding the sale of cattle and sheep, when the market conditions are favorable, traders come to purchase directly from the farmers. However, in the recent two years, due to poor market conditions, farmers had to transport animals to the market themselves. In the process of livestock farming, most households do not require hired labor. The large livestock farms may hire one temporary worker, with labor costs ranging CNY 120–150 per day. Livestock Farming Technology Promotion and Training: The government organizes two to three livestock-related training sessions in the village each year, usually conducted during the relatively idle periods for farmers and herders. At least one training session is held during each of the spring and autumn seasons. The training venues are primarily located at the township government offices. Before conducting the training, the county government informs the township, which then notifies the village committees. The village committees then inform the villagers through WeChat groups, based on the principle of voluntary participation. Most farmers and herders with available time usually attend the training sessions. The language used for instruction mainly consists of local Chinese dialect and Mandarin. Past Livestock Farming Technology Promotion and Application: The village has been implementing policies such as promoting and applying new livestock farming technologies such as confined feeding and breeding of superior species. The promotion and application of new livestock farming technologies are non- policy related measures and voluntary for farmers and herders.  Breeding superior species: This includes the introduction of superior species, such as breeding rams. Participation in this program is voluntary for farmers, and those who choose to participate receive a government subsidy of CNY 1,500 per animal, while farmers themselves contribute about CNY 1,000 per animal. According to feedback from villager representatives, all livestock farmers in the village have participated in the breeding of superior species. This is because the new species increase the number of lambs produced and shorten the fattening cycle, resulting in higher economic benefits. The government also organizes farmers and herders to visit other areas for observation and allows them to choose the species they wish to introduce. Information Disclosure and Public Participation: The village committee comprises three members, all of whom belong to EM groups. Regarding production or infrastructure projects within the village, the usual process involves prior consultation among village residents. A village meeting is convened to form resolutions, which are then reported to the township and subsequently to the county-level government for approval and implementation. Villager meetings typically require full attendance, with participation from at least 60 percent of the village population. Gender representation at these meetings is approximately equal, 254 with about 50 percent male and 50 percent female attendees. If any villagers are unable to attend due to personal reasons, they are required to inform the village committee in advance, ensuring that at least one representative from each household participates. Activities had been organized through villager meetings for mobilization. In cases where certain farmers and herders have objections, communication efforts were made by the village committee and the township authorities. GRM: The GRM in the village consists of three levels: the village committee, the township government, and the county-level government. Before project implementation, villager meetings were typically conducted to seek approval from the residents. This proactive approach minimized instances of complaints or grievances. Even if occasional complaints arise, they were generally resolved at the village committee level. Suggestions and expectations regarding the Program: The villager representatives who attended the FGD universally expressed support for the Program. They believe that adopting more scientific feeding methods will enhance productivity and promote the development of livestock farming with limited adverse effects on farmers and herders. However, they highlighted the current downturn in the cattle and sheep market, indicating that livestock farmers are barely making profits. As a result, they hope the government will take measures to reduce the farming costs, such as providing subsidies for land leasing and animal transportation. 8. Kangfeng Village, Kangle Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye, Gansu Province Date: February 5, 2024 Location: Kangfeng village, Kangle Township, Sunan Yugur Autonomous County, Zhangye, Gansu Province Attendee: Representative of PPMO (one female), Sunan ARAB (three persons, including one female), township government (one person), village committee (two persons), villager representatives (eleven persons, all the Yugur, including one female) Records: In this meeting, the social specialist briefly introduced the typical activities under the World Bank PforR and the purpose and significance of this FGD, understood the basic production and living conditions of the villagers, the implementation of similar projects in the past, and solicited the opinions and suggestions of the representatives on the Program activities and the potential impacts. Population Overview: The village comprises a total of 82 households with 233 persons. Of these, 65 households totaling 186 people are EMs, with over 90 percent being Yugur. Villagers reside scattered, with approximately 10 households per residential site, spaced roughly 500 m apart. The village has a labor force of 121 persons, with eight engaged in migrant work, while the majority are involved in local livestock farming and local employment. There are 21 persons with disabilities, 19 households with 29 persons in MLS, primarily comprising elderly and single-parent families. Their main sources of income include LURT funds, MLS, pensions, and support from children. The village has no households under poverty monitoring or individuals in extreme hardship. The Yugur is the primary language of daily communication, while Mandarin predominates in meetings. Most villagers understand and speak the local Chinese dialect, with less than 10 percent of the elderly unable to understand Mandarin. The Han residents in the village primarily engage in migrant work, while EMs focus on livestock farming, with minimal disparities in other aspects. Villagers’ Economic Situation: In 2022, the average disposable income per capita in the village was 255 approximately CNY 21,000. Livestock farming contributed to over 60 percent of the income, while migrant work accounted for about 15 percent, and the remaining comprised income from tourism and others, totaling 20 percent. Additionally, the village received central and provincial EM development funds every year, amounting to CNY 8 million in 2022, primarily used for infrastructure projects. Crop Cultivation: The village possesses a total cultivated land area of 470 mu, with an average per capita cultivated land area of about 2.5 mu. There are five households engaged in crop planting, primarily oats. Livestock Farming: There are three livestock farming-related specialized farmer cooperatives and one collective livestock farming cooperative and 47 smallholders in the village. On average, each household raises around 160 head of sheep and 90 head of yaks. The primary forage for livestock farming consists of corn, alfalfa, and oats, with additional purchases during winter and spring. Breeding of cattle and sheep primarily managed by farmers. During winter and spring, the manure from cattle and sheep is usually collected by nearby plantation households, fermented, and returned to the fields. Disease prevention and control are administered by the government, offering free vaccinations in spring and autumn, while households manage diseases prevention and control during other times. The sale of cattle and sheep primarily relies on traders who purchase directly from households, eliminating the need for villagers to transport their livestock to designated trade markets. Large livestock farmers may require limited short- term labor, with labor costs averaging around CNY 130 per person per day. Livestock Farming Technology Promotion and Training: The county-level ARAB organizes centralized livestock farming technology training and disease prevention sessions in towns and county seats every year. These include on-site training sessions conducted in villages and periodic visits by technicians for guidance. Participation in these training sessions is voluntary for villagers. Should the content not meet the needs of livestock farmers, they have the option not to participate in the training sessions. According to the villager representatives involved in discussion, there is a high level of enthusiasm among livestock farmers to participate, with almost all farmers attending all training sessions. Past Livestock Farming Technology Promotion and Application: The village has been engaged in promoting new livestock farming technologies. Information Disclosure and Public Participation: The village committee has three cadres; all are EMs. A village WeChat group has been established, with all villagers joining. Daily notifications and information dissemination within the village are primarily conducted through the WeChat group. For matters involving a large number of affected individuals, villager meetings are organized to solicit opinions. Regarding infrastructure projects within the village, village committee meetings were usually conducted in advance to discuss project planning with villager representatives, formulating project proposals for submission to township and county-level authorities for approval and implementation. GRM: Villagers with grievances or objections regarding certain matters generally opt to first contact the village committee, who then escalates the issues step by step if it is fails to be resolved at the village level. If the construction party is present on-site, affected persons usually contact them directly for on-site resolution. Suggestions or Expectations on the Program: Villager representatives who attended the FGD expressed strong support to the Program. They endorse any activity beneficial to agriculture and capable of increasing income, hoping for implementation as soon as possible. According to village representatives, frequent droughts in Sunan County have affected fodder production and livestock productivity in the past four years. They believe that the Program implementation would enhance the climate resilience of livestock farming, benefiting farmers. Additionally, they hope for the development of deep processing industries for livestock products within the county to increase their value. They also aspire to establish a brand for livestock products in Sunan County, intensify promotion efforts, and broaden local market channels for livestock 256 products. 257 Appendix 10: Supplementary Program Beneficiaries Analysis I. Introduction 1 The purpose of this supplementary survey and analysis note (the note) is to  Provide targeted information and analysis regarding the social risks related to vulnerable groups including EMs, relevant to the proposed operation which now focuses on livestock. This includes a short description of each participating group (smallholder, medium, large enterprises, and so on) and their social risk profile based on social context and potential activities to be supported by the PforR.  Explain how the program will affect and engage with different stakeholder groups with a focus on EM communities, assess the ability of the government to engage with these communities appropriately, reviewing the risk rating considering these and developing mitigation measures where necessary. 2 The survey reviewed the existing livestock farming practices of different types of participation groups and their adoption of and feedback on technologies and activities and systems adopted by the government program, to assess how the World Bank Program can contribute to improved outcomes. A central part of this work has been to identify issues or obstacles for EMs benefiting from the Program including potential impacts on key customary aspects such as language, religion, and livelihood systems. 3 This note is structured as follows:  Beneficiary profile  Needs and expectations of beneficiaries  Program benefits and impacts  Participation and empowering the livestock farmers. II. Methodology and limitations 4 The clearer PforR boundaries and activities have allowed more targeted social assessment and systems assessment including social surveys to collect socioeconomic information of the beneficiaries in the program area, identify their vulnerabilities, needs, concerns, and program impacts. The World Bank social team conducted a supplementary survey in seven counties or districts from March 14 to 20, 2024. A total of 43 detailed surveys were completed with respondents including the following:  8 livestock farming enterprises or companies,  10 farmer cooperatives,  7 family farms, and  18 household farms. 5 The 6.1 percent sample of 700 farms included samples from  Each type of the scaled (medium and large) enterprises, farmer cooperatives, family farms, and household farms;  Farms operated by the dominant ethnic group, EMs, and low-income families; 258  Farms from each of the seven program counties or districts. III. Beneficiary Profile i) Program Beneficiaries 6 Given the continued growth in demand for livestock products in response to rising disposable incomes, and the province’s focus on livestock sector as a driver of economic growth, the contribution of the livestock sector to GHG emissions is set to increase without effective and proactive mitigation efforts. At the same time, livestock productivity improvements are necessary, to support the growth of farmer incomes in the province. The Program is therefore centered around introduction of new, innovative, productivity-improving, and effective GHG mitigation technologies and practices, amplifying emission reductions under the government program, accelerating the mitigation and adaptation efforts in Gansu’s livestock sector, and increasing livestock productivity and farmer incomes. The proposed Program will bring additionality and sharpen climate mitigation, resilience, and productivity improvement focus to Gansu’s livestock sector, resulting in higher productivity, higher incomes, and lower emissions going forward. 7 Group of Beneficiaries. The program has designed a series of activities for achieving a triple win of reducing GHG emissions, enhancing resilience, and increasing productivity of livestock production systems in Gansu, including (a) promoting advanced climate-smart technologies and practices that improve the productivity and climate resilience of fodder production; (b) promoting state-of-the-art technologies and practices that lower GHG emissions from intensive livestock production systems; (c) improving selected areas of livestock value chain operation and sustainability to reduce their GHG emissions and environmental footprint; and (d) establishing an enabling governance system to support the introduction and future scale-up of green, productivity-improving, and low-emission investments in the livestock sector. It covers seven counties in five municipalities or prefectures—Minle County and Sunan County of Zhangye Municipality, Lanzhou New District of Lanzhou Municipality, Jingchuan County and Lingtai County of Pingliang Municipality, Zhengning County of Qingyang Municipality, and Guazhou City of Jiuquan Municipality. The primary beneficiaries of the Program include  Farmers engaged in animal husbandry, including livestock farming enterprises, cooperatives, family farms, household farms and  Rural households engaged in fodder production. 8 Population of Beneficiaries. The 700 livestock demonstration farms consist of scaled (medium and large) owned by 52 enterprises (with an average of 747 heads of cattle and 690 sheep), 141 farmer cooperatives (average 206 heads of cattle and 283 sheep), 82 family farms (average 57 heads of cattle and 24 sheep), and 425 household farms (average 37 heads of cattle and 244 sheep). Of the 130,000 ha of feed production area, around 31,000 ha will be with the demonstration farms and the remaining area will be clearly identified feed production areas suitable for PforR purposes. ii) Socioeconomic Profile of Beneficiaries 9 Among the 43 respondents, 35 (81 percent) are Han, 5 (12 percent) are Yugur who are mainly from Sunan County, and 3 (7 percent) are the Hui. The basic socioeconomic profile of project beneficiaries is analyzed from the following aspects. Demographic Profile 10 Population. Among the 43 sample farms, there are 538 households with 2,596 persons involved— of these 2,260 are EMs, mainly Hui and Yugur people. While, the actual operators of the sample farms are 203 persons, accounting for 8 percent; 23 of them are EMs. The remaining persons engage in other business, such as migrant work, working in enterprises or companies, and others. Particularly in cooperatives, family farms, and household farms, young people work outside for other business, while older people engage in livestock farming. 259 11 Population disaggregated by gender. Among the rural farmers of the sample program counties, about 54 percent of farmers are men and 46 percent are female. 12 Education level. The survey shows that the education level of the majority (75 percent) of farmers is junior middle school and below, while only 25 percent of the farmers have an education level of senior middle school and above. Economic Status 13 Ownership of sample livestock farms: Among the 43 livestock farms surveyed, 33 are individually owned and the remaining 10 are partnerships. Livestock farming enterprises, cooperatives, and family farms are required to be legally registered while household farms do not require industrial and commercial registration. 14 Modality of livestock farming. Based on the survey outcomes, there are two types of seasonal grazing:  Type I: Confined feeding is the dominant method and the animals are only released on the agricultural land for straw after harvest in autumn, lasting for less than one month.  Type II: Rotational grazing on pastureland in summer and autumn and pastureland in winter and spring. 15 Among the 43 sampled farms, 33 (77 percent) focus on intensive feeding and fattening, 3 (7 percent) on grazing, 6 (14 percent) on seasonal grazing, 1 (2 percent) on partially grazing and partially confined feeding. 16 It was found that confined feeding is undertaken in the majority of the program counties, such as Zhengning, Lingtgai, Jingchuan, Lanzhou New Zone, Guazhou, and Minle, while in Sunan, both seasonal grazing and confined feeding are done. 17 Scale of livestock farming facilities. The survey shows that the average land area of different type of farms varies with averages per type as follows:  116 mu for enterprises,  20 mu for cooperatives,  10 mu for family farms, and  8 mu for household farms. 18 Livestock farming enterprises usually have concentrated manure collection and treatment facilities, while other types of farms have a manure drying area or fermentation pool in the farm. Some of the enterprises are equipped with diseased and dead animal treatment facilities, while for cooperatives, family farms, and household farms, there is usually a designated area in the field for deep burying dead animals with a land area of about 20–30 m2 for harmless disposal. 19 Type and scale of livestock farming. Sample farms in Zhengning, Lingtai, and Jingchuan primarily engage in beef cattle farming, including both fattening and basic cow for breeding. Sample farms in Lanzhou New District engage in both dairy cattle, sheep, and goat. Among these, only one enterprise engages in dairy cattle, while the remaining farms engage in sheep and goat. Sample farms in Guazhou County dominantly engage in sheep and goat farming, and only one engages in beef cattle farming. Sample farms in Minle and Sunan mainly engage in sheep, few of them engage in dairy cattle and yak farming. This is basically consistent with the overall livestock farming status of the seven program counties or districts. 260 20 Trend of livestock scale by location. According to the survey, the scale of livestock of the sample farms was increasing in the past five years, except for Guazhou County, which decreased significantly in 2023, mainly affected by the downturn in the market. 21 Trend of livestock scale by farms. In the past five years, the trend of livestock scale of different type of farms varies. Generally, the scale of livestock farming enterprises and household farms was increasing year by year, while for cooperatives it increased in the first four years but decreased in 2023; there was a continuous decline in the livestock scale of family farms since 2020. 22 Annual gross product value in 2023. The market price of different types of animals varies. The gross product value of each sample farm was also diverse based on the type and number of animals they sold. See Table A-2 for the range and average gross product value of sample farms in 2023 without deducting the input costs. Table A-2: Range and Average Gross Product Value of Sample Farms in 2023 Type of farm Gross Product Value in 2023 (unit: CNY 10,000) Low High Average Enterprise 7 2,562 850 Cooperatives 7 1,800 351 Family farms −20 260 54 household farm 0 586.5 76 23 Trend of income from livestock farming. Among the 43 sample farms, 5 (12 percent) reported that there was a slight increase in their income from livestock farming over the past five years, 15 (35 percent) were unchanged, 11 (25 percent) saw a slight decrease, and 12 (28 percent) had a significant decrease. However, the survey indicates that majority of the livestock enterprises reported their income was unchanged or slightly increased over the past five years, while majority of the cooperatives and family farms reported that income decreased. Among the six sample farms operated by EMs, seven (88 percent) of them reported their income from livestock farming was unchanged, and one (12 percent) was slightly decreased. 24 As consulted with the representatives of sample farms, the key reasons for such changes of income level include the following: (a) A large number of culled dairy cattle and imported beef and mutton entered the local market, leading to a decrease in the overall domestic market price; (b) Rising feed costs; (c) Climate events, for example, draught, leading to poor forage or grass growing, increasing the input costs of feed or decreasing the number of animals; (d) Lack of farming technologies. iii) Existing Knowledge and Practices 25 Feeds and source: Animal feed consists of whole-plant corn silage, straw of corn and wheat, bran, corn, oilseeds, alfalfa, soybean meal, concentrated feed, and so on. About 40 percent of the feed is planted by farmers themselves through own contracted land or land whose use right is transferred from other households, and 60 percent was purchased from the market. The survey indicates that enterprises, cooperatives, and household farms mainly relied on purchasing feeds from the market, while family farms mainly relied on self-planted feed. 26 Manure treatment methods: The primary method for manure treatment of sample farms was piling up, fermenting, and then returning to the self-contracted or rented cultivated land. Three livestock farming enterprises processed the manure as organic fertilizer through anaerobic fermentation and sold to 261 the market; two family farms sold over 50 percent of the fermented manure to surrounding crops or fruit tree planters at a price range of CNY 60–120 or m3. 27 Animal disease prevention and control. The primary measures for animal disease prevention and control include (i) compulsory vaccination in spring and autumn conducted by technicians of local veterinary stations; (ii) disinfecting the farming facilities regularly under the guidance of technicians of local veterinary stations; (iii) wearing PPE, such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing. Some of the sample farms also adopted the measures such as (i) door-keeping and (ii) all-in and all-out to avoid disease spreading. 28 Brand building and certification. Among the 43 sample farms, 8 (19 percent) built their own brand or certificate for animal products, including one farm in Jingchuan County that obtained HACCP certification, one in Guazhou County that was certified for Pollution-Free Lamb and Eco-Farm 2022, and six household farms in Sunan County where the brand ‘Gansu Alpine Fine Hair Sheep’ is registered. However, the majority (81 percent) of the sample farms have not obtained any brand or certificate. 29 Marketing of animals or animal products. The survey reflects that livestock farming enterprises have established sound marketing channels with mature partners, for example, downstream dairy processing enterprises or animal food processing enterprises. Compared to them, family farms and household farms have a limited market channel, primarily relying on mobile peddlers. 30 GHG emissions. None of the 43 sample farms kept an inventory of GHG emissions. Five (12 percent) reported that actions were taken to reduce GHG emissions during farm operations, mainly concentrated manure collection and treatment, manure drying, fermenting, and returning to the field. It also observed that representatives of sample farms have a relatively low awareness on GHG emissions. iv) Labor Use 31 Population segregated by sex and ethnicity. Among the 43 sample farms, 21 (49 percent) involved labor use, mainly enterprises and some cooperatives, totaling 326 long-term and short-term workers. Of these, 231 (71 percent) are male and 95 (29 percent) are female; 314 (96 percent) belong to the dominant ethnic group and 12 (4 percent) are EMs; 45 (14 percent) are from the low-income families and 1 percent of them are people with disabilities. Family farms are usually operated by the owners themselves, seldom involving additional labor use. 32 Positions segregated by sex and ethnicity. The survey shows that males normally take the positions of breeder, technicians such as veterinary surgeon, pen cleaners, and drivers; while female workers are primarily cooks, milkers, logistics workers, and so on. There is no difference in positions between the dominant ethnic group and EMs. 33 Education level segregated by sex and ethnicity. The overall education level of workers is relatively low: 57 percent have an education level of junior middle school and below, 12 percent have an education level of senior middle school, and 31 percent are at the college and above level. 34 Language. Among the workers, local Chinese dialect is the most used language in daily work, followed by Mandarin, and EMs’ own language. Almost 100 percent of workers can understand Mandarin and fluently use the local Chinese dialect, though 43 (13 percent) of them cannot speak Mandarin, particularly older people. 35 Recruitment channels: The majority (62 percent) of the workers comprise relatives, neighbors, or villagers of surrounding villages, irrespective of ethnicity. The government provides support to low-income and people with disabilities when there are employment opportunities in sample farms. Regarding technicians, common workers were normally recruited from the local labor market or through the online platform. About 90 percent of these workers signed written labor contracts with the employers, and 10 percent of them were recruited through oral commitment from the employers. 262 36 Salary and payment terms. The average salary for long-term workers is about CNY 3,105 per month for men and CNY 2,792 for women, depending on their position—which is higher than the minimum salary level of the Gansu province in 2024, which ranges from CNY 1,850 to CNY 2,020 based on location. In the same position, there is no income difference between men and women, the Han workers and EM workers, the low-income and non-low-income workers. The salary is of two types: (i) fixed wage (52 percent) and (ii) fixed wage plus bonus (48 percent). About 81 percent of the workers are paid monthly and 19 percent are paid once at the end of each year. The workers paid on annual basis are usually relatives or neighbors of family farms and household farms, or members of cooperatives, and get paid or get dividends after the farms sold cattle and sheep. There are also short-term laborers hired during the busy season at an income level of CNY 100–150 per day. 37 Holidays and taking leaves. The survey shows that workers of sample farms usually take rest rotationally according to the need of the farm. EM workers also can enjoy their specific holidays like Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and so on. The Hui workers can take a break for worship at the mosque (male) or home (female) every Friday. In addition, among the 21 farms with EM workers, 13 (62 percent) expressed that employees can take leave at any time if something comes up and 38 percent of employers require employees to apply in advance and get approval before taking leave, ensuring at least one person on duty. 38 GRM for labors. For cooperatives and family farms the most common channel for grievance redress is talking to the employer directly face to face, over phone calls, and WeChat. Normally, the grievance is resolved by immediate negotiation. For enterprises, there are three escalation levels for grievance redress: (i) report to line manager, resolve within one day; (ii) report to department level, resolve with one day, and (iii) report to group level, resolve within three to five days. For household farms, there is no need of GRM because they are operated by the couples. v) Challenges and Vulnerabilities 39 According to the survey on sample farms, it was found that different type of livestock farms face difference challenges. 40 Enterprises, particularly large-scale enterprises, have relatively well-equipped facilities with sound management system. Compared to cooperatives, family farms, and large farmers, enterprises have established a better marketing channels or processing systems. Therefore, enterprises have a stronger ability to respond to market volatility or fluctuations. However, there are also some challenges they faced, including (i) lack of brand building; (ii) balancing profit with environmental impact, for example, water use; (iii) climate events. Gansu is an area with relatively scarce water resources, and once drought occurs, feed planting is affected significantly, resulting in increased of input costs and decreased profits. 41 Cooperatives, household farms, and family farms are usually operated by one household or a few households. The key challenges and vulnerabilities they faced are quite similar, and include the following: (a) Weak climate-resilient livestock farming system. They mainly rely on purchasing feeds from the market and self-planted feed. Their feed sources are vulnerable when droughts and extreme weather events occur, particular in areas with limited water sources. Soil degradation also affects their sustainable livestock production. (b) Lack of brand building and certification hinders productivity and competitiveness. (c) Lack of sound marketing links and processing systems leads to challenges in accessing markets and adding value to their products. Fluctuating market prices also significantly affect their income stability. (d) Compared to the well-educated, a less-educated rural workforce also leads to challenges in access to modern livestock farming technologies. 263 vi) Needs and Expectations 42 According to the survey on sample farms, they expect to get support in the following aspects: (a) Financial support. The majority of them currently benefit from the government’s interest-free loans and hope for continued support. They also expect to receive more government project funds, low-interest loans, and subsidies to reduce the input cost and enhance their capacity to respond to market volatility, particularly under a market downturn. (b) Technical support. This includes technical guidance on livestock breeding, feed formulation, disease prevention, more precise feeding methods, as well as water-saving technologies. They expect to learn more advanced technologies to improve their productivity and profitability. (c) Infrastructure improvement. This includes expansion and renovation of farming facilities, access roads, water supply system, renewable power generation and heating facilities, electric vehicles for feed spreading and manure removal, and so on. (d) Services improvements. This includes disease prevention and control, machinery services related to livestock breeding, establishment of network platforms for training, marketing information and trade. (e) Value chain improvement. There is a high demand for the development of deep processing industries for livestock products within the county to increase their value. They are also eager to establish a brand for livestock products, intensify promotion efforts, and broaden market channels for livestock products. IV. Program Benefits and Impacts i) Program Positive Impacts 43 The Program is expected to have significant positive impacts on ecological and environmental system in the program areas. It will also bring significant social benefits to local farmers engaged in livestock husbandry and industry development, including EMs and the low-income people, especially the EMs whose primary livelihood relies on livestock farming. The impacts include (a) Upgraded livestock farming infrastructures; (b) Increased productivity and profitability through improved livestock farming technologies, so livestock production becomes more productive and sustainable; Reduced input costs; (c) Improved food safety in the livestock value chains, ensuring human health; (d) Enhanced community and livestock resilience to climate change; (e) More employment and income-generating opportunities. ii) Potential Adverse Impacts 44 The Program will only cover activities that can improve productivity, increase sustainability, increase incomes, and improve the level of production under the guidance of science and technology, and will not be subject to changes in production patterns or income sources of farmers in the seven participating counties or districts. They still engage in the animal husbandry that they are familiar with, and the Program will not lead to the loss of production techniques and life skills that livestock producers are accustomed to. 45 During implementation, typical E&S risks under the Program that are identified include temporary and site-specific risks or impacts of construction disturbance, land use, labor, and OHS issues during construction, community and public health and safety risks or impact during the operation of the constructed facilities, application of technologies promoted, and so on. These adverse impacts are neither significant nor irreversible and can be easily mitigated through known management systems. 264 V. Participation and Empowering the Farmers, Including Ethnic Minorities 46 The survey indicates that, with the expansion of the livestock development industry and technology update and transformation, both government and farmers were proactively improving the livestock farming technologies. Several promotions and trainings were provided through diverse channels each year. Corresponding supporting measures are summarized below. i) Institutional Arrangement 47 A sound institutional organization has been established from the county to township and village level in each program county for technology promotion, motivation, and training. There are AHVMBs or workstations (subordinated to the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Bureau) at the provincial, municipal, and county levels. At the county level, there are AHVMBs or workstations (1–14 staff), or/and Law Enforcement Supervision and Quarantine section (4–16 staff), technical service agencies providing laboratory services for animal epidemic prevention and control, and for agro-food quality tests (for example, county animal disease prevention and control center, or/and agricultural (animal husbandry) technical service center, or/and animal health surveillance office (3–19 staff), plus livestock stations at the town or township level, and grass-root animal quarantine intendants (2–4 staff per village on average) at the village level. For example, Jingchuan County has more than 130 personnel, including more than 100 professional and technical personnel from the county bureau to the township level. In Lingtai County, there are nine administrative staff in the county government, 3 technical service agencies (with about 15 staff) who work on animal diseases prevention and control, one integrated livestock farming service center at each township (with about 60 staff in total), 50 administrative staff at the township government, and one technician and coordinator in each of the villages. ii) Training and Capacity Building 48 Training needs collection and information delivery. It is learned that there are generally five channels for trainings needs collection: (i) farmers directly contact local governments to express their training needs; (ii) local agricultural and rural departments distribute questionnaires to collect feedback and requirements from farmers; (iii) technical personnel from agricultural and rural departments visit villages to conduct research and collect training needs; (iv) determine training needs during the meetings with villagers; (v) government organizes regular learning sessions to disseminate knowledge and skills. Information delivery channels include (i) WeChat groups. Local government have established WeChat groups of livestock farmers, which were used to instantly notify farmers about training opportunities. In addition, after each training session, a small WeChat group of trainers and trainees was usually established, which is also a common way for further training information sharing and technology exchanging. (ii) Phone call are another most popular method for delivering training notifications. All livestock farmers were registered with contact information at the township and county-level governments. (iii) The village committees play a crucial role in disseminating training information. There is a villager WeChat group at each village level, in which at least one representative from each household is a member. Once a training program is developed at the county level, it will be communicated to the township government, then to village committees, who will share the information with the villagers in the WeChat group. 49 Training providers and delivery modalities. According to the survey, there are diverse training providers, including technicians of government, external experts invited by the government or farms, technicians hired by farms, and so on. It is seen that there is a high participation rate in trainings provided by government, which is also the primary channel for farms to learn new technologies. 50 Participation rate and frequency. Representatives reported that they would participate if the time was convenient for them. All the sample farms participated in livestock farming technologies related trainings in the past. Over 53 percent of the sample farms participated in trainings at least once every half year, 35 percent participated at least once every quarter, 9 percent at least once every year, and 5 percent at least once every month. 265 51 Language used in training. Mandarin is the most common language used in trainings, following by the local Chinese dialect, and ethnic language. According to the survey, all farmers can read and understand Mandarin, though some older people cannot speak it. 52 It was noted that the majority of Yugurs speak a Turkic language known as Western Yugur, while some speak Eastern Yugur, a Mongolic language. Neither language now has a script. They also speak the local Chinese dialect and Mandarin Chinese. The Hui and Dongxiang people predominantly speak local Chinese dialects and Mandarin Chinese, without written characters as well. The written information was disseminated to them in Chinese characters and oral information was disseminated to them in diverse languages. Therefore, language will not be an obstacle for ethnic groups in program counties or districts to participate in the Program activities. iii) Promotion and Adoption of Technologies 53 The survey found that similar activities were implemented in the program counties or districts in the past, such as precise feeding, species improvement, energy- and water-saving technologies, forage and straw processing. The summary of the activities in the implementing areas, adoption rate, and feedback from sample farms is presented below. 54 According to sample farms’ feedback, the majority reported benefiting from this technology, including (i) faster growth rate of cattle; (ii) reduced susceptibility to diseases among cattle; (iii) improved meat quality, leading to higher selling prices; (iv) high survival rate of newborn calves and lambs; (v) increased reproductive rates, with cows having 2–3 calves in three to four years; (vi) reduced feeding period and costs; (vii) increased income. Two sample farms reported that there is a risk of difficult labor. As consulted with the local Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Bureau, it was primarily because of the larger physical size of the Simmental breed compared to the local Red cattle. It is typically recommended to breed with Red cattle for the first calf and switch to Simmental for the second. If Simmental is used for the first calf, the calf tends to be larger, increasing the risk of difficult labor. 55 For green, energy-, and water-saving technologies, the majority reported benefiting from the activity, including (i) reduced electricity expenses due to the use of biogas as fuel for cooking and heating; (ii) improved environment of the farm; (iii) upgraded infrastructure of the farm; (iv) enhanced manure management through recycling and reuse, with cowsheds using recycled flushing water and digital management for more accurate and efficient savings. None of them reported being negatively affected. It is expected that costs can be further reduced through the adoption of new energy- and water-saving technologies in the future. 56 Feed processing and straw for feed processing. In the seven program counties or districts, 35 (81 percent) of the sample farms participated in the forage processing or straw for forage processing technologies, mainly related to corn stalks processing, corn stalk silage, and whole-plant corn silage. The typical government supports they gained include but are not limited to (a) Subsidy for purchasing forage harvesting and processing machinery. There is a list of machinery to be subsidized by government. Eligible farmers can get a subsidy of 15–35 percent of the total purchase price based on the type of machine. (b) Subsidy of CNY 30–40 per ton for implementing corn silage or based on the land area. (c) Subsidy of 30 percent for twine and film used in corn straw baling. (d) Subsidy for construction of silage storage facilities. 57 Such support measures are inclusive policies that all eligible farmers can apply for. All the sample farms adopted the technologies voluntarily and they provided positive feedback on such technologies, such as (i) reduced feed costs, labors costs, and machinery purchase costs; (ii) higher efficiency of production; (iii) improved resource utilization rate; and so on. There were no negative impacts reported. One sample 266 farm reported that they did not know well about the government support measures and subsidies and expected the local government to enhance promotion and publicity activities. V. Information Disclosure and Effects 58 According to the survey, the key information disclosure channels of government support policies include the following: (a) During the training session on livestock farming technologies, corresponding government support measures are introduced. (b) Local animal husbandry and veterinary stations at the county and township levels communicate relevant information directly to farmers through WeChat groups and phone calls. (c) Competent departments communicate the information to township government, village committees through meetings or the internal working platform, and then transmit to the villagers through village meetings or WeChat groups. (d) Social media, television, government websites, brochures are also utilized for promotion and information disclosure. 59 Comments and suggestions raised by sample farms include the following: (a) Enhance promotion efforts to increase awareness among livestock farmers. (b) Diversify information delivery format. Some information is verbally conveyed, and it is forgotten over time, especially technical information. It is suggested to produce printed or electronic versions such as videos that can be easy accessed when needed. (c) Develop online platforms, such as apps to push updated policies and techniques and provide online training sessions. (d) Conduct target promotion for specific groups, such as large-scale livestock farms. 60 Overall, the survey results indicate that sound information disclosures and participation mechanisms have been established. Farmers can promptly and effectively receive information, express opinions smoothly, and have a positive impact on the design or implementation of project activities. The government also recognizes the importance of involving farmers in project implementation, has established institutional arrangements, and sufficient personnel have been equipped to ensure the active participation of farmers. All the sample farms are satisfied (25 percent are very satisfied and 75 percent basically satisfied) with the government program activities they have participated in or implemented to date. VI. Participation Willingness to the Program 61 Among the 43 sample farms, 38 (88 percent) are willing to participate the Program and expect the Program can be implemented as early as possible; the remaining 5 (12 percent) see the benefits of the Program and will work with the authorities so that the activities support their operation to the maximum extent possible. 267