DİVRİĞİ-KARS-GEORGIA BORDER RAILWAY LINE REHABILITATION AND MODERNIZATION PROJECT BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 (Rev.04) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 2 / 114 Bağlıca Mah. Çambayırı Cad. Çınar Plaza No:66/5 06790 Etimesgut/ ANKARA Tel: +90 312 472 38 39 Fax: +90 312 472 39 33 Web: cinarmuhendislik.com E-mail: cinar@cinarmuhendislik.com All rights of this report are reserved. All or part of this report cannot be reproduced, copied, electronically reproduced, traded, transmitted, sold, rented, used for any purpose, or used in any form and method in digital and/or electronic media without written permission from Çınar Engineering Consultancy Inc. as per the Law No. 5846 on Intellectual and Artistic Works amended with the Law No. 4110. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 3 / 114 T. C. Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Project Owner Directorate General of Infrastructure Investments Hakkı Turayliç Cad. No: 5 06338 Address Emek/Çankaya/ANKARA Telephone and Fax Numbers +90 (312) 203 10 00 Divriği-Kars-Georgia Border Railway Line Project Title Rehabilitation and Modernization Project Project Location Divriği-Erzincan-Erzurum-Kars-Georgia Border Consultant Çınar Engineering Consultancy Inc. Bağlıca Mah. Çambayırı Cad. Address Çınar Plaza No: 66/5 06790 Etimesgut / ANKARA Phone: +90 (312) 472 38 39 Telephone and Fax Numbers Fax: +90 (312) 472 39 33 Report Submission Date September 2024 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 4 / 114 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................... 4 LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................... 5 LIST OF FIGURES .................................................................................................................................. 5 ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS ......................................................................................................... 7 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................................................... 8 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 9 1.1 Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 9 1.1.1 Biodiversity Values .......................................................................................................... 9 1.1.2 Potential Impacts on Biodiversity Values ...................................................................... 11 1.2 Objective ................................................................................................................................ 11 1.3 Roles and Responsibilities .................................................................................................... 13 2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK ...................................................................................................... 14 2.1 National Legislation ............................................................................................................... 14 2.2 International Standards ......................................................................................................... 15 3 MITIGATION MEASURES AND MANAGEMENT CONTROLS .................................................. 17 3.1 Critical Habitat ....................................................................................................................... 26 3.2 Natural Habitats & Flora and Fauna Species of High Conservation Concern ...................... 27 4 TRAINING, REPORTING AND MONITORING ............................................................................ 49 4.1 Training .................................................................................................................................. 49 4.2 Reporting ............................................................................................................................... 50 4.3 Monitoring .............................................................................................................................. 50 APPENDIX-1: Images of Endemic/Rare Plant Species .................................................................... 51 APPENDIX-2: EUNIS Habitats ............................................................................................................ 67 APPENDIX-3: Tentative Table of Contents for The Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP).................................................................................................................................................. 111 APPENDIX-4: Monitoring and Evaluation Program ....................................................................... 112 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 5 / 114 LIST OF TABLES Table 1. Biodiversity Values of the Study Corridor .................................................................................. 9 Table 2: Biodiversity Management Objectives ...................................................................................... 12 Table 3: National Legislation ................................................................................................................. 14 Table 4. High Conservation Concern Flora Species of the Biodiversity Study Area............................. 17 Table 5. The populations of local and regional endemic species, as well as non-endemic but rare species along the route, the percentage of their total populations on the route to the total population in Turkey, and threats/suggestions ........................................................................................................................ 21 Table 6. Seed Collection Periods for Local and Regional Endemic Plants ........................................... 25 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Distribution Area of Endemic/Rare Plant Species .................................................................. 19 Figure 2.Critical Habitat for Flora Species ............................................................................................. 31 Figure 3. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 32 Figure 4. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 33 Figure 5. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 34 Figure 6. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 35 Figure 7. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 36 Figure 8. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 37 Figure 9. Critical Habitat Map ................................................................................................................ 38 Figure 10. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 39 Figure 11. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 40 Figure 12. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 41 Figure 13. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 42 Figure 14. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 43 Figure 15. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 44 Figure 16. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 45 Figure 17. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 46 Figure 18. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 47 Figure 19. Critical Habitat Map .............................................................................................................. 48 Figure 20. Campanula munzurensis (IUCN: VU) .................................................................................. 51 Figure 21. Plantago euphratica (IUCN: VU) .......................................................................................... 52 Figure 22. Centaurea derderifolia (IUCN: VU) ...................................................................................... 52 Figure 23. Echinophora chrysantha (IUCN: EN) ................................................................................... 52 Figure 24. Tchihatchewia isatidea (basal leaf) (IUCN: VU) ................................................................... 53 Figure 25. Silene nerimaniae (IUCN: VU) ............................................................................................. 53 Figure 26. Physoptychis haussknechtii (IUCN: EN) .............................................................................. 54 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 6 / 114 Figure 27. Verbascum alyssifolium (IUCN: CR) .................................................................................... 54 Figure 28. Verbascum alyssifolium (IUCN: CR) .................................................................................... 55 Figure 29. Ebenus macrophylla (IUCN: VU) ......................................................................................... 55 Figure 30. Centaurea huber-morathii (IUCN: VU) ................................................................................. 56 Figure 31. Glaucium cappadocicum (IUCN: VU) .................................................................................. 56 Figure 32. Salvia euphratica subsp. leiocalycina (IUCN: VU) ............................................................... 57 Figure 33. Onosma erzincanica (IUCN: CR) ......................................................................................... 57 Figure 34. Allium purpureoviride (IUCN: VU) ........................................................................................ 58 Figure 35. Beta macrorhiza (IUCN: VU) ................................................................................................ 58 Figure 36. Paronychia arabica subsp. euphratica (IUCN: VU) .............................................................. 59 Figure 37. Campanula yildirimlii (IUCN: EN) ......................................................................................... 59 Figure 38. Hesperis breviscapa (IUCN: EN) ......................................................................................... 60 Figure 39. Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus (IUCN: VU) ........................................................ 60 Figure 40. Achillea pseudoaleppica (IUCN: VU) ................................................................................... 61 Figure 41. Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta (IUCN: VU) ............................................................... 61 Figure 42. Centaurea aucherana (IUCN: EN) ....................................................................................... 62 Figure 43. Cousinia sintenisii (IUCN: VU) ............................................................................................. 62 Figure 44. Hyacinhella acutiloba (IUCN: VU) ........................................................................................ 63 Figure 45. Limoniopsis owerinii (IUCN: VU) .......................................................................................... 63 Figure 46. Origanum haussknechtii (IUCN: VU) ................................................................................... 64 Figure 47. Reseda armena var. scabridula (IUCN: VU) ........................................................................ 64 Figure 48. Verbascum tuna-ekimii (IUCN: CR) ..................................................................................... 65 Figure 49. Gladiolus hamzaoglui (IUCN: VU)........................................................................................ 65 Figure 50. Hedysarum yilmazunalii (IUCN: CR) .................................................................................... 66 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 7 / 114 ABBREVIATIONS & ACRONYMS AYGM General Directorate of Infrastructure Investments BMP Biodiversity Management Plan CR Critically Endangered EN Endangered ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESS Environmental and Social Standard IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature IVMP Integrated Vegetation Management Plan LC Least Concern NT Near Threatened PIU Project Implementation Unit RoW Right of Way SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan SSC Species Survival Commission VU Vulnerable BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 8 / 114 APPENDICES Appendix-1 Images of Endemic/Rare Plant Species Appendix-2 EUNIS Habitats Appendix-3 Tentative Table of Contents for The Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP) Appendix-4 Monitoring and Evaluation Program BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 9 / 114 1 INTRODUCTION The Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the Project has been developed to clearly delineate actions and methodologies essential for mitigating potential impacts on biodiversity arising from the Project. The BMP encompasses the following key aspects: ▪ Addresses recognized biodiversity value and potential Project-related impacts. ▪ Integrates the findings of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), including pre-construction surveys to address data gaps, and incorporates the requirements of Turkish environmental legislation and international standards. ▪ Allocates responsibilities for BMP implementation. ▪ Elaborates on site-specific control measures designed to manage impacts on natural habitats/critic habitats and species of high conservation concern along the Project route. ▪ Furnishes adequate information to support the development of an Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP). The General Directorate of Infrastructure Investments (AYGM) is dedicated to adopting an adaptive management approach during BMP implementation, complying with applicable laws and Project standards, and making necessary updates to the strategies outlined in this document. 1.1 Scope This BMP encompasses the anticipated construction and operational activities of the Project and is applicable to AYGM staff, contractors, and sub-contractors. It is imperative that contractors guarantee the incorporation of all BMP requirements into their respective management plans. Additional details regarding roles and responsibilities can be found in Chapter 1.3 of this BMP. 1.1.1 Biodiversity Values Biodiversity values, which are targeted for mitigation measures and management strategies within the framework of this BMP, are outlined in Table 1. Due to the fact that the field surveys were undertaken in winter, limited on-site data, especially in terms of identifying the fauna composition of the area, was collected. Therefore, to address existing data gaps, particularly in terms of fauna species composition, comprehensive pre-construction surveys will be conducted to gather on-site information. The list of biodiversity values presented in Table 1 is subject to revision/update based on survey outcomes, potentially necessitating the development of additional strategies. Pre-construction surveys will led to clarify the lack of presence of fauna species and impact of the project. Distribution areas and mitigation measures if needed will be clarified. Also, the presence and population sustainability of endemic plant species will be monitored. Table 1. Biodiversity Values of the Study Corridor Flora Species of High Fauna Species of High Critical Habitat Natural Habitats Conservation Concern Conservation Concern E1.2 : Perennial H5.3 : Sparsely- or un- Onosma erzincanica Mesocricetus brandti calcareous grassland and vegetated habitats on Hedysarum yilmazunalii Spermophilus basic steppes, mineral substrates not xanthoprymnus Verbascum alyssifolium Ursus arctos E1.2B : Serpentine resulting from recent ice activity Verbascum tuna-ekimii Streptopelia turtur steppes, E1.2E : Irano-Anatolian Echinophora chrysantha Anthus pratensis E1.2E : Irano-Anatolian Haematopus ostralegus steppes, steppes Ferulago longistylis Vanellus vanellus BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 10 / 114 Flora Species of High Fauna Species of High Critical Habitat Natural Habitats Conservation Concern Conservation Concern E1.B : Serpantin step, E1.2B : Serpentine steppes Centaurea aucheirana Clanga clanga G1.1: Riparian and gallery E1.2 : Perennial calcareous Hesperis breviscapa Gypaetus barbatus woodland, with dominant grassland and basic Physoptychis Neophron percnopterus Alnus, Betula, Populus, or steppes haussknechtii Aythya ferina Salix, G1.7 : Thermophilous Oxyura leucocephala Campanula yildirimlii Vipera eriwanensis G1.7 : Thermophilous deciduous woodland Tymus spathulifolius deciduous woodland, and Testudo graeca D5.3 : Swamps and Achillea sintenisii Alburnus escherischi H5.3 : Sparsely- or un- marshes dominated by Capoeta tinca vegetated habitats on Juncus effusus or other Achillea pseudoaleppica Centaurea derderifolia Gobio obtusirostris mineral substrates not large Juncus spp. Cryptocephalus resulting from recent ice G1.1: Riparian and gallery Centaurea huber- paphlagonius activity woodland, with dominant morathii Eulasia chrysopyga Alnus, Betula, Populus, or Cousinia sintenisii Zonitis nigriventris Salix Scorzonera aucherana Dysmachus E4.3 : Acid alpine and Tanacetum safranboluticus subalpine grassland heterotomum Tipula guentheri G3.4 : Pinus sylvestris Isatis sivasica Phengaris nausithous woodland south of the taiga Phengaris nausithous Tchihatchewia isatidea Polyommatus merhaba Campanula munzurensis Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. minutiflora Gypsophila aucheri Silene nerimaniae Ebenus macrophylla Paronychia arabica subsp. euphratica Origanum haussknechtii Salvia euphratica ssp. leiocalycina Stachys inanis Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus Glaucium cappadocicus Plantago euphratica Reseda armena var. scabridula Thesium stelleroides Gladiolus hamzaoglui Allium purpureoviride Hyacinthella acutiloba Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta Limoniopsis owerinii Beta macrorhiza Pre-construction surveys for fauna species will be performed between May and September, to identify and evaluate high concern species prior to completion of detail design. Also, impact on these species will be determined and necessary mitigation measures will be determined, and the BMP will be updated. Invertebrate surveys should be performed at At Divriği Hills Important Nature Area, Esence (Keşiş Mountains) Important Nature Area, and Kop Mountains Important Plant Area in vegetation period (April-August) once. Amphibian and reptile surveys should be performed at Esence (Keşiş Mountains) Important Nature Area and Kop Mountains Important Plant Area in vegetation period (April-August) once. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 11 / 114 Bird surveys should be performed at Ekşisu Reedbeds Wetland of National Importance, Erzurum Marshes Wetland of Local Importance, Çıldır Lake Wetland of National Importance, and Esence (Keşiş Mountains) Important Nature Area in migration and breeding periods for 5 days monthly. Mammal surveys should be performed at Esence (Keşiş Mountains) Important Nature Area in active period of mammals (April-September) once. These surveys will be performed in pre-construction phase by the Contractor in supervision of AYGM. Monitoring and seed collection surveys for flora species should be carried out in May, June, July and August, taking into account the flowering periods of the species. For Hyacinthella acutiloba and Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta; and Allium purpureoviride May; Onosma erzincanica, Centaurea aucheirana, Hesperis breviscapa, Physoptychis haussknechtii, Tymus spathulifolius, Achillea sintenisii, Achillea pseudoaleppica, Centaurea derderifolia, Centaurea huber-morathii, Cousinia sintenisii, Scorzonera aucherana, Tanacetum heterotomum, Isatis sivasica, Tchihatchewia isatidea, Campanula munzurensis, Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. Minutiflora, Gypsophila aucheri, Silene nerimaniae, Ebenus macrophylla, Paronychia arabica subsp. Euphratica, Origanum haussknechtii, Salvia euphratica ssp. Leiocalycina, Stachys inanis, Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus, Glaucium cappadocicus, Plantago euphratica, Reseda armena var. scabridula, Thesium stelleroides, Gladiolus hamzaoglui, and Beta macrorhiza June; Hedysarum yilmazunalii, Verbascum alyssifolium, Verbascum tuna- ekimii, Ferulago longistylis, and Campanula yildirimlii July; Echinophora chrysantha and Limoniopsis owerinii August. These surveys will be conducted by the Contractor in supervision of AYGM. 1.1.2 Potential Impacts on Biodiversity Values Potential impacts on biodiversity due to planned Project activities include: ▪ Habitat loss, involving the deprivation of feeding, nesting, and breeding areas, coupled with degradation. ▪ Animal mortality risks, attributed to collisions, electrocution, wire strikes, and rail entrapment. ▪ Disturbances from light, noise, and vibrations. ▪ Pollution of air, soil, and water. ▪ Soil erosion. ▪ Alterations to local hydrology. ▪ Risks of fire hazards. ▪ The potential introduction of invasive alien species. 1.2 Objective The main objective of the BMP is to develop strategies to manage impacts on biodiversity, minimizing losses and disturbance to habitats and species, as well as to the ability of wildlife to traverse habitat corridors. Project construction activities can create negative outcomes on the ecological environment through which the route passes, with some of the areas such as Legally Protected Areas and Internationally Recognized Areas being regarded as highly sensitive and highly valued ecological sites exhibiting a wide range of biodiversity. This BMP therefore: • Outlines actions and measures necessary for the effective management of biodiversity along the route; BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 12 / 114 • Covers identified impacts upon biodiversity; • Details specific control measures to be implemented by AYGM and its contractors (and subcontractors), to achieve this; • Incorporates the requirements of the ESIA findings, international standards, Türkiye legislation, Lenders requirements and Project-specific environmental construction permits. By doing this, AYGM defines the actions and measures necessary for the overall management of biodiversity for both the Project beneficiary and contractors in line with the applicable law and other obligations. Specific biodiversity management objectives for the Project are outlined in Table 2. Table 2: Biodiversity Management Objectives Objective Target Performance Indicator Seeds collected and preserved at the gene bank. Monitoring of these areas. Endemic/Rare Plant Seed Collection and Preservation Reporting after monitoring Species Protection Proper Soil Management periods. Monitoring with Biologist Supervision Soil erosion should be prevented. Contamination of soil should be prevented. No reported incidents of No vegetation clearance will be undertaken vegetation clearance outside the outside the Project footprint. Project footprint. Critical Habitat No Project related activities will be carried out in No reported project related Management the critical habitats. activities in critical habitats Habitat Monitoring Status of the species identified Endemic species monitoring and reported. Population status of the species will be re- Identify current assessed to conclude whether it triggers critical distribution of Status of the species identified habitat prior to the finalization of detailed design. triggering fauna and reported. Species-specific measures will be updated based Species on pre-construction survey results. No reported incidents of Minimize extent of vegetation clearance outside the No vegetation clearance will be undertaken vegetation clearance Project footprint. outside the Project footprint. in natural habitats Monitoring reports on the integrity natural habitats. Wildlife crossings designed and located at areas crucial to animal Significant locations for wildlife crossings will be Minimize impacts of passage. identified, and appropriate methods to prevent habitat fragmentation Different methods implemented animal crossings will be implemented. so that animals do not enter the RoW. Additional pre-construction surveys are Reported incidents on fauna conducted to underpin target species and their Minimize injury or injuries or death due to Project habitat preferences. mortality of fauna activities. On-site speed limits will be enforced and the species On-site traffic management in Project personnel will receive necessary place. trainings. Internal capacity will be developed to undertake Raise awareness biodiversity studies, external expert input will be Reports on trainings, information among internal and acquired as necessary. disclosure meetings and external stakeholders Trainings/meetings will be organized to inform attendants. on biodiversity and internal and external stakeholders within the SEP being implemented and conservation priorities scope of the Stakeholder Engagement Plan updated as necessary. (SEP). Develop and Resource allocation and expert input will be Program developed and implement a provided so that statuses of habitats and species implemented. Biodiversity Monitoring BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 13 / 114 Objective Target Performance Indicator and Evaluation will be monitored throughout all phases of the Periodical monitoring reports Program Project. prepared and results evaluated. Based on monitoring results, habitat and species- specific management strategies will be developed as necessary. 1.3 Roles and Responsibilities AYGM holds the responsibility for executing the strategies and mitigation measures outlined in this BMP. Specifically, the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) of AYGM, along with the Environmental and Social Management team within, is tasked with overseeing actions pertaining to biodiversity values and conservation measures as stipulated in the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and BMP. Contractors and sub-contractors engaged in Project activities during land preparation and construction will appoint their own qualified personnel to manage issues related to biodiversity. Also, during operation phase TCDD will be appoint their own qualified personnel to manage issues related to biodiversity. The primary responsibilities in the implementation of the BMP include: ▪ Ensuring compliance with Project standards. ▪ Executing biodiversity conservation measures and management controls. ▪ Monitoring the successful implementation of the BMP. ▪ Identifying adverse impacts on habitats and species and taking additional measures as necessary. In the execution of biodiversity studies, external experts will be engaged, supplementing the efforts of AYGM and contractor/sub-contractor staff. Biodiversity experts bear the responsibility for conducting additional field surveys, assessing results, implementing necessary measures within the BMP framework, formulating strategies for the implementation of the Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Program, and reporting all findings to AYGM and contractors/sub- contractors. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 14 / 114 2 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK The legislative framework for the Project has been developed to encompass not only Turkish Environmental and Social Legislation but also the Labor Law and Regulations, World Bank Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs), and Environmental Health and Safety Guidelines. A comprehensive overview of the "Institutional and Legislative Framework" is provided within the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). This section outlines national legislation and international standards related to biodiversity studies, aligning with the institutional and legal framework established for the Project. 2.1 National Legislation The Environmental Law No. 2872 is geared towards the protection of the natural environment, aligning with sustainable development principles. An expansion of its framework occurred with the enactment of Law 5491 on April 26, 2006, amending the Environmental Law. This amendment introduced essential principles for biodiversity conservation. Article 6 of the Law underscores the significance of protecting biodiversity and outlines penal sanctions for environmental damage, including the destruction of biological diversity, detected through inspections and audits. Regulations issued under the Environmental Law establish rules for pollution prevention and environmental impact assessment. Turkey's laws and regulations concerning the conservation of habitats and species, along with national strategy documents aimed at implementing statutory biodiversity conservation principles outlined in relevant laws and regulations, are comprehensively detailed in Table 3. Table 3: National Legislation Turkish Laws and Regulation National Strategy Documents ▪ National Biological Diversity Strategy and Action Plan ▪ National Environmental Action Plan ▪ Law on National Parks ▪ National Plan for In-Situ Conservation of Plant Genetic ▪ Forestry Law Diversity ▪ Law for the Protection of Cultural and Natural ▪ National Agenda 21 Programme Assets ▪ National Wetland Strategy ▪ Terrestrial Hunting Law ▪ Turkish National Forestry Programme ▪ Law on Fisheries ▪ National Science and Technology Policies 2003-2023 ▪ Law for the Protection of Animals Strategy Document ▪ Pasture Law ▪ Turkish National Action Programme Against ▪ Regulation on Conservation of Wetlands Desertification ▪ Regulation on Fisheries ▪ National Environmental Strategy ▪ Regulation on Protection of Wildlife and ▪ National Rural Development Strategy Wildlife Development Areas ▪ National Biological Diversity Strategy and Action Plan The National Biological Diversity Strategy and Action Plan, last updated in 2007, is a response to the obligation to formulate a national strategy to guide the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The primary objective of this Strategy is to provide a concise identification and assessment of Turkey's biological diversity, establish a collectively agreed- upon conservation strategy, and propose the necessary actions to achieve the goals of Biodiversity Conservation in Turkey. The Strategy delineates current legal responsibilities related to biological diversity, underscores the significance of international cooperation in policy-making, emphasizes the importance of research conditions for ecosystem management development, and incorporates a definition and assessment of Turkey's biological diversity, along with strategies and priority action plans aligned with the overarching goals. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 15 / 114 2.2 International Standards The World Bank Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) 6 The primary objective of ESS6 on Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources is the conservation and protection of biodiversity and living natural resources, aligning with the pursuit of sustainable development. A key emphasis is placed on maintaining the ecological functions of habitats and the biodiversity they sustain. Biodiversity often forms the foundation for ecosystem services, and adverse impacts on biodiversity can consequently affect these services. The World Bank addresses requirements related to ecosystem services in ESS1 on Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts. The main objectives outlined in ESS6 are as follows: ▪ To protect and conserve biodiversity and habitats. ▪ To apply the mitigation hierarchy and the precautionary approach in the design and implementation of projects that could potentially impact biodiversity. ▪ To promote the sustainable management of living natural resources. ▪ To support the livelihoods of local communities, including Indigenous Peoples, and foster inclusive economic development through the adoption of practices that integrate conservation needs and development priorities. ESS6 requires that the following are described in the assessment of biodiversity-related risks and impacts: ▪ Ecosystems affected ▪ Species affected ▪ Ecosystems services affected ▪ Protection status ▪ Site ownership and control ▪ Baseline threats ▪ Potential project-related risks and impacts Natural habitats are areas composed of viable assemblages of plant and/or animal species of largely native origin, and/or where human activity has not essentially modified an area’s primary ecological functions and species composition. If natural habitats are identified as part of the assessment, the Borrower will seek to avoid adverse impacts on them in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy. Where natural habitats have the potential to be adversely affected by the project, the Borrower will not implement any project-related activities unless: (a) There are no technically and financially feasible alternatives; and (b) Appropriate mitigation measures are put in place, in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy, to achieve no net loss and, where feasible, preferably a net gain of biodiversity over the long term. When residual impacts remain despite best efforts to avoid, minimize and mitigate impacts, and where appropriate and supported by relevant stakeholders, mitigation measures may include biodiversity offsets adhering to the principle of “like-for-like or better.” Critical habitat is defined as areas with high biodiversity importance or value, including: (a) Habitat of significant importance to Critically Endangered or Endangered species, as listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species or equivalent national approaches; (b) Habitat of significant importance to endemic or restricted-range species; (c) Habitat supporting globally or nationally significant concentrations of migratory or congregatory species; BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 16 / 114 (d) Highly threatened or unique ecosystems; and (e) Ecological functions or characteristics that are needed to maintain the viability of the biodiversity values described above in (a) to (d). In areas of critical habitat, the Borrower will not implement any project activities that have potential adverse impacts unless all of the following conditions are met: (a) No other viable alternatives within the region exist for development of the project in habitats of lesser biodiversity value; (b) All due process required under international obligations or national law that is a prerequisite to a country granting approval for project activities in or adjacent to a critical habitat has been complied with; (c) The potential adverse impacts, or likelihood of such, on the habitat will not lead to measurable net reduction or negative change in those biodiversity values for which the critical habitat was designated; (d) The project is not anticipated to lead to a net reduction in the population of any Critically Endangered, Endangered, or restricted-range species, over a reasonable time period; (e) The project will not involve significant conversion or significant degradation of critical habitats. In circumstances where the project involves new or renewed forestry or agricultural plantations, it will not convert or degrade any critical habitat; (f) The project’s mitigation strategy will be designed to achieve net gains of those biodiversity values for which the critical habitat was designated; and (g) A robust and appropriately designed, long-term biodiversity monitoring and evaluation program aimed at assessing the status of the critical habitat is integrated into the Borrower’s management program. In planning and undertaking E&S assessment related to the biodiversity baseline, the Borrower is required to follow relevant GIIP utilizing desktop review, consultation with experts and field- based approaches, as appropriate. Where identified, risks and impacts on biodiversity or habitats are required to be managed by the Borrower in accordance with the mitigation hierarchy and GIIP. Given ecological systems are highly complex, it is very hard and at times impossible to make reliable estimations on long-term impact associated with project activities. Therefore, in management of risks where there is high levels of uncertainty, it is important to adopt a precautionary approach and implement adaptive management strategies that can respond to monitoring results. In the precautionary principle, the main emphasis is on avoiding actions with potentially harmful (and particularly with irreversible) consequences until there is sufficient information available to properly assess and weigh the likely costs and benefits. Adaptive management involves adjusting actions and approached based on the results of ongoing monitoring. The Borrower is required to ensure that competent biodiversity expertise is utilized to conduct the E&S assessment and the verification of the effectiveness and feasibility of mitigation measures. Where significant risks and adverse impacts on biodiversity have been identified, the Borrower will develop and implement a project-specific Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) to address such risks and impacts. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 17 / 114 3 MITIGATION MEASURES AND MANAGEMENT CONTROLS In accordance with the provisions of ESS6, a biodiversity impact assessment has been carried out within the framework of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), following the mitigation hierarchy. The primary objective of the Project's biodiversity studies is to formulate and implement mitigation measures and actions with the aim of achieving no net loss in natural habitats and species of high conservation concern, while also striving for net gains in critical habitat. Potential impacts on critical habitats, identified within the scope of the Project's biodiversity features, will be addressed using the mitigation hierarchy. Avoidance will be prioritized as the initial step, while for endemic/rare plant species, identification and, if monitoring measures will be employed to safeguard the population. Images of locally and regionally endemic species, as well as non-endemic but rare species identified in the project area, are given in Appendix- 1. The list of local, regional endemic and rare species is given in Table 4. Also, distribution area of these species are given in Figure 1. Table 4. High Conservation Concern Flora Species of the Biodiversity Study Area Species Turkish Name RDB Coordinates Survey Location 37S 527389-4388047 Loc 12 Onosma erzincanica Erzincan emzikotu CR 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Hedysarum yilmazunalii Erzincan batalağı CR 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Verbascum alyssifolium Kuduzkuyruk CR 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 37S 525934-4386912 Loc 11 Verbascum tuna-ekimii Ekim sığırkuyruğu CR 37S 532694-4386927 Loc 10 37S 495420-4381360 Loc 5 37S 525934-4386912 Loc 11 Echinophora chrysantha Yıldız çördüğü EN 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 37S 572872-4384096 Loc 15 Ferulago longistylis Dişi kişniş EN 37S 578685-4381964 Loc 17 Centaurea aucheirana Çeşit tülübaş EN 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Hesperis breviscapa Yayla akşamyıldızı EN 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Physoptychis haussknechtii Gezertere EN 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Campanula yildirimlii Yiğit çıngırağı EN 37S 456608-4366613 Loc 26 Tymus spathulifolius Kaşık kekiği EN 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 37S 421801-4365156 Loc 1 Achillea sintenisii Kuruçay perçemi VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 Achillea pseudoaleppica Harput perçemi VU 37S 493146-4381037 Loc 4 Centaurea derderifolia Bağ sarıbaşı VU 37S 493146-4381037 Loc 4 Centaurea huber-morathii Ayaklı tülübaş VU 37S 636074-4422532 Loc 19 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 Cousinia sintenisii Bayırkızanı VU 37S 493146-4381037 Loc 4 37S 532701-4391459 Loc 13 Scorzonera aucherana Buz tekesakalı VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 Tanacetum heterotomum Soluk pireotu VU 37S 636074-4422532 Loc 19 Isatis sivasica Sivas çivitotu VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 18 / 114 Species Turkish Name RDB Coordinates Survey Location Tchihatchewia isatidea Allıgelin VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Campanula munzurensis Munzurçanı VU 37S 512453-4384331 Loc 8 Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. Cüce karşani VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 minutiflora 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 37S 493146-4381037 Loc 4 37 S 521365-4387222 Loc 9 Gypsophila aucheri Çöven VU 37 S 532694-4386927 Loc 10 37 S 525934-4386912 Loc 11 37 S 577026-4382383 Loc 16 37 S 578685-4381964 Loc 17 Silene nerimaniae Sultan nakılı VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Ebenus macrophylla Ulugeven VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 Paronychia arabica subsp. Fırat etyaranı VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 euphratica Origanum haussknechtii Dağ mercanı VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 37S 493146-4381037 Loc 4 37 S 495420-4381360 Loc 5 Salvia euphratica ssp. 37 S 505216-4384156 Loc 6 Fırat şalbası VU leiocalycina 37 S 509127-4384210 Loc 7 37 S 512453-4384331 Loc 8 37S 532701-4391459 Loc 13 Stachys inanis Bağış çayı VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Thymus cappadocicus var. Taşkekiği VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 cappadocicus Glaucium cappadocicus Boynuzlu gelincik VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 Plantago euphratica Toklubaşı VU 37S 493146-4381037 Loc 4 37 S 495420-4381360 Loc 5 Reseda armena var. scabridula Hasgerdanlık VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Thesium stelleroides Anagüvelek VU 37S 467915-4371980 Loc 2 Gladiolus hamzaoglui İliç kargasoğanı VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Allium purpureoviride Renkli soğan VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Hyacinthella acutiloba Sivrisümbül VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 Asphodeline tenuior var. Tesbihcik VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 puberulenta Limoniopsis owerinii Eğin kuduzotu VU 37S 456608-4366613 Loc 26 Beta macrorhiza Kızıl pancar VU 37S 492216-4380433 Loc 3 BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 19 / 114 Figure 1. Distribution Area of Endemic/Rare Plant Species BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 20 / 114 As a result of field surveys conducted on the route, a total of 81 endemic plant species have been identified in the project area, with 38 being regional endemics (such as Echinophora chrysantha, Ferulago longistylis, Achillea sintenisii, Achillea pseudoaleppica, Centaurea aucherana, Centaurea derderifolia, Centaurea huber-morathii, Cousinia sintenisii, Scorzonera aucherana, Tanacetum heterotomum, Onosma erzincanica, Hesperis breviscapa, Isatis sivasica, Physoptychis haussknechtii, Tchihatchewia isatidea, Campanula yildirimlii, Campanula munzurensis, Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. minutiflora, Gypsophila aucheri, Silene nerimaniae, Ebenus macrophylla, Hedysarum yilmazunalii, Paronychia arabica ssubsp. euphratica, Origanum haussknechtii, Salvia euphratica ssp. leiocalycina, Stachys inanis, Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus, Tymus spathulifolius, Glaucium cappadocicus, Plantago euphratica, Reseda armena var. scabridula, Thesium stelleroides, Verbascum alyssifolium, Verbascum tuna-ekimii, Gladiolus hamzaoglui, Allium purpureoviride, Hyacinthella acutiloba, and Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta), and 43 having a broader distribution. The endemism rate is approximately 19%. Considering that around 70% of the route is agricultural or modified land, the high endemism rate can be attributed to the critical habitats present along the route. In the project area, the IUCN categories for the local endemic species Onosma erzincanica, Hedysarum yilmazunalii, Verbascum alyssifolium, and Verbascum tuna-ekimii are classified as 'Critically Endangered, CR.' For the regional endemic species, Echinophora chrysantha, Ferulago longistylis, Centaurea aucherana, Hesperis breviscapa, Physoptychis haussknechtii, Campanula yildirimlii, and Tymus spathulifolius, they are categorized as 'Endangered, EN.' Additionally, regional endemic species such as Achillea sintenisii, Achillea pseudoaleppica, Centaurea derderifolia, Centaurea huber-morathii, Cousinia sintenisii, Scorzonera aucherana, Tanacetum heterotomum, Isatis sivasica, Tchihatchewia isatidea, Campanula munzurensis, Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. minutiflora, Gypsophila aucheri, Silene nerimaniae, Ebenus macrophylla, Paronychia arabica ssubsp. euphratica, Origanum haussknechtii, Salvia euphratica ssp. leiocalycina, Stachys inanis, Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus, Glaucium cappadocicus, Plantago euphratica, Reseda armena var. scabridula, Thesium stelleroides, Gladiolus hamzaoglui, Allium purpureoviride, Hyacinthella acutiloba, and Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta are categorized as 'Vulnerable, VU.' The species Limoniopsis owerinii and Beta macrorhiza, which are not endemic but have a rare distribution, are also classified as 'Vulnerable, VU' at the national level. The population status of local and regionally distributed endemic or rare species in the project area is provided in Table 5. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 21 / 114 Table 5. The populations of local and regional endemic species, as well as non-endemic but rare species along the route, the percentage of their total populations on the route to the total population in Turkey, and threats/suggestions Pop. At Pop. Türkiye Species RDB Threats/Recommendations the Area ratio Due to habitat loss, a decline in population is anticipated. Therefore, in July, seeds of populations along the route should be Onosma erzincanica CR 20 0.2-0.3 collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in August, seeds of populations along the route should Hedysarum yilmazunalii CR 100 %00.2-0.3 be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in August, seeds of populations along the route should Verbascum alyssifolium CR 20 %00.2-0.3 be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in August, seeds of populations along the route should Verbascum tuna-ekimii CR 50 %0.2-0.3 be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in September-October, seeds of populations along the Echinophora chrysantha EN 20 %00.2-0.3 route should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in August-September, seeds of populations along the Ferulago longistylis EN 100 %00.2-0.3 route should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, seeds of populations along the route Centaurea aucheirana EN 300 %00.2-0.3 should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, seeds of populations along the route Hesperis breviscapa EN 20 %0.1-0.2 should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, seeds of populations along the route Physoptychis haussknechtii EN 20 %0.2-0.3 should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in August-September, seeds of populations along the Campanula yildirimlii EN 20 %0.2-0.3 route should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is anticipated. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Tymus spathulifolius EN 200 %00.2-0.3 collected and planted in suitable habitats in July-August. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, the seeds of populations along the route Achillea sintenisii VU 50 %00.2-0.3 should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Achillea pseudoaleppica VU 300 %00.2-0.3 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, the seeds of populations along the route Centaurea derderifolia VU 50 %00.2-0.3 should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Centaurea huber-morathii VU 50 %00.2-0.3 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Cousinia sintenisii VU 300 %00.2-0.3 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Scorzonera aucherana VU 50 %00.2-0.3 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, the seeds of populations along the route Tanacetum heterotomum VU 100 %00.2-0.3 should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is anticipated. Therefore, in July-August, the seeds of populations along the Isatis sivasica VU 20 %00.2-0.3 route should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is expected. Therefore, in July-August, the seeds of populations along the Tchihatchewia isatidea VU 100 %00.2-0.3 route should be collected and planted in suitable habitats. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 22 / 114 Pop. At Pop. Türkiye Species RDB Threats/Recommendations the Area ratio Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Campanula munzurensis VU 5 %1-2 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Gypsophila heteropoda Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be VU 300 %00.2-0.3 subsp. minutiflora collected in June-July and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is anticipated. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Gypsophila aucheri VU 500 %00.2-0.3 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Silene nerimaniae VU 20 %1-2 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is expected. Therefore, the seeds of populations along the route should be Ebenus macrophylla VU 50 %0.2-0.3 collected in July-August and planted in suitable habitats. Paronychia arabica subsp. Due to habitat loss, a decrease in the population is anticipated. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the seeds of VU 50 %00.2-0.3 euphratica populations along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the seeds of populations along Origanum haussknechtii VU 100 %00.2-0.3 the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Salvia euphratica ssp. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the seeds of populations VU 500 %00.2-0.3 leiocalycina along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the seeds of populations Stachys inanis VU 50 %00.2-0.3 along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Thymus cappadocicus var. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the seeds of populations VU 300 %00.2-0.3 cappadocicus along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is anticipated. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the seeds of populations Glaucium cappadocicus VU 50 %00.2-0.3 along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is anticipated. Therefore, it is recommended to collect the seeds of populations Plantago euphratica VU 20 %0.2-0.3 along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Reseda armena var. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the seeds of VU 10 %00.2-0.3 scabridula populations along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the seeds of Thesium stelleroides VU 20 %00.2-0.3 populations along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the bulbs of Gladiolus hamzaoglui VU 100 %0.2-0.3 populations along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the bulbs of Allium purpureoviride VU 20 %0.2-0.3 populations along the route in June-July and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the bulbs of Hyacinthella acutiloba VU 50 %00.2-0.3 populations along the route in May-June and plant them in suitable habitats. Asphodeline tenuior var. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the rhizomes of VU 50 %00.2-0.3 puberulenta populations along the route in May-June and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the seeds of Limoniopsis owerinii VU 50 %00.2-0.3 populations along the route in September-October and plant them in suitable habitats. Due to habitat loss, a decline in the population is expected to occur. Therefore, it is advisable to collect the seeds of Beta macrorhiza VU 20 %00.2-0.3 populations along the route in July-August and plant them in suitable habitats. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 23 / 114 The following recommendations are proposed to minimize the impact on critically distributed species (IUCN Threat Categories CR, EN, VU, NT) and ensure the continuity of population of endemic species along the Project route. Measurable conservation outcomes for biodiversity will be demonstrated in situ (in natural conditions, not in captivity or depository). Therefore, endemic/rare plant species seeds will be collected and given to the Türkiye Gene Bank. These locations, where the endemic species were located, will be monitored. Due to the project is a rehabilitation project a “no net loss” is not expected. The Project; ▪ Have no potential adverse impacts, on the habitat or negative change in those biodiversity values for which the critical habitat was designated ▪ all due process required under international obligations or national law will be complied with; ▪ the potential adverse impacts, on the habitat will not lead to measurable net reduction or negative change in those biodiversity values for which the critical habitat was designated; ▪ the project is not anticipated to lead to a net reduction in the population of any Critically Endangered, Endangered, or restricted-range species, over a reasonable time period ▪ the project will not involve significant conversion or significant degradation of critical habitats, ▪ the project’s mitigation strategy will be designed to achieve net gains of those biodiversity values ▪ a robust and appropriately designed, long-term biodiversity monitoring and evaluation program aimed at assessing the status of the critical habitat is integrated into the Borrower’s management program. The map showing the EUNIS habitats is provided in Appendix 2. a) Gypsum Habitats between İliç and Kemah: The gypsum habitats along the route between İliç and Kemah represent the most sensitive and critical habitat of the project. This habitat hosts 16 locally or regionally distributed endemic species, making it a critical area for biodiversity. The soil in this habitat has a distinctive dirty- white appearance and supports numerous endemic species such as Gypsophila aucheri, Ebenus macrophylla, Achillea pseudoaleppica, Achillea sintenisii, Glaucium cappadocicum, Verbascum alyssifolium, Scorzonera aucherana, Tanacetum heterotomum, Thymus spathulifolius, Thymus cappadocicus, Plantago euphratica, Gypsophila heteropoda, Isatis sivasica, and Thesium stelleroides. Given the high sensitivity and fragility of this habitat, it is considered the most vulnerable along the route. The proposed activities may lead to habitat loss in some areas, resulting in population decline for critical species. To minimize the impact of these activities and conservation of biodiversity, the following measures are recommended: 1. Seed Collection and Preservation: • Collect seeds of critical species during the appropriate period and deposit them in the Turkey Seed Gene Bank to ensure their preservation. 2. Proper Soil Management: • Implement proper soil management practices (tilling, cultivating, growing cover crops, applying compost or manure, etc.) in the gypsum habitats, considering their sensitivity and fragility. • Prevent the invasion of invasive species into the areas where gypsum soils are stored. 3. Monitoring with Biologist Supervision: BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 24 / 114 • Conduct monitoring of populations belonging to critical species directly affected by the activity. • Ensure the monitoring is carried out under the supervision of a biologist to safeguard the populations. These measures aim to mitigate the direct impact on critical species and their habitats, especially in the gypsum habitats between İliç and Kemah, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity along the route. Due to the project is a rehabilitation project a “no net loss” is not expected. b) Serpentine Habitats between İliç and Kemah: The serpentine habitats between İliç and Kemah represent one of the critical habitats within the project area. This habitat is home to local and regional endemic species such as Echinophora chrysantha, Centaurea aucherana, Onosma erzincanica, Hesperis breviscapa, Tchihatchewia isatidea, Physoptychis haussknechtii, Silene nerimaniae, Beta macrorhiza, Hedysarum yilmazunalii, Paronychia arabica subsp. euphratica, Salvia euphratica, Stachys inanis, Verbascum tuna-ekimii, Allium purpureoviride. Considering the presence of these local and regional endemic species, this habitat type is one of the most sensitive and fragile along the route. The proposed activities may lead to habitat loss in certain areas, resulting in population decline for critical species. To minimize the impact of these activities and conservation of biodiversity, the following measures are recommended: 1. Seed Collection and Preservation: • Collect seeds of critical species during the appropriate period and deposit them in the Turkey Seed Gene Bank to ensure their preservation. 2. Proper Soil Management: • Implement proper soil management practices (tilling, cultivating, growing cover crops, applying compost or manure, etc.) in the serpentine steppes habitats, considering their sensitivity and fragility. • Prevent the invasion of invasive species into the areas where gypsum soils are stored. 3. Monitoring with Biologist Supervision: • Monitoring of populations belonging to critical species. These measures aim to mitigate the direct impact on critical species and their habitats, especially in the serpentine habitats between İliç and Kemah, and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity along the route. Due to the project is a rehabilitation project a “no net loss” is not expected. c) Gypsum Habitats in the Northwest of Aşkale: The gypsum habitats in the northwest of Aşkale are considered critical habitats within the project corridor. This habitat hosts regionally endemic species such as Centaurea Huber- morathii, Tanacetum heterotomum, Thymus spathulifolius, all of which are critically distributed. Therefore, this habitat stands out as one of the most sensitive and fragile habitats along the route. The proposed activities may lead to habitat loss in certain areas, resulting in population decline for critical species. To minimize the impact of these activities and conservation of biodiversity, the following measures are recommended: 1. Seed Collection and Preservation: • Collect seeds of critical species during the appropriate period and deposit them in the Turkey Seed Gene Bank to ensure their preservation. 2. Proper Soil Management: BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 25 / 114 • Implement proper soil management practices (tilling, cultivating, growing cover crops, applying compost or manure, etc.) in the gypsum habitats, considering their sensitivity and fragility. • Prevent the invasion of invasive species into the areas where gypsum soils are stored. 3. Monitoring with Biologist Supervision: • Monitoring of populations belonging to critical species. These measures aim to mitigate the direct impact on critical species and their habitats, especially in the gypsum habitats in the northwest of Aşkale, contributing to the overall conservation efforts along the route. Due to the project is a rehabilitation project a “no net loss” is not expected. d) Seed Collecting Efforts: Prior to and/or during the construction phase, it is crucial to conduct seed collecting activities for the 38 regionally endemic (Echinophora chrysantha, Ferulago longistylis, Achillea sintenisii, Achillea pseudoaleppica, Centaurea aucherana, Centaurea derderifolia, Centaurea huber- morathii, Cousinia sintenisii, Scorzonera aucherana, Tanacetum heterotomum, Onosma erzincanica, Hesperis breviscapa, Isatis sivasica, Physoptychis haussknechtii, Tchihatchewia isatidea, Campanula yildirimlii, Campanula munzurensis, Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. minutiflora, Gypsophila aucheri, Silene nerimaniae, Ebenus macrophylla, Hedysarum yilmazunalii, Paronychia arabica ssubsp. euphratica, Origanum haussknechtii, Salvia euphratica ssp. leiocalycina, Stachys inanis, Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus, Tymus spathulifolius, Glaucium cappadocicus, Plantago euphratica, Reseda armena var. scabridula, Thesium stelleroides, Verbascum alyssifolium, Verbascum tuna-ekimii, Gladiolus hamzaoglui, Allium purpureoviride, Hyacinthella acutiloba, and Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta) and 2 rare non-endemic (Limoniopsis owerinii, Beta macrorhiza) plant species found within the project area. The seeds should be collected and delivered to the Ankara Seed Gene Bank. The collection periods for seeds of local and regional endemic species are provided in Table 6. Table 6. Seed Collection Periods for Local and Regional Endemic Plants Suitable Month(s) for Seed/Tuber Suitable Month(s) for Seed/Tuber Species Collection Planting Onosma erzincanica (seed) July October-November Hedysarum yilmazunalii (seed) July-August October-November Verbascum alyssifolium (seed) August-September October-November Verbascum tuna-ekimii (seed) August October-November Echinophora chrysantha (seed) August-September October-November Ferulago longistylis (seed) August-September October-November Centaurea aucheriana (seed) July-August October-November Hesperis breviscapa (seed) July-August October-November Physoptychis haussknechtii (seed) July-August October-November Campanula yildirimlii (seed) August-September October-November Tymus spathulifolius (seed) August-September October-November Achillea sintenisii (seed) July-August October-November Achillea pseudoaleppica (seed) July-August October-November Centaurea derderifolia (seed) July-August October-November Centaurea huber-morathii (seed) July-August October-November Cousinia sintenisii (seed) August-September October-November Scorzonera aucherana (seed) August-September October-November Tanacetum heterotomum (seed) August-September October-November Isatis sivasica (seed) June-July October-November Tchihatchewia isatidea (seed) June-July October-November Campanula munzurensis (seed) July-August October-November Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. minutiflora (seed) June-July October-November Gypsophila aucheri (seed) July-August October-November Silene nerimaniae (seed) July-August October-November BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 26 / 114 Suitable Month(s) for Seed/Tuber Suitable Month(s) for Seed/Tuber Species Collection Planting Ebenus macrophylla (seed) June-July October-November Paronychia arabica subsp. euphratica (seed) July-August October-November Origanum haussknechtii (seed) July-August October-November Salvia euphratica ssp. leiocalycina (seed) June-July October-November Stachys inanis (seed) July-August October-November Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus (seed) July-August October-November Glaucium cappadocicus (seed) July-August October-November Plantago euphratica (seed) July-August October-November Reseda armena var. scabridula (seed) June-July October-November Thesium stelleroides (seed) July-August October-November Gladiolus hamzaoglui (bulb) July-August October-November Allium purpureoviride (bulb) July-August October-November Hyacinthella acutiloba (bulb) May-June October-November Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta (rhizome) June-July October-November Limoniopsis owerinii (seed) July-August October-November Beta macrorhiza (seed) July-August October-November e) Monitoring Activities to be Conducted During Construction and After Completion of Activities: To ensure the survival of critical endemic plant species (local and regional endemics) along the route and to assess the extent of their impact from the activity, monitoring should be conducted at least twice a year during the construction period and for one year after completion of the construction. This will involve checking whether these plant species continue to thrive and assessing the degree of impact, taking urgent measures if necessary. Allium purpureoviride, Hyacinthella acutiloba, and Asphodeline tenuior var. puberulenta will be monitored for flowering period in May and for seed collection in May-July. Onosma erzincanica, Centaurea aucheirana, Hesperis breviscapa, Physoptychis haussknechtii, Tymus spathulifolius, Achillea sintenisii, Achillea pseudoaleppica, Centaurea derderifolia, Centaurea huber-morathii, Cousinia sintenisii, Scorzonera aucherana, Tanacetum heterotomum, Isatis sivasica, Tchihatchewia isatidea, Campanula munzurensis, Gypsophila heteropoda subsp. Minutiflora, Gypsophila aucheri, Silene nerimaniae, Ebenus macrophylla, Paronychia arabica subsp. Euphratica, Origanum haussknechtii, Salvia euphratica ssp. Leiocalycina, Stachys inanis, Thymus cappadocicus var. cappadocicus, Glaucium cappadocicus, Plantago euphratica, Reseda armena var. scabridula, Thesium stelleroides, Gladiolus hamzaoglui, and Beta macrorhiza will be monitored for flowering period in June and for seed collection in July- August. Hedysarum yilmazunalii, Verbascum alyssifolium, Verbascum tuna-ekimii, Ferulago longistylis, and Campanula yildirimlii will be monitored for flowering period in July and for seed collection in August. Echinophora chrysantha and Limoniopsis owerinii will be monitored for flowering period in August and for seed collection in September-October. 3.1 Critical Habitat Even though the railway route passes in protected areas, the route itself is modified habitat and the railway line is in operation for more than 60 years. The railway rehabilitation and modernization activities will be conducted within the railway corridor and for facilities where additional area will be required such as new sidings or extension of sidings will not be within these protected areas. If no project activities are conducted in these areas other than the existing railway corridor, it is expected that there will not be an impact on these critical habitats and critical habitat triggering species. Therefore, to ensure effective biodiversity conservation, the following measures and guidelines will be implemented (see Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, Figure 10, Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14, Figure 15, Figure 16, Figure 17, Figure 18, and Figure 19): BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 27 / 114 Clear Identification of Areas: ▪ Clearly identify areas to be cleared and those that must not be cleared or damaged. Temporary Fencing: ▪ Use temporary fencing to retain critical habitat and exclude construction works from sensitive areas. No Project related activities will be carried out in the critical habitats. Personnel Training: ▪ Train Project personnel on the significance of the habitat and species' populations. ▪ Appoint biodiversity experts to provide necessary information and guidance. Continuous Habitat Monitoring: ▪ Monitor critical habitat throughout the construction and operation phases. ▪ Promptly report and address any Project-related impacts under the supervision of experts. Careful Process Design: ▪ Design the entire process meticulously, covering planning, implementation, monitoring, and management. ▪ Appoint field experts with knowledge of species' biological features and habitat requirements. Monitoring surveys will be conducted at critical habitats according to endemic/rare species flowering time, which is mentioned in Section 3 (e). these surveys will be conducted by the Contractor in supervision of AYGM. 3.2 Natural Habitats & Flora and Fauna Species of High Conservation Concern Management controls and measures to avoid and/or minimize impacts on biodiversity include: Construction Footprint Reduction: ▪ Reduce the construction footprint in natural habitats, limiting vegetation clearance, especially at creek crossings and within riparian habitats. ▪ Plan construction in water systems during drier periods to minimize impacts. Facility Location Planning: ▪ Place construction facilities (equipment storage, offices, access tracks, etc.) within already cleared areas when possible. Flora and Fauna Expertise: ▪ Appoint flora and fauna experts for vegetation clearance in natural habitats. Breeding and Nesting Period Consideration: ▪ Plan land clearance considering the breeding and nesting periods of fauna of high conservation concern. Tree Nest Restrictions: ▪ Restrict clearing of trees with nests. Habitat Restoration: ▪ Restore and rehabilitate natural habitats outside the construction corridor using native plant species upon completion of construction. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 28 / 114 Railway Design: ▪ Design the railway to minimize plant growth in the track area, providing lateral barriers to plant migration. Fauna Inspections and Relocation: ▪ Conduct daily inspections to ensure fauna are relocated or leave the site before works commence. ▪ Facilitate fauna passage around the construction footprint. Site Speed Limits and Safety Measures: ▪ Enforce on-site speed limits. ▪ Securely cover open pits/trenches after daily site works, or use fauna ramps to provide access. Fauna Relocation Techniques: ▪ Implement relocation techniques for fauna of high conservation concern under expert supervision before land preparation. Fauna Crossings: ▪ Identify areas of higher significance to fauna and construct culverts or crossings where the route bisects important habitats if necessary. ▪ Use appropriate methods to prevent animal entrance into the Right-of-Way (RoW). ▪ Regular check and maintaining existing fauna crossing and taking additional measures as necessary. Fauna Strike Registry: ▪ Keep a registry for fauna strike and mortality during construction and operation. Water and Soil Quality Management: ▪ Minimize impacts on water and soil quality through implementation of related management plans. Emergency Management: ▪ Manage emergencies, including natural hazards, fire, and spills, through the implementation of the Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan. Noise and Vibration Reduction: ▪ Minimize noise and vibration-related nuisance to animals in line with pollution prevention and construction impacts management plans. Dust Suppression: ▪ Implement dust suppression techniques in line with pollution prevention and construction impacts management plans. Appropriate Lighting: ▪ Use appropriate lighting in work areas and protective guards for directional lighting. Personnel Training: ▪ Train all Project personnel on the significance of biodiversity in the area. ▪ Prepare protocols for encountering wild animals on the site. ▪ Banning of all forms of hunting and poaching and reporting any illegal activities to related authorities. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 29 / 114 Monitoring and Evaluation Program: Implement the Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Program provided in Appendix-4 to assess the success of mitigation measures and make necessary interventions and update the Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Program as necessary”Invasive Alien Species Management: ▪ Develop and implement an Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Management Procedure to define measures in case of accidental introduction and spread. ▪ Undertake an IAS survey prior to commencement of site works. ▪ Inspect all vehicles and equipment entering the work areas are free of invasive alien species. ▪ Do not allow any animals to be brought to the construction sites. ▪ Return disturbed topsoil and vegetative material to the original sites. ▪ Use natural plant species in restoration, continue regular maintenance during operation. ▪ If avoidance fails, develop eradication and control methods to prevent further spread of IAS. ▪ Do not use pesticides or fire to control IAS. Follow Project standards while using herbicides. ▪ Integrated Vegetation Management Plan (IVMP): ▪ Develop and implement an IVMP during the operation phase of the Project to ensure habitat and species integrity, fire control, safety, and visibility (see Appendix 3 for Tentative Table of Contents for The Integrated Vegetation Management Plan). o Limit the introduction and spread of invasive species, o Promote and maintain a healthy native plant community, o Implement the IVMP to benefit species associated with conservation efforts, o Increase habitat connectivity, o Manage the railway RoW as a movement corridor for wildlife, o Raise awareness and knowledge on integrated vegetation management, including its benefits, activities and implementation among the Project personnel This comprehensive set of measures is designed to address potential impacts on biodiversity throughout the various phases of the Project, promoting environmental sustainability and conservation efforts. The potential critical habitat triggering flora species are given in Table 4.These species meet the Criterion 1 and Criterion 2. Most of the species are regional endemic species and others are distribution restricted species. Therefore, all flora species are triggering critical habitat. The distribution of these species includes only the known areas. Also, the habitats, which were determined evaluated according to the Criterion 4. Due to the Critical Habitat Triggering species E1.2 : Perennial calcareous grassland and basic steppes, E1.2B : Serpentine steppes, E1.2E : Irano-Anatolian steppes, E1.B : Serpantin step, G1.1: Riparian and gallery woodland, with dominant Alnus, Betula, Populus, or Salix, G1.7 : Thermophilous deciduous woodland, and H5.3 : Sparsely- or un-vegetated habitats on mineral substrates not resulting from recent ice activity habitat types meets the Criterion 4. The critical habitats are represented below. Almost all species were distributed only in Türkiye. Salvia euphratica ssp. leiocalycina has population also in New Zealand. Limoniopsis owerinii has population also in Russia. Beta macrorhiza has population also in Greece, Bulgaria, Geogia, and Russia. Therefore, the global populations of the triggering species were evaluated according to the global population sizes and precautions given in the BMP should be implemented. Due to the distribution sensitivity of these species, Criterion 1 and Criterion 2 were triggered. BMP has been prepared to define BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 30 / 114 the necessary mitigation measures to avoid indirect impacts on the identified critical habitat and triggering species. Due to the Project is a modernization project, critical habitats are defined outside the railway route. For the conservation of the regional endemic and distribution restricted species, no activities will be performed in critical habitats. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 31 / 114 Figure 2.Critical Habitat for Flora Species BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 32 / 114 Figure 3. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 33 / 114 Figure 4. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 34 / 114 Figure 5. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 35 / 114 Figure 6. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 36 / 114 Figure 7. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 37 / 114 Figure 8. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 38 / 114 Figure 9. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 39 / 114 Figure 10. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 40 / 114 Figure 11. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 41 / 114 Figure 12. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 42 / 114 Figure 13. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 43 / 114 Figure 14. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 44 / 114 Figure 15. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 45 / 114 Figure 16. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 46 / 114 Figure 17. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 47 / 114 Figure 18. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 48 / 114 Figure 19. Critical Habitat Map BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 49 / 114 4 TRAINING, REPORTING AND MONITORING 4.1 Training AYGM and Project contractors share the responsibility of ensuring that all Project personnel and sub-contractors are well-informed about biodiversity values and conservation priorities. Project staff is obligated to undergo training sessions, encompassing their roles and responsibilities in terms of BMP implementation, site-specific measures, and compliance with relevant environmental plans, Project standards, and protocols, tailored to their specific job roles. A general framework for biodiversity training should include: Overview of Biodiversity: ▪ Understanding the concept of biodiversity. ▪ Recognizing the significance of biodiversity in the context of the Project. Project-Specific Biodiversity Values: ▪ Identifying and understanding the specific biodiversity values associated with the Project. ▪ Recognizing key conservation priorities. Roles and Responsibilities: ▪ Clarifying individual roles and responsibilities regarding biodiversity conservation. ▪ Emphasizing the importance of collaboration for effective biodiversity management. BMP Implementation: ▪ Detailing the strategies outlined in the Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP). ▪ Understanding the step-by-step implementation process. Site-Specific Measures: ▪ Providing insights into measures tailored to the specific characteristics of project sites. ▪ Emphasizing the need for adaptability in implementing site-specific biodiversity measures. Compliance with Environmental Plans and Standards: ▪ Familiarizing personnel with relevant environmental plans and standards. ▪ Ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the protocols in place. Protocols and Procedures: ▪ Detailing specific protocols and procedures for biodiversity management. ▪ Highlighting emergency response plans in case of unexpected biodiversity-related incidents. Interactive Training Exercises: ▪ Engaging participants in practical exercises to reinforce theoretical knowledge. ▪ Encouraging hands-on learning to enhance comprehension. Every biodiversity training should be recorded and reported. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 50 / 114 4.2 Reporting Internal reporting requirements for biodiversity conservation principles and the on-site implementation of management controls, as outlined in the BMP, will be defined by AYGM, with contractors and sub-contractors expected to adhere to these specifications. External experts engaged for biodiversity studies within the Project will submit reports detailing the implementation of mitigation measures, management controls, and monitoring strategies, along with their site-specific findings, directly to AYGM. Biodiversity management and monitoring results, as addressed in the BMP, will be disseminated to all relevant stakeholders within the framework of the Social and Environmental Performance (SEP). This approach ensures transparency and communication with interested parties regarding the outcomes of biodiversity conservation efforts within the Project. Reports should be given as a "Field Evaluation Report" after each field survey, containing a summary of the operations. At the end of the year, an "Annual Field Monitoring and Evaluation Report" detailing all the work done should be prepared and presented. BMP will also be updated after the completion of pre-construction surveys for fauna species and as necessary. 4.3 Monitoring A Project-specific Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation Program is provided in Appendix-4to assess the effective management of impacts on biodiversity. The identification of biodiversity features for monitoring will be carried out during pre-construction surveys, with biodiversity monitoring parameters tailored to reflect the characteristics of the habitat and species composition in the area. Biodiversity monitoring strategies, aligned with Project standards and conservation objectives, will be developed to cover the land preparation, construction, and operation phases. Based on monitoring results at different Project phases, additional measures will be implemented as necessary. The general framework for periodic monitoring studies throughout the Project, along with the biodiversity features to be monitored, includes: ▪ Status of critical habitat ▪ Status of natural habitats and species of high conservation concern, including the implementation of related management controls ▪ Effectiveness of mitigation measures to restrict impacts on natural habitats within the construction corridor ▪ Effectiveness of wires and crossings to prevent animal mortality ▪ Management of environmental issues and the significance of impacts on biodiversity ▪ Presence of invasive alien species in the area ▪ Changes in populations of target fauna species identified through pre-construction surveys ▪ Status of post-construction restoration areas Monitoring reports, outlining outcomes for each monitoring period, will be prepared by external experts and submitted to AYGM. Management controls necessitated by monitoring results will be addressed within the scope of the BMP. This comprehensive approach ensures a systematic evaluation of biodiversity-related aspects throughout the Project lifecycle. BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 51 / 114 APPENDIX-1: Images of Endemic/Rare Plant Species Figure 20. Campanula munzurensis (IUCN: VU) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 52 / 114 Figure 21. Plantago euphratica (IUCN: VU) Figure 22. Centaurea derderifolia (IUCN: VU) Figure 23. Echinophora chrysantha (IUCN: EN) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 53 / 114 Figure 24. Tchihatchewia isatidea (basal leaf) (IUCN: VU) Figure 25. Silene nerimaniae (IUCN: VU) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 54 / 114 Figure 26. Physoptychis haussknechtii (IUCN: EN) Figure 27. Verbascum alyssifolium (IUCN: CR) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 55 / 114 Figure 28. Verbascum alyssifolium (IUCN: CR) Figure 29. Ebenus macrophylla (IUCN: VU) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 56 / 114 Figure 30. Centaurea huber-morathii (IUCN: VU) Figure 31. Glaucium cappadocicum (IUCN: VU) BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN CNR-ETMIC-BMP-001 Rev.04 Date: September 2024 Page 57 / 114 Figure 32. Salvia euphratica subsp. leiocalycina (IUCN: VU) Figure 33. Onosma erzincanica (IUCN: CR)