Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation Project (P168961) Environmental and Social Commitment Plan Bangladesh & Afghanistan Prepared by: WORKING DRA FT University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Education (MoE), Bangladesh & Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), Afghanistan October 2020 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation Project ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 1. The Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh (GoB) (the Recipient) will implement the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation Project (the Project), with the involvement of Secondary and Higher Education Division (SHED) under Ministry of Education (MoE) and University Grants Commission (UGC). The International Development Association, IDA (the Association) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 2. The Recipient will implement material measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) of the World Bank (the Bank) representing the Association. 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 will 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 Policy Framework (RPF), Indigenous People Planning Framework (IPPF), Labor Management Procedure (LMP), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (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 MOE and UGC referenced in 1 above. WORKING DRA FT 5. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP will 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 the 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, the 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 will 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. HEAT Project, Bangladesh 2|Page MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBILITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING Every six months during the Project’s SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Prepare and submit to the Bank, regular monitoring reports on implementation in conjunction with the Agencies, IAs) and AUW, Research Grant environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) performance of the Project’s progress reports, or more receiving universities; Project, including but not limited to the implementation of the following frequently depending on the Progress 1. Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) review findings. The format will be agreed Funding from the Project budget 2. Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs, RAPs, SEP and by the 1st Implementation Support Mission. LMP) 3. Compliance to Environmental and Social statutory requirements including status of Land Ownership for University Teachers’ Training Academy (UTTA) and other construction related activities, Department of Environment clearance; 4. Status of the grant research proposal environmental screening and ESMPs and implementation status; 5. Design modification or change in scope brought to Bank notice 6. Assessment of changes and updating/addendum to ESIA/ESMPs 7. Site observations on Contractor’s performance on Environ mental Social Health and Safety (ESHS) and other plans in ESMPs 8. Summary of Stakeholder Engagement activities as stated in the SEP 9. Status on the feasibility studies including ESIA for UTTA and other sites during implementation 10. Summary of Grievances received and redressed for the project. 11. Status of staffing within Project Implementation Committee (PIC) under UGC and other implementation partners/agencies 12. Capacity building /training activities undertaken for different project functionaries B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS Notify the World Bank within 24 hours of SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing learning of the accidents or incidents. Agencies, IAs) and AUW, Research Grant receiving universities; A report on actions taken to be provided on the same by 07 (Seven) days of notifying the Funding from the Project budget. Bank. 3|Page Promptly notify the Bank of any incident or accident related to the Project which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on the environment, the affected communities, the public or workers including accidents that could result in fatalities, injuries, cases of GBV/SEA/SH, concerns of COVID-19 infections, serious mismanagement in handling waste, security breach, etc., provide sufficient details 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 Bank’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence. C. CONTRACTORS MONTHLY REPORTS Monthly throughout project Contractor and PIC (MoE, UGC, AUW) and Monthly progress report (MPR) prepared by contractors explaining the implementation to PIC & site owners, and participating universities compliance status of the Project with the ESMPs. Details will include universities; status on: PIC, Environmental and Social Specialist will 1. Contractor’s ESMP (C-ESMP) implementation work plan provide a summary of the status and submit 2. Implementation of Contractor’s ESMP (C-ESMP and related plans to the Bank the compiled report half yearly. such as OHS Plan, Waste Management Plan, Workers’ Camp Management Plan, CHS Plan, Site Restoration Plan, traffic management plan etc.) 3. Status of Compliance with E&S statutory requirements (including Environmental clearance, land ownership permit, municipality permit, quarry permits, labor licenses, insurance, etc.) 4. Status on actions indicated in the Labor Management Procedure 5. ESHS incidents & supervision 6. Usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety shoes and safety vests by workers 7. Safety at work sites like providing traffic signage, barriers/delineator, management of traffic, drainage and pliable road surface etc. 8. Training conducted, and workers participation 9. Functioning of GRM relating to labor aspects, including summary details of Workers grievances 10. Community grievances 11. Corrective Actions and planned E&S activities for next month 12. In contracts for works using the Bank’s standard procurement ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 4|Page 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE 1. Recruitment of 01 chief Implementation SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing 1. MoE will recruit Chief Implementation Officer (CIO). The CIO will lead Officer (CIO). Recruitment process will start Agencies, IAs) and AUW; the Technical Assistance (TA) team. The CIO will be responsible for within 15 days of Project effectiveness coordination of project activities under the guidance of PD. Funding from the Project budget. 2. UGC will recruit five specialists for the implementation and monitoring 2. UGC will recruit 5 (five) specialists for PIC of the ESCP, ESMF, ESIA, RPF, IPPF, SEP for all components. A full time -1 Senior Environmental Specialist, 1 Social senior Environmental Specialist (ES)- responsible for addressing Development Specialist, 1 Gender and GBV environmental risks/impacts ESMPs as well as waste management issues Specialist, 1 Consultation and and implementation of the mitigation measures,, a Senior Social Communication Specialist and 1 Labor and Development Specialist (SDS)- responsible for implementation of RPF and OHS Specialist. Recruitment process will IPPF, a Labor and OHS Specialist- responsible for implementation of LMP start within 15 days of Project effectiveness. and monitoring and ensuring application of COVID-19 protocol of Ministry of Education (MoE) and World Health Organization (WHO) with qualifications, a Gender and GBV Specialist responsible for implementation of GBV and GAP, and a consultation and communication specialist– responsible for implementation of SEP under terms of reference satisfactory to the Bank. 3. In addition to the above 5 specialists, UGC will hire 01 full time 3.Additionally, UGC will recruit 2 (two) environmental specialist and 01 full time Social Development Specialist specialists for AUW - 01 full time on behalf of AUW. They will be responsible to (i) update and implement environmental specialist and 01 full time AUW ESIA and ESMP, (ii)compliance of ESMF requirement in any activities Social Development Specialist. Recruitment implemented by AUW including the infrastructure process will start within 15 days of Project effectiveness. 4. UGC will hire an E&S firm for preparing the training material on ESF for 4. Recruitment process of E&S firm will start the professional training. within 15 days of project effectiveness. 5. AUW will deploy 01 Gender and GBV specialist from the Gender 5. AUW will deploy 01 Gender and GBV department of AUW-responsible for implementing the GBV and Gender specialist from the Gender department of actions plans for the AUW related component/sub-components with the AUW within 15 days of project direct supervision of Gender and GBV specialist of the PIC. AUW effectiveness. Environment Department will work with the Environment Spcialist hired by UGC for AUW, for the quality assurance of the implementation of the (AUW specific) ESMPs during construction. 5|Page 6. UGC will recruit 1 feasibility study team for UTTA and the feasibility 6. Recruitment process of UTTA Feasibility study team will engage one social and one environmental specialist along Team will start within 30 days of project with the other specialists mentioned above. Specialists will be effectiveness. responsible for preparing UTTA-ESIA, ESMP and RAP/ARAP if required. They will also be responsible for ensuring that ESMF compliance requirements are properly reflected in the feasibility studies. 1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASSESSMENT SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing 1. Prepare and disclose the Environmental and Social Management 1. UGC-ESMF is prepared and will be Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned Framework (ESMF) disclosed before appraisal. universities; 2. Prepare and disclose the Environmental and Social Impact 2. AUW-ESIA is prepared and will be Funding from the Project budget. Assessment (ESIA) including ESMP for AUW disclosed before appraisal. This will be updated and disclosed again during detailed design stage and prior the construction starts. 3. Prepare and disclose site specific ESIA’s including ESMP for UTTA and other rehabilitation and upgradation as guided by ESMF 3. Site-specific ESIA’s will be prepared during detailed design stage of each sub-project and prior to construction works 4. RAP/ARAP (if require) will be prepared, 4. Prepare, disclose and implement RAP/ARAP (if require) for disclosed and implemented subprojects as guided by RPF during detailed design stage of each sub-project and prior to construction works 5. Prepare and disclose E&S assessment and screening for 5. During detailed design stage of each subprojects as soon as they are known sub-projects 6. UGC has already prepared GBV and GAP which will be updated and disclosed 6. Assess the risk and impacts of SEA/SH of the proposed project within 3 months of project activities and prepare GBV and Gender Action Plan effectiveness. 7. EXCLUSIONS: Exclude the following types of activities as ineligible for CERC financing under the Project: 6|Page ✓ Activities with high risk of environmental and social impact; 7. These exclusions shall be applied as part ✓ Activities without any Bio-Safety measures; of the assessment process conducted ✓ Concerning significant conversion or degradation of critical component 4 (CERC) (if emergency natural habitats. Including, but not limited to, any activity finance is required). within wildlife and forest reserves, national parks, conservation forests and sanctuaries. ✓ Damages cultural property, including but not limited to, any activities that affect the properties inscribed in the World Heritage List, other archaeological and historical sites; and religious monuments, structures and cemeteries. ✓ Requires involuntary acquisition of land, or the resettlement or compensation of more than 200 people ✓ Requiring pesticides that fall in WHO classes IA, IB, or II. ✓ Affecting waters of riparian neighbors. ✓ New primary roads and Highways, new irrigation and drainage schemes, construction of any dams ✓ New power generating capacity of more than 10 MW, New exploration, production or distribution. Rehabilitation of production or distribution systems ✓ Activities involving the use of wood for fuel or as raw material from natural habitats. Activities involving the use of hazardous substances. 1.3 MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND INSTRUMENTS ESMF, RPF, LMP, IPPF, GBV and GAP, and SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Prepare, disclose, update and implement an Environmental and Social SEP are prepared. Remaining documents Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned Management Plan (ESMP) and C-ESMP (where construction activities are will be prepared during detailed design universities, contractors; involved) for each sub-project, along with the following instruments in a phase of each sub-project and manner acceptable to the Bank: implemented during Funding from the Project budget. ▪ Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF) construction/upgradation/ refurbishment/ ▪ RAP/ARAP (if required) physical works. ▪ GBV and Gender Action Plan (GAP) ▪ Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) Contractors will prepare C-ESMP within 30 ▪ Labor Management Procedures (LMP) days of contract effectiveness. ▪ Indigenous People’s Planning Framework (IP Framework) ▪ Preparation of Contractor’s ESMPs (C-ESMPs) and related plans such as OHS Plan, Waste Management Plan, Workers’ Camp Management Plan, and CHS Plan, Site Restoration Plan, and traffic management plan etc. ▪ Waste Management Plan ▪ OHS Plan 7|Page ▪ Community Health and Safety Plan ▪ Traffic Management Plan 1.4 MANAGEMENT OF CONTRACTORS 1. SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing 1. Incorporate the relevant aspects of the ESCP, including the relevant 1. Prior to issuance of EOI notice for Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned E&S documents and/or plans, and the LMP, into the Environmental, contractors universities and contractors; Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) specifications of the respective procurement documents with contractors. Thereafter, ensure that the contractors comply with the ESHS specifications of their respective contracts. Prepare site specific Labor Management Plans. 2. Bidding documents and contracts to include relevant measures in the 2. During Bid document preparation 2. SHED-MOE and UGC ESMP, including written Codes of Conduct to mitigate GBV/SEA/SH, incorporate other relevant Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) including relevant WHO Guidelines on COVID-19 and other communicable diseases risks with respect to its workers and surrounding communities. 3. Contractor 3. Preparation of Contractors-ESMPs and other plans as described in 1.3. 3. Prior to commencement of civil/upgradation/refurbishment/physical works ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT: 1. Labor Management Procedures is SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing 1. The Project shall be carried out in accordance with the applicable prepared and will be disclosed prior to Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned requirements of ESS2, in a manner acceptable to the Association, appraisal universities and contractors; including through, inter alia, implementing adequate occupational health and safety measures (including emergency preparedness and response Funding from the Project budget. measures), ensuring appropriate working condition amidst a public health emergency (including potential mass outbreak of COVID-19); provision of training on handling emergency situation especially health related issues and accidents; and setting out grievance arrangements for Project workers, and incorporating labor requirements in the procurement documents and contracts with contractors and supervising firms. The Recipient will prohibit child labor (any person under the age of 18), forced labor and trafficked persons. 2. Prepare, update, adapt, and implement the Labor Management Plan. 2. Contractors will prepare labor management plan within 30 days of 8|Page contract effectiveness. ESS2 measures will be implemented throughout Project implementation. 3. Prepare and implement Emergency Plan for the Exchange Students and 3. Prepare within 2 months of project Faculties effectiveness. 2.2 GRIEVANCE REDRESS MECHANISM (GRM) FOR PROJECT WORKERS GRM for the workers will be established SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Establish, maintain, and operate a GRM for the Project which will include before commencement of Project activities Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned issues of Project workers, as described in the LMP and consistent with and it will remain operational throughout universities and contractors; ESS-2. Project implementation. Funding from the Project budget. 2.3 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (OHS) MEASURES Before beginning of the SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Prepare, adopt, and implement occupational, health and safety (OHS) construction/upgradation/refurbishment/p Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned measures specified in LMP, especially measures related to mitigating hysical works and maintained throughout universities and contractors; COVID-19 risks. Project implementation Funding from the Project budget. 9|Page ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT 3.1 RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND ESMPs to address the issues of resource SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing MANAGEMENT: efficiency and pollution prevention to be Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned Develop and implement site specific ESMPs in accordance with ESIAs and developed as soon as project specific universities and contractors; ESMF for pollution prevention and take initiative to reduce, reuse or locations are known and before beginning recycle waste material to the extent possible. Wastes generated in the of Funding from the Project budget. sanitary systems to be treated, transported and disposed in a manner construction/upgradation/refurbishment/p that does not harm the environment and human health and in an hysical works. environmentally safe manner as detailed in the relevant ESMP. Throughout project implementation Monitoring throughout the implementation ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 Put measures in place to prevent or minimize the spread of the infectious ESMF, LMP and SEP have been prepared SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing diseases/COVID-19 to the community and among workers/labor camps and community health and safety issues Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned by following national and WHO guidelines of social distancing and other described therein will be adopted and universities and contractors; measures. followed throughout Project implementation (including all required Funding from the Project budget. Ensure the avoidance of all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV)/Sexual updates to the documents). Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)/Sexual Harassment (SH) by establishing written Codes of Conduct for all workers in the project area as well as train and sensitize them on this issue. The IA has already prepared a SEP and will adopt and implement a Project Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) under SEP as well as a labor related GRM under LMP. Project GRM will also manage the risks of GBV and SEA. Ensure that any security personnel deployed in the Project area follow strict rules of engagement and avoid any escalation. 10 | P a g e ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT 5.1 RESETTLEMENT PLANS: Prior to project implementation. SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Prepare ARAP/RAP based on the Social Assessment and screening for Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned AUW. Once the site for UTTA is identified, RAP/ARAP will be prepared, if universities and contractors; required. Funding from the Project budget. ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES 6.1 BIODIVERSITY RISKS AND IMPACTS: In case risks on sites of biodiversity value is SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Carryout screening to identify any potential sensitive sites of biodiversity identified during screening, measures to be Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned value in or near proposed intervention sites and carryout site-specific taken as per mitigation hierarchy before universities and contractors; assessment to identify potential impacts and propose appropriate any mitigation measures. Implement relevant measures as per ESMPs of construction/upgradation/refurbishment/p Funding from the Project budget. ESIAs and ESMF. hysical activities begin. Monitoring throughout the implementation ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES 7.1 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PLAN: An IPPF has been prepared and disclosed SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing Prepare, disclose and Implement the IPPF and develop Indigenous prior to appraisal. Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned Peoples Plans (IPPs), if such communities exhibiting characteristics universities and contractors; mentioned in ESS7 are found in the project intervention areas per Based on the outcome of the social assessments conducted under action 1.2 above. assessment, prepare and implement IPPs Funding from the Project budget. before sub-project implementation if communities exhibiting characteristics mentioned in ESS7 are identified in project intervention areas. ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE 8.1 Include chance finds procedures in works contracts requiring contractors During preparation of bid documents SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing to stop construction if cultural heritage is encountered during any work Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned and to notify and closely coordinate with relevant mandated country universities and contractors; authority for the salvaging and restoration of such cultural heritage. Funding from the Project budget. ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES 9.1 n/a n/a IA and World Bank 11 | P a g e ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION AND SHED-MOE and UGC (Implementing IMPLEMENTATION Implemented throughout the Project Agencies, IAs) and AUW and concerned Implement the SEP. The SEP may be amended, with WB team consent implementation period. universities and contractors; and updated (and redisclosed) as needed during Project implementation. Every sub-project will have site specific SEP. Funding from the Project budget. Prior to project effectiveness and updated PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: from time to time as needed and Prepare, adopt, maintain and operate a grievance mechanism, as maintained throughout project described in the SEP. implementation. CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT (TRAINING) Specify Training to be provided Targeted Groups and Timeframe Training Completed The UGC, with support of third-party resources as needed (independent experts, NGOs, etc.) will design and implement training for targeted groups involved in the Project to improve their awareness of risks and mitigate the impacts. This ESCP proposes a preliminary training plan covering the following topics. This plan will be adapted to meet needs during Project implementation. ESF. Training on ESF and the 10 ESSs—including preparation of ESMP Personnel directly related with project at the Within six months of Project IA effectiveness Issues Related to COVID-19 Officials of IA, locally active NGOs, Civil Work Prior to mobilization of project staff and • Use and disposal of PPE (for all) Contractors, Workers workers/ contractors • Working in COVID-19 environment (construction workers) • COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control mechanism • Standard precautions for COVID-19 (social distancing etc.) • Risk communication, prevention and community engagement (Administrative and operational personnel) • WHO and CDC guidelines on quarantine • Compliance with the obligations of The Communicable Diseases (Prevention, Control and Eradication) Act, 2018 Occupational Health and Safety Module: Officials of IA, Locally active NGOs, Civil Prior to or at the time of mobilization • ESMP implementation Work Contractors, Workers and including daily briefs and quarterly • GBV/SEA/SHA orientation throughout the project • Workplace risk management • Prevention of accidents at work sites • Health and safety rules • Solid and liquid waste management 12 | P a g e • Traffic and Road Safety • Preparedness and response to emergency situations Labor and Working Conditions IA Local officials, Contractors Health Safety Prior to or at the time of mobilization • Terms and conditions of employment according to national working laws Officer, Labor Sardars (Leaders) upon Project effectiveness and and regulations refreshers at 6 months interval. • Labor code of conduct • Contractor and sub-contractor Codes of Conduct • Worker’s organizations • Child labor and minimum age employment rules Grievance Redress Mechanism Module, design and production of a training ES, SDS, HS, Local Governments, consultation Within four months of Project module addressing the following aspects: and communication specialist, Civil Society, effectiveness and thereafter once every • Registration and processing procedure Local NGOs, Contractors, six months • Grievance redress procedure • Documenting and processing grievances • Use of the procedure by different stakeholders GBV Risk Module IA Local officials, Contractors Health Safety Within six months of Project Raising awareness and measures to prevent and mitigate GBV/SEAH risks. Officer, Labor Sardars (Leaders), Local NGOs, effectiveness and thereafter yearly The topics and activities will be developed and included in the Project GRM. OCC Staffs Waste Management Caretakers of Educational Institutions Upon assignment of the caretakers Caretakers appointed by Educational Institutions will be trained for operation and maintenance, with a special focus on safe disposal of wastewater including necessary training, operation, environmental monitoring and awareness on sanitation technology and management. 13 | P a g e 14 | P a g e Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ministry of Higher Education Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation Project (P168961) ENVIRONMENTAL and SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN (ESCP) October ,2020 15 | P a g e ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT PLAN 8. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (the Recipient) will implement the Higher Education Acceleration and Transformation Project (the Project), with the involvement of Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). The International Development Association (the Association) has agreed to provide financing for the Project. 9. The Recipient will implement material measures and actions so that the Project is implemented in accordance with the Environmental and Social Standards (ESSs) of the World Bank (the Bank) representing the Association. 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. 10. The Recipient will also comply with the provisions of any other E&S documents required under the ESF and referred to in this ESCP, such as Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), and the timelines specified in those E&S documents. 11. The Recipient is responsible for compliance with all requirements of the ESCP even when implementation of specific measures and actions is conducted by MoHE referenced in 1. above. 12. Implementation of the material measures and actions set out in this ESCP will 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. 13. As agreed by the Association and the 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, the 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 will promptly disclose the updated ESCP. 14. 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. 16 | P a g e MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY MONITORING AND REPORTING A REGULAR REPORTING Quarterly & annual reports throughout Ministry of Higher Education Project implementation. Prepare and submit to the Bank regular monitoring reports on the implementation of the ESCP, status of preparation and implementation of E&S documents required under the ESCP, stakeholder engagement activities, functioning of the grievance mechanism(s). B INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS Notify the Bank within 48 hours after Ministry of Higher Education learning of the incident or accident Promptly notify the Bank of any incident or accident including COVID -19 infections that might occur to the students or faculty, who get enrolled A report on actions taken to be provided on under the program, both in country and abroad. Provide sufficient detail the same by 07 (Seven) days of notifying the regarding the incident or accident, indicating immediate measures taken Bank. or that are planned to be taken to address it. Subsequently, as per the Bank’s request, prepare a report on the incident or accident and propose any measures to prevent its recurrence. ESS 1: ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RISKS AND IMPACTS 1.1 ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE An Environment and Social specialist hired Ministry of Higher Education under HEDP in MoHE will be retained MoHE will utilize the support of Operations and Monitoring Support team throughout HEAT Project implementation (OMST) under the on-going World Bank funded Project – Higher Education Development Project (HEDP) for day-to-day implementation and coordination of the proposed activities in Afghanistan. A full time Environment and Social Specialist recruited under OMST will remain responsible for all the environment and social risks/impacts including monitoring and ensuring application of COVID-19 protocol of Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and World Health Organization (WHO), with qualifications, experience and under terms of reference satisfactory to the Bank. Ensure that specialists have the required experience in handling issues related to GBV/SEA/SH and social assessment skills. ESS 2: LABOR AND WORKING CONDITIONS 17 | P a g e MATERIAL MEASURES AND ACTIONS TIMEFRAME RESPONSIBLE ENTITY/AUTHORITY 2.1 LABOR MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES Throughout Project implementation. Ministry of Higher Education The existing World Bank financed project “HEDP� has recruited a dedicated Environmental and Social Specialist, who will support the TA activities under the HEAT project and will be retained throughout the project implementation period. 2.2 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM FOR PROJECT WORKERS Grievance mechanism would be upgraded Ministry of Higher Education after approval and maintained throughout The existing World Bank financed project “HEDP� has already established Project implementation. a functional GRM system including GRCs at different levels (Ministry level and University level), and the same system will be upgraded and utilized for HEAT project. The HEDP already has a GRM focal point, who will be retained throughout the project implementation for HEAT project. ESS 3: RESOURCE EFFICIENCY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT Relevant aspects of this standard shall be considered, as needed, under action 1.2 above, including, inter alia, development and implementation of management plans and measures for pollution prevention and initiatives to reduce, reuse and recycle e-waste and associated plastic and packaging materials to the extent possible. ESS 4: COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY 4.1 COMMUNITY HEALTH AND SAFETY: Infection prevention and control guidelines Put measures in place to prevent or minimize the spread of the infectious will be implemented throughout the project Ministry of Higher Education diseases/COVID-19 by following national and WHO guidelines of social implementation, as required. distancing and other measures. 18 | P a g e 4.2 GBV AND SEA RISKS: Ensure the avoidance of all forms of Gender Based Violence (GBV)/Sexual Codes of conducted to be in place before Ministry of Higher Education Exploitation and Abuse (SEA)/sexual Harassment (SH) by establishing commencement of project activities. written Codes of Conduct for all teachers and educational professionals Additional GBV/SEA/SH tools and training working with the beneficiary young women in the project. The IA has will be developed throughout the project as already prepared a SEP and will adopt and implement a Project Grievance needed after monitoring and review of Redress Mechanism (GRM) under SEP. Project GRM will also manage the existing mechanisms. risks of GBV and SEA/SH. The project will ensure mitigation measures are in place through Codes of Conduct, a separate GRM for GBV/SEA/SH for all project actors to address grievances confidentially, anti-GBV/SEA/SH policies instituted in project funded institutions, teacher training and curriculum will include anti-GBV/SEA/SH training and contractor training programs on GBV/SEA/SH. The Government of Afghanistan together with the Bank has developed some GBV and SH protocols specifically for educational settings that will be used as part of the mitigation tools package that would include a GBV action plan and codes of conduct. ESS 5: LAND ACQUISITION, RESTRICTIONS ON LAND USE AND INVOLUNTARY RESETTLEMENT [the relevance of ESS5 is established during the ESA process. If during Project preparation, it is determined that resettlement documents need to be prepared, this should be reflected in the ESCP. See examples below] Not Relevant ESS 6: BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF LIVING NATURAL RESOURCES [the relevance of ESS6 is established during the ESA process. As with other ESSs, ESS6 may require the adoption of specific measures that may be set out in an E&S document (e.g. ESMP) already mentioned in the section under ESS1 above or as a stand-alone document or a separate action. Indicate whether ESS6-related measures are covered under an existing document or as stand-alone actions. See examples below]. Not Relevant ESS 7: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES/SUB-SAHARAN AFRICAN HISTORICALLY UNDERSERVED TRADITIONAL LOCAL COMMUNITIES [See examples of possible actions below, if determined that ESS7 is relevant]. Not Relevant ESS 8: CULTURAL HERITAGE [the relevance of ESS6 is established during the ESA process. As with other ESSs, ESS6 may require the adoption of specific measures that may be set out in an E&S document (e.g. ESMP) already mentioned in the section under ESS1 above or as a stand-alone document or a separate action. Indicate whether ESS8-related measures are covered under an existing document or as stand-alone actions. See examples below]. Not Relevant 19 | P a g e ESS 9: FINANCIAL INTERMEDIARIES [This standard is only relevant for Projects involving Financial Intermediaries (FIs). See below a couple of examples of actions that should be considered when FIs are involved.] Not Relevant ESS 10: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND INFORMATION DISCLOSURE 10.1 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN PREPARATION AND Ministry of Higher Education IMPLEMENTATION The SEP will be implemented throughout the project implementation period A SEP has been prepared which will be disclosed before appraisal. The approved SEP will be translated to both the local languages (Dari & Pashto) and disclosed on the MOHE website. The SEP will be updated as necessary, throughout the project implementation period. 10.2 PROJECT GRIEVANCE MECHANISM: The existing GRM system under HEDP will be Ministry of Higher Education Upgrade and maintain and operate the existing grievance mechanism upgraded before commencement of project under the HEDP, as described in the SEP. activities and maintained throughout the project implementation. CAPACITY SUPPORT (TRAINING) CS1 Training topics for personnel involved in the implementation of Project Throughout Project implementation Ministry of Higher Education activities will among others include: • COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations • GBV/SEA/SH prevention measures • Stakeholder engagement • GRM and project information dissemination • OHS 20 | P a g e