ENVIROMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (ESIA) KOSOVO IMPROVEMENT AND REHABILITATION OF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS (IRIS) PROJECT Component 1 - Rehabilitation and Modernization of the Radoniqi-Dukagjini irrigation scheme June 2024 1 Prepared By: The Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Project Background……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………10 1.2. Description of Project Components……………………………………………………………………………………………11 1.3. Proposed Activities……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………12 1.4. Objectives of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment………………………………………………..13 1.5. Environmental and Social Management…………………………………………………………………………………….13 1.6. Excluded Activities…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….14 2. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 2.1. Relevant National Legislation…………………………………………………………………………………………………….15 2.2. The World Bank’s Requirements………………………………………………………………………………………………..23 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES 3.1. Radoniqi-Dukagjini irrigation network……………………………………………………………………………………….31 3.2. Radoniqi irrigation scheme………………………………………………………………………………………………………..32 3.2.1 Subsystem Janosh……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 33 3.2.2 Subsystem Qerim……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 34 3.3. Dukagjini irrigation scheme……………………………………………………………………………………………………….36 3.3.1. Subsystem ‘D’…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 37 3.4. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) ……………………………………………………………………38 3.5. Project alternatives……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………39 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE 4.1. Geographic characteristics of project area…………………………………………………………………………………42 4.2. Climate……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..43 4.3. Climate Change…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………43 4.4. Air……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 45 4.5. Hydrology………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 46 4.6. Water Quality………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 47 4.7. Irrigation systems and Service Institutions…………………………………………………………………………………49 4.8. Soil……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50 4.9. Soil Quality………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 51 4.10. Waste management………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..51 4.11. Hazardous waste management……………………………………………………………………………………………….52 4.12. Biodiversity……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 52 4.13. Flora and Fauna……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 53 4.14. Demography……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………54 4.15. Economy ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..55 4.16. Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….55 4.17. Health……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 56 4.18. Public services…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………56 3 4.19. Culture and Religion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 56 4.20. Agriculture………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………57 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS, RISKS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.1. Environmental and Social Risks Rating………………………………………………………………………………………58 5.2. Impacts on the Landscape………………………………………………………………………………………………………..58 5.3. Impacts on the Soil and Erosion………………………………………………………………………………………………. 59 5.4. Impacts on the Water……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 61 5.5 Air Quality…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………63 5.6. Noise and Vibration impacts…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 63 5.7. Impacts on the Biodiversity………………………………………………………………………………………………………64 5.8. Waste and Hazardous materials ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 65 5.9. Cultural heritage………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………67 5.10. Labour and working conditions………………………………………………………………………………………………68 5.11. Community health and safety…………………………………………………………………………………………………68 5.12. Land acquisition……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..69 5.13. Traffic regulation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………70 5.14. Risks to vulnerable groups………………………………………………………………………………………………………70 5.15. Informal work risk…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 70 5.16. Occupational health and safety risks……………………………………………………………………………………… 71 6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION PLAN…………………………………………………………………………..72 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN………………………………………………………………………..90 7. INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 Institutional arrangements for project implementation…………………………………………………………… 95 7.2. Institutional responsibilities for implementation of ESMP mitigation measures and monitoring.95 7.3. Potential users of the ESIA report………………………………………………………………………………………………96 8. INFORMATION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS………………………………………………………………………………… 97 9. ANNEX: LIST OF ATTENDEES AND MINUTES OF PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS…………………………………………99 4 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: List of Environmental and Social Issues covered by national laws…………………………………………....15 Table 2: ESSs that are considered relevant to the Project at the time of assessment…………………………....24 Table 3: Average monthly temperature of the air and the precipitation sums for Коsovo 2020-2070 with climate change………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………44 Table 4: Climate areas and average annual precipitation, 2015-2021……………………………………………….……45 Table 5: Irrigation in agriculture 2013 – 2021 mil.m3/year………………………………………………………………….…50 Table 6. Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan ………………………………………………………………………….......73 Table 7. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan……………………………………………………………………………… 91 Table 8. Stakeholder engagement activities conducted during Project preparation……………………………… 99 Table 9. Public Consultation -Participation Lists…………………………………………………………………………………..100 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: The diagram of the Radoniqi Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme…………………………………………………….…. 31 Figure 2: Radoniqi Irrigation Scheme…………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 32 Figure 3: Layout of subsystem Janosh……………………………………………………………………………………….……………33 Figure 4: Layout of subsystem Qerim…………………………………………………………………………………………….……….34 Figure 5: Example application of volumetric flow meters at Janosh and Qerim subsystems………………….. 35 Figure 6: Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme…………………………………………………………………………………….……………….36 Figure 7: Cross section of intake structure G2 (subsystem D) ………………………………………………………….……. 37 Figure 8: Subsystem D network…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….38 Figure 9: Topography of Kosovo and the project location………………………………………………………………………. 42 Figure 10: Map of the Rainfall in Kosovo………………………………………………………………………………………….……..43 Figure 11: Average precipitation in Kosovo, mm (l/m²), 2015-2021……………………………………………….………. 44 Figure 12: Drini i Bardhë River Basin flood risks……………………………………………………………………………………...45 Figure 13: Location of the Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Kosovo……………………………………………………. 46 Figure 14: Kosovo Hydrological map in context of rivers flowing at or near project…………………….………… 47 Figure 15: Indicators selected by river water quality monitoring (Drini i Bardhë Basin) …………………………49 Figure 16. Irrigation in agriculture 2013 – 2021, mil.m3/year…………………………………………………………..……..50 Figure 17: Map of the erosion in Kosovo…………………………………………………………………………………………….…. 50 Figure 18: Hotspot map of Kosovo 2012………………………………………………………………………………………………... 51 Figure 19: Map of Protected areas in Kosovo, KEPA and the project area marked in red ……………………….…54 5 ABBREVIATIONS DSS Decision Support System ESIA Environment and Social Impact Assessment ESMP Environmental Social Management Plan ESS Environment and Social Standards ESCP Environmental and Social Commitment Plan EU European Union GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism IPA Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance IRIS Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems LMP Labor Management Procedures KARDP Kosovo Agricultural and Rural Development Project KCA Kosovo Cadaster Agency KEPA Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency KPA Kosovo Privatization Agency LMP Labor Management Procedures MAFRD Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development MESPI Ministry of Environment Spatial Planning and Infrastructure MFLT Ministry of Finance Labor and Transfer PIU Project Implementation Unit RAP Resettlement Action Plan QGIS Quantum Geographic Information System RDIC Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation Company RDIS Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation System RIC Regional Irrigation Company RPF Resettlement Policy Framework SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan WB World Bank 6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Climate change poses significant threats to Kosovo’s agricultural production, which is highly dependent on water and increasingly subject to water risks. By regional comparison Kosovo is water stressed with and it has among the lowest levels of water resources development and storage, therefore is very vulnerable to the climate risks. Hence, irrigation is considered essential to minimize climatic risks affecting water resources, to ensure quality of products essential to commercial agriculture and to provide adequate incomes and living standards in the rural areas. Kosovo’s irrigated area was estimated to be less than 5% of all agricultural land in 2020 with 20,984 ha irrigated out of the total utilized area of agricultural land 420,210 ha. In order to address the water challenges, the Government of Kosovo through support from the EU IPA grant, administered by the World Bank, intends to implement the Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems (IRIS) Project. Project objectives The World Bank support to Kosovo through the Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems has the objective to enhance agriculture sector resilience and increase competitiveness towards EU market accession. The overall development objective of the proposed Project is to increase the efficiency of water utilization and boost agricultural productivity in the Dukagjini area. The Project supports following outcomes:  A well-functioning and modernized Radoniqi–Dukagjini irrigation scheme with improved agricultural water management;  Improved capabilities of municipalities, irrigation companies and farmers for increasing water use efficiency and bosting agricultural productivity; Project Components The Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems (IRIS) Project is designed to achieve its objectives through three Components: IRIS Proejct components Component 1 Component 2 Component 3 Rehabilitation and Modernization of Capacity Building to increase water Project Management, Coordination, the Radoniqi-Dukagjini irrigation use efficient and agriculture Monitoring and Evaluation scheme productivity Subcomponent 1.1: Subcomponent 1.2: Rehabilitation of the Modernization of the Radoniqi-Dukagjini Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme Irrigation Scheme 7 No environmental and social impacts are envisaged from planned activities in Components (2) and (3). This ESIA has been prepared specifically to elaborate on potential adverse impacts on the environment and human health arising from Component (1): Subcomponent 1.1 and Subcomponent 1.2. Methodology This document is prepared based on the available information from the IRIS Project concept note, the Project Appraisal Document (the PAD), the Environmental and Social Review Summary (ESRS), and available data and rep form Part 1 of the Rehabilitation of Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme project (the feasibility study prepared in 2018, ESIA prepared in 2019) prepared under ARDP project. Inputs from stakeholder consultations, meetings with the Irrigation Company, and officials from local and central institutions have been included in this report. Project beneficiaries The main Project beneficiaries include individual farmers using measures that will increase the efficiency of water utilization with increased yields of crops and new jobs created, farmer organizations, and private enterprises operating in the project areas. In the public sector, the project will improve linkages among actors such as MAFRD, Radoniqi Dukagjini Irrigation Company (RDIC), Municipalities, and other relevant agencies in water administration, with the goal of increasing capacities in professional development and irrigation best practices. Policy, Legal and Institutional Framework The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) and the Kosovo legislation (which is in harmonization with the EU acquis) relevant for the Project have been considered in relation to the applicable policy, legal and administrative framework within this ESIA report. Environmental and Social Baseline Information Baseline information for the Project area are provided in two main categories, namely ecological environment (geography, waters, air and climate change, soils, waste, biodiversity) and the socio- economic environment (population, employment, land use-agriculture, health, education, culture and public services). Environmental and Social Risk Classification From an environmental perspective moderate to low negative risks have been identified. These environmental impacts are mostly concentrated during the construction phase, from the use of heavy machinery, use of raw materials for civil works, noise, vibrations, generation of waste and risks from incidents and hazards. Additional project-related risks are those related to land acquisition impacts- though minor ones, labor and working conditions, and much less those related to the communities. During the operational phase the irrigation network will even exhibit moderate positive effects, especially on new area provided with improved irrigation - drainage services, increased number of water users provided with new/improved irrigation and drainage services and increased number of farmers adopting climate smart agriculture technologies and practices. This will result in increased food production, water efficiency and climate smart agriculture adoption. 8 ESIA preparation, communications and meetings This ESIA is prepared by the PIU team using the information and experience from the Part 1 of the irrigation project, implemented under the ARDP project. Under the coordination of the PIU, several meetings that included RDIC, MAFRD and the World Bank environmental and social team were held to plan, draft and review the ESIA for the IRIS project. Meetings were organized with MESPI in the early stage of the project planning and also with the Mayor and the management staff of the three project affected municipalities (see Annex 1 – Participants and photos form the meetings)). Further field-based stakeholder meetings with community, farmers, and consultations with interested parties are organized in three municipalities Gjakova, Rahovec and Prizren (see Annex 1 - Lists of the participants and photos). Institutional Arrangements for Project implementation The key relevant institutions subject to environmental and social management for the related Project are:  Ministry of Finance, Labour and Transfers (MFLT) – the Client  Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Rural Development (MAFRD) – Implementing Agency  Regional Water Irrigation Company ‘Radoniqi-Dukagjini’  Municipalities: Gjakova, Rahovec and Prizren  Ministry of Environment Spatial Planning and Infrastructure (MESPI)  Farmers - The beneficiaries  Kosovo Privatization Agency (KPA)  WB Office in Kosovo  EU Office in Kosovo The Project will be implemented by the MAFRD and RDIC. MAFRD will host a PIU for coordinating the project which with be managed by the Word Bank team and financed by the EU IPA grant funds. The PIU will have primary responsibility for Project execution ensuring that the Project development objectives are met and ensuring that financial resources are budgeted, disbursed, expended, accounted and audited. 9 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1. Project Background The EU IPA 2020 program for Kosovo aims at fostering rural economic development through improved management of the natural resources and increased income generation opportunities related to, among others, improved capacities and alignment to standards in the agriculture sector. Under this program, EUR 10 million have been allocated to support the further development of irrigation systems based on the Kosovo Irrigation Master Plan and Investment Framework developed in 2020 under the World Bank funded KARDP project. These funds will be channeled through the European Commission - World Bank Partnership Program. The proposed project ‘Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems’ (IRIS) would respond to Government demand and support Kosovo to rehabilitate and modernize the irrigation infrastructure. The aim of this investment is to effectively support an economically, environmentally and financially sustainable irrigation sector through infrastructure investment and technical assistance measures that will increase the efficiency of water utilization and boost agricultural productivity. The IRIS project is a continuation of the KARDP Irrigation component for rehabilitation of RDIC irrigation infrastructure, implemented during Aug 2020-Aug 2022 and financed through a World Bank credit in a value of EUR 4.2 Mil. During this contract works and supplies for scheme rehabilitation included:  Lining and repairing of main canal sections;  Construction of the flow meter manholes in new regulating structure and montage of butterfly valves (to ensure water flow measurement) and rehabilitation of the outlet structure;  Rehabilitation of seven sub irrigation systems by replacement of the valves (280 pcs) with different profiles, of the cracked pipes with different profile (with a total length of around 2,100 m) and replacement of various fittings (couplings, flanges, cross pieces, adapters, spindles) in the primary, secondary and tertiary irrigation network in the sub irrigation systems;  Rehabilitation and waterproofing of three regulating water basins;  Investments in rehabilitation of the administrative building in Gjakova and warehouse in Lugbunar, and partial rehabilitation of administrative building in Prizren;  Construction of two river crossing thresholds for protection of transit pipeline (one in Drini and another in Llukac river);  Development of the DSS) (Decision Support System) software on water resource planning, farmers advisory and annual management plans including training of the company staff on the DSS software and QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System) program use;  Supply of spare parts, mostly big profile pipes from Ø1400 up to Ø 1800 and fittings (32 GRP pieces Ø 1400-1800; Straub, PVC and AC couplings around 1500 pcs; PVC adapters, valves and balls for air valves); 10  Mechanization for operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructures such as excavators, trucks for transportation of RDIC staff, water suction pumps, and scooters for collection of payment for service delivery. The feasibility study for rehabilitation of the RDIS completed within the ARDP in 2018, has concluded that the total investment for the complete rehabilitation and the modernization of the RDIS estimated at EUR 13.2 Mil. With the IRIS investments, it will be possible to complete the RDIS rehabilitation of the irrigation infrastructure and to modernize the irrigation network based on smart agriculture irrigation technology. The IRIS project will support the improvement of irrigation delivery and services in the Radoniqi Dukagjini Irrigation System, located in the Dukagjini region of Kosovo. The Dukagjini region is considered the most productive agricultural area of Kosovo with fertile land and sufficient water for irrigation, well known for its horticultural products and offers good opportunities for further development of the subsector through the provision of adequate irrigation. The dominant economic activity in the area is the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, medicinal aromatic plants and other crops, and there is a high demand for products from this region. The planned activities are focused on the rehabilitation of the main canal for measuring and regulating the water distribution and consumption by the placement of needle and metering valves, replacement of moving parts; pipes, where necessary in the irrigation network; upgrade and modernizing the mechanization for operation and maintenance; rehabilitation of pump stations and the irrigation delivery in three old un-functional subsystems, namely the Janosh, Qerim and ‘D’ providing irrigation to a total of 4,000ha of agriculture land; installation of power supply, for automation of the central SCADA system will be included. The total number of potential beneficiaries for IRIS is estimated to be 40.000 farmers. The beneficiaries are expected to come from 53 settlements belonging to Gjakova, Rahovec, and Prizren municipalities. Main cultivated crops that include peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, medicinal aromatic plants, berries, grains, etc. with improved irrigation technology, will have better yields, increase sales and generate more jobs. The Project is to be implemented by the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development (MAFRD). 1.2. Description of Project Components The IRIS Project consists of three components described below. Component 1: Rehabilitation and Modernization of the Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme (RDIS) (indicative amount EUR 8.23 million) will finance the rehabilitation and modernization of the RDIS, aiming to increase irrigated area, reduce water losses and production costs, and improve and modernize irrigation services, implemented through two sub-components described below. Subcomponent 1.1: Rehabilitation of the RDIS. This subcomponent will support 1) rehabilitation works to modernize and upgrade the RDIS and 2) supervision of the progress and quality of works. Works for scheme rehabilitation include inter alia: (i) upgrading of new regulating structure aiming at regulating water flow and water use with approach to ensure efficient water management for a total surface of improved irrigated area of 7,750ha and additional irrigated area of 4,000ha (Qerim, Janosh and subsystem 11 ‘D’), and (ii) rehabilitation of three un-functional irrigation subsystems, Qerim with 1,800ha, Janosh with 1,400ha and ‘D’ with 800ha, providing irrigation to a total of 4,000ha of agriculture land. Subcomponent 1.2: Modernization of the RDIS - will support the development and establishment of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA). The aim of supporting SCADA is to take a broader modernization approach to ensure both institutional and financial sustainability of the irrigation system. SCADA will remotely enable the operation of the irrigation structures and reducing the operational costs and water loses. The RDIS will be able to manage the reservoirs (primarily the Radoniqi dam, reservoirs B9, B10, B11), operate pump stations and maintain water pressure, as required in a remote manner. SCADA will allow centralized monitoring and control and detect irregularities in the network in real-time. In the cases of emergency, including any potential flooding of the dam, SCADA will allow safer and faster operation of the valves in outlet structures and will avoid the manual operation which is very risky in emergency circumstances. Component 2 – Capacity Building to increase water use efficient and agriculture productivity (indicative amount EUR 0.4 million) - aims to improve the sustainability and efficiency of infrastructure investments supported under Component 1 and increase the capacities of the MAFRD, Municipalities, irrigation providers and farmers. It will provide: (i) technical assistance to the municipalities to strengthen the capacities of the municipal governments for the provision of irrigation and drainage advice to the farmers in an effective and sustainable way; (ii) technical assistance to the irrigation providers on improving the overall corporate governance and best practices in management and produce of high standard business plans; (iii) assistance to the farmers on modernization of on-farm irrigation technologies and display good practices for an efficient on-farm water management; (iv) technical assistance to the MAFRD for policy, regulatory and institutional aspects supporting implementation of Irrigation Master Plan; and (v) support to knowledge exchange in the irrigation sector, such as organizing study tours and site visits to countries with advanced and automatized irrigation systems to enable farmers, irrigation providers and municipality staff to learn and benefit from the knowledge and experiences of other irrigation providers and on-farm water users. Component 3: Project Management, Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation (indicative amount EUR 0.4 million) - will provide overall project management support, and coordination, including procurement, financial management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and public awareness of project activities. Project staff will benefit from capacity building on climate resilient irrigation, sustainable irrigation and climate adaptation solutions. 1.3. Proposed Activities In more details, the rehabilitation and modernization works for the IRIS Project will include:  Upgrading of new regulating structure in Radoniqi scheme aiming at regulating water flow and water use in the main canal;  Construction of the manholes and installation of the flow meters on secondary and tertiary pipelines in Radoniqi scheme in function and new rehabilitated area;  Rehabilitation of two sub irrigation systems ‘Qerim’, ‘Janosh’ (includes replacement of different profiles of gate valves, broken pipes and fittings) in Radoniqi scheme increasing current area with 3,200 ha; 12  Rehabilitation of two pump stations ‘Qerim’ and ‘Janosh’ with their basins, including purchase and installation of vertical line shaft pumps in Radoniqi scheme;  Rehabilitation of the G2 intake and distribution gates manhole for sub-irrigation system ‘D’ in Dukagjini irrigation system in Prizren;  Installation of power supply, electrical installations and automation for all structures in the main canal of Radoniqi scheme, including automation enclosures for the central SCADA system and backup automation enclosures;  Rehabilitation of the warehouse in Xerxe serving Radoniqi unit and administrative building and the warehouse in Prizren serving Dukagjini unit.  Purchase of mechanization for operation and maintenance of Dukagjini unit. 1.4. Objectives of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment This document represents the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the Kosovo Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems (IRIS) project, developed to meet World Bank’s Environmental and Social requirements. This ESIA is prepared for investments planned to modernize the irrigation water system and service in target areas of Dukagjini plane, also subject to prioritization under the Kosovo Water Masterplan prepared under the ARDP project. It follows the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework and determines the optimal environmental and social aspects to be adopted for the Project to deliver the right environmental and social results. The detailed project design originally prepared in 2018, underwent revision as of December 2020 to align with the requirements of the IRIS project. These updates consider findings reflecting changes in the ground situation, since the project’s initial design. This ESIA is based on this revised technical design. The same updates will be incorporated into the EIA report, as required by Kosovo's EIA Law, to ensure the Environmental Consent, from MESPI. This Environmental Consent is a precondition for the start of field works. 1.5. Environmental and Social Management The Component 1 will follow the environmental review process presented schematically below. Step 1: Obtain Environmental Consent from the MESPI ESIA / ESMP is publicly disclosed and public consultations are conducted. The process is in line with WB requirements and the SEP developed for the IRIS project. According to the EIA Law in Kosovo, the EIA report will be developed by the licensed person and disclosed to the public before Environmental Consent is obtained by the MESPI. All comments/suggestions and questions shall be processed and feedback shall be incorporated into the final version of the document and captured in the minutes of the meeting. Step 2: Obtain various permits and approvals (If needed and where applicable) All consents/permits/authorizations related to construction, waste, water, electrical power connection, in line with the requirements of the national regulations shall be obtained, as appropriate. 13 STEP 3: Integration of E&S requirements in tender documents The E&S requirements will be integrated into the Contract agreements to impose the Contractors’ obligation to comply with the requirements specified in the ESIA/ ESMP. The Contractors will be required to demonstrate that all mitigation measures have been accounted for to ensure subproject implementation in environmentally and socially acceptable manner. Step 4: Implementation, supervision, monitoring and reporting Implementation of mitigation measures and environmental and social monitoring is an obligation of the Contractors compliant to ESIA/ ESMP. The PIU shall supervise the Contractor`s environmental and social performance and verify compliance with E&S requirements. The overall implementation and compliance responsibilities lie with the PIU. The PIU will report on implementation of the E&S requirements and compliance to WB in Progress Reports. Step 5. Grievance Redress Mechanism-The Grievance Redress Mechanism will be established to ensure effective solving of concerns and achieving remedies for the communities and project-affected people during the implementation of the Project. The SEP will address the Grievance Redress Mechanism in details. 1.6. Excluded Activities  Expansion and construction of new irrigation scheme, realignment of irrigation network;  Activities that would lead to the degradation of critical natural habitats, critical land areas, and clearing of forests or forest ecosystems;  Activities that will result in the involuntary taking of land, loss of assets or access that leads to loss of income sources or other means of livelihoods, and interference with households’ use of land and livelihoods;  Use of equipment and goods on lands abandoned, or the ownership of the land is disputed or cannot be ascertained;  Use of goods and equipment involving forced labor, child labor, or other harmful or exploitative forms of labor;  Activities which, when being carried out, would affect, or involve the use of, the water of rivers or of other water bodies (or their tributaries) which flow through or are bordered by countries other than the Borrower, in such a manner as to in any way adversely change the quality or quantity of water flowing to or bordering said countries. 14 2. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 2.1 Relevant National Legislation Policy, legal and administrative frameworks are the basis of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). A policy framework provides broad guidelines on areas of focus in undertaking environmental management activities in the sector. A legal and regulatory framework is essential for providing mandate, allocating specific responsibility and accountability to key actors and stakeholders, and prescribes and enforces specific operating environmental procedures and standards. Finally, an institutional framework is required to develop policies, guidelines and plans; to ensure compliance with laws and regulations; and to monitor, review and adapt policies, plans and regulations The national legislation relevant to the proposed activities in the IRIS, the main objectives of the legislation (laws and sub laws), and its relevance with the proposed project activities are presented in the following table: Table.1 List of Environmental and Social Issues covered by national laws Legislation Regulated environmental and social issues Law 03/L-025 on Is a centerpiece of Kosovo’s legal and regulatory environmental framework. Environmental Protection The fundamental purpose of the present law is to establish a basic legal framework that will promote an increasingly healthy environment for the people of Kosovo through the gradual introduction of the environmental standards of the European Union. The law addresses the prevention and reduction of pollution, environmental monitoring and highlights, among others, the principles of rational use of natural resources. According to this law, planned projects, including changes in technology, reconstruction, and extension of facilities or interruption of operations, which may result in major environmental impact or which constitute risk to human health, require prior environmental impact assessment. Art. 9 - Makes a reference to the EIA as a means for the protection of natural recourses; Art. 29 - EIA shall be an integral part of the technical documents; the Project execution cannot commence if the EIA procedure is not properly implemented. The Law 08/L-181 on Regulates procedures for identification, assessment, reporting and Environmental Impact administration of the environmental impacts of a proposed project, in order Assessment (enforced on that during decision making process by the MESPI for issuing the 06.01.2023 Environmental Consent, to provide all relevant information regarding the environment. EIA mandatory activities are listed in the Annex I of the Law In line with the Law is: while Annex II list the activities for which the MESPI decides on the EIA • AI 16/2015 on requirement. Information, Public The project for rehabilitation of the irrigation system is subject to the Annex Participation and II paragraph 1.2 “Water management projects for agriculture, including Interested Parties in the 15 Proceedings of irrigation and land drainage projects” and will be required to undergo the EIA Environmental Impact procedure. Assessment; Law 04/L-147 on Waters of Kosovo made good progress in adopting the primary and secondary legislation Kosovo- Amended / for the water sector. The primary ones are: (i) Environmental Protection Law; Supplemented by ‘Law 08/L- (ii) Law on Waters of Kosovo; (iii) Law for Regulation of Water Services; and (iv) 176 on Amending and Law on Public Health (related to the quality of drinking water) are in force. Supplementing the Laws Secondary legislation has also been adopted in accordance with the EC Containing Special directives and licensing, permit and control procedures are defined in the following fields: (a) water resource management; (b) waste management; (c) Administrative Procedures spatial/urban planning and housing and construction; (d) nature protection and their Harmonization with and biodiversity; and (e) environment protection. Law 05/L-031 on General The national authority in charge of water resources governance and Administrative Procedure’ management is the MESPI supported by the KEPA which monitors the state of the environment, including water resources. In line with this Law a set of By this Law are regulated all issues related to: surface waters, lakes, storage, Administrative instruction has reservoirs, natural resources, underground waters, wetlands, lands near the been issued as: shores of the rivers, issues related to their management, use and water • Law 03/L-198 on distribution, protection and preservation of water, protection from harmful Irrigation of Agriculture actions of water, including submergence, floods, droughts, erosion; water Lands; facilities and infrastructure, water financing and also conditions, methods and • AI 04/2016 on Criteria activities by which there can be used or released the waters. and Procedures for the In the Water Law and regulation, the permits for water use and water Protection of the Water management are defined. Flows, Banks and Art. 26 – Sets a requirement for any interventions aimed to improve, Accumulations; rehabilitate and maintain the water status to be aligned with plans for • AI 09/2017 on Instruction management of river basins. for Design, Construction Art. 58 and 59 – Define the need for classification of surface and ground waters and Use of Dams; as per their chemical and ecological status. • AI 15/2017 ‘on Criteria for Determining the Sanitary Protection Zones for Water Resources; • AI 16 /2017 on the Classification of Surface Water Bodies; • AI 17 /2017 on the Classification of Ground Water Bodies; • AI 03 /2018 on Procedures for Water Permit; Law 08/L-071 on Amending The aim of this Law on Waste is to avoid and reduce waste generation; re-use and Supplementing the Law of useful components from waste; sustainable development through the 04/L-060 on Waste protection and preservation of natural resources; preventing negative impacts of waste on the environment and human health; final disposal of waste in In line with the Law are: environmentally acceptable ways. Art 40 of the law regulates the managing of construction & demolition waste: the management procedures, including the location of storage, are defined by the municipalities. 16 • AI 01/2020 on Waste Law on waste regulates waste management, plans for environmental Management Containing management, rights and obligations of licensed persons who deal with waste Asbestos; management, manner and conditions of waste collection, transport, • AI 03/2021 on treatment, processing, storage and final disposal, import, export and waste Administration of transit, monitoring, information system and financing. Hazardous Wastes; Local governments (municipalities) are responsible for selecting and licensing • AI 15/2015 on waste (through the application of procurement procedures) of persons for collection, management of gathering, storage and transportation of solid waste, municipal, voluminous fluorescent tubes waste, waste from construction and demolition of buildings within their containing mercury; territory. • AI (MESP)-No.02/2017 for Kosovo has established a regionalized waste collection and disposal system; it a List of Hazardous Waste has the system of billing and collection that are intended to improve the According to the Origin; financial performance of the sector. • AI (GRK) No.08/2017 of Hazardous waste is managed according to the provisions of the Law on Waste Landfills Management and respective AIs. MESPI is mandated to manage the hazardous waste, in cooperation with respective institutions- ministries and municipalities. • AI 03/2015 on the The AI 01/2020 on Waste Management Containing Asbestos sets out the Environmental measures needed to manage the prevention and reduction of the negative Authorization impact of asbestos containing waste. The AI (GRK) 03/2021 on Administration of Hazardous Wastes is partly in line with Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and it defines the rules of collection, sorting, storage, transportation, treatment, disposal and packaging of hazardous waste, including asbestos. This legislation in brief, defines asbestos (and asbestos containing material - ACM), declares it a hazardous substance and bans any new use, re-use or import of ACM into Republic of Kosovo. Although Kosovo has drafted legislation on asbestos, it has not solved the problem of its disposal. Law 04/L1105 on This law sets forth the provisions governing the issuance of a construction Construction permit, the compliance with the construction permit requirements and the Laws related to traffic: issuance of an occupancy certificate within the territory of the Republic of • Law 05/l-132 on vehicles Kosovo. This law governs construction of all construction objects in Kosovo, • Law 04/L-117 on road and design, construction, reconstruction, demolition, if not otherwise ecological tax for vehicles contemplated by a special law. This law determines the main requirements for • Law 05/L-088 on Road design, construction, and use of construction materials, professional Traffic Provisions. supervision, as well as procedures for construction permits, use permits and building inspection. Law 03/L–233 on Nature Establishes a national ecological network of protected areas. The natural Protection protected areas are governed by directorates for management of national parks, natural monuments of special importance are established by the MESPI, while other categories of protected areas are run by municipality founded authorities. Authorization for interventions and activities in the strict reserve, special areas, national park, nature park, monument of nature, shall be issued by the Ministry. Authorization for works and interventions in the landscape and protected monument of architecture of the parks, issues administrative authority or competent municipal authority. Authorization shall be issued by the decision. Appeals on decision of the administrative authority or competent municipal authority may be submitted to the Ministry. 17 Law 02/L-102 on Noise The purpose of the Law is to avoid, prevent or reduce on prioritized bases, the Protection harmful effects, including annoyance, due to exposure to noise, in the environment. Art. 1 – Sets obligation for developing measures to reduce noise emitted by the major sources, in particular road and rail traffic aircraft, outdoor and industrial equipment, mobile machinery and other sources of environmental noise pollution and annoyance AI 08/2009 on Permitted Noise Emission Values and Sources of Pollution sets limit values for noise levels per different land use categories. Law 04/L-175 on the The regulates the principles, organization and inspection supervision, Inspectorate of Environment, coordination of surveillance inspection, rights, duties, powers of inspectors, Waters, Nature, Spatial rights, obligations and supervision entities, the procedure for performing Planning and Construction inspection and other important issues dealing with inspection supervision. The scope of this Law deals with the duties and powers of inspectors under the supervision of environmental fields, water, nature, urban planning and construction within the bodies of local and central level including Municipal Inspectorate for Construction and Municipal Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. Law 08/L-025 on Protection of Assigns responsibility for setting air quality and emissions standards; identifies Air from Pollution main air quality indicators; and sets obligations for protection of air quality Article 8 - Monitoring of air quality Law 08/L-116 on Amending This Law generally defines requirements for integrated management, safe and Supplementing the Law storing, permitting circulation of chemicals, use of Material Safety Data Sheet, 04/L-197 on Chemicals labelling, packaging, storing, etc. LAW 08/L-250 on Climate This Law aims to establish a comprehensive framework for developing and Change, implementing climate change policies in Kosovo. Its key objectives include defining the framework for planning and monitoring climate change policies, coordinating efforts among state authorities to mitigate climate change effects, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, monitoring progress in adaptation measures, and ensuring compliance with international treaties related to climate change. The Law on Climate Change partially aligns with EU directives and regulations focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing low-carbon development, and regulating the monitoring and reporting of emissions. Law 02/L-26 on Agriculture The Law regulates the right of the Seasonal Servitude according to the Article 9: Land If the owner or the user of agricultural land may not enter his land without crossing the land of another person, he has the right to request permission to cross through the land of the neighbor in order to carry out seasonal works. Seasonal servitude is done through a short procedure and serves until field work is completed (tillage, sowing, harvesting, transport of products and other works). Seasonal servitude, damage assessment and height of compensation is provided by the municipal body competent for agriculture, whereas damage compensation shall be done by the user of seasonal servitude. Complaint against the decision of competent body for agriculture shall not stop the execution of decision. 18 Law 02/L-88 on Cultural The objectives of this Law are the values of Cultural Heritage, created during Heritage centuries; also, legal and technical tools for inventory, documentation, selection, protection, conservation, restoration, administration, presentation and propagation of these treasures in accordance with international charters and conventions, regardless of the ownership of the Cultural Heritage under protection. This Law establishes the relations between owners, possessors and occupiers of the Cultural Heritage, be it individuals or communities or public authorities responsible for assessing the Cultural Heritage. It also establishes responsibilities of private persons and public institutions concerning the Cultural Heritage. The Cultural Heritage within this Law include: architectural, archaeological, movable and spiritual heritage regardless of the time of creation and construction, type of construction, beneficiary, creator or implementer of a work. Law 03/L-212 on Labour Regulates the rights and responsibilities of parties that have established formal employment arrangement. It regulates employment both in the private and public sector. Law bans all forms of discrimination, and any form of forced or compulsory work. Law stipulates terms and criteria for establishing employment relationships and requirements for the working conditions, including working hours, remuneration schedule and other employment benefits. Termination of contracts and grievance mechanisms are also regulated by this law. The law establishes a social dialogue, which is further elaborated in the Collective Contract Law 04/L-161 on Safety and Set measures for improving the level of safety and health of employees at Health at Work work. It regulates working conditions at a workplace, rights of employees and employer obligations, in general. According to this law employer employing up In line with the Law are: to fifty (50) employees, if competent, can personally take over the responsibility for implementing measures determined by this law; Employer • Regulation (MLSW) employing over fifty (50) employees and less than two hundred and fifty (250) 02/2021 on Workplace employees, is obliged to appoint an expert, for carrying out tasks related to Risk Assessment; safety and health at work; Employer employing over two hundred and fifty • Regulation (MLSW)- (250) employees should engage one (1) or more experts to carry out activities 07/2017 on the related to safety and health at work. Protection of Employees Art. 2 - General principles for prevention of occupational hazards, elimination from Risk Related to of hazardous and accidents factors, information, consultation, balanced Exposure to Asbestos at participation in improving the occupational safety and health, treatment of Work; employees, their representatives and general guidelines for implementing such principles. Art. 4 - Government of the Republic of Kosovo establishes the National Council on Safety and Health at Work, which proposes, recommends and develops policies regarding the improvement of occupational safety and health and continuously monitors employees’ occupational safety and health. The Regulation (MLSW)-02/2021 on Workplace Risk Assessment lays down the minimum requirements necessary for the protection of the employees from the risk Regulation (MLSW)-No.07/2017 on the Protection of Employees from Risk Related to Exposure to Asbestos at Work related to exposure asbestos at work. The requirements of the Regulation shall apply to activities in which employees, during the work, are or are likely to be exposed to dust arising 19 from either or both asbestos and materials containing asbestos. This Regulation sets the measures for demolition works, safety information on handling asbestos waste, exposure limit values, training for workers and labeling of asbestos waste. Law 04/L-174 on Spatial Purpose of this Law is to provide a sustainable and balanced development of Planning spatial planning throughout the entire territory of Kosovo as a common national value, through good governance, rational use of space, environmental and cultural heritage protection. Purpose of this Law is to provide sustainable governance, efficient use of public funds, preconditions for balanced economic development, sustainable space regulation, ensuring equal treatment, provision of free movement, and adequate access to public services for citizens. This Law determines the basic principles of spatial planning, methodology of spatial development and regulations, types, procedures, contents as well as the responsibilities of the administrative entities at central and local level for the drafting and implementation of spatial planning documents, administrative supervision for enforcement of this Law, and related activities undertaken in spatial planning and territorial regulation in the Republic of Kosovo. Law 04-L-013 on Cadaster The Law regulates the Cadaster of immovable property, national and cadastral surveys, geodesic and cadastral works as affixed to the land, business buildings, residential buildings etc.) as well as acquisition, registration, record keeping, maintenance and use of cadastral data. The Cadaster shall serve as basis for the registration of real rights by the creation of cadastral units for parcels, buildings, part of buildings and utilities as well as for reconstruction of cadastral information. The Cadaster supports activities of natural and legal persons for administrative, legal, economic and scientific purposes. All Kosovo local and central institutions dealing with land, buildings, parts of buildings and utilities, shall use the data and cadastral units, which are defined in Cadaster. Law 03/L-154 on Property and The Law governs the creation, content, transfer, protection, and termination of other Real Rights real rights. It also regulates ownership and, as limited real rights, possession, real security rights and real rights of use. These limited real rights may be created in ownership and in other suitable real rights. Ownership and other real rights can only be limited or taken away against the lawful holders’ will in accordance with conditions and procedures as defined by the applicable laws. The provisions of this law do not apply to real rights in public or common assets, which are subject to specific legislation, unless specifically provided otherwise in this law. Law 03/L –205 on Kosovo legislation that regulates involuntary resettlement and livelihood Expropriation of Immovable restoration is based on the legal framework for expropriation. The Property expropriation process of immovable property in Kosovo is governed by the Law 03/L –205 on amending and supplementing Law 03/L-139 on Expropriation of Immovable Property. The Law guarantees that the expropriation of private property occurs for public interest only and within a fair compensation process. 20 Strategies, plans and other documents The proposed project is also fully aligned with - Kosovo Irrigation Master Plan which considers irrigation as a sector at a crossroad of three major sectors: Land, Water and Agriculture happening into a Kosovo global environment. - Kosovo Water Strategy 2017 – 2036 which addresses the most important water related issues including irrigation of agricultural land with the purpose to offer an integrated and sustainable development of the water sector. - The vision and objectives of Kosovo Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development 2022 – 2028, to develop a competitive and innovative agri-rural sector based on modern knowledge, technology, and standards, offering high-quality products in the domestic market, the region, and the EU, as well as sustainable development of natural resources and the environment, providing economic activities and employment opportunities, social inclusion and quality of life for residents in rural areas. Kosovo has not been recognized by treaty depositaries as a state that can ratify treaties and international conventions. However, most of the International Conventions with regard to the Environment, Public Participation and Labor issues have been translated into the Kosovo legislation. - UNESCO World Heritage Convention (November 1972) is not adopted as the Kosovo is not member of UNESCO however the principles of the Convention are embedded on Kosovo Cultural Heritage Law (No: 02/L-88); - International Convention on Economics, Social and Cultural Rights (New York, 16 December 1966). Its principles and the rights deriving from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and Convention on the Rights of the Child are enshrined in the Constitution of Kosovo, article 22; - Conventions of the International Labor Organization are present in Kosovo legislation: efforts are directed to strengthening the capacity of employers’ and workers’ organizations in addressing economic and social issues, including the integration of Child Labour Convention (no: 138 and 182) principles into the Kosovo legislation. EIA Procedure and Permitting EIA Procedure The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure has been referenced into the Law on Environment Protection (Chapter II, Articles 9, Chapter IV, Article 29 and Chapter VI, Article 57) and prescribed on the Law on EIA (No. 08/L-181). In compliance with Article 7 of this Law, an environmental impact assessment is required for every public or private project listed in Annex I or Annex II of this Law, which is likely to have significant effects on the environment by virtue, inter alia, of its nature, size or location. All projects which are listed in Annex I shall be obliged to undergo the EIA procedure, while projects listed in Annex II shall be examined, case by case and in accordance with the criteria set out in Annex III, in order to determine whether they must require an EIA. The procedures for the approval of an EIA report are defined by Chapter III of the Law on EIA No.08/L-181 on. A construction permit or any other permit for any project referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 of this Article shall not be issued to the applicant and he cannot start 21 with execution of the project until obtaining the Environmental Consent. The Environmental Consent precedes the construction permit, or any other permit for each project specified in paragraphs 1 and 2. EIA procedure includes the following phases: (1) screening; (2) scoping and (3) review of EIA Report. Public disclosure is regulated with the Administrative Instruction (AI) No.16/2015 on Information, Public Participation and Interested Parties in the Proceedings of Environmental Impact Assessment. The Applicant shall prepare a notice for public debates and ensure it is published in at least one daily newspaper and placed on the notice board of the Municipal Assembly in which the project will be implemented. The required content of the Notice is presented in Article 8(2). The public debate(s) shall be held within thirty (30) days after the publishing of the notice in the newspaper and the placement of the Notice on the notice board of the Municipal Assembly. The Applicant shall bear all the costs of preparing the EIA report, the public debate(s) review and consultation process; In accordance with the Kosovo Law No.08/L-181, on Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) the IRIS project activity falls under Annex II paragraph 1.2 “Water management projects for agriculture, including irrigation and land drainage projects”. Also, in accordance with the Environmental and Social Framework of the World Bank Policy, the Project is related with the Environmental and Social Standard 1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts. Permits and authorizations The MESPI, as the competent authority designated for the implementation of the EIA law, performs the screening of the projects, gives opinions about the types of information that applicants need to provide, and issues environmental consent/permit. The MESPI is in charge of issuing various consents, approvals and permits at different stages of the Project planning process. Environmental Consent (approval of the ESIA Study), in accordance with the EIA law. Managing hazardous waste is regulated in such a way that only authorized companies can be involved in the collection, storage and/or export. Temporary storage of hazardous waste is envisaged at so called ‘Collection Centers’, but none has been installed in Kosovo to date. Any temporary storage of hazardous waste generated during the construction of the Project shall be at locations that have obtained a permit/authorization for this purpose. Moreover, MESPI has also in place AI 01/2020 on Waste Management Containing Asbestos, which explains the procedures on handling and disposal of this type of waste. For non-hazardous waste there are licensed companies as well providing services for handling and proper disposal of those wastes. There isn`t any permit required for establishing surplus material disposal sites according to the current Kosovo legislation, however, there is a need for environmental authorization which serves as a temporary permit1. According to the practice, the locations of the temporary surplus material disposal sites are agreed upon between the Contractor and the municipality on which territory the excess material will be disposed of. The temporary sites, will be developed in accordance with requirements of the Administrative Instruction 08/2017 on management of the landfills, which means that all necessary precautions need to be taken, so that any negative environmental impacts are prevented. Since the site is for temporary use, the 1 https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID=10735 22 authorization is also valid temporarily, meaning that after project related activities are finished the land reclamation process should take place. The MESPI on the other hand monitors the disposal site selection process, the disposal methods and the land reclamation of the site. 2.2. The World Bank requirements The World Bank Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) 2018, sets out the WB commitment to sustainable development, through its Policy and 10 Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) that the Borrower (in this project Borrower refers to the Recipient of a Grant).and the project will meet through the project life cycle. The ESSs are in place to ensure that programs are avoiding and mitigating adverse environmental and social impacts. By following the ESS it is also possible to improve the environmental and social management of projects as these aspects are being considered in the planning and design which influences decision-making. The WB requires all environmental and social risks and impacts of the project are addressed as part of the environmental and social assessment conducted in accordance with ESS1. Furthermore, ESS2-10 obliges the proposed project to identify and address environmental and social risks and impacts that may require particular attention. For the IRIS project, the following standards apply ESS1, ESS2, ESS3, ESS4, ESS5, and ESS10. Therefore, the outlined ESSs are principles for ensuring the sustainability of the IRIS project through the proper implementation of identified mitigation measures. Table 2 describes the applicability of the policies stated earlier to the proposed project. 23 Table 2. ESSs that are considered relevant to the Project at the time of assessment Environmental Objectives Applicable Relevance ESS and Social Yes No Standard ESS1 Assessment and ● To identify, evaluate and manage the Yes ● Project activities under the Component 1 of IRIS Project Management of environmental and social risks and impacts are expected to have E&S impacts. Environmental of the project in a manner consistent with ● Predicted project activities for rehabilitation and and Social Risks the ESSs. modernization of the irrigation system Radoniqi-Dukagjini and Impacts ● To adopt a mitigation approach. may cause moderate adverse impacts, during reconstruction ● To adopt differentiated measures so that and operational phases. adverse impacts do not fall The rehabilitation and modernization works include the disproportionately on the disadvantaged or construction of a regulation structure - installing flowmeters vulnerable, and they are not disadvantaged and pressure valves, construction of manholes, replacement in sharing development benefits and of the old pipes with new ones, and installation of the opportunities resulting from the project. SCADA system. ● To utilize national environmental and In this case the ESIA /ESMP is applied. social Institutions, systems, laws, regulations and procedures in the assessment, development and implementation of projects, whenever appropriate. ● To promote improved environmental and social performance in ways that recognize and enhance the Borrower ESS 2 Labour and ● To promote safety and health at work. Yes ● The Project will prepare standalone Labor Management Working ● To promote fair treatment, Procedures (LMP). The LMP will set out the manner in which Conditions nondiscrimination and equal opportunity project workers shall be managed in accordance with of project workers. national law and consistent with the WB ESSs. ● ESS2 also addresses the necessity of mandatory use of PPE, for all workers. ● Occupational Health and Safety Plan is mandatory and ● To protect project workers, including should be developed by the Contractor /Subcontractors vulnerable workers such as women, where there is at least minimum risk for the health and persons with disabilities children (of safety of engaged workers on this project. 24 working age, in accordance with this ESS) The use of PPE and regular health checks for all workers and migrant workers, contracted workers, engaind on any of the planned project activities will be part community workers and primary supply of the care for worker’s health and safety. workers, as appropriate. ● To prevent the use of all forms of forced labor and child labor. ● To support the principles of freedom of association and collective bargaining of project workers in a manner consistent with national law and consistent with the WB ESSs. ● To provide project workers with accessible means to raise workplace concerns. ESS 3 Resource ● To promote the sustainable use of Yes ● It is expected that during the project implementation, Efficiency and resources, including energy, water and raw limited air emissions will be generated from use of a raw Pollution materials. materials from borrow pits, concrete, project vehicles, traffic Prevention and ● To avoid or minimize adverse impacts on in the project areas, and fugitive dust will be generated Management human health and the environment by during the dry season. Those most likely to be affected are avoiding or minimizing pollution from workers and communities living within proximity of planned project activities. activities. ● To avoid or minimize project related emissions of short and long-lived climate ● Proposed project activities and generated emissions may pollutants. cause risks and adverse impacts on air quality, climate ● To avoid or minimize generation of change, water and soil quality. For that reason, it is hazardous and non-hazardous waste. recommended the Borrower to consider ambient conditions ● To minimize and manage the risks and and apply technically and financially feasible resource impacts associated with chemicals use. efficiency and pollution prevention measures in accordance ● Since activities involve construction with the mitigation hierarchy works, the main risk is that contractor/subcontractors will not be ● The relatively short-term and small-scale nature of works aware of best practices for avoiding or suggests that noise levels will not be excessive or cause long- 25 minimizing pollution from project activities term nuisance. The construction civil works will, however, a or avoiding or minimizing adverse impacts present short-term nuisance at some of the project sites. on human health and the environment. A site-specific ESMP will serve as a guideline ● Also worth noting is the hazardous and nonhazardous for contractor to implement appropriate wastes that may be generated by project activities although pollution prevention and management these are to be managed in the line with the waste measures while for simple construction management regulations. works the ESMP Checklist. Good construction practices will be applied to minimize these negative impacts. Hazardous materials will not be used for the Project and no large amount of hazardous waste (chemicals, asbestos, etc.) is expected to be generated through its implementation. Therefore, no tangible negative impacts on human health and the environment are expected. Inclusion of due mitigation measures, such as proper storage, handling, and disposal of various types of waste (including asbestos) into the site-specific ESMPs, and define institutional responsibilities for monitoring the application of mitigation measures by contractors. Waste disposal will be undertaken in compliance with the national legislation and in line with the Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) and Environmental Social Health, and Safety Guidelines of the World Bank Group (ESHS Guidelines of WBG). All natural construction materials needed for the Project (sand, stones, timber, etc.) will be obtained from licensed quarries and certified timber suppliers. ESS 4 Community ● To anticipate and avoid adverse impacts Yes ● The civil works will be undertaken in the Component 1 of Health and Safety on the health and safety of project- the IRIS Project. Issues related to infrastructure and affected communities during the project equipment safety that could impact on affected life cycle from both routine and non- communities during construction, operation and routine circumstances. decommissioning activities of the project. ● To promote quality and safety, and This will include reparation of the existing pipe network 26 considerations relating to climate change, structures thought the irrigation network and farmers land, in the design and construction of therefore ensuring affected communities’ health and safety infrastructure, including dams. throughout the construction phase will be considered. ● To avoid or minimize community exposure to project- related traffic and ● Traffic/Road Safety - Construction can disrupt road safety risks, diseases and hazardous homesteads, community safety and health through emission materials. of dust, noise, and increased generation of solid waste. In ● To have in place effective measures to addition, chemicals used in might affect project affected address emergency events. persons. The E&S instrument site specific ESMP/ESMP ● To ensure that the safeguarding of Checklist should also have a respective traffic management personnel and property is carried out in a plan. manner that avoids or minimizes risks to The construction sites will be adequately managed and the project affected communities. access from outside will be controlled, proper signage provided, etc. to minimize exposure of community members to the hazards at construction sites. Activities to rehabilitate and improve access to irrigation solutions for farmers are expected to generate limited social risks and impacts that will be low in scale. ESS 5 Land Acquisition, ● This ESS provides guidance project- Yes ● The rehabilitation of pipe networks will consist of digging Restrictions on related land acquisition or restrictions on soil, which do not require land acquisition, but might cause Land Use and land use which may cause physical damage to farmer crops or existing trees and plants – the Involuntary displacement (relocation, loss of residential Borrower will be required to address any impacts on assets Resettlement land or loss of shelter), economic and affected persons livelihoods. displacement (loss of land, assets or access The owners will eventually have their land back in its original to assets, leading to loss of income sources condition with the caveat that at any time in the future, the or other means of livelihood), or both. The Irrigation Company can have access to the underground term “involuntary resettlement” refers to pipes if required. these impacts. Resettlement is considered involuntary when affected persons or The RDIC is already under seasonal servitude right and communities do not have the right to standard procedures in place. refuse land acquisition or restrictions on ● Land acquisition is expected under the project for the 27 land use that result in displacement. Subcomponent 1.2 The SCADA will require expropriation of the small scale of the private and public land for manholes construction and for installation of the electric poles. To manage the ESS5-related impacts, the Project will be prepared prior to Appraisal a brief RPF as a package with other documents and this ESIA study. Resettlement Action Plans (RAPs) will be prepared when necessary for project activities that involve land acquisition ESS 6 Biodiversity ● To protect and conserve biodiversity and No ● According to the Project design, the interventions are not Conservation and habitats. expected to affect areas of high conservation value, natural Sustainable ● To apply the mitigation and the or critical ecosystems, as Project activities will be conducted Management of precautionary approach in the design and in previously disturbed areas. Living Natural implementation of projects that could have Resources an impact on biodiversity. The RDIC is not expected to pass through or implement any ● To promote the sustainable management activity in vicinity of protected areas, sensitive or critical of living natural resources. habitats. Therefore, the standard is not related. ● To support livelihoods of local However, there may be temporary disturbance and limited as communities and inclusive economic well as temporary biodiversity loss due to works including development, through the adoption of access on the existing places in nature areas within the right practices that integrate conservation needs of way. and development priorities Some project activities will be performed on agricultural land, fallow land and meadows and may affect farmer’s crops, small mammal or, reptiles. ESS 7 Indigenous No ● This standard is not applicable to this Project given the fact Peoples/Sub- that in Kosovo, there are no any social or cultural groups of Saharan African specific characteristics defined in ESS 7. Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities 28 ESS 8 Cultural Heritage ● To protect cultural heritage from the No ● All project activities and investments will occur outside the adverse impacts of project activities and locations that are known to hold cultural heritage. They will support its preservation take place in the existing irrigation network and the chances ● To address cultural heritage as an therefore, affecting cultural heritage are not foreseen. integral aspect of sustainable development ● To promote meaningful consultation ● However, if during the works there might be chance with stakeholders regarding cultural findings, the site-specific ESIAs/ESMPs will include Chance heritage Finds Procedures which will set out how chance finds associated with the project will be managed. They will include a requirement to: notify relevant authorities of found objects or sites by cultural heritage experts; fence-off the area of finds or sites to avoid further disturbance; conduct an assessment of found objects or sites by cultural heritage experts; identify and implement actions consistent with the requirements of this ESS and national law; and train project personnel and project workers on the chance finds procedure. ESS 9 Financial No ● This standard is not applicable as the project does not Intermediaries envision involvement of financial intermediaries. ESS 10 Stakeholder ● To establish a systematic approach to Yes ● The Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) has chart the Engagement and stakeholder engagement that will help general rules for information dissemination and engagement Information Borrowers identify stakeholders and build of all project stakeholders (farmers – direct beneficiaries, Disclosure and maintain a constructive relationship commercial agribusiness that use the products for with them, in particular project-affected processing, Local Governments, farmer’s association on a parties. national level and the regional level, MAFRD (the Irrigation ● To assess the level of stakeholder Department, extension service), Radoniqi-Dukagjini interest and support for the project and to irrigation company. enable stakeholders’ views to be taken into account in project design and ● A Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) to handle environmental and social performance. complaints by project affected persons regarding adverse, ● To promote and provide means for temporary or permanent project impacts will be put in 29 effective and inclusive engagement with place. project-affected parties throughout the An effective mechanism will be established, the project life cycle on issues that could process/procedure to receive and facilitate resolution of potentially affect them. stakeholders’ concerns and grievances. This mechanism will ● To provide project-affected parties with be part of the SEP document that will embrace all phases of accessible and inclusive means to raise the project. issues and grievances, and Stakeholder engagement is crucial throughout the project cycle. ● Develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) to include engagement with relevant directly affected populations. ● To ensure that appropriate project information on environmental and social risks and impacts is disclosed to stakeholders in a timely, understandable, accessible and appropriate manner and format. ● A Grievance redress mechanism (GRM) to handle complaints by project affected persons regarding adverse, temporary or permanent project impacts will be put in place allow. 30 3. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND CONSIDERATION OF ALTERNATIVES Project Description The IRIS project envisages the rehabilitation and revitalization of three large subsystems (Janosh, Qerim and 'D') and the modernization of the Radoniqi-Dukagjin irrigation network through the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system with the purpose to collect information, monitor, analyze, record data and manage from/ to all pumps, pools, systems for regulation, control, supervision and management. The rehabilitation of the subsystems includes the replacement of different profile gate valves, broken pipes and fittings, the rehabilitation of pump stations with their basins, construction of new regulating structure for measuring the water consumption by the placement of metering valves in the main canal. 3.1. Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation network Radoniqi and Dukagjini are two separate irrigation schemes managed by the RDIC as one integral system. Each scheme operates on separate basis, as individual working unit. The company provides irrigation service to around 40.000 farmers, 5300 families and 29 business and industry customers and is responsible for the maintenance of the irrigation and drainage system. The system covers a size of approximately 13000 hectares. Project area covers 53 cadastral zones of the three municipalities: 18 in Gjakova, 13 in Rahovec and 22 in Prizren. Radoniqi Dukagjini Radoniqi Dukagjini Ura e Anadrini i ‘D’ ‘R’ Janosh Qerim Ciflak Ratkoc Doblibare Rogove terezive ulet (D1, D3, D3) (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6) Fig 1-The diagram of the Radoniqi Dukagjini Irrigation scheme Based on the topology and water supply basins, the Radoniqi irrigation scheme is divided in to eight subsystems: ‘Janosh’, ‘Qerim’, ‘Ciflak’, ‘Ratkoc’, ‘Doblibare’, ‘Ura e terezive’, ‘Rogove’ and ‘Anadrini i ulet’ while Dukagjini irrigation scheme is divided in to two subsystems: ‘D’ and ‘R’. The irrigation system provides regular and sufficient water for irrigation from April when the irrigation season begins until September (6 months). The maximum demand for water is during July while in April and September, the demand is only 25% of the maximum demand. In addition, during one day (24 hours) the peak of the demand is during the driest period 18-20 hours, hence in the period from 10PM to 4AM the demand drops to only 10% of the peak demand. 31 3.2. The Radoniqi irrigation scheme Radoniqi irrigation scheme extends in the municipality of Gjakova, Rahovec and partially in Prizren. This scheme is modern one, built in the late eighties and has irrigation capacity for around 9,300 hectares. Water is derived from the Radoniqi water basin, accumulated in Radoniqi Lake with capacity of 113Mm³ and a maximum level of 456.4 m.a.s.l It starts from the main canal. The scheme spreads to the village Marmull covering the rural area of the settlements Skvijan, Tarkaniqi, Qerim and Gjakov-e Jashte qytetit. From the village Marmull the scheme divides in two directions, one expanding to north upstream of Drini i Bardhe River covering areas of the settlements Radoste, Ratkoc, Dejne and Qiflak. The second part spreads downstream along the course of Drini i Bardhe river to the village Pirane. In this area are the settlements Xerxe, Fortese, Rogove, Romaje and Krushe e Madhe. Main feature of Radoniqi scheme is a very dense pressurized network covering an area of 8,600 hectares, of which 4,579 hectares are irrigated every year. Project area of the scheme spans by height from altitude 293m.a.s.l near River Drini i Bardhe and up to altitude 455m.a.s.l above the village Janosh. The irrigation scheme suffers from ageing and needs rehabilitation of the canal lining, as well as reconstruction of the appurtenant structures The technical solution of the Radoniqi irrigation system consists of intake on the reservoir Radonqi, the main canal (open and closed), pump stations and basins on which sub systems are connected. Radoniqi irrigation scheme does not face any difficulties with a lack of water. Water supply to the main canal is regulated thought two needle valves placed at outlet structure downstream the dam. Along the main canal there are three basins (B9, B10, B11) and one regulating structure which are dividing canal in four characteristic sections: Ratkoc, Qerim, Marmull and Bistrazin. Fig 2- Radoniqi Irrigation scheme (source: Feasibility Study for the Rehabilitation Works in the Radoniqi-Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme) 32 Six sub systems are connected directly to these basins, while for the upper zones there are two pump stations which are pumping water to basins (B0, B2) above the canal. Currently subsystems Janosh and Qerim subsystems are not working due to technical problems, therefore the project will focus in rehabilitation in both subsystems. The replacement of the not functional hydro mechanical equipment is foreseen (valves, air valves, outlets). Also, sectorization is applied at secondary network level, with application of volumetric flow meters. The rehabilitation of pumping stations and consideration of energy-efficient variable speed pumps linked to the SCADA system are foreseen. The existing regulating structure will be replaced with a chamber with motorized needle valves, which will take the role form the existing radial gates, thus allowing a permanent and precise flow rate control. The water consumption derived from the main canal to the fields, will be measured. Damaged Hydro mechanical equipment will be replaced with new and modern equipment, which will allow better and precise regulation and operation of the canal. This equipment is foreseen to be connected to telemetric SCADA system, which will collect information, monitor, analyze, record data and manage from/to all pumps, pools, systems for regulation, control, supervision and management. 3.2.1. Subsystem Janosh Subsystem Janosh is not in function for almost 20 years. The subsystem covers villages of: Janosh, Bec, Novosellë, Trakaniq, Palabardh, Sopot and Lugbunar. From topographical point of view, these agricultural areas are divided in two irrigation zones. Elevation difference of these agricultural areas amount to 80m. The upper zone which now called Janosh spreads between 400-434 m.a.s.l. The pedological composition of the land of this complex is: loam, loamy clay and red soil. Fig 3 – Layout of subsystem Janosh 33 This subsystem is the first that takes water from the Ratkoc canal. The system has: pump station, basin B0, distribution pipelines and the irrigation network. Currently there are in total 1,400ha under the irrigation. Via the diversion structure on the canal, the water is brought to the suction basin, located under the pump station ‘Janosh’. The pump station ‘Janosh’ was designed and built with five main pumps and one reserve with a capacity of 440l/s and 65.4m head each. Now the pump station is totally ruined, all of the equipment, hydro mechanical and electro mechanical is missing. Therefore, a total rehabilitation of the pump station is planned and installation of new and modern equipment is proposed. Smaller number of pumps will be installed i.e. only for the already built system. Regarding the representation of a private or public sector, in this subsystem 385ha of the agricultural areas are in private property while 760ha are under the public sector. 3.2.2.Subsystem Qerim The subsystem ‘Qerim’ is out of service for a longer period. This subsystem covers villages of: Qerim, Osek Pashë, Skivjan, Lugbunar and Gjakovë Jashtë qytet. From topographical point of view, these agriculture areas are divided in two irrigation zones. Elevation difference of these agricultural areas amount to 80m. The first zone, which old name is called lower zone, now called Qerim, is spread between 360-400 m.a.s.l. The pedological composition of the land of this complex is: loam, loamy clay and red soil. The subsystem Qerim is the second system that is supplied with water by pumping from the main canal. The water is transported by pipeline to the Qerim irrigation network. Downstream from the intake for the subsystem Qerim, there is a regulation structure that maintains a constant level, in order the pump station ‘Qerim’ to work as a buster station. The subsystem Qerim is supplied with water from basin B2 at an elevation of 439m.a.s.l. The pump station ‘Qerim’ is designed and built with four pumps and one backup pump. They have a capacity of 426 l/s each and 26 m head or total maximum flow of 1800l/s. Fig 4 – Layout of subsystem Qerim 34 Now the pump station is totally ruined and there is nothing left of the hydro mechanical and electrical equipment. With this project, a total rehabilitation of the pump station is planned and installation of new and modern equipment. The B2 basin is the last object on the main canal, with total volume of 3500m3. At the moment, only part of the system, which can be supplied by gravity is irrigated and functional via bypass around the pump station with a length of around 680m. In this way 210ha are irrigated. Because this subsystem is out of service for a longer period, the equipment is depreciated and for normal function of the irrigation system, is foreseen replacement of all hydro mechanical equipment: valves, air valves and outlet structures. Subsystem Qerim is a pump dependent irrigation system and the water it needs is expensive. Because of that it needs to be modernized and fully automated. Primary and secondary pipelines are with length of L=50264 m, asbestos cement pipe with diameters from Ø1000 mm to Ø125 mm and polyethylene pipes with diameters from Ø110 mm to Ø63 mm. The necessary equipment for normal operation of the irrigation network includes valves with telescopic extension spindle fittings and manholes with service valves; air valves; outlet structures; hydrant; water meter manholes. In order to control the consumption of water and control the water losses in the system, volumetric flow meters on sectors of the secondary network are foreseen. These volumetric flow meters provide continuous measurement and storage of flows, which will provide a better insight into the operation of the system. Fig 5 - Example application of volumetric flow meters at Janosh and Qerim subsystems Subsystem Qerim covers an area of 1663ha. In this subsystem, 374ha of the agricultural areas are in private property and 1289ha under the public sector, administered by the KTA. 35 3.3. The Dukagjini irrigation scheme The Dukagjini irrigation scheme is situated in the municipality of Prizren, in the south part of Kosovo and is comprised of two subsystems: ‘R’ with irrigation capacity for 3,500ha and ‘D’ with for 1,500ha. The Dukagjini irrigation scheme is constructed in beginning of the sixties and is partially traditional partially modern irrigation system. The scheme spans by height from altitude 291m.a.s.l near Lumbardhi i Prizrenit river and up to altitude 441m.a.s.l north of Prizren. The scheme does not have an accumulation reservoir. It derives water from Lumbardhi i Prizrenit river before the river crosses the city of Prizren, and therefore the quality is good for distribution to the fields (with the exception of a limited area of about 150 -250 hectares that derives water by means of a weir after Prizren). For the subsystem ‘R’, the rehabilitation was carried during 2022 in the ‘R5’. The investments during this project are foreseen in the “D’ subsystem, in the rehabilitation of pumping stations, replacement of the not functional hydro mechanical equipment (valves, air valves and outlets), replacement of old and damaged pipes. For future insights into the operation of the system, flow measurement is also proposed, by application of free flow meters at crucial points in the main distribution canals. Over the years the Dukagjini irrigation scheme was neglected, also here is the urbanization of the town of Prizren that at parts overlaps with the irrigation system are the main problems and reasons of the poor present state of this scheme. Due to the urbanization, there is 32% loss of the original irrigation area: the subsystem ‘R’ has an irrigation area of around 2400 ha while subsystem ‘D’ 1000ha. Fig 6. Dukagjini Irrigation Scheme with expansion of urbanization in the town of Prizren 36 3.3.1. Subsytem ‘D’ In the subsystem ‘D’, the rehabilitation of Gate G2 and manholes along the network will be carried out. The technical solution of the irrigation subsystem ‘D’ consists of intake structure on Lumbardhi i Prizrenit River, main canal systems (open and closed) and irrigation network. In the ‘D’ subsystem, the rehabilitation of G and I manholes along the network will be carried out The intake structure G2 for the subsystem ‘D’ is located in the town of Prizren and needs rehabilitation of the construction part. The hydro mechanical equipment is in poor condition and needs complete replacement. After the intake structure G2 the main canal is converted in pipeline with concrete pipes with diameter of Ø 1300mm the first 1300m and with diameter Ø 800mm the rest 902m. In this process 142m are left out and remained as open canal. Due to the urbanization of the city of Prizren as well as other impacts (throwing all type of waste in the canal), the canal does not function properly i.e. doesn’t deliver the designed flows. At the invert elevation of the canal, placement of reinforced concrete pipes with a diameter of Ø1300 mm is foreseen. Fig.7. Cross section of intake structure G2 (subsystem D) Secondary pipelines D1, D2 and D3 are connected at certain points at the canal through distribution shafts. Due to the urbanization in the town, part of the section D3 is lost. Material of the secondary pipelines is asbestos cement with different diameters, ranging from Ø600 mm to Ø175 mm. The asbestos cement pipeline, is no longer produced and the replacement of those pipes will be with polyethylene pipes. The irrigation in this subsystem is done by surface irrigation. The water is distributed to the users through overflow shafts located on the main pipeline, from where the water is distributed to the fields by earth canals. The water is derived from secondary pipelines with all appropriate fittings, controlled by valve, equipped with an extension spindle and discharged into the outflow manholes. For the most of these manholes, rehabilitation is planned with appropriate materials in order to prevent further destruction of the concrete parts as well as complete replacement of the gate valves. For others (small amount, which are completely deteriorated) completely new manholes are foreseen. To prevent erosion at the start of the earth canal, i.e. manhole overflow, concrete canal lining is foreseen with a length of 1.0m. This measure will decrease water losses (compared to the present situation). 37 The necessary equipment for normal operation of the irrigation network covers: valves with telescopic extension spindle fittings and manholes with service valves; air valves; outlet structures; water meter manholes; irrigation manhole. The irrigation in this subsystem ‘D’ is done by surface irrigation and the water is distributed to the users through overflow shafts located on the main pipeline. Fig 8. Subsystem D network 3.4. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) A supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) automatized system have the monitoring and control capabilities that introduce a new age in terms of data collection, equipment management and network efficiency of the IRIS. SCADA system has been developed to monitor and control irrigation system performance. Monitoring center is envisaged in accordance with EN IEC standards, and local regulations. It is planned to be located in Gjakova, which should provide for a special section for equipment and personnel. It should create an opportunity to collect all data from all the individual units in order to monitor, manage, control and analyze. The whole thing should be redundant, cyber-attacked, with the ability to limit the features and faces of certain people, to provide video surveillance integration with the ability to alert in certain situations. Equipment is foreseen to be connected to telemetric SCADA system, which will collect information, monitor, analyze, record data and manage from/to all pumps, pools, systems for regulation, control, supervision and management. The SCADA system will optimally manage the operation of the pumps, reduce the pressure in the network and control the consumption of water. This will allow for continuous monitoring and analysis of data (conditions, events, possible errors, alarms, management, control) with the aim of continuous improvement and efficient management, optimization and sustainability of the water resource, equipment and activities of the operators. 38 It should be provided with a public fixed IP address from communication providers onto the Internet in order to unite the other locations through the GSM network. Also, this SCADA needs to meet all European standards for data protection and protection against cyber-attacks. Local SCADA control points - Local SCADA units with be provided at each pumping station along the line where staff will be provided for local operation and monitoring. The SCADA system is intended to integrate the communication and management houses that will be set up after the extension of the channels to places where there are planned devices for management, control, monitoring, sensors as well as communication routers with access protection to external persons. For routers, SIM cards should be provided, which will enable them to build a network in which they will communicate and transmit data to each other and to the central location. As redundancy, to anticipate industrial VPN routers for extreme working conditions that will be prescribed to a detailed project. The solution should ensure stability and comply with the predicted hydrodynamic mode of operation, as well as to provide special conditions and procedures for freezing or shutdown. Upgrading the SCADA system - The SCADA system is planned to be upgradable and scalable, which means that it will have to answer for future upgrades or new technical or technological solutions in eventual system development. 3.5. Project alternatives The Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study looked at a number of development scenarios for the proposed construction of RDIC. Based on the issues pertinent to each of the development scenarios, a preferred option was selected using professional judgment. The following development alternatives were considered: A. “Do-Nothing” (Zero or No-project) alternative B. Rehabilitation of existing irrigation network alternative A. ‘Do-Nothing’ alternative During feasibility studies, different project options were considered. The ‘no project’ option was not favored because the current irrigation supply demand and country’s development vision would not be met. The ‘Do- Nothing’ option implies that the site for the ‘Radoniqi-Dukagjini’ irrigation network remains in its current state. This would mean that farmers from the subsystem project areas: Janosh, Qerim and “D’ would continue to practice rain-fed agriculture (with a most people practicing of water abstraction from wells) due to un- functional irrigation system network in those parts of the network. This would negatively affect food security in the area, especially in the current global food crisis. In addition, farmers would not have adequate farm produce to sell to enable them to have money to support their families. However, there will be continuing loss of water due to poor maintenance (especially in this time of climate change, when saving water is very necessary) which is estimated to be more than 50%; no further expansion of irrigated lands; high maintenance costs due to old and out of date pumps and other auxiliary equipment. 39 However, by not rehabilitating Radoniqi Dukagjini irrigation network there are some advantages as the anticipated negative impacts associated with the implementation of the project would not arise. The negative impacts include: no noise, air pollution, land acquisition, disturbance, threat to vegetation, waste generation as a result of the rehabilitation works for the irrigation network. It should be noted that all the IRIS projects risks are mitigatable. This Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study has proposed mitigation measures that will either prevent and mitigate the negative impacts or reduce them to acceptable levels. Such being the case the ‘Do Nothing’ scenario was not a preferred option. B. Rehabilitation of existing irrigation network alternative Rehabilitation of the proposed irrigation scheme has both advantages and disadvantages as outlined below: With rehabilitation works for the existing irrigation network there will be high possibility to increase the irrigated areas in Dukagjini plain. This investment foresees as well an increase in the energy efficiency of pumps (due to replacement) and replacing of other old electrical-mechanical structures meaning less costs for operating company due to decreased maintenance needs. Water-stressed Kosovo would benefit greatly from this project, from better use of scarce water resources. The advantages are for the all sector stakeholders (the RDIC, farmers, traders, marginalized groups, etc.): a) Increased agricultural productivity; b) Increased hectares of area provided with improved irrigation services; c) Improved overall food security and livelihoods of the farmers and the people living near the irrigation scheme; d) Overall improvement of the social wellbeing and health of the people; e) Promoting the adoption of improved agricultural technologies; f) Reduce water losses and production costs, and enabling further delivery of high-quality irrigation water to sub-systems with desired pressure and quantity g) Increased energy efficiency (due to the replacement of pumps and replacing of other old electrical- mechanical structures meaning less costs for operating company due to decreased maintenance needs h) Increase number of farmers adopting climate smart agriculture technologies and practices i) Opportunities for opening up of income generating including trade in agricultural produce; this will boost and develop the small and medium scale enterprise sector; j) Opportunities to continue learning and practicing improved agricultural methods and efficient utilization of natural resources such as land and water; and k) Increased opportunities for involvement of the marginalized groups such as women to participate in farm related income generating activities and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the community and the country as a whole. Disadvantages The development of the proposed irrigation scheme for rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation canals, and the installment of flow meter valves and poles for carrying electricity for the SCADA will introduce several negative environmental and social impacts. The anticipated key issues are related to a) consumption of water and raw materials for civil works; b) potential generation of asbestos waste c) generation of construction-related wastes; 40 d) nuisance related to traffic, dust generation, vibration, and noise; e) occupational health and safety hazards for the workforce. f) Additional project-related risks are those of social nature and could be land acquisition impacts- though minor ones, labor and working conditions, and much less those related to the communities. Considering that the anticipated negative impacts can be mitigated with sound environmental and social management practices, development of the proposed irrigation scheme therefore is the preferred alternative based on the above outlined advantages. 41 4. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT AREA - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE Chapter 4 provides data and information on the existing state of environment, economic and social conditions of the study area. Based on the environmental and social conditions and on the sensitivity of receptors, the impacts arising from the Project are identified and adequate mitigation measures for the most significant impacts are defined. 4.1. Geographic characteristics of project area Kosovo has an area of 10.887 km2 administered from seven districts, which are further subdivided into 38 municipalities2. The territory is divided into two agro-ecological areas: Rrafshi i Dukagjinit (Dukagjini Plain) (48% of the total land-area), and Fusha e Kosoves (Kosovo Plain), (52% of the total territory). In terms of water services, Kosovo is divided into 7 regions: Prishtina, Mitrovica, Peja, Gjakova, Prizren, Ferizaj and Gjilan3. Topography -Kosovo territory is characterized by a relatively mild relief, in the periphery it is surrounded by high mountain ranges. The highest peak is Gjeravica with an elevation of 2,656 m above sea level, and the lowest point is Drini i Bardhe, Vermice, located on the border with Albania (Hydro-economy of Kosovo, 1983). The topography of Kosovo ranges from the lowest point above sea level, 265m at Lake Vermice, to the highest point above sea level at 2,656m, the Gjeravica mountain peak, among the Bjeshket e Nemuna. The landscape in Kosovo is characterized by high mountains Bjeshket e Nemuna, Malet e Sharrit, Kopaoniku and low plains - Dukagjini Plain and Kosovo Plain, which are intersected by several river valleys. Fig 9. Topography of Kosovo and the project location Radoniqi irrigation area spans by height from altitude 293 m.a.s.l near Drini i Bardhe river and up to altitude 455 m.a.s.l above the village Janosh. The average altitude in the project area is 362 m.a.s.l. In terms of height distribution, 33% of the area is with altitude in the range of 390 to 455m, 67 % is in the range of 290 to 390 m from the total arable areas. In terms of present area slopes, project area belongs to a zone with minimal slopes of around 0.2% that enable area has steeper slopes around 12% in parts of subsystems Janos and Qerim where the terrain is steeper. Dukagjini irrigation area spans by height from altitude 291m.a.s.l near Lumbardhi i Prizrenit river and up to altitude 441 m.a.s.l north of Prizren. Average altitude in the project area is 375.4m.a.s.l. In terms of height distribution, 25% of the area is with altitude in the range of 390 to 441m, 75% is in the range of 291 to 390m from the total arable areas. 2 Kosovo* — Countries and regions — European Environment Agency (EEA) (europa.eu) 3 file:///C:/Users/Laura%20Gjakova/Downloads/F_KEP_D8.01.01_Water_Strategy_final-ENG%20(1).pdf 42 Geology - Kosovo has a varied geology that ranges in age from the Neo-Proterozoic to the Holocene. The geology is characterized by substantial structural features on a regional scale, including normal faulting and thrusting. The project area is located within two zones: Gjakova Cenozoic sub basin CBDG and Suhareka Cenozoic sub basin CBDS both belonging to Ophiolite belt (OB). 4.2. Climate Kosovo has a mid-continental climate, with a dominant influence of the Adriatic- Mediterranean climate in the Dukagjini Plain (through the valley of the Drini i Bardhe river), and with a lesser impact of the changing Adriatic-Aegean climate in the Kosovo Plain. The average annual rainfall is 596 mm. The average annual temperature is 10°C (lowest temperature is -27°C and highest temperature is 39°C4). Kosovo has on average 2,066 hours with sun per year or approximately 5.7 hours per day. The highest insolation value is in Pristina with 2.140 hours for 1 year, while Peja with the smallest insolation value of 1.958 hours. The maximum insolation in Kosovo occurs during July, while the lowest insolation occurs in December. The highest temperatures are recorded in the municipality of Prizren, which is located in the southern part of the country. The average wind speed in Kosovo is 1.3m/s in Peja to 2.4m/s Ferizaj. Extreme wind speeds in Kosovo are around 31m/s which occur during March and April. The main macro climatic factors affecting the climate in Kosovo include: its positioning in relation to land masses (Eurasia and Africa), water masses (Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea), air masses (tropic and arctic-maritime or continental), and the positioning of barometric systems (maximum of the Azores and minimum of Island). Main local factors affecting the climate of Kosovo include: landscape, water resources, soil and vegetation. Fig 10. Map of the average rainfall in Kosovo 4.3. Climate Change Climate change poses threats to Kosovo’s agricultural production, which is highly dependent on water and increasingly subject to water risks. Kosovo has about 1,600m3 per capita of renewable fresh water available per year. This identifies the country as a ‘water-stressed’ nation, more than its neighbors, and it also ranks among the countries with the lowest level of water resources development and storage. This makes Kosovo very vulnerable to climate change. The major concerns are given by the predicted increase in temperature in summers (+2.5°C) and the decrease of precipitation in spring and summer (10%). This will strongly impact agriculture and calls for a strategy to cope with the decrease in the available resources during the irrigation periods and the predicted increased hydrologic variability. Kosovo is yet to develop a productive and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector, while its natural resource base is being depleted and climate-related vulnerability grows. 4 Climate of Kosovo”, Riza Çavolli 1993.pdf 43 The Kosovo Climate Change Strategy 2018-2027 sets out policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and adaption to climate change. It also presents an opportunity to identify and define measures to reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change. Recognizing the impact of climate change on water resources, the strategy is for integrating adaptation measures to mitigate its effects. This includes developing policies and action plans informed by scientific research to assess and address climate change impacts on water availability and quality. Prioritizing resilience-building initiatives, such as flood protection measures and drought management programs, will be essential to safeguarding water resources in the face of changing climatic conditions. The strategy prioritizes building infrastructure to transport water between river basins, ensuring efficient water resource management. Furthermore, the Law no. 08/L-250 on Climate Change enforced since January 2024. Agricultural sector, forestry and land use is accounted for about 13% of total emissions of GHGs in Kosovo. The average monthly temperature of the air and the precipitation sums for Коsovo for the period 2020- 2070 with climate change (scenario RCP8.5) are presented in in the following table. Table 3. Average monthly temperature of the air and the precipitation sums for Коsovo 2020 -2070 with climate change (scenario RCP8.5) month I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII year Avg.Temperature (°C) 0.6 2.8 7 11 15.4 19.4 21.9 21.4 17.8 12.9 6.4 2.3 11.6 Monthly precipit. (mm) 42 34 39 44 62 53 37 34 36 40 53 49 524 The expected climate changes, decreasing of precipitations and modifications in distribution, may cause an increase of water demands for 20%. Precipitation -Kosovo has all forms of precipitation. The most important forms of precipitation include rainfall in the valleys and snowfall in high mountainous areas. The data on the annual precipitation in Kosovo, obtained from the HMI of Kosovo and from international institutions, shows that in Kosovo since 1930 until today there has been a change in the amount of precipitation with a tendency to decrease the amount of precipitation. Fig 11. Average precipitation in Kosovo, mm (l/m²), 2015-2021 44 The average annual rainfall for the period 1930-1990 was 820mm, while for the period 2001-2019, it was 674mm. The average length of snowfall is 26 days in lower parts and 100 days in higher areas of Kosovo. The total average annual precipitation in Kosovo for 2021 was 809.1mm5. Tab 4. Climate areas and average annual precipitation, 2015-2021 (Data source: HMI of Kosovo, 2021) Impact of climate change on waters6 - changes in precipitation and air temperature negatively affect the present water resources management system in Kosovo. Reduced rainfall during spring and summer, which is associated with regional reductions in annual rainfall levels and rising air temperatures, can contribute to an increased frequency of droughts. In short, the forecasted changes in precipitation volume and distribution (spatial and seasonal), combined with increases in temperature and evaporation rates, can cause more extreme events (floods and droughts) and lead to a shortage of water available during the summer months. Fig 12. Drini i Bardhë River Basin flood risks 4.4. Air The Kosovo HMI administers air quality monitoring network from 12 monitoring stations and 1 mobile station. The largest number of cases of exceedances is recorded during the autumn-winter season, which is a result of the use of fuels for heating. The PM10 and PM2.5 are exceeded mainly during the winter season. Regarding the trend of annual concentration of monitored parameters, based on annual data for the period 2013-2020, there is a significant decrease in the concentrate on of pollutants that may be related to measures taken to reduce pollution. The process of identifying sources of pollution carried out through the inventory of air emissions, shows that the largest emissions for PM10 and PM2.5 come from the small combustion sector and industry. The largest emissions for NOx come from the industry and transport sector while the largest emissions for SO2 come from industry. Although the Law on Air Quality requires the drafting of Local Air Quality Action Plans, so far only a few municipalities in Kosovo have drafted and approved such a document. 5 https://ask.rks-gov.net/media/7038/water-statistics-in-kosovo-2020-2021.pdf 6 Study on Climate Change in Western Balkans region .pdf 45 Air quality in the project area -Based on the analysis of pollution sources as well as the monitoring results, it can be concluded that energy, industry and traffic are considered the main sources of air pollution in Kosovo78. The air quality in the project area is within the set limits due to the absence of polluting sources such as industry and/or road-traffic. In the municipality of Gjakova and Prizren the air is considered polluted mainly by the traffic, generators, heating of the city, burning of the landfills. The municipality has a shortage in terms of air management; there is a lack of monitoring station and no accurate data on this issue. While there are no intensives housing and industry, moreover the channel is located far from the main roads, it can be considered that the air quality throughout the project area is good. The data on the air temperature, originating from the Hydrometeorological Institute (HMI) and from international institutions, show that in Kosovo since 1900 until today, there has been a movement of average annual temperatures with an increasing trend. The average temperature inside the country fluctuates from +30°C in summer, to -10°C in winter. The average annual temperature for the period 1930-1990 was 8.6°C, for the period 1990-2002 it was 9°C, while for the period 2003-2019, over 10°C.9. The highest temperatures are recorded in the municipality of Prizren, which is located in the southern part of the country. Annual greenhouse gas emissions in Kosovo for 2020 are estimated at 10,266 Gg (Giga grams) CO2 eq, (equivalent) or about 10.2 million tons of CO2 eq. The main source of greenhouse gas emissions is the energy sector with a share of 88% of the total emissions. The second sector is agriculture, forestry and land use with 6%. The waste sector represents 4% of the total emissions, while the industrial processes and product use sector represents about 2%10. Fig 13. Location of the Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Kosovo (Source: Kosovo EPA) 4.5. Hydrology Kosovo has limited water resources, ground and surface water. Thereby, the protection and rational usage of water resources is of vital importance for sustainable economic development of the country. The most important rivers are: Drini i Bardhë, Lumbardhi i Pejës, Lumbardhi i Deçanit, Lumbardhi i Prizrenit, Erenik, Toplluha, Mirusha, Klina, Sitnica, Llapi, Ibri, Lepenci, Morava e Binçës, Kriva Reka and Drenica. Due to its geographical position, the rivers flow in a very small part of its territory (Rivers: Ibri, Lepenci, Lumbardhi i Prizrenit and Morava e Binces) and very quickly flow out of Kosovo. Most of the rivers in Kosovo are seasonal rivers, because their flows depend on rainfalls, therefore during the summer when the request for water is at its peak, the rivers’ flow is minimal. In a year with average humidity, Kosovo rivers bring 3,6 x 109m3 of water, respectively 121,2m3/s, whereas the overall volume accumulated in existing accumulations is 569.690.000m3, which represents only 15,7% of the overall quantity. 7 https://indep.info/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/INDEP_June-2019_Air-Quality-in-Kosovo.pdf 8 http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/282361468047686579/pdf/750290ESW0P1310LIC00Kosovo0CEA0Rprt.pdf 9 Mjedisi i Kosovës 2020 Raport i treguesve mjedisor 10 https://www.ammk-rks.net/assets/cms/uploads/files/Raporti%20i%20mjedisit%202021_eng(1).pdf 46 Natural lakes are few in number and without any significant importance regarding water supply, whereas major artificial lakes are six: Ujmani, Batllava, Badovci, Perlepnica, Livoqi and Radoniqi. The ground water resources are also limited. They are mainly found in the western part of Kosovo, where the resources of surface water are also large compared to the eastern part which features fewer reserves and the south-eastern part where the need for water is very high. With an estimated quantity of 1900m3 of water capita/year, the protection, preservation and development of water resources is very important and it is an environmental challenge with a high importance regarding public health. Fig 14. Kosovo Hydrological map in context of rivers flowing at or near project (source: Kosovo Statistics Agency, Water Statistics Report 2016) For irrigation of the Radoniqi, water is used from the Radoniq Lake (dam), located near Gjakova town. This lake today supplies Gjakova and Rahovec municipalities not only with industrial water for irrigation but with drinking water, too. In the project area passes the following river: Drini i Bardhe, Ereniku and Trakaniq (a tributary of the Drini i Bardhe). Besides these bigger rivers in the project area passes small unnamed rivers. The Drini i Bardhe river enters Prizren from the north and continues towards the southwest to Albania into Adriatic Sea. 4.6. Water Quality Based on the Cadaster of Kosovo water polluters, a total of 368 water polluters were registered on the whole territory of Republic of Kosovo. Out of this number, 266 are collective polluters whereas 102 are special polluters. The basin of Drini i Bardhe with its rivers: Ereniku, Mirusha, Klina, Lumbardhi i Pejes, Lumbardhi i Deçanit, Lumbardhi i Prizrenit until at the entrance of the towns, are waters of I-st quality, whereas at the exit from the towns belong to the II –nd class. 47 All major river basins are recognized and reported as moderately or heavily polluted. Water use and pollution are expected to grow with economic development. The Drini i Bardhe is the healthiest river as it has the fewest pressures and highest water flows, but this river also gets severely polluted in its lower reaches from industrial and urban wastewater, but also agricultural nitrates and phosphates11. The most loaded rivers by the number of pollutant discharge points are: Istog river with 12 polluters, Lumbardhi i Prizrenit with 11, Drini i Bardhe with 9, Lumbardhi i Pejes with 7, and Klina river with 5 polluters. The source of the pollution results from urban and industrial water discharges, uncontrolled dumping of waste into rivers, damage to river beds from the extraction of aggregates and illegal construction as well as use of pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture. Currently, surface water quality monitoring is performed at 54 monitoring points in the river, while water quantity monitoring is performed at 26 monitoring stations. There is still no regular monitoring of the water quality of lakes and groundwater12. Radoniqi Lake13. - Artificial lake of Radoniqi is raised in dam of river Përrua in north of the town of Gjakova, in village Radoniq. Main source of supply with water is ‘Lumbardhi i Deçanit’, it secures with water near 90%. The water quality of the lake is assessed through analyzing various parameters before and after the treatment. This assessment is crucial for determining the environmental condition of the water body and identifying potential sources of pollution for both irrigation and portable drinking water consumption. The analysis of physical-chemical parameters and other parameters are conducted regularly. Based on the latest lab tests of the untreated water generally shows good quality, making it suitable for irrigation purposes. However, it requires treatment processes before it can be used for human consumption. Continuous monitoring and in-depth analysis of water quality are necessary to ensure its suitability for irrigation and human use. Additionally, a biological minimum zone is established beneath the lake to collect water discharges, which undergo similar assessments as the lake water. This monitoring is essential due to variations in water quality parameters, such as dissolved oxygen levels, especially at greater depths. Continuous monitoring and analysis are done to maintain the quality of the water and ensure its suitability for human consumption14. Wastewater. - Kosovo has not yet developed a wastewater treatment system, as it is in the construction phase of wastewater treatment plants. Wastewater treatment still remains at a low level with only 11% of the total amount of waste water. Donor support for the water resources integrated management in 2021 has recorded positive developments in this sector. The construction of the wastewater treatment plant for the Prizren region, including Junik, Lipjani has already been completed, while the other plants are in the phase of feasibility studies and realization of works. Currently, functional wastewater treatment plants are the wastewater treatment plant in Skenderaj with an annual capacity of about 734,421m3, as well as 2 wastewater treatment plants (Harilaq and Badovc) with a small capacity (104,750 m3/year). 11 Kosovo Water Security Outlook, World Bank, 2018 12 https://www.ammk-rks.net/assets/cms/uploads/files/Raporti%20i%20mjedisit%202021_eng(1).pdf 13 https://kru-gjakova.com/historiku/ 14 https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/236413525.pdf 48 Fig 15: Indicators selected by river water quality monitoring - HMIK 2018-2019 (Drini i Bardhë Basin) 4.7. Irrigation systems and Service Institutions Kosovo has two different types of irrigations schemes:  Large schemes managed by irrigation companies (Iber-Lepenc, Radoniqi-Dukagjini, Drini i Bardhe), with a total irrigated area annually between 8,000 and 12,000ha15;  Small schemes managed by local communities, scattered all over the country, with a total annual irrigated area between 5,000 and 6,000ha. This differentiation is due to choices made in the recent past and has relevant implications on agriculture in Kosovo, on new infrastructural investments, and generally speaking on water management. Historically, irrigation has been managed by irrigation providers (also identified as irrigation companies). After the war there were 6 irrigation public utilities, which later, during regionalization and incorporation process launched by the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA), have been merged forming now 3 regional irrigation companies, i.e. Iber-Lepenc, Radoniqi-Dukagjini and Drini i Bardhe. Water charges for irrigation services are set by the respective companies, i.e. approved by Board of Directors. Prices are no longer based on recoverable cost, but on marginal benefits of water used in irrigation and ‘ability to pay’ principle of repayment capacity. It does not take into account the ‘return on capital’ element too. The number of active water use associations is very low compared to about 50 that were initially created. The idea of these associations, as identified by the law, was based on the principle of assigning the management of secondary and tertiary networks to local actors. The amount of water consumed by the irrigation system in agriculture has changed from year to year. In 2021 the total amount of water spent for irrigation in agriculture was 77.69 mil.m3/year16. 15 https://ardp-ks.org/kosovo-irrigation-master-plan/ 16 https://ask.rks-gov.net/media/7038/water-statistics-in-kosovo-2020-2021.pdf 49 Tab.5. Irrigation in agriculture 2013 – 2021 mil.m3 / year Fig. 16. Irrigation in agriculture 2013 – 2021, mil.m3 / year 4.8. Soil In Kosovo, forests and forest lands represent the main category of land use 47%, agricultural lands 29%, meadows and pastures 15%, settlements 4.5%, waters and wetlands 0.6% and other lands 3.9% (according to the National Forest Inventory for 2012). It was found that there was an increase in the surface of urban, industrial and commercial areas and those for mineral extraction, while there was a loss of surface for the categories of agricultural land, pastures and forests, while the areas of green and recreational areas have remained the close to the same. In general, 7.35% of land surfaces in Kosovo have very strong erosive intensity 16.1% strong, 35.4% medium, 24.55% weak, 10.1% very weak and 6.5% without Fig 17: Map of the erosion in Kosovo erosion. The surfaces with the strongest and strong erosive potential lie mainly in mountainous areas, while those with low erosive potential and no erosion lie mainly in valleys and flat land surfaces. 50 4.9. Soil Quality Soil pollution is considered to be the presence of hazardous waste, which is usually not a product of normal pedogenic processes and which causes soil functions to collapse. Land degradation in Kosovo occurs especially along the main roads and is one of the most widespread and threatening forms of damage to land and the environment. Various reports indicate land occupation by construction, land degradation for economic activities and benefits, and unfavorable land-use decision-making, indicating a negative trend of land conservation for future generations. Land degradation is the result of several specific factors such as: natural factors (Large Precipitation and Floods, Erosion and Sliding of Earth and Drought) and human factor (Continuous building pressures from chaotic urbanism, soil compression, pollution from Economic and industrial activity (chemical pollution, corrosion interventions, road openings and river exploitation, etc.). The pollution of agricultural land in Kosovo is limited in certain area,s which are previously identified by MESPI/KEPA. From the environmental hotspot report, around 0.091 km2 of Kosovo's territory is contaminated by different pollutants, either inherited before the war or created due to different activities. But referring to the KEPA there are no hotspot in the vicinity of the Project area. These sites are not used for agricultural crops. Fig 18. Hotspot map of Kosovo 2012, KEPA 4.10. Waste management According to the Municipal Waste Management Report for 2020, waste generation is approximately 0.63 kg/capita/day, while the total amount of waste generated is about 474,153.37 tons/year/2020. Currently, at the national level about 84% of the generated waste is collected. Most of them are disposed of in sanitary landfills, while there is still no organized system of separation at the source and recycling of waste. Of seven sanitary landfills, almost all have reached their maximum capacity, so they have to be closed urgently. There are concrete plans to close the Mirash landfill in Pristina while other landfills, such as the ones in Peja and Prizren, are planned to be extended.17 Prizren (Landovicë) regional landfill (PRL), operated by the Kosovo Landfill Management Company (KLMC – state own enterprise). This landfill serves to the municipalities of: Prizren, Rahovec, Malishevë, Suhareka, Dragash, Mamusha and Gjakova. Prizren region has the highest number of illegal dumpsites in Kosovo18. The Municipality of Gjakova will provide a suitable location for the dumping of the construction waste generated during the rehabilitation works. 17 Kosovo Country Fact Sheet (1).pdf 18 Report on Municipal Waste Management in Kosovo Reporting Year 2018, KEPA-GIZ 51 4.11. Hazardous waste management In Kosovo, there is still hazardous waste, inherited from industrial and technological activities. There are no reliable data on the amount of hazardous waste generated in Kosovo. Although there is a legal obligation to report and submit waste data, in practice this is insufficiently applied. The estimated amount of hazardous waste generated in the industry of Kosovo is estimated at about 0,2% of the total amount of industrial waste produced. Currently, there is no hazardous waste landfill in Kosovo. So far, the practice of hazardous waste disposal in Kosovo has been export-oriented, but according to market principles, technical-technological capacities for the collection, storage and treatment of hazardous waste are slowly beginning to develop in Kosovo. Several companies have received permits for the collection, transport and temporary storage of hazardous waste. Also, there are several smaller specialized facilities intended for the treatment of hazardous waste, and there are certain capacities within larger industrial plants that are used for the treatment of certain types of hazardous waste. The types of hazardous waste that is being collected by authorized companies are: electric and electronic waste; waste accumulators; waste oils; pesticides, acids, alkalis, waste paints, varnishing waste, photographic chemicals, used mineral oil derivatives, contaminated packaging, contaminated suction and filter material, gases and aerosols, laboratory chemicals, lead-acid batteries, contaminated soil, waste medicines, medical waste, etc. 4.12. Biodiversity19 Due to its geographical position, Kosovo is a very rich region in terms of biodiversity. Climate and ecological conditions have enabled the presence of many species of flora, vegetation and fauna and with special emphasis on endemic and steno-endemic species. The diversity of the landscape within the country derives from the natural features as well as the activity of human society. Kosovo is also known for a high diversity of genetic resources, species and ecosystems. The reduction of the number of species of animals, plants, natural habitats and ecosystems, or even the possibility of their extinction, is a serious problem globally. There are a number of factors that threaten biodiversity such as: pollution; damage caused by industry or the discharge of oils into the environment; climate change; overexploitation of natural resources, hunting without criteria, use of agricultural land above its capacity; deforestation and loss of habitats and invasive species. Given the great importance of biodiversity, it is clear that its preservation and, above all, taking preventive measures is a very important obligation that affects its protection. Conserving biodiversity not only ensures the protection of the organisms but also supports our expectations for a higher quality of life in the future. There is no detailed data on the total number of species according to the categories of the living world, since the entire territory of Kosovo is not covered by research and the fact that during research new species of plants and animals are constantly discovered During 2020, the national register of protected areas has been increased for 7 new areas, increasing the number of protected areas to 217 areas with an area of 125816.6 ha or 11.53% of the territory of Kosovo. Despite the continuous increase in the number of protected areas and their area, efficient management of protected areas and prevention of illegal actions in these areas continues to be a problem for Kosovo institutions. There are still protected areas that enjoy special protection status which do not yet have relevant management bodies. The lack of spatial, management and regulatory plans for some of these areas is also considered to be a problem. 19 Annual report on the state of the environment for 2020, MESPI, KEPA Prishtina, August 2021 52 The monitoring of fauna through trap cameras provided information on the presence of some rare and endangered species of fauna in Kosovo. In general, there is a lack of specific programs for monitoring biodiversity specific species, in particular. During the IRIS activities, there may be temporary disturbance and limited as well as temporary biodiversity loss due to works including access on the existing places in nature areas within the right of way. Some project activities will be performed on agricultural land, fallow land and meadows and may affect farmer’s crops, small mammal or, reptiles. Indirect impacts are possible in the case of illegal waste disposal. 4.13. Flora and Fauna Kosovo within its small territory is rich in high natural values. Last decade in Kosovo progress is being made in the in the area of nature conservation. The nature protection through protected areas is an important legal tool that enables protecting the values of natural heritage and biodiversity. The protected area network that in 2003 was about 4.36 % of the territory was increased to 10.9%, reaching a satisfactory degree of protected areas. The current Protected Area System (PAS), including two national parks, natural monuments, strict nature reserves and protected landscapes, classified according to IUCN protected area designation criteria. The bulk of protected areas was till 2003, Sharr Mountain National Park. The Parku Kombëtar "Bjeshkët e Nemuna" new national park double the PAS area, almost reaching the internationally accepted norm of 10% of land area protected. Forests and forest lands in the territory of Gjakova municipality includes 25,589ha or 43% of the overall surface. Approximately 5% (approximately 3000ha) of the Bjeshkeve te Nemuna area is proposed for protection as a nations Park located in the territory of the municipality of Gjakova. The most important zones are: the mountains’ ‘Pashtrik’, forest park ‘Maja e Gllaves’, complex of black pine in Shkukez, communities of Chestnut and branches of Bjeshkeve i Nemuna, and the Location of Bujgeri Diskore and location of flowers Pashtric. The richest zone of diversity of plants and animals are part of Pashtrik and Bjeshket e Nemuna that lies on the territory of the municipality of Gjakova. In the municipality of Gjakova kinds of mammals that can be encounter are the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos), wolf (Canis lupus), Jackal (Canis aureus), fox (Canis vulpes), ringleted (Mustela nivalis), Opportunistic (Meles Meles), Stinger (Mustela putorius) etc. From birds must be distinguished: eagle of the mountains (Aquila chrysaetos), Falcon (Falcon naummani) Quail quarry (Alectoris graeca), some types of singing birds and birds of other characteristics for this region. In the water resources of this municipality these species can be found: brook trout (Salmo trutta), Bërcaku (Squalius cephalius), Carp (Cyprinus Carpio), Mlyshi (Esox Lucius). Underwaters present are: Picrraku (Salamandra salamandra), black Picrraku (Salamandra gold), Tritoni of mountains (Triturus alpestris), frogs (Bombina veriegata), toad (Bufo bufo), frogs of the red forest (Rana temporaria), mountain frogs (Rana graeca), frogs of the marshes (Rana ridibunda), etc. From reptiles can be distinguished: Mountain turtle (Testudo hermani), the green lizard (Lacerta viridis), the brown lizard (Podarcis muralis), viper (Vipera ammodytes), large water snake (Natrix natrix) home Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longisima etc). Municipality of Prizren is located on the slopes of Sharr Mountains. The periphery of Prizren is characterized with rich natural beauties and great diversity of landscapes, as well as a rich variety of plant and animal species. In Prizren, there are three natural reserves as, Maja e Arnetit, Oshljaku and Pisha e Madhe which 53 are important with their plant reserves of endemic-relict specie Bosnian Pine (Pinus Heldreicheii). The largest surface of protected areas is the National Park ‘Mali Sharr’ which is located in Prizren Municipality. In regard of the biodiversity, the Drini i Bardhe river is diverse and complex. It includes one rare species (Salmo marmoratus Cuv. 1829) endangered and listed as a protected species in Habitat Directive 92/43/EEC Annex II (Animal and plant species of community interests whose conservation requires the designation of special areas of conservation)20. The middle sector of the Drini i Bardhe river (village Klina and area in the vicinity of Gjakova town) the fish fauna composition comprises of 13 different species. The fish resources in this area include migratory species such as European eel (Anguilidae family, Anguilla anguilla L). Protected area in the Municipality are: Memorial Park ‘Cabrati’, Natural Monument and Drini i Bardhe Region at Ura e Fshejte, Natural Monument. In the project area there are not important flora and fauna, except the biodiversity in Drini i Bardhe river, as well are nor identified protected natural area. The project area is located mainly in the hilly and flat agricultural landscape terrain. Most of the project area has natural appearance, but it is considerably degraded at certain places. Numerous anthropogenic objects, related to rural living agricultural land use are distributed in the project area, especially along the irrigation systems. The terrain of the project area is covered with vegetation especially along the rivers, i.e. hilly thermophilous broadleaved forests toward the Drini i Bardhe and Lumbardhi i Prizrenit river valley, but on some places there is degraded ruderal vegetation. The project area mainly is characterized by the dominance of agricultural land with patches of human settlements and of riparian and wetland vegetation. Fig 19. Map of Protected areas in Kosovo, KEPA and the project area marked in red SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROPERTIES OF PROJECT AREA 4.14. Demography Total population in Kosovo for 2019 was 1,782,115 inhabitants.21 The total population in all three project municipalities is 328,545 persons: 177,781 in Prizren22, 94,556 in Gjakova and 56,208 in Rahovec. As to the ethnic structure, in all three municipalities, the Albanian ethnic group is dominant. Second bigger minority group are Bosnian and Turkish in Prizren, Egyptian in Gjakova and Ashkali in Rahovec. The majority of the population in these three municipalities live in villages with a trend of displacement through urban areas. 20 The Ichthyofauna of Drini i Bardhë River (Kosovo) L. Grapci–Kotor, F. Zhushi–Etemi , H. Sahiti , A. Gashi, R. [Krijelj , H. Ibrahimi 21 https://ask.rks-gov.net/sq/agjencia-e-statistikave-te-kosoves/add-news/disa-fakte-per-mjedisin-2019-2020 22 https://www.osce.org/mission-in-kosovo/municipal-profiles?page=1 54 Municipality Area (km2) Ethnic Composition Villages City/Village Councils Gjakova 586 Albanians – 87,762 91 35 Egyptians–5,117, Roma–738, Gorani – 13, Bosnian – 73, (4 urban and 91 Serbs – 17, Turks – 16, Other – 92, Not specified – 205 village councils) Prizren 640 Albanians – 145,718 74 41 Bosnian-16,896, Turks-9,091, Ashkali -1350, Serbs – 237, Roma – 2,899, Gorani – 655. Egyptian – 168, Other – 386, Not specified – 381 Rahovec 275 Albanians – 55,166 35 35 Ashkali – 404, Egyptian – 299, Serbs – 134, Roma – 84, Bosnian – 10, Turks – 2, Other – 11, Not specified – 98 4.15. Economy Kosovo has shown steady socio-economic progress since independence. In the decade before the pandemic (2010-2019), the economy of Kosovo grew by an average 4.6 % per year, which translated into almost 50 % increase in per capita income, and a 35 % poverty rate reduction. Economy in these three municipalities is generally based on small businesses and agricultural production. The economy of Gjakova municipality is based on small businesses. There are around 7,358 registered businesses in the municipality, which employ approximately 15,069 people. In Gjakova 50% of the registered companies and 40% of the employees are from the sector of service companies such as: lawyers, auto schools, pharmacies, private clinics, private agencies, etc. Prizren’s is mainly based on agriculture, trade, construction and food processing, all private enterprises. There are some 5,400 registered private businesses operating in the municipality. There is no reliable data on the number of people employed in the private sector. The economy of Rahovec municipality is mainly based on agriculture, particularly viticulture, and production of plastic, heaters, freezers and recycling. There are around 1,120 registered private businesses operating in the municipality. There is no reliable data on the number of people employed in the private sector. 4.16. Education Education in Kosovo is carried out in public and private institutions. Gjakova municipality has 42 primary schools (including pupils from non-Albanian communities), 7 secondary schools (including students from non- Albanian communities), and 1 kindergarten with 6 units (including non-Albanian communities). Municipality of Prizren - there are 51 primary schools with 26,810 pupils, 6 secondary schools with 9,608 students, kindergartens are privately run. There is also a public university in Prizren, offering lectures in Bosnian, Albanian and Turkish languages23 23 OSCE Municipal Profile, 2018 55 Municipality of Rahovec - There are 26 primary, 4 secondary schools, of which 2 primary schools and 1 secondary school, follow Serbian curriculum. There are also 6 preschool classes and 1 kindergarten. Additionally, there is also 1 regular lower music school. While number of schools remains the same, the trends that number of student is declining in the schools of Kosovo. 4.17. Health Health services in Kosovo are provided through a network of health institutions organized into three levels: primary (PHC), secondary (SHC) and tertiary (THC). The PHC system in Gjakova municipality includes: 1 main FHC center, 10 smaller health centers and 16 health houses located in different villages; 1 mental health care center. There is also SHC system which includes the regional hospital and the Occupational Health Institute. The health sector has 344 employees, including doctors, nurses and support staff; 245 women and 99 men. The PHC system in Prizren includes: 14 municipal FHC centers and 26 health houses. It has 475 employees, including doctors, nurses and support staff; 264 women and 211 men. The regional hospital in Prizren offers services to approximately 250,000 residents. It employs 778 workers, including 155 doctors. The Serbian community uses 2 healthcare facilities, located in villages Srecke and Mushnikove. All communities have access to health care and health facilities. In Rahovec there is: 1 primary FHC center, 9 family health centers and 3 health houses, with around 129 employees, including doctors, nurses and support staff. There are 2 healthcare facilities located in Upper Rahovec and in the village of Hoçë e Madhe, with 24 medical and support staff. 4.18. Public services The overall status of infrastructure in the three municipalities is assessed as good. All main roads connecting villages with the urban center are asphalted. Gjakova town is connected to water supply and sewage systems, while only 47% of the villages are connected to water supply, and none to the sewage system, and currently use alternative methods. Power supply covers the entire municipality. Water supply is functional in Prizren city and in villages. There is no sewage system in a few villages. Power supply is still a problem, especially during the winter and in the villages. Water supply system functions in Rahovec town and in a limited number of villages, but the shortages remain persistent especially in the summer. The Kosovo Serb inhabited Upper Rahovec occasionally is particularly affected due to its higher altitude, sometimes stretching for days. Power supply is still a problem occasionally, especially in the winter time, but there has been a slight improvement due to the construction of a modern transformer station. 4.19. Culture and Religion In terms of religious affiliation, all three municipalities are dominated by the Islamic religion. A total of 179 cultural heritage sites (archaeological and architectural) in Gjakova, 184 sites in Prizren, and 44 in Rahovec are included in the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport list of sites under permanent/temporary protection. 56 Gjakova municipality has a total 33 mosques and 22 tekkes (dervish lodges). There are 24 Catholic and 6 Protestant Evangelic churches. There are 4 Serbian Orthodox churches. In the Municipality of Prizren there are 24 archaeological localities, 46 Islamic sacral buildings, 39 Christian sacral buildings and 74 civilian architectural buildings (such as bridges, roads, houses, water sources and canals). The Historic Centre of Prizren is protected through a special law, the aim of which is to determine the rules for protection, administration and sustainable modern development of Historic Centre of Prizren as a site of cultural and historic heritage permanently protected and classified as a Special Protected Zone that has local, national and international values. There are 26 mosques and 3 tekkes in Rahovec municipality. There are 16 Serbian Orthodox churches and 1 Serbian Orthodox monastery. 4.20. Agriculture The land area in these three municipalities is 122,515 ha. The municipality of Gjakova had very developed agriculture. With an area of 29,420 ha of agricultural land, out of which about 8000 ha with irrigation system, intensive agricultural crops have been cultivated and orchards, viticulture etc. have been developed. As well as livestock, poultry and forestry. The municipality of Prizren has a total land area of 63,986 ha. The main agricultural crops cultivated are cereals, vineyards, fruits and vegetables. Agriculture as one of the most important sectors of the economy in the municipality of Prizren, while given the fact that about 60% of the population living in the rural mainly earn their income from agricultural activities. Rahovec has 29,109ha24 of agricultural land, which is very suitable for quality grape and vegetable production. The quality of the land ranks from I-st to IX-th class. For a few years now, farmers were faced with damage from frost, hall, and floods, and they never received the compensation they deserved. A large part of agricultural lands is under the irrigation system, but there are still parts outside of it, especially the hilly part, right where the vineyards are. 24 https://kk.rks-gov.net/rahovec/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2021/06/Draft-HZK-Rahovec-20210607.pdf 57 5. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND RISKS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 5.1. Environmental and Social Risks Rating The IRIS environmental and social risks are classified as moderate. The Project related environmental risks and impacts will mainly come from the rehabilitation and modernization of irrigation canals, new regulating structures, the installment of flow meter valves and poles for carrying electricity for the SCADA. As such, the anticipated key issues are related to (i) consumption of water and raw materials for civil works; (ii) generation of construction-related wastes; (iii) potential generation of asbestos waste (iv) nuisance related to traffic, dust generation, vibration, and noise; (v) occupational health and safety hazards for the workforce. Additional project-related risks are those of social nature and could be land acquisition impacts-though minor ones, labor and working conditions, and much less those related to the communities. Therefore, due to the medium scale and location of the civil works anticipated for the project, most risks and impacts are expected to be predictable, temporary, reversible, low in magnitude, site-specific, and with a low probability of major adverse effects to human health or the environment; in addition, such risks and potential impacts can be easily predicted and mitigated. 5.2 Impacts on the Landscape Rehabilitation phase- Anticipated impacts on the landscape during the rehabilitation phase will arise from the presence of new elements that will change the landscape temporarily due to the nature of rehabilitation works. Temporary changes will generally be associated to the physical presence of workers and construction machinery and materials during the rehabilitation phase. The impacts during the rehabilitation phase refer to those that have a temporary character. Long-term impact on the landscape are analyzed as part of the operation phase. The main activities of the rehabilitation phase that are anticipated to have short-term effects on the landscape include: - The construction site itself, where the presence of the workers, the heavy machinery, the earth movements, the deposits of construction material, the piles of waste, the nude soil, etc. could impair the local landscape, especially for the local community and nearby residents. Solid waste will be generated during the rehabiltation stage and the magnitude of the impacts is anticipated to be minor, due to the fact that the above-mentioned activities will occupy limited extensions of land, will have relatively small dimensions and will be located away from the residential areas. Operational phase- The impacts on landscape and visual aspects duing the operational phase are related with: presence of equipment and structures for irrigation, as well as increased area of farming land. Due to current functional value of the landscape, it is not expected that the irrigation activities may have negative impact on the landscape. In the oposite, the rehabilitation will improve the appearance of the infrastructure of the irrigation system and will have a positive impact on the landscape. Regular monitoring is essential for maintaining the quality and quantity of water, as well as the soil quality. Additionally, waste management from canal clearings and the maintenance of valves and equipment necessitate ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance with environmental standards. 58 Mitigation Measures for Landscape Rehabilitation phase - During construction operations, the landscape impact can be mitigated by utilizing techniques to screen the operations from observers the construction site and ancillary areas. For this, hard or soft screens can be installed around the perimeter of these sites. Operational phase- Implementing a maintenance plan is advisable, along with developing a monitoring plan for the operational phase.. 5.3 Impacts on the Soil and Erosion Rehabilitation phase – Levelling, as part of land preparation, and excavation could lead to soil erosion and creation of gullies through runoff especially in the rainy season. Also, oil spillages from the maintenance of construction equipment and vehicles could contaminate soils and affect flora and soil fauna (especially if the work area is located in the farmers’ fields). The impact is largely localized, persistent and of average severity hence it is considered moderate. Contamination of surrounding soil is possible from transportation vehicles exhaust and load /construction machines. Contamination caused by temporary construction sites e.g. spills of fuel, chemicals, disposing of waste dust, and other activities. In the course of works, soil can be contaminated by opening new borrowings that will be used during works, certain building materials, including concrete, greases and motor oils, oil leaks that are often observed in different types of construction activities. The potential risks are associated with: - Discharge of used waters from the construction site (technological and hygienic). - Excavations in the field can cause the cutting – opening of aquifers, i.e. disruption of groundwater (water cycle). - Waste material, mechanical oil, fuel etc. can be disseminated by malfunctioning construction machines and vehicles or negligent personnel. - Location of machines, temporary construction material depots near rivers or surface watercourses. - Erosion during earthworks. - Accidental spills of chemicals, fuel and similar. During the works on the construction of irrigation systems, hazardous products such as hydrocarbons, lubricants and waste oils may be accidentally or deliberately discharged into the water. Operational phase – Leaving farmlands bare especially after harvesting could expose the soil to wind erosion from the strong winds in the dry season. Leaked or spilled oils from maintenance/operation of equipment and vehicles could contaminate soil and adversely affect soil fauna. Also, contaminated soil could be washed into nearby waterbodies via runoff. However, this impact is localized and of average severity hence considered moderate in significance. Farmlands should be kept vegetated at all times to prevent wind erosion from strong winds. Drains must be created to properly channel runoff. An area should be designated for maintenance of vehicles and spill kits provided for accidental spillages. Mitigations Measures for Soils and Erosion Rehabilitation phase - The pre-construction phase will comprise of design related activities and development of relevant plans by the Contractor prior to the start of construction. Measures to prevent soil, surface and groundwater contamination, as well as erosion, will be part of the following plans to be developed by the Contractor: Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials -the Spill Prevention Plan and the Waste Management Plan. 59 The Spill Prevention Plan should address issues such as: - Keep all roads and hard standings clean and tidy to prevent the build‐up of oil and dirt that may be washed into a watercourse or drain during heavy rainfall; - Keep spill kits close to the construction sites in case there is an incidental spill off, so that it can be immediately cleaned up; - Do not permit any refueling, storage, servicing or maintenance of the equipment within 100m of drainages, water courses, alluvial plains or other sensitive environmental resources. If these activities have to be done at the construction site, all precautionary measures shall be taken to prevent leaks or spills from reaching the soil or nearby watercourses; Wherever possible these activities (refueling, storage, servicing or maintenance) should take place in adequate places prepared for these purposes (adequately lined for preventing any soil and groundwater contamination, and equipped with culverts along the perimeters to collect water runoff that will be directed to wastewater treatment facilities); - Do not allow ready-mix concrete trucks containing alkaline cement or residues of cement to enter any watercourse. Washout of the concrete trucks shall be performed at the concrete batching plant camp, where appropriate facilities will be provided. If the washout of concrete trucks were necessary at or near the construction site, this shall be done at distance greater than 200m of any watercourse and never in a very high or high habitat sensitivity area. The washout area for cleaning of the trucks and other machinery must be designated by the contractor; - Organize proper handling and storage of lubricants, solvents as well proper usage of construction equipment; - Minimize the storage of substances that are harmful to soils and waters (e.g. fuels for construction machinery) on the construction site. All hazardous substances either products to be used or waste, shall be stored in adequate places, far from sensitive areas (e.g. water courses, habitats with a rich biodiversity) and adequately equipped to prevent any soil, surface water or groundwater contamination); - Undertake regular preventive maintenance of vehicles and construction machinery so as to reduce leakages of lubricants, motor oil and fuel. - To prevent indirect impacts to soil from conduct of suppliers, mineral materials will be obtained only form licensed quarries and sand/gravel produces with valid concessions. The Waste Management Plan shall include the following tasks:  Waste segregation, collection, transportation and disposal - Identification and classification of the different waste types that could be generated at the construction site (due to the materials used and waste generated in different sections) according to the Annex 1 of the national Law on Waste); - Segregation of hazardous from non‐hazardous waste at the construction site; - Collection of municipal solid waste generated at the construction site and camps (food, beverages, packaging waste such as paper, bottles, glass, etc., glass bottles, batteries) according to national legislation (segregation of recycling waste materials from the waste that will be disposed of at the regional sanitary landfills). Recyclable waste should be delivered to an authorized recycling company; - Sign a contract with an authorized company for the collection of the waste generated at the construction site, its transportation and disposal at the regional sanitary landfill in Prizren; - Segregate, collect and transport the inert waste to a site designated by the competent authority (the municipality, with an agreement obtained by the respective Muncicipality; sign a contract for the service with an authorized company, if the Contractor is not positioned to perform this activity; 60 - Ensure that the contracts signed with the companies authorized for handing the recyclables will take into account an appropriate frequency of their collection so that the construction sites remain clean at any time; - Segregate hazardous waste (motor oils, lubricants etc.) and deliver this waste to an authorized company for managing hazardous waste; - Establishing Temporary Hazardous Waste Storage Points in line with the national legislation specifying appropriate handling, labelling, packing, storage etc.; - Compliance with the national legislation and the WB environmental requirements regarding asbestos containing materials from broken irrigation pipes and any other ACM); Check with the municipal and governmental official authorities in obtaining formal, written Environmental Authorization for storage of the asbestos waste materials during the project implementation; - Ensuring that access to these temporary hazardous waste storage points will be allowed only to trained staff wearing appropriate protective clothes; take care that the entrance of all unauthorized staff and the general public will be prohibited;  Accidental disposal of waste in sensitive areas: - Immediately removing any waste material (concrete, iron, rocks etc.) accidentally deposited in highly sensitive habitats;  Closure and remediation: - Close and remediate the site used for the disposal of inert waste, in case it was created specifically for the Project purposes; - Close and remediate borrow pits, in case they were created specifically for the Project purposes;  Topsoil: - Reuse excavated soil and construction waste as much as possible; - Undertake selective removal and ensure for an appropriate storage of topsoil; - Offer the humus from the topsoil to the affected land owners or any other land owner within the project corridor; - Reuse the topsoil to restore cuttings, embankments, as well as to remediate the soil disturbed by the temporary works and facilities (access roads, construction camps, borrow pits, excess material disposal sites etc.); - Collect and store the removed topsoil on ridges which are protected from weather agents, (wind and rain) so as to avoid any loss of the organic and biotic properties of the soil and / or erosion. The ridges shall be signaled and maintained in proper condition until the topsoil reuse takes place  Vegetation removal - Carry out a replacement planting to re-establish the removed vegetation - Ensure permit/consent for logging (if any) Operation -The project impact on soils is the rather remote possibility that localized landslides may occur in the proximity of the canals. hould such risk be detected, supplementary mitigating measures may be implemented (additional planting and/or uphill drainage) and should the phenomena continue, the areas at risk should should be fenced off. 5.4 Impacts on the Water Rehabilitation phase - Rehabilitation activities can be a source of pollutants: 61 - Suspended solids may be swept by storm water runoff from the construction/rehabilitation site devoid of vegetation or accidentally released during construction of the motorway structures, dumping of waste, or cleaning of equipment. The washout from working equipment, the maschinery and ready‐mix concrete lorries is particularly damaging due to the highly alkaline nature of uncured concrete. The release of significant volumes of sediments to the water bodies by storm water runoff or direct disposal, can lead to changes in water courses` flow patterns. Hydrocarbons lubricants, paints, solvents, resins, acids, or uncured concrete, which are released upon accidental leaks and spills from machinery and material storage sites, can contaminate water. Contamination of the water body may occur either directly (e.g. if the construction site is taking place very close to or on the river or stream) or indirectly, though soil and groundwater transport to the surface water body. Operation Phase - Maintenance and operation of the irrigation system will not generate wastewater, except in a case of incident and not proper implementation of the activities. Indireclty, improvement in the irrigation system will cause increasing of farming activities and drainage of the irrigated area may cause water pollution (surface and groundwater), as a result of usage of fertilisers and pesticides which contain nitrogen and phosphorus compounds and substances which are on the list of priority substances (Water Framework Directive). The above risk may cause water pollution and impact on fauna and flora, as well downstream water users. Intensification of farming activities may increase these impacts if good agricultural practices are not applied. Maintenance of the irrigation system, near water bodies or in the water bodies (eg Lumbardhi i Prizrenit) may cause adverse impacts. Mitigations Measures for Waters Rehabilitation - In order to avoid negative impact on the water quality of the irrigation network, hazardous material management will be planned, aiming at preventing leakage of heavy metals or other toxic materials into the canal and the primary and secondary irrigation pipelines. In that field, the Contractor will carry out all appropriate measures such as: - Isolate canal, ground water and other natural water streams from the run-off coming from the work platforms and by keeping material further from the streams and on impermeable surfaces; - Prevent any hazardous spillage of tanks, construction equipment and vehicles; - No waste, materials or other substances should be stored or dispose any types in the vicinity of water courses; - Keep hazardous materials in containers with secondary containment system. During the terrestrial works, stockpiles of material will be isolated from the canal so that no spillage of materials, directly into the canal or via run-off, may occur. Previous measures (see above) will also be carried out to avoid negative works effects on natural surface water quality and groundwater quality in the vicinity of the project. Any run-off coming from the works area with potentially high charges of suspended matter will be filtered before spillage into the natural flows. The water run-off potentially contaminated with hazardous substances will be collected on site (in a temporary retention basin) and transported towards the adequate treatment plant or storage by a licensed company. Operation -General implementation of the drainage system along the canal will have local effects on watersheds and breakdown of natural flows between streams passed over by the canal. During the operation, RDIC, shall conduct a periodic monitoring of the watercourses downstream and the canal drainage system outlets. An annual complete survey will be carried out after the rain season (at least). After finalization of the rehabilitation works, RDIC will ask the local population to signal any disturbance 62 downstream that could be due to the canal drainage implementation and other rehabilitation works in the irrigation system. 5.5 Air Quality Rehabilitation - Land preparation and transport of materials on untarred roads will lead to emission of particulate matter i.e. dust and fumes and adversely affect air quality, especially in the dry season. The impact on air quality is likely to be considerable especially when particulate matter is carried over some distance by winds that characterize the climate of the project area. However, any possible impacts will be temporary hence the significance will be moderate. Construction vehicles and equipment should be maintained regularly to reduce their emissions and engine idling should be discouraged. Water should be sprinkled on cleared areas and all areas that have loose soil and the potential for dust pollution to suppress dust. The irrigatin network rehabilitation implies the posibility of asbestos pipe containing materials that have been used for their construction. In this case their WB procedures and local legislation requirements will be implemete. Operation - At the operation stage, fumes and dust generated by equipment and vehicles could reduce the quality of air in beneficiary and neighboring. Sensitive receptors such as persons with allergies and upper respiratory tract diseases could experience aggravation of their condition. This impact is temporary, local in extent and considered low. Mitigation Measures for Air Rehabilitation -Prevention and protection from dust comprises of set of measures typical for civil works such as: installation of dust screens, cleaning vehicles and transportation surfaces, covering loads, controlled loading and unloading of materials, materials management and temporary storage at site measures, watering surfaces, and similar. Emissions form use of transport will be minimized by good housekeeping and organizational practices and include, but are not limited to maintenance and attests of vehicles and machinery, using only legal sources of petrol, careful planning of routes and optimal loads, etc. Operation -Impacts on the local context during the canal life cycle will be related to emissions of chemicals and pollutants (i.e. PM10, CO, SO2, NOx,) due mainly to the movements of service's means (trucks, etc.) and partially due to the operation of the pumping station. Here, air quality will be slightly affected by the functioning of the pumps and complementary gears. The use of stand-by generators to ensure that water pumping station operation is not interrupted during power outages will produce some exhaust emissions but these are not expected to significantly affect ambient air quality. 5.6. Noise and Vibration impacts Rehabilitation -The magnitude of the noise impact from the equipment will depend on: - construction machinery, transportation vehicles and equipment's noise emission levels, - the number of machineries in one area used at the same, and - distance of the source to the sensitive receptors. Increased noise levels may affect the local people that live near the location where the rehabilitation activities will be performed, the route of the roads, domestic animals, existing fauna of the project area and the engaged workers. Because of the increased level of noise, certain animals and birds might leave (temporary) their habitats. Increased level of noise and vibration may cause adverse impacts on public health. 63 Most of the construction activities will be performed outside the populated areas, with no sensitive receptors. Additionally, the noise during construction is a nuisance of a temporary (short-term) nature, so the impacts are not significant, except in the immediate vicinity of the construction sites. Operation - Noise and vibration from operation of machinery, equipment maintenance, movement of haulage vehicles, tooting of horns could be a nuisance to persons within the project community or nearby communities. Mitigation measures for Noise and Vibration Rehabilitation phase - Construction-related noise impacts are temporary and can be mitigated through a good construction practice and effective site supervision Noise emission from construction activities can be reduced and prevented by - Selecting equipment with lower sound power levels - Installing suitable mufflers on engine exhausts and compressor components - Vehicles that are excessively noisy due to poor engine adjustment, damage to noise amelioration equipment or other inefficient operating conditions, shall not be operated until corrective measures have been taken. - Barriers should be located as close to the source or to the receptor location to be effective - Installing vibration isolation for mechanical equipment - Limiting the hours of operation for specific pieces of equipment or operations, especially mobile sources operating through community areas - Re-locating noise sources areas less sensitive, to take advantage of distance and shielding - Reducing project traffic routing through community areas wherever possible - Management measures (e. g. working hours), - Installation of sound barriers – noise protection walls. Operation Phase - Noise is related to point sources such as pumps site, electricity cabs . The emissions from these sources will be limited to a restricted area in the proximity of these sites. The irirgation network mainly passes through rural areas with wide cultivations, grassy fields, small villages and scattered houses. The impact will consist in nuisance caused by the routine operational hum, enhanced noise levels from stand- by generators, and noise generated during the excavation of repair sections. The following mitigation measures shall apply: - Pumps and other mechanical equipment to be effectively maintained; - In the case of exceeding noise limits set in the national legislation, steps such as installing noise- screens should be taken 5.7. Impacts on the Biodiversity Rehabilitation - With envisioned rehabilitation actions on current infrastructure, facilities and equipment, noticeable loss of habitat, of habitat and thereby a significant negative impact on biodiversity is not envisioned. However, there may be temporary disturbance and limited as well as temporary biodiversity loss due to works including access on the existing places in nature areas within the right of way. Some project activities will be performed on agricultural land, fallow land and meadows and may affect farmer’s crops, small mammal or, reptiles. Indirect impacts are possible in the case of illegal waste disposal. Increased noise levels might cause temporary disturbance of wildlife. Access roads, emissions from trucks and construction machines may have negative impacts on vegetation around the construction site, though it will be temporary and limited. 64 Operation - Due to nature of the project there is no foreseen negative impact in surrounding flora or fauna during operation phase of the irrigation channel. Mitigation Measures for Biodiversity Rehabilitation works - To minimize damage to fauna in the area, a combination of measures was suggested. Specifically, the Contractor will be required to: - Minimize loss of greenery from construction activities and restrict the area of movement to a minimum; - Minimize destruction of nests; - Prevent hunting, trapping and egg collecting by construction workers; - Prevent the capture and trade; - Prohibit the collection of firewood from working areas; and - Minimize damage to watercourses from earthworks and improper waste disposal. These will be achieved by: - Educating construction crews on the impact of disturbance and damage to habitats; - No trees shall be removed without prior permission. Trees shall only be cut with the permission of the competent authority. - Ensuring Terms of Employment include severe penalties for the unnecessary disturbance of environmentally significant sites and hunting; and enforcing such penalties on all workers, including sub-contractors. The Engineer will also ensure the Contractor is held liable for any non-compliance with the Environmental Legislation on wildlife protection and endangered species and Kosovo's international commitments by any staff or parties. 5.8. Waste and Hazardous materials Rehabilitation - The project interventions will inevitably cause different type of waste generation. Rehabilitation activities, such as clearing and removal of vegetation on the sites, cleaning of existing waste presents in the irrigation channels, demolition of some existing structures, equipment, pipelines; earthworks, concreting, welding, use of mechanization, presence of workers and others will be source of different types of waste as: inert waste, municipal waste, biodegradable waste, packaging waste, old ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts hazardous waste, etc. Improper waste management may cause adverse impact on the environment and human health. Amount of that waste in this phase of project is not predictable. On the rehabilitation sites the hazardous materials can appear in the form of raw materials supplied for the use of the on-going construction activities and regular maintenance of the machinery and equipment, and as waste from the used hazardous materials. During the rehabilitation and construction activities of the irrigation system, it is expected on the construction site to be transported and used the following chemicals and hazardous materials: fuels, lubricants, antifreeze, flammable gases, concrete additives, asphalt coating, plasticizers and insulation materials (bitumen), colours, etc. As a result of the rehabilitation activities will be generated different type of hazardous wastes, construction and demolition waste, including asbestos pipes, packaging waste, waste oils and liquid fuels, oil filters and saturated absorbent materials, waste from welding, electronic and electrical waste, etc. Improper transport, storage and handling with hazardous materials may cause adverse impact on the environment, community and worker health and safety. 65 The asbestos presence in the Irrigation System ‘Radoniqi-Dukagjini’ The irrigation system ‘Radoniqi-Dukagjini’ extends to 19 km of a main canal in length and 1093km of pipeline network. The composition of the pipes is approximately 33% of the asbestos cement material while other materials used are GRB, PE, etc. The asbestos cement pipeline network, in both irrigation units, in total, is about 314 km. The Radoniqi pipe infrastructure, in the primary and secondary network, is of the asbestos cement, while the tertiary network is of polyethylene (PE) material. The primary pipeline of Radoniqi is constructed of three type of pipeline GRP pipes (Ø 1100mm), asbestos cement (Ø 1000mm to Ø 150mm) and PE pipe (Ø125mm to Ø 75mm). The secondary pipeline is of asbestos cement (Ø 250mm to 150mm and PE Ø 125mm to 75mm). The Radoniqi irrigation system infrastructure consists of 205 km in length of asbestos cement irrigation pipes. Infrastructure of the irrigation system Dukagjini, in total has a length of 109 km. It is quite old, and almost the whole is built of pipes of cement-asbestos material of different sizes (A, B, C). Therefore, it is expected that more asbestos waste will be generated from this part of the investment. During the rehabilitation of the irrigation system, there is a potential to disturb the existing irrigation pipes. The replacement of obsolete metal joints, the irrigation pipes may be damaged. Those pipes will be replaced with new pipes made of PE material. Asbestos cement (AC) pipes generally are considered as non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and does not represent a significant hazard to public health in normal use. However, repair, rehabilitation and removal of AC pipes involve cutting, polishing, and demolition can release asbestos fibers into the air, posing risk to public health. Operation- Different types of waste, generated during the operational phase of the irrigation system will originate from regular operation and its maintenance. It is expected to be generated: sediment, waste from maintenance of the systems, which includes consumables, spare parts and equipment, biodegradable waste as a result of maintenance of the irrigation network, packaging waste, waste oil, filter, adsorbents, waste of wiping towels, contaminated soil from accidental leakage. Improper waste management can cause adverse impact on the environment and human health. During the operation and maintenance of the irrigation system will be used hazardous material similar to the rehabilitation phase, but in limited quantities. Improper transport, storage and handling with Environmental and Social Management Plan hazardous materials or waste generated by used hazardous materials, may cause adverse impact on the environment, community and worker health and safety. Mitigation Measures for Waste The producer of waste i.e any Contractor shall: - Develop a site-specific Waste Management Plan and ensure its implementation. - Obtain a waste testing report and update it in case of technological modifications, changes in the origin of raw materials, other activities that could a change in the waste character and keep such a report for at least 5 years. - Ensure the application of the principle of waste management hierarchy. - Collect waste separately and classify it in accordance with the national legislation. - Store waste in a manner that shall not affect human health or the environment and create conditions to prevent the mixing of different types of waste, - Hand over waste to an entity authorized for waste management if they are not able to organize waste handling in compliance with the Law. - Keep records on produced, handed over or disposed waste. 66 - Appoint a person responsible for waste management. - Enable the competent inspector to inspect sites, facilities, plants and documentation. - Reuse and dispose/ treat waste in line with the national legislation. Hazardous waste management should focus on the prevention of harm to health, safety, and the environment, - Understanding potential impacts and risks associated with the management of any generated hazardous waste during its complete life cycle, - Hazardous waste should always be separated from non-hazardous waste - Ensuring that contractor’s classification, handling, treating, and/or disposing of hazardous waste are reputable and legitimate enterprises, licensed by the relevant regulatory agencies and following good international industry practice for the waste being handled. - Ensuring compliance with applicable national regulation and international treaties. - Inert construction waste can be reused, but only if it proves innocuous, while - Unusable and contaminated fractions disposed of or treated in licensed facilities. No contaminated fraction can be reused or placed on the market. The producer of waste, the Contractor shall at minimum: - Set up containers during the execution of works for each of the specific types of waste. Locations are determined within the waste management program - Ensure waste collected from the construction site is, prior to transport to dumpsites, stored at predetermined and adequate locations. - Apply adequate testing for classification of waste and separate materials that may be recycled or reused from the remaining waste and adequately stored. - Waste containing poisonous or potentially hazardous substances will be disposed of in specially marked containers within temporary construction sites ensuring it cannot leak and contaminate soil and water. - Implement measures to prevent construction, waste, or other materials from the construction site to reach surrounding waterways or drainage channels. - Cover trucks for transporting construction materials and waste by tarps. The project requires workers with specialized training using wet work procedures to cut and remove AC pipe, AC pipe joints, valves (any type) containing ACM, and surrounding soils containing ACM. AC pipe debris and asbestos-contaminated items shall be properly double bagged; labeled; loaded in a fully enclosed, lined, transported and disposed in compliance with the legal requirements. The location for the temporary disposal of asbestos waste shall be approved by the local authorities and the competent authority MESPI, as per AI for management containing asbestos. The authorization need to be obtained from the MESPI for the collection of asbestos waste, before it is deposited in a permanent location. 5.9. Cultural heritage Rehabilitation - Regarding cultural heritage baseline it can be concluded that the both municipalities have a rich cultural heritage. Taking into consideration that the project area has been inhabited since ancient times, during rehabilitation work it possible to be discovered an unknown archaeological site. In case coins, fossils, articles of value, or antiquity and structures and other remains or items of archaeological interest are found on Site, the work must be stopped immediately and the competent authorities notified. Rehabilitation activities, as well inconsiderate and unskilled worker may cause impact on cultural heritage. 67 Social impacts 5.10. Labour and working conditions Rehabilitation The rehabilitation activities will generate a number of job opportunities for the local people, however if adequate measures are not implemented during selection of workforce (selection of unskilled, low qualified personnel by the Contractor) there is a risk of appearance of negative socioeconomic impacts, related to loss of land and properties. Besides possible damage that can be caused by unskilled workers in addition they need to undergo good training in order to meet international standards for workers that will take additional time and financial resources. Implementation of project may cause abuse of vulnerable people and child if they are used as a labor, then gender discrimination, but they will not be tolerated. As a result of project activities there is a possibility on adverse impact on workers as a result of: - Stress caused by noise related working environment; - Endangered workers’ health due to the work at irrigation canals; - Endangered workers’ health due to the use of heavy machinery and moving equipment; - Endangered workers’ health during industrial vehicle driving and site traffic; - Stress caused by exhaust gases’ related working environment; - Endangered workers’ health due to exposure of chemicals and asbestos containing materials; - Endangered workers’ health due to fire and explosion; - Endangered workers’ health due to erosion; - Inadequate accommodation of non-resident workers, etc. - Endangered workers’ health due to the diseases caused by vector spices (COVID -19) in; Due to a fact that in a certain period of time not only general but also skilled workers will be required to work on rehabilitation of the irrigation system, there is a risk of lack of work force. In that case will be necessary to engage, workers with place of residence away from the project area. These workers will have to be accommodated, temporarily, in the close vicinity of the construction site. For this purpose, the contractor will have to provide suitable premises that will be in accordance with standards and regulations. Operation - During the operation phase, the employee which operate and maintenance the irrigation system, may be exposed at the similar occupational risk as in rehabilitation phase. 5.11. Community health and safety Rehabilitation - Community health and safety could be at risk as a result of existence of active construction sites which will be located on different areas, such as settlements, fields, infrastructures, pastures and other types of land. The risks on community health and safety are related to: construction sites; presence of workers and workers' behaviour towards the local environment and inhabitants; increased volume of traffic across settlements; disturbance from generated dust, noise and vibration; possible pollution of water and soil; risk of landslides and other type of incidents; disruption of everyday life, caused by limited access to settlements, land and property; livestock disturbance due to noise; possible impacts on material assets (agricultural land, built infrastructure-road, water supply, sewerage, electricity distribution, etc.) in the project area. The temporary labor influx may cause adverse impacts on local communities and affect the public facilities available in the project areas. The impacts may include increased demand and competition for local social and health services, as well as for goods and services, which may lead to price hikes and crowding out of local consumers, increased volume of traffic and higher risk of accidents, increased demands on the 68 ecosystem and natural resources, social conflicts within and between communities, increased risk of spread of communicable diseases, and increased rates of illegal behaviour and crime. Uninformed employees, including influx of external foreign workers, cannot identify and warn about a location rich with archaeological significance, which makes it possible to lose or destroy important or undiscovered archaeological sites, including potentially valuable artefacts. The illegal access of people and livestock to the construction sites can endanger their health and safety, as well as the health and safety of workers involved in the construction process. Increased intensity and volume of traffic could affect the normal traffic regime in the project area. Increased presence of heavy goods vehicles, as well as an increase in the volume of traffic on local roads can cause an increase in the local road traffic accidents, especially during the spring and summer season when there is the greatest mobility to and from the local fields. In addition, rehabilitation activities may cause disturbance during a period of religious holidays and practices for the local population may mean disrespect for their values and can easily be resisted by such practices. Operation - Maintenance of the irrigation system may cause negative impact on the community health and safety similar as in rehabilitation phase, but limited. During the operational phase there is a chance of defect/fault of the system. If it happens near other infrastructure networks, the spilled water can endanger supply with water/electricity/ telephone thus causing additional financial losses not only to the companies that own the affected infrastructure, but also to their end users. In addition possible operational accident may cause economic loss. The project’s area for decades is irrigated and used for agricultural purpose, so the potential impacts will be limited. 5.12. Land acquisition Rehabilitation - The need to obtain land for the project will be low and mainly consist of privately owned agricultural land whose area is not currently known The greater part of the project area is private land, but there are some parcels which are in a state ownership. Rehabilitation activity of the irrigation system, besides other systems, includes setting construction sites, access roads, locations for storage of materials and temporary waste disposal required a temporary occupation of the land. Unpredicted temporary seizure of land may cause temporary seizure of the nearby agricultural land for possible storage of excavated soil, waste or storage of construction materials and/or machines. This may cause temporary obstacles to the owners to cultivate their land – which could cause negative financial impact to the landowner. In addition, there is a possibility for property damage or loss, due to the rehabilitation activities or negligible behavior by the contractor’s employees. Some of the project activities are nearby populated areas, so the use of heavy machinery may endanger closest dwelling objects. All mentioned activities may cause temporary loss of agricultural land, loss of crops properties and cause financial and social impact. There is no evidence for number of affected parcels during rehabilitation of the system. It is expected that the private and public land will need to be expropriated during the SCADA for building the manholes and installing the electric poles. Operation - Maintenance of the irrigation system or, more precisely, repairing some of the damages to the system may cause loss of agricultural land, goods and property i.e. temporary to affect the surrounding agricultural land that may cause temporary financial loss and social impact. 69 Works during rehabilitation of the irrigation channel and irrigation pipe network will be taking place off irrigation season so that in case there is a need for temporary land access, the damage to the crops is minimal, therefore the compensation from the company will be lower as well as effect on the farmer 5.13. Traffic Regulation All construction pits and trenches shall be protected with a mobile site fence during the complete duration of construction. In carrying out his responsibility for maintenance, control and safeguarding of traffic within and in the immediate vicinity of the project, the Contractor shall: - Erect and maintain reasonable safeguards for safety and guidance of pedestrians and vehicular traffic including posting of warning signs, and warning tape, barricades, shores, and other protections against hazard. - Provide appropriate lighting, signs, and flagmen where the Contractor’s activities involve the crossing or entering of public roads. - ensure the safety of the public and the workers to prevent collapse or any fall of rock or other materials into the excavated area The Contractor shall also ensure that all sites are kept clean and tidy at all times. Trenches are to remain open for the shortest time possible to enable the pipe to be bedded, tested and backfilled. The Contractor is advised to seek guidance from the Municipality and Traffic Police for the period a trench may remain open, as this may vary according to location and category of road or foot path. 5.14. Risks to vulnerable groups Vulnerable groups, that could be affected during the project’s rehabilitation phase include retired, elderly and people with disabilities and chronical disease, economically marginalized and disadvantaged groups; children and women. Since the Project is being implemented in three municipalities, the exact numbers of people within detected vulnerable groups is not known at this moment. However, the project’s outcome are expected to positively impact vulnerable or excluded groups by enhancing their access to agricultural resources,. Moreover, poorer sections will benefit significantly as they are the biggest users of agricultural production. By improving infrastructure and distribution systems, the project promotes equitable access to resources, including water for irrigation. This ensures that vulnerable groups have equal opportunities to benefit from the project's outcomes, thereby reducing disparities in access to essential services and livelihood opportunities. 5.15. Informal work risk Construction activities tend to have shadow workforces. The risks of unpaid and underpaid work, work overload, poor terms and conditions of engagement, lack of occupational health and safety measures, and denied access to social security, pension or health insurance are associated with informal work. To safeguard workers’ rights and labor conditions for project workers a Labor Management Plan (LMP) has been prepared for IRIS Project in line with the national legislation and ESS2. The LMP shall be applicable and enforceable to both IRIS employing or engaging worker directly and to any third party who has been contracted by the IRIS to provide works, services or goods required for the core functions of the project. Community workers will not be involved in the project. Third parties will be required through the provisions of the LMP to ensure their suppliers and subcontractors comply with the national law and to ensure that employees of any suppliers or subcontractors are adequately trained on the requirements covered in the law. The IRIS reserve the rights to verify compliance with the requirements set by a combination of mechanisms including but not limited to self-assessments, surveys, site-visits or audits. Relevant Records 70 must therefore be maintained to demonstrate compliance and if necessary, allow access to their own and their Suppliers’ and subcontractors’ premises for authorized representatives of the IRIS and/or the supervision consultant. 5.16. Occupational health and safety risks Physical hazards represent potential for accident or injury or illness due to repetitive exposure to mechanical action or work activity and may occur from: - Rotating and moving equipment on site. Protective measures include: Turning off, disconnecting, isolating, and de-energizing (Locked Out and Tagged Out) machinery with exposed or guarded moving parts, or in which energy can be stored (e.g. compressed air, electrical components) during servicing or maintenance, Designing and installing equipment, where feasible, to enable routine service, such as lubrication, without removal of the guarding devices or mechanisms. - Noise. Noise limits for different working environment need to be observed and the use of hearing protection should be enforced actively, and periodic medical hearing checks should be performed on workers exposed to high noise level. - Vibration. Exposure levels should be checked based on daily exposure time and data provided by equipment manufacturers. - Electricity. Exposed or faulty electrical devices, such as circuit breakers, panels, cables, cords and hand tools, can pose a serious risk to workers. Overhead wires can be struck by metal devices, such as poles or ladders, and by vehicles with metal booms. - Industrial Vehicle Driving and Site Traffic. Safe driving practices are to be implemented and include training and licensing industrial vehicle operators, medical surveillance of drivers, establishing site speed limits, vehicle inspections, operating rules and procedures (e.g. prohibited operation of trucks with elevated platform after unloading) - Working at Heights. Fall prevention and protection measures should be implemented whenever a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling more than two meters; into operating machinery; into water or other liquid; into hazardous substances; or through an opening in a work surface. Fall prevention may include: installation of guardrails with mid-rails and toe boards at the edge of any fall hazard area, Proper use of ladders and scaffolds by trained employees, Use of fall prevention devices, including safety belt and lanyard travel limiting devices to prevent access to fall hazard area, or fall protection devices such as full body harnesses used in conjunction with shock absorbing lanyards or self-retracting inertial fall arrest devices attached to fixed anchor point or horizontal life-lines, Appropriate training in use, serviceability, and integrity of the necessary PPE. - Working near water. To manage risks from working near water (intake structures and canals) and confined spaces (pressurized irrigation systems), the contractors needs to develop a detailed OHS plan and have adequate and qualified OHS staff in his team. - Soil Erosion. Recommended soil erosion and water system management approaches include: Reducing or preventing erosion by: Scheduling works to avoid heavy rainfall periods to the extent practical, contouring and minimizing length and steepness of slopes, mulching to stabilize exposed areas, Re- vegetating areas promptly, Designing channels and ditches for post construction flows o Lining steep channel and slopes (e.g. use jute matting), Reducing or preventing off-site sediment transport through use of settlement ponds, silt fences, and water treatment, and modifying or suspending activities during extreme rainfall and high winds to the extent practical. - Structural (slope) stability. Measures to prevent slope instability include: Providing effective short term measures for slope stabilization, sediment control and subsidence control until long term measures for the operational phase can be implemented, Providing adequate drainage systems to minimize and control infiltration, application of locally regulated or internationally recognized building codes to 71 ensure structures are designed and constructed in accordance with sound architectural and engineering practice, including aspects of fire prevention and response. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MITIGATION PLAN This Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) is being prepared to manage the environmental and social impacts through and specific mitigation actions required to implement the project in accordance with the requirements of applicable national and World Bank legislation and regulations. It provides an overview of the environmental and social baseline conditions on the routes of the proposed project, summarizes the potential impacts associated with the proposed construction and pavement works and sets out the management measures required to mitigate any potential impacts in a series of discipline specific Environmental & Social Management Plan (ESMP). Objectives of the ESMP are: - Minimizing any adverse environmental, social and health impacts resulting from the project activities - Prevent or compensate for any loss of the affected persons - Conducting all project activities in accordance with the relevant Kosovo Laws and World Bank Environmental and Social Standards - Enhance positive environmental and social outcomes - Ensure that the ESMP is feasible and cost-efficient - To act as an Action Plan in order to ensure that the project impact mitigation measures are properly implemented and monitored - Ensure that all stakeholders concerns are address This ESMP in the Table below is the base for Contractor to prepare the Contractor ESMP, to be implemented by the Contractor and Supervisor monitored by the MAFRD and Project PIU and inspected by the MESPI. The ESMP will be part of the contract for works and supervision. 72 Table 6. Environmental and Social Mitigation Plan Estimated Cost (Euro €) Institutional Responsibility Comments (e.g. secondary Phase Issue Mitigating Measure impacts) Install Operate Install Operate AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Air emission (dust, exhausts Stationary air emission sources should be / Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on emission from fuel) as a result located as far as possible from the engaged Subcontractor PIU residents’ health, of production and use of raw sensitive receptors. environmental Supervisory MESPI workers, soil, materials (concrete base, All natural construction materials needed expert company water, flora and borrow pits), generation of for the Project (sand, stones, timber, (engaged agricultural crops waste as well and its storage etc.) will be obtained from licensed expert) and disposal quarries and certified timber suppliers. Dust emission as a result of Setting up protection fences around the Protection vehicle movements, traffic in construction sites on the sensitive fence for dust the project areas, and locations especially in the inhabited Protection Cost for generation of the fugitive dust places. engaged during the dry season environmental expert Dust emission as a result of Stabilizing or covering the heaps of inert Transport cost storage of materials, surplus material (earth and waste from Rehabilitation excavated soil, storage of waste construction activities), daily taking out from the construction sites and their transportation and disposal on locations specified by the municipality in covered transportation vehicles. Dust emission as a result of Spraying with water (manually or with Cost for water storage of inert materials and sprinklers) should be used during the for dust waste time of excavation and storage of suppressing materials and waste Generation of the dust Demolition debris shall be kept in Construction emission that contain controlled area and sprayed with wetting Cost (see part: asbestos particles, from agent to reduce debris dust (see Waste) demolition of old structures measures for hazardous material) and removal of the broken or detreated irrigation pipes Dust emission during The use of premixed plasters and / preparation of concrete masonry compounds is recommended 73 Dust emission as a result of During the transport, raw materials and Cost for water Contractor RDIC Impact on transport of raw materials and construction waste should be covered, for dust Subcontractor PIU residents health, waste while the roads should be sprayed with suppressing Supervisory MAFRD workers, soil, water. Also it is recommended washing company Inspectorate water, flora and the wheels of the vehicles after leaving (engaged of respective agricultural crops the construction sites. expert) Municipality and Dust and exhausts Vehicles and construction machinery MESPI emission as a result of should be maintained properly and movement of vehicles and should fulfill the standards for discharge combustion of flues of emissions etc. NOISE AND VIBRATION Noise and vibration generated All construction equipment and Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on when using equipment and mechanization shall comply with the cost engaged Subcontractor PIU residents heavy mechanization for requirements noise emission standards. environmental Supervisory MAFRD health, workers, transport and rehabilitation Construction works in/or expert company Inspectorate soil, water, flora works close the settlements will not be (engaged of respective and agricultural permitted during the night; the expert) Municipality crops operations on site shall be restricted in and Rehabilitation MESPI the period 07.00-19.00h Increased noise level as a result Select silenced compressors or use / of using pneumatic equipment quieter hydraulic equipment Increased noise level as a result The vehicles that are excessively noisy / of poor engine adjustment or due to poor engine adjustment, shall not damage be operated until corrective measures will be undertaken. Also all mechanical equipment should be silenced appropriately and regularly maintained. WATER Impact on water regime The pumped water should be discharged Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on (surface and ground water) in in a controlled manner, i.e. in a way that Cost engaged Subcontractor PIU downstream the case of possible dewatering will minimize the physical impacts on the environmental Supervisory MAFRD users of the Rehabilitation of the excavated ditches, holes water, as well the morphology of the expert company Inspectorate rivers, river etc. (where there the recipient, or to be used as a technical (engaged of respective ecosystem, arable occurrence of groundwater or water for reduction of dust emission. expert) Municipality land, crops accumulated surface runoff) Water pumping management should be and MESPI done in accordance with water permit for use and water permit for discharging. 74 Impact on water quality as a Good construction practices will be / Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on result of possible washing of applied to minimize these negative engaged Subcontractor PIU downstream equipment and vehicles impacts. environmental Supervisory MAFRD users of the expert company Inspectorate rivers, river Washing of mixers for prefabricated (engaged of respective ecosystem, arable concrete that contain concrete with expert) Municipality land, crops alkali cement or cement residues is not and allowed as well as washing of the MESPI equipment and vehicles in the rivers or in their vicinity. Washing of equipment and vehicles to be done only at special sites designed to avoid surface and groundwater contamination, as well soil. Impact on water quality as a Frilly discharging of sanitary waste water / Cost for Contractor RDIC, PIU Impact on result of possible (construction sites and camps, as well engaged Subcontractor MAFRD downstream discharging of sanitary production environmental Supervisory Inspectorate users of the wastewater material plans) into rivers or channel expert company of rivers, river without treatment is not allowed (engaged Municipality ecosystem, arable expert) and MESPI land, crops SOIL Impact on soil quality Rehabilitation activities to be performed / Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on surface (degradation, erosion, in a period of low rainfalls in order to engaged Subcontractor PIU and ground compaction, destruction of the minimize the possibilities of flooding and environmental Supervisory MAFRD water, topsoil) spreading of sediment expert company Inspectorate biodiversity, crops (engaged of respective expert) Municipality Impact on soil quality Access areas to heavy machinery to be / and (compaction) as a result of restricted to the construction zone and MESPI Rehabilitation moving of mechanization access roads Impact on soil quality (erosion, The topsoil (humus) should be properly Construction destruction of removed before the excavation begins, cost the topsoil -humus) as a result stored and used after the completion of of excavation the activities, for the purpose of re- cultivation and stabilization of the slopes. Soil quality degradation The surplus quantities of washed Transport of concrete can be disposed as inert solid waste 75 (contamination) as a result of waste or to be reused as filler in certain possible generation of washed construction activities. concrete Soil quality degradation The storage and handling of hazardous Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on surface (contamination) as a result of materials and waste should be a cost engaged Subcontractor PIU and ground storage and handling of rigorously controlled process that environmental Supervisory MAFRD water, hazardous materials and waste includes taking measures for prevention expert company Inspectorate biodiversity, crops of soil contamination in compliance with (engaged of respective the Hazardous materials and spill control expert) Municipality management plan and Waste and MESPI management plan Soil quality degradation In case of soil contamination by Transport of Cost for (contamination) as a result of accidental spillage, the contaminated soil waste engaged accidentally spillage of fuel should be removed and managed as a environmental chemicals hazardous waste hazardous waste , (as per the national expert requirements). Analysis of contaminated soil during incidents Rehabilitation (50-150€ per sample) Storage of raw materials and The removed soil heaps should be Construction Cost for the waste on the sites; stabilised or covered (with textile) and cost engaged temporary stored in places located away environmental from the river banks or erosion-prone expert sites; Analysis of Revealed contaminated soil on contaminated the project sites In a case of revealed contaminated soil soil during on the construction sites, the Contractor incidents should have determined and prepared (50-150€ per procedures for appropriate storage and sample) handling of contaminated soil, in accordance with the relevant standards as well through communication with the IRIS and Ministry; Proper dispose of solid waste and debris and hazardous waste at designated permitted sites waste disposal sites 76 Collection, transport and selected and allocated by the local disposal of the contraction authorities and obtain a receipt of waste solid waste from the authorized landfill authority Implementation of procedures for handling of construction materials and waste, etc. In a case of revealed contaminated soil on the construction sites, the Contractor should be determined and prepared Chance finds The contractor is responsible in case Construction Cost of engaged Contractor RDIC Impacts on fossils, coins, articles of value or antiquity cost cultural Subcontractor PIU cultural heritage and structures and other remains or heritage expert Supervisory MAFRD objects/ sites items of archaeological interest are company Inspectorate found on site. The contractor should (engaged of Rehabilitation immediately stop the work and notify the expert) Municipality authorities. and MESPI Upon completion of the works, or any portion thereof, the ground, fences and any structures that have been interfered with are to be carefully restored to their original condition. BIODIVERSITY In order to be informed about possible Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on sensitive areas and species i.e. flora, cost engaged Subcontractor PIU environment fauna habitats in the project area, and its environmental Supervisory MAFRD ad community surrounding as well as its status for expert company Inspectorate Rehabilitation protection on national or international (engaged of levels, prior starting with rehabilitation expert) Municipality activities the Contractor should contact and MESPI The existing biodiversity, the responsible authority for nature terrestrial and aquatic (flora, protection in the municipality and after fauna habitats) may be affected that in the MESPI during rehabilitation activities 77 The Contractor should organize monitoring on the ecosystems, habitats and species in the project area prior to start of any works On the base of the status / results by the performed bio monitoring, the Contractor should develop Implementation of the Biodiversity management plan Clearing of minimum level in sensitive areas, such as riparian Biodiversity impact, zones or where significant vegetation is / terrestrial and aquatic encountered. The construction activities biodiversity (flora, fauna to be executed in the smallest possible habitats) caused by area around the site/route rehabilitation activities The contractor should avoid habitats fragmentation during tracing the new access roads for the purpose of rehabilitation activities or organizing / working construction sites, placement of the machinery, storage the raw materials and waste materials. Cleaning of the construction site and the Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on ancillary structures, immediately after cost engaged Subcontractor PIU environment completion of the construction activities environmental Supervisory MAFRD and community and remediation of the destructed areas. expert company Inspectorate Rehabilitation Biodiversity impact, Mortality of wild (cultivated) animals (engaged of terrestrial and aquatic caused by excavations and direct killings expert) Municipality biodiversity(flora, fauna by workers, in the case of amphibians and habitats) caused by MESPI and reptilians is not allowed. / rehabilitation activities Also, fishing in the rivers in the close vicinity of the construction site and hunting of birds is not allowed. WASTE The Contractor should prepare Waste The cost of the Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on human Impact on environmental Rehabilitati Management Plan prior to measures that engaged Subcontractor PIU health, water, media and social impact as a on commencement of construction activities will arise from environmental Supervisory MAFRD soil, biodiversity, result of generated waste from addressing issues such as location and expert company Inspectorate crops rehabilitation activities (engaged of 78 methods of storage, transport and the Plan will be expert) Municipality disposal, as well procedure for waste included in the and management. construction MESPI cost Before starting of rehabilitation Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on human activities, the Contractor should identify cost engaged Subcontractor PIU health, water, and make a plan to classify the types of environmental Supervisory MAFRD soil, biodiversity, waste that could be generated at the expert company Inspectorate crops construction site and to provide proper (engaged of landfill sites for all types of waste expert) Municipality (communal, inert, industrial etc.), as well and MESPI to obtain permissions from relevant institution for storage or disposal of waste, as well to sign agreement with authorized company Impact on environmental Establishing waste management Preparation of media and social impact as a procedure; procedure result of generated waste from Have a waste register for waste disposed should be part rehabilitation activities materials, quantity, date, location, etc. of Waste management plan Cost for engaged expert who will prepare evidence list The construction site will be cleaned and Transport of all debris and construction waste waste materials will be disposed of properly. Burning or illegal dumping of wastes are strictly forbidden For hazardous wastes (paints, enamels, Transport of Contractor RDIC Impact on environmental bitumen, epoxy, solvents, oils, tires, waste Subcontractor PIU Cost for Impact on human media and social impact as a insulation materials, electronic waste, Cost for Supervisory MAFRD engaged health, water, result of generated hazardous etc.) Contractor has to follow procedure hazardous company Inspectorate environmental soil, biodiversity, waste from rehabilitation for hazardous wastes management, this waste (engaged of expert crops activities implies assessment by authorized management in expert) Municipality company for hazardous wastes, compliance and 79 packaging and labelling, making with the MESPI agreement with company that have national license for collection and transport of legislation hazardous waste. For asbestos hazardous waste the Cost for Contractor should prepare Asbestos asbestos Management Plan for rehabilitation management in phase which will clearly identify the compliance locations where the asbestos containing with the material is present, as well as proposing national the handling methods for waste and legislation materials that will need to be removed. Include mitigation measures, such as proper storage, handling, and disposal into the site-specific ESMPs, and define institutional responsibilities for monitoring the application of mitigation measures by contractors. Waste disposal will be undertaken in compliance with the national legislation and the WB requirements, obtaining the authorization from the competent authority- the MESPI. Impact on environmental Vegetation, which will be cleaned from Transport of Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on human impact as a result of generated construction site, should be managed as waste engaged Subcontractor PIU health, water, waste organic waste and according to the good environmental Supervisory MAFRD soil, biodiversity, agricultural practices. expert company Inspectorate crops All surplus spoil resulting from (engaged of excavations, rubbish, tools, tackle, plant expert) Municipality and material must be removed and immediately from each portion of the MESPI work as soon as it is completed. Each completed part of the work is to be left in a neat and tidy condition. Hazardous Waste The Contractor should prepare Safe The cost of the Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on human Rehabilit Impact on environmental Handling of Hazardous Materials -the measures that engaged Subcontractor PIU health, water, ation media as a result of usage of Spill Prevention Plan prior to will arise from environmental MAFRD soil, biodiversity, chemicals during rehabilitation commencement of the Plan will be expert crops 80 activities and generation of rehabilitation activities included in the Supervisory Inspectorate hazardous waste addressing issues such as location and construction company of methods of storage transport and costs (engaged Municipality disposal, as well procedure for its expert) and management MESPI Hazardous material storage Construction cost facilities, especially fuel storage, should be located as far as practically possible from irrigation channels or other water resources Temporarily storage on site of all Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on human chemicals hazardous or toxic substances cost engaged Subcontractor PIU health, water, should be in safe containers, labeled with environmental Supervisory MAFRD soil, biodiversity, details of composition, properties and expert company Inspectorate crops handling information. The containers of (engaged of hazardous substances shall be placed in expert) Municipality leak-proof container to prevent spillage and MESPI and leaching. Paints with toxic ingredients or solvents or lead based paints will not be used SOCIAL ISSUES LABOUR AND WORKING CONDITIONS Problems related to the Contactor should prepare an Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on organization of the workforce Employment Plan for the needs of the engaged Subcontractor PIU community project, in cooperation with the local Occupational Supervisory Ministry of and environment PIU, where special attention should be Health and company Finance Labor given to engaging the local workforce. Safety (engaged and Transfers Problems related to the The Contractor should provide / (OHS) social expert) (MFLT) Rehabilitation expert Inspectorate organization of the workforce: employment of the local people, so that for abuse of vulnerable people, should respect gender and equal OHS sexual exploitation and abuse/ opportunities and works in compliance sexual harassment, gender with national legislation. The Contractor discrimination, child labour, must not engage minor or to accept wages, benefits and conditions services and goods that come from of work suppliers who accept child labour. The Contractor should ensure workers sign the Code of Conduct and provide training 81 to workers on proper workplace behaviour, interaction with local communities, etc. Non-compliance with Code of Contractor should prepare Ethics standards regarding Occupational, Health and Safety Risk workers and Assessment and Occupational Health and working conditions Safety Plan with an implemented grievance mechanism, in accordance Contractor RDIC with WB requirements and the national Subcontractor PIU legislation. Code of Conduct to indicate Supervisory MFLT Impact on penalties for violations. Cost for company community Inspectorate Worker accommodation If there is a need for workers engaged (engaged and environment for OHS accommodation, then the Contractor OHS social expert) Impact on must create Plan for Workers’ expert community accommodation where good and environment international process and standards will be set and later implemented. Worker health and safety Proper training of employees for project activities and using, servicing and integrity of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) The Contractor shall ensure that first aid kits are readily available at all points where work is being carried out. Transport must always be available and arrangement must be made with the nearest hospital for ambulance, reception and care of injured persons. Notify the Cost for Contractor Impact on client immediately after learning of the engaged Supervisor community incident or accident. OHS social Supervisory and environment company RDIC expert PIU (engaged expert) MFLT Health problem related with Contractor should prepare risk Inspectorate stress, dusty and noise assessments on temporary and mobile for OHS environment, risk of construction sites that includes occupational accidents and implemented injuries. grievance mechanism for workers and security statement with risk assessment 82 for jobs on a construction site and provide special training Threatened health of Contractor must provide a special Workers exposed to training for workers which are exposed Chemical hazards to chemical hazards. Threatened health of The Contractor should implement Rehabilitation Workers exposed to measures proposed in the Asbestos Asbestos Containing Management Plan and to conduct Material (ACM) training of the staff who can potentially come into contact with the material to avoid damage and prevent exposure. The Plan should be made available to all persons involved in the rehabilitation working activities CULTURAL HERITAGE Before starting with implementation of Construction Cost for Contractor RDIC Impact on the project the Contractor is obliged to cost engaged Subcontractor PIU community provide detail opinions by the relevant social expert Supervisory Ministry of institutions for possible cultural heritage company Youth in the project area and to follow (engaged Culture, expert) and Sport Rehabilitation directions for performance of works activities. (MYCS) MESPI If during the construction activities a new Construction Other Lost or damage of cultural archaeological site or archaeological cost relevant heritage (known and valuable evidence is discovered, the ministries and undercover) procedure for archaeological discovery inspectorates must be carried out by the competent institutions for protection of cultural heritage. LAND ACQUISITION Loss of agricultural land and The process of regulating the ownership Construction Contractor Cost for RDIC property for rehabilitation of status of the land that should be used for cost Subcontractor Rehabilitation engaged PIU the irrigation system project purpose must be finalized in a Supervisory Impact on social expert Relevant fair manner before starting of the company community and Preparation of ministries construction activities. (engaged environment RAP municipalities The SCADA will require Identification of additional parcels, if expert) inspectorates expropriation of the small scale there is a need to be used for project Cost for 83 private and public land for implementation and conducting all compensation and agencies manholes construction and for required procedures for its of expropriated (MESPI, KCA, installation of the electric compensation land per ha KPA, etc.) poles. Any land take that includes acquisition of private land, must be screened and managed throughout a separate document named Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) The Contactor is obliged to provide fair Cost for compensation for damages for possible compensation material asset, damage to of possible the population or financial damage or compensation other type of Loss of agricultural land and compensation property for rehabilitation of Implementation of Stakeholder Construction the irrigation system Engagement Plan cost Engagement certified agriculture assessor to estimate crop damages and sign a contract for crop damage compensation and obligation that the used land is put back in original condition. AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Dust and exhausted gas Impacts on the local context during the emissions as a result of usage canal life cycle will be related to of equipment and emissions of chemicals and pollutants mechanization for maintenance (i.e. PM10, CO, SO2, NOx,) due mainly to of irrigation system the movements of service's means RDIC (trucks, etc.) and partially due to the MESPI Impact on Cost for Operation operation of the pumping station. Here, RDIC Other residents’ health, air quality will be slightly affected by the engaged Operation cost Contractor relevant workers, soil, functioning of the pumps and environmental ministries and water, flora and complementary gears. The use of stand- expert inspectorates agricultural crops by generators to ensure that water pumping station operation is not interrupted during power outages will produce some exhaust emissions but these are not expected to significantly affect ambient air quality. 84 Farming activities (cultivation, Use of appropriate irrigation techniques use of mechanization and and practices in order to achieve high transport biodegradable waste) water use efficiency and avoid will be a source of greenhouse meteorological changes; gases, which will contribute to Implementation of good agriculture climate changes practices NOISE AND VIBRATION Maintenance and operation of Implementation of good operation Operation cost Cost for RDIC RDIC Impact on irrigation system (usage of practices, as well use low noise level engaged Contractor MESPI residents health, Operation mechanization for equipment environmental Other workers, soil, maintenance, as well use of the expert relevant water, flora and irrigation equipment) may ministries and agricultural crops increase the noise level. inspectorates WATER Maintenance of the irrigation Implementation of good maintenance Operation cost system near water bodies such and operation practice as Drini I Bardhe and In order to avoid negative impact on the Lumbardhi i Prizrenit river or water quality of the irrigation network, irrigation channels, may cause hazardous material management need to water pollution, be planned, aiming at preventing leakage of heavy metals or other toxic materials Maintenance and operation of into the canal and the primary and secondary irrigation pipelines. the irrigation system will not In that field, the Contractor will carry out generate wastewater, except in all appropriate measures such as: RDIC Impact on a case of incident and not - Isolate canal, ground water and Cost for MESPI downstream Operation proper implementation of the other natural water streams from RDIC engaged Other users of the activities. the run-off coming from the work MAFRD environmental relevant rivers, river Indireclty, improvement in the platforms and by keeping material Farmers expert ministries and ecosystem, soil, irrigation system will cause further from the streams and on crops inspectorates increasing of farming activities impermeable surfaces; and drainage of the irrigated - Prevent any hazardous spillage of area may cause water pollution tanks, construction equipment and (surface and groundwater), as a vehicles; result of usage of fertilisers and - No waste, materials or other substances should be stored or pesticides which contain dispose any types in the vicinity of nitrogen and phosphorus water courses; compounds and substances which are on the list of priority substances (Water Framework 85 Directive). The above risk may - Keep hazardous materials in cause water pollution and containers with secondary impact on fauna and flora, as containment system. well downstream water users. During the terrestrial works, stockpiles of Intensification of farming material will be isolated from the canal so activities may increase these that no spillage of materials, directly into the canal or via run-off, may occur. impacts if good agricultural Previous measures (see above) will also practices are not applied. be carried out to avoid negative works effects on natural surface water quality and groundwater quality in the vicinity of the project. Any run-off coming from the works area with potentially high charges of suspended matter will be filtered before spillage into the natural flows. The water run-off potentially contaminated with hazardous substances will be collected on site (in a temporary retention basin) and transported towards the adequate treatment plant or storage by a licensed company. No proper irrigation may cause Implementation of appropriate irrigation Operation cost adverse impact on surface and practices such as drip irrigation, with ground water high water use efficiency Increasing of Farming activities Operation cost General implementation of the drainage and drainage of the irrigated system along the canal will have local area may cause water pollution effects on watersheds and breakdown of of the rivers and other water natural flows between streams passed bodies. over by the canal. During the operation, RDIC, shall conduct a periodic monitoring of the watercourses downstream and the canal drainage system outlets. An annual complete survey shall be carried out after the rain season (at least). After finalization of the rehabilitation works, RDIC will ask the local population to signal any disturbance downstream that could be due to the canal drainage 86 implementation and other rehabilitation works in the irrigation system. Promotion of Integrated Pest Management -IPM plan practices incompliance with the MAFRD approved list. SOIL Changes of the physical and Implementation of good maintenance, chemical composition of the operation(such as: minimal soil soil (erosion, salinity, fertility, disturbance (reduced tillage or no-till), soil properties agrochemical maintaining soil cover (crop residues or RDIC MAFRD, pollution) cover crops), and diversified crop Cost for Operation rotations, etc.) as well implementation of RDIC MESPI, KEPA Impact on water, Operation cost engaged agricultural practices MAFRD Other biodiversity, environmental Farmers relevant crops, people Soil pollution as a result of Promotion of IPM practices (such as crop expert ministries and increased use of pesticide by rotation, mulching, soil testing, cover inspectorates the farmers on the irrigation cropping, water management, etc.) and land. compliance with the MAFRD pesticide approved list. BIODIVERSITY Maintenance of the irrigation It is forbidden burning of vegetation / Cost for RDIC RDIC, MAFRD, Impact on system, i.e. removal of along the irrigation canal and intake engaged MAFRD MESPI environment, and vegetation near the irrigation (reuse, composting method is alternative environmental Farmers (Environment community health canals and intakes may affect and more environmentally friendly). expert al Protection and safety Operation the wild species. If vegetation was removed, it has to be and Water replanted. Department, Inspectorate) Other relevant ministries WASTE Waste from operation and The Contractor should prepare Waste Cost for RDIC RDIC Impact on Operatio maintenance of the irrigation Management Plan for operation phase engaged MAFRD MAFRD, environment, n system and RDIC will implement measures environmental Farmers MESPI during operation phase of the project. expert 87 Replacement of asbestos pipes The Contractor should prepare Asbestos Other workers, or demolition of objects that Management Plan for relevant community health may contain asbestos material operation phase and RDIC will ministries and and safety during maintenance of the implement measures proposed in the inspectorates system Plan HAZARDOUS MATERIAL Impact on environment as a The Contractor should develop Operation Cost Operation cost RDIC RDIC, MAFRD, Impact on result usage of hazardous procedures for the labelling, handling, MAFRD MESPI environment, Operation material and generation of storage and disposal of hazardous Farmers Other workers, hazardous waste materials relevant community health ministries and and safety inspectorates SOCIAL IMPACT OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Worker health and safety The Contractor should prepare Risk Cost for RDIC RDIC Impact on Operation assessments and OHS plan and provide engaged OHS MAFRD MFLT environment, special training for employees for using, expert Inspectorate workers, servicing and maintaining integrity of PPE for community health OHS and safety COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY Increased anxiety among the The Operator will establish an effective population because of the lack mechanism, with clearly set out of communication with local processes/ procedures to receive and settlements and facilitate resolution of stakeholders’ property owners near the concerns and grievances. This RDIC mechanism will be part of the SEP MFLT Impact on irrigation system Operation document that will be implemented for Cost for environment, RDIC Inspectorate all phases of the project. Operation cost engaged workers, MAFRD for Disruption in water, sewage Any induced damage must be fully expert community health OHS electricity or telephone supply compensated and safety as well road and property access as well economic loss due to the operational and maintenance incidents LAND AQUISITION Maintenance of the irrigation The RDIC/Contactor is obliged to provide Cost for RDIC RDIC Impact on Operatio system or more precisely fair compensation for possible damages compensation Contractor Contractor environment, n repairing of potential damages on material asset, damage to the of possible Subcontractor Relevant of the system may cause loss of population or financial compensation damage or Supervisor ministries, 88 agricultural land and property other type of inspectorates workers and that may cause temporary compensation and agencies community health financial loss and safety Engagement certified agriculture Cost for RDIC RDIC Impact on assessor to estimate crop damages and engaged Contractor Relevant environment, sign a contract for crop damage expert Subcontractor ministries, workers and compensation and obligation that the MAFRD inspectorates community health used land is put back in original and agencies and safety condition. 89 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MONITORING PLAN The implementation of the mitigation measures will be monitored accordingly through daily checks by the Supervisor, weekly and event-based by RDIC and PIU and MAFRD during field monitoring visits. The aspects that will be monitored, which is provided in Table below, will be updated to accommodate any emergency or updated aspects that may be recommended by the monitoring reports. 90 Table 7. Environmental and Social Monitoring Plan Impact Measurements Frequency Implementation Methods Indicators responsibility Community Health and Safety Public safety during the work. Visual observation and photographic Number of recorded injuries and accidents Daily basis during Contractor, Supervisor documentation of safety measures. rehabilitation work and RDIC and PIU Visual observation for installing of warning signs, weekly during site barricading of working areas with safety tapes inspection visits, and fencing/ barricades to prevent unauthorized On any complaint access of public to the working areas. The risk of employing children for Site inspection, checking and documentation of Number of recorded employees below the age of Weekly during site Contractor, Supervisor, work activities. contractor employee records 18 inspection and regularly RDIC and PIU External stakeholder engagement Minutes of the meetings/ consultation Highlights, including formal and informal meetings, Monthly Contractor, Supervisor Records with date, venue, participants, and information disclosure and dissemination—to RDIC and PIU Key issues discussed/ resolution / Information include a breakdown of women and men consulted provided. and themes coming from various stakeholder groups, including vulnerable groups (e.g., disabled elderly, children, etc.). Complaints and Feedback Complaints’ forms kept on site, and feed into the Number of Reported Grievances; Number of Weekly Contractor, Supervisor, Handling GM register. grievances resolved; Number of grievances RDIC and PIU Details of complaints received incorporated into outstanding; Number of grievances escalated. the monitoring process GBV and SEA issues GBV and SEA Complaints’ will be registered into Number of reported and registered cases of the Weekly Contractor, Supervisor the GM register. Details of complaints received SEA/SH through subproject GM. RDIC and PIU will be incorporated into the monitoring process Number of reported cases of contractors’ noncompliance to PSEA/SH obligation on work sites. Contractor, and their workers signed on the Code Supervisor Contractor and their workers Before commencement of Conduct CoC and they are aware to respect the Number of CoC signed. RDIC and PIU signed the Code of Conduct CoC of work local community's protection and do no harm. Before starting to clear Supervisor the site RDIC and PIU Site verification based on proposed design and Number of properties to be cleared and restored. Weekly for progress on Damage to assets for clearing site construction method to confirm list of properties Number of properties restored. clearing and restoration to be cleared and restored by the contractor. 91 General Environmental Impacts Dust generation during work. Visual observation and photographic Visible dust emissions. Daily Contractor, Supervisor documentation of equipment induced dust clouds Number of GM related to air pollution Weekly for received RDIC and PIU during construction/ rehabilitation activities complaints Increased level of noise and Site supervision/ inspection and documentation Percentage of workers comply with suitable PPE Weekly during site Contractor, Supervisor vibration. to ensure compliance with the noise mitigation procedures inspection. RDIC and PIU measures Number of GM and complaints related to noise. Air pollution due to emissions Visual observation and photographic Quantity of consumed fuel. Weekly during Contractor, Supervisor from equipment, machinery and documentation of equipment induced emissions Visible dust clouds. construction/ RDIC and PIU transportation trucks. from vehicles and transport trucks and excavation Number of complaints regarding dust and air rehabilitation works and work during implementation of activities. emissions site inspection Production, proper disposal and Inspection and photographic documentation Records of presence of wastes stored in open Daily during construction/ Contractor, Supervisor disposal of work’s debris and areas or at undesignated areas and increase in rehabilitation works and RDIC and PIU waste materials. waste pollution site inspection Visible records of pests (insect vectors and rodents) Presence of waste collection receipt. Soil and groundwater Inspection and photographic documentation Visible change in soil color Daily Contractor, Supervisor contamination Presence of visible leaks of chemicals RDIC and PIU Occupational Health and Safety Lifting Operations Visual inspection to ensure that all lifting activities Records and number of lifting accidents Daily Contractor, Supervisor in the work site are executed safely and as per the Number of workers not wearing proper PPEs RDIC and PIU standard lifting safety rules. Records of non-compliances such as standing Visual inspection that safety distance from lifting under lifting zone sites is adhered to OHS reports Manual Handling Visual inspection to ensure that all manual Number of injured workers from manual handling Daily Contractor, Supervisor handling activities are performed according to the Number of workers not wearing proper PPEs RDIC and PIU OSH manual handling safety rules and instructions. Record any noncompliance Ensure that the implementation of the safety techniques to control the manual handling risk is monitored continuously. Excavation Visual inspection to ensure that all excavation Presence of visible dust cloud Daily Contractor, Supervisor activities are executed safely, and all safety rules Presence of workers not wearing masks and RDIC and PIU are implemented. Recorded noncompliance with adhering to PPEs photographic proof. Number of injuries from excavated zones Number of workers not wearing proper PPEs 92 Chemicals and hazardous Visual inspection Records of hazardous wastes in undesignated Daily Contractor, Supervisor Recorded noncompliance with photographic zones RDIC and PIU substances and wastes proof. Chemicals, wastes and hazardous substances are not labelled Number of workers not wearing suitable PPEs while handling chemicals and wastes Work related accidents and Inspection and photographic documentation The record of injuries and accidents indicating the Daily Contractor, Supervisor injuries. number of injured workers in the subproject report RDIC and PIU specifying cause and location. Corrective actions recorded Poor onsite housekeeping, toilet Visual inspection Presence of clean water and soap Weekly during site Contractor, Supervisor and water supply Site inspection Presence of pests inspection and regularly RDIC and PIU Presence of waste at undesignated areas Reports on illness and diseases. Safety Visual inspection Hours worked, recordable incidents, root causes, Daily Contractor, Supervisor Site inspection incident types (e.g., lost time, medical treatment, RDIC and PIU first aid, near misses), and required remedial actions. This includes revising safety procedures, introducing new equipment, and providing additional training. Environmental incidents and near Environmental incidents and high potential near Number and types of recorded environmental near Daily Contractor, Supervisor misses misses and how they have been addressed, what misses RDIC and PIU is outstanding, and lessons learned. Major works Work undertaken and completed, progress against Daily Contractor, Supervisor subproject schedule, and key work fronts (work RDIC and PIU areas). E&S and OHS requirements Register non-compliance incidents with permits Daily Contractor, Supervisor, and national law (legal noncompliance), subproject RDIC and PIU commitments, or other E&S requirements. E&S/OHS inspections and audits By contractor, engineer, or others, including Weekly Contractor, Supervisor authorities to include date, inspector or auditor RDIC and PIU name, sites visited, and records reviewed, major findings, and actions taken. Workers issues Number of workers, indication of origin (local, Daily Contractor, Supervisor nonlocal nationals), gender, age with evidence that RDIC and PIU no child labor is involved, and skill level (unskilled, 93 skilled, supervisory, professional, management). Number of grievances raised by workers and number of solved grievances Training on E&S issues Including dates, number of trainees, and topics. Training records and number of training sessions Weekly Contractor, Supervisor on OHS risks and Environmental & Social issues RDIC and PIU and attendances Footprint management Details of any work outside boundaries (Such Monthly Contractor, Supervisor transportation of equipment and materials) or RDIC and PIU major off-site impacts caused by ongoing work—to include date, location, impact, and actions taken. Operation and Maintenance Worker’s dissatisfaction/ issues GM reports Number and type of GM and solved GM related to Continuous/daily Contractor, Supervisor work issues RDIC and PIU Operation and Maintenance Ensure same monitoring measures are Number of complaints due to misfunctions of Continuous daily Contractor, Supervisor (Staff Health and Safety and implemented during operation and maintenance water network RDIC and PIU community health and safety, Number of water cuts social and environment) Number of maintenance times Operation and Maintenance Training on how to maintain the water network, Number of trainings received by facility workers. Prior to handing the Contractor, Supervisor (Training to staff) clean them, proper PPEs, and safety measures, subproject to the facility RDIC and PIU etc. administration. Operation and Maintenance Monitor management of irrigation water quality Number of monitoring conducted on irrigation Monthly MAFRD in coordination (water quality and quantity) and quantity water quality and quantity. with the RDIC and - Water tests respective Increased awareness and knowledge among the Municipalities Conduct awareness campaigns and educational local community about sustainable water programs management Number of awareness sessions conducted 94 7. INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES 7.1 Institutional and implementation arrangements for project implementation The MAFRD is the Implementing Agency for the project while RDIC as the beneficiary will commit to the implementation of the rehabilitation and modernization works. The Project Implementation Unit will be established within the MAFRD and will be responsible for, inter alia, procurement, financial management, environmental and social safeguards compliance, and monitoring and evaluation reporting under the Project. The current PIU responsible for the implementation of the ARDP, has extensive experience in implementing the project following the World Bank rules and procedures and throughout these years has acquired specific knowledge with the implementation of rehabilitation investments in the RDIC. The PIU will have primary responsibility for Project execution ensuring that the Project development objectives are met and ensuring that financial resources are budgeted, disbursed, expended, accounted and audited. Throughout the project implementation process, PIU will facilitate the process of communication with the line ministries and the local self-government in order to ensure the implementation of all project activities without delay or procrastinating their real implementation. Semi-annual progress reports will be prepared and submitted to the World Bank for approval. PIU has professional staff for agriculture and water management, as well as for procurement, financial management, environmental protection and general project management and supervision. Experts in the field of environmental and social issues will be engaged within the IRIS and in the implementation of the ESIA. 7.2.Institutional responsibilities for the implementation of ESIA /ESMP mitigation measures and monitoring The ESIA /ESMP proposes the preparation of specific plans (listed below) that will address the management of specific aspects of the environment and community. The plans will refer to each phase of the project cycle (rehabilitation and operational phase) and will contain actions and programs for their implementation, related to the requirements of the respective regulatory framework. Each plan, as a basis, will have the following content: a) objectives of the plan; b) responsibilities in carrying out activities; c) monitoring over the implementation of the activities; d) reporting; e) criteria, objectives to be achieved and monitoring indicators; f) timeframe for implementation. Part of each plan will be checklists for the purpose of keeping records/monitoring the compliance of the measures and activities of the plans and their implementation with the legal requirements and requirements defined in each plan. 95 Informing about the level of implementation of each particular plan will be through regular reports. The form of the reports will be proposed by appropriate experts (and will be defined in each plan). In the rehabilitation phase, the ESIA/ESMP will be implemented by the Contractor (and its subcontractors) in cooperation with the RDIC suported by the MAFRD and PIU. The following plans are required to be prepared: • Waste Management Plan • Asbestos Management Plan • Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) • Employment Plan • Occupational Health and Safety Plan • Community Health and Safety Plan • Plan for the organization of construction sites and traffic • Plan for emergency evacuation and rescue In the operational phase, ESIA/ESMP will be implemented by RDIC in cooperation with the MAFRD. For these needs, the RDIC will implement a system for environmental management and social aspects, and prepare the following plan:  Waste Management Plan,  Asbestos Management Plan,  Occupational Health and Safety Plan. 7.3 Potential users of the ESIA report The ESIA report and the associated ESMP is prepared for use by parties/stakeholders involved in the planning, implementation and management of the project. Key ones include:  Contractor and its Subcontractors;  Supervisory company, Designers;  RDIC  Staff from Municipalities (Department of urbanism, cadaster, agriculture, environment, etc.)  MESPI staff – (Department of Environmental Protection and Waters, Inspectorate, KEPA; KCA  MAFRD front line staff and staff from other line departments (e.g. Department of water Resources, Department of Forestry, Environmental Affairs Department etc.;  Local monitoring groups and Community leaders in the project areas and  Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) interested in the project In the rehabilitation phase of the irrigation system the main competence for the implementation of the measures envisaged for mitigation of the potential impacts and obligations arising from the ESMP will be on the Contractor (the future contracting entity) and the Supervisor for the supervision on the performance of the works. The Supervisor shall be obliged to have a person, an authorized expert with relevant working experience in the field of environmental and social expertise (not less than 5 years) and the capacity to respond to ESMP requirements and report adequately on the achievements, make updates and timely identify the needs for these activities. 96 The Contractor and the Supervisor will prepare regular reports to RDIC and submit to the PIU / MAFRD /WB for approval. The regular weekly site visits will be conducted by the expert team from PIU /MAFRD and the Supervisor for monitoring the implementation of the project. Accordingly, the RDIC will refer to, Local self-government of Gjakova, Rahovec and Prizren institutions, to inform them about the predicted project subprojects, to provide certain permits/approval, etc. The relevant state inspectorate from the MESPI, the Ministry of Finance Labor and Transfers (MFLT) and other competent bodies as well as and inspectorate from local government institutions of Gjakova, Rahovec and Prizren, should inspect whether the contractor fully implement the recommended environmental and social mitigation measures and obligations arising from ESMP. The local monitoring groups will be established with support from the PIU, representing the community beneficiaries and NGO groups, bearing the role of monitoring the construction activities, in their neighborhoods, village environments, and ensure that the mitigation measures are effectively implemented by the Contractor/Subcontractors. In case of environmental problems affecting the community, they will inform the RDIC and/or the PIU. 8. INFORMATION AND PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS Procedures for consultation with the public, disclosure of information and grievances relevant for this project are covered under Kosovo legislation. The Law on Access to Public Documents No 06/L-081 guarantees the right of every legal person to have access, without Constitution of the Republic of Kosovo stipulates that every person enjoys the right of access to public documents. The Law on Environmental Protection No 03/L-025 provides the obligation of the central and local institutions and all other authorized organizations to regularly, timely and objectively inform the public, whereas the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment No 08/L-181 regulates the EIA procedure, including the obligation of authorities to hold public hearings. The organization of the Public Consultation will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the World Bank Environmental and Social Standard 10 (ESS10). The IRIS will have processes in place for stakeholder engagement, using a number of different channels to communication including IRIS and municipal websites, local newspapers, social media, newsletters, brochures and leaflets, notices delivered directly to households. The communication includes general information on services including interruption and repair works related to the irrigation water supply. Publication of information on Public Consultations To gather views on the potential benefits, design, scope, risks and mitigation measures for the proposed IRIS project, representatives from three institutions in the affected municipalities Gjakova, Rahovec and Prizren were informed and consulted by the team of the PIU, jointly with the MAFRD staff and the RDIC. The respective stakeholders informed about the IRIS project are summarized in Table 8 (see Annex 6). A total of 14 individuals participated. 97 Further consultations with the public have been undertaken with the affected farmers and other interested parties and are documented in this study report. Three public consultation meetings were conducted during December 2022: On December 19, 2022, in Prizren, and December 20, 2022, in Rahovec and Gjakova. Participants included representatives of the MAFRD, representatives of RIC Radoniqi-Dukagjini, the PIU and the World Bank, representatives for the environmental and social issues, representatives of the municipalities of Prizren, Rahovec, and Gjakova, as well as the general public and farmers. In Gjakova, the public consultation took place on December 20, 2022, at the Hall of the Palace of Culture "Asim Vokshi from 14:00 to 15:30. Mayor Ardian Gjini opened the session, emphasizing the project's significance for the municipality. Key points included presentations on project components, environmental and social impacts, followed by the discussions addressing farmers' concerns about irrigation services and technology upgrades. Participants raised questions about extending irrigation services to uncovered areas, technology upgrades' impact on tariffs, and the provision of equipment for maintenance. They received explanations about project focus, energy consumption reduction strategies, and plans for equipment provision to improve services. Specifically, Mr. Augustin Topalli, representing farmers from Kushavec village, inquired about extending irrigation services to areas without coverage. Mr. Jahja Kadrija clarified the project's scope, explaining that while the project focuses on existing irrigation systems, future expansions may be considered. Mr. Robert, from the agriculture department in Gjakova municipality, raised concerns about potential tariff increases due to technology upgrades. Mr. Jahja Kadrija and Mrs. Laura Gjakova addressed his concerns by explaining plans for energy consumption reduction and the introduction of renewable energy sources. The meeting in Gjakova was documented by the local media outlet "Syri Tv," which covered the event in their news broadcast (link available: https://youtu.be/5tCt9Xw47koc). In Rahovec, the public consultation occurred at the Hall of the Municipal Assembly of Rahovec, on December 20, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:15. Head of Irrigation Division MAFRD, Mr. Bali Lestrani initiated discussions on project challenges and benefits. Presentations covered project components, environmental assessments, and social instruments. However, no questions or feedback were received from the audience during the discussion session. In Prizren, the consultation took place on December 19, 2022, was held at the Hall of the Municipal Assembly of Prizren (White House), from 13:00 to 14:05. The consultation began with presentations of the proejct by MAFRD's Bali Lestrani and Radoniqi-Dukagjini's Samire Krasniqi. Discussions highlighted the need for assistance in identifying all owners of the land where the manholes are planed to be build and equipment provision for maintenance, among other topics. Participants inquired about sharing technical designs and maps for affected areas, receiving clarifications about the process and explanations about expected land acquisition and service improvement plans. Mr. Jakup, Head of Agriculture and Rural Development in Prizren, offered assista Overall, these consultations provided platforms for stakeholders to understand the IRIS project's scope, potential impacts, and address concerns, ensuring transparency and public participation in the project's development and implementation. Participants received clarifications and assurances about various project aspects, fostering trust and collaboration between project stakeholders. 98 9. Annex 1: List of attendees and Minutes of the public consultation A number of meetings were organized during the project preparation phase with the central and local authorities the MESPI, Municipality Mears of Rahovec, Gjakova and Prizren to inform them about the project. Table 8. Stakeholder engagement activities conducted during Project preparation Meeting Date/Place Name of Stakeholder Position Informative/ 17 Aug 2022 Ismajl Hetemaj Acting Director of the Department for consultative Environmental and Water Protection meetings with the Visare Hoxha Acting Head of the Division for Industrial MESPI Pollution Management 31 Aug 2022 Naim Alidema Head of EIA and SEA Sector Informative meeting 18 Nov 2022 Smajl Latifi Mayor of Rahovec with the Municipality Rahovec Ali Morina Chief of the Cabinet of Rahovec Berat Duraku Director for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development Informative meeting 18 Nov 2022, Ardian Gjini Mayor of Gjakova with the Municipality Gjakova Shkumbin Kastrati Director for Public Services, Protection and of Gjakova Rescue Informative meeting 24 Nov 2022, Shaqir Totaj Mayor of Prizren with the Municipality Prizren Pranverim Berisha Director for Urbanism and Spatial Planning of Prizren Bexhat Bytyqi Director for Agriculture and Rural Development Senxhar Karamuço Director of Geodesy and Cadastre Nexhat Elshani Chief of the Cabinet Jona Hoxha PR 99 Table 9. Public Consultation Participation Lists 100 101 Photo documentation Photo 1. Representatives of the PIU, MAFRD and RDIC in the meeting in Rahovec with Mayer and the members of his cabinet Photo 2. Representatives of the PIU, MAFRD and RDIC in the meeting in Prizren with Mayer and the members of his cabinet 102 Photo 3 a, b,c & d. Public discussion in Prizren Municipality 103 Photo 4 a, b,c & d. Public discussion in Rahovec Municipality 104 Photo 5 a, b,c & d. Public discussion in Gjakova Municipality 105