KYRGYZ REPUBLIC RESILIENT AGRI-FOOD CLUSTERS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (RACD) P178120 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK Bishkek July2024 CONTENT ABBREVIATIONS...............................................................................................................................................5 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................6 1. INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................12 1.1.Purpose of the ESMF ....................................................................................................................................12 1.2.Rationale of the ESMF ..................................................................................................................................13 1.3.Approach and methodology for preparing the ESMF ...................................................................................13 1.4.Scope of the Environmental and Social Management Framework. ..............................................................13 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION .........................................................................................................................13 2.1.Purpose and objectives of the project. ..........................................................................................................14 2.2.Project components and activities.................................................................................................................14 2.3.Project location .............................................................................................................................................18 2.4.Project beneficiaries .....................................................................................................................................18 3. LEGAL FREAMWORK .............................................................................................................................19 3.1.National legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of environment and ESIA procedures ...................19 3.1.1.Constitution ....................................................................................................................................... 19 3.1.2.Natural Resources and Environment Legislation .............................................................................. 19 Table 1. Relevant Kyrgyz Republic environmental legislation.................................................................. 20 3.1.3.Technical Environmental and Social Regulations and Standards ..................................................... 21 3.1.4.Legal framework for Environmental and Social Assessment ........................................................... 22 3.2.Legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of social assessment, land acquisition and resettlement .....24 3.3.National Sectoral Legal Regulatory Framework ..........................................................................................27 3.4.The Kyrgyz Republic International Covenants and Obligations...................................................................28 3.5.The World Bank Environmental and Social Standards .................................................................................28 Table 2. WB environmental and social standards and their relevance to the current project.................... 29 4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE DATA ........................................................................34 4.1.Location and size...........................................................................................................................................34 4.2.Physical environment ....................................................................................................................................34 4.2.1.Climate .............................................................................................................................................. 34 Figure 2. Climate classification of the Kyrgyz Republic ............................................................................ 34 4.3.Topography and drainage .............................................................................................................................35 4.3.1.Hydrology .......................................................................................................................................... 35 4.3.2.Soils and geology .............................................................................................................................. 35 4.4.Land use35 4.5.Biological environment - Ecosystems............................................................................................................36 4.5.1.Pastures ............................................................................................................................................. 36 4.5.2.Forests ............................................................................................................................................... 36 4.5.3.Arid and semi-arid lands ................................................................................................................... 36 4.5.4.Mountain vegetation .......................................................................................................................... 36 4.5.5.Fresh waters and wetlands ................................................................................................................ 36 4.5.6.Marine and coastal areas .................................................................................................................. 37 4.6.Socio-economic background .........................................................................................................................37 4.6.1.Population ......................................................................................................................................... 37 4.6.2.Economic environment and economic growth .................................................................................. 37 4.7.Social analysis ...............................................................................................................................................38 4.7.1.Economical geography ...................................................................................................................... 38 Table 3. Number of settlements located in high mountainous and remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic. 38 4.8.Income .. 38 Table 4. Poverty and extreme poverty rates by territories in 2018 (% of the total population) ................. 38 Table 5. Structure of net (after taxes) cash income by territory (in %) ...................................................... 39 Table 6. Aiyl aimaks (by oblasts) that did not receive equalization transfers (subsidies) from the republican budget in 2018 .......................................................................................................................... 39 2 Table 7. Number of equalization transfers (subsidies) by oblasts in 2018 (thousand soms) ..................... 40 Table 8. Gross regional product per capita (thousand soms) ..................................................................... 40 4.9.Gender analysis .............................................................................................................................................42 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND POTENTIAL POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT ...................................................................................................................44 Table 9. Environmental and social impacts and generic mitigation measures .......................................... 49 6. PROCEDURES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT ....54 6.1.Component 2 (strengthening institutions and systems) .................................................................................54 Table 11. Screening of Risk Categories for Proposed Types of Subprojects ............................................. 54 6.2.Component 1 (Investment for agri-food clusters development) ....................................................................58 6.2.1.PFI Policy .......................................................................................................................................... 58 6.2.2.Scope of the ESMS ........................................................................................................................... 58 6.2.3.Appraisal Procedures – Exclusion List ............................................................................................. 59 6.2.4.Appraisal Procedures – the Process................................................................................................... 60 6.2.5.Appraisal Procedures – E&S Risk Categorization ............................................................................ 60 6.2.6.Integration of Environmental and Social Requirements in Decision-making Process and Transaction Approval 61 6.2.7. Environmental and Social Capacity ........................................................................................... 62 7. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR IMPLEMENTIN THE ESMF .................................................................................................................................................63 7.1.Institutional Arrangements for the Implementation of the ESMF .................................................................63 7.2.Capacity building activities for the implementation of the ESMF and related Project activities .................65 Table 10. Proposed activities on capacity building .................................................................................... 66 7.2.1.Capacity building for realization of Technical Assistance (TA) activities ....................................... 67 8. MONITORING AND REPORTING ..........................................................................................................67 8.1.Reporting responsibilities on Component 2 ..................................................................................................68 Table 11. Roles and Responsibilities of Parties under the ESS ................................................................. 69 8.2.Reporting responsibilities on Component 1 ..................................................................................................69 9. GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM) .....................................................................................70 9.1.Grievance redress .........................................................................................................................................70 Table 12. Form of the complaints and grievances log book....................................................................... 73 9.2 General requirements on labor safety ...........................................................................................................73 Table 13. Typical hazard scenarios and recommended measures in the case of mineral fertilizers handling 81 10. ESMF DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION ........................................................................82 11. ANNEXES ..................................................................................................................................................84 ANNEX 1. INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING CHECKLIST (TO BE COMPLETED BY SUB- BORROWER) .............................................................................................................................................85 ANNEX 2. ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING RESULTS CHECKLIST OF PROPOSED SUB-PROJECT (TO BE COMPLETED BY PROJECT SAFEGUARDS SPECIALIST) ...................................................86 ANNEX 3. ENVIRONMENTAL SCREENING CHECKLIST .........................................................................87 Annex 3.1. Part 2 .................................................................................................................................................88 Annex 3.2. Part 3 .................................................................................................................................................89 ANNEX 4. FIELD SITE VISIT CHECKLIST ...................................................................................................91 ANNEX 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT OUTLINE .................92 ANNEX 6: HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS IN THE FIELD OF ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND WHILE WORKING WITH MILK COOLING TANKS ..........................................................................94 ANNEX 7. GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE PREVENTION OF SPREAD COVID-19 .........................104 Annex 7.1. List of Resources Used: COVID-19 Guidance ................................................................................109 ANNEX 8: HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT...................................................................................111 ANNEX 9: OTHER LEGISLATIVE AND BY-LAWS. THE LAW OF THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC “ON THE RATE OF PAYMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (EMISSIONS, DISCHARGES 3 OF POLLUTANTS, WASTE DISPOSAL” (2002) SETS THE RATE OF PAYMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN A CERTAIN AMOUNT PER TON OF POLLUTANTS. ........114 ANNEX 10. ACTIVITIES SUBJECT TO MANDATORY EIA IN THE KYRGYZ REPUBLIC. ................119 ANNEX 11. EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS ELIGIBLE FOR WB FINANCING. THIS LIST IS NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES, AND MAY BE UPDATED AFTER PRELIMINARY ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT. .....................................................................................................121 ANNEX 12: ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (CHECKLIST FORMAT) ......122 ANNEX 13. MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARINGS AND LIST OF PARTICIPANTS.....................................138 4 ABBREVIATIONS ABCC Agribusiness Competitiveness Center ACMMP Asbestos Containing Materials Management Plan CLMU Credit Line Management Unit COVID-19 Coronavirus infection of 2019 (an infectious disease caused by new type of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) CSA Climate-smart agriculture DBG Dairy Borrowing Groups EA Environmental Assessment EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ESCP Environmental and Social Commitment Plan ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan ESMS Environmental and Social Management System ESS Environmental and Social Standards ESAP Environmental and Social Action Plan GV Gender-based violence HC Healthcare center HDI Human Development Index HNP Health, Nutrition and Population HW Hospital Waste IDA International Development Association IFC International Finance Corporation IPM Integrated Pest Management KR Kyrgyz Republic KyrNIII Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Irrigation KyrNIIZ Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture KyrNIIZhP Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Livestock and Pastures MAC Maximum Allowable Concentration MCISYP KR Ministry of Culture, Information, Sports and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic MNRETS KR Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic MoWRAPI Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industryof the Kyrgyz Republic MoF KR Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic MoH KR Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations OHS Occupational health and safety PFI Participating Financial Institutions PIU Project Implementation Unit PPE Personnel Protective Equipment RACDP Resilient Agri-Food Clusters Development Project SESA Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse SH Sexual harassment SPSC Sanitary and Phytosanitary Compliance TA Technical assistance VC Value chain WB World Bank WBG World Bank Group 5 WHO World Health Organization Executive Summary The proposed RACDP would promote climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as an integrated approach to strengthen competitiveness of value chains through productive partnerships between producers and processors. The project would explicitly focus on climate change impacts on the landscapes (crop and livestock) to systematically address the synergies and tradeoffs between productivity (quality and volumes), and climate resilience (adoption of technologies and practices) by the cluster participants organized into productive partnerships for dairy and horticulture. The project design also adopts a systematic approach to best serve the needs of the country by scaling up the proposed interventions to other agri-food clusters as well as to cover additional regions in the country. Project components and activities.The project consists of the following components: Component 1: Investment for Agri-food Clusters Development (US$ 21.2 million ) This component would support investment loans in each selected agri-food cluster by financing producers and productive partnerships among producers and aggregators/processors engaged in production and value addition. The intended purpose of the investment loans to productive partnerships and other cluster participants is to increase farmers’ access to financing to directly support the production and processing operations that facilitate improved market access. The investment loans would prioritize climate-resilient and energy-efficiency considerations to maximize the project’s adaptation and mitigation climate co-benefits. The productive partnerships would cover multiple producer groups in and across one value chain – including farmers, collectors, processors, traders, and exporters. Detailed eligibility criteria and lending procedures will be described in a Credit Line Manual (CLM) within the overall Project Operational Manual (POM). The financial and commercial viability of the productivity partnerships would be assessed by the PFIs (participating financial institutions) as selected qualified commercial banks. This project would support the following two agri-food clusters: (i) dairy cluster; and (ii) horticulture cluster. (a) Dairy cluster.This cluster would scale up the related activities of the ongoing IDPIP to include Jalalabad, Naryn, and Chui oblasts, with potential for increased production and exports of high-value dairy products. The investments would be screened by third-party for climate resilience and based on adoption of green, climate-smart technologies following a checklist given in the Credit Line Manual. Support to dairy cluster will be complemented by Component 2 activities in Chui and Jalal-Abad oblasts including training for productivity and quality improvement, and artificial insemination (AI) services. (b) Horticulture cluster.This cluster would support producers and processors in Jalalabad, Chui and Naryn oblasts. Naryn has significant potential for diversification into high-value horticulture crops (e.g., berries and vegetables) and Jalalabad is well known for several horticulture products (e.g., prunes, vegetables, nuts, etc.). The local administration in Naryn oblast is currently promoting diversification to high value horticulture products such as berries (e.g., blackcurrants, sea-buckthorn, etc.) to increase the export potential and income generation for the local population, especially women and youth. The project would support investments that integrate digital tools for monitoring efficient use of water and fertilizer, testing, and monitoring harvests for contamination, etc. Green investments would be prioritized through screening of business proposals for climate resilience and adoption of green, climate-smart technologies based on the checklist given in the POM.The horticulture cluster will be complemented by component 2 activities in Jalalabad and Naryn oblasts. Component 2: Strengthening Institutions and Systems (US$4.2 million GAFSP, US$7.65 million IDA) This component will finance consulting and non-consulting services, goods, and equipment for the following sub-components. 6 (a) Sub-component 2.1 Training and capacity building of agri-food clusters (US$4.2 million GAFSP). This sub-component would be financed through the GAFSP grant to provide climate smart training and capacity building of beneficiaries including farmers and processing enterprises, and other participants in the targeted agri-food clusters. This would include mobilizing the productive partnerships consisting of producers, producer groups, and processors engaged in dairy and horticulture clusters.Training would focus on improving: (i) organizational and business development; (ii) climate resilient, nutrition smart, and green technology adoption; (iii) productivity; and (iv) market readiness. In addition, artificial insemination services will be provided to support breed improvement. (b) Sub-component 2.2. Seed system improvement (US$4.35 million).This sub-component would support the enabling environment for policies, strategies, legal frameworks, standards, and organisations associated with seed and planting material. The project would support the development, trialing, and selection of improved, locally adapted, high value market-preferred seed varieties that are climate resilient. This would include providing low emissions and energy efficient equipment in line with the highest efficiency standards. Support will be provided to relevant departments of MoWRAPI and seed farms including fruit and berry nurseries selected by MoWRAPI. Support for variety multiplication and commercial production, processing, storage, delivery, and distribution networks would be provided along with training of seed producers for multiplication of high-quality super elite, elite and first reproduction seeds and planting materials. The project would also support the marketing, dissemination and quality assurance of seeds and planting materials through upgrading laboratories, seed, and variety testing centers at the district level for assessing and accrediting quality available to farmers in the supply chain. The project would promote use of commercially available seeds and planting materials to shift away from current practices of using low quality, segregating, low yield seeds and materials through timely advice that can access high-value markets. Sub-component 2.3. Improved livestock breeding and information management system (US$3,3 million). This sub-component would support improvement of animal breeding policies and regulations and the development of a national meat and dairy breeding plan (through sub-component 2.1). Support will be provided to relevant departments of MoWRAPI and state and private livestock breeding farms selected by MoWRAPI through provision of quality bulls, farm equipment and associated climate-smart technologies.. This sub-component would also support integration of a One Health approach to animal breeding and information management system that promotes a holistic approach to livestock management that integrates the animal-human- environment nexus. This sub-component would finance: (i) upgrading the regional veterinary laboratories in Jalal-Abad and Chui oblasts; (ii) establishment of breeding information system; and (iii) expansion of the cadre of qualified AI technicians with improved skills to support farmers. Component 3: Operational Support and Project Management (US$0.8 million GAFSP and US$1.15 million IDA) This component would support project implementation, including developing a centralized project monitoring and evaluation system that is adopted by the CLMU and ABCC and regional implementation units, a communication and citizen engagement strategy, compliance with environment and social standards and fiduciary requirements, training, and incremental operating costs. This component will also finance the preparation of cluster feasibility studies for future investments aimed at including other agri-food clusters. This component would also provide professional development and other interventions to promote gender diversity in agriculture sector institutions. Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) (US$ 0) Theprojectwillincludeazero-dollarcomponentthatwillprovidesupportintheeventofaneligiblecrisisor emergency, including climate-related disasters, to reallocate project funds to support emergency response. This component will, if triggered, draw from the uncommitted credit/grant resources under the project from other components to cover emergency response. An emergency eligible for financing is an event that has caused or is likely imminently to cause, a major adverse economic and/or social impact to the Borrower, associated with disaster. 7 Project location. Project activities will be carried out in Chui, Naryn and Jal-Abad oblasts of the country. Part of the activity concerning the regulatory (legal) framework will be carried out at the national level. The location of sub-project sites in rural areas will be selected during project implementation. Project beneficiaries. The total number of direct and indirect beneficiaries will be based on exact number of loans provided to the producers and productive partnerships for each value chain. However, an estimated number of direct beneficiaries is expected to be about 8,000 and indirect beneficiaries about 20,000. Direct beneficiaries would include individual farmers/producers, producer groups, small and medium processors, and other value chain stakeholders participating in the agri-food clusters. Other beneficiaries include staff of the veterinary laboratories, trained artificial inseminators, and staff of government institutions involved in livestock breeding and seed production systems. Indirect beneficiaries would include farming communities, household members of loan and training recipients, and other value chain stakeholders and rural communities who may not be direct loan recipients. To address the knowledge and skills gaps for women, the project would specifically design training and demonstration activities around women’s schedules to ensure these activities are aligned with women’s daily routine. Additionally, the training providers would include women trainers for improved experiential exchange with women participants at all trainings. The training and capacity building activities would include specific information on climate risks and adaptation associated with different areas of crop and livestock management. Rationale of the ESMF. Since the details of specific activities and their locations are not defined, and will only be determined during Project implementation, in accordance with ESS1, the ESMF is being prepared. This document defines the overall rules and procedures and provide as overarching guidance for the activities to be implemented by the Project. Component 2 activities will be implemented following this ESMF, while Component 1 will be implemented using the PFIs Environmental and Social Management System, guided by this ESMF. Environmental risks and impacts The environmental risksare assessed as moderate. These impacts could be associated with the following: (a) increased pollution with wastes, noise, dust, and air pollution, health hazards and labor safety issues, etc., due to civil works; (b) increased ground and surface waters pollution due to use of agro-chemicals and silage production; (c) threats to human health and wildlife due to improper handling of treated seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; (d) poor quality of dairy products due to improper collection, transportation or storage; © the occurrence of a disease of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) among employees of the organization (enterprises, farms), with improper organization of work. All of them are expected to be typical for small scale construction/rehabilitation works or for various agricultural and diary processing activities and can be easily mitigated by applying the best construction, farming and/or agro-processing practices and relevant mitigation measures on negative environmental (including sanitary-epidemiological and injurious) and social consequences. The risk of degradation of pastures near villages as a result of possible increasing load of livestock will be mitigated by the encouraging project beneficiaries to plant and store forage crops, and keeping cattle stalled. Relevant monitoring of the rangelands near villages will be undertaken also.In addition, the project will contribute to strengthening of existing institutional capacity to ensure effective EA, appropriate implementation of ESMP, PFIs ESMS and monitoring systems. Special attention will be given to activities that may result in water, soil and air pollution, as well as degradation of soil, vegetation cover and natural habitats, emission of significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, release of significant amounts of gases into the atmosphere, and the use of significant amounts of hazardous pesticides Recommended basic environmental modules, as part of training for farmers, will further reduce environmental risks. Occupational health and safety. OHS issues may arise from the construction activities as well as other project related activities (e.g. working in laboratories, farm demonstrations, operation of agricultural field machines, preparation of silage, use of mineral fertilizers to improve forage production, preparation and application of manure-based fertilizers, etc). OHS risks must be assessed and related measures to manage them should be included in the ESMP, or ESMP checklist as well as in the ESMS procedures and covered in all supervision and monitoring activities. Accident registration and reporting must be in place to register and notify in case of any incidents. All workers must be provided with protective personnel equipment, 8 appropriate for the type of work to be performed and training. Respectively, the ESF sections of all progress reports include statements indicating that the ABCC/CLMU have checked occupational health and safety issues, and existing procedures in this regard, and asked if there have been any serious incidents or fatalities. Similarly, the PIE will ensure that at the project launch workshop and in the operational manual contain adequate provisions for occupational health and safety. Social risks and impacts are assessed as moderate.The project activities are expected to provide significant social benefits, with critical assistance to farmers to improve agricultural systems and production in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The project includes commitments for active stakeholder engagement in developing and prioritizing systems and activities; citizen engagement to ensure project commitments, outcomes, and standards are being met; and dedicated extension and other support to women farmers and entrepreneurs. One potential social risk concerns the exclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Resulting in a skewed distribution of opportunities and benefits. If grievance systems are not adequate, the project may not be able to address real problems or make positive adjustments. Due attention has to be paid to ensure that any child labor is within legal norms and does not result in children being harmed or taken out of school; the project also cannot employ forced labor. Key proposed risk mitigation tools. To manage environmental and social risks and impacts identified throughout the project implementation, the implementing agencies have prepared, consulted upon, disclosed, and will implement the following documents: 1) Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF); 2) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); 3) Labor Management Procedures (LMP). In addition to the above-mentioned framework documents, during the project implementation, for each of the subprojects proposed under Component 2where moderate risks are identified, an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), or ESMP checklist will be required. Contractor’s Code of Conduct (CoC) will be integrated in the ESMP or the ESMP checklist.For Component 1, the participating financial intermediaries (PFIs) will develop and maintain an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMSs) acceptable to the Bank for PFIs to manage the E&S risks of the Project in line with the ESF ESS9 requirements.If an ESMS is in place, the CLMU shall assess and confirm its conformity with ESS9 requirements and share it with the World Bank for approval. If PFIs do not have an ESMS, the CLMU must ensure that they develop one. This ESMS should be reviewed and approved by the World Bank before the PFIs can process any sub- loans to beneficiaries. Legislative and Regulatory Framework. The management of environmental and social issues is based on the requirements of Kyrgyz Republic legislation, the WB ESF (Environmental and Social Framework), and relevant environmental and social standards. The Kyrgyz Republic has a range of legislative and regulatory acts that are relevant to environmental management, including articles of the Constitution, laws, by-laws, resolutions of the Government of Kyrgyz Republic, and international environmental conventions that the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic has ratified. Relevance of environmental and social standards of the WB. The environmental and social framework (ESF) of the World Bank defines the World Bank's commitment to sustainable development through the Bank's Environmental and Social policy and a set of ten Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that are designed to support borrowers’ achieve sustainability and enhanced development outcomes. The ESF standards to the project are ESS1, ESS2, ESS3, ESS4, ESS8, ESS9 and ESS10. Institutional Implementation Arrangement. The ABCC will have the overall responsibility for the project implementation and will be directly responsible for Component 2. The ABCC environmental and social 9 specialists for Chui, Naryn, and Jalal-Abad oblasts will screen subprojects, determine the type of environmental assessment to be carried out for the project, review the package of documents prepared by the beneficiaries (checklists for sub-projects as well as all necessary permits required for the implementation of the project), and monitoring compliance with the proposed mitigation measures during project implementation.Under Component 1, the MoF and participating financial institutions (PFIs) will sign a Subsidiary Loan Agreement to implement the project's credit line. When registering a loan, the PFI verifies the Borrowers' compliance with environmental and social performance obligations established by the Kyrgyz Republic's applicable legislation and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards through their established ESMS.If an ESMS is in place, the CLMU shall assess and confirm its conformity with ESS9 requirements and share it with the World Bank for approval. If PFIs do not have an ESMS, the CLMU must ensure that they develop one. This ESMS should be reviewed and approved by the World Bank before the PFIs can process any sub-loans to beneficiaries. Capacity building activities for the implementation of the ESMF and related Project activities To ensure the successful implementation of the ESMF, information dissemination activities and training will be provided throughout the project implementation. The ABCC/CLMU key specialists (technical staff, monitoring specialist, procurement specialist, etc.) will be trained on the environmental and social issues of the sector, as well as the rules and procedures for environmental and social assessment and management per the ESF. The environmental and social specialists who will be assigned or hired to support the project training will cover (a) National legislation and World Bank ESF requirements for environmental assessment; (b) screening and scoping procedures, including checklists of potential environmental impacts of the proposed activities and potential agro-processing activities; (c) main provisions of environmental and social management plans for proposed sub-projects, including mitigation and monitoring. Field studies also may be included in the training program. PFI staff training will cover (a) National and World Bank requirements for environmental and social risk assessment and (b) screening and pre-appraisal procedures for loan applications per ESF ESS9 requirements and monitoring and reporting. Sub-borrowers (farmers and entrepreneurs) from agricultural and agro-processing sectors receiving the sub-loans will also be trained on methods and best practices to prevent/mitigate impacts from fodder production, agro-processing technologies, waste management, and health and safety. Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM). As required under World Bank’s ESS10, the Project will maintain a Grievance Redress Mechanismand Feedback Mechanism.ThisMechanism will be implemented as one of the main tools to prevent social risks/exclusion. These mechanisms are necessary to make ensure the project beneficiaries have the opportunity, at all stages of project implementation, to submit their appeals in the form of complaints, requests to improve project activities or proposals to eliminate problems without any cost and with a guarantee of their timely resolution. ESMF DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION The ABCC and CLMU will be responsible for publishing the documentation on environmental and social issues related to the implementation of the project. This documentation includes this ESMF, as well as ESMPs or ESMPs checklist developed for individual subprojects. Consultation with project stakeholders, especially the local community who will be directly affected by the Project, is a mandatory requirement in the development of the ESMP. Public comments will be taken into account in the drafts of these documents prior to their final approval. This ESMF will be published in Russian and English on the MoWRAPI, MoF website and other relevant media, and will be discussed with all stakeholders. The consultation process for each sub- project will be carried out prior to commencement of works and mobilization of any equipment at the sub- project site. 10 The draft ESMF was disclosed on the MoWRAPI, MoF website (https://agro.gov.kg/download/environmental-and-social-management-framework/; https://www.minfin.kg/posts/show/ministerstvo-finansov-planiruet-razvitie-ustoychivy ).Public consultation on the draft ESMF was held on March 25 through March 29, 2024, in three regions. The format of the consultations assumed open access to the public, NGOs, active citizens with representatives of state bodies, local administrations and other interested parties. A total of 157 people attended the meeting of which 130 were men and 27 women. The meeting provided an overview of the project objective, its components, implementing agencies, the expected environmental and social impacts, the environmental and social assessment procedure, proposed mitigation measures, and monitoring. Detailed information about public consultation and discussions is presented in the attached minutes of the meeting (Annex 13). The final ESMF, including the results of the consultation, will be published on the MoWRAPI, MoF website (https://agro.gov.kg/; https://www.minfin.kg/posts/show/ministerstvo-finansov- planiruet-razvitie-ustoychivy). 11 1. Introduction Agriculture remains the main source of livelihoods in rural areas but is dominated by smallholders. The sector contributes about 12 percent to GDP and employs nearly 30 percent of all labor in the country. The sector consists mainly of small-scale production systems with over 470,000 farm units and more than 700,000 rural households that collectively produce over 95 percent of the total agricultural products in the country. The overall agricultural growth in the Kyrgyz Republic has remained positive, averaging 2 percent per year. However, most farmers are small in scale (less than five hectares) and not well integrated in agri-food value chains. They engage mostly in mixed crop-livestock systems and household gardening and produce often for domestic consumption. Most surplus production remains unprocessed as it enters the market. Productivity remains below potential, and agriculture faces significant climate change risks that are expected to intensify in the future. While livestock numbers have risen, productivity gains remain small due to low levels of investment, pasture degradation, livestock diseases and insufficient access to veterinary services. Climate vulnerability for crop and livestock emerging from increased heat stress and increased flooding causes damage to crops and livestock and directly reduces productivity. Similarly, increased prevalence of crop and animal diseases affects the sector and prolonged heat-stress, and high temperatures exacerbate these impacts with reduced fertility and milk yields. The Government is making concerted efforts to align the country’s regulatory framework and public food safety enforcement capacity to improve competitiveness of agricultural value chains. The February 2021 Presidential Decree on agro-industrial complex development is intended to promote agri-food clusters across the country to improve farmers' access to innovation, resource-saving and climate resilient practices, and digital technologies to enhance productivity and processing systems. The proposed project named “Resilient Agri-Food Development Clusters Development Project” (RACDP) is well aligned with the Government’s priorities in addressing the key constraints to improvements in productivity while adopting climate-smart and modern technologies that can increase competitiveness of agri-food value chains in the Kyrgyz Republic. Project approach and size. The proposed RACDP would promote climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as an integrated approach to strengthen competitiveness of value chains through productive partnerships between producers and processors. The project would explicitly focus on climate change impacts on the landscapes (crop and livestock) to systematically address the synergies and tradeoffs between productivity (quality and volumes), and climate resilience (adoption of technologies and practices) by the cluster participants organized into productive partnerships for dairy and horticulture. The project design also adopts a systematic approach to best serve the needs of the country by scaling up the proposed interventions to other agri-food clusters as well as to cover additional regions in the country. The proposed project would address the key constraints to improvements in productivity while adopting climate-smart and modern technologies that can increase competitiveness of agri-food value chains in the Kyrgyz Republic. The higher-level outcome of the project is to contribute to food security in the country by supporting agri-food cluster development as a direct response to Government’s agro-industrial complex program that aims to address key sector constraints, including: (i) access to finance; (ii) low productivity; (iii) dated, and labor and resource-intensive farm practices; (iv) low nutrition quality and limited value addition; and (v) limited access to competitive markets. 1.1. Purpose of theESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF)is a tool that explores the environmental and social issues and impacts, when a project consists of a program and/or a series of subprojects and the impacts cannot be determined until the details of the program or subprojects are defined. The ESMF establishes principles, rules, guidelines and procedures for evaluating environmental and social impacts. It contains measures and plans to reduce, mitigate and/or offset adverse impacts and enhance positive impacts, provisions for estimating and budgeting the costs of such measures, and information on the 12 agency or agencies responsible for mitigating or eliminating impacts associated with project implementation. 1.2. Rationale of the ESMF Since the details of specific activities and their locations are not defined, and will only be determined during Project implementation, in accordance with ESS 1, the ESMF is being prepared. This document defines the overall rules and procedures and provide as overarching guidance for the activities to be implemented by the Project. Component 2 activities will be implemented following this ESMF, while Component 1 will be implemented using the PFIs Environmental and Social Management System, guided by this ESMF. 1.3. Approach and methodology for preparing the ESMF For the activities to be implemented under Component 2, the ESMFcovers the following:(i) guidance for subprojects screening and preparing a site-specific ESMP or ESMP checklist, which will include monitoring plans; (ii) mitigation measures for possible impacts, various proposed actions and sub-projects to be supported by the project; (iii) requirements for monitoring and supervision of ESMP implementation, implementation mechanisms; (iv) a review of the PIU's, CLMU capacity to manage environmental and social risks and (v) capacity building activities on environmental and social risks management for all involve parties.For the activities to be carried under Component 1, in addition to identifyingtheirpotential risks and impacts and providing generic mitigation measures, the ESMF provides guidance on the PFIs ESMS requirements for managing the capital working loan of the credit- line. 1.4. Scope of the Environmental and Social Management Framework. The purpose of the Environmental and Social Management Framework is to provide rules and procedures in accordance with national legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic and the World Bank for subprojects Environmental and Social Assessment, identify the significant environmental impacts of the project (both positive and negative), and specify appropriate preventive actions and mitigation measures (including appropriate monitoring plan) to prevent, eliminate or minimize any anticipated adverse impacts on the environment and people. The ESMF also discuss the implementation arrangements as well as the capacity building activities needed. The ESMF is prepared based on the following: (i) analysis of the existing national legal documents, regulations and guidelines; (ii) World Bank Environmental and Social Standards, as well as other WB guiding materials; (iii) experience of ESMFs for similar World Bank projects; and (iv) results of consultations with the representatives of stakeholders. The ESMF also discussesa series of environmental topics to be included in the proposed project activities - training, preparing and disseminating guidebooks and implementing demonstrational activities on the following: (a) rational manure management; (b) practicing silage production and measures to ensure appropriate handling and disposal of the “silage fluid”, and also; (c) TA activities as consultations on conducting EA of selected subprojects. While, social assessment of subprojects will include such issues as prevention of involuntary resettlement and use of child labor, the needs of vulnerable households, including those headed by women, equal rights for all ethnic groups, if any, in the project areas will also be considered. 2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION One of the main objectives of the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040 is to support economic prosperity, human resources development and regional development. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic has identified support for regional development as one of the key policy areas for the next four years, in connection with that has turned to the World Bank to 13 provide an opportunity to finance the Resilient Agri-Food Clusters Development Project (hereinafter referred to as RACDP), which is planned for 2023-2028. Supporting the agricultural sector development program in the Kyrgyz Republic requires a strategic reorientation of investments and institutions to move from short-term food self-sufficiency to long-term food security, increased productivity and competitiveness, and sustainable food systems. To support such a transition, a programmatic framework approach would best suit the country's needs. Starting with a few but promising agri-food clusters in specific geographic locations that have a comparative advantage in terms of production and processing, the program will aim for a long-term growth horizon of 10 years (2023/24 to 2034/35) supported by a number of individual projects each of which is for 5 years with a partial overlap of 1.5 to 2 years between each project, which combines results and lessons to prepare for the next project. The proposed project will support 2 agri-food clusters (dairy and horticultural) in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts. The choice of new clusters and geographic distribution will be based on several factors, including production volumes, degree of processing and benefit, as well as access to domestic, regional and export markets. 2.1. Purpose and objectives of the project. Project development objectives of the RACDP is to increase the productivity and climate resilience of selected agri-food clustersand in case of an eligible crisis or emergency, respond promptly and effectively to it. RACDP will focus on improving production processes and linkages in selected agri-food clusters, strengthening associated national and regional support systems, and promoting climate smart technologies and practices. Geographic coveragewill be in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts,selected on the basis of their agroecological potential, agricultural production patterns and proximity to a major urban market (in the case of Bishkek and Osh). The dairy cluster will focus on Jalalabad and Chui oblasts. These are the most important dairy-producing regions of the country with significant potential for increased exports of high-value dairy products. The horticulture cluster will focus on Jalalabad and Naryn oblasts. Naryn has significant potential for diversification into high-value horticulture crops (e.g., various types of berries) and Jalalabad is well known for several horticulture products (e.g., prunes, vegetables, nuts, etc.). Both regions have sound potential for producing good quality products and processing into finished products that can be exported subject to meeting nutritional labeling and food safety compliance. Total fundingof the proposed RACD project is US$30 million, including US$25 million in IDA credit and US$5 million in the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) Trust Fund grant. 2.2. Project components and activities. The project consists of the following components: Component 1: Investment for Agri-food Clusters Development (US$ 21.2 million IDA) This component would support investment loans in each selected agri-food cluster by financing producers and productive partnerships among producers and aggregators/processors engaged in production and value addition. The intended purpose of the investment loans to productive partnerships and other cluster participants is to increase farmers’ access to financing to directly support the production and processing operations that facilitate improved market access. The investment loans would prioritize climate-resilient and energy-efficiency considerations to maximize the project’s adaptation and mitigation climate co- benefits. The productive partnerships would cover multiple producer groups in and across one value chain – including farmers, collectors, processors, traders, and exporters. The productive partnerships would be formed around specific market opportunities and would be managed by a lead processor, producer organization or cooperative. Based on the demand, the investments for productive partnerships could 14 include on-farm application of production improvement with climate resilient technologies, modern and more efficient farm equipment, climate resilient crop varieties or livestock breeds (such as drought- tolerant and heat-resistant seeds and breeds), post-harvest operations, and value chain relevant facilities (e.g., storage, washing, grading, packing, pre-cooling, cold storage). The productive partnerships would receive investment loans in accordance with agreed eligibility criteria. Detailed eligibility criteria and lending procedures will be described in a Credit Line Manual (CLM) within the overall Project Operational Manual (POM). The financial and commercial viability of the productivity partnerships would be assessed by the PFIs (participating financial institutions) as selected qualified commercial banks. The investment loans component design is assessed in compliance of the provisions of World Bank’s Operational Policy 10 (now called Financial Intermediary Financing (FIF))in Annex4. The investments would provide loans to enable productive partnerships in accessing the immediate needs for boosting production for spring and winter planting (agricultural inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, and fuel) as well as necessary post-production and processing harvesting activities for smallholders. In addition, investments would also provide loans for purchase of farm machinery, invest in warehouses, greenhouses, and other productive assets. The investment loans would be provided under 3 windows: (i) productive partnerships through the lead aggregator, (ii) individual farmers and/or farmers groups, and (iii) private seed and animal breeding farms. The description of targeting and credit terms would be included in the Credit Line Manual (CLM) as part of the overall Project Operations Manual (POM). This project would support the following two agri-food clusters: (i) dairy cluster; and (ii) horticulture cluster. (a) Dairy cluster.This cluster would scale up the related activities of the ongoing IDPIP to include Jalalabad, Naryn, and Chui oblasts, with potential for increased production and exports of high-value dairy products. The investments would be screened by third-party for climate resilience and based on adoption of green, climate-smart technologies following a checklist given in the Credit Line Manual. Support to dairy cluster will be complemented by Component 2 activities in Chui and Jalal-Abad oblasts including training for productivity and quality improvement, and artificial insemination (AI) services. Expected mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. The dairy cluster approach is designed to achieve co- benefits in terms of climate change mitigation and adaptation with the aim of increasing productivity through higher yields per animal rather than through increased herd numbers. Examples of investments may include purchase of more efficient cattle breeds, improvement of animal housing, production of feed and fodder, equipment e.g., milking machines, fodder cutting machines, small tractors and tillage equipment, processing equipment, dairy processing companies’ infrastructure and production lines, establishment of new milk collection points equipped with cooling tanks and equipment for milk quality analysis, etc. The project approach to achieving the climate co-benefits would include promoting productive dairy animals of more efficient breeds, adopting good husbandry practices including animal health and welfare, nutrition and feeding, and manure management for increasing productivity, reducing losses, and increasing carbon uptake. The project would also promote better introduction of climate- resilient varieties of fodder crops such as leguminous perennials (alfalfa and sainfoin) that are drought, heat, and disease tolerant and provide better soil cover, erosion control and nitrogen fixation. (b) Horticulture cluster.This cluster would support producers and processors in Jalalabad, Chui and Naryn oblasts. Naryn has significant potential for diversification into high-value horticulture crops (e.g., berries and vegetables) and Jalalabad is well known for several horticulture products (e.g., prunes, vegetables, nuts, etc.). The local administration in Naryn oblast is currently promoting diversification to high value horticulture products such as berries (e.g., blackcurrants, sea-buckthorn, etc.) to increase the export potential and income generation for the local population, especially women and youth. The project would support investments that integrate digital tools for monitoring efficient use of water and fertilizer, testing, and monitoring harvests for contamination, etc. Green investments would be prioritized through screening of business proposals for climate resilience and adoption of green, climate-smart technologies based on the checklist given in the POM.The horticulture cluster will be complemented by component 2 activities in Jalalabad and Naryn oblasts. Expected mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. The horticulture cluster approach is designed to achieve co-benefits in terms of climate change mitigation and adaptation with the aim of increasing 15 productivity through higher yields of horticultural crops and improved use of natural resources including water and soil management. Examples of investments may include: (a) planting of perennial trees and berries that can provide benefits through soil conservation and reduced erosion as well as increased incomes and improved nutrition; (b) installation of drip irrigation systems for more efficient use of water and increased productivity; (c) development of energy and water-use efficient greenhouses for production of marketable produce; (d) improved processing technologies; (e) improved product storage and packaging to reduce post-harvest losses; (f) establishment of good quality nurseries with more productive varieties and greater diversity of crops. The project would promote productive varieties through horticulture nurseries, efficient land preparation and soil fertility management for planting of quality seedlings, efficient use of water and fertilizers in greenhouses, integrated pest management to limit usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, effective and safe and climate-control storage units, and improved handling, packing and conservation of post-harvest produce. Component 2: Strengthening Institutions and Systems (US$4.2 million GAFSP, US$7.65 million IDA) This component will be implemented by the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry (MoWRAPI) to support the two agri-food clusters: (i) dairy cluster in Chui and Jalalabad oblasts; and (ii) horticulture cluster in Naryn and Jalalabad oblasts.This component will finance consulting and non-consulting services, goods, and equipment for the following sub-components. (a) Sub-component 2.1 Training and capacity building of agri-food clusters (US$4.2 million GAFSP).This sub-component would be financed through the GAFSP grant to provide climate smart training and capacity building of beneficiaries including farmers and processing enterprises, and other participants in the targeted agri-food clusters. This would include mobilizing the productive partnerships consisting of producers, producer groups, and processors engaged in dairy and horticulture clusters. Training curricula would include improved production, product quality management, livestock husbandry and health, integrated pest, and disease management, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance, food safety, resource efficient and emissions reducing agricultural practices, and adoption of climate resilient technologies and practices. Training and capacity building would also be provided for the relevant departments of the MoWRAPI. The training activities for the agri-food clusters would be expected to enable producers and processors to become credible partners for increasing their potential to access credit. Training would focus on improving: (i) organizational and business development; (ii) climate resilient, nutrition smart, and green technology adoption; (iii) productivity; and (iv) market readiness. In addition, artificial insemination services will be provided to support breed improvement. Expected mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. The training and capacity-building sub-component will cover a range of topics relevant to climate adaption and climate change mitigation including: (a) training of farmers and producer groups as described in the cluster development focusing on climate resilient, nutrition smart, and green technologies; (b) training of dairy plants, milk collectors, and horticultural product processors to improve their organizational skills, market access, food safety and knowledge of energy-efficient technologies (in line with the highest efficiency standards); (c) capacity- building of seed, livestock, artificial insemination and veterinary specialists to provide climate-smart services for farmers; (d) technical support for development of improved strategies for seed and livestock breeding programs; and (e) development of digital tools for breeding records and seed data recording. All training and capacity building activities would involve increasing understanding of climate risks and skills for adoption of improved technologies and practices within the business development process of processors and aggregators in each agri-food cluster. (b) Sub-component 2.2. Seed system improvement (US$4.35 million). This sub-component would support the enabling environment for policies, strategies, legal frameworks, standards, and organisations associated with seed and planting material. The project would support the development, trialing, and selection of improved, locally adapted, high value market-preferred seed varieties that are climate resilient. This would include providing low emissions and energy efficient equipment in line with the highest efficiency standards. Support will be provided to relevant departments of MoWRAPI and seed farms including fruit and berry nurseries selected by MoWRAPI. Support for variety multiplication and commercial production, processing, storage, delivery, and distribution networks would be provided along with training of seed producers for multiplication of high-quality super elite, elite and first reproduction 16 seeds and planting materials. The project would also support the marketing, dissemination and quality assurance of seeds and planting materials through upgrading laboratories, seed, and variety testing centers at the district level for assessing and accrediting quality available to farmers in the supply chain. The project would promote use of commercially available seeds and planting materials to shift away from current practices of using low quality, segregating, low yield seeds and materials through timely advice that can access high-value markets. Expected mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. The sub-component will achieve mitigation and adaptation benefits through modernization of the seeds and planting material production systems. Through improvements in seed variety breeding and selection, variety assessment and approval, multiplication, testing, and certification procedures, this sub-component would contribute to availability of improved, high value market-preferred seed varieties of field, forage, and vegetable crops. Varieties would include those that maximize returns to the farmers, being locally adapted with increased tolerance to climate stresses, such as heat and drought, with resistance to pests and diseases that require minimal farmer inputs, and are able to produce nutritious, high-value and market and consumer preferred products. At present, the MoWRAPI estimates that certified seeds of the main field crops, including cereals and cotton, do not meet the market demand and that the practice of using farmer-saved seeds of old, unimproved, low-yield, low-value, climate-change vulnerable, segregating varieties is widespread. Countering these practices through promoting and adopting high-value, market-preferred varieties that are also climate resilient (including drought, heat, and disease tolerant) and would directly contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation. (c) Sub-component 2.3. Improved livestock breeding and information management system (US$ 3,3 million).This sub-component would support improvement of animal breeding policies and regulations and the development of a national meat and dairy breeding plan (through sub-component 2.1). Support will be provided to relevant departments of MoWRAPI and state and private livestock breeding farms selected by MoWRAPI through provision of quality bulls, farm equipment and associated climate-smart technologies.. This sub-component would also support integration of a One Health approach to animal breeding and information management system that promotes a holistic approach to livestock management that integrates the animal-human-environment nexus. This sub-component would finance: (i) upgrading the regional veterinary laboratories in Jalal-Abad and Chui oblasts; (ii) establishment of breeding information system; and (iii) expansion of the cadre of qualified AI technicians with improved skills to support farmers . Expected mitigation and adaptation co-benefits. This sub-component aims to achieve climate co- benefits through enhancement and modernization of the national livestock breeding system and AI chain. This element, in combination with (i) promoting an adequate and nutritious forage base using adapted varieties with drought and salinity tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases, and (ii) improving access to animal health services, will help improve dairy cattle productivity through increased feed intake at pasture and during the winter period, more efficient feed conversion, reduced impact of parasites and diseases, and overall improved husbandry practices, resulting in reduced GHG emissions/liter of milk. In addition, strengthening diagnostic capacity at the oblast level to quickly identify potentially harmful zoonosis and support rapid action in case of disease outbreaks. To reduce losses and promote efficiency, the dairy farmers would be linked with milk collection points (Jamaat) that will also improve their market linkages with dairy processors. The dairy processors would be supported to adopt more efficient processes that could include water conservation and energy efficient (solar powered) equipment. Component 3: Operational Support and Project Management (US$0.8 million GAFSP and US$1.15 million IDA) This component would support project implementation, including developing a centralized project monitoring and evaluation system that is adopted by the CLMU and ABCCand regional implementation units, a communication and citizen engagement strategy, compliance with environment and social standards and fiduciary requirements, training, and incremental operating costs. This component will also finance the preparation of cluster feasibility studies for future investments aimed at including other agri- food clusters. This component would also provide professional development and other interventions to promote gender diversity in agriculture sector institutions. 17 Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) (US$ 0) Theprojectwillincludeazero-dollarcomponentthatwillprovidesupportintheeventofaneligiblecrisisor emergency, including climate-related disasters, to reallocate project funds to support emergency response. This component will, if triggered, draw from the uncommitted credit/grant resources under the project from other components to cover emergency response. An emergency eligible for financing is an event that has caused or is likely imminently to cause, a major adverse economic and/or social impact to the Borrower, associated with disaster. 2.3. Project location Project activities will be carried out in Chui, Naryn and Jal-Abad oblasts of the country. Part of the activity concerning the regulatory (legal) framework will be carried out at the national level. The location of sub-project sites in rural areas will be selected during project implementation. Fig.1 Chui, Jalal-Abad and Naryn oblasts are the project area. 2.4. Project beneficiaries The estimated cumulative number of direct beneficiaries is around 8,000 beneficiaries from dairy and horticulture clusters. The number of indirect beneficiaries is expected to reach around 20,000. Direct beneficiaries would include rural communities, individual farmers/producers, organized producer groups, small and medium processors, and other value chain stakeholders participating in the agri-food clusters. Other beneficiaries include staff of the veterinary laboratories, trained artificial inseminators, and staff of government institutions involved in livestock breeding and seed production systems. To address the knowledge and skills gaps for women, the project would specifically design training and demonstration activities around women’s schedules to ensure these activities are aligned with women’s daily routine. Additionally, the training providers would include women trainers for improved experiential exchange with women participants at all trainings. The training and capacity building activities would also include specific information on climate risks and adaptation associated with different areas of crop and livestock management. The project focuses on dairy and horticulture clusters where women are particularly active. Experience from IDPIP indicates around 54 percent of the participants in the dairy producer training groups were women. Previous experience, in the Agriculture Productivity and Nutrition Improvement Project indicates that 90 percent of vegetable producer group members are women for production in household plots. It is likely that this percentage of women will be less with larger scale fruit tree production, and further up the value chain for both dairy and horticulture activities. 18 3. LEGAL FREAMWORK 3.1. National legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of environment and ESIA procedures 3.1.1. Constitution The supreme legislative instrument in the Kyrgyz Republic is the Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic dated May 05, 2021, hereinafter referred to as the “Constitution”. All laws must comply with the Constitution, and only Parliament can amend, revise or enact laws or ratify international agreements. According to the Constitution, the Kyrgyz Republic is a democratic republic with a popularly elected president heading the executive branch and a unicameral legislature consisting of 90 members of parliament. 3.1.2. Natural Resources and Environment Legislation The Constitution establishes the basic principles of nature management and environmental management, including the right of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic to access the main sources of life, while the main resources (land, water and subsoil) are the common property of the people and belong to the state. Based on these principles, a legal framework has been developed to regulate relations between users of natural resources and the state (UNDP 2007). The most significant relevant legislation includes: (a) The Law on Environmental Protection of 1999, which sets out the public policy and general legal framework for the use of natural resources and environmental protection; b) Law on Ecological Expertise of 1999,which is the authorized body in the field of environmental protection to carry out the State Ecological Expertise (SEE) of the proposed projects; c) Surface Water Protection Act of 2009,which provides the basis for the protection of water bodies, including the development and approval of water protection measures, as well as the definition of rules and the application of sanctions for violations. In addition to legislation that specifically relates to the environment and natural resources, the Kyrgyz national legal framework includes laws in other key areas of relevance to the Project. Main among these are laws relating to occupational health and safety and the protection of cultural heritage. They are considered as follows. The constitution offers protection to workers by providing that they are entitled to working conditions that meet the basic requirements of health and safety in the workplace. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development has the primary responsibility for occupational health and safety. Key relevant legislation includes the Occupational Safety and Health Law of the Kyrgyz Republic of 2003, Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic of 2004 and separate normative norms. The Kyrgyz Republic joined the International Labor Organization on March 31, 1992. An analysis carried out by this organization in 2008 showed thatLaw of the KyrgyzRepublic on labor protectioncomplies with international norms and standards, although it alsorevealed a lack of trained state inspectors to ensurelaw enforcement. (ILO 2008). The constitution also guarantees state protection for historical monuments. The Law on the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage of 1999 (last revised in 2014) establishes a system for the protection of objects of local, state and international historical or cultural significance, and the Ministry of Education and Science has the authority to store. The Ministry maintains an official state register of cultural heritage, which lists more than 5,000 objects of local, national and international importance. The most relevant legislation for the Project is summarized in Table 1. Table 1. Relevant Kyrgyz Republic environmental legislation Legislation Year of Purpose of content adoption (amendments) 1999(2002, Provides public policy and general legal framework for the use of natural 2003, 2004, resources and environmental protection, including Law on Environmental 2005, 2009, environmental impact assessment to the environment, settingenvironmental protection 2013, 2014, standards and legal regime for protected areas. 2015, 2016) Sets mainprinciples of environmental policy and defines global, national The concept of and local environmental issues; priorities in the field of environmental environmental safety of 2009 (2012) protection at the national level, as well as tools for ensuring environmental the Kyrgyz Republic safety. 1999 Provides a legislative framework for the authorized body in the field of Law on environmental protection, conductecological expertise and approve the ecological (2003, 2007, EIA. Identifies (in general) projects requiring environmental assessment expertise 2015) and expertise. Regulates the use and protection of water resources, 1994 including preventionnegative impacts, and seeks to Law on Water improve cooperation andlaw enforcement. Resources (1995, 2012, Regulates the quantity and quality of water released into the environment 2013, 2016) and prohibits the discharge of industrial, domestic and other wastes into water bodies. 1999 Law on drinking water (2000, 2003, Regulates the availability of drinking water and its quality. 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014) 1994 Law on Specially Regulates organization security and use of biosphere reserves; national Protected Natural (2011) parks; other protected areas with unique natural areas, flora or fauna or Territories cultural heritage values; and protected areas for recreational use. Sets legal standards for biosphere reserves to conserve, restore and use areas rich in natural and cultural heritage and support long-term Law on Biosphere 1999 sustainable economic and social development, including recreation, Reserves No. 48 restoration of natural resources, long-term environmental control, monitoring and education. 2001 Regulates the use, protection and reproduction of flora. Key principles include biodiversity conservation and growth Law on protection and (2003, 2007, of wildplants and ecosystems; restoration and conservation Use of flora 2009, 2010, of rare, endangered and endemic species; and the use and restoration of 2016) natural plant resources based on scientific principles. 1997 Regulates commercial fishing in order to conserve and develop fish stocks, increase aquaculture and meet the needs of the population for fish Law on Fisheries (1998, 2008, products. 2013) 20 It is established that the animal world is the property of the national state. 1999 Regulates the protection of wildlife in the design and construction of infrastructure, including habitats for fauna species, migration routes, and Law on wildlife (2003, 2014, nesting and breeding areas. Contains definitions of wildlife, rare and 2015) endangered species, wildlife protection, and wildlife use. 2005 Creates single legal framework regulating the use, protection and development of water resources in order to ensure an adequate and safe Water Code (2012, 2013, supply and to preserve the environment. 2016) Rules for the protection Provides a legislative framework to define quality standards for water of surface waters of the 2016 bodies used for fishing and irrigation, as well as ensuring compliance of Kyrgyz Republic regulations relating to discharges to water bodies, among others. 1999 Law on Protection of Regulates ambient air quality and air quality management. Atmospheric air (2003, 2005) 1999 Creates a system for the protection of objects of local, state and Law on protection and international historical or cultural significance. Includes definitions of key use of historical cultural (2014, 2015, terms and types of protected objects. heritage 2017) Law of the Kyrgyz Provides a basis for regulating conditions of labor, including workplace 2003 Republic on labor safety safety features, workplace safety procedures and workplace hygiene. There are over 20 legal regulations in support of the aforementioned wildlife protection laws. The most relevant of them are the Regulation on the Protection and Use of Fish Resources and Aquatic Organisms of 1994 and the Regulation on the Protection of Fish Resources and their Habitats of 2008, which prescribe measures to ensure the conservation of fish resources and their habitats during economic activities, the creation of sanitary protection zones along the coastline and prohibition of pollution of the coastline by municipal and other wastes. Another relevant regulatory document is the List of Rare and Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Included in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan, 2005 (as amended in 2009), known locally as the Red Book. Species included in the Red Book A number of instructions and decrees support the law on cultural heritage. This includes: (a) Decree of the President on measures to promote the study of the historical and cultural heritage of the peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic dated January 27, 2012 No. 18; (b) State list of historical and cultural monuments in the Kyrgyz Republic with national status, approved by the Government on August 20, 2002 No. 568; (c) Instruction on registration, protection, restoration and use of historical and cultural monuments of the Kyrgyz Republic, approved by the Government on August 20, 2002; (d) Local “List of Monuments of Regional Importance” approved by local authorities in accordance with the Law on the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Heritage (Article 10). The main legislation governing occupational health and safety, including at construction sites (Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on Occupational Safety, 2003), is supported by the Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic, 2004, as well as other legal regulations. 3.1.3. Technical Environmental and Social Regulations and Standards Relevant technical regulations and standards include: Technical regulation on the safety of drinking water (2011), which establishes microbiological, parasitological and chemical maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) for drinking water from centralized 21 urban water supplies and non-centralized sources (eg. public wells). Rules for the protection of surface waters (2016, No. 128), establishing environmental standards for surface water used for drinking water, recreation, fishing and irrigation. The rules regulate the discharge of all wastewater into water bodies, including domestic, industrial, rain and melt water, roads, runoff from settlements, wastewater from reclamation systems, wastewater and mine water. The rules also govern economic activities, such as water supplies, that may have an adverse impact on surface water. The rules apply to all bodies of water, including rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs. Hygiene standard 2.1.5.1315-03(2004) sets standards for the quality of water bodies used for domestic and drinking water supply and recreation. This standard, adapted from the Russian standards, is usually used only if the particular parameter of interest is not covered by the Rules for the Protection of Surface Waters (2016). Hygiene standard2.1.6.1338-03 (June 10, 2004 No. 64-04) establishes MPCs for outdoor air pollutants in urban and rural areas. MPCs are intended to prevent the impact of air pollution on human health and are used in setting allowable emission levels in industry. SNiP2.04.03-85-Sewerage (external networks and facilities) establishes criteria for the calculation of hydraulic power for sewerage networks and the design of wastewater systems, and sets standards for components of wastewater management systems, including sewers and wastewater treatment plants. SNiP 3.05.04-85 (External networks, water supply and sewerage facilities) specifies the specifications for pipes, water supply and sanitation installations, tanks, pressure lines and gravity pipelines. Noise standards in the Kyrgyz Republic, adapted from Russian noise standards. The standards were published as a Collection of the most important records on sanitary and anti-epidemiological issues; Volume 2, part 1 (Information and Publishing Center of the State Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision, Russian Federation, 1994). Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population No. 26” dated July 26, 2001,aimed at ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic and used to ensure the guarantees that the state provides to people for the exercise of their right to health protection and a healthy environment. Regarding Soviet control standards: GOST 17.2.3.01-86. The Rules for the Control of Air Quality in Settlements (1986) and the Guidelines for the Control of Air Pollution (1989) RD 52.04.186-89 adopted by the Kyrgyz Republic will be applied, as shown in the following table. 3.1.4. Legal framework for Environmental and Social Assessment The legal framework for environmental assessment in the country consists of several laws and regulations. The Law on Ecological Expertise ensures that economic and other activities comply with environmental requirements. This Law applies to projects that may have an impact on the environment, including feasibility studies, as well as construction, reconstruction, development, refurbishment and other projects that may have an impact on the environment, regardless of their estimated cost and name or property type. The law obliges the project initiator to submit the necessary documentation related to the project and its impact on the environment to the state environmental expertise. The expert commission of the authorized 22 body for environmental protection is responsible for reviewing of the submitted documentation. A positive decision of the State Ecological Expertise is necessary to start financing or implementing the project. A negative opinion will prohibit the implementation of the project. One of the main opportunities for the participation of citizens and their associations in decision-making on environmental protection and rational nature management is public environmental expertise. Two types of environmental expertise are implemented in the Kyrgyz Republic: state environmental expertise and public environmental expertise. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on General Technical Regulations for Ensuring Environmental Safety in the Kyrgyz Republic establishes general requirements for ensuring environmental safety in the design and operation of economic and other activities related to the production, storage, transportation and disposal of products. Based on the Law, risk categories for each sub-project will be determined in order to fix the EIA measures. Environmental impact assessment is carried out in accordance with the following rules: • Regulation on the Procedure for Environmental Impact Assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic (February 13, 2015, No. 60); • Regulations on the procedure for conducting state environmental expertise in the Kyrgyz Republic (May 7, 2014, No. 248); • Law on Ecological Expertise No. 54 of 1999 (as amended on 04 May 2015), • Law on Environmental Protection No. 53 of 1999 and • Law on “General technical regulations on environmental safety”. No. 151 of 2009. Environmental assessment in the Kyrgyz Republic is based on two subsystems: (i) EIA (abbreviation for Environmental Impact Assessment) and (ii) Environmental Expertise (State Environmental Expertise, SEE). As part of the EIA process, projects are selected based on lists of activities requiring environmental assessment (the list of categories of objects subject to EIA is given in Appendix 11). For activities classified as hazard class I or with the potential for significant adverse transboundary impact, a full (complex) EIA is required. For activities classified as hazard class II or III, a preliminary EIA is required. Where required, the EIA is carried out by an EIA consultant hired by the Proposing Party. Based on the results of the environmental assessment, EIA documents are drawn up, which will be subject to further review. The received EIA/EA is then submitted for public consultation, after which changes are made according to public feedback. Subsequently, the EIA report, the Statement of Environmental Consequences and other supporting documents are submitted for the State Environmental Expert Review (SEE). After that, the project will be approved, rejected or sent for re-expertise. The continuation of the SEE depends on the project, but cannot be more than 3 months after the submission by the Project Initiator of all EIA / EE documents to the SEE. Public environmental expertise (PEE) is organized and conducted on the initiative of local residents, local administrations and civil societies registered in the Kyrgyz Republic. The results of the public environmental review are sent to the body that implements the state environmental review, and the agency that is responsible for making decisions on the implementation of the objects of expertise. Public consultation should be carried out for EE at the feasibility study stage. The results of the public consultations will be included in the public environmental expertise (PEE), which may be done as part of the EIA or may also be initiated in parallel with the SEE. The duration of the SEE depends on the complexity of the project, but should not exceed 3 months after the project initiator submits all EIA documents for the SEE. 23 3.2. Legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the field of social assessment, land acquisition and resettlement The project's legal and policy framework is based on national laws and regulations regarding land acquisition and compensation policies in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as WB ESS5 - Land Acquisition, Land Use Restrictions and Involuntary Resettlement. Constitution of the Kyrgyz Republic (05 May 2021), Article 15 provides that: (i) In the Kyrgyz Republic, private, state, municipal and other forms of property shall be equally recognized and protected (Article 15, paragraph 1); (ii) Property is inviolable. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their property. The right of inheritance is guaranteed. The seizure of property against the will of the owner is allowed only by a court decision in accordance with the procedure established by law (Article 15, paragraph 2); (iii) The seizure of property for public and state needs, as defined by law, shall be made by court order by providing a fair and prior security for compensation for the value of the property and the losses caused by the seizure of the property (Article 15, paragraph 2, paragraph 3); (iv) Land, with the exception of pastures and forests, may also be privately and municipally owned (Article 16, paragraph 3). The conversion into state ownership of property owned by citizens and legal entities (nationalization) is carried out on the basis of the law with compensation for the value of this property and other losses. Civil Code (May 8, 1996, No. 15; last revised September 15, 2021 3120)1 The Civil Code (CC) provides that the party whose rights have been violated may claim full compensation for damages, unless national law or agreements (contracts) prepared in accordance with national law indicate a violation (Article 14, paragraph 1). The Civil Code also indicates that the recoverable losses include: Expenses that the person whose right is violated, made or must make to restore the violated rights, the loss of ordamagetoproperty (real damage),and the revenues that this person would have received under normal conditionsofcivilturnover,ifhisrighthadnotbeenviolated(lostprofits).If the person has violated law, obtained as a result of this income, the person whose rights were violated, the right to demand compensation along with other losses, lost profits in the amount of not less than such income. (article.14, paragraph.2) Compensation for damages caused by the state bodies and local self-government Losses caused to a citizen or legal person as a result of illegal actions (inaction) of state bodies, local self- government bodies or their officials, including publications not in accordance with the laws of the state body act, subject to state compensation, as well as local authorities in the cases provided law With regard to compensation for damages caused by state bodies and local self-government bodies, Article 15 states that losses caused to a citizen or legal person as a result of illegal actions (inaction) of state bodies, local self-government bodies or officials, including publications not in accordance with the laws of the state body act, subject to state compensation, as well as local authorities in the cases provided law. 1 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/4?cl=ru-ru 24 Land Code (June 2, 1999, No. 45; last amended on March 17, 2021, No. 33)2  Article 68 of the Land Code (LC) defines the withdrawal of a land plot for state and public needs and provides that:  Withdrawal (redemption) of the land plot for state and public needs may be based on the agreement between the authorized agency and a land plot owner/user. In the event of disagreement of the land owner/user with withdrawal (redemption) or its conditions the authorized agency shall have the right to petition to the court within two months following the day of denial regarding compensable withdrawal (redemption) of the land plot.(Article 68, paragraph 1);  Upon calculation of the redemption price of the land plot, it shall include the market value of the right to land and of the buildings and structures located on the land, and the damages inflicted to the land owner/user by termination of the right to land plot, including the damages connected with early termination of his obligations to third parties (Article 68, paragraph 3); and  In the event of withdrawal of the land plot for the state or public needs another land plot may be allocated to a land owner/user, subject to his consent and the value of the right to it shall be credited to the redemption price. The Land Code establishes that the right to land and associated structures may be terminated, including when the land is needed for state or public purposes. (Article 66, paragraph 1). The acquisition of a land plot for state and public needs can be carried out only after payment of the cost of the right to a land plot and compensation for losses (Article 66, paragraph 4). The land owner or land user has the right to request compensation, as specified in the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic (Article 49, paragraph 1, subparagraph 5). Finally, the LC (Article 78, paragraph 2) also determines the mode of use in respect of public lands. In particular, this indicates that public lands in settlements, cities and villages (for example, roads, streets, squares, sidewalks, driveways, park lanes, boulevards, mini-parks, reservoirs, etc.) cannot be located in private ownership and only in exceptional cases can be leased to authorized state bodies, legal entities and individuals for a period not exceeding 5 years. The authorized state body may permit the construction of lightened structures on public lands (paragraph 78, article considered 3). Law on State Registration of Rights to Real Estate and Related Transactions dated on December 22, 1998 No. 153, as last amended on February 25, 2021 No. 21) 3 This law states that State registration of the rights to real estate and transactions with it (further - state registration of the rights) - the legal act on recognition and confirmation by the state of the rights to real estate, their encumbrances (restrictions), and also real estate transactions providing protection of the registered rights and encumbrances (restrictions), except as specified, provided by this Law. (Article 1). Any title or other document on the rights or their restrictions subject to mandatory registration in accordance with Article 4 of this Law shall be submitted to the registration authority no later than thirty days from the date of conclusion (drawing up) of the above document (Article 7). Property rights that are not subject to registration but are recognized and protected by the state include (Article 6): 2 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/112189?cl=ru-ru 25  Access rights to communication lines, pipelines, geodetic places and other parts of the infrastructure intended for general use;  rights of spouses, children and other persons;  Temporary rights, lease or sublease for up to 3 years;  Actual use rights for the main or primary use of the property;  Rights arising from tax claims;  Encumbrances arising from general health, public safety, environmental protection, etc. Legislative framework for asset valuation in the Kyrgyz Republic. The valuation of assets is carried out on the basis of the Provisional Rules for Appraisers and Appraisal Companies (Government Decree of August 21, 2003 No. 5373); Valuation Standards for Appraisers (Government Decree of April 03, 2006 No. 217)4and other provisions of national law as appropriate. Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Procedure for Considering Citizens’ Appeals”5 The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Procedure for Considering Citizens’ Appeals” (March 4, 2007, No. 67, last amended on July 27, 2016, No. 151) provides that the complaint of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic must be registered, duly considered and resolved at a fair, in a timely and accountable manner (Articles 2 and 4). Every citizen has the right to personally or through his representative apply to state authorities, local self- government bodies and their officials, who are obliged to provide a reasoned answer within the period established by law (Article 4). A complaint registered with a state body or local self-government must be considered within 14 working days, it can be extended exceptionally by no more than 30 days (Article 8). Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Guarantees and Freedom of Access to Information” 6(Last edition March 18, 2017 No. 47); - regulates access to information that is located in organizations and institutions that are not related to state bodies, and affects the rights and legitimate interests of the applicant directly. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Access to Information held by State Bodies and Local Self- Government Bodies” dated December 28, 2006 - refers to information held by state bodies and local self- government bodies. The law was adopted in order to ensure the implementation and protection of the rights of citizens and legal entities to access information and achieve maximum information openness, publicity and transparency in the activities of state bodies and local self-government bodies. Decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the implementation of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On access to information held by state bodies and local self-government bodies of the Kyrgyz Republic” dated May 8, 2007, UP N240.7Decree of the Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic dated April 22, 2008 N210 (On approval of the forms of the report on the progress of the implementation of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On access to information held by state bodies and local governments of the Kyrgyz Republic” and Instructions for filling them out).8 The Kyrgyz Republic is a signatory to many international conventions in the field of environmental protection, of which Aarhus Convention on access to environmental information and public participation in decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters:(Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on accession dated January 12, 2000 No. 5) regulates, among other things, issues of access to environmental information; 3 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/6710 4 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/99527 5 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/202100 6 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/589 7 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/4605?cl=ru-ru 8 http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/22262 26 The following is the main legislation, some articles of which regulate the rights of citizens to access information and the obligations of authorized competent authorities to provide it:  “On state regulation and policy in the field of emission and absorption of greenhouse gases”  “On the protection of the ozone layer”,  “On Ecological Expertise” dated June 16, 1999  “On Radiation Safety of the Population”,  “On the Protection of Atmospheric Air”,  “On production and consumption waste”,  “On industrial safety of hazardous production facilities”,  “On drinking water”,  “On tailings and mountain dumps”,  “On the mineral resources”,  “On the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population”;  “On Environmental Protection”. Labor Code(August 4, 2004 No. 106, last amended on June 26, 2018 No. 62). The Labor Code is a fundamental legislative act aimed at regulating all labor issues arising in the Kyrgyz Republic. This Code regulates labor relations and other directly related relations aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of the parties to labor relations, establishing minimum guarantees of rights and freedoms in the sphere of labor. Article 9 of the Code prohibits discrimination and guarantees that all citizens have equal rights to work; discrimination in labor relations is prohibited. Any distinctions, exemptions, preferences, limitations on nature of work, regardless of nationality, race, gender, language, religion, political opinion, social status, education, property leading to a violation of equality of opportunity in work are prohibited. Law on Local Self-Government(July 15, 2011 No. 101, last amended on August 8, 2019 No. 118). This Law establishes the principles of organizing local self-government at the level of administrative-territorial units, determines the role of local self-government in the exercise of state power, establishes the organizational and legal foundations for their activities, establishes the competence and principles of the relationship between local self-government bodies and state authorities, state guarantees of local legal communities for self-government. Local self-government carries out its activities, including on the principles of:  openness and responsibility of local governments to the local community and the performance of their functions in the interests of the local community;  the will of citizens through the system of local self-government, as well as through meetings of citizens and kurultai;  protection of the rights and legally protected interests of local communities;  publicity and consideration of public opinion. Local self-government bodies work in close cooperation with state authorities in order to create conditions for the implementation of the constitutional rights of citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic to participate in resolving issues of state and local importance. 3.3. National Sectoral Legal Regulatory Framework The following strategic documents have been developed and are being implemented in the Kyrgyz Republic: The National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018-2040 establishes a strategic legislative framework in the field of economic well-being and the quality of the environment for development; and 27 which reads: The economic policy of the state should stimulate the development of industries with high export potential, creating jobs and improving the well-being of the people. At the same time, it is important to attract foreign investment, the security and integrity of which must be given real guarantees. The concept of the regional policy of the Kyrgyz Republic for the period 2018-2022 [1] was developed in order to form a basic structure for the preparation of detailed programs for the development of specific regions and settlements in the medium and long term; It defines 20 settlements as the base growth points of the regions, including Isfana, Batken, Kadamjai. Climate Investment Program of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Green Economy Development Program in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2019-2023[2]. Defines a strategic framework for the development of climate-resilient sectors of the economy, including agriculture, transport, energy, etc. [1] Approved by the Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated March 31, 2017 No. 194 [2] Approved by the Decree of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated March 14, 2019 No. 605 3.4. The Kyrgyz Republic International Covenants and Obligations The Kyrgyz Republic recognizes and accepts international laws in the field of environmental protection, where international obligations prevail. In addition to national legislation and regulations on environmental and social issues, the Kyrgyz Republic is a party to several international pacts on environmental and social issues.  Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters;  Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (2000);  Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (2006);  Convention on Biological Diversity (1996) and its annexed Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2005);  Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1992);  UN Convention to Combat Desertification (1997);  United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (2000);  Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (2002);  Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (2013);  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (2006);  Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1996). 3.5. The World Bank Environmental and Social Standards The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework defines the World Bank's commitment to sustainable development through the Bank's policies and a set of environmental and social standards designed to support borrower projects to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. The Environmental and Social Standards set out requirements for Borrowers to identify and assess the environmental and social risks and impacts associated with projects supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing. The Bank believes that the application of these standards, by focusing on 28 identifying and managing environmental risks, will assist borrowers in their goal of reducing poverty and sustainable prosperity for the benefit of the environment and their citizens. The standards will: (a) support Borrowers/Clients in achieving good international practice regarding environmental and social sustainability; (b) assist Borrowers/Clients in meeting their national and international environmental and social obligations; (c) strengthen non-discrimination, transparency, participation, accountability and governance; (d) improve the results of projects in the field of sustainable development through continuous interaction with stakeholders. The World Bank Environmental and Social Principles are supported by 10 standards that the Borrower must adhere to in the implementation of World Bank financed projects. Table 2 lists the World Bank Environmental and Social Standards and their application in this project. Table 2. WB environmental and social standards and their relevance to the current project. Environmental Applies Basic requirements and ongoingactivities for Provisions of the ESMF for and Social to this compliance with the requirements theirimplementation standards project of the ESS (yes or no) ESS 1 - Yes ESS1 sets out the Borrower’s responsibilities for The project environment and social Assessment and assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and risks are assessed as moderate. management of social risks and impacts associated with each stage of a Sinceanumber environmental and project supported by the Bank through Investment ofproposedprojectactivities social risks and Project Financing, in order to achieve environmental (modernization of the veterinary impacts and social outcomes consistent with the Environmental laboratory; investments in animal and Social Standards (ESSs). According to herd improvement; investments in requirements of this standard, an environmental and pasture improvements; improved social assessment should be conducted based on fodder production and storage; current information, including description and sustainable management of public definition of the project and any related aspects, and pastures; agricultural equipment, initial data about environment and social level at an including animal shelters, waste appropriate level of detail sufficient to inform the management, storage, including characterization and identification of risks and impacts demonstration infrastructure in this and mitigation measures. The assessment evaluates regard; procurement of facilities and potential environmental and social risks and impacts of equipment for feeding and fodder project, focusing on those that may disproportionately production; improvement of fall on disadvantaged and/or vulnerable social groups; livestock pens; climate-resistant explore alternativesof project; definewaysof improving animal shelters and feeders; agro- project selection, accommodation, planning, design and processing and milk collection, implementation to apply a mitigation hierarchy for cooling equipment; silage; etc..) can adverse environmental and social impacts and to look generate a series of environmental for opportunities to enhance the project's positive and social impacts. These impacts impacts. may be associated with noise, dust, air and water pollution, health and safety risks, etc.). In the case of silage production, this can generate significant soil and groundwater pollution. All of these impacts are expected to be specific to small- scaleconstruction or/rehabilitation works or various agro-processing activities, temporary in nature and site-specific, and can be easily prevented by applying best construction and/or agricultural products processing practices and 29 related mitigation measures. To address these impacts, the client has prepared the following tools: (i) An Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) aimed at identifying mitigation measures, monitoring, and organizing activities, (ii) Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP); (iii) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP); (and (v) Labor Management Procedures (LMPs). In addition, the participating Financial Intermediaries to support the implementation of the Project credit line investments will be required to have in place an environmental and social management system (ESMS). ESS 2 - Labor and Yes ESS2 recognizes the importance of employment The ABCC and CLMU compile working conditions creation and income generation in the pursuit of with national labor laws in hiring poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth. employees for the project. The Borrowers can promote sound worker-management majority of employees are full-time relationships and enhance the development benefits of with one-year employment contracts a project by treating workers in the project fairly and at fixed monthly wage rates. All HR providing safe and healthy working conditions. procedures are documented and ESS2 applies to project workers, including full-time, stored in folders. Monthly time part-time, temporary, seasonal and migrant workers. sheets are also neatly filed and Subject to these requirements, the Borrower shall stored. develop and implement written labor management Contractors. Contractors are guided procedures applicable to the project. These procedures by the legal provisions of the Labor should determine how project workers are managed in Code of the Kyrgyz Republic. The accordance with the requirements of national ABCC will also procure local legislation and this ESS. Procedures mustconsider how service providers/construction this ESS will apply to different categories of project providers at the national and local workers, including direct workers, and how the levels. They will hire local staff and Borrower will require third parties to manage its conclude employment contracts and workers, contractors and subcontractors, direct workers service contracts for the hired staff. in accordance with ESS2. Contractors will be required to follow health and safety regulations, which include, among other things, strict adherence to established health and safety regulations and procedures, which depend on the type of work, carried out, the use of PPE, training activities and monitoring. Subcontractors. Subcontractors (including local private firms) will be hired by contractors to carry out project activities in the project sites. They are required to comply with local labor laws and regulations during the implementation of the subproject. The ESMF includes Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) sections, including specific tools that must be prepared by the customer or contractor prior to commencement of work (EHS checklists, codes of conduct; safety training, etc.). All civil works contracts will include industry 30 standard codes of conduct that include measures to prevent gender- based violence/sexual exploitation and abuse (GBV/SEA). A local Grievance Redress (GR) will be provided specifically for contracted and outsourced workers. Based on the requirements of ESS2, the client has prepared an LMP specifying direct employees. ESS3- Yes ESS3 recognizes that economic activity and The ESMF coversresource Resource efficiency urbanization often generate pollution to air, water, and efficiencyissues, prevention and and land, and consume finite resources that may threaten pollution management, requiresthat pollution people, ecosystem services and the environment at the the environmental assessment prevention local, regional, and global levels. The current and studies and proposed mitigation and management projected atmospheric concentration of greenhouse meet the relevant requirements of gases (GHG) threatens the welfare of current and ESS3, including raw material, water future generations. use, air pollution, hazardous At the same time, more efficient and effective resource materials and hazardous waste to be use, pollution prevention and GHG emission included in scope of the ESMP. avoidance, and mitigation technologies and practices have become more accessible and achievable. This ESS sets out requirements for resource efficiency, pollution prevention and management throughout the life of the project. ESS4 - Yes ESS4 recognizes that project activities, equipment, and Community health and safety, such Community Health infrastructure can increase community exposure to as breach of normal traffic patterns and risks and impacts. In addition, communities that are and risks of unauthorized entry into Safety already subjected to impacts from climate change may construction sites leading to also experience an acceleration or intensification of accident cases, use of agrichemicals, impacts due to project activities. etc.; all of which will be mitigated ESS4 addresses the health, safety, and security risks through the implementation of and impacts on project-affected communities and the ESMP that willincludeappropriate corresponding responsibility of Borrowers to avoid or measuresin this regard, including minimize such risks and impacts, with particular fencing of construction sites, attention to people who, because of their particular placement of warning signs and circumstances, may be vulnerable. information on construction sites, training and demonstration. The project includeslow-scale on- farm construction works, which require labor to be delivered mainly on local level - it is expected that due to the nature and extent of rehabilitation activities, level of labor influx will be negligible, so the associated risks will be low and can be managed. ESS5 - No ESS5 recognizes that project-related land acquisition The project does not anticipate any Land acquisition, and restrictions on land use can have adverse impacts sub-projects that may cause restrictions on communities and persons. Project-related land involuntary resettlement impacts. on acquisition or restrictions on land use may cause Any infrastructure built as part of land use and physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential the project will: involuntary land or loss of shelter), economic displacement (loss of (a) be located on a site already resettlement land, assets or access to assets, leading to loss of owned by the participants, and for income sources or other means of livelihood), or both. confirmation The term “involuntary resettlement” refers to these (b) be checked for illegal impacts. Resettlement is considered involuntary when construction or unofficial use or affected persons or communities do not have the right occupation by other persons without to refuse land acquisition or restrictions on land use official ownership. that result in displacement. Experience and research indicate that physical and economic displacement, if unmitigated, may give rise to severe economic, social and environmental risks: 31 production systems may be dismantled; people face impoverishment if their productive resources or other income sources are lost; people may be relocated to environments where their productive skills are less applicable and the competition for resources greater; community institutions and social networks may be weakened; kin groups may be dispersed; and cultural identity, traditional authority, and the potential for mutual help may be diminished or lost. For these reasons, involuntary resettlement should be avoided. Where involuntary resettlement is unavoidable, it will be minimized and appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on displaced persons (and on host communities receiving displaced persons) will be carefully planned and implemented. ESS6- N/A ESS6 recognizes that protecting and conserving The activities envisaged by the Biodiversity biodiversity and sustainably managing living natural project are small in scale and, as conservation and resources are fundamental to sustainable development. expected, will be held in sustainable Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living participating cities on existing management of organisms from all sources including, inter alia, agricultural land or farms, so the living terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the standard is currently not natural ecological complexes of which they are a part; this relevant. However, as specified resources includes diversity within species, between species, and in ESMF, potential site- of ecosystems. Biodiversity often underpins ecosystem specific biodiversity risks will be services valued by humans. Impacts on biodiversity assessed for each individual can therefore often adversely affect the delivery of subproject, and if necessary, ecosystem services. appropriate mitigation measures will ESS6 recognizes the importance of maintaining core be included in the ESMP. All kinds ecological functions of habitats, including forests, and of activities/subprojects located in the biodiversity they support. Habitat is defined as a natural habitats (including wetlands, terrestrial, freshwater, or marine geographical unit or forests, mountain pastures etc.) will airway that supports assemblages of living organisms not be eligible for project funding, and their interactions with the nonliving environment. and the ESMF provides clear All habitats support complexities of living organisms guidelines and criteria for and vary in terms of species diversity, abundance and preventing of project activities in importance. natural habitats and any other This ESS also addresses sustainable management of protected lands. primary production and harvesting of living natural resources. This standard aims to protect natural habitats and their biodiversity; avoid significant conversion or degradation of indigenous peoples and ensure the sustainability of services and products that are natural resources provided to human society. ESS7 - Indigenous Not peoples / relevant, Sub-Saharan because African historically there are underserved no such traditional social local communities groups in the project zone. ESS8 - Yes ESS8 recognizes that cultural heritage provides The project is not expected to Cultural heritage continuity in tangible and intangible forms between the impact cultural resources given the past, present and future. It sets out measures designed type of activities it will support. to protect cultural heritage throughout the project life cycle. However, since the project covers The requirements of ESS8 apply to cultural heritage some small-scale construction regardless of whether or not it has been legally involving earth works, a chance find protected or previously identified or disturbed. procedure will be included in the The requirements of ESS8 apply to intangible cultural site-specific ESMP, as relevant. heritage only if a physical component of a project will have a material impact on such cultural heritage or if a 32 project intends to use such cultural heritage for commercial purposes. The Borrower will implement globally recognized practices for field-based study, documentation and protection of cultural heritage in connection with the project, including by contractors and other third parties. A chance finds procedure is a project-specific procedure, which will be followed if previously unknown cultural heritage is encountered during project activities. It will be included in all contracts, relating to construction of the project, including excavations, demolition, movement of earth, flooding or other changes in the physical environment. ESS9 - Financial Yes ESS9 recognizes that strong domestic capital and The project involves credit line intermediaries financial markets and access to finance are important investments to farmers/ agriculture for economic development, growth and poverty and dairy enterprises through FIs. reduction. The Bank is committed to supporting Each PFI will develop and sustainable financial sector development and implement an Environmental and enhancing the role of domestic capital and financial Social Management System (ESMS) markets. acceptable to the CLMthe Ministry of Finance and the World Bank, in FIs are required to monitor and manage the accordance with the requirements of environmental and social risks and impacts of their the World Bank's Environmental portfolio and FI subprojects, and monitor portfolio risk, and Social Standard for Financial as appropriate to the nature of intermediated financing. Intermediaries (ESS 9). The ESMS The way in which the FI will manage its portfolio will shall include documents and take various forms, depending on a number of procedures to ensure that the considerations, including the capacity of the FI and the project's financial activities are nature and scope of the funding to be provided by the consistent with this ESMF, FI. applicable national laws, and the FIs are required to develop and maintain, in the form of World Bank's ESSs. an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), effective environmental and social systems, procedures and capacity for assessing, managing, and monitoring risks and impacts of subprojects, as well as managing overall portfolio risk in a responsible manner. ESS 10 - Yes This ESS recognizes the importance of open and Project preparation has conducted Stakeholder transparent engagement between the Borrower and stakeholder mapping. Individuals Engagement and project stakeholders as an essential element of good and groups who may be affected Information international practice. Effective stakeholder (direct beneficiaries) were defined. Disclosure engagement can improve the environmental and social They include residents of sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, participating regions and and make a significant contribution to successful municipalities (both urban and rural) project design and implementation. and participants in the agricultural Stakeholder engagement is an inclusive process value chain (farmers, local conducted throughout the project life cycle. Where communities, traders, workers, properly designed and implemented, it supports the contractors and transporters development of strong, constructive and responsive Mapping of other stakeholders, such relationships that are important for successful as government agencies/authorities management of a project’s environmental and social and the private sector, which may risks. Stakeholder engagement is most effective when vary across sub-projects, will be initiated at an early stage of the project development completed during implementation. process, and is an integral part of early project Paying attention to various profiles decisions and the assessment, management and of stakeholders and what their monitoring of the project’s environmental and social expectations and orientation, and the risks and impacts. ability to interact with the project is different, a Stakeholders Engagement Plan (SEP) was developed that has identified and will continue to identify barriers in implementation, if such available, when addressing stakeholders and reflecting/building the client's 33 capacity in stakeholder engagement. The client also developed Grievance Redress (GR) that interested parties could express their concerns / comments / suggestions, if there are any. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINEDATA 4.1. Location and size The Kyrgyz Republic is a landlocked country located in the mountainous part of Central Asia. The area of the country is 199.9 thousand km2. Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country with a mountainous area. It borders Kazakhstan in the north, Uzbekistan in the west and southwest, Tajikistan in the southwest, and China in the east. The capital and largest city of the country is Bishkek. The Project activities will be carried out on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts. 4.2. Physical environment 4.2.1. Climate The climate of the country is influenced mainly by the mountains; the location of the Kyrgyz Republic is near the middle of the Eurasian continent and the absence of water bodies large enough to influence weather conditions. These factors create a distinctly continental climate with significant local fluctuations such as fluctuations in air temperature, rainfall, sundials, sunshine and cloudiness. According to climatic conditions, the Kyrgyz Republic is divided into several climatic zones (Figure 2). Frosty weather persists until the end of February, and intrusions of cyclones from the southwest during the cold season bring humid tropical air from the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas with heavy precipitation in the Fergana Valley and on the mountain slopes around it. Figure 2. Climate classification of the Kyrgyz Republic 34 Although mountains tend to collect clouds and block out sunlight (during certain periods of the year in some narrow valleys, the duration of sunshine is reduced to three to four hours a day), the country is generally sunny, receiving, in some areas, up to 2900 hours of sunshine per year. The same conditions also affect temperatures, which can vary greatly from place to place. In January, the warmest average temperature (-4°C or 25°F) is in the southern part of Osh city and around Issyk-Kul. The lake, which has a volume of 1,738 kilometers3 (417 mi3), does not freeze in winter. In fact, in the Kyrgyz language, its name means “Hot Lake”. The coldest temperatures are observed in mountain valleys. There, the thermometer reading may drop to - 30°C (-22°F) or lower; the lowest recorded temperature is -53.6°C (-64.5°F). Average temperatures in July similarly range from 27°C (80.6°F) in the Fergana Valley, where the record high temperature is 44°C (111°F), to lows of -10°C (14°F) at the highest mountain peaks. Rainfall varies from 2,000 mm (78.7 in) per year in the mountains above the Fergana Valley to less than 100 mm (3.9 in) per year on the west coast of Issyk-Kul. 4.3. Topography and drainage The mountains of the Kyrgyz Republic are geologically young, so the physical terrain is marked by sharply rising peaks separated by deep valleys. There is also a significant ice cover, and the largest glacier is the Enilchek glacier. It is estimated that Kyrgyzstan's 6,500 individual glaciers contain about 650 cubic kilometers of water and cover 8,048 square kilometers, or 4.2% of the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan. Only around the Chui, Talas and Fergana valleys there are relatively flat areas suitable for large-scale agriculture. Since the high peaks function as moisture absorbers, the territory of Kyrgyzstan is relatively well watered by the streams that flow from them. However, none of the rivers of Kyrgyzstan is navigable. Most of them are turbulent shallow streams. Most of the rivers in Kyrgyzstan are tributaries of the Syrdarya, which headwaters are located in the western part of the Tien Shan along the border with China. Another large flow system forms the Chui River, which begins in northern Kyrgyzstan, then flows northwest and disappears into the deserts of southern Kazakhstan. 4.3.1. Hydrology The Kyrgyz Republic is the only country in Central Asia whose water resources are completely formed on its own territory; this determines its hydrological features and advantages. The Kyrgyz Republic has significant groundwater and surface water resources, which are located in rivers, glaciers and eternal snow masses. There are more than 3,500 rivers and streams in the country, which belong to the main basins of such rivers as the Syrdarya, Amudarya, Chui, Talas, Ili and Tarim, as well as to the Issyk-Kul Lake basin. The waters of these rivers flow through the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, and then go to other countries of Central Asia. 4.3.2. Soils and geology One of the most distinctive features of the geological structure of the Kyrgyz Tien Shan is the presence of two mega-complexes of its constituent rocks. The lower one is represented by a strongly deformed variety of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks of the Paleozoic and pre-Paleozoic era, and the upper one consists of weakly metamorphosed, predominantly continental, sedimentary Mesozoic and Cenozoic layers. The layers of the lower mega-complex consist of numerous Tien Shan ranges and the base of intermountain basins, while Cenozoic deposits fill intermountain basins and foothills. The mountain-forming system divides the territory of Kyrgyzstan into three parts: Northern, Middle and Southern Tien Shan. 4.4. land use Fifty-six percent of all land in Kyrgyzstan (10.7 million hectares) is classified as agricultural land. Forested areas make up 4.5% of the total area of the country, and deforestation is at a rate of 0.3% per year. About eight million hectares (75%) of agricultural land is occupied by pastures. The most important problems in land use are soil erosion and salinization on improperly irrigated agricultural lands. It is estimated that 60% of Kyrgyzstan's land is affected by loss of topsoil and 6% by salinization, both of which have more serious long-term than short-term effects. Uncertainty about land tenure and general 35 financial instability has led many private farmers to concentrate their capital in the traditional form of animal husbandry, thus exposing new lands to overgrazing. 4.5. Biological environment - Ecosystems 4.5.1. Pastures Vegetation, for the most part, belongs to different zones depending on the height. In the north, in the foothills, at altitudes up to 1,500 meters above sea level, sagebrush-ephemeral-halophytic semi-desert vegetation prevails. Higher, on the slopes of the foothills and low mountains up to 2,000 meters above sea level, there are fescue-feather grass steppes, with a predominance of creeping couch grass in the west and bulbous barley with saryndiz (a herbaceous plant from the Compositae family) in the east. At an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level, there are juniper forests and forests in combination with fescue-feather grass and meadow steppes. At an altitude above 3,000 meters above sea level, subalpine and meadow steppes begin to appear, interspersed with rocks. In the east, where there is more precipitation, fescue-feather grass steppes are followed by alpine meadows. 4.5.2. Forests Although forests occupy less than 6% of the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, they play a vital economic, social and environmental role, and are especially important for the livelihoods of rural communities. Approximately 2.4 million people (or 41% of the total population) live in or near forests and rely on the use of forests not only for timber and firewood, but also for pasture and fodder, as well as for non-timber forest products such as nuts, fruits, mushrooms and medicinal plants. The world's largest walnut and fruit forests are located in the Kyrgyz Republic, covering an area of 70,000 hectares. They are a unique natural formation and grow mainly on the territory of the Fergana and Chatkal ranges, at an altitude of 1,000-2,200 meters above sea level. 4.5.3. Arid and semi-arid lands In general, the sharply continental and arid climate prevailing on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, to some extent smoothed by increased cloudiness and precipitation due to mountainous terrain, is due to the country's location in the northern hemisphere, in the center of the Eurasian continent, as well as remoteness from large water bodies and the proximity of deserts. Precipitation trends show that the total average (by meteorological stations) annual precipitation has slightly increased (by 0.847 mm/year), but this increase has decreased significantly over the past 50 years (to 0.363 mm/year), and over the past 20 years there has been a significant trend towards its reduction (-1.868 mm / year) - that is, we can say that there is an unequivocal aridization (increased aridity) of the country's climate. 4.5.4. Mountain vegetation The mountains of Kyrgyzstan are geologically young, so the physical terrain is marked by sharply rising peaks that are separated by deep valleys. There is also a significant ice cover, and the largest glacier is the Enilchek glacier. Only around the Chui, Talas and Fergana valleys are there relatively flat areas suitable for large-scale agriculture. The flora of Kyrgyzstan can be divided by altitudinal zoning. In the mountains, different types of plants grow at different heights. In the northern part of the country, steppes, meadow steppes, meadows, shrubs and forests are more common. In the south, due to the dry climate, there are no forests and alpine meadows; instead, semi-deserts and deserts are more common there. Trees are more common in mountains at lower altitudes, while mountains at higher altitudes are mostly covered with grass or nothing. 4.5.5. Fresh waters and wetlands Since the high peaks function as moisture absorbers, the territory of Kyrgyzstan is relatively well watered by the streams that flow from them. However, none of the rivers of Kyrgyzstan is navigable. Most of them are turbulent shallow streams. Most of the rivers in Kyrgyzstan are tributaries of the Syrdarya, which headwaters are located in the western part of the Tien-Shan along the border with China. Another large flow system 36 forms the Chui River, which begins in northern Kyrgyzstan, then flows northwest and disappears into the deserts of southern Kazakhstan. 4.5.6. Marine and coastal areas The Issyk-Kul Lake is the second largest (after the Aral Sea) body of water in Central Asia, but the area of the salt lake is steadily declining, and its mineralization (mineral content) is gradually increasing. There are about 2,000 lakes in Kyrgyzstan with a total area of 7,000 square kilometers, located mainly at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,000 meters above sea level. However, only the three largest of them occupy more than 100 square kilometers (each). The second and third largest lakes, Son-Kul and Chatyr-Kul (the latter of which is also saline), are located in the Naryn river basin. 4.6. Socio-economic background 4.6.1. Population According to the estimates of the NMCPPC, at the beginning of 2022, the population was 6.747 million people, compared with 2016 - 6.02 million people, compared with 5.663 million in 2013. The birth rate increased from 2.8 children in 2008 to 3.2 in 2012, and the death rate in 2012 was 6.5/1000 inhabitants. Life expectancy at birth for males is 66 years, compared to 74 for females. In 2012, the population growth rate was 2.0 percent per year, with the highest rate recorded in Bishkek (2.3 percent) and the lowest in Issyk-Kul Oblast (1.2 percent). One third of the population (34%) live in urban areas and two-thirds (66%) live in rural areas. The average population density in the country is 31 people/km2 (according to the data of the NMCPPC for 2016). A significant part of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic is young people: 32 percent of citizens belong to the age group of 0-15 years; 61 percent - to the group of working age (16-59 years); and older people over the age of 60 make up the remaining 7 percent. There is a gender imbalance in the structure of the population: the number of women begins to outnumber men in groups over 33, and in groups over 80 there are twice as many women as men. 4.6.2. Economic environment and economic growth The economy of Kyrgyzstan is heavily dependent on services (56%), industry (29%) and agriculture (15%), with a GNI per capita of $1,100 (in 2016).9One third or 30.4 percent of GDP comes from remittances, which come from nearly 1 million people working abroad, mostly in Russia and Kazakhstan. The growth of exports of goods and services in dollar terms for 2000-2016 averaged 12 percent, although it decreased significantly (to 4.1 percent) for the period from 2008 to 2016. This increase in exports was driven by higher gold prices, as well as services exports, whose share of total exports rose from 11 percent in 2000 to 34 percent by 2016, driven mainly by sectors such as construction, tourism and information and communications technology (ICT). This led to a decrease in the cost of exported goods, with the result that services and construction became the main drivers of overall growth. Agriculture's share of GDP has fallen from 34 percent in 2000 to about 12 percent by 2018, and employment has more than halved, even with significant population growth. The construction, manufacturing and service sectors have absorbed workers from the shrinking agricultural sector. In the manufacturing sector, employment doubled from 6.4 percent of total employment in 2000 to 12 percent of total employment in 2018, but this increase in employment has led to a decline in productivity in the sector rather than an increase in productivity. Similarly, employment in the service sector increased from 36.5 percent of total employment in 2000 to 55 percent of total employment in 2018. However, in addition to tourism, transport and IT services, the majority of service jobs are in low-productivity businesses. In general, the structural transformations carried out in the Kyrgyz Republic have not yet led to productivity gains. The percentage of firms in the Kyrgyz Republic that rate their workforce as “under-educated” is higher than the average rating for other similar lower-middle-income countries. 9 Country Profile (background information and key country characteristics) of the World Bank, 2018. 37 4.7. Social analysis 4.7.1. Economical geography Residents of villages located in high-mountainous and remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic do not have equal opportunities to receive education and participate in a market economy. In this regard, such settlements have a special status.10. Residents of these rayons receive wage increases (coefficient for payment) and other social benefits (from 1.1. to 1.8.). To give a settlement a special status, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic takes into account the following factors: altitude (at least 1800 meters), accessibility of transport, poor quality of road surfaces, the presence and complexity of mountain passes. There are 732 settlements of this type in the Kyrgyz Republic. Almost 65% of them are located in three southern regions (Osh - 213, Batken - 142 and Jalal-Abad - 120); In the northern part of Kyrgyzstan, most of the high-mountainous and remote areas are located in the Naryn oblast - 167 settlements (22.8%). Table 3. Number of settlements located in high mountainous and remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic No. Oblast Number of settlements Percent % 1 Naryn 167 22.8 2 Osh 213 29.1 3 Batken 142 19.4 4 Jalal-Abad 120 16.4 5 Chui 14 1.9 6 Issyk-Kul 71 9.7 7 Talas 5 0.7 Total 732 100.0 4.8. Income The National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic assessed the welfare of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic. During the assessment, a sample comprehensive survey of 5,016 households was conducted every quarter (their budget and the number of workers were surveyed). According to the results of the survey, in 2018, the poverty rate, calculated based on the consumer spending of the population, in the country as a whole amounted to 22.4% (which is 3.2% lower than in the previous year). In 2018, the poverty line was 32,679 soms per year per person (2,723 soms per month or $39), and extreme poverty was 17,471 soms (1,456 soms per month or $21)11. In 2018, 429 thousand people lived below the poverty line, of which 68.0% were rural residents. More than 35 thousand people were below the extreme poverty line, of which 84.6% were residents of rural areas. The majority of the poor lived in Osh (35.5%), Batken (33.8%), Jalal-Abad (32.3%) and Naryn (30.6%) oblasts (see Table 4). Table 4. Poverty and extreme poverty rates by territories in 2018 (% of the total population) Overall Total poverty rate excluding income of labor Extreme Territory poverty rate migrants poverty Kyrgyz Republic 22.4 32.2 0.6 Batken oblast 33.8 54.6 0.9 Jalal-Abad oblast 32.2 44.9 1.0 Issyk-Kul oblast 21.5 24.4 0.9 10 Decree of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic No. 377 dated June 25, 1997 “On the provision of state support to persons living and working in high-mountainous and remote areas of the Kyrgyz Republic.” 11 Poverty level of the population of the Kyrgyz Republic in 2018. National StatCom. June 2019 Online. 38 Naryn oblast 30.6 30.6 2.2 Osh oblast 14.8 36.1 0.0 Talas oblast 22.1 24.0 0.0 Chui oblast 15.6 19.5 0.3 Bishkek 15.4 15.6 0.3 Osh 35.5 42.1 0.6 The three southern oblasts are heavily dependent on remittances from labor migrants (as seen in Table 5). In the total income in Batken oblast, the share of migrants' remittances is 31.5%, in Osh oblast - 22.2%, and in Jalal-Abad oblast - 18.1%. Table 5. Structure of net (after taxes) cash income by territory (in %) Labor activity Income from private Other Territory Outside the Social payments Total farming income KR Kyrgyz Republic 68.9 11.7 15.8 11.2 4.2 Batken oblast 69.3 31.5 16.9 11.8 2 Jalal-Abad oblast 68.8 18.1 14.1 11.4 5.7 Issyk-Kul oblast 46.6 2.4 17.4 27.5 8.5 Naryn oblast 39.3 0.3 32.2 22.6 5.9 Osh oblast 73.7 22.2 14.3 9.6 2.3 Talas oblast 44.3 1.9 16 37.4 2.4 Chui oblast 69.7 5.2 15.4 12.1 2.8 Bishkek 81.2 0.1 14.9 0 3.9 Osh 72.9 4.8 16.8 0.3 10 The poverty line is of great social importance. If it increases by 5% (by 136 soms per month), the share of the poor population increases by 3.6%; and if it falls by 5%, the poverty headcount falls by 4.6 percentage points. Thus, the more the population is close to the poverty line, the more likely it is that a significant part of it can fall from the category of “not poor” to the category of “poor” (and vice versa). When analyzing the well-being of the population, it is necessary to pay attention to the economic indicators of the territories. At first, these are settlements that receive equalization transfers (subsidies) from the republican budget. In total, there are 497 local budgets in the country: 2 cities of republican significance, 12 cities of oblast significance, 17 cities of rayon significance and 453 aiyl aimaks. In 2019, the total volume of equalization transfers should amount to 2,000.3 million soms12. In 2019, subsidies and transfers from the republican budget were received by 378 out of 453 villages (83.4%). Only 71 aiyl aimaks were able to finance their own expenses. It should be noted that all aiyl aimaks of Batken, Naryn, Osh, Talas and Jalal-Abad oblasts receive subsidies. And only in the Chui and Issyk-Kul oblasts aiyl aimaks demonstrate a certain degree of economic independence. Table 6. Aiyl aimaks (by oblasts) that did not receive equalization transfers (subsidies) from the republican budget in 201813 Territory Quantity Issyk-Kul oblast 21 12 Economic development of LSG Local budget. Online:http://www.gamsumo.gov.kg/ru/economic 13 Annex 10 to the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the Republican budget of the Kyrgyz Republic for 2018 and the forecast for 2019-2020”. 39 Jalal-Abad oblast 4 Naryn oblast 2 Batken oblast 1 Osh oblast 3 Talas oblast 3 Chui oblast 37 Total 71 The leaders in terms of the number of subsidies are Osh and Jalal-Abad oblasts: 551,485.9 thousand soms and 419,630.6 thousand soms, respectively (see Table 7). Table 7. Number of equalization transfers (subsidies) by oblasts in 2018 (thousand soms) Territory Thousand soms Issyk-Kul oblast 110 128.5 Jalal-Abad oblast 419 630.6 Naryn oblast 280 257.2 Batken oblast 207 127.0 Osh oblast 551 485.9 Talas oblast 113 588.0 Chui oblast 159,665.3 Total 1,841,882.5 The uneven economic development of the territories is also clearly evidenced by the indicator of gross regional product (GRP) per capita (see Table 8). In general, the lowest GRP in the country is observed in Osh oblast - only 31.1 thousand soms per capita. For 6 years, the GRP has grown there only by 13.5%. In addition, there is a huge gap in GRP between the oblast center (Osh city) and other settlements of the oblast (3.6 times lower). The Batken region also deserves attention, where GRP per capita is only 38.9 thousand soms. The highest GRP is observed in Bishkek - almost 197 thousand soms per capita. In this regard, a large number of internal migrants are concentrated in the capital. Table 8. Gross regional product per capita (thousand soms) No. Oblast 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 1 Batken oblast 32.3 33.8 36.4 38.8 39.1 37.9 38.9 2 Jalal-Abad oblast 33.7 37.1 36.9 41.4 46.3 48.4 55.2 3 Issyk-Kul oblast 99.7 82.4 114.5 116.0 111.0 131.6 138.0 4 Naryn oblast 30.3 35.6 37.8 43.5 49.2 53.1 51.7 5 Osh oblast 27.4 25.5 25.3 27.8 27.8 28.0 31.1 6 Talas oblast 29.3 41.1 47.4 57.1 59.9 59.8 63.9 7 Chui oblast 52.4 51.5 58.0 69.4 84.8 88.7 98.2 8 Bishkek 115.2 131.7 146.8 159.9 162.3 181.0 196.8 9 Osh 37.6 65.0 73.4 85.5 87.1 95.3 112.5 KR 54.4 58.0 65.0 71.8 75.5 81.8 89.3 40 The Kyrgyz Republic’s HDI value and rank. The Kyrgyz Republic’s HDI value for 2017 is 0.672— which put the country in the medium human development category—positioning it at 122 out of 189 countries and territories. Between 1990 and 2017, the Kyrgyz Republic’s HDI value increased from 0.618 to 0.672, an increase of 8.8 percent. A reviews the Kyrgyz Republic’s progress in each of the HDI indicators. Between 1990 and 2017, the Kyrgyz Republic’s life expectancy at birth increased by 4.8 years, mean years of schooling increased by 2.3 years and expected years of schooling increased by 1.4 years. The Kyrgyz Republic’s GNI per capita decreased by about 4.8 percent between 1990 and 201714. Vulnerable or disadvantaged subgroups among the project beneficiaries. The national poverty rate remains high. It has risen after independence, reduced rapidly in the early 2000s, stabilized at around 30% between 2008 and 2015, and then dropped to 25.4% in 2016. A significant part remains vulnerable: in 2015, the income of 35% of the population was in the range between the national poverty line and an indicator is 1.5 times higher than this level. Increasing and decreasing mobility of income has raised in recent years, and there has been higher decreasing mobility than increasing mobility between 2010 and 2015, suggesting that social protection is not able to sustain people's incomes during difficult times. Moreover, analysis of the poor population shows that only a small proportion of the poor people receive social assistance, although many poor households have one or more pensioners using a contributory (based on payments) pension system. Households affected by labor migration. In the Kyrgyz Republic, many settlements are subject to external and labor migration. The main destinations are Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and South Korea. Children of labor migrants remain in the care of their relatives. Many children of migrants do not have access to social services because their parents have not formalized custody. A generation of abandoned children has been around for a long time. According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MLSD), there are 102,406 children in the Kyrgyz Republic whose parents are in labor migration. 16 787 of them are children of internal migrants, and 85 619 children have parents who went to work abroad. These children have problems with school performance, hygiene and health, cognitive and emotional development. Children without parental care sometimes become victims of violence. They are more often exploited. The children of migrants are “unseen”, as many of them do not have civil registration documents. There is no practice of official registration of custody. Returned migrant workers. Probability of labor migration is higher among younger employable citizens from small families. The average age of Kyrgyz workers abroad is 29, and they are most likely from southern regions where low economic growth is a strong driving factor. About 43% of the workers who expatriated to Russia received some kind of secondary education, although not all received a higher education. Fewer than 6% of migrants intend to live in Russia on a permanent basis, but 44% believe they will work there for a long period, which limits their ability to contribute to social insurance system of the Kyrgyz Republic. The COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected not only to the health of the citizens of the Eurasian Union, it also affected the labor market, because the extraordinary measures that were taken by the countries of the union, although they were aimed at preventing the spread of infection, led to the closure of many enterprises, where citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic worked. At the same time, it is not entirely correct to focus only on the fact that there is an unprecedented outflow of our citizens from Russia. Attention should be paid to the fact that the bulk of labor migrants who arrived from Russia are aware of the complexity of the current situation and hope to return to the Russian Federation. Internal migrants are also a vulnerable group. Internal migration is also an important phenomenon in the Kyrgyz Republic, reflecting the uneven economic development of the country. Changes in the structure of the economy have caused (and continue to cause) significant movement of people between cities, as well as between the countryside and the city. However, this process is not simple administratively: internal migrants need official permission to settle in a new settlement. Unauthorized persons cannot register for local services, including social security. 14 http://hdr.undp.org/sites/all/themes/hdr_theme/country-notes/KGZ.pdf 41 Within the framework of the project, vulnerable groups of the population (female-headed households, returned migrants, internal migrant workers, the unemployed, mothers of many children, single mothers, persons with disabilities, etc.) will be provided with comprehensive support for all activities implemented - free training and advice on integrated cattle breeding, access to concessional loans, artificial insemination of cows and heifers, the organization of the sale of high-quality milk to processing plants, access to high-quality forage seeds, provision of information on advanced technologies of animal husbandry and fodder production. 4.9. Gender analysis Gender parity has been achieved in access to higher education. Women enter vocational and higher education at higher levels than men in 2020, 51 percent of women and 41 percent of men completed higher education. Skills are also largely gender neutral in the KR. Men and women tend to have the same literacy and numeracy levels, but with a higher level (6 percent of men) at level 2 compared to 1 percent of women in problem solving in technology rich environment (PSTRE). While more women than men are pursuing higher education, women are studying subjects associated with lower wages. The share of female STEM graduates is about 30 percent. For example, while 18.1 percent of students studying agriculture and construction are women, 85.9 percent of students in educational institutions are women, resulting in a female-dominated teaching profession. There is an imbalance in the participation of girls and boys in STEM programs. Educational modules for faculty and leadership will include pedagogical methods to better engage both genders in STEM learning. The content and training materials will be gender sensitive and will facilitate the learning of lagging behind groups.Despite all of the above, gender inequality remains a pressing issue, especially in terms of economic empowerment and political empowerment. The proportion of women graduating from STEM is about 30 percent, and additional gender disparities have been identified in the country in women’s career and academic advancement in STEM fields. According to the 2018 Multi Indicator Cluster Survey, only one in three girls aged 15–19 is computer literate. Women’s tertiary enrollment and learning outcomes are higher than men’s; The WB HCI is higher for girls than for boys, at 0.62 and 0.58, respectively. However, data from the late 2010s showed that women in Kyrgyzstan earn less than men, regardless of their age, education level, location, and family composition. The participation of women in the labor market has been declining in recent years, with young women accounting for 78.5 percent of young people aged 15-24,not working, not studying or receiving training, which indicates that women, especially young women, are still an untapped resource for the Kyrgyz economy. Diagram 1. Percentage of seats in the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic occupied by women15 Women have fewer opportunities to find work. At the same time, they, on average, receive 30% less than men. In 2017, the economic activity rate of women was 45.9%. For men, this figure was 75%. The lowest level of economic activity among women is observed in Osh and Naryn oblasts: only 31.1% and 33.1%, respectively16.Between 2013 and 2017, the difference in wages offered to men and women have increased. All this indicates a serious lack of economic opportunities, which can potentially lead to serious social and 15 http://www.stat.kg/ru/opendata/category/2739/ 16 Women and men of the Kyrgyz Republic: 2013-2017. National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic. Bishkek: 2018. P44.http://www.stat.kg/media/publicationarchive/20232a59-bc04-4b2f-b8da-5220d4afbecc.pdf 42 economic problems. In this regard, work is needed to increase women’s participation in civil, political and economic life – mainly through reducing the maternal mortality rate, narrowing the gap between male and female labor force participation, and narrowing the wage gap. For a long time, the proportion of women in the population of the republic has not changed, remaining at the level of 50.5%. Many women live in rural areas and are engaged in agriculture. These women have health problems. In 2017, the percentage of pregnant women suffering from anemia in rural areas was 33.5%. In Batken oblast, this figure was 57.3%, in Jalal-Abad oblast– 45.8%, in Talas oblast– 34%. Women have always been an integral part of the labor force, especially in the country’s rural areas. They play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of the economy and contribute to family income through their home gardening. The barriers to women’s entrepreneurship and employment are clear: the need to run a household, limited capacity, and lack of access. In addition, the following barriers were identified: (a) Women are expected to take on some of the household responsibilities; (b) The need to manage household affairs while a man is in labor migration; (c) Limited access to financial resources. Gender-based Violence (GBV).In 2017, 7995 crimes against women were registered17. About 95 percent of victims of violent crime in Kyrgyzstan are women. Domestic violence is widespread – in one way or another, almost a third of women and girls aged 15 to 49 suffer from it. Seven percent of women have experienced domestic violence during pregnancy, and three percent of women over the age of 30 have been victims of sexual violence18. In 2017, Kyrgyzstan a new law “On defense and protection from domestic violence” was adopted, which was the result of a three-year joint work of women’s CSOs in the country. Law introduces stronger protection measures for victims and closes gaps in implementation of previous legislation related to domestic violence19. The Law “On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic on Defense and Protection from Domestic Violence” amends a number of articles of the Administrative Code and other relevant laws. An important feature of the new law is that any victim of domestic violence, regardless of whether a criminal case has been opened, has the right to take advantage of its provisions. These include key rights: access to a safe haven, medical and psychological care20. According to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report for 2019, a number of long-term problems related to the protection of human rights have not been resolved in Kyrgyzstanalthough blatant attacks on media freedom have become less frequent, and the President of the Kyrgyz Republic is trying to build a more constructive dialogue with civil society. Violence against women (including kidnapping for the purpose of marriage) continues, and the perpetrators of torture are not punished. The authorities stepped up counter- terrorism measures, criminalized the possession of extremist materials, and adopted an extended definition of extremism, resulting in due process violations and human rights violations. The Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic signed a resolution initiating the process of ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which Kyrgyzstan signed in 201121. 17 Ibid. page 128. 18 https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/kyrgyzstan_final_report_09.01.2018_approved_workshop_final.pdf 19 https://www.women2030.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/GA_Alga-draft-final-12-nov-2.pdf 20 https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/kyrgyzstan_final_report_09.01.2018_approved_workshop_final.pdf 21 https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/kyrgyzstan 43 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND POTENTIALPOSITIVEANDNEGATIVEIMPACTSOFTHEPROJECT The project as a whole will have a positive environmental and social impact by improving the management of veterinary waste, contributing to food security; introduction of new technologies and quality standards at dairy horticultural enterprises, the use of advanced machinery and equipment that ensure food safety, create new jobs and increase incomes, contribute to improving socio-economic conditions in rural areas; reducing the risk of poisoning and diseases, introducing the achievements of agricultural technology; increase in production; improved seed breeding, reduced pressure on pastures; increase in agricultural production; improving the rural economy; contribution to ensuring the food security of the country; improved silage production; improved use of agrochemicals; increase in production, which will lead to the creation of new jobs and an increase in income. The introduction of new technologies and quality standards in farms and dairy enterprises, the use of advanced machinery and equipment that provide additional value to agricultural products, the creation of new jobs and an increase in income, contributing to the improvement of socio- economic conditions in rural areas, etc. This positive impact will be enhanced through targeted trainings for project beneficiaries, preparation and dissemination of manuals, and implementation of demonstration activities. The environmental risksare assessed as moderate. These impacts could be associated with the following: (a) increased pollution with wastes, noise, dust, and air pollution, health hazards and labor safety issues, etc., due to civil works; (b) increased ground and surface waters pollution due to use of agro-chemicals and silage production; (c) threats to human health and wildlife due to improper handling of treated seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; (d) poor quality of dairy products due to improper collection, transportation or storage; © the occurrence of a disease of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) among employees of the organization (enterprises, farms), with improper organization of work. All of them are expected to be typical for small scale construction/rehabilitation works or for various agricultural and diary processing activities, and can be easily mitigated by applying the best construction, farming and/or agro-processing practices and relevant mitigation measures on negative environmental (including sanitary-epidemiological and injurious) and social consequences. The risk of degradation of pastures near villages as a result of possible increasing load of livestock will be mitigated by the encouraging project beneficiaries to plant and store forage crops, and keeping cattle stalled. Relevant monitoring of the rangelands near villages will be undertaken also. In addition, the project will contribute to strengthening of existing institutional capacity to ensure effective EA, appropriate implementation of ESMP, PFIs ESMS and monitoring systems. Special attention will be given to activities that may result in water, soil and air pollution, as well as degradation of soil, vegetation cover and natural habitats, emission of significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, release of significant amounts of gases into the atmosphere, and the use of significant amounts of hazardous pesticides Recommended basic environmental modules, as part of training for farmers, will further reduce environmental risks. Occupational health and safety - OHS issues may arise from the construction activities as well as other project related activities (e.g. working in laboratories, farm demonstrations, operation of agricultural field machines, preparation of silage, use of mineral fertilizers to improve forage production, preparation and application of manure-based fertilizers, etc).OHS risks must be assessed and related measures to manage them should be included in the ESMP, or ESMP checklist as well as in the ESMS procedures and covered in all supervision and monitoring activities. Accident registration and reporting must be in place to register and notify in case of any incidents. All workers must be provided with protective personnel equipment, appropriate for the type of workto be performed and training. Respectively, the ESF sections of all progress reports include statements indicating that the ABCC/CLMU have checked occupational health and safety issues, and existing procedures in this regard, and asked if there have been any serious incidents or fatalities. Similarly, the PIE will ensure that at the project launch workshop and in the operational manual contain adequate provisions for occupational health and safety. 44 Dust generation - Dust is generated in the course of most works related to the repair of objects, etc. The scale of the consequences increases if repair work is carried out near social facilities. Given the nature of most of the project works, this impact will be of short duration and represent a moderate risk that can be easily mitigated. Minimization of dust emissions.During repair work, it is necessary to store the waste in special controlled areas, periodically spraying the waste with water to prevent the formation of dust. In addition, it is necessary to control the generation of dust during drilling/demolition of walls by constantly spraying the work site with water and/or installing dust collectors around the work site and installing dust screens/curtains. It is strictly forbidden to burn construction debris/materials on site. To transport any dust-forming materials to the landfill, it is necessary to use covered transport or transport, which provides for the spraying of the load. Waste generation - During the repair work, two types of waste will be generated: non-hazardous and hazardous. Non-hazardous waste(fragments of various materials) will accumulate during most construction activities. If construction debris is stored in close proximity to a community, late or improper disposal can affect air quality, generate dust and cause disturbance in neighboring communities. In addition to the specified debris, the remains of welding electrodes, packaging materials and wood will accumulate. During the repair of sewerage water supply networks, it may be necessary to replace old pipes. Old metal pipes can be used as scrap metal. Hazardous waste -Two types of hazardous materials should be given particular attention during the course of project activities: (i) asbestos contained in old roofing; (ii) paints containing lead. Mitigation measures for waste management. Construction debris and liquid waste.Repairs to building elements (walls, ceilings) should be carried out with care, and construction debris should be sorted and disposed of in an orderly manner to a site/landfill sanctioned by local authorities. All valuable materials (doors, windows, plumbing) must be carefully dismantled and placed in a specially designated warehouse. Wherever possible, the amount of construction waste should be kept to a minimum and sorted. Thanks to an appropriate sorting procedure, construction waste can be easily disposed of and reused. Based on an agreement with the local authorities, construction waste and materials that cannot be recycled and reused will be sent to an authorized municipal area / landfill. It is strictly forbidden to burn any waste in an open way or send it to unauthorized dumps; Temporary storage of materials (including hazardous materials).If possible, building materials should not be allowed to build up, otherwise building materials should be stored on site where they should be protected from the weather. Hazardous materials (paint, oils, enamels, etc.) must be stored under an impervious surface; next to them (in case of a spill), it is necessary to keep moisture-absorbing materials: sand or sawdust. Hazardous waste associated with building materials containing asbestos, paint and lead. Asbestos- containing materials may be found during facility repairs. They must be handled with extreme care to ensure the safety of workers.When working with paints containing lead and other hazardous waste, it is necessary to follow best practices - collect and store waste in specially designated and equipped places with the necessary markings, remove waste in a timely manner, etc. Air pollution -Pollutants will be released into the air during earthworks and construction/demolition of facilities. Also, interior finishing work can lead to air pollution in neighboring rooms and have an impact on people's health. In addition, car emissions will pollute the air. Air pollution can also be caused by improper waste management (in particular, the burning of construction and household waste). These consequences can be minimized by observing generally accepted norms. Mitigation measures for air pollution.Vehicles delivering small and/or bulk materials to construction sites will be covered with protective sheets. Avoid overloading vehicles. Vehicle speed near construction sites must be controlled. During repair and restoration work, it is necessary to store demolition waste in a controlled area, spray it with water to reduce dust generation. During the operation of pneumatic equipment / destruction of walls, supports, dust generation should be suppressed by continuous spraying of water and / or installation of anti-pain screens at the facility. Open burning of construction/waste materials at the site is not 45 allowed. When transporting any dust-generating materials to the recovery site, the cargo must be sprayed or covered. Risk of loss of vegetation and trees- the impact may occur during earthworks, construction of a cowshed, special storage facilities, restoration and construction of water supply and sewerage networks. Some crops may be affected if the construction of the water pipeline passes through agricultural land. Agricultural losses can be minimized if construction works are carried out in the post-harvest period. Soil and water pollution -In case of improper design of earthworks during construction or water supply and sewerage systems, there may be a risk of contamination of soil and groundwater. Mitigation measures for soil and water pollution.Car washing should be prohibited near surface water bodies. Building materials should not be stored. Otherwise, the building material should be stored at the construction site and protected from weather conditions. Waste motor oil, stocks of fuels and lubricants and other hazardous substances must also be stored on an impervious surface, under a canopy and must be protected from fire. Storage areas for such materials should be designed to prevent spills from being washed onto the surrounding surface.Wastewater from fuel and lubricant waste tanks will be removed by a specially authorized company. Similarly, wastewater from mobile toilets will be collected, treated in septic tanks and discharged into the existing sewer system by a specially authorized local company. Unauthorized discharge of wastewater is prohibited. Noise and vibration -Excessive noise and vibration during repair and restoration work. Mitigation measures. Before proceeding with the repair and construction work, it is recommended to inform the communities directly, using information boards, about upcoming events, all parties that may be affected by these works in one way or another (especially neighbors). Noise levels should be reduced through appropriate practices and noisy activities only during daylight hours. The set hours of operation must be respected. Regular maintenance of machinery and equipment. Use of equipment equipped with noise reduction systems. Providing workers with personal noise protection equipment (e.g. ear protectors). Compliance with national regulations for noise and vibration levels. Chance finds- A chance find procedures will be included in the site-specific ESMP or ESMP checklists, in case cultural resources are encountered. Socio-economic consequences- subproject activities may result in loss of crops, temporary blocking of access to small shops, houses,. In addition, poor housekeeping practices, untimely construction and household waste disposal will have a negative impact on the socio-economic environment. Implementing best practices and working closely with local communities will mitigate these impacts. Community health and safety–breachof normal traffic patterns and risks of unauthorized entry into construction sites leading to accident cases, use of agrichemicals, etc.; all of which will be mitigated through the implementation of ESMP that will include appropriate measures in this regard, including fencing of construction sites, placement of warning signs and information on construction sites, training and demonstration. Worker’shealth and safety- Non-compliance with safety and health regulations may create a risk to workers. Contractors will be required to comply with occupational health and safety regulations, which include, among other things, strict adherence to established health and safety standards and procedures, which depend on the type of carried out work, the use of PPE, training activities and monitoring. In addition, all workers should be familiar with the work procedures for handling hazardous materials (such as asbestos materials, agrochemicals, oils and lubricants, etc.). Contractors must provide workers with adequate living conditions safe water supply, laundry facilities, rest rooms, etc. Climate change. Animal husbandry is one of the main sources of greenhouse gases in agriculture. The project will take appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a system of farmer field 46 schools, which includes modules on the production and storage of improved feed; effective feed and feed needs of dairy cattle; efficient manure management; climate-resilient livestock pens and feeding stalls; and sustainable management of communal pastures. The project will finance farms with new technologies will provide appropriate modern equipment, including feed mixers, hygiene materials and some building materials for climate resilient shelters and feeding stalls, manure treatment technologies, use of biogas technologies to reduce GHG emissions from animal husbandry, about processing and storage of feed and production of silage, etc. Social impacts. The project activities are expected to provide significant social benefits, with critical assistance to farmers to improve agricultural systems and production in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The project includes commitments for active stakeholder engagement in developing and prioritizing systems and activities; citizen engagement to ensure project commitments, outcomes, and standards are being met; and dedicated extension and other support to women farmers and entrepreneurs. One potential social risk concerns the exclusion of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. Resulting in a skewed distribution of opportunities and benefits. If grievance systems are not adequate, the project may not be able to address real problems or make positive adjustments. Due attention has to be paid to ensure that any child labor is within legal norms and does not result in children being harmed or taken out of school; the project also cannot employ forced labor. Gender. Women are faced with a range of barriers to their entrepreneurship and employment opportunities in agriculture. In particular, although Kyrgyz women play an important role in animal husbandry, men are generally considered as livestock owners. Female-headed households are less likely to own livestock than male-headed households (41 percent versus 56 percent).22 Even in the same household, where it is informed that men and women are collecting fodder and feed livestock, men tend to engage in activities that are physically harder (e.g. sheep shearing, raising of cattle), and they usually control the income from the sale of animal products. In the meantime, women are taking on tasks that are closer to home, where they can continue to carry out their household and childcare duties, such as milking, milk processing and wool preparation.23 Lack of technical skills, business knowledge of women and limited access to financial services are major barriers to their entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. Human and financial capital constraints that hinder women's entrepreneurship and employment opportunities include a lack of technical skills, business knowledge and limited access to financial services. Women tend to have less access to agricultural extension services and marketing information. They seem to acquire the skills to manage “small-scale projects in agriculture, crafts and trade,” but they do it on their own or through the technical assistance and training provided by the projects. Women do not appear to have regular access to the advice and experience provided by the agricultural extension and consulting program.24 While men and women face some common problems in accessing finance, such as high interest rates, there are some constraints that women feel more strongly. Women's limited ownership of key assets impairs their ability to provide welfare. Physical access to financial institutions can also be more difficult for women, given their more limited mobility and less time availability (due to childcare, etc.). The project will address the above-mentioned gender disparities (lack of technical and business skills and access to financial products and services), as well as their elimination in the agricultural sector, which impede the productivity and entrepreneurship of women: (i) within the framework of the project by facilitating access women to improved agricultural inputs and services. This will be pursued by emphasizing the organization of women-led and women-centered Farmer Field Schools with services tailored to women's work schedules and other responsibilities in order to maximize women's participation. In addition, awareness raising training for Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2016 National Gender Profile of Agricultural and 22 Rural Livelihoods – the Kyrgyz Republic. May be bought at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5763e.pdf 23 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2016 National Gender Profile of Agricultural and Rural Livelihoods – the Kyrgyz Republic. May be bought at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5763e.pdf 24 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2016 National Gender Profile of Agricultural and Rural Livelihoods – the Kyrgyz Republic. May be bought at: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5763e.pdf 47 women will be seen as one way to give them the skills to better control and use their earnings instead of The project is designed to generate positive social benefits by helping to increase livelihood opportunities and employment opportunities among rural households, especially youth and women. The project includes citizen engagement through its participatory approaches to assess needs, monitor service delivery and feedback, and mobilize the community to create learning and dairy vegetable borrowing groups. This is expected to continue within the framework of funding and will include ongoing monitoring of beneficiary satisfaction measures. Project grievances redress is fully debugged and functional. Gender-disaggregated data will be reflected in current reporting. The main possible risk of exacerbating gender-based violence in project areas wherean integral part is the production of construction and rehabilitation works. Projects(subprojects that attract people and resources may causeunpredictable changes in the communities in which they are implemented. The project may aggravate existing risks of gender-based violence in society or even entail new ones. Since the facilities are scattered over a wide area and implemented in remote, widely scattered hard-to-reach areas, they can increase the risk of potential abuse of power against women in the absence of timely reporting of problems. The possible location of projects near a school route or pedestrian access that is used by the population, including women for daily activities, is also associated with certain risks. Measures on reducing gender-based violence. To reduce gender-based violence as well as prevent sexual abuse/harassment (SEA/SH), the project plans at the beginning to conduct explanatory work among employees of organizations (enterprises, farms). To mitigate and prevent the aforementioned gender-related occurrences, the current active GR in the ABCC/CLMU can be used. The GR will be guided by the WB GBV Guidance Note and build in the relevant steps for handling gender related complaints including gender-based violence, sexual abuse/ harassment. These steps allow safe and confidential reporting: survivors will be able to report sexual abuse /harassment without being identified publicly. Information about a SEA/SH allegation, and, in particular, the identity of the survivor and those involved, will be protected at all times. The SEA/SH cases will be logged separately from other cases and will not include identifiable information in a logbook. A separate coding system for names will be created and stored in a locked cabinet. The complaint logbook will also be stored in a different locked cabinet. Only those having a role to play in the response to an allegation (i.e. GBV service providers) will receive case level information, Thus complete confidentiality will be ensured when registering and resolving complaints of this nature. The population is notified of the GR at the stage of public hearings. The grievance handling for SEA/SH cases will be outlined in an agreed upon Accountability and Response Framework’(detailed plan by which the contractor will implement the GBV Action Plan outlined in the ESMP). (WB GBV GPN, para. 56 and114)  To mitigate the impact of the Project on ethnic groups and women's participation, the project will provide for the creation of target groups to participate at all stages of the discussion and selection of the village priority proposals. The project is open for participation in program activities of female-headed households, low-income families, returned labor migrants, widows, single mothers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Examples of potential project impacts and proposed mitigation measures are shown in Table 9 below. 48 Table 9. Environmental and social impacts and generic mitigation measures Proposed activity Expected environment and social potential impacts (positive and Measures to prevent/mitigate negative impacts adverse) Purchase of Positive. Acquisition of high-quality varietal seeds and seedlings for - Conclusions on the quarantine phytosanitary condition for seedlings and seeds maximum benefit. planting material, if it is imported from other regions of the of fruit and Negative. republics and foreign countries. When purchasing such seedlings, vegetable crops. Expansion of the area under horticulture and the intensification of other one should take into account the compliance of species, varieties agricultural practices, agro-processing can lead to an increase in the use of seeds and tree plantations with climatic conditions. of water and resources, including pesticides and chemical fertilizers. The Phytosanitary requirements for seedlings: project may also support the importation of alien varieties of fruits, nuts • When transporting batches of seedlings from other countries, and vegetables, which could lead to loss of biodiversity of native species each batch must be accompanied by an international and the introduction of new pests and diseases that could be exacerbated phytosanitary certificate issued by the authorized body of the by the effects of climate change. exporting country. • When purchasing planting material in nurseries close to the settlement, it is necessary to follow the rules of internal plant quarantine, preventing quarantine and other dangerous species of pests, diseases and weeds from entering the landscaping facilities. Various technologies and ways of solving the problem are used to protect soil from erosion. The main ones are such as crop rotations (alternating crops and fallows in time and on the territory or only in time) that ensure soil protection. Purchase of special Positive To work on special equipment, those persons who have a agrotechnical Increasing the material and technical equipment of farmers, convenience certificate for the right to operate machines, who are well aware equipment for in land work. of their device and adjustment, maintenance rules, and the rules cultivating land. Negative for performing the work performed, can be allowed to work. May cause some environmental impacts associated with: (a) increased It is optimal to use the irrigation method for the minimum pollution of ground and surface water due to soil erosion, (b) threats to consumption of irrigation water and the maximum yield. human health and wildlife due to poor handling of equipment; (c) This problem can be solved in an integrated way, by creating a increased siltation of water bodies due to soil erosion; (c) solid waste technically perfect water-saving, on-farm system using efficient from the processing of agricultural products. (d) non-professional equipment and advanced technologies. operation of special equipment resulting in injury. Purchase of seeds, Positive.Improved seed reproduction, reduced pressure on pastures; - Use of certified crop seeds that do not contain seeds other investments, increase in agricultural production; increase in the incomes of the rural invasive alien species; equipment population; improving the rural economy; contribution to ensuring the - The introduction of genetically modified crops should be food security of the country, etc. assessed against the existing regulatory framework for such Negative. Threats to human health and wildlife due to improper handling introductions in the host country; 49 of treated seeds, fertilizers and pesticides; risk for the introduction of - Proper seed storage genetically modified plant seeds: transfer of introduced genes to other species (possibly weedy and invasive), unanticipated effects on beneficial insects, or increased resistance of pests. Procurement of Positive. An increase in dairy production, which would lead to the To prevent wastewater pollution: equipment for creation of new jobs and an increase in income; introduction of advanced - Avoid wastage of milk, products, and by-products; agricultural technologies and methods in dairy production, contribution to the fight - Installation of gratings to reduce or avoid the entry of solid processing, milk against poverty and food security. Introducing new technologies & materials into the system's drainage effluent; - application of best collection and quality standards in enterprises, using advanced machinery and practice methods for cleaning the object of the system, the use of cooling and related equipment that provide added value to agricultural products, creating permitted chemicals and / or detergents with a minimum impact small-scale new jobs and increasing incomes, contributing to the improvement of on the environment and compatibility with subsequent wastewater construction and socio-economic conditions in rural areas, etc. treatment processes; rehabilitation Negative. Increased pollution of ground and surface water due to the use - Where possible and taking into account sanitary requirements, activities of chemicals; increased concentrations of pollutants in wastewater and separate solid waste from the process and substandard products, air emissions, mainly dust and odor, air emissions (dust/particulate etc. matter, often toxic), acoustic pollution, vibrations, increased water and - Prohibition of hazardous building materials energy consumption. Use of toxic building materials such as asbestos. Procurement of Positive. The introduction of new technologies & quality standards in energy efficient enterprises in dairy production, the use of advanced technology and infrastructure for equipment, the generation of solar energy is free and inexhaustible, it can milk collection be obtained stably and without risk to the environmentInstallation of centers (solar power plants does not harm the soil and its surface; maintenance of solar panels or panels occurs with the help of simple and harmless actions, processes photovoltaic water (repair, washing panels with water); long battery life and maintainability heaters has a positive effect on the environment, contributing to the improvement of socio-economic conditions in rural areas, etc. Social: Reducing energy consumption, electricity costs. Saving! Providing warm cold water during the cold season. Procurement of Positive impact:every farmer who uses milk collection points will get Risk assessment and development of recommendations for the equipment for timely information when poor quality milk is supplied and will be able to disposal and use of substandard milk rejected at collection points. measurement, find out the problem leading to poor quality. He/she then takes the registration and appropriate corrective action to improve the performance of the farm. quality control of Reducing the risk of poisoning and diseases transmitted with dairy milk at milk products. collection points There is a risk of getting into waste or unregulated processing and getting into the distribution network of dairy products from milk rejected at collection points. 50 Procurement of Positive. An increase in dairy production, which would lead to the To prevent wastewater pollution: equipment for creation of new jobs and an increase in income; introduction of advanced - Avoid wastage of milk, products, and by-products; agricultural technologies and methods in dairy production, contribution to the fight - Installation of gratings to reduce or avoid the entry of solid processing, milk against poverty and food security. Introducing new technologies & materials into the system's drainage effluent; - application of best collection and quality standards in enterprises, using advanced machinery and practice methods for cleaning the object of the system, the use of refrigeration and equipment that provide added value to agricultural products, creating permitted chemicals and / or detergents with a minimum impact related small-scale new jobs and increasing incomes, contributing to the improvement of on the environment and compatibility with subsequent wastewater construction and socio-economic conditions in rural areas, etc. treatment processes; rehabilitation Negative. Increased pollution of ground and surface water due to the use - Where possible and taking into account sanitary requirements, activities of chemicals; increased concentrations of pollutants in wastewater and separate solid waste from the process and substandard products, air emissions, mainly dust and odor, air emissions (dust/particulate etc. matter, often toxic), acoustic pollution, vibrations, increased water and - Prohibition of hazardous building materials energy consumption. Use of toxic building materials such as asbestos. Provision of Positive. Implementation of new technologies & quality standards in equipment for enterprises in dairy production, use of advanced machinery and collection, cooling, equipment to ensure food safety, create new jobs and increase incomes, quality control and contribute to the improvement of socio-economic conditions in rural data entry at milk areas, etc. Reducing the risk of poisoning and diseases transmitted with collection points dairy products. Demonstration Positive. Reducing pressure on pastures, introducing the achievements of - Introduction of advanced agricultural techniques for fodder farms/households agricultural technology, increasing the production of livestock products production and hay preparation, feeding practices; and high quality of mammals; creation of new jobs, contribution to food security, - Proper storage of hay, fodder; feed production, contribution to the reduction of poverty in rural areas and, in general, to - Application of adequate technological solutions for the disposal feeding practices the improvement of socio-economic conditions in rural areas, etc. and use of animal waste and effluents; Negative. Increased pollution of ground and surface water due to misuse -Alternative energy sources. of agro-chemicals; increased livestock runoff from mismanaged farms, - Provide security measures for workers; increased greenhouse gas emissions from both mismanaged manure and - Hiring workers from local residents; the use of coal, fuel oil and other fossil fuels for heating - Conducting training for builders and informing about the code Social: during construction activities, impacts on communities such as of conduct and signing the commitment to comply with the code noise, vibration, gas emissions, harassment of women by external of conduct; workers, child labor. Unpleasant smell, noise and insufficient water - rational use of water, timely cleaning and removal of manure, supply to the village due to the use of large amounts of water are ventilation, provision of PPE, exclusion of child labor and forced expected during operation. They will take cows to pastures, and when labor. they are taken out, they may interfere with the use of roads by residents. -Exclusion of child labor until the age of 14 by obtaining written obligations from parents not to force them to work and skip school. Provision of sanitary and hygienic conditions for workers (shower, toilet, place for eating) - Ensure fire safety. 51 - Territory fencing. Organization of Positive. Improved silage production, the introduction of agricultural To avoid negative impacts and protect the soil and groundwater, it sites for the technology, an increase in the number of mammals; creation of new jobs, is extremely important to comply with several requirements: preparation of contribution to food security, contribution to the reduction of poverty in (i) Appropriate location of silos. Trenches / furrows for filling and silage rural areas and in general, to the improvement of socio-economic storing silage should be built in places protected from the conditions in rural areas, etc. accumulation of rainfall, especially flooding; Negative. If the silo is located on an uninsulated base, there is a (II) Insulation of the silo. The trenches should be well insulated, possibility of contamination of the soil and groundwater. and their foundations, as well as the walls, should be either Social: Unpleasant odor from silage, proximity of farms to residents' concrete walls and/or thick plastic sheeting; homes. Entry of silage into water sources into the food chain of residents (III) Proper site clearing of silos through water, agricultural products from contaminated soil. Use of mineral Positive. Improved use of agrochemicals; improving soil quality, For application of fertilizers fertilizers to increasing agricultural production; increase in the incomes of the rural -Apply manure-based fertilizers to replace chemical fertilizers; improve forage population; improvement of agriculture; contribution to ensuring the - Applying manure to the soil or applying it between crops to production food security of the country, etc. improve plant nutrient utilization and thereby reduce nutrient loss, Negative. -Increased pollution of ground and surface water due to the use etc. of agrochemicals; Consumption of crops with high levels of pesticide residues; soil degradation / Reduction of soil organic carbon. - Pollution of ground and surface waters and therefore threats to the health of local and downstream water users; damage to aquatic ecosystems, loss of biodiversity. - Air pollution - Greenhouse gas emissions from chemical fertilizers that contribute to global warming as a result of climate change Preparation and Positive:Soil improvement, increase in organic carbon content -Application of adequate technologies for the preparation and application of Negative:Increase in the flow of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, application of fertilizers based on manure. manure-based soil pollution by pathogenic organisms and weeds. - Training of farmers in acceptable technologies. fertilizers Functioning of Positive. Improving veterinary waste management, contributing to food A complete and functional laboratory bio-risk management will Veterinary Stations security. help ensure that the laboratory is in compliance with applicable and Laboratories - Negative. Accidental spread of animal diseases due to improper handling local, national, regional and international standards and Biosecurity and of samples, violation of analytical protocols and safety measures, etc.; requirements for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity. Waste Management improper management of waste generated in the modernized laboratory; - Waste management in the modernized laboratory using existing lack of staff skills (qualifications), etc. national guidelines that are consistent with international best practice; Support means and methods for the proper transport and disposal of biological waste. - Training for staff on the latest laboratory methods, etc. Compliance with Positive. Preserving the health of workers and the local population - Strict compliance with the laws and regulations of the KR occupational safety governing construction work; 52 and health of the Negative. Accidents at work, injuries, crushes, obtaining production - Provision of the OHS training prior the start of construction labor injuries and other damages to health of staff works; - Construction workers use special clothing and personal protective equipment; - Strict compliance with the rules of operation of construction equipment and the use of personal protective equipment; - Appoint an environment, health and safety manager to look after the health and safety of the workers; - Availability of basic fire-fighting tools and means; - Availability of records on training and receipt of instructions on labour safety Community Health Positive. Keeping the communities safe from construction works; - Prior to starting the construction activities contractor will be and Safety informed the local community; Negative. - Accidents on the approach road and construction site; - Noise and dust pollution; - Instruct the drivers and limit the speed of the vehicles; - Communicable diseases can spread among the local - Regular health check-ups of the workers and awareness training community. about the communicable diseases; - Avoid unnecessary noise pollution, especially night time; - Provide proper access control to the project sites limiting the access of the unauthorized persons entry to the project site; 53 6. PROCEDURES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 6.1. Component 2 (strengthening institutions and systems) The ESMF will serve as a guiding document for screening and conducting Environmental Assessment (EA) of the sub-projects and to ensure consistency with national environmental requirements as well as World Bank policy and standards. Accordingly, it is proposed that each demonstrational activity under any component will be assessed for their environmental impacts. EAs will be included in the standard project development cycle for all investments financed by the project, from initial identification of investments through further review and approval by ABCC technical staff and finishing with the implementation of investments under the supervision of Project Safeguards Specialist. Each subproject proposal will contain a preliminary description of the potential impacts, including likelihood of impacts on the quality of land and soil, air, natural habitat, forests, rare or endangered biological species, potential damage to the watercourses or underground sources of water, etc. The project is not expected to adversely affect any natural habitats, forests or biodiversity existing in the project-affected areas. However, if any activities that has a potentially adverse direct or indirect impact on biodiversity and forests can be identified through the environmental screening procedure, then the project will not support them. Moreover, if natural resources are used within the project, one will specify whether it will cause accumulation of wastes and pollutants that usually appear during rehabilitation works and other processes. Whether the project includes activities on agricultural pest control that would employ chemicals, etc. A series of workshops under the supervision of a Senior Safeguards Specialist will be organized to enhance the potential of applicants for environmental assessment. Depending on the nature and scale of impact, the Project Safeguards Specialist will inform sub-project initiators on the need for environmental assessment documentation. In those cases when potential risks are insignificant, they will be addressed via well-known generic mitigation measures to be specified in the sub- project proposal. The key steps in the EA process are given below: Step 1. Environmental Screening: Screening of each proposed subproject is to be undertaken on the basis of Environmental Screening Checklist in order to determine the appropriate extent and type of Environmental Assessment and the attribution of the project risk category and respectively, environmental risks that might be generated (e.g. from moderate to low risk, and from low to negligible risk). Generally, as described above, the significance of impacts and the determination of environmental and social risk category, is defined by the safeguard specialist of the project, depending on the type and scale of the sub-project, the location and sensitivity of environmental issues, and the nature and magnitude of the potential impacts. Examples of sub- projects that fall under Moderate and Low risk Categories are provided in the in Table 10. Table 10. Screening of Risk Categories for Proposed Types of Subprojects Proposed activities Suggested Remarks Proposed EA instrument Environmental Category Purchase of seeds, other Low Selective monitoring after inputs, equipment filling the Environmental Screening Checklist Organization of gardening Moderate For Moderate risk category, or arable land on an area of the ESMP checklist; full more than 5 hectares, or on ESMP for sites located in 54 mountain slopes; complicated and relatively risky biophysical environments Organization of sites for Low/ Moderate For Moderate risk category, the production of silage the ESMP checklist; full ESMP for sites located in complicated and relatively risky biophysical environments Demonstration of high Low Selective monitoring after quality fodder production, filling the Environmental hay preparation, feeding Screening Checklist practices in farms/household Upgrading the regional Moderate ESMP checklist veterinary laboratories Training of farmers in Low These activities do not Training materials and rational manure require environmental demonstration will include management and animal screening ESSs relevant aspects. husbandry practices Purchasing and installing Low/Moderate In the case of installing For Moderate risk Category – of small milk collection equipment in the existing ESMP checklist and cooling equipment premises without civil works it will be Low risk category and with such works – Moderate risk Category Purchase of energy Low/ Moderate In the case of installing For Moderate risk Category – efficient infrastructure for equipment in the existing ESMP checklist milk collection centers premises without civil works (solar batteries or it will be Low risk category photoelectric boilers) and with such works – Moderate risk Category Purchasing of small Low Equipment to be used at the Selective monitoring after equipment to measure, existing premises of milk filling the Environmental register and monitor milk collection points Screening Checklist quality in milk collection points Refurbishing or re- Low/ Moderate Depending on the scale of For Moderate risk Category – equipping for installing civil works it might be Low ESMP checklist; full ESMP agro-processing/diary or Moderate risk Category for those sites located in production equipment complicated and relatively risky biophysical conditions Improving livestock Moderate In case of construction of For Moderate risk Category, facilities or restoration of enclosures (premises), the ESMP checklist; full 55 artificial insemination including civil works – ESMP for sites located in points for the provision of Moderate risk Category complicated and relatively veterinary care risky biophysical environments Purchase of small Low Selective monitoring after equipment for feeding and filling the Environmental production of feed (forage) Screening Checklist Purchase of seedlings and Low Selective monitoring after seeds of fruit and filling the Environmental vegetable crops. Screening Checklist Purchase of special agro- Low/ Moderate For Moderate risk Category, technical equipment for the ESMP checklist; full cultivating land. ESMP for sites located in complicated and relatively risky biophysical environments Depending on the nature and scale of the impacts, the Project Safeguards Specialist will first screen the subprojects against the exclusion list (see Section 6 for the ineligibleactivities) and then the E&S risksand assign the environmental category, informing Project involved parties about the documentation required (filling Annex 2 and 3 with the results of the screening). Based on the results of the screening, the proposed EA instruments would be one of the following: (a) no further EA actions is required in the case of sub- projects with environmental Low risk category, with selective monitoring on separate sub-projects during their implementation; (b) Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) as a form of checklists for projects with minor impacts, particularly those falling under Moderate risk Category that have typical risks originated from small scale construction and rehabilitation Investments; (c) full ESMP for sub-projects of Moderate risk Category proposed to be implemented in complicated biophysical conditions with relatively higher and various risks, which might have direct or indirect potential impact on forests, natural habitats, geomorphology, soil and water. ESMPs in “full form” should ensure that these risks are properly addressed and integrated mitigation measures and monitoring activities proposed accordingly (e.g. for sites located on (or close to) steep slopes, portable water sources, fertile soils, forest lands, natural reserves, etc. The results of the environmental screening are recorded and maintained by the Project Safeguards Specialist. In the case of Investments classified as Moderate risk Category, the Project Safeguards and Environmental Specialist will review the subproject and its potential impacts and may conduct a subsequent site visit for additional observation. The Project Safeguards Specialist will sign the field visit checklist (Appendix 4). Step 2: Preparation of Environmental Management Plan for sub-projects: In the cases of Moderate risk Category sub-projects, in accordance with Kyrgyz Republic legislation and WB requirements, the ESMP consists of the set of mitigation, monitoring, and institutional measures to be taken during implementation and operation to eliminate adverse environmental and social impacts, offset them, or reduce them to acceptable levels. The content of the ESMP reflects the environmental mitigation measures as well as the monitoring and institutional strengthening measures to be applied during the project implementation in order to reduce the negative environmental impact. For projects with medium environmental risk (Moderate risk Category), an ESMP can be an effective means of integrating the activities needed to effectively mitigate environmental impacts. 56 The ESMP format provides for the division of the project cycle into three stages of activities: preparation, implementation and operation. For each phase, the team on development of activities identifies all significant impact aspects to be expected based on environmental screening or more detailed follow-up research (if required). For each aspect of impact, mitigation measures are identified and listed. It also calculates the costs of carrying out mitigation measures, disaggregated by installation (investment expenses) and operating (outgoings) environmental tools and techniques. The ESMP also sets out institutional obligations for the installation and operation tools and methods of environmental mitigation impact. For example, in the case when the project would involve typical different small scale construction and rehabilitation investments for upgrading of veterinary laboratory, it is proposed to use an ESMP checklist”), (Annex 12). The ESMP Checklist includes the environmental and social screening and mitigation measures in a simple Yes/No format. Step 3: Supervision, Monitoring and Reporting: During the project implementation, the ABCC will ensure that the environmental mitigation measures are implemented. In the case of non-compliance, the Project Safeguards Specialist as needed will investigate the nature and reason for noncompliance, and a decision is taken about what is needed to bring Investment into compliance, or whether financing should be suspended. A Monitoring Plan (MP) can be useful to verify compliance with the requirements, commitments and control of monitoring of expenditures of the mitigation measures implementation identified during the environmental assessment analysis or as part of the assessment of Moderate risk Category subprojects. Like the ESMP, the project cycle in the Monitoring Plan is divided into three phases. The monitoring plan includes the basic information necessary for high quality and reliable monitoring: Subject of monitoring, Location of monitoring, Method of monitoring parameters, ensuring constructiveness of comparisons, Necessary and most effective frequency and methods of monitoring, Reason for monitoring of a particular parameter (i.e. what does it note about environmental impact). In addition to these elements, the costs associated with monitoring (both investment and regular) and institutional obligations are determined. Upon completion of the Monitoring Plan development and after being brought into the context of the project implementation, the ABCC will request reports from the implementers at appropriate times, include the results in their periodic reports to the WB, and provide with the results to Bank staff during supervision missions. The status of compliance with agreed environmental mitigation measures is to be reported by the ABCC in their regular (quarterly) reports on project implementation. In the case of non-compliance, the ABCC investigate the nature and reasons for non-compliance, and a decision has to be made on what is needed to bring a sub-project into compliance, or whether financing should be suspended. The ABCC make available information on monitoring of environmental management plans and mitigation measures in its routine reporting on project implementation to the World Bank and during periodic Bank supervision missions. Integration of the ESMP into the project documents The ESMF and ESMPs provisions will form part of the project documents. ESMPs will be included in contracts for proposed activities as an integral annex. The ESMF provisions will be used for the following purposes: (a) Inclusion of the ESMF requirements in the Project Operational Manual; (b) Inclusion of Environmental Guidelines in implementation of training activities for individual sub-projects; (c) Specifying of ESMF follow-up responsibility within the ABCC; (d) Specifying mitigation measures during the implementation of the proposed activities; (e) Monitoring and evaluation of mitigation/preventive measures identified in the site-specific review and in the ESMP. The necessary mitigating measures would constitute integral part of the subproject 57 implementation including the contracts binding the contractors to carry out the environmental obligations during construction works. All contractors will be required to use environmentally acceptable technical standards and procedures during carrying out of works. Additionally, contract clauses shall include requirements towards compliance with all national construction, health protection, safeguard laws and rules as well as on environmental protection. 6.2. Component 1 (Investment for agri-food clusters development) 6.2.1. PFI Policy Working under the Project, PFIs aspire to introduce effective environmental and social management practices in their operations, products, and services, focusing on the following:  Ensure that all their actions comply with the ESMF and PFI ESMS through the entire period funding period;.  Screen all projects for compliance with the ESMF and their ESMS requirements (all PFI’s sub- projects should be screened for environmental and social risks and impacts; all PFI sub-projects should be checked to make sure they are not listed in the Exclusion Lists);  All PFIs’ sub-projects must be so designed and implemented as to comply with the national and local laws that regulate environmental and social issues, as well as the World Bank ESF.In instances where there are gaps between national laws and the World Bank ESF, additional measures should be incorporated into the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) to bridge these gaps.  Loans under the Project can only be eligible for funding if they are developed and implemented in accordance with the PFIs ESMS. If an ESMS is in place, the CLMU shall assess and confirm its conformity with ESS9 requirements and share it with the World Bank for approval. If PFIs do not have an ESMS, the CLMU must ensure that they develop one. This ESMS should be reviewed and approved by the World Bank before the PFIs can process any sub-loans to beneficiaries.  Ensure transparency of its activities; When registering loan, the PFI verifies the Borrowers' compliance with environmental and social performance obligations established by the applicable legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as by the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards, through their established ESMS. The PFI raises the Borrowers’ awareness of environmental and social requirements to encourage the Borrowers to take timely measures to prevent negative environmental and social impacts under potential lending. The policy applies to PFI loans registered under the Project implementation. The PFI’s environmental and social policy should be approved by PFI’s senior management and include the organization’s commitments, goals, and indicators as it pertains to managing environmental and social risks associated with PFI’s operations. 6.2.2. Scope of the ESMS As required by the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), which constitutes an integral part of the Financing Agreement, all PFIs must develop and implement Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS). The PFI’s ESMS shall be reviewed and approved by the World Bank before processing any subloans. 58 The PFI ensures that ESMS is prepared and that all loan applications are screened and assessed in accordance with the following environmental and social requirements:  Exclusions List for all projects (clause 6.2.3);  Applicable national environmental, health, safety and social legislation and any standards set therein;  World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS), in particular ESS9 – Financial Intermediaries. To implement the ESMF, the PFIs, within the framework of the Project, develops a lending-related environmental and social management system (ESMS) that is used to analyze the borrowers' operations, and classify/categorize borrowers activities according to the degree of their environmental and social impact. The ESMF informs environmental and social procedures of the PFIs ESMS that include the following main steps: (a) Verification, review, and classification of loans registered under the Project according to their potential environmental and social risks and impacts. (b) All loans should be assessed, prepared, and implemented in accordance with the requirements of the national legislation; the World Bank’s and Project Exclusion list. 6.2.3. Appraisal Procedures – Exclusion List PFI does not issue the loans, that support: 1. Production or trade of any product, or engagement in any activity that is illegal under the laws of the host country; 2. Production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and herbicides, ozone-depleting substances, polychlorinated biphenyls, wild flora and fauna and products regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora; 3. Production and use of pesticides / agrochemicals - Ammonium nitrate grade A, used for industry; 4. Illegal diversion of irrigation water for irrigation of agricultural land; 5. Production or trade of weapons and ammunition; 6. Production or trade of alcoholic beverages (excluding production of beer and wine, as well as MSME retailers, such as grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants, where alcoholic beverages are not a significant part of the trading business); 7. Production or trade of tobacco products (excluding MSME retailers such as grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants where tobacco is not a significant part of the trading business); 8. Gambling, casinos, and similar establishments; 9. Production or trade of radioactive materials, excluding procurements of medical equipment, quality control equipment, measuring or any other equipment where the source of radioactive exposure in the opinion of the World Bank/International Finance Corporation (IFC) is safe and/or is adequately protected; 10. Production or trade of loose asbestos fibers, excluding procurements and use of asbestos-cement sheets with asbestos content of less than 20%; 11. Drift net fishing in the marine environment using nets longer than 2.5 km; 12. Production and other operations associated with high-risk works, or with various forms of exploitation such as forced labor or hazardous child labor; 13. Commercial logging in primary tropical forests; 59 14. Production and trade of timber and other forest products, excluding products from sustainably managed forests; 15. Production, trade, storage, or transport of significant quantities of hazardous chemicals or commercial use of hazardous chemicals. Such products include gasoline, kerosene, and other petroleum products; 16. Activities with potential impacts associated with involuntary land acquisition; 17. Projects with high or significant social and environmental risk as defined by the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standard (ESS) and this ESMF, including large-scale dams and reservoirs, large-scale logging, road construction, construction of large new industrial estates, gas and oil extraction, projects that have direct negative social impact that may lead to significant/high risk social conflicts. 18. Subprojects with significant impacts on Biodiversity. 19. Production or sale of hazardous substances containing, for example, carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic properties, including creosote and chlorinated solvents. 20. Storage and packaging of pesticides and herbicides. 21. Production, distribution or sale of illegal pesticides. 22. Heating and energy supply by burning fossil fuels locally (coal, fuel oil, used automobile and tractor oils, as well as transformer oils). 23. Sale of natural products from the CITES list. 24. Any activity with significant use of radioactive materials. 6.2.4. Appraisal Procedures – the Process Loans under the Project must be acceptable from the environmental and social point of view and ensure environmental and social sustainability. Under the Project, PFIs check if the loans meet eligibility criteria by carrying out environmental and social screening of the loan in accordance with ESMF, ESMS, as well as with the PFIs internal regulations that govern environmental and social compliance. The purpose of the above-mentioned screening is to determine the scope and type of further Environmental and Social Assessment (ESA) of the loan, and to assign a category depending on potential environmental and social risks. PFI determines the significance of impacts and assigns a category of environmental and social risks and impacts depending on the type and amount of the loan, the location of the business, the sensitivity of the environmental and social issues, and the nature and magnitude of potential risks, and capacity of the subloan borrower to manage the environmental and social issues. Loan applications that fall into high and substantial risks are not eligible for funding. Each loan is assigned one of four categories, depending on the nature, scale, and environmental and social impact. Only “Moderate Risk” and “Low Risk” loan agreements are eligible for further review and financing, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the World Bank (WB). 6.2.5. Appraisal Procedures – E&S Risk Categorization Social and environmental risks are classified in accordance with four categories: “High Risk”, “Substantial Risk”, “Moderate Risk” and “Low Risk”. When determining the risk category, the PFI will be guided by the following aspects:  type and location;  vulnerability and scope of the project; 60  scale of potential social and environmental risks and impacts;  applicant’s capacity and willingness to manage social and environmental risks and impacts in accordance with the ESSs. In addition, risks may be categorized in accordance with implementation of environmental and social risk mitigation measures and the results of such mitigation. This may include:  legal and institutional aspects;  nature of the proposed mitigation measures and technologies;  governance structures and legislation;  aspects related to stability, conflict, or security. “High Risk” and “Substantial Risk” Projects (Not Eligible for participation in the Project): Projects with significant negative impact on the environment that is irreversible and unprecedented (for example, projects that lead to destruction of a significant part of natural habitat), implemented in large numbers, are not eligible for the Project. Projects with “High Risks” and “Significant Risks” will not be eligible for loans under the Project (see exclusion list for other criteria). “Moderate Risk” Projects (Eligible for the Project) “Moderate Risk” projects are those whose social and economic impact is limited to the project site. Mitigation measures are standard and known in the industry, and include predetermined performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. “Low-Risk” Projects (Eligible for the Project) “Low Risk” projects are those that pose minor social and environmental risks.Low Risk” projects do not require environmental and social risk assessment beyond screening and complying with the national pertinent regulations. Borrower must carry out their activities in accordance with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. For example, in order to receive the loan under the Project, the borrower, who is engaged in agriculture must comply with the requirements for utilization of irrigation water and pesticides/agrochemicals established by the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. 6.2.6. Integration of Environmental and Social Requirements in Decision-making Process and Transaction Approval Based on the results of the Environmental and social assessment, the PFI prepares a loan file for consideration by the PFI’s Credit Committee. When reviewing loan application, the Credit Committee considers the environmental and social aspects of the borrower’s activities. If required, Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAP) will be developed to address gaps identified during the assessment. Only those borrowers, whose activities pose “moderate” or “low” social and environmental risks are eligible for receiving the loan under the project. Borrowers whose activities are included in the Exclusion Lists are not eligible for receiving the loan under the project (those includes activities with high and substantial environmental and social risks). 61 6.2.7. Environmental and Social Capacity The PFI’s executive body shall be responsible for environmental and social risk management as integral terms for sustainable economic and social development under the Project implementation. The allocation of responsibilities between PFI staff involved in ESMS implementation (at various levels) shall be determined and regulated by internal regulations. 62 7. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY FOR IMPLEMENTIN THE ESMF The MoWRAPI and MoF will be involved in the project implementation, with the Agribusiness Competitiveness Center (ABCC) under the MoWRAPI and the Credit Line Management Unit (CLMU) under the MoF being the implementation agencies (IAs). The MoWRAPI will have overall responsibility for project implementation, with the Agribusiness Competitiveness Center (ABCC) under the MoWRAPI being the implementation agency for component 2 (strengthening institutions and systems). The Ministry of Finance (MoF) will have the responsibility to implement the credit line under component 1 (Investment for agri-food clusters development).The CLMU and ABCC have extensive experience in implementing World Bank- financed projects and CLMU and ABCC has consistently rated as satisfactory for project management performance. Day-to-day project management, monitoring and reporting, procurement and financial management functions, and implementation of environmental and social standards for the proposed project would be carried out by CLMU and ABCC 7.1. Institutional Arrangements for the Implementation of the ESMF Project Implementation Units ABCC PIU: The ABCC will have the overall responsibility for the project implementation and will be directly responsible for Component 2. The ABCC Safeguards Team, consisting of two Safeguards Specialists (based respectively in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts), will evaluate project proposals for World Bank risk category and determines the type of environmental assessment to be carried out for the project, reviews the package of documents prepared by the beneficiaries (checklists for sub-projects, as well as all necessary permits required for the implementation of the project), completes, evaluates and approves checklists for environmental verification. In case of non-compliance with the proposed mitigation measures during project implementation, may decide to suspend financing. During the sub-project appraisal, the project safeguards specialist will be required to ensure that the proposed sub-projects are in compliance with World Bank ESF policy and standards requirements and consistent with all KR environmental laws and standards, as verified by the relevant local or national KR authorities. All relevant documents and authorizations must be in each beneficiary document file maintained by the ABCC and be available for review by WB representatives. Project Safeguards Specialist. The project will hire two Safeguards Specialists, one Safeguards specialist for the project in Chui oblast to be based in Bishkek, and one Safeguards specialist for the Jalal- Abad oblast. Safeguards Specialists will be responsible for monitoring of compliance with the financial agreement in relation to the EA process, including conducting the selection process in each of the three project oblasts. Safeguards specialist to be based in Bishkek will serve Chui and Naryn oblasts and will be responsible for overall E&S coordination and reporting under Component 2. Project Safeguards Specialists will assist project beneficiaries in consultations as needed and are responsible for reporting to the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic and the World Bank on the implementation of the ESMF. The role of the team of the Project safeguards will be the following: (i) providing assistance to the project beneficiaries to determine the exact impacts that can be generated by proposed activities as well as prescribing in specific terms the required mitigation actions to be taken; (ii) organization of conducting environmental screening and ensuring EA for all sub-projects under Component 2; (iii) monitoring and reporting on a regular basis the effects on the environment that financed activities may provoke and to ensure that mitigation specified in the Environmental Management Plans is appropriately carried out; (iv) raising awareness on environmental issues and strengthen capacity of project interested parties toward ensuring that potential environmental impacts could be recognized, avoided or at least minimized through mitigation. (v) raising awareness on issues of the prevention of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. In this regard among the tasks which will be performed by ABCC Safeguards team of three specialists, the following will be important: preparation of training programs and organization of training workshops on compliance with protective measures (environmental safety policies) of the World Bank and 63 their compliance with national environmental legislation, environmental impact assessment, etc.; organize preparation of a reference manual which would include the list of national environmental legislation, list of economic activities requiring permits, compliance procedures and/or compliance inspections; organize delivery of training through a series of seminars to the target audience on the project environmental issues. CLMU PIU: The CLMU will be responsible for implementing Component 1. CLMU existing PIU has an environmental and social specialist to monitor compliance with the ESMS, risk management and impact of financial institutions In case of non-compliance with expected mitigation measures during project implementation, the CLMU may decide to suspend financing. Additional specialist may be hired based on the work load, when needed. As part of the loan registration and approval process, each PFI is required to conduct an environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) assessment of each borrower in accordance with the ESMS guidelines, national legislation and the World Bank's ESS 9 and Environmental and Social Commitment Plan ("ESCP"). Loans will only be provided to borrowers whose operations involve moderate or low environmental and social risks (as opposed to significant or high risks), as categorized by the ESMS of the PFIs. In addition, loans to borrowers whose activities are on the exclusion list are not eligible for loans under the Project. ParticipatingFinancial Institutions (PFI), which are Financial Intermediaries: The PFIs will be selected through a competitive selection process. The MoF and participating financial institutions (PFIs) will sign a Subsidiary Loan Agreement to implement the project's credit line. The credit line manual (CLM) will specify all detailed criteria and terms. The PFIs will receive the credit line proceeds under the Subsidiary Loan Agreement and on-lend them to eligible beneficiaries for implementing subprojects in accordance with the CLM, acceptable to the World Bank, and their banking regulations. The loans to beneficiaries will be between KGS 1,0 mln and KGS 10.0 mln . Given that the MoF is not a financial intermediary and will not provide loans directly to the agri beneficiaries, the PFIs will be the lending entities. To manage the E&S risks of the subloans activities, the PFIs required to develop, adoptand implement an ESMS align with theWorld Bank ESS9 requirements. For PFIs who already have an established ESMS under implementation, the CLMU will ensure the ESMS aligns with the Bank ESS9 requirement. In either case, the World Bank will review and approve the PFIs ESMS before any sub- loans will be processed. The ESMS to be adopted and implemented by the PFIs will have the following elements: 1. Environmental and Social Policy; 2. Exclusion List; 3. Environmental and Social Risk Evaluation Procedures in the investment process including: a) Environmental and Social Due Diligence and Risk Screening; b) Environmental and Social Risk Categorization; c) Identification and preparation of appropriate site-specific environmental and social assessment (ESA) instruments, such as ESMP, to address site-specific impacts as well as impacts of associated facilities (if any); d) Requirement for Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP) preparation; e) Integration of the ESAP into the investment contract between respective PFIs and eligible beneficiaries; 4. Environmental and social monitoring and semi-annual reporting; 5. Roles and responsibilities for ESMS implementation at PFIs; 6. PFIs Senior Management Commitment; 7. Environmental and social risk training process for PFIs staff with E&S credit approval functions; 8. External and internal communication 9. Internal control and management review. As part of PFIs loan support approval processto the project agri-food cluster/ farmers/ loan beneficiary, CLMU shall ensure all PFIs develop, maintain, and implement the ESMS to identify, assess, manage, and monitor the environmental and social risks and impacts of the Project. The ESMS shall include, inter alia, the following elements: (b) (i) An overall policy commitment signed and approved by each PFIs senior management. (ii) Environmental and Social Procedures with respect to the principles below: (a) Screening all agri-loan beneficiaries against any Exclusion Lists under the Project. 64 (b) Screen, review, and categorize all loan beneficiaries proposed for financing under the Project according to their potential environmental and social risks and impacts, including conducting Environmental and Social Assessments of supported activities as required by national laws of Kyrgyz Republic. (c) Require that all agri-beneficiaries for loan support under the Project are checked, prepared, and ready to implement relevant national laws, and the relevant requirements of the ESSs and the WBG EHS guidelines. (d) Ensure that the measures needed to satisfy the Agreements between the MoF and Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) define the responsibilities of the PFIs to comply with the requirements of the relevant national legislation, exclusion list, the PFIs ESMS and ensure compliance with such requirements of (c) above are set out in the legal agreement between PFIs and each agri-loan beneficiary of the support under the Project. Where gaps are identified from Environmental and Social Due Diligence (ESDDs) conducted, corrective action plans should be incorporated in legal agreement between the PFIs and agri-loan beneficiaries. (e) Monitor, maintain, and regularly update environmental and social information on each agri- loan beneficiary under the Project. (f) Monitor the environmental and social risk of the World Bank-supported portfolio. (iii) Ensure each PFI’s Senior management commitment to provide adequate staff, capacity, and resources to satisfactorily implement the Bank-approved ESMS, throughout the life of the Project. 7.2. Capacity building activities for the implementation of the ESMF and related Project activities As part of the project, in order to ensure successful implementation, the ESMF will support information dissemination activities and trainings on the following issues(Table 11): ABCC/CLMU staff awareness raising.TheABCC/CLMU key specialists (technical staff, monitoring specialist, procurement specialist, etc.) will be trained on the environmental issues of the sector, as well as the rules and procedures for environmental assessment and management per the ESF. Training of the mobilization company(MC) staff.The training will cover the following topics: (a) National and World Bank requirements for environmental assessment; (b) screening and scoping procedures including checklists of potential environmental impacts of the agricultural production and agro-processing activities; (c) main provisions of environmental management plans for proposed sub projects, including mitigation measures and monitoring. Requirements for sub-borrowers. The next most critical group to be exposed to the importance of the environment concerns includes farmers and entrepreneurs from agricultural and agro-processing sectors who will be receiving the sub-loans, and whom consultations should be provided on use of better available methods to prevent/mitigate impact from the fodder production and agro-processing technologies. The workshops for this group would include environmental awareness and a practical exercise to observe and learn about sustainable and the best available techniques in fodder production and diary sector and agro- processing activities. Training for the Project Safeguards Specialist. In the case of hiring safeguards specialists for works on additional financing in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts, their training should cover the following issues: (a) National legislation and World Bank ESF requirements for environmental assessment; (b) screening and scoping procedures including checklists of potential environmental impacts of the proposed activities and potential agro-processing activities; (c) main provisions of environmental and social management plans for proposed sub-projects, including mitigation and monitoring. Field studies also may be included to the training program. 65 Training of PFI staff. The training will cover the following issues: (a) National and World Bank requirements for environmental and social risk assessment; (b) screening and pre-appraisal procedures for loan applications per ESF ESS9 requirement. Table 11. Proposed activities on capacity building TRAINING REQUIRED PURPOSE AND TARGET GROUP Environmental issues, for on-farm investments Environmental awareness To ensure that the staff of these bodies are aware about importance of the workshop for ABCC/CLMU environment and know how to recognize the impacts that various funded staff activitiesmay have on the environment. Project Safeguards Specialist To provide Project Safeguards Specialist with knowledge on the screening of the projects. Project beneficiaries Environmental awareness and a practical exercises to observe and learn (Farmers) about sustainable pasture management and best available techniques in diary and agro-processing Mobilization Company (MC) How to identify sub projects that may fall into one of the Bank’s environmental categories, and, to identify activities that may affect the environment and in filling the environmental screening checklists PFI Specialists To provide the PFI specialist with the knowledge on projects screening. Ensuring bio-safety and waste management and preventing inadvertent spread of the animal diseases and rules for insemination work. Representatives of the Laboratory waste management based on training and upgrading of regional veterinary laboratory infrastructure and equipment in accordance with the laboratory, veterinary “International Best Practice in Safety of Research Laboratories” developed services, private inseminators. by the US National Institutes of Health; Use of personal protective equipment; Safe disposal of waste and contaminated materials; Rules for storing semen, rules for operating a Dewar vessel, Treatment of hazard waste in accordance with regulations and administrative instructions and etc. Field demonstrations with use of IPM improved technologies and use of pesticides, silage preparation and technology to improve horticulture. Representatives of oblast and Field demonstrations on diagnosed pest management problems and related rayon agricultural opportunities, pest management practices, including agricultural, physical, departments; participating biological and chemical control methods. Technology of ecological cultivation of horticulture. farmers (project beneficiaries) Representatives of oblast and Field demonstrations on proper silage preparation and pollution prevention rayon agricultural measures departments; participating farmers (project beneficiaries) Specialists and public awareness related to livestock environmental issues: Trainings Target groups/participants Subjects of training modules Representatives of oblast and Management of environmental and social impacts in the livestock and rayon agricultural horticulture sector. departments; Silage production and proper environmental management. Participating farmers (project Horticulture technology. beneficiaries); Technology of ecological processing of lands. Environmental inspectors; Pesticides characteristics used for the production of fodder; pest control Representatives of local measures, including approaches for IMP. authorities; Used agricultural, physical, biological and chemical methods of pest Non-governmental control in agricultural lands. organizations Safety issues while pesticides handling (transportation, use and storage). Sustainable manure management, responsibilities, manure management 66 plans. How to protect oneself and others from COVID-19 infection in livestock. Preparation and distribution of information materials Preparation, printing and a. Silage production; dissemination of different b. Manure management guidebooks c. IMP and the use of agrochemicals. d. Environmental issues in the veterinary sector e. Diary processing and environmental problems f. Determining the soil depth. g. Catalog of seedlings and seeds of crops. h. Ecological land use. i. Preventive measures on COVID-19 prophylactics. 7.2.1. Capacity building for realization of Technical Assistance (TA) activities As specified above, dairy sector potential impacts and impacts of the project activities can be directly mitigated by applying a series of measures, among them are also raising public awareness and providing training on management of environmental problems for all involved parties. In this regard, the project would support a series of training, preparing and disseminating guidebooks and implementing demonstration activities on sector environmental related issues. The relevant consultants from national institutes and NGOs as well as international consultants agreed with the World Bank project team will be hired to develop relevant training modules and conduct such training as: Effective and sustainable manure management - animal waste management systems (proper collection, transport, storage, treatment, and utilization to reduce migration of contaminants to surface water, groundwater, and air); internationally recognized guidance, such as that published by FAO; feeding diets for livestock, measures to calculate and reduce greenhouse gases generation and emission follow, other pollution preventive measures and etc. Practicing large and/or small scale silage production and measures to ensure appropriate handling and disposal of the "silage liquor", preventing soil and ground water pollution - silage production techniques and the timing of their application; special guidebook to produce quality hay and avoid the risks etc. Promoting Complex (Integrated) Pest Management in fodder production - adverse environmental impacts and risks of chemical pesticides; principles of the Integrated Pest Management and alternative pest management strategies; pest control methods; IPM approaches and good management practices and etc. Sustainable management of dairy-processing related environmental problems - occupational health and safety hazards related dairy-processing; recognizing of mentioned risks and typical mitigation measure, etc. preventive measures on emissions and other contaminants etc. Integrated environmental assessment of project activities - methods and approaches for identifying environmental risks and organizing measures to prevent and mitigate them, drawing up of environmental management plans. 8. MONITORING AND REPORTING The environmental and social issues included within the mitigation measures will be monitored and supervised by the project beneficiaries, contractors and local specialists appointed by the Implementing Agency. While the environmental and social impacts are expected to be moderate, potential negative environmental and social impacts are planned to be prevented or mitigated during the construction and operation phases. Environmental and social monitoring system starts from the preparation phase of the subproject through the operation phase in order to prevent adverse impacts of the project and observe the effectiveness of mitigation measures. This system helps the WB and the Client to evaluate the success of mitigation as part of project supervision and allows taking an action when needed. Environmental and social monitoring to be carried out by the Implementation Agencies, which is ABCC/CLMU, should provide information on the key environmental and social aspects of subprojects, in particular the impact of the project on the environment and social environment and the effectiveness of the 67 mitigation measures taken. Such information allows the success of mitigation measures to be assessed as part of project supervision and allows corrective action to be taken, if necessary. In this regard, the Monitoring Plan identifies monitoring objectives and specifies the type of monitoring, and their link to impacts and mitigation measures. Specifically, the monitoring section of the ESMP provides: (a) a specific description, and technical details, of monitoring measures, including the parameters to be measured, methods to be used, sampling locations, frequency of measurements; and, (b) monitoring and reporting procedures to: (i) ensure early detection of conditions that necessitate particular mitigation measures, and (ii) furnish information on the progress and results of mitigation. A Monitoring Plan Format is presented in theESMP checklist part attached to this document in Annex 5. 8.1. Reporting responsibilities on Component 2 The ABCCSafeguards Specialist will monitor all subprojects it finances to ensure conformity to ESSs requirements during construction, operation and maintenance. They will ensure full compliance with the contract conditions and the ESMP. Final payment to the contractor should be contingent on the final inspection, with attention to the requirement to restore the site to its original condition upon completion of rehabilitation activities. These requirements will be specified in the contracts along with non-compliance remedies. The environmental monitoring of the rehabilitation sites will include regular observations of soil and water and vegetation within and around the rehabilitation sites; the involvement of the environmental inspectors in monitoring and evaluation will help in developing systematic environmental monitoring on rehabilitated sites. The ABCC Safeguards Specialist will conduct visits to sub-project sites as needed. Based on the performance of the safeguards measures of the various sub-projects, they will advise on subsequent disbursements that should be done for the contractors of the sub-project implementation contract under the RACDP. If it is found that there is an ESMF and/or ESF non-compliance, further disbursements will be stopped until ESF compliance is ensured. In addition, in the project areas the PIE will be responsible for the environmental and social monitoring activities identified above as part of the preventive actions and mitigation measures proposed to address potential adverse impacts. This monitoring will be incorporated into the overall project- monitoring plan required by the World Bank as part of project performance. As part of its environmental and social monitoring activities, the ABCC will conduct random inspections of project sites to determine the effectiveness of the measures taken and the impact of sub-project activities on the environment. The ABCC is also responsible for processing, reviewing and monitoring complaints and other feedback, including on environmental and social issues. The distribution of responsibilities between all parties involved in the project is given in Table 12 including environmental and social issues. In addition, the ABCC will be responsible for ESMP reporting and will:  Record and maintain the results of project supervision and monitoring throughout the project period. It will submit summary reports on the progress of the ESMF/ESMP and subproject ESIA aspects on a semi-annual basis to the World Bank, and as part of this reporting will provide an update on any RACDP-related grievances/feedback received that have been addressed and that may be pending.  Prepare quarterly progress reports on the implementation of measures proposed by the ESMP for individual subprojects;  Prepare annual environmental impact reports arising from the implementation of subprojects and analyze the effectiveness of mitigation measures applied to minimize negative impacts;  Prepare schemes and requirements for the Contractor's reports on environmental protection and mitigation measures, and review the Contractor's monitoring plan and reports; And,  Present mitigation and environmental and social protection measures to the public through special publications or/and annual public workshops. 68 Table 12. Roles and Responsibilities of Parties under the ESS Responsible party Responsibilities  Reviews, accepts and posts ESMF, LMP and SEP on the WB official website;  Review ESMP/ESMP checklist; The World Bank  Organizes missions (which task is to support implementation and supervision) to ensure that the project complies with WB ESS requirements.  Prepares and implements ESMF and submits it to the WB for approval;  Posts ESMF on the website of the implementing organization;  Prepares ESMP/ESMP checklist based on ESMF;  Submits ESMP/ESMP checklist to the WB for preliminary approval;  Posts ESMP/ESMP checklist on the website of the implementing organization and adds the ESMP/ESMP checklist to the tender documentation;  Conducts regular monitoring and compliance of ESMP/ESMP checklist by contractor; prepares appropriate recommendations and make decisions on additional measures (if necessary);  If the established requirements are not met, ensures that the contractor eliminates the violations and reports the incident to the WB;  Prepares LMP;  Prepares a SEP that takes into account the interests of vulnerable groups; Implementing  Prepares a code of conduct; agency/ABCC  Prepares the GR; monitors and considers complaints and appeals related to the project in a timely manner;  Gives instructions to the construction contractor and the firm that carries out technical supervision;  Summarizes the environmental and social aspects related to the implementation of the project in regular progress reports submitted to the WB;  Receives comments from project-affected groups and local environmental authorities regarding environmental aspects of project implementation. If necessary, holds meetings with these groups during site visits;  Coordinates and interacts with WB support missions regarding environmental and social aspects of project implementation;  Conducts regular monitoring of implementation of ESMP/ESMP Checklistdeveloped for specific sites;  Prepares/designs trainings and tools for local staff of the implementing organization and community representatives.  Implements ESMP / ESMP checklist at the facilities (if necessary, together with the implementing organization, can make changes to the ESMP / ESMP checklist);  Prepares Code of Conduct, GR, LMP;  Implements the Code of Conduct, GR, LMP; regularly transmits the received complaints Contractor to the implementing organization (as part of the monitoring reports on the implementation of ESMP/ESMP checklist);  Conducts regular monitoring of work at the facility (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.);  Prepares progress reports on ESMP/ESMP checklist and submits them to the implementing agency for consideration.  Ensure contractor complies with ESMP/ESMP checklist;  Conduct environmental and social monitoring in accordance with ESMF and ESMP/ESMP checklist; Beneficiaries/Clients  Collect information related to environmental and social aspects, on the basis of which reports are then prepared for the WB;  ensure that work on these aspects is consistent with Bank requirements. 8.2. Reporting responsibilities on Component 1 The CLMU will conduct selective monitoring of compliance of investment loans with the eligibility criteria and the PFI compliance to the ESMS terms. Regular visits to the productive partnerships and sites for investments (equipment and other assets) implemented by the beneficiaries would be conducted by the PFI. The PFIs would be required to submit regular progress reports and data to the CLMU, which will be shared 69 with MoF and MoWRAPI. Based on the agreed procedure, onsite visits to the investment loans sites are carried out not later than 3 months from the disbursement of the loans to the final beneficiary. In addition, beneficiary surveys and independent impact evaluations for the project would also include the credit line activities under component 1. Quarterly progress reports of PFIs on the project implementation progress would include reports on monitoring of the compliance with ESMS, including key performance indicators. The CLMU would also ensure timely collection of the audited reports of the PFIs, in compliance with the provisions of the subsidiary loan agreement. The environmental and social compliance of investment loans would be monitored as part of the regular report. The PFIs would be required to include appropriate capacity within their teams to ensure adequate capacity for monitoring compliance to the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) is maintained through the project implementation period. 9. GRIEVANCE REDRESSMECHANISM (GRM) Achieving the project objectives will require continuing consultations and exchange of information and knowledge. Transparency, consultations and feedback mechanisms with the beneficiaries will be a key part of the project. Facilitating participation of beneficiaries and feedback will be one of the key tasks of the project staff in the field. GRM operating at the national and regional levels will allow the project beneficiaries to provide feedback on issues related to project activities. In order to enhance satisfactory results of the project, a grievance redress mechanism for resolving grievances that arise among the project beneficiaries during the project implementation and to provide feedback to them has been developed and will be implemented. 9.1. Grievance redress The general process for redress of grievances from the beneficiaries (hereinafter “applicant/applicants”) of the project is as follows: At the initial stage, the beneficiaries will be provided with information on the procedure and terms of consideration and processing of grievances and proposals:  Information on the GRM will be posted on information stands of the project in the state oblast administration of Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts, as well as in each participating ayil okmotu;  Information leaflets will be prepared and printed within the framework of the project, with a brief explanation of the procedures and terms of consideration and resolution of complaints and proposals, as well as the content of all contact data;  Information leaflets will be disseminated by the staff of the regional offices of the ABCC in Bishkek, Naryn and Jalal-Abad during meetings with project beneficiaries;  Information leaflets will be disseminated by consulting companies hired to implement project components during meetings with project beneficiaries;  Information on the GR will be posted on the official websites of the ABCC, CLMU the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance, the Plenipotentiary Representative Offices of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts. Any complaints and proposals received at all levels must be documented and registered in the register of complaints and proposals. This Log should be maintained at all levels of consideration of applications submitted by applicants. FIRST LEVEL.The first step in the process of operational grievances (complaints) and proposals 70 consideration will be the application of the applicant on Component 1, to regional offices of PFIs, on Component 2 to the regional representatives of the project, working in consulting companies hired to implement the project components (hereinafter referred to as “partner organizations”). The applicant can file a grievance (complaint) or a proposal as follows: • In the form of an oral or written request, including by email, by phone, or via SMS, WhatsApp messages. • A complaint in oral, written or electronic form must be registered in the Register of Grievances (Complaints) and Proposals of the partner organization. • If the problem cannot be resolved with the satisfaction of the applicant within 3 working days from the moment of registration of the complaint, or if the consideration of the complaint of the applicant and the resolution of the problem is not within the competence of the partner organization, the problem is transferred to the next level. • In this case, the applicant must submit his/her complaint/proposal in writing on Component 1, to regional offices of PFIs, on Component 2 to the regional office of the ABCC or the head office of the ABCC, depending on the area of the issue raised. • Partner organizations should inform the applicant about this and assist the applicant in preparing and sending the application to the main office of PFI or to the regional office of the ABCC, the head office of the ABCC, depending on the issue that has arisen. • Partner organizations should regularly collect, summarize and submit in regular reports to ABCC information on any incoming complaints and proposals, including an analysis of different types of complaints. • Partner organizations should be in constant contact with the regional office of the ABCC regarding the issues of complaints and proposals received from the beneficiaries. SECOND LEVEL.The applicant's application must be submitted in writing on Component 1 to the main office of PFI, on Component 2 to the regional offices of the ABCC including:  By e-mail (an e-mail box will be created directly for complaints and feedback, as an example: grm- naryn@agromarket.kg);  Through SMS or WhatsApp messages. A separate phone number will be provided for the GR purposes. This number will be used on working days as a “hot line” for the beneficiaries of the project via SMS or WhatsApp messages.  A complaint in writing or electronically should be registered in the Log for registering complaints and proposals and should be considered within 5 working days from the date of registration.  In order to application cases that cannot be resolved within 5 working days, an applicant submits his/her complaint/proposal on any issue related to the project implementation process, in writing on Component 1 to CLMU, on Component 2to the head office of the ABCC, depending on the area of the issue.  Staff of the ABCC regional offices should assist the applicant in preparing and sending the application to the head office of the ABCC.  The responsible officer of the regional offices of the ABCC should regularly collect, summarize and provide information on incoming complaints and proposals in monthly reports, including an analysis of various types of complaints and proposals, and submit it to the responsible officers of the ABCC. THIRD LEVEL. The applicant's application must be submitted in writing on Component 1 to CLMU, on Component 2 to the head office of the ABCC (depending on the area of the issue), including:  By e-mail (e-mail boxes will be created directly for complaints and feedback, as an example: grm- abcc@agromarket.kgfor the ABCC);  A complaint in writing or electronically is registered in the Complaints and Suggestions Register and is considered within 7 working days from the date of registration. I. Complaint form. 71 1.1. The applicant, in his/her oral or written application, including in an electronic form, indicates his/her name, first name, patronymic, postal address, e-mail address to which the response should be sent, a contact phone number (home-, work-, cell- phone number) and sets out the essence of the statement or the complaint, puts a personal signature and the date. 1.2. The application, complaint, proposal of the applicant must be justified. If necessary, documents supporting the applicant's arguments are attached to them. Electronic copies can also be attached to the electronic application, including scanned electronic documents, Internet addresses where electronic files are placed (electronic documents, photo and video materials). 1.3. When considering an application, the applicant has the right to confidentiality and anonymity of the submitted complaint. A note on this is made in the log for registering complaints and proposals at all levels. II. Register of complaints and proposals of applicants. Any complaint or suggestion of the applicant, whether orally or in writing, is subject to registration in the register of complaints and suggestions: 2.1. The log will be kept in electronic form (in an Excel spreadsheet). The log form is shown in Table 13; 2.2. The date of receipt is indicated in the Log, and the incoming registration number is assigned. Each complaint must have an individual identification number, and progress in the consideration of each complaint should be reflected in the Log. 2.3. In this journal, it is necessary to indicate the responsible officers for the decision of each individual complaint/proposal, and record the dates of filing the complaint/proposal and the response to the complainant regarding his/her complaint/proposal, the closing date of the complaint in this Log. 2.4. Responsible staff for the resolution of each individual complaint/proposal must provide response to the applicant within the period established by this manual and provide a copy of the response to the responsible person for maintaining the Log of complaints and proposals for marking the status and closing date of the complaint/proposal. 2.5. Copies of replies to the written complaints and proposals of the applicants must be bound in a separate folder and be kept with the person responsible for maintaining the log for registering complaints and proposals. 2.6. Persons responsible for maintaining the Log for registering complaints and proposals a) In the regional offices of the ABCC in Bishkek, Naryn and Jalal-Abad, a Safeguards Specialist will be responsible for maintaining a register of complaints and proposals for all project components; b) At the ABCC, the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will be responsible for maintaining the Grievance and Proposals Log; c) Partner organizations appoint their own staff responsible for keeping a Log for registering complaints and proposals of the beneficiaries, and will submit this information to the ABCC and the ABCC regional offices in Bishkek, Naryn and Jalal-Abad. III. Additional sources of information for feedback and handling complaints. ABCC may consider applying and working with additional sources of information for GR purposes and public feedback, such as the following: 3.1. An official page of the project in social networks can be created, for example,www.facebook.com, which can serve as a platform for disseminating information about project activities, including the opportunity for applicants to send an appeal; 3.2. Collaboration with local media in Chui, Naryn and Jalal-Abad oblasts to disseminate information about project activities, including information on handling complaints and proposals. 3.3. Establishment of anonymous boxes for complaints and feedback at the information stands of the project in the involved aiyl okmotus, as well as in the state administration of the oblast. In 72 this case, information from the boxes can be collected during monitoring visits of employees of both the regional and central offices of the ABCC and further processed in accordance with the provisions of this mechanism. IV. Monitoring complaints and suggestions. Staff of partner organizations, responsible staff of CLMU, the head office of the ABCC and regional offices of the ABCC in Bishkek, Naryn and Jalal-Abad will: 4.1. Maintain direct communication with the applicant; 4.2. Provide a regular report to management, and maintain a database on the number and status of received complaints and proposals; 4.3. Draw up an analysis of the types of complaints and comments, as well as make proposals aimed at reducing the number of complaints. 4.4. In the course of field monitoring, the project staff will necessarily review and monitor implementation of the GR. The GR data will be collected, summarized and presented in the quarterly reports of the ABCC, including an analysis of the various types of complaints. 4.5. In the course of World Bank project support missions, in order to respond to project feedback and adaptation of the project procedures, complaints will be discussed, in the event of harm to beneficiaries. It is also proposed to review and monitor complaints and proposals under the platform for public-private dialogue under the State Oblast Administrations. 4.6. The ABCC/CLMU director will monitor the entire process of reviewing and responding to complaints and proposals on time, and provide a regular report on monitoring of complaints and proposals to the World Bank and other stakeholders of the project. Table 13. Formofthecomplaintsandgrievanceslogbook Complaint Date of Name and Gender Brief Responsible Progress in Date of Note Identificati receipt of contact data Man/W description employee resolving of complaint on Number the of oman of for solution the closure complaint complainant complaint of issue complaint 1 2 3 9.2 General requirements on labor safety Most of the project works will be small and are likely to be carried out by the project beneficiaries themselves do not require the labor safety management. In particular this concerns such activities as purchasing and installing an equipment and energy efficient infrastructure, purchasing seeds, fodder production, etc. However, some activities like establishing silage sites, manure management, rehabilitation of veterinary points need specific requirements, which will be reflected in the site-specific ESMPs. These peculiarities will be identified at the stage of the subproject screening and included in the ESMP if relevant. At such facilities, monitoring of working conditions should be carried out, including an assessment of possible impact and risks: air pollution of the working area with aerosols and gases; psychophysical factors, assessment of living conditions, catering and medical services, waste management. All labor protection requirements are also regulated by national legislation. Each site if appropriate will have a designated person responsible for health and safety issues, including ensuring the safety of workers and local population. Any cases of accidents will be immediately reported to the ABCC, CLMU and the World Bank. In case of minor incidents or shortcomings, the responsible persons will draw up a prescription for the executors, in case of repeated incidents or shortcomings, financing may be 73 suspended until the issues are eliminated. More detailed requirements for labor protection for some types of investments are given in Annex6 “Health and Safety requirements in the field of animal husbandry and while working with milk cooling tanks” and Annex 7 “Labour Management Procedures”. Comprehensive measures to prevent the spread of diseases (especially COVID-19) Based on the experience of a number of projects in the Kyrgyz Republic and other countries, the World Bank has developed general principles to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases. These principles are reflected in Annex 8 and include additional health and safety obligations, specific requirements for work permits, general hygiene issues, waste disposal and disinfection issues, use of personal protective equipment, and others. Waste management Hazardous wastes management. During construction work, hazardous waste containing asbestos and mercury can be generated. Asbestos-cement wastes and materials can be presented in the form of slate covering the roof of the building, as well as possibly asbestos-cement pipes or parts thereof. Mercury is found in fluorescent lamps that are used as lighting in buildings. Risks when handling with asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that has been widely used in buildings and other infrastructure in the 20th century due to its strength and resistance to fire and heat. Asbestos is commonly used in corrugated roofing sheets and asbestos cement pipes. All types of asbestos fibers pose a risk to human health. Generally, the greater risk arises when working directly with asbestos or when degradation of asbestos-containing material occurs, such as broken edges of asbestos-cement pipes or broken roofing sheets. Therefore, certain precautions are required as outlined in Annex 8. Risk in handling with mercury-containing wastes. Mercury can be found in many products such as lamps and thermometers. It is a substance of the first hazard class, it is recognized as a substance that has a significant adverse neurological and other effects on human health. Depending on the amount of mercury and the duration of its intake into the body, acute and chronic poisoning is possible. Women and children are most sensitive to mercury poisoning. Requirements for disposal of mercury-containing waste are set out in Annex 8. Biological and veterinary wastes management. The Resolution of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic dated June 18, 2015 No. 377 “On approval of the priority veterinary and sanitary requirements for the prevention of animal diseases” regulates the requirements for the safety of biological wastes. According to these requirements, biological waste generated as a result of the activities of livestock enterprises, animal origin products processing enterprises, as well as natural and man-made disasters, are subject to collection, disposal and destruction. Collection, utilization and disposal of biological waste are mandatory for animal owners, regardless of the method of farming, as well as organizations, enterprises of all forms of ownership involved in the circulation of animals, animal feed and animal products. The document details the requirements for storage, transportation, destruction of biological waste. Also, the LSI regulates the requirements for facilities that utilize or destroy biological wastes, as well as for neutralization and destruction technologies. The regulatory legal act defines responsibility for compliance with veterinary and sanitary requirements for the safety of biological wastes. According to the Article 28 “On Veterinary Medicine” of the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic. • Biological wastes are subject to collection, utilization and destruction under conditions that fully ensure the prevention of the occurrence and spread of animal diseases, excluding their harmful effects on the environment, in compliance with veterinary rules and in accordance with the procedure established by local authorities. • Bodies of state veterinary inspection keep records of the places of disposal and destruction of biological waste and control over the observance of veterinary rules during the disposal and 74 destruction of said wastes. • Destruction of biological wastes by burial in the soil, dumping them into water bodies, into garbage containers, removal to polygons and landfills is prohibited • The presence of a cremator for the disposal of biological wastes is the basis for registration as an object of negative impact on the environment. The biological waste cremator is a source of emission of pollutants into the air. Therefore: emissions from the biological wastes of cremator should be taken into account in the inventory of emissions of pollutants into the air. All processes of using the cremator are regulated by the veterinary legislation of the Republic. • All processes of utilization of biological wastes are controlled by the state veterinary service locally. Biological safety and disposal of animal carcasses. There are no animal carcass processing plants in the Kyrgyz Republic. Removal of animal carcasses is carried out by means of burial or biothermal decomposition. Animal owners are required by law to inform the veterinarian about the death of the animal, the veterinarian must conduct an inspection and come to a conclusion about the cause of death, bacterial or viral, and decide if other tests are required. In the event that analyzes are not required, the removal of the carcass is carried out either through burial in official burial grounds, or sent to a biothermal disinfection facility (Beccari pit). According to official data, there are 93 burial grounds and 47 Beccari pits in the republic. Burying animals in other places is prohibited. After the splitting of collective and state farms, burial grounds and bio-thermal facilities were transferred to the jurisdiction of rural municipalities (ayil okmotu), and a widespread shortage of financial and other resources in ayil okmotu caused their deplorable state and disuse. In practice, many peasants do not report the death of animals and dispose of the corpses at their convenience. The latter may involve the illegal processing of such carcasses for commercial food, which exposes consumers to high risks. Frequently population diseases are reported caused by food purchased from local markets. Basic requirements for the protection of nature from pollution by sewage and industrial waste from farms. When designing the construction and reconstruction of livestock farms, it is necessary to provide for: sewerage for the disposal of industrial wastewater (urine of animals, wastewater from washing of equipment, roots of tubers, etc.), as well as household wastewater (for mechanized manure removal to sewerage system for the removal of industrial wastewater is not designed). • Wastewater from isolators, quarantines, as well as from the slaughterhouse and utilization sections is collected by an independent sewer network and is disinfected before being released into the general network. • Manure from isolators and quarantines should be collected and stored (at least one month) in separate manure storage facilities or at sites that can be placed in the isolator's or quarantine's own courtyard. Disinfection, transportation and disposal of such manure are carried out in accordance with veterinary legislation. • Solutions of pesticides from animal processing sites are collected in slurry tanks and, if necessary, neutralized, and then taken out. • Agricultural irrigation fields are provided for receiving wastewater for fertilization and irrigation of crops. The use of wastewater for irrigation is not allowed in areas with a groundwater table at a depth of less than 1.25 m. Biological ponds are used as independent treatment facilities in accordance with the design assignment. The average depth of water in biological ponds should be taken depending on local conditions, but not more than 1 m and not less than 0.5 m. Animal corpses are taken to a raw materials collection point to be sent to a plant for the production of meat and bone meal. From the raw material collection points, the corpses are taken to the veterinary and sanitary (utilization) plant for the production of meat and bone meal in special vehicles of the plant. In the absence of a plant, animal carcasses can be disposed of (autoclaved) in special boilers in the utilization sector of the slaughterhouse, followed by feeding to other species of animals or obtaining technical products. The corpses of animals that have died from especially dangerous diseases are subject to destruction by burning in corpse incinerators. In order to prevent the spread of a contagious disease that has arisen on the farm, sick or suspected animals are isolated in a treatment isolator or subjected to forced slaughter. Preventing environmental pollution and ensuring sound manure management .Good governance refers to capturing, storing, treating and disposing of animal manure in an environmentally sustainable manner. It can 75 be stored in various content media. Animal manure (also called animal waste) can occur in liquid or solid form. It is used to distribute to fields in quantities that enrich the soil without causing water pollution or unacceptably high levels of nutrient enrichment. Manure management is a component of nutrient management. One of the key factors in animal waste management is the design of one or more storage structures (ponds, tanks and/or dry piles) that can store waste generated for a period recommended by the state and local regulatory authority. To eliminate all pollution risks associated with manure and grazing animals, especially in bathing watersheds, it is important to apply the following approaches, the main individual components of which are the following: • minimizing dirty water around the farm; • using the best nutrients; • risk assessment for manure and slurry; • water supply management; • avoid distribution near residential or public buildings; • spread slurry and manure when the wind direction is outside public/residential areas and areas designated for conservation value; • avoid spreading at night if possible. • place a field manure pile on the farm: • at least 10 m from any clean surface water or drain or stream and at least 50 m from any source, well and • as far as possible from the residential building. • spread manure only when field and weather conditions are suitable to prevent water contamination. The risk of contamination can arise at all stages of slurry and manure management, including collection, storage, transport and application to land. At any time, the amount of material that needs to be collected, stored and applied to the ground should be kept to a minimum. The risk of contamination is generally higher in liquid systems than in solid based systems. Reduce the number of unroofed trusses you have access to, or alternatively, roof where possible. It is always necessary to separate uncontaminated water from dirty water and prevent it from entering the treatment system. Many farms have existing drainage systems that allow runoff from roads and yards to drain into local streams. This drainage can carry sludge, chemicals, faecal indicator organisms and other materials, thereby causing a risk of contamination. It may be possible to use well-placed and designed water bodies to deal with uncollected drainage and minimize pollution risks. Farmers must draw up a manure management plan (also known as waste management plans). Professional advice should be provided by the appropriate (authorized) agencies. There are other examples of mitigation measures that can be followed. Conducting project trainings to build capacity and improve knowledge in the field of sound manure management, correct and advanced feeding methods, application of IPM approaches, etc., can also provide a positive environmental impact on pastures. Environmental assessments will be conducted for proposed forage, livestock or other sub-projects that will review existing pastures that could be potentially affected both negatively and positively and develop a site-specific environmental and social management plan with measures to mitigation as part of the SEA report. The project will support additional TA activities aimed at strengthening existing institutional capacity to ensure that effective SEAs are carried out, the ESMPs are properly implemented and monitoring systems are in place. The parties involved will be responsible for the implementation of specific ESMPs, Mitigation of the potential impact of the meat and dairy industry.The production of meat and its by- products, as well as cheese, yogurt, butter and other dairy products are associated with wastewater, solid waste management, emissions and labor safety. They require typical mitigation measures, well known, which include the following:  Avoid wastage of meat and milk, products and by-products;  Install gratings to reduce or avoid solids  materials to the wastewater disposal system;  Adopt best practices for facility cleanup systems using approved  chemicals and/or detergents with minimal environmental impact  environment and compatibility with downstream wastewater treatment processes;  If possible and in accordance with sanitary requirements, sort solid technological waste and products that do not meet the requirements; 76  Optimize equipment for filling and packaging products to avoid waste products and packaging materials;  Optimize packaging material design to reduce waste;  Plastic waste from packaging can be reused or should be sorted as plastic waste for off-site recycling or disposal, etc. Recommended measures for the prevention and control of dust emissions from milk processing mainly consist of an exhaust ventilation unit equipped with dry powder retention systems (eg cyclones or bag filters). Bag filters are generally preferred over wet cleaning methods as they use significantly less energy, generate less or no wastewater and produce less noise. The presence of hot air and fine dust creates fires and explosive effects. All modern spray dryers must be equipped with explosion and fire protection mechanisms. Measures to be taken to minimize potential negative environmental impacts depend on their type, magnitude, combination and distribution. All are expected to be typical, In addition, the project will support additional TA activities aimed at strengthening the existing institutional capacity to ensure that effective SEAs are carried out, the ESMPs are properly implemented and monitoring systems are in place. Attention will be given to those activities that lead to water, soil and air pollution and soil erosion. Prevention and response activities are expected to have a positive impact on the environment as investments in facilities, equipment and training for veterinary and public health and laboratories will improve efficiency and safety compared to existing procedures for the treatment and testing of animal diseases, complying with international standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Pest control system. Despite the fact that the project does not envisage widespread use of pesticides and herbicides, this problem requires a special approach in order to properly apply pesticides and herbicides in the project regions. Thus, the project takes into account OP 4.09. “Pest Control”. In this regard, one of the challenges is to promote an integrated approach to pest management and to raise awareness among beneficiaries on the dangers of pesticides. Therefore, the following recommended measures to improve pest control are given. There is no special law in the Kyrgyz Republic that would fully regulate the management of any chemical substances, including pesticides, at all stages of their life cycle. Pesticide legal regulations can be found in various regulations. The main one is the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On chemization and protection of plants” dated January 25, 1999 #12, as well as the Instruction on the safe use, keeping and storage of pesticides in agricultural production, approved by the Regulations of the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic of July 5, 2011 No.361. It should be noted that that there is no pesticide production in the Kyrgyz Republic. POPs-free pesticides permitted for use are imported by various commercial organizations for the needs of agriculture. The specially authorized body in the field of Chemicalization and plant protection is the Department of Chemicalization, Protection and Quarantine of Plants under the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic(MoWRAPI KR). It carries out activities for the implementation of state policy in the field of protecting agricultural plants from pests, diseases and weeds, as well as carrying out phytosanitary quarantine measures. The goal of the DCPQP is to ensure phytosanitary safety and safe handling of pesticides and agrochemicals, as well as to increase the productivity of crop production. At the same time, packaged chemicals of unknown origin or production of China, Pakistan, India are openly sold on the markets. Their uncontrolled use in agriculture is increasingly leading to serious disturbances in various parts of the ecosystem, deteriorating the basic properties of soil, water, air, vegetation and food, thereby affecting the health of the population. Failure in assessing of the harmful effects of used counterfeit and contraband pesticides on human health and the environment. The demand and range of pesticides and their movement is controlled by the plant protection service. A pesticide or agrochemical is entered into the State catalog of pesticides and agrochemicals permitted for use on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic, which is maintained by the DCPQP. The legislation does not contain special requirements for the distribution (allotment) of pesticides. The Law “On Chemicalization and Plant Protection” in Article 17 establishes that individuals and legal entities 77 engaged in wholesale and retail trade have the right to purchase and sell pesticides and agrochemicals that have passed state registration and are included in the State catalog of pesticides and agrochemicals Permitted for use on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. Limited use pesticides are sold only by citizens with special professional training. Sale (resale) of empty containers from pesticides and agrochemicals is not allowed. The distribution of imported pesticides by regions of the republic is carried out taking into account the structure of the cultivated areas. The demand and range of pesticides and their movement are controlled by the plant protection service. Storage of pesticides and agrochemicals is permitted in specialized storage facilities intended only for their storage. Bulk storage of pesticides is prohibited. There is no need to dispose of newly imported pesticides, since their need and supply is strictly regulated. At the same time, there are facts of import and use of counterfeit and contraband pesticides and agrochemicals. The existing monitoring does not provide with the necessary laboratory control over the used counterfeit and contraband pesticides. Recommended measures to improve pest control Given the current insect pest management situation described above, the ESMF recommends a three-pronged approach to prevent or minimize any potential damage to public health or the environment caused by the use of pesticides (including herbicides and insecticides). - Subproject screening. The first element of this approach is the requirement of environmental screening for all project interventions, which potentially need the purchase or use of pesticides, and, if necessary, the preparation of a specific Environmental Impact Management Plan to eliminate any potential negative environmental impacts. During the sub-grant screening, the environmental impact of the interventions financed under the Project will be examined, in particular if project beneficiaries might purchase and use pesticides in order to maximize the benefits they can realize from project investments. The relevant site- specific ESMPs will include measures to prevent or minimize any negative impact from the use of pesticides. - Information dissemination and training. The second element is to provide farmers and livestock breeders with information, advice and training on the proper and effective use of pesticides and acaricides, and to promote the use of environmentally friendly pest management alternatives. Within the framework of the project, it is important to promote public awareness, advisory services and training programs, reaching a wider range of farmers and communities with the provision of necessary information in order to raise awareness of the beneficiaries about the dangers of pesticides, as well as the provision of information on best practices for the safe use and handling of pesticides. -Monitoring. The third element includes selective environmental monitoring in cases where it is necessary to detect the impact of the use of questionable chemicals. Under the ESMP, the ABCC will conduct observations and monitor the use of any pesticides, herbicides or insecticides on farms or investments initiated by the communities where the project is being implemented, and, where the use of forbidden chemicals suspected will conduct testing of soil and water quality in terms of pesticide residues in the soil or groundwater runoff (e.g. To carry out this analysis, it will be necessary to involve specialists from the laboratory of the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology and Technical Supervision of the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as from the DCPQP laboratory for the necessary analysis of the quality of water and soil. To mitigate possible negative impact of the use of pesticides the additional activities will be directed to alternative environmentally friendly methods of pest control, reducing dependence on synthetic chemical pesticides. Development of a separate Pest Management Plan is not planned, but the project will support training activities for farmers to build knowledge and capacity on the use of biological and environmentally sound pest management practices. The project will not finance the purchase of pesticides. Alternatives to Pesticide Application. Where feasible, the following alternatives to pesticides should be considered:  Rotate crops to reduce the presence of pests and weeds in the soil ecosystem;  Use pest-resistant crop varieties;  Use mechanical weed control and / or thermal weeding;  Support and use beneficial organisms, such as insects, birds, mites, and microbial agents, to perform biological control of pests; 78  Protect natural enemies of pests by providing a favourable habitat, such as bushes for nesting sites and other original vegetation that can house pest predators and by avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides;  Use animals to graze areas and manage plant coverage;  Use mechanical controls such as manual removal, traps, barriers, light, and sound to kill, relocate, or repel pests. Pesticide Application. If pesticide application is warranted, users are recommended take the following actions:  Train personnel to apply pesticides and ensure that personnel have received applicable certifications or equivalent training where such certifications are not required;  Review and follow the manufacturer’s directions on maximum recommended dosage or treatment as well as published reports on using the reduced rate of pesticide application without loss of effect, and apply the minimum effective dose;  Avoid routine “calendar-based” application, and apply pesticides only when needed and useful based on criteria such as field observations, weather data (e.g., appropriate temperature, low wind, etc.),  Avoid the use of highly hazardous pesticides, particularly by uncertified, untrained or inadequately equipped users. This includes:  Pesticides that fall under the World Health Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Classes 1a and 1b should be avoided in almost all cases, to be used only when no practical alternatives are available and where the handling and use of the products will be done in accordance with national laws by certified personnel in conjunction with health and environmental exposure monitoring;  Pesticides that fall under the World Health Organization Recommended Classification of Pesticides by Hazard Class II should be avoided if the project host country lacks restrictions on distribution and use of these chemicals, or if they are likely to be accessible to personnel without proper training, equipment, and facilities to handle, store, apply, and dispose of these products properly;  Avoid the use of pesticides listed in Annexes A and B of the Stockholm Convention, except under the conditions noted in the convention and those subject to international bans or phase outs;  Use only pesticides that are manufactured under license and registered and approved by the appropriate authority and in accordance with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO’s) International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides;  Use only pesticides that are labelled in accordance with international standards and norms, such as the FAO’s Revised Guidelines for Good Labelling Practice for Pesticides;  Select application technologies and practices designed to reduce unintentional drift or runoff only as indicated in an IPM program, and under controlled conditions;  Maintain and calibrate pesticide application equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. Use application equipment that is registered in the country of use;  Establish untreated buffer zones or strips along water sources, rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and ditches to help protect water resources;  Avoid use of pesticides that have been linked to localized environmental problems and threats. Pesticide Handling and Storage. Contamination of soils, groundwater, or surface water resources, due to accidental spills during transfer, mixing, and storage of pesticides should be prevented by following the hazardous materials storage and handling recommendations. These are the following:  Store pesticides in their original packaging, in a dedicated, dry, cool, frost-free, and well aerated location that can be locked and properly identified with signs, with access limited to authorized people. No human or animal food may be stored in this location. The store room should also be designed with spill containment measures and sited in consideration of potential for contamination of soil and water resources;  Mixing and transfer of pesticides should be undertaken by trained personnel in ventilated and well-lit areas, using containers designed and dedicated for this purpose. 79  Containers should not be used for any other purpose (e.g., drinking water). Contaminated containers should be handled as hazardous waste and should be disposed in specially designated for hazardous wastes sites. Ideally, disposal of containers contaminated with pesticides should be done in a manner consistent with FAO guidelines and with manufacturer's directions;  Purchase and store no more pesticide than needed and rotate stock using a “first-in, first-out” principle so that pesticides do not become obsolete. Additionally, the use of obsolete pesticides should be avoided under all circumstances; a management plan that includes measures for the containment, storage and ultimate destruction of all obsolete stocks should be prepared in accordance to guidelines by FAO and consistent with country commitments under the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Basel Conventions.  Collect rinse water from equipment cleaning for reuse (such as for the dilution of identical pesticides to concentrations used for application);  Ensure that protective clothing worn during pesticide application is either cleaned or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner  Maintain records of pesticide use and effectiveness. Safety issues in mineral fertilizers usage and handling. Similarly, as in the case of usage of pesticides, fertilizers usage may provide important benefits for forage production, they also pose certain risks associated with accidental expose of environment and of farmers during their inappropriate handling and usage. To avoid adverse environmental impacts while using mineral fertilizers it is necessary to comply strictly with a series of requirements, stipulated in the existing legal documents as well as in the fertilizers Guidelines for their handling. The rules and procedures of production, storage, transportation and usage of the mineral fertilizers are reflected in specific national enactments. Main requirements while using mineral fertilizers. The usage of different mineral fertilizers should be done depending on such factors as type and quality of the soil, type of the crop, system of crop rotation, weather and climate conditions, ways and terms of their application. Provisions with regard to fertilizers storage:  Keep stocks of fertilizers, and soil amendment materials to the minimum required.  Ensure that the storage facility is appropriately secured.  Fertilizers and soil amendment materials are not to be stored in contact with ground surfaces.  Storage areas/facilities must be weather-proofed and can exclude runoff from other areas.  Do not store in close proximity to heat sources such as open flames, steam pipes, radiators or other combustible materials such as flammable liquids.  Do not store with urea.  Do not contaminate fertilizers, and soil amendment materials with other foreign matter.  In case of fire flood, the area with water.  If augers are used to move the material to ensure that any residue(s) in the immediate area is cleaned up.  Dispose of empty bags in an appropriate manner. Provisions with regard to fertilizers field usage:  Keep fertilizer amounts to a minimum and covered to avoid unnecessary expose to open air.  Keep spreaders and air seeders that are left in the field overnight covered.  Cover spreader and air seeders between jobs.  Ensure that the drill, air seeder and/or fertilizer box is completely empty at the end of each day. If the drill, air seeder and/or fertilizer box cannot be fully emptied, fill it prior to storage for the night.  Do not store dry urea with dry ammonium nitrate. Ensuring minimization of hazards associated with inappropriate handling and usage of fertilizers: Table 14below provides information about typical hazard scenarios that may arise in conjunction with the 80 procurement, handling, and storage of fertilizers as well as the recommended measures to control the potential risks. Table 14. Typical hazard scenarios and recommended measures in the case of mineral fertilizers handling Likely hazard scenario Recommended management strategy Spillage Ensure all storage areas and/or facilities are secure and appropriate. Ensure all fertilizer products can be contained within the storage area and/or facility selected. Provide appropriate equipment and materials to clean up a spillage Transportation and delivery Cover any loads of fertilizer products whilst in transit. of goods Ensure that deliveries of fertilizer products are made at appropriate times. Do not accept any containers of fertilizer products that are damaged and/or leaking. Ensure that any spillages that occur during delivery are cleaned up appropriately. Storage areas Keep floor surfaces swept clean of fertilizer to prevent tracking by people and/or vehicles beyond the perimeter. Floors Sweep up and dispose of spillages in a timely and appropriate manner. Cross contamination of Keep each fertilizer product will in a separate storage container and/or position product within the facility and/or area. Confusion of Product Maintain an accurate storage manifest/register. Keep products and blends are always segregated. Ensure all storage bays and bins are clearly labelled. Ensure all storage, loading and blending plant and equipment is cleaned from all residues when changing from one product to another. Do not store product in bags that are not correctly stamped. Occupational Health and Contact between fertilizer products, people and livestock will be minimized. Safety Risk Assessments Risk Assessments are required to be conducted on the procurement, storage and handling of fertilizer products. Contact with people and Managers will develop, implement and monitor the effectiveness of hazard livestock management procedures. All persons using fertilizer products are to adhere to the hazard management procedures and adopt safe working practice and ensure that direct contact with fertilizer and the inhalation of fertilizer dust is minimized. Managers are to ensure that staff is made aware of any national and industry regulations which have to be observed. Personal Protective Staff must be provided with appropriate PPE when using fertilizer products. Equipment Lack of appropriate warning Managers must ensure that appropriate safety warning signs and/or information is safety signage and displayed/ available regarding nature of hazards and risk control measures. information Poor housekeeping and/or All staff is responsible for implementing sound housekeeping practices in storage routine maintenance areas and arranging regular routine maintenance for all equipment used. Defective &/or Conduct regular inspection & testing of equipment and infrastructure to identify what unserviceable plant & maintenance requirements equipment Incorrect or inappropriate Fertilizer blends to be prepared using the right raw materials in the appropriate mixtures of product proportions. All products will be loaded into spreaders etc., in the right condition to the right weight. Number of trainings Staff will undertake appropriate training. 81 Lack of appropriate records All relevant records and documentation to be kept and maintained e.g. training &/or documentation records, risk assessments, maintenance schedules, recipes for fertilizer blends, MSDS’s etc. Ensuring safe application of acaricides in livestock, silk production and beekeeping. To reduce the impacts of ticks and other ectoparasites farmers routinely use Acaricides which are applied through, dipping, spraying, spot treatment or hand dressing.Dipping provides a highly effective method of treating animals with Acaricides for the control of ticks. The disadvantage of this method however is the initial construction cost and the cost of Acaricide which make this method unattractive for small scale ranching operations. The method involves immersion of animals in a dipping tub containing solution of chemicals. The spraying method of tick control is not as efficient as dipping. It involves the use of fluid Acaricides applied to animals by means of a spray. The spraying equipment is portable and needs only small amounts of Acaricides to be mixed for the application. The Acaricides may not be thoroughly applied to all parts of the animal body hence it is less efficient than the dipping method of application. The 2 methods mentioned above, dipping and spraying may not exposed ticks in the inner parts of the ear, under part of the tail, the tail brush and the areas between the teats and the legs in cattle with large udder, to the Acaricides and hence may escape treatment. The process of applying Acaricides to these areas by hand is termed hand dressing or spot treatment. The advantage here is that the method is more effective and economical in terms of cost of Acaricide as spot treatment is restricted to only selected areas instead of the whole animal. The disadvantage however is that the process is time consuming and laborious. To reduce inappropriate handling and improve usage of acaricides and anti-helminths at recommended doses, the labelling of parasiticides in the project area should be packaged in suitable containers with instruction in the national/Russian language, include the use of containers graduated by pictorial symbols or pictograms illustrating animal size and corresponding quantities of the drug required for treatment. Also, biological and integrated parasite management methods should be encouraged and taught to rural farmers to reduce the use of pervasive veterinary parasiticides. Stringent policies and efforts by Government of Kyrgyz Republic are also required to regulate the importation, distribution and marketing of agro-chemicals. All specified measures will be promoted via the training Program supported under the project. 10. ESMF DISCLOSURE AND PUBLIC CONSULTATION The ABCC and CLMU will be responsible for publishing the documentation on environmental and social issues related to the implementation of the project. This documentation includes this ESMF, as well as ESMPs or ESMPs checklist developed for individual subprojects. Consultation with project stakeholders, especially the local community who will be directly affected by the Project, is a mandatory requirement in the development of the ESMP. Public comments will be taken into account in the drafts of these documents prior to their final approval. This ESMF will be published in Russian and English on the MoWRAPI, MoF website and other relevant media, and will be discussed with all stakeholders. The consultation process for each sub- project will be carried out prior to commencement of works and mobilization of any equipment at the sub- project site. The public consultation can be conducted virtually using an IT platform (Skype, Zoom, website, mailing list, web platform, etc.) to allow two-way communication and a Q&A session. Comments will also be available through similar IT platforms. The consultation process includes providing information about the sub-project to affected communities and making such information available to other stakeholders. This information will be presented in an understandable language, and will be accessible and understandable to various groups in the community. Information can be posted in public places, the building of local authorities, published in local print media, announced on the radio or during public meetings. The timing and manner of disclosure may vary depending on the particular needs of affected communities, but information should be disclosed as early as possible. The Project GR will be a tool to collect and respond to stakeholder feedback during project implementation. 82 The draft ESMF was disclosed on the MoWRAPI, MoF website (https://agro.gov.kg/download/environmental-and-social-management-framework/; https://www.minfin.kg/posts/show/ministerstvo-finansov-planiruet-razvitie-ustoychivy). Public consultation on the draft ESMF was held on March 25 through March 29, 2024, in three regions. The format of the consultations assumed open access to the public, NGOs, active citizens with representatives of state bodies, local administrations and other interested parties. A total of 157 people attended the meeting of which 130 were men and 27 women. The meeting provided an overview of the project objective, its components, implementing agencies, the expected environmental and social impacts, the environmental and social assessment procedure, proposed mitigation measures, and monitoring. Detailed information about public consultation and discussions is presented in the attached minutes of the meeting (Annex 13). The final ESMF, including the results of the consultation, will be published on the MoWRAPI, MoF website (https://agro.gov.kg/; https://www.minfin.kg/posts/show/ministerstvo-finansov- planiruet-razvitie-ustoychivy). 83 11. Annexes Annex 1 Initial Environmental Screening Checklist (to be completed by beneficiary) Annex 2 Environmental Screening Results Checklist of proposed sub-project (to be completed by Project Safeguards Specialist) Annex 3 Environmental Screening Checklist 3.1. 3.2 Social checklist Annex 4 Field survey checklist Annex 5 ESMP Report Plan Annex 6 Requirements for labor protection and safety in the field of animal husbandry and when working with milk cooler tanks Annex 7 General principles for preventing the spread of COVID-19 Infection Control and Prevention Protocol Technical Note on SEA/SP for COVID-19 Operations List of Resources Used: COVID-19 Guidance Annex 8 Hazardous waste management Annex 9 Other legislative and by-laws Annex 10 Types of activities subject to mandatory EIA in the Kyrgyz Republic Annex 11 Examples of projects eligible for WB financing Annex 12 Environmental and social management plan (checklist format) Annex 13 Minutes of public hearings and list of participants 84 Annex 1. Initial Environmental Screening Checklist (to be completed by Sub-borrower) (Address of the borrower and works performance place, description of loan objectives, purchased materials and equipment are described in general loan application) 1. If construction or repair of any structures is expected, please describe 2. Have you received all the necessary permits (provide a list of obtained permits) 3. May the project have an environmental impact? Write “yes” in the appropriate field of the table where adverse effects may occur. Possible impact Item Environmental component Operational Construction Phase Phase Will the work cause soil erosion or damage to the fertile 1 soil layer? Is there a river or lake near the place of work? If yes, 2 indicate the distance from the place of work to the shore Will there be impacts on vegetation (cutting trees or 3 shrubs) or habitats of wild animals and birds? Can the project lead to diseases of agricultural animals? 4 If yes, indicate which permits are obtained. Is it being planned to work with surface or groundwater 5 (irrigation, artesian wells)? If yes, indicate which permits are obtained. Is it being planned to dismantle asbestos-containing 6 materials (slate, thermal insulation). 7 Can project work lead to social conflicts? 4. If in any question of the table the answer was “yes”, please, describe mitigation measures to be implemented during the construction or operation of the project. Item Impact mitigation measures Applicant ___________________________________________________________ signature Date_______________________________ 85 Annex 2. Environmental Screening Results Checklist of proposed sub-project (to be completed by Project Safeguards Specialist) ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE APPLICANT'S PROJECT (Full Name) 1. Is the application on the list of projects which is not accepted for financing? 2. Have all required permits been received? 3. Will works be carried out in a natural area of protection or body of water? If yes, did the ES che ck on place or was not there need for such a check? 4. Environmental impact category (Moderate or Low) 5. Are negative environmental impacts expected? If YES, are there enough proposed mitigations? 6. Are there funds in the budget to implement mitigation measures? 7. Is project agreed with Review Committee? (If YES – the date of the Committee decision) Annex: Initial Environmental Screening Checklist submitted by the applicant (Name) Conclusion of the ES: Environmental Specialist (Full Name)_______________________________________ signature Date__________________ 86 Annex3.EnvironmentalScreeningChecklist Part 1 (to be completed by Sub-borrower just for sub-projects of category “Moderate”) 1. Environmental licenses and permits (in accordance with the requirements of the national legislation and relevant to proposed activities) Necessary (+) Available Confirmation by Not necessary (+) a specialist of PFI (-) Not availabl (agree/not agree) e (-) Permit for special water use and wastewater discharge Permit for emission to the atmosphere Permit for wastes disposal Permit for use wild flora and fauna Sanitary permit for exploitation Permit of sanitary and veterinary authorities Others, in accordance with national legislation (indicate) 2. Planned expenses for environmental protection (for environmental control and environmental pollution and / or for the use of natural resources; please fill out the table) Total, calculated for the year, Last payment, date / Expenditure soms soms 1. 2. 3. Applicant __________________________________________ signature Date _________________________________ 87 Annex 3.1. Part 2 (to be completed by Project Safeguards Specialist while checking of sub-project) 1. Has an Environmental Action Plan been developed? (yes or no) _________ 2. Will the project comply with the required standards for air emissions and waste generation? (yes or no) ___________________________________________ If “no”, is it necessary to obtain an appropriate permit? __________________ 3. Is an Environmental Monitoring Plan required? (yes or no) ______________ If yes, was it developed? (yes or no) ____________________________________ Is it approved by the ES of the project? (yes or no) ____________________ 4. Have a necessary environmental permits and licenses been obtained? (yes or no)___________ If “no”, which documents are needed ___________________________ 5. Does the enterprise comply with environmental regulations? (yes or no, not possible to determine)______________________________________________________________________ 6. Environmental monitoring of sub-project needed /unneeded (run through unneeded). If needed, than indicate the periodicity of monitoring _____________________________ 7. Payments for environmental pollution (run through unneeded) Need to be paid / Not needed Paid / not paid Amount of payment 8. Environmental Management Plan Needed / Unneeded (run through unneeded) If needed, attach ESMP. 9. Additional materials to sub-project (photo, schemes, designs and etc.)______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ (enumerate and attach). 10. Conclusions and recommendations: __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Environmental specialist (full name) ________________________ signature Date _________________________________ 88 Annex 3.2. Part 3 Social screening checklist Prepared (credit specialist) Category “Moderate”. Name and signature: Limited impact. Exclude from Description: financing. Date: Approved (credit specialist, social and environmental specialist): Name and signature: Description: Category “Low”. Without Date: influence. Social impact assessment Provide details / Potential social impacts Yes No amount, if it is possible Social impacts 1. Will project activities include new manual If yes, note construction works? 2. Do the activities include improvement or If yes, note rehabilitation of existing facilities? 3. Is the selected work site free of encumbrances and owned by the public / If yes, note government / community? 4. Do the activities of the sub-project result in restricting access to other residents / If yes, note pedestrians / commerce and trade? 5. Is land available for mobilization and transportation of construction materials If yes, note within the existing site / is it possible to pass through? 6. Is there any temporary or permanent physical If yes, note movement of people due to construction? 7. Will the intervention cause unintended consequences such as accidents / damage to If yes, note neighboring buildings? 8. Are there any vulnerable groups that may be adversely affected (including indigenous If yes, note people) as a result of project interventions? 9. Will sub-project / construction activities cause destruction / unrest among local residents? 89 10. Will access roads to residential and commercial buildings be available during construction? Will pedestrian walkways and sidewalks be blocked? 11. Will the implementation of the planned construction not affect the health of the population and will harm anyone? 12. Will there be a loss of income and livelihoods for someone due to project activities? 13. Will be there loss / damage to farming land, unharvested crops, trees? 14. Will be the access to facilities, services or natural resources be blocked permanently or temporarily for people? 15. Does the project lead to loss of employment / job? 16. Will the subproject cause protests and concerns among residents? 17. Will living conditions, values and lifestyle of the population be adversely affected? 18. Does the project area carry a significant risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation (SE)? Please, provide with a preliminary social risk category for your project activity (“Moderate” or “Low”) __ ___ If social assessment is required, what specific issues need to be addressed? _________________________ ________________________________________________________ 90 Annex 4. Field Site Visit Checklist Applicants name of sub-project:______________________________________________________ Date /Time of visit:_________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________ Participants of site visit:_____________________________________________________________ Current activity in the site  What is the area of the site to be used for sub-project activities?  What is the current use of the site? Are there any structures on the site? Environmental Situation  Are there sensitive sites nearby? (Nature reserves, cultural sites, and historical landmarks)?  Are there water sources on the site?  What are the neighboring buildings (e.g. schools, dwellings, industries) and land uses? Estimate distance. Permits  Does the site require licenses or permits to operate the type of activity proposed? Are these available for inspection?  What authorities have jurisdiction over the site (e.g., health, forestry)? Water quality issues  Does the proposed activity use water for any purposes (give details and estimate quantity). What is the source? Is there a drainage system on site for surface waters of sewage? Soils  What is the ground surface (agricultural land, pasture, etc.)?  Will the project damage soils during construction or operations, performed within project? Biological environment  Describe vegetation cover on the site.  Note potential negative impact on flora and fauna at the given territory if project proceeds. Visual Inspection Procedures  Try to obtain a site map or make a sketch to mark details.  Take photos, if permitted.  Walk over as much of the site as possible, including boundaries, to note adjacent activities.  Note any odors, smoke or visual dust emissions, standing water, etc.  Note any signs of recent destruction of crops or physical structures. 91 Annex 5. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report Outline Where an environmental and social impact assessment is prepared as part of the environmental and social assessment, it will include the following: (a) Executive Summary Concisely discusses significant findings and recommended actions. (b) Legal and Institutional Framework Analyzes the legal and institutional framework for the project, within which the environmental and social assessment is carried out, including the issues set out in ESS1, paragraph 26. Compares the Borrower’s existing environmental and social framework and the ESSs and identifies the gaps between them. Identifies and assesses the environmental and social requirements of any co-financiers. (c) Project Description Concisely describes the proposed project and its geographic, environmental, social, and temporal context, including any offsite investments that may be required (e.g., dedicated pipelines, access roads, power supply, water supply, housing, and raw material and product storage facilities), as well as the project’s primary suppliers. Through consideration of the details of the project, indicates the need for any plan to meet the requirements of ESS1 through 10. Includes a map of sufficient detail, showing the project site and the area that may be affected by the project’s direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. (d) Baseline Data Sets out in detail the baseline data that is relevant to decisions about project location, design, operation, or mitigation measures. This should include a discussion of the accuracy, reliability, and sources of the data as well as information about dates surrounding project identification, planning and implementation. Identifies and estimates the extent and quality of available data, key data gaps, and uncertainties associated with predictions. Based on current information, assesses the scope of the area to be studied and describes relevant physical, biological, and socioeconomic conditions, including any changes anticipated before the project commences. Takes into account current and proposed development activities within the project area but not directly connected to the project. (e) Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts • Takes into account all relevant environmental and social risks and impacts of the project. This will include the environmental and social risks and impacts specifically identified in ESS2–8, and any other environmental and social risks and impacts arising as a consequence of the specific nature and context of the project, including the risks and impacts identified in ESS1, paragraph 28. (f) Mitigation Measures 92 • Identifies mitigation measures and significant residual negative impacts that cannot be mitigated and, to the extent possible, assesses the acceptability of those residual negative impacts. • Identifies differentiated measures so that adverse impacts do not fall disproportionately on the disadvantaged or vulnerable. • Assesses the feasibility of mitigating the environmental and social impacts; the capital and recurrent costs of proposed mitigation measures, and their suitability under local conditions; and the institutional, training, and monitoring requirements for the proposed mitigation measures. • Specifies issues that do not require further attention, providing the basis for this determination. (g) Analysis of Alternatives • Systematically compares feasible alternatives to the proposed project site, technology, design, and operation—including the “without project” situation—in terms of their potential environmental and social impacts. • Assesses the alternatives’ feasibility of mitigating the environmental and social impacts; the capital and recurrent costs of alternative mitigation measures, and their suitability under local conditions; and the institutional, training, and monitoring requirements for the alternative mitigation measures. • For each of the alternatives, quantifies the environmental and social impacts to the extent possible, and attaches economic values where feasible. (h) Design Measures • Sets out the basis for selecting the particular project design proposed and specifies the applicable EHSGs or if the ESHGs are determined to be inapplicable, justifies recommended emission levels and approaches to pollution prevention and abatement that are consistent with GIIP. (i) Key Measures and Actions for the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) • Summarizes key measures and actions and the timeframe required for the project to meet the requirements of the ESSs. This will be used in developing the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP). (j) Appendices • List of the individuals or organizations that prepared or contributed to the environmental and social assessment. • References—setting out the written materials both published and unpublished, that have been used. • Record of meetings, consultations and surveys with stakeholders, including those with affected people and other interested parties. The record specifies the means of such stakeholder engagement that were used to obtain the views of affected people and other interested parties. • Tables presenting the relevant data referred to or summarized in the main text. • List of associated reports or plans. 93 Annex 6: Health and Safety requirements in the field of animal husbandry and while working with m ilk cooling tanks To work independently as a livestock farmer is allowed to:  at least eighteen years old;  male or female, except for pregnant and lactating women and women with children under one year of age;  who past:  preliminary (upon hiring), periodic (during employment, but at least once a year) and extraordinary (if necessary) medical examination, having the necessary preventive vaccinations and admitted for health reasons to the specified work;  introductory and primary at the workplace (upon hiring), repeated (during employment, but at least once every six months) and unscheduled (if necessary) instruction on labour protection;  introductory and primary at the workplace (upon hiring), repeated (during employment, but at least once every six months) and unscheduled (if necessary) fire-prevention training, as well as training in the fire-technical minimum (upon hiring to the work and during work, but at least once a year);  internship (upon hiring or transferring to work, as well as during a break in work for more than one year);  primary (upon hiring), periodic (during employment, but at least once a year) and extraordinary (if necessary) testing of knowledge on labour protection issues. The livestock breeder / farmer is obliged to comply with labour protection requirements , as well as the rules of conduct on the territory of the organization, in production, auxiliary and household premises, use and correctly apply of personal and collective protective equipment, immediately inform the work manager about any situation that threatens the life or health of the livestock breeder and others, an accident that occurred at work, deterioration of their health, to assist in taking measures to provide the necessary assistance to victims and deliver them to a health care organization. It is not allowed to be a breeder in a state of alcoholic intoxication or in a state caused by the use of narcotic drugs, psychotropic or toxic substances, as well as drinking alcoholic beverages, using narcotic drugs, psychotropic or toxic substances at the workplace or during working hours, smoking in unidentified places. Livestock breeder / farmer in the process of work may be exposed to the following hazardous and (or) harmful production factors: • moving machines and mechanisms; • moving parts of production equipment; • moving products, fabricated parts, materials; • crumbling structures; • increased or decreased temperature of surfaces of equipment, materials; • increased or decreased air temperature of the working area; • increased or decreased air humidity in the working area; • increased voltage value in the electrical circuit, the closure of which can occur through the human body; • increased level of static electricity; • increased noise level at the workplace; • insufficient illumination of the working area; • sharp edges, burrs and roughness on the surfaces of work pieces, tools, equipment and machinery; • location of the workplace at a considerable height relative to the ground (floor); • chemical (toxic, irritant, carcinogenic); • increased dust and gas content of the air in the working area; • biological - when interacting with animals; 94 • as well as the severity and intensity of work. The breeder / farmer should be able to use, know the location and, if necessary, apply fire extinguishing agents; know the explosive and fire hazardous properties of substances used or present in the performance of work, rendering of services; know the procedure for actions and notifications in the event of a fire or explosion in accordance with the appropriate plan for the evacuation of people and material assets in case of fire. The livestock breeder / farmer immediately notifies the work manager of all detected malfunctions of equipment, devices, tools, violations of the technological process. The breeder / farmer should be able to provide first aid to victims of industrial accidents. The livestock breeder / farmer must know and observe the requirements for personal hygiene when performing work, providing services (wash hands and face with soap, eat in designated places, drink water from drinking water sources, take a shower, change into clean clothes and shoes). The livestock breeder / farmer is responsible for violation of the requirements of this instruction in accordance with the law. Labour protection requirements before starting work The breeder / farmer should: • check the availability of PPE of the appropriate size and their suitability for use (the presence of all buttons, locks, snap buttons, velcro fastener, laces and other elements; no scuffs, holes, loose seams, cracks, breakages); • put on PPE, buttoning, gluing and tying all the elements they have; • check the completeness and serviceability of equipment, fixtures and tools, the efficiency of ventilation systems, local lighting, collective protection means (protective grounding (grounding) of electrical equipment, protective, safety, brake, automatic control, alarm and others); • check the condition of raw materials, blanks, semi-finished products, components; • in case of shift work, receive a workplace from the personnel of the previous shift, having familiarized with the relevant entries in the shift log, and only after eliminating the existing inconsistencies (shortcomings) to start work. Labour protection requirements when performing work The livestock breeder / farmer must use PPE appropriate to the nature of the work being performed and providing a safe working environment in accordance with the chapters below of this manual. Preparation of fodder in feed rooms • Before starting up the equipment of the feed room, make sure that no work is being carried out on it and give the set signal. Start the cars at idle speed. • Put in feed to the machine evenly. Make sure that no foreign objects get into the machine along with the feed. • Push the processed feed under the pressing drum or into the mouth of the receiving hopper when the machine is running, only using a pusher with a handle with a length of at least 1 m. • When the feed chopper is in operation, do not stand against the direction of the crop discharge, as solid object can fall into the crop and cause injury. • If the crushing chambers, pipes or cyclones are clogged with feed, stop the machine, turn off the power supply, hang a sign on the starter “Do not turn on! People are working.” and clean it. • Spilled water, oil, fuel and other products on the floor should be immediately removed or sprinkled with neutralizers and absorbers (sand, sawdust), followed by cleaning. • Clean up spilled acids, alkalis, prepare disinfectant solutions in filter masks with a box "B". 95 • After loading the feed mixer tank (digester), the loading door must be tightly closed. • Steam is supplied with tightly closed caps of necks and hatches with constant pressure and tightness control. • It is prohibited to leave the working mixing steamers, digesters, conveyors unattended and entrust their supervision to someone without the permission of the work supervisor. • Before opening the cover of the mixing steamers (boilers), close the steam valve, reduce the pressure at the inlet to the container to atmospheric, clean the condensate drain hole and make sure that condensate and steam come out of it without pressure. Open the lid carefully, standing to the side to which it opens. When performing work, personal protective equipment for the visual organs and skin should be used. • Before draining condensate from the mixing steamer, make sure that there are no people opposite the drain hole. • When performing work, make sure that the feed mixture does not fall on the floor or deck of the mixer platform. The spilled mixture is to be immediately removed, the slippery floor is sprinkled with sand or sawdust, then cleaned. • In case of intensive steam generation during the unloading of feed from mixer-steamers and digesters, ensure intensive ventilation of the room. • Work inside the mixing tanks (digesters) is allowed only with the permission of the work supervisor according to the permit after taking measures to prevent accidental start of the mixer (removing the fuse, drive belt (chain), disengaging the mixer drive clutch). • When working with hot water, aggressive liquids, prevent their splashing, carry them in a container with a closing lid, use personal protective equipment (glasses, gloves, apron, boots, and respirators). • Operations for preparation of concentrated and combined feeds (drying, crushing of grain and components, dosing, mixing) are controlled remotely from a common control panel. • When remote control of mechanisms, working bodies, individual machines of technological lines (conveyors, valves), remote from the employee or located in another room and served by two or more workers, the system of automatic pre-start and (or) post-start alarm (sound, light) with duration of (5-15) seconds. • Grain raw materials and feed components must comply with the requirements for raw materials in terms of humidity, temperature, degree of grinding, and must not have impurities. • Machines and equipment should be put into operation according to a predetermined signal and in a sequence determined by technological maps. • Before starting the engine, it is necessary to perform a test rotation of the working parts of the machine to check whether foreign objects have fallen inside. • Input of the fodder to the chopper should be made only after the rotor has reached the operating mode. Prolonged idling is not allowed. • To clear clogged working parts, reverse stroke is activated. If the blockage cannot be eliminated in this way, the working parts are cleaned with scrapers specially provided for this purpose when the electric drive is de-energized. • If pipes and cyclones are clogged with fodder, stop the machine. • It is not allowed to work on shredders with an unbalanced rotor and loose working parts. • Fodder should be supplied evenly for grinding. If necessary, use wooden pushers to push the fodder. The pusher handle must have a limiter for entering the intake neck, and the length of the working part should be less than the depth of the intake neck. • During operation of the crusher, dust is not allowed in the joints of the transport pipes with the crusher body and the cyclone. The damper must tightly close the neck of the cyclone, and the dust collector must not be damaged. • In order to reduce dust formation during free fall of feed from guide chutes or conveyor belts, it is necessary to use devices that exclude dust and spreading of feed (drainage arms, aprons made of dense fabric). • Work with components (protein, mineral, medicinal additives) should be carried out with a working 96 aspiration system or local ventilation using personal protective equipment for the respiratory system, eyes, and skin. • Clearing of the working parts of the equipment from clogging is allowed only when the equipment is turned off and completely stopped, using measures to prevent accidental start of the machine. A sign “Do not start! People are working.” • Maintenance of storage bins and mixers should be carried out from platforms with fencing at least of 1m height. The uplifts formed in storage bins and mixers should be brought down using specially made devices. • The dryer must be equipped with temperature control devices. • It is not allowed to operate the unit with a faulty regulating millivoltmeter, in case of absence of static voltage relief device, absence of exhaust ventilation in the flour storing room and local ventilation at the loading ports. • It is not allowed to reignite the furnace without preliminary purging of the combustion chamber for 5 minutes. • At the end of the drying of grass fodder and when the machine is stopped, in order to avoid spontaneous combustion, it is necessary to clean the dryer drum from grass residues. • Areas where powdery or grass dust accumulates on equipment, sites and building structures of the drying station should be cleaned up with a wet method every shift. Dust accumulation on the roof of the premises is not allowed. • Moving and rotating parts of crushers that pose a danger to workers must be covered with protective covers. • Inspection doors of crushers and grinders should be opened and closed without the use of tools, protective covers - with the use of tools. Working with feeding machine • The livestock breeder / farmer serving the fodder dispensers must know their structure, the rules of operation and labor protection. • Receiving capacities for fodder with hatches, necks, open bins, located at a height accessible for service personnel or animals to enter, must have protective gratings or fences. • It is necessary to cross the conveyors along the equipped transitional bridges with handrails. • When moving the mobile feeding machine in the area close to the animals, it is necessary to install fences to prevent injury. • During operation, the feeding machine is immediately stopped in the case of: • accident (or its threat); • the appearance of fire and smoke in the electric motor, wires of ballast, protective equipment; • strong vibration; • breakage of any units and parts; • the appearance of voltage on the body of technological equipment; • significant decrease in engine speed. • when parked, the feeding machine must be braked. • when disconnecting and connecting traction chains, devices should be used that prevent the tool from breaking and throwing out under the action of the chain. When working on feeding machine, it is prohibited to:  overload feeding machines with fodder in excess of the established rate;  turn the tractor relative to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser by an angle greater than 45 °;  be in the body of the feeding machine with the tractor engine running;  to transport people in the body of the feeding machine and on the trailed device;  work with removed protective fences;  to be near the working bodies during the work of the feeding machines; 97  stand under an open tailgate and place any objects on the conveyors;  work with a weakened pull chain and bent scrapers;  aggregate the feeding machines one after the other. Work on hoisting mechanisms • When working on hoisting mechanisms, truck cranes for loading, it is necessary to comply with labor protection requirements when operating hoisting cranes. • Before starting the work of the lifting mechanism, it is necessary to check: • serviceability of its braking mechanism and limit switch; • absence of damage and bare areas on the electric cable and control buttons; • reliability of the cable; • serviceability and reliability of the operation of the shutter unit of the lock on the loading hook; • designation of carrying capacity; • when lifting and moving a freight with a lifting mechanism, it is necessary to be only behind the moving freight. It is prohibited to lift and move loads exceeding the weight of the mechanism; • at the end of the work, the lifting mechanism is put under the canopy, the switch is turned off, and the push-button box is placed in a lockable box. Manure removal To ensure safety during operation and maintenance of conveyors, the following requirements must be followed: • do not conduct cleaning, tensioning a chain, fastening and lubrication work while the conveyor is running; • prohibit tensioning chain of the manure conveyor with devices not specified in the operating manual; • do not operate the conveyor with the drive guard and tensioning devices removed; • do not stand on the conveyor chains and sprockets; • the swivel sprockets of the scraper conveyors must have a self-cleaning device and easy-opening mesh fences to protect people and animals from injury; • scraper conveyors, belt conveyors and manure dumping hatches should be protected by protective grates. The opening of the inclined conveyor in the cold season is closed with a shield or apron made of heavy fabric; • start of the conveyor into operation is carried out by an employee responsible for its operation, with a conditional signal and in the absence of foreign objects or animals on the conveyor; • to start and stop the manure conveyor or delta scraper, it is necessary to use a remote control with duplicate buttons in opposite parts of the room; • manure conveyor pits at the junction of the horizontal and inclined branches must have fences and a device for automatic cleaning of scrapers during the overloading process; • electrical equipment installed in an open area must be securely covered with casings and shields that protect it from snow and rain; • it is forbidden to let animals into and out of the room while the conveyor is running; • maintenance of conveyors is carried out only after disconnecting them from the power supply, stopping completely and taking measures to prevent accidental start; • the electrical circuit of the machines must provide protection against overloads and short circuits. In the event of an overload due to technological reasons, an overload protection is installed, providing automatic unloading or shutdown. Cattle maintenance • Livestock breeders with minor wounds, abrasions and skin diseases may only be allowed to work with the permission of a medical staff and in the case of their compliance with the necessary protective measures. 98 • On the outside of the pen (stall) for animals with a restless or angry disposition, yellow sign plates should be posted, warning of the danger when coming close to these animals. Letters must be at least 35 mm high, 16 mm wide, and 3 mm thick lines. • When examining untied animals, and other animal welfare measures, it is necessary to use appropriate devices for their fixation (splits, fixation machines). • The handling with bulls should be gentle, confident, firm. Timid and hesitant handling develops in them the reflex of persecution of a person. • Bulls should be kept in specially designated areas without blank partitions between the animals. In stockyards, breeding bulls should be tied in spacious, individual, robust pens. • Tying of breeding bulls in stalls requires a strong double-sided harness. The harness must be made of a round-link welded chain of general purpose with a caliber of at least 11 or other materials of equal strength. The harness should be loose enough not to restrict movement or tighten the bull's neck when lying down. A belt or felt must be placed under the metal chain of collar. • The chain element of the harness should be connected to the collar with an automatic snap hook. • Every bull intended for reproduction at the age of 6–8 months should have a ring inserted into the nasal septum, which is pulled by a belt to the horns. The ring should only be used for driving the breeding bull with a stick. It is preferable to use a stick-carrier with a remote control of the ring retainer. • It is necessary to take breeding bulls for a walk on a leash and always with a stick-carrier at least 2 m long, which is fixed to the nose ring. It is forbidden to bring out breeding bulls without a carrier. It is not allowed to take cows for a walk at the same time as bulls. • To walk bulls, special platforms with a device for compulsive mechanical driving of harnessed animals, electrical installations for active exercise of animals and circular walking areas with manual induction of movement should be used. These devices must be strong enough to exclude the possibility of people being among animals and injuring people and animals. • For breeding bulls that do not tolerate forced exercise, for excited animals, individual yards for passive exercise should be arranged. Animals in such a yard should be tied up with a strong chain, secured at one end to a strong stand near the entrance and with a carbine at the other end for the collar ring. The length of the chain should be 2 m shorter than the length of the longest diagonal of the walking yard. • Wooden plates need to be screwed onto horns and rectangular eyecups made of leather with dimensions of 30 x 40 cm to be put on of breeding bulls with a savage disposition. The eyecups should be fixed on the head with straps so that the viewing area would be minimal, but sufficient for the bull to move freely. Eyecups make impossible for bulls to calculate their movements. Such bulls should be taken for a walk by two livestock breeders on the leash. • During the run of bulls-producers, it is necessary to close the gates of walking and stockyards, remove all obstacles in the path of the bulls and take measures to prevent them deviating from the route. • On outdoor yards, no more than one breeding bull is allowed to walk on a leash. To take the bull out of the individual courtyard, the livestock breeder must, without going into the courtyard, hook the bull with a stick-carrier to the nose ring and only then unhook the carabiner of leash and open the outlet door. Bulls that do not allow the carrier stick to be freely hooked on the nose ring should be tied additionally with a chain connected to the collar and freely passed through the nose ring. • Bulls should not be kept in the general herd on summer pastures (except for distant pastures). • Breeding bulls should be cleaned and washed after fixing them on a short leash. In this case, the animals are given a small amount of food. It is necessary to closely monitor the behave our of the animal during cleaning. • When cleaning the feeders and feeding, the head of the breeding bull should be fixed with a chain with a carabiner (the breeder must be in the feed passage). When keeping the bull in the pen (stall), fodder into the feeders must be placed only from the side of the feed passage. • When feeding a breeding bull with a restless disposition, special care should be taken not to turn 99 your back to it in case of close contact. • Before accustoming a bull-producer to new people, it should be kept on a reduced diet for several days. Caring for a bull of new faces should begin by feeding it with tasty food. • If a bull-producer with a strict disposition shows negative reactions in relation to the livestock breeder caring for him, the latter needs to change his clothes. In cases where this does not help, another breeder needs to be asked from the same room to serve the bull, additionally studying the nature of the animal's behave our. • In order to eliminate the already developed violent behave our, the bull-producer must be transferred to a new place. • Workers who have frequent contact with breeding bulls are prohibited to attend during preventive and therapeutic procedures that are painful for the bull, when trimming hooves, trimming horns, inserting nose rings. • It is necessary to obtain seed from a bull-producer in special machines that ensure the safety of people. • The area near the fixing machine should be covered with mats made of corrugated rubber sheet or soft asphalt to prevent slipping. • Above the racks of aggressive cows, a safety warning sign with the explanation “Caution! Butting cow!” or “Caution! Kicks! " • Horns of butting cows should be sawed off as directed by a veterinarian. • When raising calves by the group sucking method, it is forbidden to use butting and violent cows as nurses. • When keeping cows and young animals tied, the tether should be strong, loose enough so as not to impede movement and not to tighten the animal's neck. Serving of animals with contagious diseases • The breeder should be familiar with the safety requirements for handling with contaminated material and caring for animals. • If an animal is detected by infectious diseases, the livestock breeder is obliged to inform the head of the organization about this, to take measures to isolate the animals. • The entrance to the territory of the isolation ward, where sick animals are kept, is prohibited for employees who are not directly related to the service of animals. At the entrance to each room for animals and inside the rooms, disinfectants are arranged between the sections in the form of boxes with sawdust, soaked in a disinfectant solution. The edges of the disinfection barriers are arranged flush with the floor or with a smooth transition to its level. • All overalls and safety footwear are subject to mandatory disinfection. • Eating, drinking and smoking while working on farms affected by contagious diseases is prohibited. To provide workers with drinking water outside of the production facilities, tanks with boiled water are installed. • Washing, disinfection, gassing of vehicles and containers should be carried out in hermetically sealed and insulated chambers with devices for draining waste into a sump and sewage system without the use of manual labour. • Chambers for washing, disinfection and gassing are equipped with self-ventilation, which ensures their ventilation for (5-10) minutes, light boards “Do not enter” and “Chamber is ventilated”, interlocked with the entrance doors and ventilation. Labour protection requirements upon completion of work The breeder / farmer should: • disconnect from the network (turn off), disassemble, clean and lubricate the corresponding devices, machines, mechanisms, equipment, tools and apparatus; • clean up the workplace (garbage (waste) in the appropriate places (containers), devices, tools and equipment in specially designated places); 100 • make notes in the shift protocol, indicating the identified inconsistencies (shortcomings), etc.; • observe personal hygiene measures (wash hands and face with soap, eat in designated places, drink water from water supply sources of drinking, take a shower, change into clean clothes and shoes); • immediately notify the work manager of any deficiencies that affect labour safety identified during work. Labour protection requirements in emergency situations • In the event of a fire, it is necessary to stop work, turn off the electrical equipment, immediately inform the fire department by phone 101 (if there is a telephone connection) and the work manager, ensure the evacuation of people and start extinguishing the fire with the available fire extinguishing means designed for the type of fire that has arisen. • In the case of gas smell in the room: • warn people in the room about the inadmissibility of using open fire, smoking, turning on and off electric lighting and electrical appliances; • open windows (vents, transoms) and ventilate the room; • immediately inform the supervisor of the work, and, if necessary, call the emergency gas service workers by phone 104. • If the floor is contaminated with a large amount of spilled flammable and combustible liquids:  spilled liquid should be covered with sand (sawdust);  remove scattered sand (sawdust) in a place specially designated for this type of waste;  remove residues of these liquids with a rag or other absorbent material and wipe the floor dry;  Place used rags in a place specially designated for this type of waste.  In case of injury, use a first-aid kit, keep, if possible, the place of injury in the condition it was in at the time of injury, immediately inform the supervisor. In case of an accident at work, it is necessary: • quickly take measures to prevent the impact of traumatic factors on the victim (electric shock, squeezing weights and others), provide the victim with first aid, call medical workers to the incident site by phone 103 or deliver the victim to a healthcare organization; • immediately report the incident to the supervisor. • In case of emergencies and accidents at work, it is necessary to ensure the safety of the situation before the investigation begins, if this does not pose a danger to the life and health of people. • In case of unlawful actions of other persons, immediately inform the work manager about this, and if necessary, call the police officers by phone 102. • All measures to eliminate emergency situations with dangerous goods (fire, leakage, spillage of hazardous substances, damage to containers, etc.) must be carried out taking into account the specifics of the goods and observing the safety measures specified in the emergency card for dangerous goods. Introduction and safety rules when working with milk cooling tanks. This work instruction contains basic information for installation, operation and maintenance of closed type milk cooling tank. Closed-type milk cooling tanks are designed to collect, cool and store milk. Milk cooling tanks are installed in the form of stationary installations or as mobile milk collection points. The operation of the milk cooling tanks requires specially trained service personnel. Milk cooling tanks are complex technical devices, so if they are serviced by unskilled workers, this can lead to injury or equipment breakdown. This is due to the fact that the milk cooling tanks consists of containers that keep liquids and gases under high pressure, and also due to the fact that there is electrical equipment under high voltage (220 and 380 volts). Therefore, in order to use the milk cooler, the operating personnel must have a certain qualification, experience, familiar with this manual, who have been instructed on health and safety, labour protection, safety rules. 101 Open type milk cooling tanks. Safety during installation, use and maintenance. General safety precautions: During use of milk cooling tanks it is necessary to be familiarized with a certain package of documents, which includes: Rules for the design and safety of operation of refrigeration systems, Rules for the design of electrical installations, Inter-industry rules on labour protection during the operation of freon refrigeration plants, Inter-industry rules on labour protection during the operation of electrical installations. Working with refrigerants includes: • freon R 22 belongs to the 1st group of refrigerants, and to class A (non-toxic), • it is forbidden to smoke and use open sources of fire in the room where the refrigerant is stored or used, • the high temperature causes decomposition of refrigerants, while the release of complex substances, which include sulphur and chlorine, which can have a strong odour and irritate the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, therefore, in case of fire, it is necessary to use gas masks. • it is strictly prohibited to use open flames and smoke in engine rooms Working with freon in a milk cooler tank includes: 1. Prevention of contact with the skin, this causes frostbite 2. Preventing freon from leaking and installing, since although it has no toxicity, when it enters the lungs it displaces air, causing suffocation 3. During repair work related to unsoldering joints, freon should be removed from the systems and it is imperative to ventilate the premises. Combustion of the refrigerant is strictly prohibited, as this causes the release of harmful gases • If the concentration of freon vapors in the room has increased, then the oxygen concentration decreases, and, therefore, oxygen starvation may occur, which leads to negative health consequences, • In the engine room of the milk cooler tank, general exchange ventilation is required, which ensures the removal of gases and heat in accordance with SanPin standards, • Cylinders and systems with freon are under high pressure, therefore it is strictly forbidden to heat them, • In the process of filling systems with freon, it is strictly forbidden to heat the cylinders by any means, as local overheating may occur, • It is forbidden to fill the entire internal capacity of the system or cylinder with freon, filling should take place no more than 80 percent of the maximum volume. First aid when exposed to freon on the human body: • In the first-aid kit in the room where the milk tank cooler is located, there should be ammonia, valerian, baking soda, penicillin ointment or Vishnevsky's ointment, sterile napkins, bandage, cotton wool, wooden spatulas and dark glasses, • In the process of working with freon, it is necessary to exclude its contact with the mucous membrane of the eye, on the skin, for this you should use glasses and gloves, • If a person is poisoned with freon, then he must be taken out into fresh air or a ventilated warm room, then clothing that restricts breathing should be removed, as well as clothing contaminated with freon. After that, it is necessary to warm the victim with heating pads, let him breathe oxygen for half an hour, let the ammonia inhale, give him strong tea or coffee. • If liquid freon gets on the skin, it is necessary to moisten it with cold water, but if serious frostbite occurs, then you should go to the hospital, 102 • In case of irritation of the mucous membranes, rinse with a 2% solution of alkali (baking soda), • If freon from the milk cooler tank gets into your eyes, you should quickly rinse with running water, and after that you need to put on safety glasses, no bandages are required. When working with electrical equipment, the following rules must be observed: • Installation and commissioning works are carried out in accordance with the Rules for the Construction of Electrical Installations and the Rules for the Technical Operation of Electrical Installations by consumers. • Milk cooler electric motors, compressor drives, control cabinets, tank housings must be grounded by connecting them with neutral wires of power supply networks (zero) and with main grounding lines of premises, • Operation of equipment without grounding is prohibited, • Work with electrical wiring, repair work with electrical equipment is allowed to be carried out only by electricians who have at least 3 qualification groups for safety, • Repair work on electrical equipment is carried out only when voltage is removed from the control panel, • When inspecting the interior of the refrigeration compressor, you can only use lighting fixtures whose lamps have a voltage of no more than 36 Volts. When working with compressed gases, observe: 1. It is forbidden to smoke and use open flames in places where condensing units are used and maintained, 2. Opening of refrigeration compressors, apparatus and pipelines is allowed only after the freon pressure has dropped to one atmosphere and remains so for ten minutes, 3. Welding and soldering is carried out in compliance with the safety rules, windows and doors must be open, and continuous operation of the fan is required, 4. Before welding or soldering installations that run on freon, it is necessary to remove it and blow them with dry air. 103 Annex 7. General principles for the prevention of spreadCOVID-19 SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL PRINCIPLES / PROVISIONAL SAFEGUARD GUIDELINES RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO COVID-19 DURING CONSTRUCTION WORK / IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION. In projects with construction / civil construction often a large number of workers are employed, including suppliers and support staff. These may include workers from international, national, regional and local labor markets. They may have to live indoors at construction sites, live in communities close to construction sites, or return to their homes after work. Different contractors may constantly be on the site, performing different work, each with their own workers. Supply chains can include international, regional and national suppliers that facilitate the regular flow of goods and services for the project (including supplies needed for the project such as fuel, food, and water). Thus, there will also be a regular flow of individuals from each of the parties, who will enter and leave the site, provide support services such as food delivery, cleaning services, equipment, supplies of materials, as well as specialist subcontractors engaged to perform certain works. Given the complexity of the situation and the fact that a large number of workers are in one place, the likelihood of the spread of infectious diseases in construction projects is extremely serious, as are the consequences of such a spread. Projects may face a large number of workers getting sick, which will increase the burden on the health care system in the project, will have implications for local emergency and health services and can put construction progress and project timeline at risk. This kind of effect will be increased if the number of workers is large and / or the project is located in remote or underserved areas. In such circumstances, the relationship with the community can be strained or difficult and conflicts can arise, especially if people feel they are vulnerable to illness as a result of a project or have to compete for limited resources. Therefore, the Project must take appropriate precautions to avoid the spread of infection in local communities. Occupational health and safety commitment / management of organizations will need to: take all necessary precautions to maintain the health and safety of personnel in organizations; appoint an on-site health and safety officer who will have the authority to give instructions to maintain the health and safety of all personnel who are permitted to enter and / or work on the site and to take protective measures to prevent accidents; ensure, in cooperation with local health authorities, the constant presence of medical personnel on site and at any construction site, the availability of first aid equipment, isolation wards, ambulances and any other specified medical services; ensure that appropriate measures are taken to comply with all necessary requirements for improving living conditions and hygiene are met and for preventing epidemics. The special conditions of the Bank include a number of relevant requirements for the management of organizations, namely: conduct training on labor protection and safety measures for the personnel of organizations; for organization personnel to implement workplace procedures requiring employees to report unsafe or unhealthy work situations; empower the organization's personnel to report work situations that, in their opinion, are not safe or healthy, and to withdraw themselves from such work situations which, in their opinion, have a reasonable basis and pose an immediate and serious danger to their life or health (without any harassment for reporting or firing); require the adoption of measures to prevent or minimize the spread of diseases, including measures to prevent or minimize the transmission of infectious diseases, which may be associated with the influx of temporary or permanent labor on a contract basis; provide an easily accessible grievance redress mechanism at workplace; The contractor should prepare a detailed profile of the project workforce, key work activities, schedule of such activities, various contract terms and work shifts (for example, 4 working weeks - 4 weeks of rest). 104 This should include a breakdown of workers into those who live at home (i.e. workers from the community), workers who live in the local community, and workers who live on site. Where possible, workers who may be at greater risk from COVID-19, those with serious health problems, or who may be otherwise at risk should also be identified. Consideration should be given to ways to minimize movement within and outside the facility (construction site). This could include extending existing contracts to avoid workers returning home to affected areas, or conversely returning workers to site from affected areas. Site workers are required to minimize contact with people near the site and, in some cases, are prohibited from leaving the site during the term of their contract to avoid contact with local residents. Consideration should be given to requiring workers temporarily residing in the community to move to their permanent place of residence, if any, where they would be subject to the same restrictions. Community workers who return home daily, weekly or monthly will be more difficult to manage. They must undergo a health check upon entering the facility (as stated above) and, at some point, circumstances may result in them either having to reside at the facility (construction site) or not going to work. ENTRY / EXIT TO / FROM THE SITE (CONSTRUCTION SITE) AND CHECK BEFORE STARTING Entry to / exit from site must be controlled and documented for both workers and others, including support personnel and suppliers. Possible measures could include: Creation of a control system for entry / exit from the facility, enclosing the facility with boundaries and determining the place of entry / exit (if they do not already exist). Entry / exit to the facility must be documented. Training of security personnel in the (enhanced) system that has been put in place to secure the facility and control entry and exit; training in the behavior required of them to enforce such a system and any specific COVID-19 action. Training of personnel who will control the entrance to the facility, providing them with the resources they need to document employee entry, conduct temperature checks, and record any employee who is denied entry. Confirmation that workers are fit for work (relevant references) before they enter the facility or start to work. Although procedures to do this should already be in place, particular attention should be paid to workers with serious health problems or those who may be otherwise at risk. Consideration should be given to the demobilization of personnel with serious health problems. Checking and recording temperatures of workers and other people entering the facility or requiring them to report on themselves before or after entering the facility. Conduct daily pre-shift briefings for workers, with a focus on COVID-19, including cough etiquette, hand hygiene and distancing measures, using demonstrations and methods with the involvement of others. During daily briefings, remind employees to self-manage possible symptoms (fever, cough) and to inform their supervisor or COVID-19 coordinator if they have symptoms or feel unwell. Preventing a worker from returning from an infected area or after contact with an infected person to a facility for 14 days, or (if this is not possible) isolating such a worker for 14 days. Preventing the sick worker from entering the facility, referring them to local health facilities if necessary, or requiring them to be isolated at home for 14 days. GENERAL HYGIENE ISSUES General hygiene requirements should be notified, verified and include: Training of workers and staff at the site about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19, how it spreads, how to protect themselves (including regular hand washing and social distancing), and what to do if they or others have symptoms (for more information see site of WHO COVID-19 advice for the public). 105 Placing posters and signs throughout the construction site, with images and text in local languages. Ensuring the availability of hand washing products filled with soap, disposable paper towels and closed trash cans at key locations throughout the facility, including at entrances / exits to work areas; where there is a toilet, a canteen, or where food is distributed or drinking water is provided; in the working room; at places where garbage is collected; in shops; and in common places. If hand washing products are not available or are not appropriate, arrangements should be made to provide them. An alcohol-based disinfectant can also be used (60-95% alcohol based if possible). Review and assess worker placement conditions in light of the requirements, which are set out in the IFC / EBRD workers placement guidelines: procedures and standards, which provide with valuable guidance on worker placement good practices. Allocation of part of the premises for workers for preventive quarantine (self-isolation), as well as for a more formal isolation of personnel who may be infected (see clause (f)). CLEANING (DISINFECTION) AND DISPOSAL Carrying out regular and thorough disinfection (cleaning) of all work facilities, including offices, living quarters, canteens, common areas. Consideration of cleaning protocols for major construction equipment (especially if operated by different workers), including the following: Provide cleaning personnel with appropriate cleaning equipment, materials and disinfectant. Investigate general disinfection systems, train cleaning personnel in appropriate disinfection procedures and the required frequency in areas of high utilization or high risk. Where cleaning personnel are required to disinfect areas that have been or are suspected to be contaminated with COVID-19 by providing them with appropriate PPE: gowns or aprons, gloves, eye protection (masks, goggles, or face masks) and boots or closed working shoes. If appropriate personal protective equipment is not available, cleaning personnel should be provided with the best available alternatives. Training of cleaning staff (cleaners) in proper hygiene (including hand washing) before, during and after cleaning work; how to use PPE safely (if necessary); in waste control (including for used PPE and cleaning materials). Any health-care waste generated by caring for sick workers should be safely collected in designated containers or bags, handled and disposed of in accordance with appropriate requirements (e.g. national, WHO) If burning of health-care waste is required, this should be as limited in time as possible. Waste should be reduced and sorted in such a way that only the least amount of waste is burned (for more information see WHO Provisional Guidelines on Water Supply, Sanitation and Waste Management for COVID-19). REGULATION OF WORKING METHODS Consider changes to workflows and timelines to reduce or minimize communication between workers, realizing that this can affect the project timeline. Possible measures could include: Reducing the size of workgroups. Limiting the number of workers in the workplace (construction site) at any time. Shift to a 24-hour work shift (rotation), if possible. Adapting or reorganizing work processes for specific work activities and tasks to provide social distancing, and training workers in these processes. Continuing of normal (regular) safety training, with adding specific recommendation on COVID-19. Training should include the correct use of regular PPE. Although, at the time of writing of this notes, general guidelines are those that for construction workers PPE specific for COVID-19 is not required, they 106 should be kept in sight (for more information see. WHO Provisional Guidelines for Rational Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19). Revision of working methods to reduce the use of construction PPE, in case of a shortage of consumables or the need for PPE for medical workers or cleaning personnel. This could include, for example, trying to reduce the need for dust masks, checking that the water spray systems are in good working order and technical condition, or decreasing the speed limit for dump trucks. Organization (where possible) of working breaks in open areas at the facility. Consider re-planning of the dining room and staged meals to provide social distancing and staged access to and / or temporarily restrict access to recreational activities that may exist at the facility, including gyms. At some point, it may be necessary to revise the overall project schedule to assess the extent to which it needs to be adjusted (or stopped altogether) to reflect reasonable working practices, the potential impact on both workers and the community, and the availability of supplies per government recommendations and instructions. PREVENTIVE PRECAUTIONS Prepare an area in advance where patient can be isolated. (Guidelines for installing of isolation wards are provided in WHO Provisional Guidelines for Quarantining Individuals in the Context of Prevention of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)). The isolation rooms should be located away from work areas and current work activities. Where possible, workers should be provided with one well-ventilated room (windows and doors open). In cases where this is not possible, isolators should allow at least 1–2 meters between workers in the same room, separating workers with curtains if possible. Sick workers should be restricted in movement, avoiding common areas and premises, and should not allow visitors until specialized health workers arrive. If they need to use common areas (eg kitchens or canteens), they should only do so if there are no affected workers and the area / equipment should be disinfected before and after use. If COVID-19 infection is suspected, field health workers should follow WHO Provisional Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infections during Care for Suspected Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) Infection. An assessment of the current stock of protective equipment should be carried out in advance, and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) should be prepared in the field. Includes medical PPE such as gowns, aprons, medical masks, gloves and eye protection. (For more information see WHO Provisional Guidelines for Rational Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for COVID-19). If PPE is not available due to a global shortage, management should agree on alternatives (with which to replace) and try to acquire them. Alternatives commonly found on construction sites include dust masks, construction gloves, and safety goggles. While these items are not recommended, they should be used as a last resort if medical personal protective equipment is not available. Respirators (Artificial Lung Ventilation devices) are usually not available in the workplace, and in any case, intubation should only be performed by experienced medical personnel. If a worker is seriously ill and cannot breathe on his own, he should be referred immediately to a local hospital (see (g) below). Consider existing methods of handling health care waste (used disposable syringes, needles, etc.), including storage and disposal systems (for more information, see WHO Provisional Guidelines on Water Supply, Sanitation and Waste Management for COVID-19andWHO Guidelines for the Safe Management of Health Care Wastes). Appointing of sick workers to local health services. Preparation includes: Obtain information on the resources and capabilities of local health services (facilities) (eg, number of beds, availability of trained staff and basic necessities). Conduct preliminary discussions with specific healthcare providers to agree on what to do if referral of sick workers is needed. 107 Finding out how the sick worker will be transported to the medical facility and checking the availability of such transportation. Establishing an agreed protocol for communication with local emergency medical services. A procedure should also be prepared for the knowledge of the project management, what actions should be taken in the event of a fatal case / death of a worker with COVID-19. While the normal procedures under the project will continue to apply, COVID-19 may cause other problems due to the infectious nature of the disease. The Contractor / Project shall liaise with the relevant local government authorities to coordinate the proposed activities, including any reporting or other requirements in accordance with domestic legislation. IN THE EVENT OR DISTRIBUTION OF A VIRUS If a worker has symptoms of COVID-19 (eg, fever, dry cough, fatigue), they should be removed from work immediately and quarantined on site. If testing is available at the facility (workplace), the worker should be tested at the facility. If the test is not available in the workplace, the worker should be taken to local health facilities for the test (if testing is available). If the COVID-19 test is positive or the test is not possible, the worker must remain isolated. This will be either in the workplace or at home. If the isolation will take place at home, the worker must be transported to his home using the project transport. Large-scale disinfection procedures with high alcohol disinfectants should be carried out in the worker's area prior to any further work on the site. The tools used by the worker must be disinfected with special means and the disposal of PPE accordingly. Employees (that is, employees with whom the sick employee was in close contact) must stop working and must be quarantined for 14 days, even if they do not show symptoms. The family and other close associates of the worker should be self-isolated for 14 days, even if they do not show symptoms. If COVID-19 is confirmed by an employee at the workplace, visitors should be prohibited from entering the facility, and work groups should be isolated from each other as much as possible. If workers live at home and have a family member with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 disease, the worker must isolate himself and not be allowed to the project site for 14 days, even if he has no symptoms. Workers should be paid for the entire period of illness, isolation or quarantine, or, in those cases where they are required to stop working, in accordance with national legislation. Required medical care for an employee (whether in the workplace, at a local hospital or clinic) must be paid by the employer. CONTINUITY OF SUPPLY AND ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PROJECT Where there is a spread of COVID-19, either on-site or in a community, access to the workplace (construction site) may be restricted, as well as the movement of materials. Identify back-up (replacement) staff in case key people in the project management (PIU, chief engineer, contractor, subcontractors) get sick; tell who these people are so people are aware of the steps that have been taken. Carrying out a proper documentation procedure so that people know who they are and do not rely on the knowledge of one person. Examine the supply system for the necessary energy, water, food, medicine and cleaning (disinfection) equipment, consider how this might affect and what alternatives are available. A proactive overview of international, regional and national supply chains is essential, especially those supplies that are critical to 108 the project (eg. fuel, food, medical, cleaning and other supplies). Scheduling a temporary suspension for vital goods for 1 to 2 months may be appropriate for projects in more remote areas. Placing orders for / purchasing vital materials. If not, consider alternatives (if available). Consider the existing security measures and whether they would be adequate in the event of temporary suspension of normal project operation. Consider at what point it might be necessary to significantly reduce the workload or completely stop work, and what needs to be done to prepare for this and resume work when it becomes possible or feasible. Annex 7.1. List of Resources Used: COVID-19 Guidance Given the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, a version of this resource list will be regularly updated and posted on the World Bank's COVID-19 operations internet pages (http: // covid operations /). WHO leadership Public recommendation • WHO's advice to the public - including on social distancing, respiratory hygiene, self-isolation and seeking health care - can be found on this WHO website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public Technical guidelines • Prevention and control of infections during the provision of medical care for suspected new coronavirus (nCoV) infection, published on March 19, 2020. • Recommendations to Member States for Improving Hygiene Practices, published on April 1, 2020. • Center for Severe Acute Respiratory Infections, published March 28, 2020 • Infection prevention and control in healthcare settings (with a focus on resource-limited settings), published 2018. • Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Laboratory Biosafety Manual, published March 18, 2020. • Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 3rd Edition, published 2014. • Laboratory Testing for COVID-19 Including Sample Collection and Shipping Published March 19, 2020 • Priority Laboratory Testing Strategy for 4C Transmission Scenarios, published March 21, 2020. • Infection Prevention and Control for Safe Handling of Corpses in COVID-19, published March 24, 2020. • Key Considerations for Traveler Repatriation and Quarantine for COVID-19 Outbreak, published February 11, 2020. • COVID-19 Preparedness, Prevention and Control for Refugees and Migrants in a Non-Camp Setting, published April 17, 2020. • Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak: Rights, Roles and Responsibilities of Health Workers, Including Key Occupational Safety and Health Considerations, published on March 18, 2020. • Oxygen Sources and Distribution for COVID-19 Wastewater Treatment Plants, published April 4, 2020. • Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) Action Plan Guidelines for COVID-19 Preparedness and Response, published March 16, 2020. • Human Quarantine Considerations for Coronavirus Infection (COVID-19) Containment, published March 19, 2020. • Operational Considerations for COVID-19 Case Management in Healthcare Facilities and Communities, published March 19, 2020. • Rational Use of Personal Protective Equipment Against Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), published February 27, 2020. • Preparing Your Workplace for COVID-19, posted March 19, 2020. • Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Waste Management for COVID-19, published March 19, 2020. 109 •Safe handling of medical waste, published 2014. • Guidelines for the use of masks in community, home care and healthcare settings in the context of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, published on March 19, 2020. • Disability Aspects During the COVID-19 Outbreak, published March 26, 2020 WORLD BANK GROUP LEADERSHIP • Technical Note: Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement in World Bank Supported Operations Subject to Restrictions on Public Meetings, published on March 20, 2020. • Technical Note: Using the Military to Assist in COVID-19 Operations posted March 25, 2020 • ESD / Safeguards Interim Note: COVID-19 Aspects Considered in Construction Projects / Works, published April 7, 2020. • SES / Z Technical Note for Integrated COVID Response Operations, published March 2020. • Interim Guidelines for IFC Clients on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Health Risks in the Workplace, published April 6, 2020. • Interim Guidelines for IFC Clients on COVID-19 Worker Support, published April 6, 2020. • IFC Guidelines for Business Management in Crisis: Facing the COVID-19 Pandemic, published April 6, 2020. • WBG HBOS Guidelines for Health Care Facilities, published April 30, 2007. ILO GUIDANCE • ILO: Frequently Asked Questions about Standards and COVID-19, published March 23, 2020 (contains a compilation of answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding international labor standards and COVID-19) IFI MANAGEMENT •ADB: Managing Infectious Health Care Waste During COVID-19 Pandemic • IsDB Guidelines for Investing in Infrastructure COVID-19 Projects: Rapid Risk Profile and Decision- Making Framework • KfW DEG: A Guide for Employers in a COVID-19 Environment, published March 31, 2020 • CDC Group: A Guide for Employers in a COVID-19 Environment, published March 23, 2020. 110 Annex 8: Hazardous waste management The most likely risk in the project is the recovery and transportation of waste slate roofing and possibly asbestos-cement pipes or parts thereof, which will be transferred by the Contractor for their further disposal. The personnel who will be involved in the disposal of the ACM will be at risk of exposure to asbestos. The World Bank's Guidelines for the Management of Asbestos and Asbestos-Containing Materials state that repair or removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials should only be performed by specially trained personnel. The requirements of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on handling ACMs are mandatory for all types of work related to the release of asbestos-containing dust, and apply to: use and application of asbestos-containing products and materials for technical needs; new construction, expansion, reconstruction, technical re-equipment, repair, conservation and demolition of buildings constructed with the use of asbestos-containing materials; transportation and storage of asbestos, asbestos-containing materials and products; production and use of construction and road materials based on by-products resulting from the extraction and processing of asbestos-containing raw materials; technological processes of loading, unloading, laying ballast and other work performed on asbestos- containing ballast during repair, current maintenance, construction of railway tracks (second tracks or new railway lines), conditions of its storage and transportation. Compliance with the requirements of these rules is mandatory for legal entities, individuals and citizens carrying out: construction, reconstruction, technical re-equipment, as well as repair, conservation and demolition of buildings, structures, installations, railways and highways and other special-purpose structures using asbestos-containing materials. medical services to workers exposed to asbestos and materials containing asbestos due to their occupation. Asbestos Containing Material Management Plan (Example) Applicability The Asbestos Containing Material Management Plan (ACMMP) applies to all project construction or reconstruction sites and any related areas. Contractors employed by Project are legally responsible for their construction sites and related areas and must follow the provisions of the Project ACMMP within those locations. Specifically, this procedure must be used to ensure the safe handling, removal and disposal of any and all Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) from those areas. Immediate Action On discovering ACM on a Project site the contractor must: Stop all work within a 5 m radius of the ACM and evacuate all personnel from this area; Delimit the 5 m radius with secure fencing posts, warning tape and easily visible signs warning of the presence of asbestos; If the site is in an inhabited area, place a security guard at the edge of the site with instructions to keep the general public away; Notify the RPCU’s ESF Specialist and arrange an immediate site inspection. Equipment To remove asbestos from a construction site, contractors must provide the following equipment: Warning tape, sturdy fence posts and warning notices; Shovels; Water supply and hose, fitted with a garden-type spray attachment; Bucket of water and rags; Sacks of clear, strong polythene that can be tied to close; 111 Asbestos waste containers (empty, clean, sealable metal drums, clearly labelled as containing asbestos). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) All personnel involved in handling ACM must wear the following equipment, provided by the contractor: Disposable overalls fitted with a hood; Boots without laces; New, strong rubber gloves; A respirator is not normally required if there are only a few pieces of ACM in a small area, and if the ACM is damp; There must be no smoking, eating or drinking on a site containing ACM. Decontamination Procedure 1: Removing small pieces of ACM Identify the location of all visible ACM and spray each lightly but thoroughly with water; Once the ACM is damp, pick up all visible ACM with shovels and place in a clear plastic bag; If ACM debris is partially buried in soil, remove it from the soil using a shovel and place it in the plastic bag; Insert a large label inside each plastic bag stating clearly that the contents contain asbestos and are dangerous to human health and must not be handled; Tie the plastic bags securely and place them into labelled asbestos waste containers (clean metal drums) and seal each drum; Soil that contained ACM debris must not be used for backfill and must instead be shovelled by hand into asbestos waste containers; At the end of the operation, clean all shovels and any other equipment with wet rags and place the rags into plastic disposal bags inside asbestos waste containers. Decontamination Procedure 2: Removing ACM-contaminated backfill If soil containing ACM debris has inadvertently been used for backfill this must be sprayed lightly with water and shovelled out by hand to a depth of 300 mm and placed directly into asbestos waste containers (i.e. not stored temporarily beside the trench); Any ACM uncovered during the hand shovelling must be placed in a clear plastic bag; Once the trench has been re-excavated to 300 mm, if there is no visible ACM remaining, the trench may be refilled by excavator using imported clean topsoil. Disposal ACM should be disposed of safely at a local hazardous-waste disposal site if available, or at the city municipal dumpsite after making prior arrangement for safe storage with the site operator. The Contractor must arrange for the disposal site operator to collect the sealed asbestos waste containers as soon as possible and store them undisturbed at the disposal site. At the end of construction Contractors must arrange for the disposal site operator to bury all ACM containers in a separate, suitably-sized pit, covered with a layer of clay that is at least 250 mm deep. Personal Decontamination At the end of each day, all personnel involved in handling ACM must comply with the following decontamination procedure: At the end of the decontamination operation, clean the boots thoroughly with damp rags; Peel off the disposable overalls and plastic gloves so that they are inside-out and place them in a plastic sack with the rags used to clean the boots; If a disposable respirator has been used, place that in the plastic sack, seal the sack and place it in an asbestos waste container; All personnel should wash thoroughly before leaving the site, and the washing area must be cleaned with damp rags afterwards, which are placed in plastic sacks as above. Clearance and Checking-Off The decontamination exercise must be supervised by site supervisors (engineering or environmental). 112 After successful completion of the decontamination and disposal, the Contractor should visually inspect the area and sign-off the operation if the site has been cleaned satisfactorily. The contractor should send a copy of the completion notice to the RPCU, with photographs of the operation in progress and the site on completion. TRAINING RPCU’s Environmental Specialist may hire the specialized companies to conduct training on ACCMP implementation for Contractors staff and RPCU and PIE. The training will include a session focusing on ACM, which covered: Risks of contact with ACM; Responsibilities for dealing with ACM on project’s construction sites; The Project’s ACMMP and the Protocol for site clean-up; Awareness-raising for the contractors’ workforce. COST ESTIMATE Costs incurred by contractors in implementing the ACMMP are included in their budget in ESMP budget. Mercury-containing waste management All mercury-containing wastes containing mercury must be collected and returned for the subsequent recovery of mercury in specialized enterprises. Electricians, electrical fitters are allowed to work on the replacement and collection of used mercury- containing lamps after testing their knowledge and passing instructions on safety measures when performing this type of work. The main condition for the replacement and collection of used mercury-containing lamps is to maintain their tightness. Collection and storage of mercury-containing waste should be carried out in a specially equipped room. Storage of mercury-containing waste should be carried out in compliance with safety and health regulations. Containers for collecting and storing lamps are whole cardboard boxes from fluorescent lamps, cardboard, plywood boxes, chipboard boxes, plastic and paper bags. Packaged used lamps and other mercury- containing waste should be stored on racks to avoid damage to the packaging. Collection and storage of broken mercury-containing lamps should be carried out in a sealed, steel container with carrying handles and marking “For broken mercury-containing waste”. It is forbidden to brake, take waste containing mercury to a landfill and other places not intended for placing hazardous waste. Transportation of mercury-containing waste should be carried out by specialized transport. In its absence, transportation is carried out by other means of transport, excluding the possibility of creating emergency situations, causing harm to the environment and human health. When transporting mercury-containing wastes, it is necessary to ensure that they are placed in correct rows to avoid damage to containers in transit, loss of mercury and contamination of vehicles and areas with mercury. Broken lamps should be transported in sealed containers with carrying handles. Throwing packages when loading is not allowed. Packages should be stacked in such a way that more durable containers are in the lower rows. 113 Annex 9: Other Legislative and By-Laws. The Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On the rate of payment for environmental pollution (emissions, discharges of pollutants, waste disposal” (2002) sets the rate of payment for environmental pollution in a certain amount per ton of pollutants. Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Water” regulates relations in the field of use and protection of water resources (waters), prevention of environmentally harmful impact of economic and other activities on water bodies and water facilities and improvement of their condition, strengthening the rule of law in the field of water relations. The law regulates the quantity and quality of water discharged into nature, prohibits the discharge of industrial, household and other waste and waste water into water bodies. Law of the Kyrgyz Republic “On licensing” (1997-2011). According to this law, a license is required to carry out the following activities: (1) processing, placement and destruction of toxic materials and substances, including radioactive materials; (2) transportation (including across the border) of toxic industrial waste. Water quality standards defined under 3 general categories: fisheries, drinking water and wastewater discharge. Water quality standards include: (i) Hygienic standards GN “Maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of chemicals in water of water bodies of domestic, drinking and cultural and domestic water use”, approved by the DGKR dated April 11, 2016 No. 20. Annex 16. (ii) Hygienic standards GN “Approximate permissible levels (APL) of chemicals in water of water bodies for household, drinking and cultural and domestic water use”, approved by the DGKR dated April 11, 2016 No. 20. Annex 20. In accordance with the regulatory legal acts of the Kyrgyz Republic, the requirements of the national labor legislation are adequate and protect the rights of the employee. The Government of the Kyrgyz Republic pursues a unified state policy in the field of labor protection, determines the functions of ministries and departments, coordinates and controls their activities to ensure healthy and safe working conditions. Local state administrations and local self-government bodies ensure the implementation of state policy in the field of labor protection within their competence in the respective territory. The main objectives of the Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic (as amended by the Laws of the Kyrgyz Republic of December 31, 2019 No. 150) are the establishment of state guarantees of labor rights and freedoms of citizens, the creation of favorable working conditions, the protection of the rights and interests of workers and employers. Labor legislation is aimed at creating the necessary legal conditions for achieving optimal coordination of the interests of the parties to labor relations, as well as the interests of the state. The main tasks of labor legislation are the legal regulation of labor and relations directly related to them: - on labor organization and labor management; - for employment with this employer; - on vocational training, retraining and advanced training of personnel directly from this employer; - on social partnership between employers, employees and government bodies, local governments, collective bargaining, concluding collective contracts and agreements; - on the participation of representative bodies of employees and employers in the establishment of working conditions and the application of labor legislation in cases provided for by law; - on supervision and control over the observance of labor legislation (including labor protection legislation); - for the resolution of labor disputes. Also, in accordance with the Labor Code, the terms of labor contracts are established. 114 Article 55. Contents of the employment contract. Labor contracts are concluded: 1) for an indefinite period; 2) for a specified period of not more than 5 years (fixed-term employment contract), unless another period is established by this Code and other laws. A fixed-term employment contract is concluded in cases where it is provided for by laws, and also when labor relations cannot be established for an indefinite period, taking into account the nature and conditions of the forthcoming work, including: - with heads, deputy heads and chief accountants of organizations, regardless of their organizational and legal forms and forms of ownership; - for the duration of temporary (up to 2 months), as well as seasonal work, when, due to natural conditions, work can be performed only during a certain period of time (season); - to carry out urgent work to prevent accidents, accidents, catastrophes and eliminate their consequences and other emergencies; - to carry out work that goes beyond the normal activities of the organization (reconstruction, installation and commissioning works, audit), as well as for work related to a deliberately temporary (up to 1 year) expansion of production or the volume of services provided; Article 58. Employment contract conclusion and filing of an employment contract. The current labor law provides only a written form of the contract. A written contract is a legal document and can be used to protect the rights of an employee in the event of a labor dispute. In accordance with article 14 of the Labor Code of the Kyrgyz Republic if an employment contract was not properly drawn up with the employee, but he/she, with the knowledge of the employer or his authorized person, began to perform labor functions, the employment contract is considered concluded from the day when the employee actually began to work. At the same time, the employer is not released from the obligation to legally formalize the employment contract. Article 60. Invalidity of Labour contract An employment contract is recognized by the court as invalid if it is concluded: 1) under the influence of deception, threats, as well as on extremely unfavorable conditions for the employee due to a combination of difficult circumstances; 2) for the species, with no intention to create legal consequences (a sham employment contract); 3) a person who is not able to understand the meaning of his actions; 4) a citizen recognized as incapacitated due to mental illness or dementia. Recognition of the contract as invalid does not entail the employee's loss of the right to annual leave, monetary compensation for unused vacation days upon dismissal, the inclusion of the worked period in the insurance period and other benefits. Article 61. Invalidity of certain provisions of labour contract Certain conditions of an employment contract are considered invalid if they: 1) worsen the employee's position in comparison with the conditions provided for by this Code, other regulatory legal acts containing labor law norms, collective agreements, agreements or local regulations containing labor law norms; 2) Discriminatory. The invalidity of individual terms of the employment contract does not entail the invalidity of the employment contract as a whole. Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on labor protection dated August 1, 2003 No. 167 (As amended by the Laws of the Kyrgyz Republic from April 17, 2009 No. 127, October 31, 2014 No. 149, July 26, 2016 No. 142) protects all categories of workers without exception. This Law establishes the legal framework for regulating relations in the field of labor protection between employers and employees and is aimed at creating working conditions that meet the requirements for preserving the life and health of employees in the process of working. This Law applies to: - employers; 115 - employees who are in labor relations with employers; - foreign citizens and stateless persons working in organizations under the jurisdiction of the Kyrgyz Republic. In addition, those and others are subject to the provisions of international treaties that have entered into force in the manner prescribed by law, to which the Kyrgyz Republic is a party. Article 7. Guarantees of the right of workers to work in conditions that meet the labor protection requirements The state guarantees employees the protection of their right to work in conditions that meet the requirements of labor protection and industrial sanitation. The working conditions stipulated by the employment contract must comply with the requirements of regulatory legal acts on labor protection. At the time of the suspension of work by the authorized state body, determined by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, due to violation of labor protection requirements through no fault of the employee, his place of work (position) and average earnings are retained. If the employee refuses to perform work in the event of a danger to his life and health, with the exception of cases stipulated by the labor legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, the employer is obliged to provide the employee with another job for the period of elimination of such danger. If the provision of other work for objective reasons is impossible, the employee's downtime until the danger to his life and health is eliminated is paid by the employer in accordance with the labor legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. If the employee is not provided with personal and collective protective equipment (in accordance with the norms), the employer is not entitled to demand that the employee perform his job duties and is obliged to pay for the downtime that arose for this reason in accordance with the labor legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. The employee's refusal to perform work in the event of a danger to his life and health due to violation of labor protection requirements or from performing heavy work and work with harmful or hazardous working conditions not provided for by the employment contract does not entail disciplinary proceedings or termination of employment contracts initiated by the employer. In the event of harm to the life and health of an employee in the performance of his labor duties, compensation for this harm is carried out in accordance with the labor legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. In order to prevent and eliminate violations of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic on labor protection, the state ensures the organization and implementation of state supervision and control over compliance with labor protection requirements and establishes the responsibility of the employer and officials for violation of these requirements. Article 14. Provision of employees with personal protective equipment At work with harmful or hazardous working conditions, as well as at work performed in special temperature conditions or associated with pollution, workers are issued with certified personal protective equipment, washing and neutralizing agents in accordance with the standards approved in the manner determined by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. The acquisition, storage, washing, cleaning, repair, disinfection and neutralization of personal protective equipment for employees are carried out at the expense of the employer. Code of the Kyrgyz Republic “On Children” dated July 10, 2012 No. 100 (As amended by the Law of the Kyrgyz Republic of April 27, 2017 No. 64, March 30, 2018 No. 33, April 24, 2019 No. 56 ) Chapter 2 Rights and interests of children, guarantees of their provision 1. Children from the age of 14 have the right to conclude an employment contract with the written consent of one of the parents and persons replacing them, or the territorial subdivision of the authorized body for the protection of children and, in their free time from school, participate in socially useful work that does not interfere with the process of his education, accessible to them for health and development that does not harm their health, physical, moral and mental state, and also have the right to professional training. This 116 right is ensured in the manner prescribed by law through the system of institutions of primary labor (vocational) training. 2. The procedure for concluding and terminating an employment contract and other features of the regulation of the labor of employees under 18 years of age are established by labor legislation. Article 15.Use of child labor 1. It is forbidden to accept or involve a child to perform any work that may pose a danger to his health or serve as an obstacle to his education or damage his health and physical, mental, spiritual, moral and social development. 2. The exploitation of child labor in the worst forms of appearance, as well as forced labor of children in any form at enterprises, institutions and organizations, regardless of the form of ownership, including in cooperatives, peasant and farms, is prohibited. 3. It is prohibited to use child labor in work with harmful or hazardous working conditions, underground work, at night, as well as work, the performance of which may harm their health and moral development (gambling, work in night entertainment establishments, production, transportation and trade in alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, narcotic and toxic drugs, etc.). 4. It is forbidden for children to lift, carry and move weights that exceed the limits established for them. The list of jobs where the use of child labor is prohibited, as well as the maximum norms of severity, are approved in the manner established by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. Chapter 3 Bodies in the field of ensuring the rights and interests of children Article 19. Competence of local state administrations in the field of ensuring the rights of the interests of children. Local state administrations in the field of ensuring the rights and interests of children exercise the following competences: coordinate the activities of territorial subdivisions of state bodies in the field of ensuring the rights and interests of children; exercise, within their competence, control over the observance of the rights and interests of children in the relevant territory. On December 30, 2003, No. 244, the KR Law “On Ratification of “CONVENTION No. 182 On Prohibition of Immediate Measures to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor” was adopted. The Kyrgyz Republic, being a party to international treaties, has ratified a number of international acts - the Forced Labor Convention and the Slavery Convection. Kyrgyz Republic adopted the Kyrgyz law dated March 17, 2005 No. 55 (January 11, 2018 N 2) “On preventing and combating human trafficking”. This Law defines the organizational and legal framework for the prevention and combating of trafficking in persons, the procedure for coordinating the activities of bodies engaged in combating trafficking in persons, establishes a system of measures to protect and provide assistance to victims of trafficking in persons. Objectives of this Law The objectives of this Law are: - prevention of activities related to illegal export and trafficking in persons; -fight against illegal export and human trafficking; - protection and assistance to victims of illegal export and human trafficking. Chapter 2. Basics of organizing activities to prevent and combat trafficking in persons Article 6. Subjects Carrying Out Activities to Prevent and Combat Trafficking in Human Beings The main subject of management of activities to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and provide it with the necessary funds and resources is the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. The executive authorities organize the work of subordinate bodies for the implementation of the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic, which regulates the issues of preventing and combating trafficking in persons. Subjects carrying out activities to prevent and combat trafficking in persons within their competence are: - bodies of the prosecutor's office; - bodies of internal affairs; - an authorized body in the field of foreign affairs, diplomatic missions and consul institutions of the Kyrgyz Republic; 117 - the authorized body in the field of ensuring national security; - the authorized body in the field of guarding and protecting the state border; - the authorized body in the field of customs; - the authorized body in the field of labor and social development; - the authorized body in the field of education and science; - the authorized body in the field of public health protection; - the authorized body in the field of migration; - local state administrations; - local government bodies within the delegated state powers. Entities participating in the prevention, detection and suppression of trafficking in persons within their competence are other executive authorities, the list of which is determined by the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. In the event of reorganization or renaming of the executive authorities listed in this article, their functions in the field of preventing and combating trafficking in persons shall be transferred to their successors. Coordination of the activities of the bodies to prevent and combat trafficking in persons is carried out by the authorized body. Also, Kyrgyzstan has ratified the Conventions of the International Labor Convention concerning labor protection. List of some Conventions: ♦ ILO Convention 17 of 1925 “On workers' compensation in case of accidents at work”; ♦ ILO Convention 97 “On Migrant Workers of 1949”; ♦ ILO Convention 105 of 1957 “On the Abolition of Forced Labor”; ♦ ILO Convention 182 of 1999 "On the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labor"; ♦ ILO Convention 184 of 2001 “On Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture”. ♦ ILO Convention 167 of 1988 “On safety and health in construction”; ♦ ILO Convention 129 of 1969 “On Labor Inspection in Agriculture”; ♦ ILO Convention 29, 1930, “On Forced Labor”; ♦ ILO Convention 45 of 1935 “On the use of women's labor in underground work”; ♦ ILO Convention 47 of 1935 “On the forty-hour work week”; ♦ ILO Convention 77 of 1946 “On the medical examination of adolescents in industry”; ♦ ILO Convention 78 of 1946 “On medical examination of adolescents in non-industrial work”; ♦ ILO Convention 79 of 1946 “On night work of adolescents in non-industrial work”; ♦ ILO Convention 90 (Revised) 1948 “On Night Work of Adolescents in Non-Industrial Work”; ♦ ILO Convention 124 of 1965 “On the medical examination of young people for underground work”; ♦ ILO Convention 138 of 1973 “On Minimum Return for Employment”; 118 Annex 10. Activities subject to mandatory EIA in the Kyrgyz Republic. Activities subject to mandatory EIA in the Kyrgyz Republic 1. Energy facilities: 1) combined heat and power plants, thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants; 2) industrial installations for the production of electricity, steam, hot water; 3) lines of pipelines supplying gas, oil and oil products, heat; 4) high-voltage power lines; 5) warehouses of oil and oil products, gas, solid fuel; 6) ash dumps. 2. Reservoirs. 3. Enterprises for the extraction and processing of oil, oil products, gas. 4. Production of building materials (cement, asphalt, slate, asbestos-cement pipes and others). 5. Agriculture and forestry: 1) projects for the intensification of agriculture; 2) projects for the organization and reorganization of rural land holdings; 3) projects for the management of water resources for agricultural purposes; 4) projects of land reclamation in order to change the type of land use; 5) poultry, livestock, fish breeding complexes; 6) land reclamation projects. 6. Mining industry: 1) prospecting and exploration, experimental and operational work; 2) extraction of mineral raw materials (marble, basalt, salt, sand, gravel, clay and others); 3) coal mining; 4) mining of ores; 5) processing of ores; 6) production of non-ferrous, rare, precious metals; 7) disposal and burial of waste, including hazardous and toxic. 7. Metalworking industry: 1) machine-tool production; 2) production of semiconductor materials; 3) enterprises for the repair of aviation, railway transport; 4) production of radio and television equipment; 5) foundry and metal rolling production. 8. Glass production. 9. Manufacture of pharmaceutical, biological, protein products. 10. Chemical production. 11. Food industry: 1) production of fats and oils; 2) production of meat and dairy products; 3) sugar production; 4) tobacco production; 5) production of wine and vodka products; 6) alcohol production: 7) beer production; 8) production of canned food. 12. Textile, leather, paper industry: 1) primary processing of wool and skins; 2) production of chipboards, cardboard, fibreboards; 3) leather production; 4) paper production; 119 5) dyeing production; 6) rubber production. 13. Warehouses of toxic, hazardous, radioactive substances. 14. Facilities for the treatment of waste water, flue gases. 15. Groundwater intakes. 16. Water supply systems of populated areas, irrigation and drainage systems. 17. Construction of roads and railways. 18. Airports, airfields, test sites, inland shipping ports, autodromes. 19. Construction of recreational and tourist facilities. 20. Organization of industrial units. 21. Sewer networks. 22. Mountain lifts and cable cars. 23. Utilization, processing and burial of industrial and household waste. 24. Gas stations. 25. Service stations and pre-sale preparation of vehicles. Activities not subject to EIA in the Kyrgyz Republic Routine building renovation. Internal construction work. Small construction within a master plan previously subject to EIA. Research and development that does not pose a threat and danger to the environment. Purchases that do not require actions that negatively affect the environment. Construction of houses, social, cultural and communication facilities that do not pose a threat (for example, connecting to central heating, water supply and sewerage systems). 120 Annex 11. Examples of projects eligible for WB financing. This list is not limited to the following activities, and may beupdated after preliminary environmental assessment. The category of the project proposal is established based on the primary environmental screening by the local community initiating a project proposal at the stage of the selected the priority and preparation of the proposal, in accordance with the following approximate categorization. At the next stage, the Project Safeguards Specialist clarifies the established category of the project proposal and provides further recommendations for the development of the Environmental and Social Management Plan. “Moderate”Risk Subproject - Average potential impact. An environmental and social management plan or environmental and social management plan Checklist may be required. - Organization of gardening or arable land on an area of over 5 hectares, or on mountain slopes; - Processing of agricultural products, food industry - Livestock (livestock breeding, processing of animal and poultry meat, slaughterhouses). - Small-scale industrial production, trade, retail, service provision - Warehouses and storage facilities. - Renovation and rehabilitation of community infrastructure - Renovation / repair of public buildings “Low” Risk Subproject - Low potential impact No environmental and social instruments are required. Pertinent national regulations must be followed. Related training could also be offered. - Purchase of agricultural consumables and agricultural machinery; - Purchase of improved varieties of seeds, seedlings; - Purchases that do not require actions that negatively affect the environment and social environment; - Application of approved pesticides / herbicides; - Gardening or agriculture on an area of up to 5 hectares in flat areas; - Maintenance; Examples of subprojectsor activities not eligible for WB financing Ineligible subprojects or activities are provided under the exclusion list in Section 6 121 Annex 12: Environmental and Social Management Plan (checklist format) The Environmental and Social Management Plan Checklist Form is designed to provide “examples of good practice” during implementation of project and construction, is easy to use and is consistent with safety requirements. The template for the checklist is to cover typical approaches to major mitigation measures in relation to contracts with low local impact. It is assumed that this form presents the key elements of the Environmental and Social Management or Action Plan, which must meet the World Bank's requirements for environmental assessment, within the Environmental and Social Framework(ESF) and framework and related standards. The purpose of the development of this checklist is to use it by contractors for the production of small-scale works as a guide, as well as an integral part of the tender documents, carrying out the production of small- scale works in the framework of projects financed by the World Bank. The checklist contains 3 sections: Part 1. Contains a narrative that describes the project and identifies the institutional and legislative aspects, the technical composition of the project, the possible need for a capacity development program, as well as a description of the public consultation process. This part can be up to 2 pages of text. If necessary, applications with additional information can be specified. Part 2. Contains a checklist for environmental and social screening in which activities and possible environmental issues can be checked in a simple way (“Yes” or “No”). If an activity or question is prompted by a “Yes” answer, a link is made to the relevant section in the table below, which clearly articulates the control and mitigation measures. Part 3. Provides a plan for monitoring activities during project implementation and construction. This checklist provides for the inclusion of Part 2 and Part 3 in the tender documents for contractors, with prices determined during the tender process and implementation supervision during the execution of works. Section 1: INSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS Country Name of the project Scope of project and activities Institutional arrangements The World Bank Project Management Local Counterpart and/or Recipient (Name and contacts) (Project Team Leader(s)) Implementation arrangements Safeguard Local Counterpart Local Inspectorate Contractor (Name and contacts) Supervision Supervision Supervision SITE DESCRIPTION Name of the site Legal address of the site Annex 1: Site Map [ ] Yes [ ] No Who owns the site? LEGISLATION National legislation and permits applicable to the project activity INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING Will there be capacity [ ] No or [ ] Yes, if YES, then capacity building program is attached building activities? 122 SECTION 2. Measures to reduce environmental impact Will the site activity include / Activity Status Additional referances involve any of the following: Building rehabilitation [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section B below Contamination of the topsoil with household fecal waste [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section C below Building of historical and cultural heritage [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section D below Handling hazardous substances and materials [ ] Yes [ ] No See Section F below Road-traffic safety [ ] Well [ ] No See Section G below Electricity and heat consumption [ ] Well [ ] No See Section H below The risk of emergencies (fires, damage to engineering [ ] Well [ ] No See Section I below communications) Veterinary waste management [ ] Well no See Section J below ACTIVITY PARAMETER MITIGATION MEASURES CHECKLIST A. General conditions Notification and Worker Safety Local (regional) executive and administrative authorities, local residents were notified of the upcoming rehabilitation and reconstruction works. All the legally required permits for the renovation have been obtained. All work is carried out in compliance with the current legislation on architectural and construction activities in order to minimize the negative impact on the environment and public health. Workers will be provided with personal protective equipment in accordance with international practice and the requirement of occupational health and safety during construction work. Temporary storage sites for hazardous substances (materials) are isolated from the exposure to atmospheric precipitation. Briefings on how to handle hazardous substances and materials will be provided periodically. Appropriate installation of information boards at the facility will be carried out to inform workers about the basic rules and regulations that they need to follow. B. General Rehabilitation and / Air Quality The preferred use of an electric drive for compressors. Timely maintenance of vehicles, or Construction Activities control of emissions at the service station. Use of welding equipment with the lowest emission of pollutants. Reducing dust during pneumatic drilling or wall demolition by continuously spraying water and / or installing a dust screen. Purchase of a container for collecting street and yard wastes. The site should not be idle construction equipment with the engines running. Water consumption and sewerage Introduction of a rational water consumption regime for drinking, household needs. Using a drinking water purification system or using imported bottled drinking water. 123 Wastewater discharge in accordance with legal requirements. Timely maintenance of water consumption and sewerage networks. Noise Execution of work strictly during working hours (no earlier than 7.00 and no later than 23.00) on weekdays. Periodic monitoring of the noise level at the border of the sanitary protection zone, which should not exceed 50 dB. During operation the engine hatches on generators, compressors, and other power equipment should be closed and equipment installed as far away from residential areas as possible. Delivery of large-capacity cargo is carried out only during working hours (from 7.00 to 23.00) on weekdays. Terrain disturbance Refueling of construction equipment at the construction site should not be carried out. Minor repairs carried out only at service stations. An inventory of growing trees should be made and any possibility of damage to these trees should be prevented. Waste management In construction areas, the organization of container for solid municipal waste collection and the arrangement of sites for temporary storage of construction waste to be used and buried should be provided. Neutralization of liquid laboratory waste up to the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) values established in each settlement. In case of inconsistency with the MPC values, the wastewater treatment is organized. The procedure for handling construction and solid municipal waste should be defined in the design documentation. C. Veterinary waste Infrastructure for handling veterinary In accordance with national regulations, the project implementing agency will ensure that management waste the re-equipped and refurbished veterinary laboratories have sufficient funds to handle and dispose of veterinary waste; this should include at least: - Separate collection of veterinary waste from other waste (contaminated instruments, sharp objects, liquids); - Adequate containers and storage locations for such waste; - If such waste is to be handled on site, appropriate disposal measures are to be provided. Animal waste. Laboratory and Animal waste is subject to collection, utilization and destruction under conditions that fully veterinary waste ensure the prevention of the occurrence and spread of animal diseases, excluding their harmful effects on the environment, in compliance with veterinary rules and in accordance with the procedure established by local authorities; disposal of expired vaccines and other hazardous materials in accordance with international procedures; provide procedures for the safe storage and administration of vaccines; carrying out explanatory work and informing the population about zoonotic diseases, to prevent feeding of affected animal organs to dogs and cats: especially the liver and lungs, in order to prevent the further spread of echinococcosis. 124 Anthrax burial grounds and other It is necessary to conduct an inventory of animals in order to register and give a special animal burials protection status to burials with anthrax and other burials. Places should be marked on community maps where grazing should be prohibited. A national strategy and a Strategic plan for anthrax control in the Kyrgyz Republic for 2012-2016 were developed. D. Handling hazardous / toxic Collection and disposal of asbestos - Clear marking of temporary waste storage sites. Where possible, asbestos should be placed substances and materials in suitable sealed containers to minimize exposure. Isolation of temporary storage sites from the effects of precipitation. - Use of personal protective equipment by workers. Availability of means to eliminate spills and placers of hazardous substances. - Conducting briefings on the procedure for handling hazardous substances and materials. Use of raw materials and materials that are not hazardous to the environment and human health - Prior to removal (if necessary), materials containing asbestos will be wetted to minimize asbestos dust. Engage qualified and experienced specialists in the handling and disposal of asbestos. - If asbestos-containing waste is temporarily stored on site, it should be properly placed in sealed containers and labeled as hazardous material. Take safety measures to protect asbestos or asbestos-containing materials from unauthorized removal from the site. - The removed asbestos will not be reused. Collection and disposal of toxic / For temporary storage of hazardous and toxic substances at the site, such substances must hazardous materials be placed in reliable containers, which must indicate the composition and properties, as well as information on handling such substances; Containers with hazardous substances should be placed in hermetically sealed containers to avoid leaks and leaching; Transport waste to official landfills and dispose of surplus excavated material at sites agreed with local authorities. Do not use paints with toxic ingredients or solvents, or lead-based paints. E. Labor process Public Relations Management A local contact person is appointed within the contractor's team who is responsible for management liaising with the local community, as well as receiving regards / complaints from the local community. - Conduct consultations with local communities to identify and proactively resolve potential conflicts between external workers and the local population - Raise awareness of the local community about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases in the presence of external workers; local communities will also take part in such awareness raising activities. (As far as possible, schedule work outside the irrigation season to avoid / 125 minimize disruptions to work. As necessary, the public will be informed of construction schedules, work schedules, service interruptions, bypass routes, temporary bus routes, schedules of blasting works and demolition works, etc. - Limit construction work at night.If necessary, carefully schedule night work and notify the affected community in advance. - Properly mark and fence off the area. - Do not allow temporary storage of construction materials and waste on cultivated land or private property of any type. - Allocate places for temporary storage of construction materials and waste, so as not to impede the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians. As far as possible, do not locate worker camps in close proximity to local communities Labour Management - Locate and manage worker camps in consultation with neighboring communities - As much as possible recruit unskilled or low-skilled workers from local communities. - Where possible, train workers to improve the quality of community participation in project implementation - Provide latrines (toilets and hand washing areas) on site with sufficient hot and cold water, soap and hand dryers. - Establish temporary septic tanks for any seasonal workers' camp, without contaminating nearby watercourses - Raise awareness among workers about the general principles of community relations management; The contractor must ensure that his personnel are informed of the consequences of gender- Gender and female violence based violence, sexually transmitted diseases and obscene behaviors. With local residents, in particular with young men, explanatory work was carried out on the prevention of indecent behavior in relation to the contractor's personnel and informed about the legal consequences of damage to the contractor's property, etc. The contractor must ensure that children under 16 are not involved in construction work on Child labour the project. The local government of the regional department of social protection (a subdivision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Kyrgyz Republic), in close cooperation with local governments, will inform local communities about the consequences of child labor and school dropouts. 126 Labor resources As far as possible, the local population will be involved in the work. All employees are to comply with the requirements of the Code of Conduct; a mechanism for submitting of complaints and suggestions will be created for the population. The introduced grievance mechanism for contractors will work equally. F.The risk of a new COVID-19 prevention awareness and Compliance with the requirements of legislative technical, hygienic and organizational coronavirus infection worker safety in organizations. measures for environmental safety and labor protection on the basis of the current (COVID-19) among legislative and other regulatory acts of the Kyrgyz Republic. employees of the organization - Conduct health and safety training for the Contractor's personnel (including project (enterprises, farms). workers and any other personnel that the Contractor uses at the site / facility, including personnel and other employees of the Contractor and Subcontractors, as well as any other personnel who assist the Contractor in carrying out project activities); - Implement workplace procedures for Contractor personnel requiring employees to report unsafe or unhealthy work situations; - To give the Contractor's personnel the right to report work situations that, in their opinion, are not safe or healthy, and to withdraw themselves from such work situations, which, in their opinion, have a reasonable basis and pose an immediate and serious danger to their life or health (without any harassment for reporting or firing); - Require the adoption of measures to prevent or minimize the spread of disease, including measures to prevent or minimize the transmission of infectious diseases that may be associated with the inflow of temporary or permanent labor on a contract basis; - To familiarize all employees of contractors / employees involved with the safety regulations and action plan in case of infection / detection of COVID-19. G. Contamination of the Surface layer of soil Designing site, taking into account the characteristics of the landscape and carrying out land topsoil with household fecal reclamation. Installation of dry closets and cabins. Organize timely maintenance of dry waste closets. H. Building of historical and External and internal building Preliminarily obtain permission from the Ministry of Culture of the Kyrgyz Republic to cultural heritage structures carry out construction works. If construction works are carried out near a building of historical importance or in a historical area, notification and approval/permits from local authorities must be obtained, and all construction activities must be carried out in accordance with local and national laws. Arrangements should be made to ensure that if artifacts or other “chance finds” are discovered during excavation or construction work, the discovery is recorded, officials are notified, and site work is suspended or modified to reflect such finds. 127 I. Road-traffic safety Direct or indirect In accordance with the requirements of the legislation on architectural and construction threats to public activities, the contractor guarantees that the construction site will be fenced and transport and construction work is clearly regulated in this area. pedestrians during - Warning signs for the public and public transport about all potentially hazardous work will construction works be displayed and visible. - Safe passages and crossings will be created in places of movement of public transport and people. The work of contractor will be organized out of peak hours. - Also, safe and uninterrupted access of the population to social and cultural facilities, trade and medicine will be ensured during the entire period of the construction organization's operation. J. Electricity and heat Depletion of natural resources. Maintaining the rational use of electrical and thermal energy. consumption Indirect emission of greenhouse gases Use of energy-saving appliances and equipment. (when electricity and heat are consumed from external sources) K.The risk of emergencies Property damage, illness, loss of life, Compliance with fire safety requirements, timely maintenance of engineering (fires, damage to engineering air pollution, water resources, soil and communications communications) health impact Development of an emergency response plan. PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) During project implementation Health and Safety - Construction workers Construction site Visual During Reduce the PIU costs as ABCC/CLMU of workers use special clothing and observation and construction and likelihood of part of project personal protective analysis of the in accordance injuries and implementatio equipment; submitted with government accidents for n costs - Strict compliance with documentation regulations related builders the rules of operation of to ensuring of construction equipment occupational and the use of personal health and safety protective equipment; 128 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) - Strict compliance with the laws and regulations of the KR governing construction work; - Availability of basic fire-fighting tools and means; Availability of records on training and receipt of instructions on labour safety Provision with - Purchase of construction At the supplier's Verification of During Provide technical PIU costs as ABCC construction materials from a office or documents contracting instructions part of project materials registered supplier warehouse regarding the implementatio facility and its n costs safety for human health Transportation of - Technical condition - Construction Survey of roads Sudden checks - Limit soil and air Included in ABCCABCC construction of vehicles and site; adjacent to a during working pollution from contractor materials and waste equipment; - Routes for construction site and non-working emissions; costs Construction - Protection of cargo in transportation of in the direction hours -Limit noise and machinery a vehicle with help of construction of the route vibration movement special upholstery; materials and inconveniences for - Compliance with the waste local communities; established time and -Minimize traffic routes of violations. transportation 129 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) Maintenance of - Washing vehicles and Construction site Activity During the - Avoid Included in ABCC construction construction equipment and adjacent inspection operation of the contamination of contractor equipment outside the construction construction and equipment water and soil with costs site or at a maximum installation base oil products due to distance from natural (if any) equipment streams; operation; - Refueling or lubricating - Timely localize of construction and reduce the equipment outside the expected damage in construction site or at a the event of a fire predetermined point; - Instructions for the technical operation of the construction equipment service center:  Hard impermeable floor covering or adsorbent (fine gravel, membrane);  Sufficient space and impervious barriers around fuel containers;  Fixed fire extinguishing equipment. 130 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) Construction waste - Temporary storage of Construction site; Activity Periodically - Prevent pollution Included in the ABCC generation construction waste in Waste disposal inspection during of soil, surface and costs of specially designated site construction and ground waters; contractors, areas; after completion - Avoid accidents at businesses, - Timely disposal of the construction site breeder / waste to officially due to scattered farmer. designated sites fragments of building materials and debris; - Maintain the aesthetic appearance of the construction site and its surroundings Household waste - Placement of containers Construction site Visual Total period of Prevent soil and Included in the ABCC generation for waste collection at and construction observation construction water pollution costs of the construction site and and installation from household contractors, construction base (if base (if any) waste businesses, any) breeder / - Agreement with the farmer. relevant municipality for the regular disposal of household waste 131 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) Reconstruction and - Final cleaning of the Construction site Activity Construction Reduce the loss of Included in ABCC improvement of the construction site inspection completion period landscape aesthetic costs for construction site value due to contractors, construction work businesses, breeder / farmer Generation of non- - Temporary storage of Construction site; Verification of Periodically, - Prevent pollution Included in ABCC hazardous construction waste in Landfill site works and during of soil, surface costs for construction waste specially designated analysis of construction and and groundwater; contractors, places; supporting after its - Prevent accidents businesses, - Timely garbage disposal documents for completion at the breeder / to officially authorized the collection construction site farmer places and due to scattered No specific transportation of fragments of additional waste building materials costs: included and construction in the general waste; responsibilitie - Preserve the s of the aesthetic municipality appearance of the construction site and the surrounding area Waste generation - Temporary storage of Construction site / Verification of Periodically, - Prevent pollution Included in ABCC from dismantling of dismantled equipment installation site works during of soil, surface costs for deteriorated or metal structures in Processing construction / and groundwater; contractors, equipment specially designated enterprise installation and - Prevent accidents businesses, areas; after completion at the breeder / - Transportation of construction site farmer 132 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) dismantled equipment due to scattered or metal structures to a discarded metal processing materials and plant. equipment; - Preserve the aesthetic appearance of the construction site and the surrounding area Generation of - Removal of roofing Construction site; Verification of Periodically, - Prevention of Included in the ABCC construction waste sheets containing Landfill site works during harm to the health costs of containing asbestos asbestos with minimal Analysis of construction and of construction contractors, as a result of roof crushing to prevent dust supporting after its workers and other businesses, replacement formation; documents for completion people who may farmer - Spraying roofing sheets the collection enter the No specific with water during and construction site; additional removal to minimize transportation of - Preventing health costs: included dust generation; garbage hazards for waste in the general - Temporary storage of disposal workers responsibilitie dismantled roofing and others who s of the sheets covered in a may enter the municipality specially designated waste disposal place; site - Timely removal of roofing sheets in closed freight transport to a special place for disposal; 133 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) - Backfilling with asbestos-laden waste at the final disposal site; - The use of special clothing and personal protective equipment (goggles and respirators) by workers and employees responsible for working with waste containing asbestos at every stage Toxic waste - Strict separation of used - Territory of Visual Periodically, Prevent soil and Included in ABCC generation from mercury lamps and public buildings; inspection during storage water pollution costs for replacement of other types of waste - Processing plant and processing of contractors, mercury lamps accumulated in public toxic waste businesses, buildings; breeder / - Preparation of toxic farmer waste for temporary storage by placing in containers and full labeling (composition details, substances and information on disposal); - Recycling and disposal by a contractor licensed to dispose of waste Public works The parameters are Project Part of the During  Regular Included in ABCC 134 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) (construction / prescribed in the building documentation; regular checks construction / inspections are contractor installation / permit - all special Construction carried out by installation and prescribed in the costs reconstruction) building conditions permit PIU before the construction permit to ensure imposed by various issuance of the compliance with authorities Operation Permit environmental requirements according to the laws and regulations of the Kyrgyz Republic and the ESMP Air quality and noise On the Visually Under  Prevent Included in ABCC construction site construction environmental contractor pollution and health costs impacts of workers Wastewater On the Visually Under  Prevent Included in ABCC construction site construction environmental contractor pollution and health costs impacts of workers Planning and Final cleaning of the Construction site Verification of Final construction Reduce the loss of Included in restoration work at construction site and works period aesthetic value to contractor ABCC the construction site permanent access roads, the landscape as a costs as well as the necessary result of landscape design and construction work landscaping During operation Equipment Regular maintenance of Territory of On-site inspection The entire Keeping the facility in Should be ABCC operation and facilities is carried out public period of a safe and working included in the maintenance buildings operation condition budget for the 135 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) operation and maintenance of the enterprise Operation and Regular maintenance of Territory of On-site inspection The entire Keeping the facility in Should be ABCC and Public maintenance of facilities is carried out public period of a safe and working included in the buildings equipment for buildings operation condition budget for the administration agricultural operation and processing, milk maintenance of collection and the enterprise cooling and related construction and rehabilitation activities of a small volume Livestock waste Regular maintenance of Territory of On-site inspection The entire Slaughter workshops. Should be ABCC and facilities is carried out public period of Installation of Becceri included in the Bodies of state buildings operation pits in each aiyl aimak. budget of the veterinary Public awareness Breeder / inspection raising, training, Farmer, Local information Government dissemination. Emergency Availability of fire-fighting Territory of Periodic checks The entire - Reduce risks for Should be Public buildings preparedness equipment in accordance public period of workers and visitors included in the administration with the regulatory buildings operation of - Avoid disruptions budget for the Departments of requirements of the Kyrgyz the site and inconvenience to operation and the Ministry of Republic workers and visitors maintenance of Emergency the enterprise Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic 136 PART 3: MONITORING PLAN Stage / project WHAT WHERE HOW WHEN WHY Cost WHO activities is the parameter to be is the parameter to is the parameter (specify is the parameter (if not is responsible for monitored? be monitored? to be frequency / or on being monitored? included in the monitoring? monitored? an ongoing project basis?) budget) for the oblast 137 Annex 13. Minutes of public hearings and list of participants 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155