DISCLAIMER THIS DRAFT DOCUMENT HAS NOT BEEN CLEARED BY THE WORLD BANK AND IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW REPORT –ESMF Technical Annex: Environmental and Social Screening Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (GN- SUMP), Water Transport on Lake Nokoué, Benin Client: The World Bank Group Reference: BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 Status: Draft/1 Date: 22 November 2024 Project related HASKONINGDHV NEDERLAND B.V. George Hintzenweg 85 3068 AX Rotterdam Netherlands Water & Maritime Trade register number: 56515154 Phone: +31 88 348 90 00 Email: info@rhdhv.com Website: royalhaskoningdhv.com Document title: –ESMF Technical Annex: Environmental and Social Screening Subtitle: Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (GN-SUMP), Water Transport on Lake Nokoué, Benin Reference: BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 Your reference Click or tap here to enter text. Status: Draft/1 Date: 22 November 2024 Project name: Environmental and Social Screening – Draft Report Project number: BJ5927 Author(s): Myriam Favre Drafted by: Myriam Favre, Erik Zigterman Checked by: Ard Slomp Date: 20 November 2024 Approved by: Roger Degla Date: 22 November 2024 Classification: Project related Unless otherwise agreed with the Client, no part of this document may be reproduced or made public or used for any purpose other than that for which the document was produced. HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V. accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for this document other than towards the Client. Please note: this document contains personal data of employees of HaskoningDHV Nederland B.V.. Before publication or any other way of disclosing, this report needs to be anonymized, unless anonymisation of this document is prohibited by legislation. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 ii Project related Table of Contents Executive Summary 1 1 Introduction 4 1.1 The Project 4 1.2 Our Scope 4 1.3 Project Reference Framework 5 1.3.1 Institutional framework 5 1.3.2 Legal Framework 5 1.3.2.1 National framework 5 1.3.2.2 Regional framework 6 1.3.2.3 International framework 7 1.4 Purpose and Structure of the Report 9 1.5 Assumptions and Limitations 10 2 Project Description 11 2.1 Project context 11 2.2 Project Components 12 2.2.1 Creation, Rehabilitation and Improvement of Lake Ports 13 2.2.1.1 Abomey-Calavi Lake Port 14 2.2.1.2 Cotonou Lake Port (Vossa) 14 2.2.1.3 Porto-Novo Lake Port 15 2.2.2 Connecting Lake Ports with the Hinterland 16 2.2.2.1 Abomey-Calavi Lake Port 17 2.2.2.2 Cotonou (Vossa) Lake Port 17 2.2.2.3 Porto-Novo Lake Port 18 2.2.3 Dredging Navigation Channels 19 2.2.3.1 Maintenance dredging 20 2.2.4 Reuse of Sediments in the Creation of Artificial Islands for Ecological Purposes 20 2.2.5 Zone of Influence 21 3 Baseline Description Based on Available Information 21 3.1 Physical Baseline 21 3.1.1.1 Geological Context 21 3.1.1.2 Groundwater Resource 22 3.1.1.3 Climate 23 3.1.1.4 Climate change 23 3.1.1.5 Ocean and Beaches 24 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 iii Project related 3.1.1.6 Lake Nokoué 24 3.2 Ecological Baseline 28 3.2.1 Ramsar Site 28 3.2.2 Lake Nokoué Wildlife 28 3.2.3 Lake Nokoué Vegetation 29 3.3 Human Environment 29 3.3.1.1 Demography 29 3.3.1.2 Tourism 30 3.3.1.3 Socioeconomic development 30 3.3.1.4 Fishing Activity 31 4 Identification and Assessment of Potential Risks and Impacts 32 4.1 World Bank’s ESS Error! Bookmark not defined. 4.2 Risk and Impact Assessment Methodology 32 4.3 Potential Negative Risks and Impacts 32 4.4 Potential Positive Impacts 38 4.5 Cumulative Risks and Impacts 38 5 Mitigation Measures of Potential Risks and Impacts 39 5.1 Environmental and Social Issues to WB’s ESS 39 5.1.1 Potential impacts and risks and measures during the decommission phase 57 6 Record of Public Participation for SESA Preparation 57 6.1 ARNP Steering Committee 58 6.2 Summary of Actions Implemented in Connection with the SESA 58 6.3 Results of Actions Implemented in Connection with the SESA 59 Table of Tables Table 1-1 Benin regional framework relevant to the Project 7 Table 1-2 International framework relevant to the Project Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 3-1 Statistics of water levels measured in Cotonou (Etat des lieux du delta de l’Ouémé, University of Abomey-Calavi, National Institut of Water, October 2019) 24 Table 4-1 World Bank's Environmental and Social Standards related to the Project Error! Bookmark not defined. Table 4-2 Identification and assessment of ARNP and GN-SUMP interface negative impacts and risks to WB’s ESS 33 Table 5-1 Mitigation measures of ARNP and GN-SUMP interface impacts and risks to WB’s ESS 41 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 iv Project related Table 6-1 of Actions Undertaken and Methodological Approach (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024) 58 Table 6-2 Results of Actions Implemented in Connection with the SESA (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024) 59 Table of Figures Figure 2-1 Overview map of Grand Nokoué, Benin (WB documentation, Project Information Document (PID), June 22nd, 2023) 12 Figure 2-2 Abomey-Calavi port location alternative selected and port sketch design (Google Earth and Royal HaskoningDHV database, 2023) 14 Figure 2-3 Cotonou (Vossa) port location alternative selected and port sketch design (Google Earth and Royal HaskoningDHV database, 2023) 15 Figure 2-4 Porto-Novo port location alternative selected and port sketch design (Google Earth and Royal HaskoningDHV database, 2023) 16 Figure 2-5 Selected Abomey-Calavi port location and road upgrade requirements (Google Earth, 2024) 17 Figure 2-6 Selected Cotonou (Vossa) port location and road upgrade requirements (Google Earth, 2024) 18 Figure 2-7 Selected Porto-Novo port location and road upgrade requirements (Google Earth, 2024) 18 Figure 2-8 Principles of dredged channel design. Horizontal and vertical scales are not the same" (From French to English: Lame d’eau actuelle: Current water level; Argile vaseuse ou argile plastique: Muddy clay or plastic clay; Sable: Sand; Chenal dragué: Dredged waterway) (Action Plan and Proposals for Initial Investments, ARNP, January 2023) 19 Figure 2-9 Proposed waterways, highlighted in yellow, which are expected to be chosen in ARNP Phase 3 (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th 2024) 19 Figure 3-1 The coastal lagoon of Benin in West Africa (Action plan and proposals for initial investments report, ARNP Phase 2, January 2023) 21 Figure 3-2 Sedimentary basin (Etat des lieux du delta de l’Ouémé, University of Abomey-Calavi, National Institut of Water, October 2019) 22 Figure 3-3 Water depths of Lake Nokoué and channel of Cotonou (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 25 Figure 3-4 River Discharges towards the Lake Nokoué (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 26 Figure 3-5 Sedimentation of Lake Nokoué water bodies between 1978 and 2018 (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th 2024) 27 Figure 3-6 Urbanization in 2020 (left) and projected urbanization in 2050 (right) (Action plan and proposals for initial investments report, ARNP Phase 2, January 2023) 30 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 v Project related Appendices Appendices A1 ARNP Institutional Framework A2 GN-SUMP Institutional Framework A3 Lake Nokoué Underground Sand Deposits A4 Seasonal Water Flow Variations A5 Water Level in Lake Nokoué A6 Water Circulation in Lake Nokoué A7 Water Temperature in Lake Nokoué A8 Salinity Distribution in Lake Nokoué A9 Phytoplankton Population A10 World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) A11 Assessment of Sediment Quality in Lake Nokoué A12 Public Participation for SESA Preparation – Phase 1 A13 Public Participation for SESA Preparation – Phase 2 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 vi Project related List of Abbreviations ABE : Benin Environment Agency ADELAC : Agency for the Integrated Development of Lake Ahémé and its Channels AFD : French Development Agency ANAT : Agence Nationale d'Aménagement du Territoire ANPT National Agency for Heritage Promotion and Tourism Development ARNP : Development and rehabilitation of Lake Nokoué and the Porto Novo lagoon ARPN : Porto Novo City Rehabilitation Agency ATDA : Territorial Agricultural Development Agency BAD : African Development Bank EIB : European Investment Bank ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESSR Environmental and Social Screening Report BEIA : Biomass Energy Initiative for Africa (World Bank) BM : World Bank BOAD : West African Development Bank CAA : Caisse Autonome d'Amortissement CENAGREF : National Wildlife Reserve Management Centre CENATEL : Centre National de Télédictions CCP : Project Coordination Unit (ARNP) CIE : Interministerial Water Council CNI : National Water Council CP : Steering Committee (ARNP) DDAEP : Departmental Directorate of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries DG : Managing Director DGDU : Urban Development Department DGEau : Directorate-General for Water DGEC : Directorate-General for the Environment and Climate DGEFC : Directorate General of Water, Forests and Hunting DGPR : Republican Police Headquarters DGR : Rural Engineering Department (MAEP) DPH : Fisheries Production Department (MAEP) E&S : Environmental and Social EESS : Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment ESIA : Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMS Environmental and Social Monitoring System EPRP Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan SWOT : Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats GAS : Greenhouse gases GIRE : Integrated Water Resources Management GIZ : Gesellschaft für Zusammenarbeit (German Cooperation) GN-SUMP Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project ha : Hectare IFC : International Finance Corporation IGN : National Geographical Institute IIPP : Invest International Public Programmes IN : Unknown INE : National Water Institute INRAB : Benin National Institute for Agricultural Research INSTAD ; National Institute of Statistics and Demography IRHOB : Institut de Recherches Halieutiques et Océanologiques du Bénin (Benin Fisheries and Oceanology Research Institute) MAEP : Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries MDC Ministry for Development and Coordination of Government Action 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 vii Project related MCVT : Ministry for the Environment and Transport in charge of Sustainable Development (formerly MCVDD) MPD : Ministry of Planning and Development MEF : Ministry of Economy and Finance MEM : Ministry of Water and Mines MIT : Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport NA : Not applicable NP : Performance Standards NU : United Nations OECD : Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ILO : International Works Organisation NGO : Non-Governmental Organisation PAG : Government Action Programme PANGIRE : National Action Plan for Integrated Water Resources Management PAPC : Cotonou rainwater sanitation programme PAPVS : Secondary Towns Rainwater Sanitation Project PND : National Development Plan PNDF : National Sector Development Programme (for e.g. Aquaculture) PNVV : Porto Novo Green City PPP : Population-Planet-Profit PROMAC : Project for the Promotion of Sustainable Aquaculture and Competitiveness of Fisheries Value Chains PROVAC : Continental Aquaculture Extension Project PSDSA : Strategic Development Plan for the Agricultural Sector TFP : Technical and Financial Partner PUGEMU : Emergency project for environmental management in urban areas RHDHV : Royal HaskoningDHV (Consultant) SAGE : Water Development and Management Plan SDAGE : Master Plan for Water Development and Management SDAL : Master plan for the development of Benin's coastline SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan SGES : Environmental and Social Management System SIRAT : Société des Infrastructures Routières et de l'Aménagement du Territoire (road infrastructure and regional planning company) UAC : University of Abomey Calavi EU : European Union UNA : National University of Agriculture WACA : West-Africa Coastal Areas Management Program 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 viii Project related Executive Summary Introduction As part of its 2021-2026 Action Programme, the Government of the Republic of Benin, with the support of the World Bank Group, is developing the Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (GN-SUMP). This project is heading to final investment decision by the Bank’s board in the beginning of 2025. Additionally, the Government of Benin, through the Ministry of the Living Environment and Transport in charge of Sustainable Development (MCVT) and the Agency for the Integrated Development of Lake Ahémé and its Channels (ADELAC), is undertaking the "Development and Rehabilitation of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo Lagoon" (ARNP) project. Royal HaskoningDHV has been the lead consultant throughout the definition phases of the ARNP project which includes inter alia the development of lake transport on Lake Nokoué. This project, funded by Invest International, is still in its early stages, with the bankable report and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) yet to be prepared. The Study Purpose The Government of Benin has informed the World Bank on its wish to incorporate lake transport into the GN-SUMP project. The GN-SUMP project is classified as High risk due to its scale, the sensitivity of the sector in which it operates, the geographic area involved, and the potential negative impacts it may have on the biophysical and human environments. Therefore, it has a significant impact on the documentation to be provided to the World Bank’s board when requesting approval for the final investment decision. This document has been prepared as a technical annex to the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of the GN-SUMP transport project. Lake Transport Description Within the GN-SUMP project, the transport on the lake Nokoué is considered from Abomey-Calavi, via Cotonou-Vossa to Porto-Novo. The proposed new ports in Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou-Vossa are located at the borders of the Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo port is positioned in the Porto-Novo Lagoon. The development of lake transport consists of several infrastructural elements: 1. The construction of 3 ports and connecting road network ARNP includes in its Action Plan the creation, rehabilitation and improvement of (amongst other locations) three (3) lake ports to facilitate the transport of persons and goods. These lake ports are located in Porto- Novo, Cotonou (Vossa) and Abomey-Calavi. The lake ports must be able to accommodate relatively large vessels and facilitate efficient and rapid loading and unloading. In addition, they must have space for related activities such as passenger waiting areas, fisheries-related storage and marketing activities, the transfer of goods to land transport (and vice versa) or to and from neighbouring markets, and processing industries. 2. Dredging of waterways and creating artificial islands Waterways need to be dredged to allow ferry transport between Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou (Vossa), and Porto Novo. The dredged materials will be used to create artificial ecological islands to enhance the biodiversity of the lake and in particular that of bird life. Besides these infrastructural elements, the project includes also institutional elements and changes to ensure proper and sustainable development of the lake transport and safe and transport of commuters. It also includes the development of public private partnerships leading to economic sustainable development. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 1 DRAFT for review Project related Environmental and Social Impacts The main purpose of adding the lake transport is to relieve pressure on the road traffic network around the lake. The Cotonou metropolitan region is still expected to grow significantly in population in the coming years, the expected mobility needs are anticipated to grow to an even greater extent. Introducing lake transport will, compared to autonomous growth, reduce air pollution and improve air quality. The major impact of the proposed development on land is that space will have to be made for the ferry and cargo ports in Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou (Vossa) and Porto Novo and for the connecting onshore infrastructure. The locations have been chosen to best connect the ports to the existing road network and with as little forced relocation as possible. Nevertheless, the construction of the port in Cotonou will require the removal of some houses and workshops, and the expansion of the existing port in Abomey-Calavi and the associated upgrade of the connecting road will require the relocation of economic activities along the existing road. The location of the planned Porto Novo port is on an unused parcel of land in public domain, to the east of the bridge connecting Porto Novo to the south. The works on the bridge over the lagoon to Porto-Novo already planned will be crucial to create enough vertical clearance to allow ferry transport. A complicating factor for the creation of the port in Cotonou-Vossa is that existing houses and workshops are founded on waste material. To what extent this also is the case in Abomey-Calavi will have to be investigated. Major impact of the lake transport on the water side is that dredging is required to create and maintain the navigable waterways. In fact, Lake Nokoué, a Ramsar site 1018, is facing increasing sedimentation and becomes more and more shallow. The creation of the fairways will enhance the flow of water in the lake, resulting in lower water temperatures and a further intrusion of salty water in the lake. Those effects will have an impact on the water quality and subsequently on the biodiversity of the lake. Another important impact is that creation of the waterways entails removing the acadja’s from the waterway trajectory. Disposal of the dredged material is another important impact of the creation of the waterways. For this the building of artificial islands is foreseen to improve the bird wildlife on the lake Nokoué. Mitigation of Environmental and Social Impacts As already mentioned under the impacts, the selection of the port locations was based on:  (1) a close connection to the existing road infrastructure and  (2) minimal forced resettlements of houses and economic activities. Proper stakeholder management and sufficient compensation in accordance with World bank standards form part of further mitigation of these impacts. The same principles apply to the acadjas located on the trajectory of the proposed waterways and the Cotonou-Vossa port location. In addition to this, a proposed mitigation is the creation of artificial fishponds (also a mitigation measures in ARNP) to offer a more sustainable livelihood for the acadja fishermen. The dredged material will partially be used for the construction of the port locations and the creation of artificial groups of small islands. For the disposal of the remaining dredged material a disposal site needs to be selected which maybe a lengthy process. The intention of creating the two groups of small islands is 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 2 DRAFT for review Project related to foster the ecological quality of Lake Nokoué and in particular the bird population and increase of bird species. After construction, those islands will be offered to nature and will serve as potential area for mangroves and furnish nesting areas for birds. Besides the above highlighted mitigation measures, other measures will be taken into account to minimize the environmental and social impacts of the construction and operation of the waterways, ports and connecting roads. One of the next steps in further detailing the plans will be that a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment will be performed in parallel of designing and detailing the project. Based on the insights obtained during the ESIA and design services the mitigation measures will be detailed further. This report presents an assessment of the risks and impacts associated with ARNP and its interfaces with GN-SUMP in accordance with the World Bank’s ESF. This report encompasses the entire lifecycle of the Project, including the preparatory, construction, operation, and decommissioning stages. However, it is assumed that the lake ports will remain for an indefinite period and the waterways will disappear over the time when maintenance dredging stops. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 3 DRAFT for review Project related 1 Introduction As part of its 2021-2026 Action Programme, the Government of the Republic of Benin, with the support of the World Bank Group, is developing the Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (GN-SUMP). This project is heading to final investment decision by the Bank’s board in the beginning of 2025. Additionally, the Government of Benin, through the Ministry of the Living Environment and Transport in charge of Sustainable Development (MCVT) and the Agency for the Integrated Development of Lake Ahémé and its Channels (ADELAC), is undertaking the "Development and Rehabilitation of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo Lagoon" (ARNP) project. Royal HaskoningDHV has been the lead consultant throughout the definition phases of the ARNP project which includes inter alia the development of lake transport on Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon. This project, funded by Invest International, is still in its early stages, with the bankable report and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) yet to be prepared. 1.1 The Project The Government of Benin has informed the World Bank on its wish to incorporate lake transport into the GN-SUMP project. The GN-SUMP project is classified as High risk project according to the World Bank’s environmental and social framework (ESF) due to its scale, the sensitivity of the sector in which it operates, the geographic area involved, and the risk of potential significant and irreversible negative impacts it may have on the biophysical and human environments. The inclusion of the lake transport in the urban transport project has a significant impact on the documentation to be provided to the Bank’s board when requesting approval for the final investment decision. For the purposes of the GN-SUMP, only the second phase report of the ARNP, action area no.1 and part of action area no.3, of this project is relevant. This report focuses on these specific components. 1.2 Our Scope Our scope of work for the Project includes the following:  Identify the interfaces between the Lake Nokoué project (ARNP) and the World Bank sponsored urban mobility project (GN-SUMP).  Identify and assess potential Environmental and Social (E&S) risks and impacts of the Lake Nokoué project (ARNP), through ARNP and GN-SUMP documentation, in accordance with the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) set forth in the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Framework consisting of ten (10) different ESS scopes. Description of the WB’s ESS related to the Project is provided in Appendix A10. o As requested by the WB, the Environmental and Social Standards ESS7 and ESS9 are not covered by Royal HaskoningDHV scope, so the identification and assessment of E&S impacts, risks and mitigation measures do not include these topics.  Develop a timeline for implementing mitigation measures to address identified risks and impacts.  Estimate the costs associated with conducting studies, surveys, and implementing mitigation measures for the Lake Nokoué project. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 4 DRAFT for review Project related 1.3 Project Reference Framework 1.3.1 Institutional framework The institutional frameworks of ARNP and GN-SUMP are detailed in Appendices A1 and 0. 1.3.2 Legal Framework 1.3.2.1 National framework The legal national framework for conducting E&S screening reports in Benin is primarily composed of the following laws:  Law n°2019-40 of 07 November 2019 revising Law n°90-32 of 11 December 1990 establishing the Constitution of the Republic of Benin, which stipulates that "everyone has the right to a healthy, satisfactory and sustainable environment, and has the duty to defend it. The State shall ensure the protection of the environment" (art. 27) and “The right to property is guaranteed for all. No one shall be deprived of their property except for reasons of public interest and on condition of just and prior compensation.” (art. 11).  Decree No. 2022-390 of July 13, 2022, concerning environmental assessment procedures in the Republic of Benin, requires an environmental and social impact assessment for any project likely to harm the environment and mandates public consultations and hearings, based on the project's scale, during the environmental impact assessment process.  Law n°93-009 of 02 July 1993 governing forests in the Republic of Benin.  Law no. 98-030 of 12 February 1999 on the framework law on the environment in the Republic of Benin.  Decree no. 2003-332 of 27 August 2003 on solid waste management in the Republic of Benin  Law n°2002-016 of 18 October 2004 on the wildlife regime in the Republic of Benin.  Law No. 87-014 of September 21, 1987, governing the regulation of nature protection and hunting in the Republic of Benin, provides restrictions on the feasibility of certain activities or projects in reserves or parks in order to preserve both species and their habitats (Articles 13 to 17).  Decree 2022-063 of 02 February 2022 approving the statutes of the Benin Environment Agency.  Law no. 2006-17 of 17 October 2006 on the Mining Code and mining taxation in the Republic of Benin.  Law no. 2010-44 of 21 October 2010 on water management in the Republic of Benin, which advocates Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) as the basic principle for water management in Benin. Article 1 of this law sets out the constitutional principle that "everyone has the right to a healthy, satisfactory and sustainable environment and has the duty to defend it. The State shall ensure the protection of the environment and the conservation of natural resources in general, in this case water".  Decree no. 2011-281 of 02 April 2011 on the creation, remit, organisation and operation of environmental units in the Republic of Benin.  Decree no. 2011- 573 of 31 August 2011 establishing the Schéma Directeur d'Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux (SDAGE). This is a document for the planning and sustainable management of water, setting out the fundamental guidelines for optimum management and specifying the priorities, water quantity and quality objectives and the measures to be taken to achieve them, within a defined area. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 5 DRAFT for review Project related  Decree no. 2011-623 of 29 September 2011 laying down the procedure for determining the boundaries of public water property. This decree specifies the provisions governing the procedures for determining the boundaries of the public water domain - surface water and groundwater.  Decree no. 2012-227 of 13 August 2012 establishing the Schéma d'Aménagement et de Gestion des Eaux (SAGE). This is a planning and sustainable water management document that sets the general objectives for the use, development and quantitative and qualitative protection of water resources and aquatic ecosystems, as well as the preservation of wetlands, at the level of a sub- basin or a group of sub-basins.  Framework Law No. 2014-19 of 7 August 2014 on fishing and aquaculture in the Republic of Benin in conjunction with Ordinance No. 20/PR/MDRC/SP of 25 April 1966 on the general regulation of fishing in rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, canals and lagoons  Decree no. 2015-029 of 20 January 2015 setting the terms and conditions for the acquisition of rural land in the Republic of Benin.  Law No. 2017-15 amending and supplementing Law No. 2013-01 of 14 August 2013 on the Land and Property Code in the Republic of Benin.  Decree No. 2015-013 of January 29, 2015, concerning the composition and standard operating procedures of inquiry commissions for public utility and inconvenience, and for compensation in cases of expropriation for public interest, specifies that anything that can be subject to expropriation for public interest, provided that the affected party has a legal or customary right of ownership.  Law No. 2018-10 of 02 July 2018 on the protection, development and enhancement of the coastal zone in the Republic of Benin.  Law n°2018-18 of 06 August 2018 on climate change in the Republic of Benin. This law sets out the measures that natural and legal persons must take in the face of climate change, with a view to preserving biodiversity.  Law No. 2018-16 of 28 December 2018 on the Criminal Code in the Republic of Benin.  Law 2021-09 of 22 October 2021 on the protection of cultural heritage in the Republic of Benin.  Article 182 of Law No. 98-004 of January 27, 1998, the Labor Code of the Republic of Benin, stipulates that “to protect the life and health of workers, the employer is required to take all necessary measures that are adapted to the operating conditions of the enterprise”.  Law no. 2021-11 of 20 December 2021 on the repression of gender-based offences and the protection of women in the Republic of Benin.  Law No. 2021-14 of 20 December 2021 on the Code of Territorial Administration in the Republic of Benin.  Law No. 2022-17 of October 19, 2022, amending Law No. 2020-37 of February 3, 2021, concerning the protection of the health of persons in the Republic of Benin.  Law no. 2022-04 of 16 February 2022 on the Public Hygiene Code describes the public hygiene rules to be observed and serves as a basis for defining the systems to be implemented in each sanitation component and for the adoption of appropriate behaviour. Its aim is to protect and promote public health. 1.3.2.2 Regional framework At regional level, Benin has signed the following agreements with other African countries. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 6 DRAFT for review Project related Table 1-1 Benin regional framework relevant to the Project Treaties, conventions and agreements Justification for the applicability of the Project Carrying out the activities of the Project requires the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, adopted in recruitment of labour. It therefore goes without saying that Nairobi on 23 September 1981. recruitment and working conditions must respect human rights. Completion of the project will result in slightly greater use of the land and water body. This could also lead to degradation of African Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural wetlands and/or aquatic ecosystems as a result of construction Resources. and operating activities. It is therefore important to ensure the rational use and conservation of the natural resources present, especially as the site is part of Ramsar site 1018. The Project must be carried out in such a way as to preserve Additional Act N°01/2008/CCEG/UEMOA, adopting the UEMOA sensitive natural ecosystems and biodiversity, avoiding common environmental improvement policy. pollution and damage to water and land resources as far as possible. The purpose of the Abidjan Convention, which was signed on 23 March 1981 and came into force on 05 May 1984, is to cooperate The project must be carried out taking into account the in the protection and development of the marine and coastal protection of the coastal and lake environment environment in the West and Central Africa region. 1.3.2.3 International framework The ESSR is also written in compliance with international standards and the main conventions ratified by Benin. The relevant conventions ratified by Benin are summarised in the table below. Table 1-2 International framework relevant to the Project Standards, treaties and Justification for the applicability of the Project agreements The project will be based on water. To this end, it is important to take steps to preserve Convention on Wetlands of and use water sustainably, in line with Benin's commitments. More importantly, the International Importance, adopted on project is situated in a Ramsar site and Benin’s commitments in that regard shall be 2 February 1971 in Ramsar. fulfilled. United Nations Framework The application of this treaty to the present project is justified by the damage that will be Convention on Biological Diversity caused to the micro-ecosystem present on the site (disturbance, even partial adopted in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 degradation). United Nations Framework The destruction of carbon sinks through deforestation and the production of GHGs Convention on Climate Change, through the decomposition of organic matter (plants and peat) and the machinery that adopted in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. will be deployed explain the rationale behind these international agreements and their Kyoto Protocol signed on 11 applicability to the project. December 1997. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 7 DRAFT for review Project related Standards, treaties and Justification for the applicability of the Project agreements Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for The body of water on the site serves as a receiving environment for the project's Certain Hazardous Chemicals and activities. Considering that it is an outlet for several catchment areas and that various Pesticides in International Trade. agricultural activities take place upstream, it is important to keep a close eye on the actions of these agreements. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and Montreal Motorboat traffic on the water will cause atmospheric pollution through CO emissions Protocol on Substances that Deplete from engine exhausts. the Ozone Layer. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women are a very important link in fishing and aquaculture activities. It is important to Women (CEDAW), 18 December guarantee from the outset of this project that women will not be discriminated against. 1979. ILO (International Labour During all phases of the project, any distinction, exclusion or preference based on race, Organisation) colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national origin or social origin which has the effect Discrimination (Employment and of nullifying or impairing equality of opportunity or treatment in employment or occupation Occupation) Convention, 1958 (No. is prohibited. If any forms of discrimination are discovered during the project phases, this 111) law will be applied. ILO (International Labour During all phases of the project, the recruitment of Organisation) labour/workers for this project must not include children. In this case, it is important to Convention 182 on the Worst Forms take into account the limits of this agreement. of Child Labour, 1999. The minimum age shall not be less than the age of completion of compulsory education and in no case less than 15 years. In the case of a member whose economy and ILO (International Labour educational facilities are insufficiently developed, it may, after consultation with the Organisation) employers' and workers' organisations concerned, if any, specify, as a first step, a Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. minimum age of 14 years. 138) If any forms of child labour are discovered during the project phases, this law will be applied. ILO (International Labour Organisation) Forced Labour Convention, 1930 Work on this project must not include forced labour. The companies chosen for the (No. 29). construction work must have a labour policy that complies with ILO standards. During the ILO (International Labour operational phase, no child labour or forced labour will be accepted and, should such a Organisation) case arise, a legal sanction will be applied. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105) Convention No. 117 on Social Policy The Convention lays down the general principle that all policies should be directed (Basic Aims and Standards), 22 June primarily towards the well-being and development of the population and towards 1962. promoting its desire for social progress. Convention on the Elimination of All International Declaration of Women's Rights. It comprises six sections and 30 articles Forms of Discrimination against aimed at putting an end to all forms of discrimination against women in the political, Women, 18 December 1979. social, economic and cultural spheres. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 8 DRAFT for review Project related 1.3.2.4 The World Bank’s Environmental and Social standards Given the nature of the planned investments, certain World Bank’s environmental and social standards (ESS) are selected to apply to the project in order to prevent and mitigate negative impacts that could result from the implementation of the project on the environment and the population.  The applicable Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) of the World Bank’s Environmental and social Framework 1, as identified by the Bank, are: o ESS1: Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts o ESS2: Labor and Working Conditions o ESS3: Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management o ESS4: Community Health and Safety o ESS5: Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement o ESS6: Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources o ESS8: Cultural Heritage o ESS10: Stakeholder Engagement and information disclosure Description of the WB’s ESS related to the Project is provided in Appendix A10. 1.4 Purpose and Structure of the Report This report is the draft Environmental and Social Screening Report. The purpose of this report is to provide insights into the environmental and social impacts of the Lake Nokoué transport project (ARNP) and its interfaces with GN-SUMP. It is important to note that the ARNP plan and its associated Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) which has been approved by the Government of Benin, has covered more infrastructural and dredging elements on the Lake Nokoué then now is proposed to be included in the GN-SUMP. The current Environmental and Social Screening will be focused on the lake transport within the boundary as defined in the GN-SUMP, from Abomey-Calavi to Porto-Novo, via Cotonou-Vossa. The assessment will be done against the ESF. This document is structured into:  Chapter 1 Introduction  Chapter 2 Project Description  Chapter 3 Baseline Description Based on Available Information  Chapter 4 Identification and Assessment of Potential Risks and Impacts  Chapter 5 Mitigation Measures of Potential Risks and Impacts  Chapter 6 Record of Public Participation for SESA Preparation 1 WB’s ESS7 (indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African Historically Underserved Traditional Local communities) and WB’s ESS9 (Financial Intermediaries) are not covered in this report. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 9 DRAFT for review Project related 1.5 Assumptions and Limitations The conclusions and recommendations in this report are based upon information provided during the ESSR process by the World Bank, as well as relevant data from Royal HaskoningDHV's prior work on the ARNP project. Conclusions and recommendations herein include the application of scientific principles and professional judgment to certain facts with resultant subjective interpretations. Professional judgments expressed are based on experience as well as the currently available facts within the limits of the existing data, scope of work, budget, and schedule. The report cannot, and makes no attempt to, anticipate all changes to those conditions and circumstances which occur after the date of issue of the documentation provided. To the extent that more definitive conclusions and recommendations are desired by the client than are warranted by the currently available facts, it is specifically our intent that these stated herein are to be considered as guidance and not necessarily as a firm course of action, except where explicitly stated as such. We cannot rule out that information made available after completion of this report and/or more detailed investigations may reveal information which may alter the conclusions of this report. Royal HaskoningDHV cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions which may be identified as a result of more detailed research of imminent information. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 10 DRAFT for review Project related 2 Project Description 2.1 Project context The Government of Benin is developing the Grand Nokoué Sustainable Urban Mobility Project (GN-SUMP) with the support of the World Bank. It is made up of four components of which improving the conditions for urban mobility in Grand Nokoué is of paramount importance. Component 3 of GN-SUMP focuses on the improvement of Urban Mobility Conditions. A part of this component will develop climate-resilient and inclusive public transport infrastructure including: (i) multimodal roadway/roadside infrastructure and facilities to support public transport operations (segregated bus lanes, well-lit stations/shelters, terminals, depots, and integration areas; and (ii) Lake Nokoué’s waterway passenger transport infrastructure and associated facilities (piers, jetties, terminals, access roads). This sub-component is the intersection between the World Bank’s GN-SUMP and the Netherlands Cooperation (Invest International) “Aménagement et réhabilitation du lac Nokoué et de la lagune de Porto- Novo” (ARNP). In particular, it will provide public transport services on the Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo Lagoon, through canal sections from Cotonou to Porto Novo and from Cotonou to Abomey-Calavi including and with modern ports in Cotonou, Porto Novo and Abomey Calavi. The GN-SUMP investments are dependent on the implementation of prior actions by the ANRP and are thus both investments are considered as associated with each other.2 The ARNP aims to provide solutions to the major problems and issues linked to the Grand Nokoué water bodies, such as the sedimentation and the deterioration in the quality of the water, the banks, the shallows, the ecosystem, fish production, water transport conditions and so on. All of this against a backdrop of increasing population pressure in the country's most urbanised area. Moreover, the impact of climate change could result in a rise in ocean levels and more extreme flooding from the upstream basin, thereby increasing the risk of flooding in the delta area. The rapid urbanization of the Benin coastal region has placed significant strain on the existing road network, which is insufficient to meet the growing demand. The lack of public transportation options has resulted in heavy reliance on motorbike taxis and environmentally detrimental solution3. 2 The World Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy defines “Associated Facilities” as “facilities or activities that are not funded as part of the project and, in the judgment of the Bank, are: (a) directly and significantly related to the project; and (b) carried out, or planned to be carried out, contemporaneously with the project; and (c) necessary for the project to be viable and would not have been constructed, expanded or conducted if the project did not exist.” 3 Sustainable mobility and accessibility policy in Beninese cities. Final report. SSATP - Benin, March 2020. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 11 DRAFT for review Project related Figure 2-1 Overview map of Grand Nokoué, Benin (WB documentation, Project Information Document (PID), June 22nd, 2023) 2.2 Project Components ARNP The ARNP project has three phases: the first phase focused on the diagnosis of the current situation and trend developments; the second phase has defined a Vision and an Action Plan comprising three areas of action and measures at a pre-feasibility level. These were developed based on the diagnosis of the current situation and the consultations and public participation undertaken since the start of the project. The third phase will involve the launch of a call for tenders for the implementation of a priority project financed by the Netherlands and Benin. The process of developing the Action Plan is led by the MCVT through ADELAC and the ARNP Steering Committee. During phase 1 of the ARNP project, five different areas of action for the development and rehabilitation of the Grand Nokoué water bodies were presented: 1. Development of river-lake transport. 2. Development of the shores of lakes and lagoons. 3. Modernisation of fishing and development of fish farming. 4. Protecting ecosystems and developing tourism. 5. Development of the Cotonou channel to improve water circulation in Lake Nokoué. During phase 2 of the ARNP project, three areas of action making up the Action Plan were discussed and selected. On 3 May 2022, the ARNP Steering Committee agreed that the study should draw up an Action Plan based on the first four areas, combining areas 3 and 4 as follows:  Area no.1. Development of river-lake transport.  Area no.2. Development of riverbanks and shallows.  Area no.3. Promotion of fisheries production, ecology and tourism. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 12 DRAFT for review Project related Only the Action area no.1 and part of Action area no.3 of ARNP are relevant for the lake transport component of the GN-SUMP and are presented in this report. Action area no.1 Action area no.1 concerns a set of measures designed to provide a solution to the current limitations of water transport, which is considered to be one of the main challenges for Grand Nokoué. Navigable routes on the lake and lagoon link production and sales centres, residential areas and the workforce on a national and international scale. However, under this assignment only the national connections are considered. The aim is therefore to develop and modernise river and lake transport in the Grand Nokoué to facilitate the transport of people and goods, which will contribute to the socio-economic development of the metropolitan area. Transporting passengers by ferry will reduce journey times and traffic congestion on the roads particularly during rush hours. There are various examples around the world where passenger transport on water is a viable providing an alternative for land transport. The Lake Nokoué and Porto-Novo lagoon system provides a suitable basis for this. Port facilities are required as well as navigation channels of sufficient depth. The main constraints affecting river-lake transport are as follows:  The poor state of facilities at piers: lack of services and limited connection to the hinterland.  Insufficient depth for high-capacity waterways in the lake and lagoon, which are filled in due to siltation, the invasion of the water hyacinth and the many acadjas.  Vertical clearance at bridges, particularly the old bridge and the current bridge at Porto Novo. Action area no.3 Action area no.3 aims to restore the productive function of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon and their ecological value (RAMSAR site). It focuses on:  Protecting and enhancing existing ecosystems.  Strengthening their ecosystem services, such as fishing (with prawns as an example) and aquaculture, as well as tourism, flood protection and a pleasant living environment. Within the scope of Action area no. 3, only the construction of artificial islands on Lake Nokoué is relevant to GN-SUMP and is presented in this report. 2.2.1 Creation, Rehabilitation and Improvement of Lake Ports The ARNP includes the creation, rehabilitation and improvement of three (3) lake ports to facilitate the transport of persons and goods. These lake ports are in Porto-Novo, Cotonou (Vossa) and Abomey-Calavi. The lake ports must be able to accommodate relatively large vessels and facilitate efficient and rapid loading and unloading. In addition, they must have space for related activities such as passenger waiting areas, fisheries-related storage and marketing activities, the transfer of goods to land transport (and vice versa) or to and from neighbouring markets, and processing industries. During ARNP Phase 2, various port location alternatives were assessed, and preferred alternatives were selected. The final design of the lake ports will be decided upon during ARNP Phase 3 but preliminary sketches of the design of the lake ports are available. In this report, the identification and assessment of 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 13 DRAFT for review Project related potential environmental and social impacts will be limited to the selected lake port locations and will not extend to the sketches of the design ports. The construction of the lake ports will necessitate land reclamation. The dredge spoil from Lake Nokoué comprises a sand fraction part of which will be utilised for the land reclamation at the Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou (Vossa), and Port-Novo ports. Detailed information on the location of the Lake Nokoué sand deposits is provided in Appendix 0. 2.2.1.1 Abomey-Calavi Lake Port The proposed location for the Abomey-Calavi lake port, situated at the geographical coordinates 6°26'51.10"N, 2°21'38.32"E, is the only port location alternative considered for Abomey-Calavi and was selected during ARNP Phase 2. The selected location encompasses an existing port, including a fishing market and a tourism center. The existing pier serves as a facility for local fishermen and as a departure point for residents of Ganvié and tourists. The project entails the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing port infrastructure. The lake port will accommodate passenger transport, goods transportation, and fishing activities. Through other funding, Benin is currently in the process of building a small extension of the current port to facilitate the transport of citizens and tourist to the city of Ganvié. Any new extension of the port should consider this specific investment. Figure 2-2 Abomey-Calavi port location alternative selected and port sketch design (Google Earth and Royal HaskoningDHV database, 2023) 2.2.1.2 Cotonou Lake Port (Vossa) The proposed location for the Cotonou (Vossa) lake port is situated at the geographical coordinates 6°23'22.86"N, 2°25'19.55"E. At this location, located west of the Cotonou channel on the shore of Lake Nokoué, the lakeshore forms a curve that penetrates inland, making it an interesting place for land 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 14 DRAFT for review Project related reclamation. Additionally, the neighbourhood is relatively well-connected by Road 888, which can be extended to this area. This location was selected from three alternatives considered during ARNP Phase 2. The first alternative location, situated at 6°23'21.15"N, 2°25'16.33"E, was deemed unsuitable due to the presence of existing settlements, necessitating significant resettlement efforts. The second alternative location, adjacent to the Cotonou Channel near Dantokpa, was also discarded. This location lacked sufficient space for adequate port infrastructure and would have required vessels to navigate through the canal, which has limited accessibility due to insufficient road connectivity. The Cotonou (Vossa) lake port will accommodate passenger and goods transport. Figure 2-3 Cotonou (Vossa) port location alternative selected and port sketch design (Google Earth and Royal HaskoningDHV database, 2023) 2.2.1.3 Porto-Novo Lake Port The proposed location for the Cotonou (Vossa) lake port is situated at the geographical coordinates 6°28'0.56"N, 2°37'23.59"E. This location was selected from two alternatives considered during ARNP Phase 2. The discarded alternative, located west of the RNIE1, was deemed unsuitable due to the steep site and bank slope, which would have made landside connection challenging and expensive. Additionally, the available space for port development is very limited. The selected location, east of the RNIE1, offers a more favourable site for development. Additionally, there are currently no activities taking place in this area, meaning that the movement of people and activities is relatively low compared to other places. However, the existing Porto-Novo bridge, with its limited air draft, presents a significant challenge. To address this, a new bridge with a higher air draft is required. The Government of Benin has included the construction of this new bridge in its plans, alongside ongoing road construction to Porto-Novo. The information gathered from "Porteo BTP" the road construction Contractor, was that the new bridge being designed will have about 8m air draft which would be significantly more than the current air draft. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 15 DRAFT for review Project related The lake port will accommodate both passenger and freight transport. Figure 2-4 Porto-Novo port location alternative selected and port sketch design (Google Earth and Royal HaskoningDHV database, 2023) 2.2.2 Connecting Lake Ports with the Hinterland To integrate the three (3) lake ports with the GN-SUMP plans, specific road sections have been identified as interfaces between the ARNP and GN-SUMP projects. These sections are based on Royal HaskoningDHV assumptions, as the GN-SUMP has not yet pre-defined any interface. The most likely road sections are presented below. To ensure seamless integration between the two projects, these road sections will require construction, upgrading, or extension and should include the following components: - Bus stops. - Electrical power stations for buses and motorcycles. - Motorcycle and bus parking. - Small trucks access. - Upgraded road connections to main roads. - Pedestrian crossings. - Lighting and signage. - Wastewater treatment. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 16 DRAFT for review Project related 2.2.2.1 Abomey-Calavi Lake Port The road section identified as the interface between ARNP's Abomey-Calavi lake port and GN-SUMP's RNIE2 is highlighted in red on Figure 2-5. It is anticipated that the unnamed existing road section will require significant upgrades and widening to accommodate public transportation between RNIE2 and the lake port. An efficient returning point should be added to the infrastructure as well. Figure 2-5 Selected Abomey-Calavi port location and road upgrade requirements (Google Earth, 2024) 2.2.2.2 Cotonou (Vossa) Lake Port The road sections identified as the interfaces between ARNP's Cotonou (Vossa) lake port and GN-SUMP's RNIE1 are highlighted in red on Figure 2-6. It is anticipated that the existing road sections, including Roads 150 and 888, and the unnamed roundabout, will require upgrades to accommodate public transportation between RNIE1 and the lake port. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 17 DRAFT for review Project related Figure 2-6 Selected Cotonou (Vossa) port location and road upgrade requirements (Google Earth, 2024) 2.2.2.3 Porto-Novo Lake Port The road section identified as the interface between ARNP's Porto-Novo Lake port and GN-SUMP's RNIE1 is highlighted in red on Figure 2-6. It is anticipated that the existing unnamed road section will require upgrades and extension to accommodate public transportation between RNIE1 and the lake port. Figure 2-7 Selected Porto-Novo port location and road upgrade requirements (Google Earth, 2024) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 18 DRAFT for review Project related 2.2.3 Dredging Navigation Channels Navigation on the lake and lagoon is severely hindered by obstacles in the waterways between ports. Shallow depths, water hyacinth, and acadjas (see Section 3.3.1.4) are the main obstacles. To facilitate water transport, these obstacles must be removed or bypassed. Dredging and cleaning are the first steps. The interests of the owners of acadjas who need alternative livelihoods must be taken into account. Subsequent maintenance is also complex as water hyacinth is difficult to contain and sedimentation of navigation channels is likely to recur. The principles applicable to waterway dredging are shown below in Figure 2-8 Figure 2-8 Principles of dredged channel design. Horizontal and vertical scales are not the same" (From French to English: Lame d’eau actuelle: Current water level; Argile vaseuse ou argile plastique: Muddy clay or plastic clay; Sable: Sand; Chenal dragué: Dredged waterway) (Action Plan and Proposals for Initial Investments, ARNP, January 2023) The exact location of the waterways will be determined during Phase 3 of the ARNP project. This report is based on the estimation of potential waterways that are expected to be selected. It is to note that the information presented in this report may become outdated if alternative waterways are chosen during Phase 3 of the ARNP project. Figure 2-9 presents the proposed waterways, highlighted in green. Figure 2-9 Proposed waterways on the Lake Nokoué and the Lagoon of Porto-Novo, highlighted in green, which are expected to be chosen in ARNP Phase 3 (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th 2024) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 19 DRAFT for review Project related The proposed waterway bottom width is 80 meters with a minimum depth of 3 meters. An additional depth of up to 4 meters would accommodate natural sedimentation. Maintenance dredging would be required every 2-3 years, essentially involving continuous dredging that regularly passes through each section. The stability of the underwater channel slopes depends on the strength of the sand or clay. Initial surveys (July/August 2022 4 ) primarily revealed plastic clay and muddy clay. These sediment types necessitate gentle slopes, gentler than 1:6 to 1:8. The drawback is that more unusable material must be dredged and stored elsewhere. A channel cut through sandy materials would be preferable. The estimated length of the navigation routes indicated in Figure 2-9 is nearly 35 km. A rough estimate of the sediment volume to be dredged to create a navigation channel with a depth of 3 to 4 meters and a width of 80 meters, connecting Porto Novo, Cotonou, and Abomey-Calavi, is 9 to 10 million m³, thus approximately 250.000 m3 to be dredged per km. This estimate depends on the technical specifications, particularly whether the dredging occurs in more stable sediments (sand) or in less stable sediments (muddy clay) as described above. 2.2.3.1 Maintenance dredging The navigation routes will require recurrent maintenance as the dynamics of Lake Nokoué ensure regular silting up. The frequency of maintenance will depend on the morphology, sedimentation rates and sediment flows from upstream rivers and can be complex. 2.2.4 Reuse of Sediments in the Creation of Artificial Islands for Ecological Purposes The creation of artificial islands can be a solution for reusing dredged sediments such as clay and mud. This is important since from the dredged material only 34 % (sand) can be used in construction or road infrastructure and the 63 % remaining material (clay and mud) needs other destinations (such as the islands). The disposal of large quantities of sediment (action area no.1) can be a challenge, especially when they are polluted or if the grain size distribution does not allow for direct reuse. But, as mentioned in par 2.2.3, the sediments can be reused without harming the environment. The creation of an artificial island can be a solution for reusing dredged sediments. Various techniques can be applied to do this, but one example could be to create an outer shoreline with geotubes filled with sediment and use the area inside these tubes as a disposal site for the sediment. Since the sediments are reused in their original environment, the quality of the sediments is likely to be the same as that of the already present sediments and, consequently, the negative ecological impacts are less. Once an island is completed, it can be colonized by nature, for example, as a bird island. Of the potential group of small artificial islands, only two locations are relevant to the GN-SUMP and will be further considered in this report. The precise location of the lake artificial islands has not been determined yet and will be finalized during ARNP Phase 3. Based on the current ARNP documentation, it is assumed that the two groups of artificial islands will be situated on the eastern and western sides of Lake Nokoué. Additionally, it is estimated that the total eastern artificial islands will have a diameter of 400 meters, while 4 Rapport de mission de sondages manuels par tubage de soutènement et de description lithologique des sédiments sur les lacs Toho, Porto-Novo, Nokoué et le secteur du pont de Djonou. Institut National de l'Eau, Réalisé par LSTEE et LEMEA en partenariat avec l'Office Béninoise de Recherche Géologiques et Minières (OBRGM); juillet/août 2022 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 20 DRAFT for review Project related the total western artificial islands will have a diameter of 800 meters. This report's assessment of potential environmental and social impacts and risks is based on these assumptions. 2.2.5 Zone of Influence The project's area of influence is located in the delta region of the Ouémé River and the Sô River and primarily covers the communes of Cotonou, Abomey-Calavi, Sèmè-Kpodji, Porto-Novo. It is served by Lake Nokoué (150 km²), the Porto-Novo lagoon (35 km²), and the Cotonou channel. 3 Baseline Description Based on Available Information The information on the physical baseline comes from the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA), realised in 2022 for ARNP, from scientific websites and from the Royal HaskoningDHV database. 3.1 Physical Baseline The coastal zone of Benin does not end at the country's borders: the coastal system is a continuum that extends across several countries. Overall, the coastal zone is characterized by a deep ocean, a strong coastal current moving from west to east and transporting sand, with a succession of sandy beaches that are either heavily accreted or eroded depending on the location of river mouths, ports, and groins. Further inland, there is an alternation of strips of land, mangroves, wetlands, lagoons, and lakes, which may be connected to the ocean. Figure 3-1 The coastal lagoon of Benin in West Africa (Action plan and proposals for initial investments report, ARNP Phase 2, January 2023) 3.1.1.1 Geological Context The coastal zone comprises the coastal plain and the southern plateau region. The coastal plain exhibits three generations of sandy ridges, either current or inherited from recent Quaternary marine oscillations. These are the internal ridges of yellow sand, the median ridges of gray sand, and the current and sub- current ridges of gray-brown sand. The southern plateau region corresponds to three individual ferruginous 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 21 DRAFT for review Project related laterite plateaus, formed by erosion and tectonic activity. These are the Sakété, Allada, and Comè plateaus. This region is bounded to the north by a median depression-oriented WSW-ENE, known as the Lama depression. Offshore, the Beninese continental shelf covers an area of approximately 2800 km² between the 10 and 100-meter isobaths. Trapezoidal in shape, it is about 125 km long. Its width varies between 22 and 24 km in the west up to Ouidah and reaches about 32 km at the Benin-Nigerian border in the east. Figure 3-2 Sedimentary basin (Etat des lieux du delta de l’Ouémé, University of Abomey-Calavi, National Institut of Water, October 2019) 3.1.1.2 Groundwater Resource Southern Benin is part of the Coastal Sedimentary Basin (CSB), which consists of alternating layers of more or less sandy or clayey material, and gravel, pebbles, or sandstone dating from the Cretaceous to Quaternary periods. The CSB covers 10% of Benin's surface area but its groundwater resources, estimated at 600 million cubic meters, represent one-third of the country's total groundwater resources. The shallow aquifer, which can have high nitrate levels and questionable bacteriological quality, is generally unsuitable for consumption but is still used by the population, posing significant health risks (cholera). With an average recharge of the Mio-Pliocene aquifer in the Allada and Sakété plateaus estimated at 160 million cubic meters per year, projected drinking water needs are covered until the horizon 2030-2035 under average conditions. If we consider all projected needs (drinking water, agriculture, and industry), equilibrium is reached before 2030. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 22 DRAFT for review Project related 3.1.1.3 Climate Precipitation The climate of Benin's coastal zone is predominantly humid sub-equatorial, influenced primarily by the Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by an annual alternation of four distinct seasons of unequal duration:  A long rainy season: This extends from April to July and begins with storms and humid winds blowing from the Southwest. Humidity during this season is very high.  A short dry season: This occurs mostly in August. Humidity during this season remains high.  A short rainy season: This follows the reduction of winds south of the eighth parallel and the weakening of the Beninese currents between September and November. Humidity remains high.  A long dry season: This lasts from December to March and is characterized by breezes and the Harmattan wind originating from the Libyan anticyclone. The wind is weak, and humidity is relatively low. Rainfall follows a regular decreasing gradient from West to East (1500 mm/year in Sèmè, 1300 mm/year in Cotonou, 1100 mm/year in Ouidah, and 900 mm/year in Grand-Popo). Moreover, the Benin-Togo coast is abnormally dry (800-1500 mm/year), which explains the absence of dense forests at these latitudes, unlike Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria located at the same latitudes (Dahomey gap)5. Temperature Although they depend on the duration of sunshine and maritime influence, thermal variations in the coastal zone remain low; the annual average is around 27°C. The configuration of average annual temperatures observed during the period 1961-2010 does not show a clear upward or downward trend, even though observations show deviations of the order of -0.6°C to + 0.8°C. Evapotranspiration varies from 3.33 mm/day in July to 5.33 mm/day in February, with an annual average of 4.24 mm/day. Total annual sunshine is around 1,700 hours5. Winds The winds that blow along the Beninese coast predominantly originate from the Southwest. These winds define two seasons based on their direction and speed: a major wind season during which wind speeds are quite high (with average minimums around 3.6 m/s in May and average maximums near 5.12 m/s in August) and a minor wind season during which wind speeds are lower (with average minimums: 3.15 m/s in December; average maximums: 4.55 m/s in March)5. 3.1.1.4 Climate change Climate change has manifested itself in an increase of the average annual temperature by 1°C over the past 60-70 years in the delta. A decrease in rainfall of about 10% over the past 60 years has been observed throughout Benin, including the Ouémé basin, except in the coastal zone (Cotonou station) which has experienced an increase of about 7%. These variations are coupled with an increase in the frequency of extreme precipitation events linked to climate change. According to the Groupe d'experts Intergouvernemental sur l'Evolution du Climat (GIEC), sea levels are projected to rise significantly during the 21st century. By 2050, a sea-level rise of approximately 30 5 Université de Abomey-Calavi, Institut National Institut de l’Eau, « Etat des lieux du delta de l’Ouémé », Octobre 2019. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 23 DRAFT for review Project related centimetres is anticipated. Between 2070 and 2100, this rise could accelerate to between 50 and 80 centimetres. These projections pose a significant threat to Benin's coastal regions, particularly the urban areas surrounding Lake Nokoué, increasing the risk of coastal flooding. 3.1.1.5 Ocean and Beaches It is in the middle of the ocean that the winds and waves develop which, from time to time, threaten the coast. The coast of Benin is particularly affected by the southwest swell in the form of long-duration waves of 10 to 15 seconds, and extreme duration waves of up to 18 seconds. The typical height of the swell is between 1 and 2 meters. With a return period of 10 to 20 years, regional storms occur with winds of around 18 m/s and waves reaching 2½ meters and a period of 5 to 10 seconds. The Benin Early Warning System issues alerts in case of storms, particularly between June and August. The tide has a range of 60 cm. The dominant southwest swell creates a current along the West African coast that transports sandy sediments from the beaches and rivers that discharge their waters and sediments into the ocean. In a state of equilibrium, this current feeds the beaches which remain more or less stable. In reality, human interventions upset the sediment current. Tides The tides along the Beninese coast are semi-diurnal, meaning that there are two high tides and two low tides each day. Table 3-1 summarizes the tidal conditions along the coast, based on the British Admiralty tide tables. Table 3-1 Statistics of water levels measured in Cotonou (Etat des lieux du delta de l’Ouémé, University of Abomey-Calavi, National Institut of Water, October 2019) Description Value (m ZH) Mean High Water Springs +1.6 Mean High Water Neaps +1.0 Mean Sea Level +0.75 Mean Low Water Neaps +0.4 Mean Low Water Springs -0.2 3.1.1.6 Lake Nokoué Lake Nokoué is a shallow, eutrophic coastal lake, located in the south of Benin Republic. It covers around 150 km2 at low water, and measures 20 km long (east–west) and 11 km wide (north–south)6. In 1885, when opening an artificial channel between Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic Coast through the sandy coastal bar, man introduced a new element into the natural balance of the coastal system in South Benin. The disequilibrium that resulted gave immediate rise to significant repercussions on the environment and on its exploitation by the indigenous fishermen. Nevertheless, a new balance gradually emerged. This new balance was soon to be disrupted, however, by the construction in the late 1950's of a deep-water harbour in Cotonou, the existence of which completely changed the characteristics of the coastal current. Direct and 6 Djihouessi, Metogbe Belfrid, Mahougnon Bernauld Djihouessi, and Martin P. Aina. "A review of habitat and biodiversity research in Lake Nokoué, Benin Republic: Current state of knowledge and prospects for further research." Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology 19.1 (2019): 131-145. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 24 DRAFT for review Project related indirect effects were so serious that in 1978 the authorities ordered the construction, near the channel mouth, of a regulating dam, the purpose of which was to check the penetration of salt water into Lake Nokoué; but this dam immediately led to yet other unexpected disruptions, and its completion was rendered useless. The still unstable present situation is satisfactory as far as the fishermen of Lake Nokoué are concerned. However, it entails very negative aspects for the development of Cotonou, a town where now thousands of urban dwellers are subject to floods every year , at times of disastrous proportions because of their extent and duration, and which, moreover, threaten the affected people's health as well as their homes7. Water Depths In Lake Nokoué, the average and maximum depths are 1.3 m and 2.9 m respectively during low water (dry season) periods. Lake Nokoué deepens towards the Cotonou channel where the mean and maximum bathymetries reach values of ~3 m and ~7 m respectively8. Figure 3-3 Water depths of Lake Nokoué and channel of Cotonou (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) River Discharges towards the Lake Nokoué Total river flows towards the lake vary from a few m3/s during low water periods (January to May) to ~1200 m3/s during the 2018 flood. During the flood period, the Ouémé river had a discharge of 800 m3/s and the Sô river 400 m3/s. The Djonou River, flowing into Lake Nokoué in its southwestern part, has flows consistently below 5 m3/s8. 7 Vennetier Pierre. Aménagements littoraux et évolution d'un système lagunaire : étude de cas au Bénin. In: Cahiers d'outre-mer. N° 176 - 44e année, Octobre-décembre 1991. pp. 321-332. 8 IRHOB, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement. LIVRABLE 1. « Rapport sur le fonctionnement hydrodynamique de référence du lac Nokoué et ses systèmes connexes » Décembre 2022. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 25 DRAFT for review Project related Figure 3-4 River Discharges towards the Lake Nokoué (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) During the rainy season, water discharges into Lake Nokoué can be up to fifty times greater than those observed during the dry season. This substantial increase in inflow, coupled with a decrease in outflow, leads to a rise in the lake's water level8. Flows of the water during rainy season and dry season are presented in Appendix A4. Water Level Normally between February and December, the water level in Lake Nokoué fluctuates between approximately 0.4 m during the low-water period and approximately 1.4 m during the high-water period. A graphical representation of this data is provided in Appendix A5. Water Circulation Outside the rainy season, water circulation patterns are generally uniform across the lake, with minimal differences in flow rates between the surface and bottom layers. However, following the onset of the rainy season, the velocity of the surface water layers increases significantly compared to the bottom layers. This results in currents directed towards the ocean canal and the canal leading to Porto-Novo, Nigeria8. Graphical representation of this data is provided in Appendix A6. Sedimentation Process The rate of sedimentation in the water bodies of Grand Nokoué is very high. Historical bathymetric data for Lake Nokoué show an average sedimentation of 2 to 3 cm/year over the last 40 years. This sedimentation leads to a reduction in water storage capacity, which affects the self-cleaning capacity of the water bodies and aquatic productivity: a shallow depth reduces water quality, affects fishing and limits river transport. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 26 DRAFT for review Project related Figure 3-5 Sedimentation of Lake Nokoué water bodies between 1978 and 2018 (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th 2024) Sediment Quality In January of 2023, as part of an Environmental Impact Analyses for ARNP project, research on the quality of the sediments in the lake has been conducted on behalf of the World Bank. Based on the information retrieved the following conclusions have been made: - Only the heavy metals Cadmium [Cd], Cobalt [Co], Copper [Cu], Lead [Pb], Manganese [Mn], Zinc [Zn] and Iron [Fe] are analyzed. - It is not clear which layers are analyzed and if samples are combined in the laboratory before analyses. Due to this it is not clear in which layers (clay, sandy clay etc.) the high concentration values are measured. The extent of the contamination cannot be determined. - Based on the standards of the Netherlands the values heavy metals do not exceed the intervention values. These are environmental standards used in the Netherlands to determine when soil and groundwater contamination is severe enough to require remediation. These values are set for various contaminants and indicate the concentration levels at which there is a significant risk to human health and the environment. - The levels of Cadmium exceed the Canadian standards and the value for TEC. This indicates that the concentrations can have adverse effects on aquatic life. - Additional investigation into other parameters: • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): Contamination from industrial process, vehicle emissions, waste disposal, and agricultural practices. Can have significant adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. • Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH): Contamination from petroleum-based product (gasoline, lubricant). Can have significant adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB): Contamination from industrial and commercial activities. • Organochlorine pesticides (OCP): Contamination from agriculture and industrial processes. Chlorobenzenes: Contamination form industrial activities, chemical manufacturing, and waste disposal. Water Temperature Temporal evolution of the water temperature is observed and modelled at Ladji (mouth of Lake Nokoué with the Cotonou channel) between February and December. It fluctuates on average between 27 degrees Celsius in August and 30 degrees Celsius in December. June to October marks the lowest temperature of the water. In the centre of the Lake Nokoué, on the period from February to November, on average the 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 27 DRAFT for review Project related temperature of the water fluctuated between 27.5 degrees Celsius in August and 30 degrees Celsius in May. As in Ladji, the temperature of the water is the coldest between June to October. During rainy season the temperature in the lakes drops 2 to 3 degrees in the centre of the lake and 3 degrees at the entrance of the outlet of the lake8. Graphical representation of this data is provided in Appendix A7. Salinity Distribution Under normal circumstances, between December and May, Lake Nokoué experiences a significant increase in salinity, rising from approximately 0 PSU to 25 PSU. This period coincides with the long dry season and the early onset of the rainy season. Subsequently, from June to November, salinity levels decrease from 25 PSU to 0 PSU, a trend that overlaps with the rainy season8. Graphical representation of this data is provided in Appendix A8. 3.2 Ecological Baseline 3.2.1 Ramsar Site The coastal zone of Benin, which includes the Ramsar Site 1018, is rich in biodiversity (flora, avian fauna, terrestrial and aquatic fauna) and provides a multitude of ecosystem services. The Ramsar status obliges Benin, through the Benin Environment Agency (ABE), to report on the conservation status of the site. Unfortunately, the state of the natural environment continues to deteriorate. This unique ecological ensemble is threatened by the very strong pressure of human activities in the coastal zone (destruction of forests and mangroves, destruction of wildlife habitats, enormous proliferation of acadjas, disposal of solid waste and wastewater, chemical pollution, uncontrolled sand extraction, etc.). 3.2.2 Lake Nokoué Wildlife The wildlife in the lake Nokoué includes a large variety of species below and above water. The most important species are mentioned below. Banks and water surface  Macro-invertebrates: insects, mollusks, annelids, nematodes, and arachnids  Crabs: primarily land crabs such as the colorful crab (Cardiosoma armatum), burrow crabs and mangrove crabs (Aratus pisoni and Ucides cordatus)  Birds: over 120 species recorded (45% migratory and 55% resident): African cormorant and jacana, egrets, kingfishers, grey heron, black kite Water Column and Bottom10  Zooplankton: Copepods, cladocerans, rotifers, nauplii, nematodes, and protozoa, with a dominance of copepods, rotifers, and cladocerans in the waters of Lake Nokoué.  Phytoplankton: 106 species have been identified in Lake Nokoué and 57 species in the Porto- Novo lagoon9. Detailed description in Appendix A9. 9 LEMEA/FAST/UAC, IRHOBE, LSTE/INE. « État des lieux des connaissances et état actuel de la qualité de l’eau, de la structure du phytoplancton, des macroinvertébrés et du peuplement ichtyologique du complexe lagunaire du « Grand Nokoué » », Septembre 2023. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 28 DRAFT for review Project related  Macro-invertebrates: Insects (50% of species present), mollusks and crustaceans (40%), and annelids, nematodes, and arachnids (less than 10%).  Forty (40) fish species were recorded (in 2019) in Lake Nokoué and thirty-two (32) in the Porto- Novo lagoon. The most abundant families were Cichlidae, followed by Clupeidae and Gobiidae in Lake Nokoué; and Cichlidae followed by Gobiidae and Mugilidae in the Porto-Novo lagoon.  Ichthyofauna Population: Fluctuations in fish populations have been observed, both temporally and spatially, with sometimes large variations due to ecological factors (biotic and abiotic) that accompany the hydro-climatic cycle observed in the Grand Nokoué region. Growth parameter analysis concluded that the fish stock is underexploited. Nevertheless, recruitment into the stock (biomass) is lower than mortality losses, meaning the current state of rational exploitation is only apparent and could quickly shift towards overexploitation9.  Species of invertebrates present in highly eutrophic and polluted environments: Mollusks and oligochaetes.  Shrimp: Giant tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon), pink shrimp (Farfantepenaeus notialis), tiger shrimp (Melicertus kerathurus), pink deep-sea shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris), Guinean shrimp (Parapenaeopsis atlantica).  Crabs: Freshwater crab (Callinectes amnicola), mangrove crabs (Aratus pisoni and Ucides cordatus).  Oysters: Mangrove oyster (Crassostrea gasar).  Mammals: Sitatunga, African manatee. 3.2.3 Lake Nokoué Vegetation The floral diversity has significantly decreased. 95% of the southern and western shores of Lake Nokoué are now urbanized, compared to less than 5% in 1970. The number of species in periodically flooded areas has dropped from 16 to 4 in 2006. The dominant species on the shores since 2000 has been Paspalum vaginatum. Echinochloa pyramidalis (formerly found on the eastern shore of Lake Nokoué) has been gradually replaced by agricultural plantations, particularly sugarcane. Cyperus papyrus (formerly found on the western shore of Lake Nokoué) has completely disappeared, giving way to Typha australis. The river-lagoon system has floating vegetation dominated by Eichhornia crassipes, commonly known as common water hyacinth, the extent of which varies according to seasons and salinity. During the high-water season (rainy season and floods), Eichhornia crassipes covers up to 15% of Lake Nokoué. During the low water season (dry season), it almost completely disappears from Lake Nokoué, while other floating plants are observed year-round throughout the river-lagoon system10. 3.3 Human Environment 3.3.1.1 Demography In Benin, Grand Nokoué – the urbanized area around Lake Nokoué and the Porto Novo lagoon – constitutes a large agglomeration of more than 3.5 million inhabitants, undergoing continuous development. In 2021, the population of the four coastal departments (Ouémé, Littoral, Atlantique, and Mono) was estimated at 4.7 million inhabitants, of which 3.7 million were in the urban area of Grand Nokoué, representing 30% of Benin's population (12.5 million). According to projections (World Bank, UN, Benin), the population of the delta will 10 OmiDelta-INE. « Etat des lieux du delta de l’Ouémé », Rapport thématique n°9/9 Ecosystemes Naturels, Octobre 2019. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 29 DRAFT for review Project related reach 4.7 million by 2030 and 7 million by 2050, approximately double the current population. By this deadline, a large part of the communes in the delta will be urbanized. Figure 3-6 Urbanization in 2020 (left) and projected urbanization in 2050 (right) (Action plan and proposals for initial investments report, ARNP Phase 2, January 2023) Stilt Villages of Ganvié A peculiarity of Lake Nokoué is the presence of human habitations built on stilts at the surface of the water in the Northwestern part, known as Ganvié villages. These agglomerations host about 40,000 people. 3.3.1.2 Tourism The National Agency for the Promotion of Heritage and Tourism Development (ANPT) estimates that Benin only utilizes 2 to 5% of its international tourism potential. Although tourism is not widely developed in Benin, the coastal area and its surroundings have attractions such as Ganvié, and there is good potential for developing ecotourism in wetlands and beach resorts near Cotonou. The Beninese coastal area is characterized by the presence by the Ministry of Tourism of major tourist attractions that are being irrationally exploited. Four tourist interest zones (ZIT) are distinguished: the estuarine ZIT (lower Mono valley), the lake ZIT (Ahémé Lake, Nokoué Lake), the delta ZIT (lower Ouémé valley), and the coastal dune ZIT (sandy beaches, coastal lagoons). 3.3.1.3 Socioeconomic development Economically and socially, Benin has benefited in recent years from a fairly regular GDP growth (6.6% in 2021) but this GDP remains very modest (around 10 billion USD). The Human Development Index has also experienced steady growth until 2010 but has stagnated since then and has remained stable since 2019. As for the incidence of monetary poverty, it is high (40% in 2015 and 38.5% in 2021). Ultimately, although social indicators have improved, Benin presents a social marginalization that is quantitatively and qualitatively extensive and structurally rooted. Almost all relevant indicators, such as income, gender, and education, indicate serious inequalities. Benin faces a food production deficit that places it in a situation of chronic food insecurity. This deficit is compensated for by imports, even though Benin's agricultural and aquaculture potential appears to be very rich. As for the supply of potable water, the situation remains worrying. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 30 DRAFT for review Project related 3.3.1.4 Fishing Activity Fishing plays a vital role due to its contribution to reducing unemployment and meeting the protein needs of the population. The continental fishing on the Lake Nokoué contributes more than 40% of the animal protein consumed in Benin. Acadja Lake Nokoué is a major contributor to inland water fish production in Benin, mainly because of the acadja fishing practice. This fishing method consists of attracting fish and crustaceans into an artificially planted brushwood in the open water of lakes; and then surrounding the brushwood park with a net to easily catch the fish. Acadja is designed to mimic the natural habitat associated with the shores of lakes that many fish species used for reproduction, refuge, and food in dry season. The brushwood is not removed after fish harvest and therefore their decay might influence the water quality of the lake. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 31 DRAFT for review Project related 4 Identification and Assessment of Potential Risks and Impacts This chapter presents a preliminary identification of the potential main environmental and social impacts of the ARNP, Phase (2), action area no.1 (only the canal Porto-Novo via Cotonou to Abomey- Calavi and the related 3 ports) and part of action area no.3 (ecological island building) and of the interfaces between ARNP and GN-SUMP (mostly new roads or road improvements). The potential impacts are classified using the World Bank Group (WB) Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) for environmental and social sustainability. The list of activities and impacts may be updated as project details, such as waterways and road interfaces, will be finalised in later stages. This impact assessment provides a preliminary reference framework to be considered in preparing ESIAs GN-SUMP project and to be annexed to the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) of GN-SUMP. 4.1 Risk and Impact Assessment Methodology All potential impacts that may arise from the Project shall be identified, both positive and negative, this includes direct, indirect, and cumulative impacts. Potential impacts are assessed based on their severity, duration, scale and likelihood. Based on that, impacts are categorized into three levels of significance:  Major Impact (red): A major impact is a significant adverse effect that could have serious long- term consequences. It might lead to irreversible damage, significant loss of biodiversity, or severe social disruption.  Moderate Impact (orange): A moderate impact is a noticeable adverse effect that could have significant short-term or medium-term consequences. It might lead to temporary environmental degradation, displacement of communities, or loss of livelihoods.  Low Impact (yellow): A low impact is a minor adverse effect that is not expected to have significant long-term consequences. It might lead to temporary inconvenience or minor environmental disturbance.  No impact / positive impact (green): No adverse effect is expected to occur. A positive impact is a beneficial effect that could have significant or moderate short-term, medium-term or long-term positive consequences. It may enhance social well-being, improve livelihoods, reduce pollution, or participate to economic growth. Table 4-1 presents a comprehensive categorization of the identified and assessed impacts of the Project, ranked according to the significance levels outlined above. The mitigation or enhancement measures of each impact is developed, and residual impacts highlighted, as presented in Table 5-1 4.2 Potential Negative Risks and Impacts The Table 4-1 identifies the environmental and social impacts of adding lake transport to the GN-SUMP. Before reading the table, a few highlights are summarized in this text. The main purpose of adding the lake transport is to relieve pressure on the road traffic network around the lake. The Cotonou metropolitan region is still expected to grow significantly in population in the coming years, the expected mobility needs are anticipated to grow to an even greater extent. Introducing lake transport will, compared to autonomous growth, reduce air pollution and improve air quality. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 32 DRAFT for review Project related The major impact of the proposed development on land is that space will have to be made for the ferry and cargo ports in Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou (Vossa) and Porto Novo and for the connecting onshore infrastructure. The locations have been chosen to best connect the ports to the existing road network and with as little forced relocation as possible. Nevertheless, the construction of the port in Cotonou (Vossa) will require the removal of some houses and workshops, and the expansion of the existing port in Abomey-Calavi and the associated upgrade of the connecting road in particular will require the relocation of economic activities along the existing road. The location of the planned Porto Novo port is on an unused parcel of land east of the bridges connecting Porto Novo to the south. The already planned works on the bridge over the lagoon to Porto-Novo will be crucial to create enough vertical clearance to allow ferry transport. A complicating factor for the creation of the port in Cotonou-Vossa is that existing houses and workshops are founded on waste material. The demolition of these structure would require a consideration of the disposal of the associated waste, prior to the commencement of construction. To what extent this also is the case in Abomey-Calavi will have to be investigated. Major impact of the lake transport on the water side is that dredging is required to create and maintain the navigable waterways. In fact, Lake Nokoué, within Ramsar site 1018, is facing increasing sedimentation and becomes more and more shallow. The creation of the fairways will enhance the flow of water in the lake, resulting in lower water temperatures and a further intrusion of salty water in the lake. Those effects will have an impact on the water quality and subsequently on the biodiversity of the lake. Another important impact is that creation of the waterways entails removing the acadja’s from the waterway trajectory. Disposal of the dredged material is another important impact of the creation of the waterways. For this the building of artificial islands is foreseen to improve the bird wildlife on the lake Nokoué. Besides these highlighted impacts, other impacts will occur related to the construction and operation of the waterways, ports and connecting roads. These are described below in Table 4-1. Table 4-1 Identification and assessment of ARNP and GN-SUMP interface negative impacts and risks according to WB’s ESS World Bank’s Impact Project activities Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact ESS Significance ESS1: Assessment  The precise nature of the plans to be implemented and through the ESIAs of the GN-SUMP projects, and so, on Management of ARNP Action areas 1 and 3, as well as GN-SUMP All activities. Environmental interfaces, have yet to be determined. This means that a and Social possible future assessment of the project may lead at Risks and detailed level to different assessment and conclusions Impacts Lake port construction  While the risk of forced, compulsory, and child labour may and operation, dredging be perceived as low in southern Benin, it remains a ESS2: Labor and maintenance potential concern. and Working Conditions dredging,  Potential discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or update/construction of religion may restrict employment opportunities for ARNP/GN-SUMP workers. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 33 DRAFT for review Project related World Bank’s Impact Project activities Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact ESS Significance interface road and  Health and Safety at work for staff mobilised on-board construction of the dredging vessels and onshore for construction works (e.g artificial islands potential risks include road traffic accident, site trespassing, falling overboard, drowning, etc.). Within the local context this risk is considered high.  Health and safety risks for workers mobilised to remove potentially polluted soil from lake port sites during preparatory and construction stages (Soil quality unknown at this stage). Within the local context this risk is considered high.  Installation and construction work on the lake port and interface (ARNP/GN-SUMP) sites will generate noise, vibrations, airborne dust, and greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of site machinery.  Installation and construction work on the lake port and interface (ARNP/GN-SUMP) sites may generate soil and water pollution by hazardous and non-hazardous waste, accidental fuel-spills and chemicals and hazardous Lake port construction materials. Within the local context this risk is considered a and operation, dredging serious possibility. and maintenance dredging,  Increased water and land transport during operation stage update/construction of may generate water, sediment, soil, air pollution and ARNP/GN-SUMP greenhouse gas emissions. (e.g. vehicle emissions, interface and accidental fuel-spills on lands and water bodies). Within construction of the the local context this risk is considered a serious artificial islands possibility. ESS3:  (Temporary) increase in turbidity in the water and in the Resource suspension of potentially polluted organic matter is Efficiency and assessed to happen during dredging Pollution Prevention and  Pollution risks while removing potentially polluted soil Management from lake port sites during preparatory and construction stages (Soil quality unknown at this stage but quite a large percentage of those areas are filled with solid waste).  The plastic and muddy clay excavated from dredging activities will be utilized for the construction of the two (2) groups of artificial islands. Any surplus dredged material may be employed for the development of other smaller artificial islands within the ARNP project or disposed of Reuse of dredged elsewhere at the shore (next element of the assessment). sediments for the Contamination of water bodies in and around the artificial construction of two (2) islands, particularly by heavy metals, resulting from the artificial islands. use of polluted dredged materials in artificial island construction is for most heavy metals not the case. Perhaps in some cases increased cadmium levels in the sediment may, once dissolved have an adverse effect on aquatic life (details provided in Appendix A11). 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 34 DRAFT for review Project related World Bank’s Impact Project activities Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact ESS Significance  At this stage of the ARNP Project, definitive disposal sites for the dredged muddy clay and plastic clay have not been identified. This current lack of disposal sites is assessed as may lead to a large extension of the project and cause planning problems. Disposed of unused dredged materials.  Based on the assessment done for ARNP, the disposal of dredged material on shore locations such as agricultural areas will most probably not lead to environmental pollution due heavy metals. Perhaps in some cases an increased cadmium levels in the sediment may, once dissolved, have an adverse effect on aquatic life (details provided in Appendix A11).  Health and Safety for communities during construction and operational stages are considered real risks. These risks may include road traffic accidents in and around the ports due to increased traffic and increased number of commuters and accidents related to water transport like for instance falling overboard and even drowning. Particularly during bad weather, the risk of collision Lake port construction between ferry boats or ferry boats and cargo boats and operation, dredging increases. ESS4: and maintenance Community  Health and safety risks for communities while removing dredging, Health and potentially polluted soil from lake port sites during update/construction of Safety preparatory and construction stages (Soil quality unknown ARNP/GN-SUMP interface roads. at this stage) are considered high.  Risk of accidents resulting from the handling of hazardous materials during the maintenance and refuelling of construction equipment and vehicles and of boats during the operational phase are considered low.  (Temporary) disruption during construction of the livelihoods of groups dependent on access to water and ports, such as fishermen, young people, vendors, smugglers, tourist guides, etc. is expected to occur. Lake port construction,  Risk of physical and economic displacement related to ESS5: Land dredging, the lake port sites: Acquisition, update/construction of Restrictions on  Individuals currently residing or working in the area ARNP/GN-SUMP designated as selected site for the development of Land Use and interface roads and Cotonou (Vossa) lake port are expected to be Involuntary locations of the artificial displaced. Although the selected location is reducing Resettlement the number of displacements as compared to the first islands proposed location, it is still the cased that some houses and/or (work)shops need to be demolished for the port and in particular for the road towards the port. Also a few acadjas are most probably located either at the port location or at the trajectory of the new canal. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 35 DRAFT for review Project related World Bank’s Impact Project activities Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact ESS Significance  Individuals currently working in the area designated as selected site for the development of Abomey- Calavi lake port, which includes an outdoor fishing market, a tourism centre, and a pier used by Ganvié residents and tourists. Their economic displacement during construction stage is anticipated.  The area designated as selected site for the development of Porto-Novo lagoon port is located on an empty not-used Governmental terrain. Physical and economic displacement is not anticipated.  Risk of physical and economic displacement along interface roads related to the lake port sites:  The existing road leading to the proposed Abomey- Calavi lake port site will require significant upgrades, including widening, to accommodate increased traffic. This road section is lined with a large number of existing shops, accommodations, and other businesses.  The access roads in Vossa are already 2 separate lanes with the possibility of making those 2*2 lanes. While displacement of existing businesses along the road can be avoided upgrading the road may still involve some displacements.  The access road in Porto-Novo can easily be made 2*2 if the empty Governmental area can be used on the terrain of the “proposed new parliament building”. The proposed new road location does not involve the displacement of any existing shops, accommodations, or other businesses.  Risks of physical and economic displacement related to waterway trajectory:  Owners and users of acadjas and fish vendors (usually women) with plots along the projected canal between Abomey-Calavi to Cotonou to Porto-Novo and the projected artificial islands have to be removed.  Changes in water quality and in salinity levels due to increased intrusion of salty water through the new canals may impact Lake Nokoué’ s ecosystem services, including fishing activities and thus the economic activity of men and women. (Refer to ESS6 for details.) ESS6:  Temporarily disturbance during dredging will lead to Biodiversity increased turbidity that may have a negative impact on Dredging and Conservation the lake’s biodiversity and ecology. At least temporarily maintenance dredging and Sustainable (during dredging) and most probably only seasonally and construction of the Management of during dry season. During the rainy season the strong artificial islands Living Natural water flux towards the sea will reduce the impact of Resources turbidity. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 36 DRAFT for review Project related World Bank’s Impact Project activities Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact ESS Significance  Disturbance of macro-invertebrates and fish-species due to noise and vibrations from dredging activities and construction of the lake ports (e.g. piling activities) is a possible risk and the impact may take several years. However, with respect to the total size of the lake Nokoué, this is a relatively small impact.  Change of ecological values caused by modification of local bathymetry. The impact is generally seen as positive because the current lake water levels are very low, leading to increased water temperatures and with that reducing biodiversity. Increased water depths will lead to (partly) lower water temperature and will attract species that have been lost for decades and thus improvement of biodiversity.  The new waterways (canals) will result in an increase in salinity levels within Lake Nokoué during periods of low water and a prolonged period of high salinity of about thirty (30) days. Although the overall environmental conditions between September and February are expected to remain relatively unchanged, these alterations may have implications for the lake's ecosystem, including an increase in marine species and a one-month delay in the fishing season for brackish water species.11 These conclusions are based on a hydrodynamic study conducted prior to the ARNP-1 project. Although the study encompasses all waterways to be dredged, only the connection between Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, and Porto-Novo) is detailed in this report. Consequently, the impacts on Lake Nokoué's salinity, while less significant than anticipated, cannot be disregarded.  Increased number of vessels may lead to disturbance of ecological values by noise and vibrations. However, this Water transport. impact is seen as low since the number of ferry boats is not very high and boats will pass through the canal only 2 to 4 times per hour. Update/construction of  Disturbance of terrestrial flora and fauna due to ARNP/GN-SUMP expansion of the road network is considered low. interface roads.  Based on the limited current information available Lake port construction, including a first screening of the sites, the selected lake dredging, ESS8: Cultural port locations, assumed interface roads, and waterways update/construction of Heritage do not appear to encompass cultural heritage sites. ARNP/GN-SUMP However, since we cannot exclude it, we assess the interface roads. impact as low. 11 IRHOB, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement. LIVRABLE 2. « Rapport d’étude sur la réponse probable du lac Nokoué à différents scénarios (dragages/remblais, régulation des débits de l’Ouémé, crues extrêmes) » Juillet 2023. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 37 DRAFT for review Project related World Bank’s Impact Project activities Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact ESS Significance  Insufficient stakeholder engagement and a lack of information disclosure throughout the Project lifecycle can result in significant conflicts, loss of trust, and negative public perception of the Project. However, from the start of the ARNP project an intensive stakeholder process has ESS10: been implemented. Also, the proposed plan for the lake Stakeholder Nokoué has been presented to relevant Governmental Engagement All activities agencies at the national and municipality level as well as and information to a number of NGO’s intervening in the delta area of disclosure Benin and to representatives of the private sector. As we have no information on how within the next phase, the stakeholder engagement is set-up we consider this aspect as a serious impact if this is not done through an intensive stakeholder process. 4.3 Potential Positive Impacts Dredging and Maintenance Dredging Activities The implementation of dredging and maintenance activities will partly mitigate the ongoing issue of sedimentation in Lake Nokoué. By removing accumulated sediments, these activities will increase the water body's volume, increase the water velocity towards the outlets of the lake and enhance its natural self- cleaning processes. Additionally, the dredged material can be repurposed for the creation of ecological artificial islands (building with nature), providing potential suitable habitat for mangrove ecosystems and contributing to the preservation of the Ramsar site's ecological significance. Reduce Congestion of Terrestrial Transport By enhancing water transport on Lake Nokoué, the Project aims to reduce traffic congestion in Cotonou. This will not only reduce air pollution and improve air quality but also decrease travel times for commuters and freight transport, thereby improving food safety and reducing the trend in traffic incidents. Additionally, the Project contributes to the overall economic development of the region by facilitating the movement of goods and people and improve employment. 4.4 Cumulative Risks and Impacts Autoroute Contournement Nord The "Autoroute Contournement Nord" is a significant infrastructure project initiated by the Government of Benin to alleviate traffic congestion within the Cotonou metropolitan area. This project involves the construction of a new highway that will bypass the city from (to) the port Autonome of Cotonou, reducing traffic on existing roads and improving connectivity between Cotonou and other regions12. It is anticipated that this project will stimulate economic activity and enhance transportation efficiency in the region. The "Autoroute Contournement Nord" will run along the lake's edge, necessitating the restructuring of a substantial area south and west of Lake Nokoué. At the time of this report, specific details regarding the 12 https://lanation.bj/actualites/conseil-des-ministres-des-etudes-diligentees-pour-actualiser-le-projet-de-contournement-nord-de- cotonou 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 38 DRAFT for review Project related project's commencement date and precise location remain undetermined. The road could potentially have both positive and negative impacts on the Cotonou Lake Port (Vossa). If the project's alignment encompasses the lake port, it may adversely affect port operations. Conversely, the project could positively impact the lake port by increasing the number of people utilizing its facilities. This project is outside of the scope of World Bank's GN-SUMP. Reinventing the lakeside city of Ganvié Project Strategic Objectives of this project are (1) improving the living conditions of the people of Ganvié and (2) to make Ganvié a showcase for lake tourism, an authentic, atypical and original destination. The expected results are that (1) the lake near Ganvie is cleaned up and waste is better managed (2) 2,500 homes renovated (3) Basic socio-economic infrastructures adapted to the lake environment are built (floating markets, health centre, college, social life space, logistics platform) and (4) tha the Abomey-Calavi pier is built13. This project includes the adaptation of the port of Abomey-Calavi and is currently ongoing. Any new project should include the results of this project. However, at Royal HaskoningDHV’s level little is known about the technical design of the new port. Programme d’Assainissement Pluvial de Cotonou One of the main new drainage canals to evacuate rainwater towards Lake Nokoué is located in the same area as the proposed new port in Vossa-Cotonou. Any new project should take into account the functioning of this new drain. This means that one of the roads to be improved may need a stronger bridge than currently foreseen as a result of the presence of the new drain.14. 5 Mitigation Measures of Potential Risks and Impacts This chapter assesses the environmental and social impacts of the project. For all the impacts assessed, mitigation measures are provided. In Chapter 4, a list of activities and impacts is provided. This list may be updated as project details, such as waterways and road interfaces, will be finalized in later stages. This list is the basis of the impact assessment. 5.1 Environmental and Social Issues to WB’s ESS The Table 5-1 presents the proposed mitigation measures to minimize the environmental and social impacts of adding lake transport to the GN-SUMP. Before reading the table, some mitigations are summarized here. As already mentioned under the impacts, the selection of the port locations was based on:  (1) a close connection to the existing road infrastructure and  (2) minimal forced resettlements of houses and economic activities. 13 https://beninrevele.bj/projet/147/reinventer-cite-lacustre-ganvie/ 14 https://www.gouv.bj/article/2616/ 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 39 DRAFT for review Project related Proper stakeholder management and sufficient compensation in accordance with World bank standards form part of further mitigation of these impacts. The same principles apply to the acadjas located on the trajectory of the proposed waterways and the Cotonou-Vossa port location. In addition to this, a proposed mitigation is the creation of artificial fishponds (also a mitigation measures in ARNP) to offer a more sustainable livelihood for the acadja fishermen. The dredged material will partially be used for the construction of the port locations and the creation of artificial groups of small islands. For the disposal of the remaining dredged material a disposal site needs to be selected which maybe a lengthy process. The intention of creating the two groups of small islands is to foster the ecological quality of Lake Nokoué and in particular the bird population and increase of bird species. After construction, those islands will be offered to nature and will serve as potential area for mangroves and furnish nesting areas for birds. Besides the above mitigation measures highlighted, other measures will be taken into account to minimize the environmental and social impacts of the construction and operation of the waterways, ports and connecting roads. One of the next steps in further detailing the plans will be executing a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment in parallel with designing and detailing the project. Based on these further insights the mitigation measures will be further detailed. The Table 5-1 below presents an assessment of the risks and impacts associated with ARNP and its interfaces with GN-SUMP, as estimated in this report. At this stage of the project it is difficult to estimate an impact/risk level, - as there is no information available yet. This report encompasses the entire lifecycle of the Project, including the preparatory, construction, operation, and decommissioning stages. However, it is assumed that the lake ports will remain for the design life period and the waterways will disappear over the time when maintenance dredging stops. Whilst performing all of the actions in the table, the impact and risks are considered manageable. However, this is based on the actual knowledge of the project. If the detailed designs of the project are made, new or increased impacts and risks are possible and updated assessment needs to be made if additional actions are necessary. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 40 DRAFT for review Project related Table 5-1 Mitigation measures of ARNP and GN-SUMP interface impacts and risks according to WB’s ESS Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Develop an Environmental and Social Policy for the project in line with World Bank’s Sustainability Strategy and Invest International Impact & ESG Policy. Prepare detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) for ARNP and interfaces of GN-SUMP with ARNP. The precise nature of the plans to be Prepare and implement Contractor Environmental and Social Management Plan (C- implemented through the ESIAs of the ESMP) including responsibilities, timeline, monitoring, and organisation for the coming ESS1: Assessment ARNP and GN-SUMP projects, and so, project worksites by contractors. and Management of Environmental on ARNP Action areas 1 and 3, as well Develop an E&S organizational chart, description of the roles and responsibilities for and Social Risks as GN-SUMP interfaces, have yet to be each position relevant for E&S aspects to be prepared for World bank, for Invest and Impacts determined. international, but also for the Contractors. Develop external communication strategy and grievance mechanism. These communication and grievance mechanisms can be integrated in the SEP. Instead of developing and implementing standalone communication and grievance mechanisms, this can also be integrated in the GN-SUMP overall SEP. While the risk of forced, compulsory, Contractors should have applicable labour policies in place. During the tender process, ESS2: Labor and and child labour may be perceived as the contractual rules and regulations to ensure proper labour and working conditions will Working Conditions low in southern Benin, it remains a be an essential element. The Government of Benin and the World Bank shall jointly potential concern. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 41 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Potential discrimination based on monitor compliance with these standards. While doing so, this risk is assessed as having gender, ethnicity, or religion may no impact. restrict employment opportunities for workers. Health and Safety at work for staff mobilised on-board dredging vessels and onshore for construction works (e.g potential risks include road traffic Develop a Health and Safety policy and a Health and Safety Management Plan that all accident, site trespassing, falling supplier/contractor should adhere to. The Government of Benin and the World Bank overboard, drowning, etc.) shall jointly monitor compliance with these standards. While doing so, the chances of H&S issues will be strongly reduced but can never be excluded totally and no longer Health and safety risks for workers significant. mobilised to remove potentially polluted soil from lake port sites during preparatory and construction stages (Soil quality unknown at this stage). Fugitive dust emissions are generated during lake ports construction, dredging of the channels, and operation activities. Air emissions are generated from land- and sea- Installation and construction work on based sources during lake ports construction and operation activities. Recommendations the lake port and interface (ARNP/GN- for the control and management of air emissions resulting from typical construction and SUMP) sites will generate noise, operation activities can be found in the World Bank’s General EHS Guidelines. At all ESS3: Resource vibrations, airborne dust, and stages of the project, vehicles and vessels shall be maintained in accordance with the Efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturer’s specifications and campaigns to raise awareness on the good practice to Pollution operation of site machinery. limit air emissions in general and greenhouse gas emissions shall be carried out (Ban on Prevention and burning waste on site; compliance with speed limits, etc.). Management Installation and construction work on The Contractor shall include in its Contractor Environmental and Social Management the lake port and interface (ARNP/GN- Plan (C-ESMP) a Water Quality Management Plan to prevent water quality impacts on SUMP) sites may generate soil and the sensitive ecosystems of the Lake Nokoué. This plan shall address water quality water pollution by hazardous and non- issues such as stormwater, wash water, sewage, and pollution prevention. Stormwater hazardous waste, accidental fuel-spills and sewage from port facilities should be managed according to the recommendations 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 42 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance and chemicals and hazardous provided in the World Bank’s General EHS Guidelines. Vehicles and vessels must be materials. Within the local context this maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to prevent pollution from risk is considered a serious possibility. fuel spills. To prevent pollution of soil and waterbodies, raising awareness campaigns on the good practices in case of accidental pollution should be carried out during preparatory and construction stages of the project. The construction sites should be provided with drums and a secondary containment system for storing used oils on a watertight surface. The solid hazardous waste should be sent to approved treatment and disposal services. Campaigns to raise construction workers' awareness about general hygiene and site cleanliness should be conducted on a regular basis. During preparatory and construction stages of the project, hazardous material should be stored in appropriate conditions (hermetic sealed placed on a drip tray in case of leakage). Campaigns to increase awareness about the hazardous materials management should be carried out. Fuel dispensing equipment should be equipped with “breakaway” hose connections that provide emergency shutdown of flow should the fuelling connection be broken by movement. Fuelling equipment should be inspected prior to fuelling activities to ensure all components are in satisfactory condition. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be excluded and no longer significant. Increased water and land transport The Contractor (license holder) shall include in its Operation Environmental and Social during operation stage may generate Management and Monitoring Plan (OESMMP) a Water Quality Management Plan to water, sediment, soil, air pollution and prevent water quality impacts on the sensitive ecosystems of the Lake Nokoué. greenhouse gas emissions. (e.g. According to World Bank liquid effluents associated with land-based activities in ports vehicle emissions, accidental fuel-spills (such as construction activities, vehicle maintenance and washing, fuel and material on lands and water bodies). Within the storage and transfer, etc.) include stormwater, wash water and sewage. Wash water 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 43 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance local context this risk is considered a from land- and sea-based activities may contain oily residues. Stormwater and sewage serious possibility from port facilities should be managed according to the recommendations provided in the World Bank’s General EHS Guidelines. Vehicles and vessels must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications to prevent pollution from fuel spills. To prevent pollution of soil and waterbodies, raising awareness campaigns on the good practices in case of accidental pollution should be carried out during the operation stage of the project by the contractor (license holder). The lake ports should be provided with drums and a secondary containment system for storing used oils on a watertight surface. The solid hazardous waste should be sent to approved treatment and disposal services. Campaigns to raise port workers' awareness about general hygiene and site cleanliness should be conducted on a regular basis. Hazardous material should be stored in appropriate conditions (hermetic sealed placed on a drip tray in case of leakage); Campaigns to increase port workers’ awareness about the hazardous materials management should be carried out. Fuel dispensing equipment should be equipped with “breakaway” hose connections that provide emergency shutdown of flow should the fuelling connection be broken by movement. Fuelling equipment should be inspected prior to fuelling activities to ensure all components are in satisfactory condition. In the operation fuel storage need to be managed according to World Bank EHS guidelines for ports, harbours and terminals. GN-SUMP plans include the technical assistance to develop a motorcycle taxi fleet renewal strategy and deployment of an electric motorcycle taxi fleet in Grand Nokoué. The lake ports should include electric power stations to accommodate electric vehicles. The development of a vessel fleet renewal strategy and the deployment of an electric vessel fleet on Lake Nokoué should be considered. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be excluded and no longer significant. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 44 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Depending on the site parameters, the appropriate dredging method should be selected to increase dredging precision and to minimize turbidity. The project should conduct a risk assessment for dredging activities as part of the development of a Dredging Management Plan, to define the dredging methodology; define the area of influence (assessment of sensitive ecological receptors (possibly through sediment plume (Temporary) increase in turbidity in the propagation modelling); define mitigation measures to address adverse impacts on water and in the suspension of biodiversity, and water quality, and relevant environmental monitoring parameters and potentially polluted organic matter. indicators. According to World bank’s EHS Guidelines, the timing of dredging should consider seasonal factors such as migration periods (e.g., fish and birds); breeding and growing seasons (e.g., lake flora); timing of feeding and periods of reduced ecosystem resilience (e.g., after extreme weather events). When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be excluded and no longer significant. The chemical properties of the soil at the lake port site shall be characterised, especially Pollution risks while removing Abomey-Calavi and Cotonou (Vossa), before the commencement of construction stage. potentially polluted soil from lake port Depending on the site parameters, appropriate soil excavation techniques will be sites during preparatory and selected to minimize the potential spread of contaminated soil into the sensitive construction stages (Soil quality ecosystems of Lake Nokoué. The solid hazardous waste should be sent to approved unknown at this stage). treatment and disposal services. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be totally excluded. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 45 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance The plastic and muddy clay excavated from dredging activities will be utilized The project should develop a Dredging Management Plan to characterize the chemical for the construction of the two (2) and physical composition and behaviour of the sediments to be dredged; define the area artificial islands. Any surplus dredged of influence (assessment of sensitive ecological receptors); define mitigation measures material may be employed for the to address adverse impacts (for example on biodiversity and water quality), and relevant development of other smaller artificial environmental monitoring parameters and indicators. The timing of artificial islands islands within the ARNP project or construction should consider seasonal factors such as migration periods (e.g., fish and disposed of elsewhere. Contamination birds); breeding and growing seasons (e.g., lake flora); timing of feeding and periods of of water bodies, particularly by heavy reduced ecosystem resilience (e.g., after extreme weather events). metals, resulting from the use of An artificial island sites evaluation should include the assessment of the impacts of the polluted dredged materials in artificial candidate artificial island sites, to ensure to the extent practical that the construction island construction is for most heavy activity does not interfere with or devalue commercial and recreational uses of the site metals not the case. Perhaps in some environment, nor produce adverse impacts on sensitive ecosystems, species and cases increased cadmium levels in the habitats. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts sediment may, once dissolved have an and risks will be minimal (not significant) to zero. adverse effect on aquatic life (details provided in Appendix A11). The project should develop a Dredging Management Plan to identify and assess At this stage of the ARNP Project, dredged materials disposal options and sites, characterize the chemical and physical definitive disposal sites for the dredged composition and behaviour of the sediments to be dredged, characterize the muddy clay and plastic clay have not environmental baseline where disposal site(s) will be located; define the area of been identified. Based on the influence (assessment of sensitive ecological receptors (possibly through sediment assessment done for ARNP, the plume propagation modelling); define mitigation measures to address adverse impacts disposal of dredged material will not on disposal site area(s) (for example on biodiversity, and water and soil quality), and lead to environmental pollution due relevant environmental monitoring parameters and indicators. According to World bank’s heavy metals. Perhaps in some cases EHS Guidelines, the timing of disposal activities should consider seasonal factors such an increased cadmium levels in the as migration periods (e.g., fish and birds); breeding and growing seasons (e.g., lake sediment may, once dissolved, have an flora); timing of feeding and periods of reduced ecosystem resilience (e.g., after extreme adverse effect on aquatic life (details weather events). provided in Appendix A11). A disposal site evaluation should include the assessment of the impacts of the candidate disposal site, to ensure to the extent practical that the deposit of dredged material does 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 46 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance not interfere with or devalue commercial and recreational uses of the site environment, nor produce adverse impacts on sensitive ecosystems, species, and habitats. The disposal site of remaining sediments should be clearly delimited and fenced to prevent any spillage. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be totally excluded and no longer significant. In order to reduce the chances of accidents and boat collisions institutional arrangements should be taken. A water policy and a basic legislative structure exist to regulate transport and port operations, but it needs to be actualised and capacity needs to be improved to ensure its effective operation and a new legislative framework to regulate new activities in this policy area. The involvement of the Ministry of the Interior/Justice will also be required. The Government of Benin shall monitor compliance Health and Safety for communities with new legislative framework. More specific: for lake transport, the following during construction and operational accompanying measures are to be integrated into the project: stages are considered real risks. These risks may include road traffic accident o Updating the legal framework in and around the ports due to o the regulations relating to the navigation police; o the rate of transport taxes; ESS4: Community increased traffic and increased number o The operationalization of the "supervisory commission" of river and lake transport; Health and Safety of commuters and accidents related to o The development of a manual of procedures for the issuance of administrative acts water transport like for instance falling such as: overboard and even drowning. o navigation license, Particularly during bad weather, the o exploitation license risk of collision between ferry boats or o certificate of competence or driving licence, ferry boats and cargo boats increases. o registration and registration of boats, o recognition of approved inter-municipal and inter-state piers, o inspections, etc. o The definition and delimitation of spaces for shipping lanes, fishing and sand exploitation o The definition of modern piers/landing stages integrating the security and defense forces, and customs, etc. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 47 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Introduction of community safety issues during the construction and operation of lake ports as they are common to those of most large infrastructure or industrial facilities and are included in the February 2017 World Bank EHS guidelines for ports, harbours and terminals. The Contractor for the work shall prepare, implement, a Constractor Environmental and Social Management Plan (C-ESMP), which shall contain explicit traffic management measures. This should be audited by World Bank and Invest International. Road signs should be aimed at the local population, written in French and, if possible, use visuals instead of text. The contractor/license holder shall prepare, implement, an Operation Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (OESMMP), which shall contain a Community Health and Safety Plan with explicit safety management measures. As part of C-ESMP and OESMMP, Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans (EPRPs) should be prepared to inform communities about risks and measures on how to respond. The EPRPs shall be ready and operational respectively prior to construction and operation. In its EPRP, the project proponent must develop measures to assist and collaborate with the potentially affected communities and the local government agencies in their preparations to respond effectively to emergency situations, especially when their participation and collaboration are necessary to ensure effective response. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be excluded. The Contractor shall prepare, implement, an C-ESMP, which shall contain a Community Health and safety risks for communities Health and Safety Plan with explicit health management measures. As part of C-ESMP, while removing potentially polluted soil an EPRP should be prepared to inform communities about risks and measures on how from lake port sites during preparatory to respond. and construction stages (Soil quality When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks unknown at this stage). will be minimal but can never by excluded and no longer significant. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 48 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Risk of accidents resulting from the The C-ESMP and OESMMP should contain the management of hazardous materials. In handling of hazardous materials during the operation fuel storage need to be managed according to World Bank EHS guidelines the maintenance and refuelling of for ports, harbours and terminals. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures construction equipment and vehicles are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be excluded and no and of boats during the operational longer significant. phase. A comprehensive survey should be undertaken to evaluate the temporary affected (Temporary) disruption during people by disruption of their activities prior to the commencement of construction construction of the livelihoods of activities. The survey should highlight vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, elderly groups dependent on access to water individuals, people with disabilities). Subsequent monitoring is required to determine and ports, such as fishermen, young whether affected populations can receive adequate compensation. A grievance people, vendors, smugglers, tourist mechanism should be implemented and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. guides, etc. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be minimal but can never be excluded and no longer significant. ESS5: Land Risk of physical and economic The selected lake port location has been strategically selected to minimise potential Acquisition, displacement related to the lake port economic and physical displacement. As the detailed designs for the lake port and GN- Restrictions on sites: SUMP/ARNP interfaces are still under development, careful consideration shall be given Land Use and  Individuals currently residing or to minimizing any further displacement. Involuntary working in the area designated A comprehensive survey should be undertaken to evaluate the physical and economic Resettlement as selected site for the displacement of affected populations as well as temporary affected people by disruption development of Cotonou (Vossa) of their activities prior to the commencement of construction activities. The survey should lake port. Although the selected highlight vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, elderly individuals, people with location is reducing the number disabilities). Subsequent monitoring is required to determine whether displaced of displacements as compared to populations can access comparable economic opportunities and received adequate the first proposed location, it is compensation. Additionally, resettlement plans and land acquisition records should be still the cased that some houses, made accessible for all individuals affected by displacement. A grievance mechanism acadjas and/or (work)shops need should be implemented and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. to be demolished for the port or for the road towards the port. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 49 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance  Besides, few acadjas will be For the persons who might lose their income (fishermen and the many women selling removed for the port location and fish) on the trajectories of the canals and ports, fishponds will be introduced as mitigation the new canal. measure.  Individuals currently working in the area designated as selected When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks site for the development of will be less but for the new ports of Cotonou (Vossa) and Abomey-Calavi the impacts Abomey-Calavi lake port, which remain high. For the port of Porto-Novo no impacts are expected after taken the includes an outdoor fishing mitigating measures as mentioned above. market, a tourism center, and a pier used by Ganvié residents and tourists. Economic displacement during construction stage is anticipated.  The area designated as selected site for the development of Porto- Novo lake port is located on an empty not-used Governmental terrain. Physical and economic displacement is not anticipated. Risk of physical and economic A comprehensive survey should be undertaken to evaluate the physical and economic displacement along interface roads displacement of affected populations as well as temporary affected people by disruption related to the lake port sites: of their activities prior to the commencement of construction activities. The survey should  The existing road leading to the highlight vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, elderly individuals, people with proposed Abomey-Calavi lake disabilities). Subsequent monitoring is required to determine whether displaced port site will require significant populations can access comparable economic opportunities and received adequate upgrades, including widening, to compensation. Additionally, resettlement plans and land acquisition records should be accommodate increased traffic. made accessible for all individuals affected by displacement. A grievance mechanism This road section is lined with a should be implemented and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. large number of existing shops, 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 50 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance accommodations, and other When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks businesses. will be less but remain high and significant because of the possible demolition of houses and workshops. The road upgrade alternative that results in avoiding physical and economic displacement should be prioritized. If such an alternative is not feasible, a comprehensive survey should be undertaken to evaluate the physical and economic  The access roads in Vossa are displacement of affected populations as well as temporary affected people by disruption already 2 separate lanes with the of their activities prior to the commencement of construction activities. The survey should possibility of making those 2*2 highlight vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, elderly individuals, people with lanes. While displacement of disabilities). Subsequent monitoring is required to determine whether displaced existing businesses along the populations can access comparable economic opportunities and received adequate road should be avoided, it may compensation. Additionally, resettlement plans and land acquisition records should be still occur. made accessible for all individuals affected by displacement. A grievance mechanism should be implemented and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be less and no longer significant. A comprehensive survey should be undertaken to evaluate the physical and economic  The access road in Porto-Novo displacement of affected populations as well as temporary affected people by disruption can easily be made 2*2 if the of their activities prior to the commencement of construction activities. The survey should empty Governmental area can be highlight vulnerable groups (e.g., women, children, elderly individuals, people with used on the terrain of the disabilities). Subsequent monitoring is required to determine whether displaced “proposed new parliament populations can access comparable economic opportunities and received adequate building”. The road does not line compensation. Additionally, resettlement plans and land acquisition records should be with any existing shops, made accessible for all individuals affected by displacement. A grievance mechanism accommodations, or other should be implemented and maintained throughout the project lifecycle. businesses. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be less and no longer significant to zero. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 51 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance A comprehensive sociological study should be conducted to identify the locations of Risks of physical and economic acadjas, their owners, and the fish vendors, who are often women from vulnerable displacement related to waterway groups. Subsequent monitoring will be required to evaluate whether displaced acadja trajectory: owners and fish vendors have been provided with comparable economic opportunities  Owners and users of acadjas and and adequate compensation. Additionally, resettlement plans and land acquisition fish vendors (usually women) records should be made accessible for all individuals affected by displacement. A with plots along the projected grievance mechanism should be implemented and maintained throughout the project canal between Abomey-Calavi to lifecycle. Cotonou to Porto-Novo and the When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks projected artificial islands. will be less but remain high and significant because of the possible loss of income. A post-dredging monitoring surveys shall be conducted to evaluate Lake Nokoué ecosystem services and its potential impacts on the fishing activities. If negative impacts, Changes in water quality and in salinity a comprehensive sociological study should be conducted to identify affected population levels due to increased intrusion of (fishers and fish vendors, usually women). Subsequent monitoring is required to salty water through the new canals determine whether affected populations can receive adequate compensation. A may impact Lake Nokoué’ s ecosystem grievance mechanism should be implemented and maintained throughout the project services, including fishing activities. lifecycle. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts (Refer to ESS6 for details.) and risks will be less and no longer significant. Depending on the site parameters, the appropriate dredging method should be selected Temporarily disturbance during to increase dredging precision and to minimize turbidity. The project should conduct a dredging will lead to increased turbidity ESS6: Biodiversity risk assessment for dredging activities as part of the development of a Dredging that may have a negative impact on the Conservation and Management Plan, to define the dredging methodology; define the area of influence lake’s biodiversity and ecology. At least Sustainable (assessment of sensitive ecological receptors (possibly through sediment plume temporarily (during dredging) and most Management of propagation modelling); define mitigation measures to address adverse impacts on probably only seasonally during dry Living Natural biodiversity, and water quality, and relevant environmental monitoring parameters and season. During the rainy season the Resources indicators. According to World bank’s EHS Guidelines, the timing of dredging should strong water flux towards the sea will consider seasonal factors such as migration periods (e.g., fish and birds); breeding and reduce the impact of turbidity. growing seasons (e.g., lake flora); timing of feeding and periods of reduced ecosystem 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 52 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance resilience (e.g., after extreme weather events). When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be less and no longer significant. Disturbance of macro-invertebrates Guidance on noise management, setbacks and acceptable noise levels can be found in and fish-species due to noise and the WB General EHS Guidelines. Given the location of the Project in the RAMSAR site vibrations from dredging activities and 1018, measures to prevent, minimize, and control underwater noise from pile driving of construction of the lake ports (e.g., lake ports and dredging and maintenance dredging include: pilling activities) is a possible risk and  The timing of dredging and piling activities should consider seasonal factors the impact may take several years such as migration periods (e.g., fish and birds); breeding and growing seasons (e.g., lake flora); timing of feeding and periods of reduced ecosystem resilience (e.g., after extreme weather events).  Using soft-start/slow ramp-up during pile driving and dredging activities to allow time for sensitive aquatic species to vacate the area; and  Implementing noise mitigation techniques for pile driving, including bubble curtains, pile caps, and cofferdams (where practicable) to absorb/scatter pile driving energy. When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be less and no longer significant. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 53 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Change of ecological values caused by modification of local bathymetry. The impact is generally seen as positive because the current lake water levels The Project shall include an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to are very low, leading to increased guide development activities. As part of the ESMP, post-dredging monitoring surveys water temperatures and with that shall be conducted to evaluate the new temperature dynamic and its potential impacts reducing biodiversity. Increased water on the biodiversity of Lake Nokoué. If negative impacts, suitable mitigation measures depths will lead to (partly) lower water shall be proposed and implemented. temperature and will attract species that have been lost for decades and thus improvement of biodiversity. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 54 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Dredging operations on the waterways will result in an increase in salinity levels within Lake Nokoué during periods of low water and a prolonged period of high salinity of about thirty (30) days. Although the overall environmental conditions between September and February are expected to remain relatively unchanged, these The Project shall include an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to alterations may have implications for guide development activities. As part of the ESMP, post-dredging monitoring surveys the lake's ecosystem, including an shall be conducted to evaluate the potential impacts on the salinity dynamics of Lake increase in marine species and a one- Nokoué and local biodiversity. Suitable mitigation measures shall be proposed and month delay in the fishing season for implemented. brackish water species. These When all the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks conclusions are based on a will be less and no longer significant. hydrodynamic study conducted prior to the ARNP-1 project. Although the study encompasses all waterways to be dredged, only the connection between Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, and Porto- Novo) is detailed in this report. Consequently, the impacts on Lake Nokoué's salinity, while less significant than anticipated, cannot be disregarded. Based on the limited current A detailed cultural heritage survey should be carried out before construction begins to information available including a first identify potential cultural heritage sites and mitigate potential impacts. Establish a formal ESS8: Cultural screening of the sites, the selected lake chance-find procedure before the commencement of the construction work. When the Heritage port locations, assumed interface abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will be less to roads, and waterways do not appear to zero. encompass cultural heritage sites. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 55 DRAFT for review Project related Assessed E&S Negative Risk / Impact Residual Impact World Bank’s ESS Mitigation Measures Impact Significance Significance Insufficient stakeholder engagement A detailed Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) should be developed and implemented and a lack of information disclosure prior to the commencement of construction activities. Regular consultations with throughout the Project lifecycle can identified stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and other result in significant conflict, loss of relevant parties, should be conducted throughout the project lifecycle. The SEP should trust, and negative public perception of include a transparent and accessible grievance mechanism to address concerns and the Project. However, from the start of complaints. Furthermore, information regarding the project's scope, timeline, potential ESS10: the ARNP project an intensive environmental and social impacts, mitigation measures, stakeholder engagement Stakeholder stakeholder process has been process, and future public consultation opportunities should be publicly disclosed Engagement and implemented. Also, the proposed plan through appropriate channels. information for the lake Nokoué has been disclosure When the abovementioned mitigation measures are executed, the impacts and risks will presented to relevant Governmental be less and no longer significant. agencies at the national and municipality level as well as to a Develop and implement the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) systematically and as number of NGO’s intervening in the soon as practicable, record outcomes and follow-up on promises. Instead of developing delta area of Benin and to and implementing a standalone SEP, this can also be integrated in the GN-SUMP representatives of the private sector. overall SEP. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 56 DRAFT for review Project related 5.1.1 Potential impacts and risks and measures during the decommission phase The potential impacts during the preparatory, construction and operational phases have been mentioned extensively in the Table 4-1 and Table 5-1. For completeness, the impacts of decommissioning are mentioned in this paragraph. The decommissioning of the new lake ports is not anticipated in the near or even long-term future. Nevertheless, by proactively considering a potential decommissioning stage, a circular design approach can be implemented. This approach would facilitate the reuse of materials should the lake ports eventually be decommissioned due to factors such as relocation, a shift to different boat types, or the need for urban development on the land space. The conditions at the time of decommissioning are unknown at this stage. Environmental and social legislation may undergo changes, new opportunities for material reuse may emerge, and socio-economic conditions as well as governmental policies may influence future development patterns within the country. The decommissioning phase may present potential environmental and social risks and impacts, including health and safety concerns, potential for child or forced labour, air and noise pollution, dust emissions, and increased traffic. The primary environmental impact is anticipated to be the generation of waste materials. It is not expected that the decommissioning process will result in job losses for lake port workers, as they may transition to employment in other sectors or locations relevant to the prevailing economic conditions. The decommissioning process is projected to generate temporary employment opportunities in the demolition of lake port infrastructure. While a portion of the materials will be suitable for reuse in construction projects, a significant amount is expected to become solid waste requiring proper disposal. 6 Record of Public Participation The record of public participation presented here documents consultations held during the preparation of the Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) of the Phase 2 Action Plan for the ARNP project is accompanied by a15, which has been approved by the Agence Béninoise pour l'Environnement (ABE), the regulatory authority for SESA procedures in Benin. In compliance with national and international SESA regulations, a transparent and inclusive public consultation process was conducted throughout the SESA process to engage with all relevant stakeholders. In addition to meetings with the ARNP Steering Committee, the identified stakeholders were consulted on a regular basis from the start of the project:  During phase 1, a consultation tour with the populations living around Lake Nokoué and the Porto- Novo lagoon was undertaken as a first stage in January 2022. Following the tour, two consultation workshops were organised with stakeholder representatives in Cotonou in February 2022. These workshops were preceded by targeted interviews with key players.  Then, during Phase 2, a number of meetings were held with government stakeholders, in particular the agencies and ministries concerned. In this context, in April and June 2022, eight workshops were organised with participants from various sectors (state, grassroots, NGOs, dredging/sand 15 Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 57 DRAFT for review Project related companies), as well as meetings with experts and meetings with potential Technical and Financial Partners (TFPs). These processes were carried out with the aim of informing, gathering opinions and positions taken and contextualising the issues related to the project. This chapter focuses exclusively on the workshops and raised concerns directly pertinent to the Project's scope. 6.1 ARNP Steering Committee Meetings with the ARNP Steering Committee, the Project Coordination Unit and the team of consultants were held in February, October and December 2022. At each meeting, a progress report was drawn up, and discussions took place on the reports and proposals, leading to guidelines and decisions for the rest of the process. 6.2 Summary of Actions Implemented in Connection with the SESA Details of stakeholder meetings and workshops conducted during Phases 1 and 2 of the ARNP project are provided in Appendices A12 and A13. Table 6-1 of Actions Undertaken and Methodological Approach (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024) Actions Methodological approach Implementation period  Focus groups with a special focus on women January 2022 Lake Tour  Team meetings at commune level Meetings with government bodies, PAG  Individual interviews February 2022 projects and private companies  Team meeting  Communications on the context of the project, February 2022 summary of the conclusions of the tour of the lake, coherent solutions Consultation with local stakeholders  Work in mixed professional social groups with a circle reserved exclusively for women  Plenary discussion of the results of the group discussions  Communications on the context of the project, February 2022 summary of the conclusions of the tour of the lake, Concertation workshop for state actors coherent solutions  Plenary discussions Information workshop on coherent  Communication April 2022 solutions  Exchanges  Communication June 2022 Thematic workshops on action areas  Exchanges Steering Committee working sessions  Meeting October 2022 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 58 DRAFT for review Project related Actions Methodological approach Implementation period Meetings with Porto-Novo and Cotonou  Meeting and visit to possible sites for lake ports December 2022 town halls  Meeting October and Steering Committee Work sessions December 2022 6.3 Results of Actions Implemented in Connection with the SESA Table 6-2 Results of Actions Implemented in Connection with the SESA (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024) No. Process Results obtained  Information from local communities  Information for local authorities and decentralised departments 1 Lake Tour  Gathering and discussing the environmental and social impacts of the project  Taking account of stakeholders' opinions in formulating options Individual interviews with government  Information from sectoral ministries and agencies 2 bodies, PAG projects and private companies  Establishing a synergy of actions around the project Workshop for consultation with primary 3  Taking into account the different points of view of stakeholders stakeholders  Open discussion on sensitive subjects like acadjas 4 Concertation workshop for state actors  Specific concerns of women taken into account in the project  Collection of opinions from experts in fishing, transportation and 5 Information workshop on coherent solutions dredging.  Obtaining the opinion of local and government authorities Focused workshops on specific project  Opinions of technical experts in environmental and social 6 areas assessment.  Good understanding of the local situation 7 Work sessions and field visits for lake ports  Potential sites with investment opportunities for lake ports  Adaptation of the holistic vision of the ARNP project in line with 8 Work sessions with the Steering Committee national policy. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 59 DRAFT for review Project related Appendices 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 60 DRAFT for review Project related A1 ARNP Institutional Framework Water management in Benin is governed by :  Institutional arrangements - central administration, national consultation framework (National Water Council (CNE)), coordination framework (Interministerial Water Commission (IWC)), management structures (Basin Agency), consultation bodies (Basin Committee) for national river basins, transboundary basin authorities, etc.  Legal and regulatory texts - the law on water management and its application texts;  Planning documents - PANGIRE, SDAGE, SAGE, Delta Plan  Technical tools - surveillance networks, laboratories, databases, etc.  Study and research centres - INE, IRHOB, CENATEL This system should contribute to the integrated management of the country's water resources, particularly in the Ouémé delta. It appears that water management remains difficult, especially surface water management but also groundwater management. The situation described in the previous sections reflects this observation. The integration of this management, or lack of it, and its application are major challenges. Water management affects a multitude of interests. Consequently, any intervention - or non-intervention - that may be necessary deserves a concerted approach. In the event of intervention, the structure responsible (political and/or executive) should lead the consultation process for each project or programme of projects. Although consultation platforms do exist (e.g. CNE, CIE), they are still subject to numerous constraints and lack effectiveness. To date, there is no known structural consultation platform covering the administrative area in which the ARNP project is being implemented (the five major urban communes of Grand Nokoué: Ouidah, Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Sèmè-Kpodji and Porto-Novo; extended to the commune of Ouidah). The body that comes closest is the Grand Nokoué intermunicipality, which still suffers from numerous constraints and lacks effectiveness. On the whole, meetings are organised on an ad hoc basis as part of a programme or project, which does not allow for synergy in the involvement of stakeholders. To ensure that the various interests are taken care of by the project and to ensure the coordination of the project, the Beninese Government, through the Ministry of the Living Environment and Sustainable Development, set up by Order 2021 No 002/MCVDD/DC/SGM/DGEC/ ADELAC/SA (002SGG21) the project implementation bodies, namely: a Steering Committee (SC) and a Project Coordination Unit (PCU). (CCP), whose powers and composition are set out below. The CCP is placed under the authority of the Minister for the Living Environment and Sustainable Development. The responsibilities of the Steering Committee are as follows:  The Board of Directors is the steering and decision-making body;  The PC provides political supervision and approves the general guidelines of the ANRP project;  The PC ensures that the project's management and impact are taken into account in the State's development policies and strategies, and that the project achieves the necessary synergy with other sectoral projects. To ensure the integration of the various interests and synergy with other sectoral projects in the lake and lagoon area, the PC is made up of the following partners:  Chairman : DG Environment and Climate (MCVT)  Vice-Chairman : DG Mines (MEM) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 61 DRAFT for review Project related  Rapporteur: DG Agency for the Integrated Development of the Economic Zone of Lake Ahémé and its Channels (ADELAC/MCVT)  Members (11) : o DG Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries - Ouémé (MAEP) o DG River-Lagoon Transport (MCVT) o DG Water (MEM) o DG National Agency for Heritage Promotion and Tourism Development (Presidency) o DG Benin Environment Agency (MCVT) o DG Agency for the Rehabilitation of the City of Porto-Novo (MCVT) o Director of Sanitation and Urban Roads (MCVT) o Head of Environmental Monitoring Laboratory (MCVT) o Head of the Legal Unit at MPD o Netherlands Portfolio Manager at CAA (MEF) o Representative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Board of Directors is the decision-making body that selects investment project proposals, taking into account environmental and social issues. Table Main ministries, institutions and organisations involved in water bodies in the coastal zone Institution Global responsibilities Ministère du Cadre de Vie et des Transports Planning Public en charge du Développement Durable (before works 1. Ministries MCVDD) and its agencies (Adelac, ABE, Transport, transport routes, ports, involved in ANAT, ANPT, ARVPN, ....) landing stages water Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Fisheries production, fishing, 2. bodies of the area (mainly DPH) livestock coastal Consultation, IWRM 3. Ministry of Water and Mines. Surface water quality Sediment extraction Other  Ministry of Finance 4. Financing ministries,  Lenders, the largest 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 62 DRAFT for review Project related A2 GN-SUMP Institutional Framework The environmental administration in Benin is headed by the Minister in charge of the Environment. An analysis of the institutional framework identifies several key institutional actors and their services involved in the implementation of this project.  Ministry of the Living Environment, Transport, and Sustainable Development (MCVT):  To achieve Benin's goal of prioritizing the environment, as enshrined in its constitution, a Ministry in charge of the environment was created in 1991. Currently named the Ministry of the Living Environment, Transport, and Sustainable Development (MCVT), it is responsible for, among other things:  Defining and periodically updating the national policy on the environment, climate change management, reforestation, and protection of flora and fauna, and implementing related strategies and actions;  Developing and implementing policies related to the fight against climate change and pollution of water, air, and soil;  Mobilizing funding for the implementation of policies, plans, programs, and projects in the sectors concerned;  Monitoring and preserving marine, coastal, and river ecosystems;  Monitoring Benin's implementation of commitments on sustainable development as well as international and regional conventions related to its areas of competence. Within this ministry, the main services to be involved in the implementation of the PMUD-GN are:  Benin Environment Agency (ABE): A public establishment created in 1995, it is responsible for implementing the national environmental policy adopted by the government as part of its development plan.  Directorate General of the Environment and Climate (DGEC): Responsible for developing the national environmental policy.  Departmental Directorate of the Living Environment, Transport, and Sustainable Development (DDCVT): Responsible for monitoring and controlling the application of standards and legislative and regulatory texts in the areas of environment, nature protection, etc.  Environmental Cells: These are functional units within all sectoral ministries and communes.  Directorate General of Water, Forests, and Hunting (DGEFC): Responsible for managing forest resources at the national level.  Ministry of the Economy and Finance (MEF): Responsible for the design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the government's general policy in economic, financial, and monetary matters.  National Agency for Land and Property (ANDF): Responsible for strengthening and simplifying access to land for the State and its territorial collectivities.  Ministry of Health (MS): Responsible for the design and monitoring-evaluation of the State's health policy. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 63 DRAFT for review Project related  Ministry of Labor and Public Service (MTFP): Responsible for defining, developing, and monitoring the evaluation of the State's policy on labor and public service.  Ministry of the Interior and Public Security (MISP): Responsible for ensuring the implementation and monitoring-evaluation of the State's policy orientations in terms of programming internal security.  Ministry of Social Affairs and Microfinance (MASM): Responsible for defining, promoting, leading, coordinating the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the State's policy in the areas of social protection and child protection.  Ministry of Decentralization and Local Governance (MDGL): Responsible for defining, monitoring, and evaluating the State's policy on decentralization, deconcentration, local governance, and grassroots development.  Project Coordination Unit (PCU): Responsible for coordinating and managing fiduciary activities, monitoring and evaluation, environmental management, and communication.  Prefectures: Responsible for ensuring the application of national guidelines by the communes.  Communes: Responsible for taking all measures to preserve public hygiene, improve the living conditions of the population, and protect natural resources.  Civil Society Organizations: Play a very important role in protecting the environment at the local level and mobilizing beneficiaries. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 64 DRAFT for review Project related A3 Lake Nokoué Underground Sand Deposits Figure Areas Identified for Potential Sand Dredging (hatch-marked yellow) (Action Plan and Proposals for Initial Investments, ARNP, January 2023) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 65 DRAFT for review Project related A4 Seasonal Water Flow Variations The figures below illustrate the typical water flow patterns during low-water and high-water periods. Arrows and numbers in red represent the average flow rates, as determined from assessed rating curves. Arrows and numbers in green represent the hypothetical (unmeasured) flow rates, inferred from previous analyses or by conservation of mass. Double arrows and numbers in black represent the maximum observed tidal flow rates. During the rainy season, water discharges into the lake can be up to fifty times greater than those observed during the dry season. Figure Seasonal water flow variations in Lake Nokoué area. On the left, low-water period, on the right, high-water period (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 66 DRAFT for review Project related A5 Water Level in Lake Nokoué Temporal evolution of the water level observed (in red) and modelled (in blue) at the level of Ladji (mouth of Lake Nokoué with the Cotonou channel) between February and December 2018. Figure Water Level in Lake Nokoué (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 67 DRAFT for review Project related A6 Water Circulation in Lake Nokoué The colours represent the intensity of the currents (in cm/s), while the streamlines are marked by black arrows. Figure Average surface (top line) and bottom (bottom line) circulation in Lake Nokoué between January and June (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) Figure Average surface (top line) and bottom (bottom line) circulation in Lake Nokoué between July and December 2018 (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 68 DRAFT for review Project related A7 Water Temperature in Lake Nokoué Figure Temporal evolution of the temperature observed (in red) and modelled (in blue) at Ladji (mouth of Lake Nokoué with the Cotonou channel) between February and December 2018 (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) Figure Temporal evolution of the temperature observed (in red) and modelled (in blue) in the centre of Lake Nokoué between February and November 2018 (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 69 DRAFT for review Project related A8 Salinity Distribution in Lake Nokoué Figure Monthly distribution of the bottom salinity of Lake Nokoué. In-situ data are shown on the top row, while the fields modelled by SYMPHONIE are shown on the bottom row (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) Figure Monthly evolution of the average salinity in Lake Nokoué, measured (in red) and modelled by SYMPHONIE (in blue) between December 2017 and December 2018. Surface salinities are indicated in bold lines and bottom salinities in fine dotted lines. (Lake Nokoué Hydrodynamic Study, IRHOB/ Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, December 2022) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 70 DRAFT for review Project related A9 Phytoplankton Population During the ARNP the following report has been made: LEMEA/FAST/UAC, IRHOBE, LSTE/INE. « État des lieux des connaissances et état actuel de la qualité de l’eau, de la structure du 71hytoplankton, des macroinvertébrés et du peuplement ichtyologique du complexe lagunaire du « Grand Nokoué » », Septembre 2023. From this report the following inventory is taken: The phytoplankton inventory has identified 106 species in Lake Nokoué and 57 species in the Porto-Novo lagoon. In Lake Nokoué, the dominant phytoplankton species in November were Aulacoseira granulata (27%), Chroococcus subnudus (13%) and Microcystis sp. (7%). But in January, Aulacoseira granulata (10%), Chaetoceros sp. (9%), Cyclotella menighiniana (6%), Oedogonium sp. (6%), Thalasosira lacustris (12%) and Trachelomonas sp. (13%) dominate the environment. In March, most of these species were replaced by others such as Chaetorus (16%), Gyrosigma sp. (12%), Aulacoseira granulata (8%), Trachelomonas sp. (5%) and Euglena oxyuris (5%), which were themselves replaced in June by an assemblage consisting of Eunotia sp. (29%), Mastogloia sp. (21%), Aulacoseira granulata (13%) and Euglena sp. (5%). In August, the environment was populated by Chaetoceros sp. (33%), Closterium gracille (5%), Synedra ulna (5%) and Lyngbya sp. (5%). In the Porto-Novo lagoon, phytoplankton were dominated in November by Cyclotella menighiniana (8%), Melosira granulata (7%), Phacus sp. (6%), Lopocynclis fusiformis (6%), Phacus platalea (6%), Peridinium cintum (5%) and Anabaena sp. (5%), and in January by Melosira granulata (77%) and Chetoceros sp. (7%). This assemblage was replaced in March by Nitzschia sp. (49%), Gyrosigma sp. (7%), Peridinium cintum (6%) and Coscinodiscus sp. (6%). All these species disappeared in June, replaced by another assemblage comprising Eunotia sp. (50%), Pinnulartia sp. (7%), Cymatopleura solea (7%), Fragilaria ulna (6%) and Aulacoseira granulata (5%). Lastly, the characteristic species of the lake population during the August survey were Aulacoseira granulata (10%), Oscillatoria sp. (10%), Lyngbya sp. (9%), Synedra ulna (8%), Closterium gracille (8%) and Fragilaria ulna (6%). 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 71 DRAFT for review Project related A10 World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standards (ESS)  Environmental and Social Standard 1 (ESS1): Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts ESS1 sets out the Borrower’s responsibilities for assessing, managing and monitoring environmental and social risks and impacts associated with each stage of a project supported by the Bank through Investment Project Financing, in order to achieve environmental and social outcomes consistent with the Environmental and Social Standards.  Environmental and Social Standard 2 (ESS2): Labor and Working Conditions ESS2 recognizes the importance of employment creation and income generation in the pursuit of poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth. Borrowers can promote sound worker-management relationships and enhance the development benefits of a project by treating workers in the project fairly and providing safe and healthy working conditions.  Environmental and Social Standard 3 (ESS3): Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention and Management ESS3 recognizes that economic activity and urbanization often generate pollution to air, water, and land, and consume finite resources that may threaten people, ecosystem services and the environment at the local, regional, and global levels. The current and projected atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) threatens the welfare of current and future generations. At the same time, more efficient and effective resource use, pollution prevention and GHG emission avoidance, and mitigation technologies and practices have become more accessible and achievable.  Environmental and Social Standard 4 (ESS4): Community Health and Safety ESS4 recognizes that project activities, equipment, and infrastructure can increase community exposure to risks and impacts. In addition, communities that are already subjected to impacts from climate change may also experience an acceleration or intensification of impacts due to project activities.  Environmental and Social Standard 5 (ESS5): Land Acquisition, Restrictions on Land Use and Involuntary Resettlement ESS5 recognizes that project-related land acquisition and restrictions on land use can have adverse impacts on communities and persons. Project-related land acquisition or restrictions on land use may cause physical displacement (relocation, loss of residential land or loss of shelter), economic displacement (loss of land, assets or access to assets, leading to loss of income sources or other means of livelihood), or both. The term “involuntary resettlement” refers to these impacts. Resettlement is considered involuntary when affected persons or communities do not have the right to refuse land acquisition or restrictions on land use that result in displacement.  Environmental and Social Standard 6 (ESS6): Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources ESS6 recognizes that protecting and conserving biodiversity and sustainably managing living natural resources are fundamental to sustainable development. Biodiversity is defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Biodiversity often underpins ecosystem services valued by humans. Impacts on biodiversity can therefore often adversely affect the delivery of ecosystem services. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 72 DRAFT for review Project related  Environmental and Social Standard 8 (ESS8): Cultural Heritage ESS8 recognizes that cultural heritage provides continuity in tangible and intangible forms between the past, present and future. People identify with cultural heritage as a reflection and expression of their constantly evolving values, beliefs, knowledge and traditions. Cultural heritage, in its many manifestations, is important as a source of valuable scientific and historical information, as an economic and social asset for development, and as an integral part of people’s cultural identity and practice. ESS8 sets out measures designed to protect cultural heritage throughout the project life cycle.  Environmental and Social Standard 10 (ESS10): Stakeholder Engagement and Information Disclosure This ESS recognizes the importance of open and transparent engagement between the Borrower and project stakeholders as an essential element of good international practice. Effective stakeholder engagement can improve the environmental and social sustainability of projects, enhance project acceptance, and make a significant contribution to successful project design and implementation. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 73 DRAFT for review Project related A11 Assessment of Sediment Quality in Lake Nokoué Introduction and goal For the ARNP an assessment of the sediment quality of the Lake Nokoué an the Lagoon of Porto-Novo was conducted in the period 2022/2023. d. In this memo Royal HaskoningDHV assesses if the information that is provided by the ARNP, provides enough insight in the quality of the sludge/sediment in the lake to be used for the environmental assessment for the GN-SUMP project (part lake transport). The following reports are used to determine the quality of the sediment: • 1 : Rapport de mission de sondages manuels par tubage de soutènement et description lithologique des sédiments sur les lacs Toho, Porto-Novo, Nokoué et le secteur du pont de Djonou, LSTEE and LEMEA Septembre 2023; • 2 : Projet d’aménagement et de réhabilitation du lac Nokoué et de la lagune de Porto-Novo, Projet develop2build, État des lieux des connaissances et état actuel de la qualité de l’eau, de la structure du phytoplancton, des macro invertébrés et du peuplement ichtyologique du complexe lagunaire du « grand Nokoué » (lac Nokoué, lagune de Porto-Novo, rivière Djonou, lac Toho-Todougba), LEMEA, IRHOB CBRSI and LSTEE, Septembre 2023; • 3 : Projet d’aménagement et réhabilitation du lac Nokoué et de la lagune de Porto – Novo : qualité des sédiments des lac Nokoué, Toho, de la lagune de Porto – Novo et le secteur de Djonou, LSTEE and LEMEA Septembre 2023. Based on this information we assess if the soil quality of the dredged sediments can be used for building the ecological islands or to put the sediments on agricultural fields on the shore. Summary of the research The rivers that runoff to the Lake Nokoué influence the quality of the sediment as well as different industries that drain their sewage water into the lake. In January of 2023 sediments in the “Lac Nokoué” was researched to determine the physical en chemical characteristics of sediments. This was done as part of the project (ARNP) to develop and rehabilitate Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon. During the research sediments were collected of 43 boreholes within the lake. Of the boreholes 32 were to a depth of 10 m below bottom levels, 4 boreholes between 2 and 4 meter below bottom levels and 7 boreholes until a depth of 10.5, 11 or 11.5 meters below the sediment surface. Sediment samples have been taken at depths of 0.3, 2, 5, and 8 meters below bottom levels. The sediment layers consist of a shell layer (0-0.5 m-below bottom levels) with different layers of clay or sandy clay. Below the (sandy)clay layers there is a layer of sand until the maximum depth of 10 meters. For a complete explanation of the sediment structure, we refer to the research report. Samples were taken from each layer. It is not clear if in the laboratory mixed samples were made of the samples or if every sample is individually analysed. The samples were analysed on heavy metals (Cadmium [Cd], Cobalt [Co], Copper [Cu], Lead [Pb], Manganese [Mn], Zinc [Zn], Iron [Fe]). For Iron only a percentage is given. Iron is not assessed. The results of the laboratory analyses on heavy metals were assessed based on the Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC) and Probable Effect Concentration (PEC) of Macdonald et al. (Development and evaluation of consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for freshwater ecosystems, 2000). Other sources of contamination are agricultural runoff (pesticides and nutrients), urban waste (run-off of garbage dumps and cities) and industrial discharge (heavy metals, mineral oils, polycyclic aromatic 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 74 DRAFT for review Project related hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)). These sediment quality guidelines are used to assess the quality of sediments in aquatic environments and predict the potential for adverse effects on sediment-dwelling organisms. • Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC): This is the concentration below which adverse effects on aquatic life are not expected to occur. It represents a safe level for most organisms. • Probable Effect Concentration (PEC): This is the concentration above which adverse effects are expected to occur more frequently. It indicates a higher risk of harm to aquatic organisms. The TEC and PEC values determined by Macdonald et al. 2000 are given in the table below: Table TEC and PEC values from Macdonald (2000) ETM Cu Cr Zn As Cd Pb TEC (mg/kg) 31 43,3 121 9,79 0,99 35,6 PEC (mg/kg) 149 111 459 33 4,98 128 0,3 m 18.79 86.74 1.88 28.88 2,0 m 16,6 68.62 1.51 27.2 5,0 m 22,97 57.94 2.71 16.96 8,0 m 23,24 57.42 3.63 18.88 In the report 3, the average values heavy metals are compared to previous research that was conducted on sediments in Lake Nokoué. The values of Lead, Iron and Manganese are higher than found in previous research. Zinc, copper and cadmium are lower than obtained during previous research. When comparing the average values with the TEC and PEC, Zinc, Copper and Lead are below the reference value. Cadmium in the top layers contain values above TEC but below PEC. The other metals could not be assessed because the TEC and PEC are not yet determined. The report states that the sediment contains Cadmium levels that could represent a danger to the environment and to benthic organism. Regulatory Framework The results of the researched described above are assessed based on the Dutch and Canadian standards. Instead of using the average values, the maximal values are used as a worst-case approach. Dutch Standards Soil and groundwater chemical analysis results have been screened against the Dutch standards for soil and groundwater quality. The applicable regulatory document governing soil and groundwater standards is the "Circulaire Bodemsanering 2013" (Circular on Soil Remediation 2013). This document provides detailed guidelines and standards for the assessment and remediation of contaminated soil and groundwater in the Netherlands. The intervention values outlined in the Circulaire Bodemsanering are based upon a careful consideration of scientific research, risk assessment, and a commitment to safeguarding human health and the environment. These values are derived from a combination of factors, including toxicological studies, epidemiological data, environmental standards, and a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks associated with various contaminants. In the Netherlands, the quality of dredged material (sediment) is assessed according to the norms of the 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 75 DRAFT for review Project related Soil Quality Decree (Bbk), which sets rules for the application of soil and dredged material on or in the soil or surface water. The Soil Quality Decree distinguishes three functions for surface water: agriculture/nature, area-specific, and dispersion. For the application of dredged material in fresh surface water, the dispersion function applies. This means that the dredged material must not have adverse effects on water quality and the ecosystem. The dredged material must comply with the maximum values for parameters specified in the Soil Quality Regulation. Additionally, the dredged material must originate from the same water body or a comparable water body, and the application must align with the water management plan of the relevant water authority. The specific class for dredged material in fresh surface water is T.106. This means that the dredged material is suitable for dispersion in freshwater, provided it meets the applicable standards. Next to that also the class for dredged materials for use in fresh waterbodies and receiving sediment (T.103a, T.103b) and the class for soil and dredged materials when applied on soil on land (T.101) or of interest. In the following table the values of these classes are given. Canadian Standards In Canada, soil quality is assessed using Soil Quality Guidelines (SQG). These guidelines provide recommended concentration levels for various contaminants in soil, such as heavy metals and organic compounds. The levels are set based on scientific assessments of potential risks to human health and the environment. Sediment quality is evaluated using Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines (ISQG) and Probable Effect Level (PEL). ISQG indicates the concentration below which adverse effects on aquatic life are not expected, while PEL represents the level at which harmful effects are probable. These standards guide assessments of sediment contamination and aid in decision-making regarding the management of contaminated sites. In practice, these guidelines are applied by regulatory authorities, environmental consultants, and industries to assess and manage the impact of contaminants in soil, groundwater, and sediment. Compliance with these standards ensures that environmental quality is maintained, and potential risks are minimized. In table below the Dutch and Canadian standards are given, and the maximum values of the heavy metals are assessed. Table Values of the Dutch and Canadian standards and the assessment of the maximum values measured during the research in 2023. Metals Dutch Standards Canadian Maximum values per depth mg/kg dm T.103a/b T.106 T.101 SQG 0.3 m 2m 5m 8m Cadmium 14 14 13 0.6 1.88 1.51 2.71 3.63 [Cd] Cobalt [Co] 240 240 190 - 32.19 26.93 33.04 32.03 Copper 190 190 190 35.7 18.79 16.5 22.97 23.24 [Cu] Lead [Pb] 580 580 530 35 28.88 27.2 16.96 18.88 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 76 DRAFT for review Project related Metals Dutch Standards Canadian Maximum values per depth mg/kg dm T.103a/b T.106 T.101 SQG 0.3 m 2m 5m 8m Manganes - - - - 1488.12 1403.76 1038.08 853.45 e [Mn] Zinc [Zn] 2000 2000 720 123 86.74 68.62 57.94 57.42 Based on the assessment of the maximum values with the Dutch and Canadia standards and the PEC and TEC only the values cadmium is above the Canadian standards and the TEC. This indicates that based on Macdonald et all. (2000) the concentrations cadmium in the sediment can have adverse effects on aquatic life. The value is however below the PEC so effects are not expected to occur more frequently. For Manganese there are no standards available. Based on the results the concentrations of Cadmium in the layers 0.3 and 2 meter are highest in the northern part of the lake. Were as in deeper layers the highest concentrations are found in the southern parts of the lake. Based on the results it is not clear where and in which sediment layer the concentrations are above the TEC and/or Canadian standards. Conclusion/recommendations Based on the retrieved information the following conclusions can be made: • Only the heavy metals Cadmium [Cd], Cobalt [Co], Copper [Cu], Lead [Pb], Manganese [Mn], Zinc [Zn] and Iron [Fe] are analyzed. • It is not clear which layers are analyzed and if samples are combined in the laboratory before analyses. Due to this it is not clear in which layers (clay, sandy clay etc.) the high concentration values are measured. The extend of the contamination cannot be determined. • Based on the standards of the Netherlands the values heavy metals do not exceed the intervention values. These are environmental standards used in the Netherlands to determine when soil and groundwater contamination is severe enough to require remediation. These values are set for various contaminants and indicate the concentration levels at which there is a significant risk to human health and the environment. • The levels of Cadmium exceed the Canadian standards and the value for TEC. This indicates that the concentrations can have adverse effects on aquatic life. • To get a comprehensive insight into the potential environmental risks it is recommended to also research other parameters: • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH): Contamination from industrial process, vehicle emissions, waste disposal, and agricultural practices. Can have significant adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. • Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH): Contamination from petroleum-based product (gasoline, lubricant). Can have significant adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB): Contamination from industrial and commercial activities. • Organochlorine pesticides (OCP): Contamination from agriculture and industrial processes. Chlorobenzenes: Contamination form industrial activities, chemical manufacturing, and waste disposal. • Tributyltins (TBT): Contamination from industrial and commercial activities (e.g. antifouling paint). • Dioxins (PCDD/PCBE): Contamination from Industrial process (e.g. pesticides, metal smelting), diesel exhaust, waste incineration. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 77 DRAFT for review Project related • Other heavy metals (As, Cr, Ni, Hg, Ba, Mo): Contamination from industrial activities, agriculture, mining, or urbanization. • Cyanide: Contamination from mining, metal plating, gas factories and chemical manufacturing. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 78 DRAFT for review Project related A12 Public Participation for SESA Preparation – Phase 1  Tour around the lake and lagoon The tour of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon was the very first stage in the consultation process implemented as part of the ARNP project. The aim of this approach was to inform stakeholders about the project, to gather their assent and proposals in order to assess, from the outset, the environmental and social issues that the project's choices are likely to generate, and to anticipate how to mitigate them. The tour enabled us to identify the main stakeholders: local communities, civil society organisations and groups, and municipal and government authorities. The various stakeholders identified around Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon, grouped into three categories of stakeholder: Local communities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and governmental and local authorities.  Targeted interviews In order to consolidate the achievements of the tour of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon, meetings were organised with sectoral ministries, structures in charge of PAG projects, specialised companies and technical partners in the project area. These meetings also provided an opportunity to explain the issues at stake in the stakeholder consultation workshop, and to invite representatives of these various bodies to attend. Table below summarises the interviews carried out in this first phase of the project. Table Summary of targeted interviews conducted during phase 1 of the ARNP project (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th 2024) No. Categories Organisations  Directorate-General for River and Lagoon Transport  Directorate-General of Mines 1 Sectoral ministries  Fisheries Production Department  Ministry of Finance  National Tourism Promotion Agency (ANPT) 2 PAG  Northern bypass project  Agency for the Rehabilitation of the City of Porto-Novo Specialist companies  Boskalis 3  INE Laboratory TFP  APB 4  EU  Stakeholder consultation Two group consultations were held in February 2022 with stakeholders (grassroots and state actors) in a participatory and inclusive manner. One of the aims was to share with these stakeholders the summary of the conclusions of the tour of Lake Nokoué and the Porto-Novo lagoon, and to discuss the coherent solutions proposed by the project team. It should be noted that the conclusions of the grassroots stakeholder consultation were presented to the group of state stakeholders. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 79 DRAFT for review Project related Table Stakeholders engaged in group consultations (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th 2024) Type of consultation Category of stakeholder Stakeholder groups/organisations  Fishermen (7)  Mareyeuses (6)  River transporters (3) Local community  Fish farmers (9)  Market gardeners (4) Consultation with primary stakeholders  Sand and dredging companies (2)  Bees ONG (1) Groups and Non-Governmental  Green Keeper (1) Organisations  Jevev ONG (1)  Cotonou Town Hall (3) Municipal administration  Porto-Novo Town Hall (1)  ANPT (1)  MAEP (1)  MDC (1)  DGEau (1) Consultation with governmental Central Administration  ATDA (7) authorities  DDAEP Littoral (1)  DDAEP Ouémé (2)  MIT 1  ARPN/MCVT (1) TFP  APB (1) 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 80 DRAFT for review Project related A13 Public Participation for SESA Preparation – Phase 2  Information workshops on solution packages The second phase of the ARNP project began with information workshops in April 2022 on the three areas for action. In all, four workshops were organised to discuss the areas for action with the resource persons identified among the stakeholders. Table Stakeholder profiles and stakeholder groups/organisations (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024) Information workshops Profile of stakeholders Stakeholder groups/organisations  ADELAC  Expert in mobility in lagoon systems  Republican Police Headquarters  Water and Forestry Inspectorate  River transport company (Only God)  Expert in natural resources and the living  Porto-Novo town halls River Transport environment  Abomey-Calavi Town Hall  Pier managers  Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport  Company manager specialising in river transport  Fisheries Production Department  University of Abomey-Calavi  Porto-Novo Rehabilitation Agency  Specialist in environmental regulation and  Porto-Novo Town Hall control  University of Abomey-Calavi Dredging/construction  Civil Engineer  UNA  Expert in sedimentology  ADELAC  ABE (MCVT)  BEIA  DPH  Fisheries and aquaculture expert  UAC  Specialist in fish species Fishing and fish farming  ATDA  Aquaculture technician  ABE  Expert in local governance  Porto-Novo Town Hall  ARNP  UAC  DPH  Specialist in biological and ecological  CENAGREF/MCVT monitoring of water bodies  UNA Management of protected  Wetlands specialist  DGEFC areas  Landscaping expert  DGR  Specialist in development and infrastructure  ATDA  ABE  ARNP  Technical workshops 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 81 DRAFT for review Project related During this second series of Phase 2 workshops in June 2022, a total of four technical workshops were held. Only one workshop is relevant to the Project’s scope. Table Summary of actions undertaken and methodological approach (Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, ARNP project, Royal HaskoningDHV, June 25th, 2024) Information workshops Profile of stakeholders Stakeholder groups/organisations  ABE  ANAT/MCVT Workshop on environmental, social and  Academics  UNA safety issues  Sectoral ministries  UAC  INRAB  ARPN  Information and working sessions with TFPs, technical meetings In this second phase, discussions and meetings continued throughout 2022 with donors and technical partners, in particular the French Development Agency (AFD), the Dutch embassy, the local consortium of laboratories, the municipalities of Porto-Novo and Cotonou, and the ministries and agencies concerned, in order to enrich discussions and obtain new commitments for the project. In October and December 2022, 2 working sessions with the Steering Committee were organised to discuss the holistic vision for Grand Nokoué. 22 November 2024 BJ5927-RHD-ZZ-XX-RP-Z-0001 82 DRAFT for review