ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) - (P177233) FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF ETHIOPIA Response – Recovery – Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia (3R-4-CACE) (P177233) Draft ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) January 2022 1|Page ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) - (P177233) ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Government of Ethiopia (the Recipient) will implement the Ethiopian Response – Recovery – Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities Project (3R-4-CACE) (hereafter the Project), with the involvement of the following Ministries/agencies/units: Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Women and Social Affairs (MoWSA), Ethiopia Disaster Risk Management Commission (EDRMC), and the regional states and local districts. The International Development Association (IDA) (hereinafter the Association) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The Recipient shall implement material measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs). This Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) sets out material measures and actions, any specific documents or plans, as well as the timing for each of these. 3. The Recipient shall also comply with the provisions of any other E&S documents required under the ESF and referred to in this ESCP, such as Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMP), Resettlement Plans (RP), and Stakeholder Engagement Plans (SEP), and the timelines specified in those E&S documents. 4. The Recipient is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by the Ministry, agency or unit referenced in 1. above or another entity. 5. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP shall be monitored and reported to the Association by the Recipient as required by the ESCP and the conditions of the legal agreement, and the Association will monitor and assess progress and completion of the material measures and actions throughout implementation of the Project. 6. As agreed by the Association and Recipient, this ESCP may be revised from time to time during Project implementation, to reflect adaptive management of Project changes and unforeseen circumstances or in response to assessment of Project performance conducted under the ESCP itself. In such circumstances, Recipient will agree to the changes with the Association and will update the ESCP to reflect such changes. Agreement on changes to the ESCP will be documented through the exchange of letters signed between the Association and the Recipient. The Recipient shall promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 7. Where Project changes, unforeseen circumstances, or Project performance result in changes to the risks and impacts during Project implementation, the Recipient shall provide additional funds, if needed, to implement actions and measures to address such risks and impacts, such as GBV risks. 2|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING Quarterly and annually throughout the The PCU in collaboration with MoF Prepare and submit to the Association regular monitoring reports Project implementation period and MoWSA on the environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project, including but not limited to, the implementation of the ESCP, SEP, status of preparation and implementation of E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities, functioning of the grievance mechanism(s). The World Bank will engage a Third-Party Monitor to provide, among others, operational review of project’s environment and Throughout the Project social risk management performance as well as well as implementation period. verification of project results. The PCU E&S staff will cooperate with the Third Party Monitor as necessary. 3|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS Immediately, and in any case The PCU in collaboration with MoF Promptly notify the Association of any incident or accident within 48 hours after first becoming and MoWSA related to the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant aware of the incident or accident adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers, including safety hazards associated with road obstructions, diversions, or closures to give room to works with concomitant increased traffic volume on public roads and accidents that may occur due to civil works to rebuild or rehabilitate the public centers. Provide sufficient detail regarding the incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken or that are planned to be taken to address it, and any information provided by any contractor and supervising entity, as appropriate. Subsequently, as per the Association’s request, prepare a report A detailed report of the incident shall on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent be provided to the Association within its recurrence. 15 days from the date the Recipient first becomes aware of the incident or accident, unless a different timeline is specified by the Association. C CONTRACTORS MONTHLY REPORTS Throughout project implementation The PCU in collaboration with Require contractors to provide monthly monitoring reports on Contractor MoF and MoWSA the environmental, social, health, and safety (ESHS) performance of subprojects in accordance with the requirements outlined in item 1.4 below. The Recipient, through NDRMC, shall ensure that these reports are prepared and submitted to the Association upon request. 4|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE The PCU in collaboration with MoF 1. Establish and maintain a Project Coordination Unit (PCU) at the 1. An organizational structure and MoWSA national level and PIUs at the regional levels. The PCU shall include including the two specialists qualified staff and resources to support the management of shall be established within two environmental and social risks and impacts of the Project, months of Project effectiveness including one Environmental Specialist, and one Social Specialist. and maintained throughout No actions that will have adverse environmental and social Project implementation footprint will be implemented before assignment/ recruitment of the two specialists. 2. Throughout Project implementation in accordance 2. Hire or procure additional expertise in accordance with the with schedule included in the capacity building action plan and respective timelines approved action plan by the Association (per item 4 below) to ensure implementation of the Project in accordance with the ESSs and this ESCP. 3. Allocate, utilize and maintain the required resources including Allocate budget for first year within 30 budget to support management of environmental and social risks days after the and impacts for ensuring full compliance with ESSs, ESCP and Effective Date and annually thereafter other relevant instruments including ESMF, RF, LMP, SEP, and maintain throughout Security Risk Assessment and Management Plan (SRA&MP), GBV Project implementation action plan and any subsequent instruments, such as, ESMPs, or RPs. 4. The Recipient shall monitor and assess the E&S capacity needs Submission of plan to the Association of the Project and present an assessment report and capacity within three months after the building action plan for the approval of the Association, and once Effective Date and implementation of approved shall implement the action plan as required by the action plan throughout Project agreed action plan. implementation 5|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT The PCU in collaboration with MOF The following ESF instruments and tools shall be prepared as part and MoWSA of the Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM), sent to the Association for review and No Objection, consulted upon and disclosed, and once approved implemented by the Recipient: a) As the project is prepared under emergency, a a) The preliminary SEP shall be preliminary Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) shall be prepared prior to project appraisal and prepared for appraisal. finalized by prior to Project effectiveness date b) Prepare and implement an ESMF to identify and assess the environmental and social risks and impacts of the b) ESMF shall be prepared prior to Project and design appropriate mitigation measures. disbursement of funds under Project activities shall be screened for E&S risks, and Component 1 and 2. mitigation measures adopted, in accordance with the ESMF. c) A social assessment shall be conducted to identify the c) The rapid SA shall be prepared prior type and number of vulnerable and disadvantaged to appraisal. The comprehensive SA groups in the project areas and prepare a Social Risk and Social Risk Mitigation Strategy Mitigation Strategy. The process shall include community shall be prepared along the same and vulnerable group consultations and field visits to the timeline as the ESMF (prior to project regions. The assessment shall also address disbursement and activities on the potential social tensions between displaced and host ground under Component 1 and 2). communities. This instrument shall be annexed to the ESMF. A rapid social assessment shall be prepared based on secondary data analysis prior to Board. d) Project level enhancements to GBV (SEA/SH) Risk Assessment and corresponding action plan shall be d) The GBV/SEA Risk assessment will be prepared as part of social assessments. conducted as part of the SA. GBV action plan will be prepared prior to e) Prepare and implement a Resettlement Framework (RF) disbursements and activities on the to address involuntary resettlement and land acquired ground under Component 1 and 2 for the project shall also be screened, according to 6|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 criteria and procedures set out in the RF. Resettlement e) The RF shall be prepared prior to Plans or Abbreviated Resettlement Plans will be prepared disbursements and activities on the and implemented as needed. ground for Component 1 and 2. RAPs and ARAPs will be prepared and f) Prepare an assessment and plan to address requirements implemented prior to any land impacts under ESS7 regarding Sub-Sahara African Historically of respective subprojects. Underserved Traditional Local Communities (SSAHUTLC- A&P). f) The SSAHUTLCP shall be prepared prior to disbursements under g) Prepare Labour Management Procedures (LMP) Component 1 and Component 2. h) Project level Security Risk Assessment and Management Plan (SRA&MP) g) The LMP shall be prepared prior to bidding work i) Prepare the Project Operating Manual which shall include ESRM provisions h) The SRA&MP shall be prepared prior to disbursements and activities on the ground under Component 1 and 2. j) Implement CERC activities in compliance with the i) The Project Operating Manual shall requirements of the ESMF. be prepared prior Project effectiveness and regularly updated as more information becomes available Ensure the preparation, disclosure, adoption, and implementation of all ESRM instruments for the Project, in j) Immediately after activation of CERC accordance with ESSs. activities update the ESMF All Terms of References (TORs) for the preparation of the above instruments shall be submitted for Association non-objection. Once approved all plans, instruments and tools shall be disclosed and implemented throughout Project implementation 7|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1.4 MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS Prior to the preparation of The PCU in collaboration with MOF Incorporate the relevant aspects of this ESCP, including the procurement documents. and MoWSA relevant E&S documents and/or plans, and the Labor Management Procedures, into the ESHS specifications of the Supervise contractors throughout procurement documents with contractors. Project implementation. Thereafter, ensure that the contractors comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts and provide the corresponding reports monthly and upon request. ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES The LMP shall be prepared before The PCU in collaboration with MOF Develop and implement Labour Management Procedures (LMP) disbursements and activities on the and MoWSA for all Project workers, namely direct Project workers, contracted ground under Component 1 and workers, and community workers, consistent with Ethiopia Component 2. Labour Proclamation No. 1156/2019 and ESS2. The LMP shall address all issues identified in ESS2, including the applicable requirements regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity. The LMP shall also include a grievance redress mechanism (GRM) covering all Project workers, including contractor and subcontractors, throughout Project implementation. 8|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 2.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS Grievance mechanism shall be The PCU in collaboration with MOF A GRM for Labour shall be prepared under LMPs and will be operational prior to engaging Project and MoWSA implemented by the PCU and Contractors workers and maintained throughout Project implementation. ✓ Grievance redress mechanisms for workers GBV/SH cases handled through survivor’s centered approach as per the guidance of World Bank GBV good practice note. 2.3 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) MEASURES Throughout Project implementation The PCU in collaboration with MOF Prepare, adopt, and implement occupational, health and safety and MoWSA (OHS) measures as part of the ESMF. Also ensure the preparation and implementation of OHS measures by the contractors ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 Prepare and implement waste management plan as needed Throughout Project implementation The PCU in collaboration with NDRMC, MOWSA and MoF 3.1 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND ESMF to be prepared on timeframe The PCU in collaboration with MOF MANAGEMENT: Resource efficiency and pollution prevention specified in 1.2. and MoWSA and management measures shall be addressed in the ESMF (in specifically on site specific ESMPs) to be prepared under action 1.2 above. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 TRAFFIC AND ROAD SAFETY: As part of ESMF and Throughout The PCU in collaboration with MOF Adopt and implement measures and actions to assess and Project implementation and MoWSA manage traffic and road safety risks as required in the ESMPs to be developed. 9|Page THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 4.2 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: As part of the ESMF and throughout Prepare, adopt, and implement measures and actions to assess Project implementation The PCU in collaboration with MOF and manage specific risks and impacts to the community arising and MoWSA from Project activities, behavior of Project workers and risks of labor influx. Incorporate measures in the ESMPs to be prepared in accordance with the ESMF, in a manner acceptable to the Association. Put in place measures to minimize the potential for community exposure to communicable diseases taking into consideration highly vulnerable groups. Ensure that all activities are aligned with WHO guidance on COVID19 risk communications https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus- 2019/technical-guidance and the GoE’s Ministry of Health COVID19 Infection Prevention and Control protocol. 4.3 GBV AND SEA RISKS: Submit the GBV Action Plan for the The PCU in collaboration with MOF Prepare, adopt, and implement Gender-Based Violence Action Bank’s approval along the timeline of and MoWSA Plan (GBV Action Plan), to assess and manage the risks of gender- the ESMF development. based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA). Once approved, the GBV Action Plan shall be implemented throughout Project implementation 4.4 SECURITY The SRA&SMP shall be prepared and The PCU in collaboration with MOF Prepare, adopt, and implement a Security Risk Assessment and annexed to the ESMF. and MoWSA Management Plan (SRA& SRMP) consistent with the requirements of ESS4, in a manner acceptable to the Association The document shall be updated in case to assess and address security risks related to the Project, of any changes to the use of security including those relating to the involvement of public and private personnel or other related risk factors security personnel, to minimize the risk of conflict and insecurity during project implementation. in Amhara, Tigray and Oromia regions. 10 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 RESETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK AND PLANS: The PCU in collaboration with MOF a) Prepare, adopt, and implement a Resettlement Framework a) RF shall be prepared prior to and MoWSA (RF) in a manner acceptable to the Association. disbursements and activities on the ground under Component 1 and 2. b) Prepare, adopt, and implement resettlement plans (RAPs) or Abbreviated Resettlement Plans (ARAPs) in accordance with b) RAPs and ARAPs will be prepared and ESS 5 and consistent with the requirements of the prepared implemented prior to any land impacts Resettlement Framework (RF) and thereafter adopt and of respective subprojects. implement the respective RPs before carrying out any associated land acquisition activities, in a manner acceptable to the Association. 5.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM Prior to commencement of The PCU in collaboration with MOF Establish and maintain a grievance mechanism (GM) to address resettlement activities and MoWSA resettlement related complaints and shall be described in the RF, RAPs, and SEP. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 BIODIVERSITY RISKS AND IMPACTS ESMF to be prepared on timeframe The PCU in collaboration with MOF Biodiversity risk management shall be addressed in the ESMF (as specified in 1.2. and MoWSA well as specifically in site specific ESMPs) to be prepared under action 1.2 above. As per the ESMF requirements, conduct a preliminary screening and assess each of the proposed activity/subproject for financing, in terms of its risks and impacts on biodiversity and ensure all activities/subprojects with such impacts and/or located within important and/or critical natural habitats will be excluded from the Project financing. ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES 11 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 7.1 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PLAN: The SSAHUTLC Assessment & Plan shall The PCU in collaboration with MoFand Prepare, adopt, and implement a SSAHUTLC assessment and be prepared prior to disbursements and MoWSA plan, in a manner acceptable to the Association. activities on the ground under Component 1 and 2. Once approved, implement the SSAHUTLCP throughout Project implementation. 7.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: The PCU in collaboration with MoFand Ensure that a grievance mechanism is established for the Project, Project GRM shall be established and MoWSA as described in ESS10, which is culturally appropriate and operationalized prior to activities on accessible to affected Indigenous Peoples/Sub-Saharan African the ground of component 1 and 2. Historically Underserved Traditional Local Communities and considers the availability of judicial recourse and customary dispute settlement mechanisms among the communities. 12 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 CHANCE FINDS: Before construction on any sites The PCU in collaboration with MoF Consistent with ESS8 and in a manner acceptable to the and MoWSA Association, ensure that chance find procedure is followed if previously unknown cultural heritage is encountered during Project activities. In collaboration with Woreda Administrations, tourism and Implemented and monitored culture offices and PCU shall develop chance finds procedure. throughout Project The chance find procedure shall be spelled out in the ESMF and implementation. site specific ESMP and included in all contracts relating to the implementation of the Project. Through the environmental and social assessment/ site specific Environmental and social management plan , determine appropriate measures to address risks and impacts on cultural heritage, including: - retain competent professionals to assist in the identification and protection of cultural heritage; - Consult with stakeholders and encourage them to participate in management of cultural heritage likely to be affected by the Project and explore avoidance and mitigation options. - Consult with persons with relevant expertise to determine whether disclosure of information regarding cultural heritage required under the ESSs would compromise or jeopardize the safety or integrity of such cultural heritage. ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES Not applicable 13 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION AND The PCU in collaboration with MoF IMPLEMENTATION and MoWSA a) Prepare a preliminary SEP including a stakeholder assessment a) Prior to project appraisal and requirements and planning on stakeholder engagement throughout the Project lifecycle. b) Prepare an updated SEP, including consultations with affected b) Prior to disbursements and activities and interested parties, adopted and disclosed. The SEP will on the ground under Component 1 and govern stakeholder engagement throughout the Project 2 lifecycle. c) The SEP shall be implemented and regularly updated to reflect c) Throughout Project implementation new stakeholders identified and appropriate ways to consult them. 14 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 10.2 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: The PCU in collaboration with - The SEP shall include the design of a Grievance Redress Prepare the GRM guideline prior to Contractors, MOF and MoWSA Mechanism. project effectiveness - The Grievance Redress Mechanism shall provide Project- affected parties (including IDPs and host communities) Establish and Operationalization the with accessible and inclusive means to raise issues and GRM prior to component 1 and 2 grievances in accordance with ESS10, the ESF and this implementation and implementation ESCP and all E&S instruments, and in a manner throughout the Project implementation acceptable to the Association. - Prepare the GRM guidelines. - The GRM process or procedure to receive and facilitate resolution of stakeholders’ concerns and grievances regarding the environmental and social performance shall respect the following: ✓ The grievance mechanism shall be scaled to the risks and potential adverse impacts of the Project. ✓ Where possible, grievance mechanism shall utilize existing formal or informal grievance mechanisms suitable for Project purposes. ✓ The Grievance mechanism including GBV grievance mechanisms, process or procedure shall address concerns promptly and effectively, in a transparent manner that is culturally appropriate and readily accessible to all segments of the Project-affected communities, at no cost and without retribution. ✓ The Grievance mechanism addressing GBV issues shall follow the respective requirements, including confidentiality and protection from retaliation, as outlined in the GBV Action Plan. 15 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY ✓ The mechanism, process or procedure shall not prevent access to judicial or administrative remedies. ✓ The Project-affected communities shall be informed about the grievance process (except for GBV/SH cases since GBV/SH cases strictly confidential) in the course of its community engagement or stakeholders’ engagement activities Handling of grievances shall be done in a culturally appropriate manner and be discreet, objective, sensitive and responsive to the needs and concerns of the Project-affected communities. - Grievance redress mechanisms for GBV/SH cases handled through survivor’s centered approach as per the guidance of World Bank GBV good practice note. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) 16 | P a g e THE WORLD BANK - ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP): VERSION 2.0 – July 2019 MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 1 Capacity building training for Project staff, other relevant stakeholders (like MOWSA, MoF, NDRMC) at federal and regional and Project workers on occupational health and safety including: - Capacity building for PCU staff and level on specific requirements of the ESSs/ESF, the ESMF, - Environmental and Social screening and Site-specific instrument preparation - GBV and response mechanism/Risk management for experts at all levels and communities. - Project Grievance Redress Mechanism including proper handling of GBV/SEA cases - Occupational and Community Health and Safety - Monitoring and reporting - Covid-19 prevention based on the MOH and the World Bank guideline - RP preparation and implementation. - Security Risk Assessment and Management Plan (SRA&MP), - SSAHUTLC Assessment and Plan and engagement with IPs - Other measures, as relevant and necessary, to implement the Project in accordance with the ESSs. 17 | P a g e