Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by...

77
INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION PROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA Project/Activity Name: Power Africa Data and Technical Support Program Geographic Location(s) (Country/Region): Sub-Saharan Africa Amendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): No Implementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): October 01, 2019 – September 30, 2024 If Amended, specify New End Date N/A Solicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): To be determined Implementing Partner(s): To be determined Bureau Tracking ID: https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php? doc_id=52231 Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any): N/A Tracking ID of Other, Related Analyses: Power Africa 2 PAD PIEE : https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf /47036.pdf Power Africa_PATRP IEE Amendment : https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/4 8721.pdf ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA Implementing Operating Unit(s): (e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office) Power Africa Other Affected Operating Unit(s): Lead BEO Bureau: Africa Bureau Funding Account(s) (if available): Original Funding Amount: $6,277,948 If Amended, specify funding AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1 1

Transcript of Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by...

Page 1: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONPROJECT/ACTIVITY DATA

Project/Activity Name: Power Africa Data and Technical Support ProgramGeographic Location(s) (Country/Region): Sub-Saharan AfricaAmendment (Yes/No), if Yes indicate # (1, 2...): NoImplementation Start/End Date (FY or M/D/Y): October 01, 2019 – September 30, 2024 If Amended, specify New End Date N/ASolicitation/Contract/Award Number(s): To be determinedImplementing Partner(s): To be determinedBureau Tracking ID: https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=52231Tracking ID of Related RCE/IEE (if any): N/ATracking ID of Other, Related Analyses: Power Africa 2 PAD PIEE :

https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/47036.pdfPower Africa_PATRP IEE Amendment: https://ecd.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/48721.pdf

ORGANIZATIONAL/ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

Implementing Operating Unit(s): (e.g. Mission or Bureau or Office)

Power Africa

Other Affected Operating Unit(s): Lead BEO Bureau: Africa BureauFunding Account(s) (if available):Original Funding Amount: $6,277,948 If Amended, specify funding amount: If Amended, specify new funding total:Prepared by: Phoebe SullivanDate Prepared: June 28, 2019

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE REVIEW DATA

Analysis Type: Environmental Examination DeferralEnvironmental Determination(s): Categorical Exclusion(s)

NegativePositiveDeferred (per 22 CFR 216.3(a)(7)(iv)

IEE Expiration Date (if applicable) :Additional Analyses/Reporting Required:Climate Risks Identified (#): Low ___6___ Moderate ___#___ High ___#___Climate Risks Addressed (#): Low ___6___ Moderate ___#___ High ___#___

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

1

Page 2: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

PROJECT/ACTIVITY SUMMARY

Managed by Power Africa’s (PA) Partnerships Office, the Data and Technical Support (DTS) Program is designed to help PA realize its 2.0 objectives, outlined in its 2.0 strategy including its topline goals of 30,000 megawatts (MWs) and 60 million connections.  Requested technical services span the breadth of PA’s technical pillars and programmatic functions and will support the entire Coordinator’s Office to some degree over the five-year life of activity. The DTS envisages delivering a range of services such as:

Support to relationship management functions; Data management and reporting, including data collection, data verification, data entry,

report development and app management as well as back-end server hosting, database development and maintenance;

The delivery of transaction advisory support to the African Development Bank with a focus on financial solutions that advance PA’s generation and access goals;

Energy sector technical assistance (TA) support for no more than 75 days per annum with a focus on private sector, government and development partner assistance. PA will respond to market demands and needs. Based on historic interventions, Power Africa’s future TA through this activity could potentially include but is not necessarily limited to:

o Power project support: surge and intermittency issue support (wind), draft model power purchase agreements, provide support to draft other important agreements such as license agreements, feasibility studies, shareholding agreements, etc., scope and assess new renewable energy projects, draft plans, policies and procedures to support new infrastructure build, support project developers in efforts to commercialize their activities, including through deployment of Development Credit Authority and other financial tools.

o Capacity building: provide foreign exchange support, including approvals required by investors and project sponsors, design of external debt financing arrangements, identification and design of potential renewable energy tax incentives and tax sensitivity analyses, provide guidance on the deployment of sovereign guarantees and power credit analysis, support government to develop Implementation Agreements, attract carbon credit finance and identify local sources of finance. Provide analysis and support in deploying appropriate Grid Code, deploying cost reflective tariffs and enacting renewable energy feed-in-tariffs. Support transmission and distribution efforts through advice on best practice in management of contracts, identification of Engineering, Procurement, Construction contractors. Assist in reducing technical and commercial losses from power distribution.

NB: Transaction advise support requested by the AfDB that is different from what has been previously requested should not be proceeded with before engaging the Power Africa Environmental Officer to ensure that it is within the scope of this IEE.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

2

Page 3: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

This IEE does not replace the Power Africa 2 PAD IEE or the Power Africa PATRP IEE amendment, it only covers services that were previously provided by PATRP but not included in the regional task orders that are replacing PATRP (namely the Nigeria Power Sector Program; the East Africa Energy Program; the West Africa Energy Program; and the Power Africa Off-grid Program). The task orders are covered under the Power Africa 2 PAD IEE. This IEE was required because the PATRP IEE amendment will soon expire and the PATRP contract itself will be ending at the end of November 2019.

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS Upon approval of this document, the determinations become affirmed, per Agency regulations (22 CFR 216).

T ABLE 1 : ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination1

Deferral2

Activity 1: Power Africa Technical Support and Advice1.1: Power sector and field reporting

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.2 Power sector analysis §216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.3 Strategic plan development

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.4 Power Africa toolbox updates

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.5 Collection and compilation of data

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

Activity 2: Power Africa Relationship Management2.1: Private sector recruitment and partnership recommendations

216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

Activity 3: Power Africa Data Management and Reporting3.1: Data tracking, verification, aggregation,

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers.

1 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.2 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

3

Page 4: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination

Deferral

analysis and reporting, including for PA’s Transactions Watchlist3.2 Stakeholder engagement to support data management and data quality

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers.

Activity 4: Software Engineering Solutions4.1: Database development and management

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

Activity 5: Power Africa Transactions Advisory Support to the African Development Bank (AfDB)5.1 Provision of transaction advisory support to the AfDB5.2 Deploy technical and financial solutions to advance power sector transactions5.3 Conduct research and analysis

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

Activity 6: Energy Sector Technical Assistance Support6.1 Provide transaction advisory assistance to private sector companies.6.2 Provide technical assistance to African governments.6.3 Provide technical and logistical assistance to development partners.

CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

The project design team considered climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project. Climate risks were found to be low.

BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

IMPLEMENTATION

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

4

Page 5: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

In accordance with 22 CFR 216 and Agency policy, the conditions and requirements of this document become mandatory upon approval. This includes the relevant limitations, conditions and requirements in this document as stated in Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the IEE and any BEO Specified Conditions of Approval.

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONPROJECT/ACTIVITY NAME: Power Africa Data and Technical Support Program

Bureau Tracking ID: ___ https://ecd.usaid.gov/document.php?doc_id=52231____

Approval: Approve 8/05/19Loren Stoddard, Acting Coordinator, Power Africa Date

Clearance: Clear 08/01/19Collin Quinn, Climate Integration Lead Date

Clearance: Clear 07/23/2019John Power, Southern Africa Legal Officer Date

Clearance: Clear 07/18/2019Henry Aryeetey, West Africa Environmental Advisor Date

Clearance: Clear 07/23/2019David Kinyua, East Africa Environmental Advisor Date

Clearance: Clear 07/23/2019Judith Muhomba, Acting Southern Africa Environmental Officer Date

Clearance: Clear 07/09/2019Nonkululeko Khathi, Power Africa Environmental Officer Date

Clearance: Clear 07/08/2019John Irons, Partnerships Office Director Date

Clearance: Clear 07/08/2019Phoebe Sullivan, COR Date

Concurrence: Clear 10/11/2019Brian Hirsch, Africa Bureau Environmental Officer Date

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

5

Page 6: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

DISTRIBUTION: Southern Africa OAA

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

6

Page 7: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATIONCONTENTSTHRESHOLD DETERMINATION AND SUMMARY OF FINDINGS.................................2

PROJECT/ACTIVITY SUMMARY 2CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 4BEO SPECIFIED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 4IMPLEMENTATION 4

USAID APPROVAL OF INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION..........................51.0 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION...................................................................................................9

1.1 PURPOSE OF the IEE 91.2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW 91.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION 10

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION.........................................................122.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, Threatened and ENDANGERED species) 122.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS (E.G. WHO), ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS 22Power Africa will provide transaction advisory support and technical assistance. It is the responsibility of the parties developing, financing, or constructing power projects, and not Power Africa, to assess host country legal requirements and to comply with local regulations and standards. 222.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS APPROPRIATE) 22

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISK..............................................234.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS.......................................................................25

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS 254.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT 26

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES............................................................265.1 CONDITIONS 265.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS 285.3 MITIGATION MEASURES 29

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION...........30

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

7

Page 8: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

7.0 REVISIONS.......................................................................................................................31ATTACHMENTS:.......................................................................................................................31

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

8

Page 9: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

1.0 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE IEE

The purpose of this document, in accordance with Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 216 (22 CFR 216), is to provide a preliminary review of the reasonably foreseeable effects on the environment of the USAID intervention described herein and recommend determinations and, as appropriate, conditions, for these activities. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, and specified conditions become mandatory obligations of implementation. This IEE also documents the results of the Climate Risk Management process in accordance with USAID policy (specifically, ADS 201mal).

This IEE is a critical element of USAID’s mandatory environmental review and compliance process meant to achieve environmentally sound design and implementation. Potential environmental impacts should be addressed through formal environmental mitigation and monitoring plans (EMMPs) and/or Environmental Assessments (EAs), if needed.

1.2 ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

The Power Africa Coordinator’s Office, based at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, and within the Africa Bureau in Washington D.C., oversees the implementation of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015 through the Power Africa (PA) interagency initiative. Power Africa, through interventions and partnerships intends to bring electricity to 300 million people by increasing the current power capacity of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) by 30,000 MWs and creating 60 million new connections by 2030. The Coordinator’s Office designs, complements and implements a select number of activities to improve energy infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. It also oversees energy interventions by 12 U.S. Government agencies in over 23 countries, creating a global presence in power sector development.

The Power Africa Coordinator’s Office has a dedicated Partnerships Office (PAPO) that is comprised of approximately 20 employees, with five team members located in Pretoria, South Africa and 15 team members located in Washington, D.C. PAPO is comprised of five teams: 

1. Transactions Team responsible for oversight and achievement of Power Africa’s 30,000 MW target; 

2. Interagency Team that manages the relationship among Power Africa’s 12 U.S. Government agency partners and supports Power Africa’s U.S. export goals; 

3. Development Partnerships Team that manages the collaboration with Power Africa’s 18 bilateral and multilateral development partners; 

4. Relationship Management Team that oversees Power Africa’s 150 private sector partnerships and supports the addition/on-boarding of new partners; and 

5. Financial Solutions Team that helps investors mitigate risks and bring transactions to financial closure, contributing heavily to Power Africa’s Enabling Environment objectives.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

9

Page 10: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

The Power Africa Coordinator’s Office also has a dedicated Energy Office of approximately 20 employees located in Pretoria, South Africa and Washington, D.C. The Energy Office includes four teams: 

1. Implementation Team: Responsible for managing development and supporting implementation of technical assistance mechanisms; 

2. Enabling Environment Team: Responsible for tracking, supporting, and implementing Power Africa’s enabling environment activities, including those related to policy and regulatory reform and institutional capacity building; 

3. Beyond the Grid Team: Responsible for tracking, supporting, and implementing Power Africa’s off-grid electrification activities; and

4. Grid Roll-Out Team: Responsible for tracking, supporting, and implementing Power Africa’s on-grid electrification activities. 

Given the breadth of activities, the Coordinator’s Office requires Contractor support to complement and support its activities. These include:

Support to relationship management functions; Data management and reporting, including data collection, data verification, data entry,

report development and app management as well as back-end server hosting, database development and maintenance;

The delivery of transaction advisory support to the African Development Bank with a focus on financial solutions that advance PA’s generation and access goals;

Energy sector technical assistance support.

The Contractor will orient efforts to support the following overarching objectives: Provide strategic and technical support for the advancement of Power Africa’s 2.0

strategy; Ensure that the data, information and analysis related to transactions activities, programs,

and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are accurate, consistent and time; Co-develop and co-lead technical and capacity-building assistance relevant to deal

support for all transactions and team programs; Assess performance and progress toward established Power Africa targets, particularly

related to energy generation transactions, but also including targets associated with connections, transmission and enabling environment.

1.3 ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

TABLE 2: DEFINED OR ILLUSTRATIVE PROJECTS/ACTIVITIES AND SUB-ACTIVITIES

Activity 1 — Power Africa Technical Support and AdviceSub-activity 1.1 Power sector and field reporting.1.2 Provide on-demand analysis on key trends and sector innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy sector, strategic plan development and implementation partner activity harmonization.1.3 Provide on-demand analysis on key trends and sector innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa’s energy sector, strategic plan development and implementation partner activity harmonization.1.4 Lead on updates to the Power Africa toolbox.1.5 Draft Power Africa’s Field Update.1.6 Collect and compile data on stalled transactions and identify technical assistance interventions.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

10

Page 11: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Activity 2 — Power Africa Relationship ManagementSub-activity 2.1 Undertake reputational risk assessments and company due diligences.2.2 Identify new private sector partners to help deliver PA’s results.Activity 3 — Power Africa Relationship ManagementSub-activity 3.1 Data tracking, verification, aggregation, analysis and reporting, including for PA’s Transactions Watchlist.3.2 Stakeholder engagement to support data management and data quality.Activity 4 – Software Engineering Solutions*Sub-activity 4.1 Database development and managementActivity 5: Power Africa Transactions Advisory Support to the African Development Bank (AfDB)Sub-activity 5.1: Provision of transaction advisory support to the AfDB in Cote d’Ivoire to increase investment and mitigate project risk in SSA.5.2 Support to the AfDB to mobilize resources to catalyze African investment in power5.3 Deploy technical and financial solutions to advance power sector transactions5.4 Conduct research and analysisActivity 6: Energy Sector Technical Assistance SupportSub-activity 6.1: Provide transaction advisory assistance to private sector companies6.2 Provide technical assistance to African governments6.3 Provide technical and logistical assistance to development partners

*Software engineering solutions will not include construction in any form but is only database that will be developed on already existing software.

Will this project/activity involve construction3 as defined by ADS 201 and 303? Yes No

3 Construction, as defined by ADS 201 and 303, includes: construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging and excavation) of buildings, structures, or other real property and includes, without limitation, improvements, renovation, alteration and refurbishment. The term includes, without limitation, roads, power plants, buildings, bridges, water treatment facilities, and vertical structures. In the box below, describe any construction planned for this project/activity. Refer to ADS 201maw for required Construction Risk Management procedures.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

If yes, describe in the space below:Even though Power Africa’s activities will not directly lead to construction, Power Africa’s transaction advisory and technical assistance, including to the AfDB, may facilitate deal flow, resulting in the construction of energy related infrastructure.

11

Page 12: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

2.0 BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

2.1 LOCATIONS AFFECTED AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT (ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL, CLIMATE, SOCIAL, THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES)

Activities proposed will take place in any location within sub-Saharan Africa as and when the need arises. Sub-Saharan Africa includes countries that are not considered part of north Africa. There are 42 countries located on the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) mainland and six island nations. For the purpose if this IEE SSA will be discussed below in three regions namely: Southern, East, and West Africa.

Southern Africa

Southern Africa consist of Angola, Botswana, eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The region is rich in valuable mineral deposits, it is the most developed region in Africa.

There are eight terrestrial biomes in Southern Africa, comprising:• Forests, which include tropical rainforest and coastal forest found in Madagascar,

the Congo Basin, and along the east coast of Southern Africa. This biome hosts a high number of endemic plant, bird, and reptile species;

• Savanna, comprising a mosaic of grassland and deciduous woodland. This biome covers most of central Southern Africa and is the primary habitat for most large mammal species;

• Grassland, which is confined to South Africa, Lesotho, and the higher parts of Swaziland and occurs at a higher altitude than the savanna biome;

• Arid shrubland, a transitional biome lying between true desert and more humid biomes to the east and south. In Madagascar, this biome includes arid spiny bush and dry succulent woodland vegetation types;

• True desert (experiencing less than 50 millimeters (mm) of rainfall per annum) is found along the westernmost margins of the region, occurring mostly in Namibia and southern Angola;

• The fynbos biome is one of the smallest and is confined to the winter rainfall area of southwest South Africa;

• Wetlands are scattered throughout the sub-region and range in type from endorheic pans to major floodplains and mangrove swamps; and

• The lake biome is confined to the major Rift Valley lakes such as Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika.

Six of the 36 internationally recognized biodiversity hotspots occur in Southern Africa, namely:• Cape Floristic Region (fynbos biome) (South Africa);• Succulent Karoo (part of the arid shrublands biome (South Africa and Namibia);• Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands forest, arid shrublands, savanna, and

grassland biomes) (including the Seychelles Islands);

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

12

Page 13: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

• Coastal forests of Eastern Africa (extending from Tanzania through Mozambique to the far northeastern coast of South Africa);

• Eastern Afromontane hotspot (extending along the Rift Valley escarpment from Tanzania southwards into Zimbabwe); and

• Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany hotspot, which lies in the grassland and savanna biomes in the southeastern parts of the region (South Africa, Swaziland, and Mozambique).

These are areas of high plant and animal diversity that warrant strong conservation management so that the bulk of species diversity and populations are sustained.

The most highly transformed biome type is grassland, which makes up only four percent of the area, and has been one-third converted to cropland and human settlements. Wetlands and lakes are also being altered through high levels of water use and changing flow dynamics (for example, due to irrigation and through inter-basin transfers to feed urban and industrial demand). These biomes are also extremely susceptible to invasive alien plants and animals, pollution, and changing water chemistry as a result of land degradation in their catchments.

Terrestrial Species Diversity

Southern Africa has a disproportionately high fraction of global biodiversity. Overall, this biodiversity is well preserved, both inside and outside protected areas. It is estimated that 84 percent of the pre-colonial biodiversity is intact in the region.

Number of species is a commonly reported statistic that provides a measure of the status of a country’s biodiversity. Numbers are meaningless for poorly known groups such as invertebrates, since diversity in all cases is much higher than the number of recorded species. Similarly, data for fish, reptiles, and amphibians can be misleading due to differences in the depth of research conducted on these groups. However, plant diversity is a fairly reliable indicator, and diversity of mammals and birds can be usefully compared, as these taxa are mostly conspicuous and relatively well studied. The high plant diversity in South Africa results from three biodiversity hotspots: Cape Floristic, Succulent Karoo, and the Maputoland-Pondoland Albany area.

Certain well-defined groups of species are endangered:• Species that are economically valuable (e.g., rhino, elephant);• Species that are a threat to humans (e.g., large mammal predators); and• Species that are restricted to small habitats highly suitable for human use (e.g.,

wetland fauna).

Coastal and Marine Areas

The Southern African coastline is more than 15,000 kilometers (km) long, changing from tropical conditions near the equator to sub-Antarctic conditions at the Prince Edward Islands. Four quasi-distinct marine ecological areas can be distinguished, namely, the Benguela System, Agulhas Bank, and the Angola and Mozambique Currents. While distinct, these marine regions are interlinked with each other. For example, several fish species migrate regularly within the Benguela System between the Agulhas Bank and the Benguela Current, whereas some whales

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

13

Page 14: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

move even further, feeding in the Southern Ocean but migrating to the west and east coasts of Africa to calve. As elsewhere in the world, Southern Africa’s coastal and marine systems are also interlinked with terrestrial biomes, especially rivers and wetlands.

The west coast is characterized largely by desert conditions and sparse human populations, but with rain forest established toward the mouth of the Congo River. Its seas are influenced by the cold, northward flowing Benguela Current, with highly productive upwellings supporting industrial-scale fisheries. The east coast, under the influence of the East African Coast Current, which flows northward along the coast of Tanzania, and the warm, southward-flowing Mozambique and Agulhas Currents, is subtropical in South Africa, becoming tropical and wetter northwards. Marine diversity increases towards the warmer zones.

Marine and Coastal Species Diversity

The Angola Current is relatively unproductive, but nevertheless supports large concentrations of fish. These include Cunene horse mackerel; Benguela hake; yellowfin, skipjack, Atlantic little, and frigate tunas; and two species of pilchard. By contrast, the nutrient-rich Benguela Current has low diversity but high biomass, and is dominated by a suite of planktivorous fish. These include pilchard, anchovy, round herring, pelagic goby, several mesopelagic mid-water species, Cape horse mackerel, chub mackerel, and two species of hake. The mackerels and hakes grow larger than the other species and often prey on smaller fish. Other abundant predators on small fish include squid, piscivorous fish including some tunas, seabirds, and the Cape fur seal. Several of the seabirds breed only in the Benguela System. In the inshore region, beds of kelp support substantial populations of Cape rock lobster and abalone. The coastal wetlands of Namibia and western South Africa provide nursery areas for some fish species and are important feeding grounds for large flocks of palaearctic and resident shorebirds. These areas include Sandwich Harbour, Walvis Bay lagoon, and the Orange River mouth in Namibia, which are all Ramsar sites, as well as the Berg River estuary and Langebaan lagoon in South Africa.

The warmer east coast supports extensive deltas, estuaries, mudflats, mangrove forests (especially around river estuaries), seagrass beds, and coral reefs. In contract to the Benguela, it is relatively unproductive but has a much greater diversity of plant and animal life. Extensive mudflats support vast flocks of waders, while mangrove forests are feeding grounds for many species of fish, crab, and shrimp. The seagrass beds provide habitat for a wide range of organisms, from invertebrates such as prawns and starfish through to fish and dugongs. Coral reefs cover an estimated 1,500 km of coastline in the eastern African region (Somalia to eastern South Africa) and also support a wide diversity of fish and invertebrates.

The open waters of the east coast are important for large pelagic fish such as tuna and billfish. They also provide habitat for the coelacanth and calving grounds for the migratory humpback whale.

Key threats to biodiversity and forests

1. High human population growth rate is the overarching driver of all pressure on biodiversity.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

14

Page 15: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

• Agriculture, mining, commercial forestry, energy and water projects, housing, and infrastructure development are examples of threats arising from population growth, which can result in clearing of natural vegetation, changes in drainage patterns, and destruction of habitat for wildlife.

• Coastal areas are particularly at risk from intensive urbanization and industrialization.

2. Land clearing for extensive low-input agriculture and for intensive, usually irrigated, agriculture.

• Increased extensive livestock farming creates the threat of overgrazing, erosion, and reduced land productivity. Expansion of the cultivated area drives deforestation, especially from shifting agriculture

• More irrigated agriculture will result in greater water use and fertilizer and pesticide runoff, with negative impacts on water resources and aquatic species.

3. Industrial development.• Water, soil, and air pollution. For water, industrial effluents and urban sewage

change the quality or quantity of available water, affecting a range of ecosystems and organisms. Water pollution may cause a loss of functionality and productivity of wetland systems.

• Air pollution affects plants directly and indirectly (via uptake from the soil), which in turn affects grazing and browsing animals and enters the food chain.

• Ultimately, waterborne pollution enters the ocean via estuaries and affects fish stocks, crustaceans, cetaceans, other marine mammals, and seabirds.

4. Direct exploration of local plant and animal resources to support rural livelihoods.• Harvesting of bushmeat, fish, timber (including for charcoal and fuel), and fruits

and medicinal plants, leading to reduction in populations of many species, and encroachment of protected areas.

5. Intensified farming/cultivation.• Introduction of alien and potentially harmful genetically modified species,

causing alteration of local ecology, such as reduced flow in rivers (e.g., from capture by invasive trees selected for plantation farming), changed soil nutrients (e.g., from reduced number of nitrogen-fixing plants), or direct competition (e.g., local fish populations decimated by introduced predators) leads to loss of diversity in indigenous populations.

6. Climate change: warmer and drier with higher rainfall variability. • Climate change will cause increased reliance on wild plant and animal resources.

Southern Africa has an impressive collection of protected areas, which many regard as the first line of defense when it comes to biodiversity conservation. These range from areas protected under international conventions (e.g., world heritage sites, Ramsar sites, and biosphere reserves), which have to report at the international level; to those proclaimed under national statutes (e.g., national parks, marine protected areas); to provincial and local parks; community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) areas and private nature reserves and conservancies. However, the current status of the abovementioned cascade of protected areas resembles a patchwork, rather than a network. The idea of transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) addresses this to some extent, but greater emphasis needs to be placed on landscape-level conservation, where multiple landowners (e.g., parks and neighbors) collaborate on a large spatial scale to protect biodiversity. This includes the idea of jointly undertaken large management efforts (e.g., for

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

15

Page 16: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

large marine ecosystems and river catchments), where a common understanding is reached on how an entire ecosystem with its complexity of resource use and development activities considered, is managed, both for biodiversity and sustainable ecosystem services

Population

The current population of Southern Africa is 179,956,471, it is equivalent to 2.33% of the world population. Poverty and underdevelopment are daunting challenges in the region. Approximately half the population lives below the international poverty line of U.S. $1per day.

Economy

Southern Africa is distinct from the rest of Africa, with some of main exports including platinum, diamonds, gold, copper, cobalt, and uranium, but the region has similar problems to the rest of the continent. Poverty, corruption, and HIV/AIDS are some of the factors hindering economic growth. South Africa has the strongest economy in the region. Generally, mining, agriculture, and tourism sectors dominate the economies of Southern African countries, apart from South Africa which has mature and flouring financial, retail, and construction sectors. Most global banks have their regional offices for Southern Africa based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Over the years, some the other Southern African nations have invested in economic diversification, and invested public funds into rail, road and air transportation as part of a concerted effort through SADC to boost regional trade and improve communication and transportation. The countries in this region also belong to the Southern Africa Power Pool, which facilitates the development of a competitive electricity market within the SADC region and ensures sustainable energy developments through sound economic, environmental and social practices. The main objective of the power pool is to develop a world class, robust and safe interconnected electrical system across the Southern African Region. According to a report by Southern Africa Power Pool, the three largest producers of electricity in Southern Africa as at 2017, include Eskom in South Africa with an estimated 46,963MW, Zesco in Zambia with 2,877MW, and SNL of Angola with 2,442MW.

East Africa

East Africa consists of the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Congo (DRC) Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania.

Tropical forests and woodlands provide a multitude of ecosystem services including carbon sequestration, climate and hydrology regulation, nutrient cycling, soil formation, and primary productivity. Forests further provide vital watershed protection, helping to regulate soil erosion, reduce sedimentation, and improve and maintain downstream water quality. In addition to being refugia for biological diversity, they provide direct benefits to forest users. They are a source for food, fuelwood, and a wide variety of medicinal and non-medicinal products, as well as providing cultural, spiritual, and economically important recreation benefits.

Tropical forests serve as a source of cultural and economic wealth that can be realized through sustainable harvesting of timber and non-timber products, tourism and ecotourism, and carbon

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

16

Page 17: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

trading. The countries of East Africa have a combined forest cover of some 69.6 million hectares, which amounts to approximately 17 percent of its total land area. The extent of actual forest coverage is approximate as up-to-date data are limited and often outdated.

Tropical evergreen forests represent around 6 percent of the terrestrial surface in Eastern Africa, found mainly in the highland/montane forest belt of the Eastern Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, and Eastern Tanzania. These and the other montane forests of Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, covering approximately 11 million hectares, are the most threatened by human settlement and agricultural expansion.

The coastal forest of East Africa extends from small patches of coastal (riverine) forest along the Jubba and Shebelle Rivers in southern Somalia, south through Kenya, where it occurs in a relatively narrow coastal strip of about 40 kilometers in width, except along the Tana River where it extends about 120 km inland. The hotspot stretches farther south into Tanzania (where some outlying forest patches occur about 300 km inland), and along nearly the entire coast of Mozambique. With approximately 4000 plant species (1750 endemic), 198 mammals (11 endemic), and 12 species of threatened endemic fauna (2 bird species, 6 mammals, and 4 amphibians), East Africa’s coastal forest offers an array of vegetation and wildlife. The hotspot consists of both moist and dry forests, coastal thicket, savanna woodlands, swamps (seasonal and permanent), and mangrove.

Population

The population growth in East Africa has been substantial in recent years. The change in population density shows the major population growth in transboundary areas, particularly around Lake Victoria in Kenya and Uganda, and along the Rwanda/Burundi border. Within many countries, population growth has been significant. Between 2005 and 2015, Burundi saw a 40 percent increase in population and Uganda saw a similar growth rate, increasing by nearly 11 million people. Population growth in Burundi is expected to continue to increase at higher rates and, similarly, Rwanda is projected to have increasing population growth. At the same time, conflict in South Sudan between the government and opposition forces has led to a protracted humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions of South Sudanese. Population projections indicate that South Sudan will continue to experience a decrease in population density, a trend unlikely to reverse unless and until there is a resumption of political stability.

Economy

In 2016, the population growth rate for East Africa reach 6.6 percent, which makes it the fastest growing region in Africa. Despite high population growth, the GDP growth rate is anticipated to remain relatively high. Even with this growth, significant poverty remains in the region. While poverty rates have decreased in recent years, countries such as Ethiopia, DRC, and Burundi continuously struggle with some of the highest and most persistent poverty rates across the world. Similarly, income and gender inequalities persist throughout the region, improving minimally over the past decade.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

17

Page 18: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Despite obstacles, the region continues to ascend economically. It harbors an extensive amount of human and natural resources, including biological diversity. Governance considerably increased over the past ten years and the region has worked to integrate into the global market. Trade and investment have grown significantly. Despite the overall progress, East Africa still struggles to benefit from the full advantages of regional economic integration. This drives continued efforts to pursue opportunities for intraregional trade and broad-based regional economic growth.

West Africa

West Africa is composed of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. West Africa includes 12 coastal countries, geographically bound by Mauritania to the north and Nigeria to the south and including Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. West Africa also includes three inland countries: Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. Three major ecosystem belts cut across these countries from west to east: deserts and xeric shrublands to the north; tropical and subtropical grassland, savannas and shrublands in the middle; and tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests to the south.

There are three broadly recognized classifications used to define the landscape and biodiversity:• Major biomes: West Africa includes two primary biomes. The West African

region is bound to the north by a belt of savanna and grasslands known as the Sudan-Guinea Savanna. Within the savanna, a forest-savanna mosaic transitions the landscape into the moist broadleaf Guinean Forests, consisting of the Upper Guinean Forest and the Nigeria-Cameroon block (or the Lower Guinean Forest). The Nigeria-Cameroon block extends to the southernmost boundary of the region for this assessment.

• Biodiversity hotspots: The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity and extreme deforestation make this hotspot one of the top global priorities for conservation, particularly primate conservation.

• Global ecoregions: WWF’s Global 200 project (2012) analyzed global patterns of biodiversity to identify a set of the earth's terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecoregions harboring exceptional biodiversity. The report identifies seven global ecoregions in West Africa: Sudanian Savannas, Guinean Moist Forest, Cameroon Highland Forests, Upper Guinea Rivers and Streams (small river basin), Niger River Delta, Gulf of Guinea Mangroves, and Cameroon Crater Lakes.

Grasslands, savannas, and Shrubland

To the north of the Guinean Forests lies a band of grasslands, savannas and shrublands known as the Sudan-Guinea Savanna. The band dips south between Ghana and Nigeria, forming the gap that separates the Upper Guinean Forest and the Nigeria-Cameroon block of the Guinean Forests. The band of savannas and shrublands is divided into the Sahelian Acacia Savanna to the north, the Sudanian Savanna to the south. The Sudanian Savanna is further divided into the West

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

18

Page 19: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Sudanian Savanna, which travels through the West Africa region, and the East Sudanian Savanna, which lies east of the Cameroon Highlands.

Within this savanna band, the West Sudanian Savanna is the ecoregion that predominantly falls in West Africa. It covers approximately 1,638,426 square kilometers (632,600 square miles) and runs south of the Sahel from the Atlantic Ocean (beginning in Senegal and Gambia) into Nigeria where it meets the Cameroon Highlands. It crosses through the West African countries of Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. A hot and dry climate supports a wooded savanna in this ecoregion with large tree species and an understory of long grasses, shrubs, and herbs.

As part of the larger Sudanian region, which has more than 1,000 endemic plants, this ecoregion is important for floral endemism. However, the number of plant species endemic to the West Sudanian Savanna is unknown. Faunal endemism in the Sudan-Guinea Savanna is relatively low, claiming only four strictly endemic species (two small mammals and two birds). The ecoregion’s importance to faunal biodiversity is captured in its role in the annual passage of migratory birds and the past migrations of large mammals, the latter of which has significantly diminished as a result of habitat alteration and hunting along the migratory route. Despite habitat degradation, rare and endemic montane flora species are still found in the Mandara plateau in Nigeria, and the Jos Plateau (also in Nigeria) still contains West Africa’s only population of Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus porteousi), a small antelope, in its remnant woodland forest.

Between the West Sudanian Savanna and the Guinean Forests lies a transition forest-savanna mosaic range known as the Guinean Forest-Savanna Mosaic. It consists of drier forest interspersed with savannas and open grasslands, and it covers approximately 673,655 square kilometers (260,100 square miles) from Senegal to Nigeria, crossing through Gambia, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Benin. WWF indicates that the ecosystem may offer critical habitat for differentiation and speciation, but specific information on biodiversity and endemism for this ecosystem is not available.

The Sahelian Acacia Savanna reaches into the northern portion of the West African region defined by this assessment, touching the northernmost areas of Burkina Faso. Because this savanna comprises a minor part of the region covered in this assessment, it will not be analyzed in-depth.

While many protected areas exist, they are largely underfunded with little enforcement. Hunting, even in protected areas, has decimated populations of large mammals across the savanna zone in West Africa, particularly with the assistance of semi-automatic weapons and 4-wheel drive vehicles which make hunting practices more productive. Illegal hunting and bushmeat trade is emerging as a severe threat to wildlife populations across the African savanna biome. Wildlife populations of all types of species in West Africa seem to be collapsing, large carnivores are particularly vulnerable due to their significant home range, which increases encounters with snares set for other species. Other threats in the West Sudanian Savanna include agricultural activities, fire, and clearance for wood and charcoal. These activities have resulted in a greatly reduced, degraded, and fragmented savanna habitat. For instance, land used for agriculture in Togo has increased by 266 percent from 1975 to 2013, which is the highest rate of agricultural expansion in West Africa.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

19

Page 20: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Coastal or Marine Areas

West Africa’s coastal and marine areas include the West African Marine Ecoregion (WAMER) and further south, the Gulf of Guinea. WAMER covers 3,500 km of coastline from Mauritania to Guinea and includes rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, sea grass prairies, mangroves, and estuaries. Due to cold coastal upwelling that makes plankton abundant, this marine area is one of the most diverse and important fishing areas in the world. It is home to over 1,000 fish species, dolphins, whales, five species of endangered marine turtles and the largest remaining breeding colony of monk seals on Earth. West Africa’s coast is also the seasonal home for six million migrating birds from Europe. Further, Cape Verde’s cold-water coral reefs are also considered a major site for endemism and a global hot spot for biodiversity. In 2017 cold water reefs were discovered off the coast of Ghana. The Gulf of Guinea’s flora and fauna are limited relative to WAMER due to low salinity, high turbidity, and an ancient climate regression to cooler waters that made conditions less favorable for marine species. However, the Gulf of Guinea does support some important fisheries, particularly near Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where coastal upwelling creates more favorable conditions for marine life.

West Africa’s coastline faces numerous interconnected challenges related to population growth, urbanization, coastal development, pollution, and climate change. West Africa’s soft and sandy coastline makes it particularly vulnerable to erosion, which is exacerbated by coastward migration, poor land use planning, lack of adequate drainage systems and coastal settlements in fragile areas. Climate change will further increase the severity of erosion and flooding, putting coastal communities and ecosystems at risk. Togo has already constructed a breakwater and jetties to protect 15 km of beach along its 56-kilometer coastline, but erosion is continuing to wear away the coast in other locations at a rate of up to 10 meters per year. 4 Coastal sedimentation has a negative impact on cold water reefs through turbidity decreased light penetration, as well as direct negative impacts on coral organisms which can become buried or require high levels of energy to expel dust. Further, the same industries and developments that impact erosion (such as mining, agro-industries, and tourism) also impact water quality through pollution from shipping operations, oil spills, and poor waste and wastewater management. Only a small percentage of sewage is treated in West Africa, which means most untreated waste ends up in coastal areas with negative impacts on marine life, particularly fisheries, which are a critical resource for West Africa’s food security and economy.

Population

West Africa’s population is almost 380 million, making up 5% of the global population. With the highest population growth rate in the world, the population is expected to reach 909 million by 2050. The most populous countries are Nigeria (the most populous country in Africa at around 196 million), Ghana (around 30 million), and Côte d’Ivoire (around 25 million). Population density in West Africa reflects the physical environment and urbanization trends; the northern, drier part of the region is sparsely populated and the more arable while water-rich regions, with favorable climate and soil, are more highly populated. Urbanization has also increasingly become a factor in population density, as 46.7% of the population in the region is now urban. While West Africa’s annual population growth rate is on average 2.75%, some of the major cities in West Africa have growth rates of up to 9%. These population trends, in turn, impact the

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

20

Page 21: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

landscape, as the consumption patterns of those in urban areas require urban peripheral land use to grow certain crops, and rural areas benefit from remittances from the city and either abandon or increase agricultural activities. While more than half of the region’s population is female, they are often excluded from political life because of poverty, illiteracy, or societal norms.

Economy

In 2016, West Africa had the slowest GDP growth of any region in Africa at 0.4% due to a recession in Nigeria, the region’s largest economy. However, Nigeria’s GDP is expected to increase to 3.6% in 2018 and 3.8% in 2019 due to increased oil production and growth in agriculture. Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Sierra Leone are also expected to grow at 5% or more. Despite these expectations, West Africa still faces high levels of poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and poor health. Liberia, Niger, and Sierra Leone have some of the lowest GDPs per capita in the world. At the same time, West African countries have been making strides in reducing income inequality, and between 1991 and 2011, West African countries outperformed other regions in Africa in improving economic equality. According to the Gini Index, which measures the actual distribution of income relative to a perfectly equal distribution (0 being perfect equality and 100 perfect inequality), Guinea-Bissau has the highest income inequality in the region at 50.7, and Mali the lowest at 33. Some of the key drivers of income inequality in West Africa include population density, dependence on natural resources, domestic investment rate, government consumption expenditure, inward foreign direct investment, trade openness, international remittances, and civil conflicts.

ECOWAS is a 15-country regional economic integration group fostering self-sufficiency for its members. Despite this mandate, West African countries are still barely integrated. Intra-West African trade is only about 11% of total trade, and Francophone ECOWAS members are still highly connected to France economically. In 2015, trade between ECOWAS and the European Union accounted for $58.2 million. Further, West African countries produce similar commodities, which, along with corruption at borders and checkpoints, disincentivizes regional trade. Nigeria, accounting for almost 80% of the region’s GDP, would need to lead if West Africa were to improve its intra-regional trade. ECOWAS aims to speed up the process by implementing a common currency by 2020.

The West African Economic Monetary Union (UEMOA) is a free-trade zone that promotes economic integration among countries that use the CFA Franc, which is fixed to the Euro. It is composed of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau, which are all also members of ECOWAS. UEMOA has three advisory bodies: regional advisory bureau, collective territories advisory, and work and social dialogue advisory. There is no specific environmental focus within UEMOA’s internal bodies. Before being surpassed by the South African Development Community (SADC), UEMOA had the highest levels of regional trade integration in Africa between 2000 and 2009. This is largely due to UEMOA’s shared currency, shared central bank, and other mechanisms which reduced transaction costs and enhanced macroeconomic stability for the countries in UEMOA. The structural barriers in the region however, including poor institutional enabling environment and a lack of infrastructure, have led to poor global competitiveness. The fixed exchange rate, while beneficial for stability, limited internal competitiveness. Further, UEMOA countries have not converged towards similar economic growth levels as planned. Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire have moved towards higher than

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

21

Page 22: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

average levels of growth while Guinea-Bissau, Niger, and Togo are moving towards lower than average levels of growth.

2.2 APPLICABLE AND APPROPRIATE PARTNER COUNTRY AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS (E.G. WHO), ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL LAWS, POLICIES, AND REGULATIONS

Power Africa will provide transaction advisory support and technical assistance. It is the responsibility of the parties developing, financing, or constructing power projects, and not Power Africa, to assess host country legal requirements and to comply with local regulations and standards.

Prior to entering into a partnership with private sector companies, Power Africa follows a due diligence process (explained in the Power Africa New Private Partner Onboarding Checklist) where the prospective company is assessed. The due diligence process includes reviewing the prospective company’s environmental policy/statement or accord affiliation.

2.3 COUNTRY/MINISTRY/MUNICIPALITY ENVIRONMENTAL CAPACITY ANALYSIS (AS APPROPRIATE)

Assistance will be provided on an as needed basis, therefore details of countries or ministries are not currently known. However, prior to providing assistance in any country or to any specific ministry, Power Africa, through the implementing partner, will review the country’s or ministry’s environmental policies. Power Africa assistance will only be deployed when the policies are in line with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability. In the instance where local standards are not sufficient, Power Africa may provide assistance to support the country or ministry in its development of environmental policies that are in line with IFC standards.

The AfDB maintains environmental policies and standards that ensure that the bank’s investments are environmentally sustainable.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

22

Page 23: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

3.0 ANALYSIS OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL RISKThe majority of the interventions planned under this activity involve technical support and advice, data management and reporting and software engineering solutions. These activities primarily qualify for categorical Exclusion per §216.2(c)(2)(i) (iii) and (v).

However, activities under transaction advisory support may have unintended consequences in the downstream as analyzed in the table below.

ACTIVITY 1: POWER AFRICA TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE

TABLE 3A. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 1Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts1.1 Power sector field reporting This activity will mainly be conducted on desktop, therefore

environmental or social impacts are not anticipated.1.2 Power sector analysis1.3 Strategic plan development1.4 Power Africa toolbox updates1.5 Collection and compilation of data

ACTIVITY 2: POWER AFRICA RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

TABLE 3B. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 2Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts2.1 Private sector recruitment and partnership recommendations

Private sector companies mainly reach out to Power Africa either through connections during conferences. The due diligence process is mainly desktop; therefore, no environmental and social impacts are anticipated.

ACTIVITY3: POWER AFRICA DATA MANAGEMENT

TABLE 3C. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 3Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts3.1 Data tracking, verification, aggregation, analysis, and reporting including PA’s watchlist

This is a desktop activity, no environmental or social impacts are anticipated.

3.2 Stakeholder engagement to support data management and data quality

ACTIVITY4: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS

TABLE 3D. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 4Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts4.1 Database development and management

This is a desktop activity, no environmental or social impacts are anticipated.

ACTIVITY 5: POWER AFRICA TRANSACTIONS ADVISORY SUPPORT TO THE AFDB

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

23

Page 24: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

TABLE 3E. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 5Activity Potential environmental and social impacts*5.1 Provision of transaction advisory support to the AfDB

Although Power Africa will not be directly involved in biophysical interventions, the technical and financial solutions provided by Power Africa may lead to unforeseen potential impacts which may include:Negative impacts

Resettlement of people in areas identified for power projects Physical or economical displacement of people Depletion of natural resources Air, water, and soil pollution Deforestation Loss of pastoral land Loss of access to land

Positive impacts Increased access to electricity Local job creation Improved quality of life

5.2 Deploy technical and financial solutions to advance power sector transactions5.3Conduct research and analysis

ACTIVITY 6: ENERGY SECTOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT

TABLE 3F. POTENTIAL IMPACTS – ACTIVITY 6Project/Activity Potential environmental and social impacts*6.1 Provide transaction advisory assistance to private sector companies

The primary role of Power Africa is to provide transaction advisory assistance to other organization. However, that support may lead to unforeseen potential impacts in the downstream, which may include:Negative impacts

Resettlement of people in areas identified for power projects Physical or economical displacement of people Depletion of natural resources Air, water, and soil pollution Deforestation Loss of pastoral land Loss of access to land

Positive impacts Increased access to electricity Local job creation Improved quality of life Development of environmental policies that are in line with

international standards Development of environmentally sustainable projects

6.2 Provide technical support to African governments6.3 Provide technical and logistical assistance to development partners

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

24

Page 25: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

4.1 RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

The following table summarizes the recommended determinations based on the environmental analysis conducted. Upon approval, these determinations become affirmed, per 22 CFR 216. Specified conditions, detailed in Section 5, become mandatory obligations of implementation, per ADS 204.

TABLE 4: ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination4

Deferral5

Activity 1: Power Africa Technical Support and Advice1.1: Power sector and field reporting

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.2 Power sector analysis §216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.3 Strategic plan development

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.4 Power Africa toolbox updates

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

1.5 Collection and compilation of data

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

Activity 2: Power Africa Relationship Management2.1: Private sector recruitment and partnership recommendations

216.2(c)(2)(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.)

Activity 3: Power Africa Data Management and Reporting3.1: Data tracking, verification, aggregation, analysis and reporting, including for PA’s Transactions Watchlist

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers.

3.2 Stakeholder §216.2(c)(2)(v) Document

4 Positive Determinations require preparation of a Scoping Statement and Environmental Assessment.5 Deferrals must be cleared through an Amendment to this IEE prior to implementation of any deferred activities.

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

25

Page 26: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Projects/Activities Categorical Exclusion Citation (if applicable)

Negative Determination

Positive Determination

Deferral

engagement to support data management and data quality

and information transfers.

Activity 4: Software Engineering Solutions4.1: Database development and management

§216.2(c)(2)(v) Document and information transfers

Activity 5: Power Africa Transactions Advisory Support to the African Development Bank (AfDB)5.1 Provision of transaction advisory support to the AfDB5.2 Deploy technical and financial solutions to advance power sector transactions5.3 Conduct research and analysis

§216.2(c)(2)(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings.

Activity 6: Energy Sector Technical Assistance Support6.1 Provide transaction advisory assistance to private sector companies.6.2 Provide technical assistance to African governments.6.3 Provide technical and logistical assistance to development partners.

4.2 CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT

This section summarizes the methodology used and findings of the CRM Screening, in accordance with ADS 201mal. The project design team, in consultation with the CIL, considered the potential effect of climate risks/stressors on the sustainability of the project (changing precipitation patterns, rising temperature, floods, droughts, fires, landslides, etc.) in addition to the impact of project activities on the climate (increased greenhouse gas emissions, land use changes, etc.). See Annex 1 for the compete CRM table.

5.0 CONDITIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

5.1 CONDITIONS

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

26

Page 27: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

The environmental determinations in this IEE are contingent upon full implementation of the following general implementation and monitoring requirements, as well as ADS 204 and other relevant requirements. 5.1.1 During Pre-Award:

5.1.1.1 Pre-Award Briefings: As feasible, the design team and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide a pre-award briefing for potential offerors on environmental compliance expectations/responsibilities at bidders’ conferences.

5.1.1.2 Solicitations: The design team, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure solicitations include environmental compliance requirements and evaluation criteria. A/CO will ensure technical and cost proposal requirements include approach, staffing, and budget sufficient for complying with the terms of this IEE.

5.1.1.3 Awards: The A/COR, in coordination with the A/CO, will ensure all awards and sub-awards, include environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2 During Post-Award:5.1.2.1 Post-Award Briefings: The A/COR and/or the cognizant environmental officer(s)

(e.g., MEO, REA, BEO) will provide post-award briefings for the IP on environmental compliance responsibilities.

5.1.2.3 Workplans and Budgeting: The A/COR will ensure the IP integrates environmental compliance requirements in work plans and budgets to comply with requirements, including EMMP implementation and monitoring.

5.1.2.4 Staffing: The A/COR, in coordination with the IP, will ensure all awards have staffing capacity to implement environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.5 Records Management: The A/COR will maintain environmental compliance documents in the official project/activity file and upload records to the designated USAID environmental compliance database system.

5.1.2.6 Host Country Environmental Compliance: The A/COR will ensure the IP complies with applicable and appropriate host country environmental requirements unless otherwise directed in writing by USAID. However, in the case of a conflict between the host country and USAID requirements, the more stringent shall govern.

5.1.2.7 Work Plan Review: The A/COR will ensure the IP verifies, at least annually or when activities are added or modified, that activities remain with the scope of the IEE. Activities outside of the scope of the IEE cannot be implemented until the IEE is amended.

5.1.2.8 IEE Amendment: If new activities are introduced or other changes to the scope of this IEE occur, an IEE Amendment will be required.

5.1.2.14 USAID Monitoring Oversight: The A/COR or designee, with the support of the cognizant environmental officer(s) (e.g., MEO, REA, BEO), will ensure monitoring of compliance with established requirements (e.g., by desktop reviews, site visits, etc.).

5.1.2.16 Environmental Compliance Mitigation and Monitoring Plan: The A/COR will ensure the IP develops, obtains approval for, and implements Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plans (EMMPs) that are responsive to the stipulated environmental compliance requirements.

5.1.2.17 Environmental Compliance Reporting: The A/COR will ensure the IP includes environmental compliance in regular project/activity reports, using indicators as

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

27

Page 28: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

appropriate; develops and submits the Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Reports (EMMRs); and completes and submits a Record of Compliance (RoC) describing their implementation of EMMP requirements in conjunction with the final EMMR or at the close of sub activities (as applicable). And where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure the IP prepares a closeout plan consistent with contract documentation for A/COR review and approval that outlines responsibilities for end-of-project operation, the transition of other operational responsibilities, and final EMMR with lessons learned.

5.1.2.18 Corrective Action: When noncompliance or unforeseen impacts are identified, IPs notify the A/COR, place a hold on activities, take corrective action, and report on the effectiveness of corrective actions. The A/COR initiates the corrective action process and ensures the IP completes and documents their activities. Where required by Bureaus or Missions, ensure Record of Compliance is completed.

5.2 AGENCY CONDITIONS

5.2.1 Sub-award Screening: The A/COR will ensure the IP uses an adequate environmental screening tool to screen any sub-award applications and to aid in the development of EMMPs.

5.2.2 Programmatic IEEs (PIEE): PIEEs stipulate requirements for additional environmental examination of new or country specific projects/activities. The A/COR of any project/activity being implemented under a PIEE will ensure appropriate reviews are conducted, typically through a Supplemental IEE, and approved by the cognizant BEO.

5.2.3 Supplemental IEEs (SIEEs): An SIEE will be prepared for any new project/activity being planned which fall under a PIEE. The SIEE will provide more thorough analysis of the planned activities, additional geographic context and baseline conditions as well as specific mitigation and monitoring requirements.

5.2.4 Other Supplemental Analyses: The A/COR will ensure supplemental environmental analyses that are called for in the IEE are completed and documented.

5.2.5 Resolution of Deferrals: If a deferral of the environmental threshold determination was issued, the A/COR will ensure that the appropriate 22CFR216 environmental analysis and documentation is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.6 Positive Determination: If a Positive Determination threshold determination was made, the A/COR will ensure a Scoping Statement, and if required an Environmental Assessment (EA), is completed and approved by the BEO before the subject activities are implemented.

5.2.7 Compliance with human subject research requirements: The AM, A/COR shall assure that the IP and sub-awardees, -grantees, and -contractors demonstrate completion of all requirements for ethics review and adequate medical monitoring of human subjects who participate in research trials carried out through this IEE and ensure appropriate records are maintained. All documentation demonstrating completion of required review and approval of human subject trials must be in

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

28

Page 29: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

place prior to initiating any trials and cover the period of performance of the trial as described in the research protocol.

5.3 MITIGATION MEASURES

The mitigation measures presented in this section constitute the minimum required based on available information at the time of this IEE and the environmental analysis in Section 4. These measures shall provide general direction for completing the project/activity Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and/or the EA and PERSUAP, if required.

ACTIVITY 5 : POWER AFRICA TRANSACTIONS ADVISORY SUPPORT TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)

TABLE 5A. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR POWER AFRICA TRANSACTIONS ADVISORY SUPPORT TO THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)

Activity Mitigation Measure(s)Sub-activity 5.1 Provision of transaction advisory support to the AfDB to increase investment and mitigate project risk in SSA.

The AfDB to prove that it follows its environmental policies when investing in power projects (i.e. the AfDB to only support projects that employ environmentally sustainable practices) and provide documented evidence to Power Africa’s Partnership Office.

The PESRM and PESRM Supplemental (where applicable) checklists found in Annex 2 to be completed for all projects that will be constructed as a result of AfDB investment. The checklists to be reviewed and approved by Power Africa employees as delegated.

For smaller projects (e.g. rooftop solar) that are not expected to have significant impact on the environment an Environmental Review Form (ERF) shall be completed and submitted to Power Africa for review and approval.

5.2 Deploy technical and financial solutions to advance power sector transactions

The AfDB to report to Power Africa* that the solutions deployed are in line with its environmental policy.

The PESRM and PESRM Supplemental (where applicable) found in Annex 2 checklists to be completed for all projects that will be constructed as a result of Power Africa support. The checklists to be reviewed and approved by Power Africa employees as delegated.

For smaller projects an Environmental Review Form (ERF) shall be completed in order to ensure that environmental impacts are identified and mitigated.

ACTIVITY 6 : ENERGY SECTOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

29

Page 30: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

TABLE 5B. SUMMARY OF MITIGATION MEASURES FOR ENERGY SECTOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SUPPORT

Activity Mitigation Measure(s)6.1 Provide transaction advisory assistance to private sector companies

This activity’s COR to ensure that private sector companies have environmental policies in place and conduct business in line with their policies.

This activity’s COR to ensure that foreign private sector companies are informed about environmental legislation in countries where they plan to conduct business and comply to the national legislation.

6.2 Provide technical assistance to African governments

This activity’s COR to ensure that African governments have environmental policies or legislation that is in line with international standards in place prior to providing any technical assistance.

This activity’s COR to ensure that African governments have the capacity to implement and monitor implementation of their policies and/or legislation.

6.3 Provide technical and logistical assistance to development partners

This activity’s COR to ensure that development partners have environmental policies in place and support projects in line with their policies.

This activity’s COR to ensure that development partners are informed about environmental legislation in countries where they plan to conduct business and comply to the national legislation.

6.0 LIMITATIONS OF THIS INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION The determinations recommended in this document apply only to projects/activities and sub-activities described herein. Other projects/activities that may arise must be documented in either a separate IEE, an IEE amendment if the activities are within the same project/activity, or other type of environmental compliance document and shall be subject to an environmental analysis within the appropriate documents listed above. Other than projects/activities determined to have a Positive Threshold Determination, it is confirmed that the projects/activities described herein do not involve actions normally having a significant effect on the environment, including those described in 22 CFR 216.2(d).In addition, other than projects/activities determined to have a Positive Threshold Determination and/or a pesticide management plan (PERSUAP), it is confirmed that the projects/activities described herein do not involve any actions listed below. Any of the following actions would require additional environmental analyses and environmental determinations:

Support project preparation, project feasibility studies, or engineering design for activities listed in §216.2(d)(1);

Affect endangered and threatened species or their critical habitats per §216.5, FAA 118, FAA 119;

Provide support to extractive industries (e.g. mining and quarrying) per FAA 117;

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

30

Page 31: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Promote timber harvesting per FAA 117 and 118; Lead to new construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or renovation work per

§216.2(b)(1); Support agro-processing or industrial enterprises per §216.1(b)(4); Provide support for regulatory permitting per §216.1(b)(2); Lead to privatization of industrial facilities or infrastructure with heavily polluted

property per §216.1(b)(4); Research, testing, or use of genetically engineered organisms per §216.1(b)(1), ADS

211 Assist the procurement (including payment in kind, donations, guarantees of credit) or

use (including handling, transport, fuel for transport, storage, mixing, loading, application, clean-up of spray equipment, and disposal) of pesticides or activities involving procurement, transport, use, storage, or disposal of toxic materials. Pesticides cover all insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, etc. covered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act per §216.2(e) and §216.3(b).

7.0 REVISIONSPer 22 CFR 216.3(a)(9), when ongoing programs are revised to incorporate a change in scope or nature, a determination will be made as to whether such change may have an environmental impact not previously assessed. If so, this IEE will be amended to cover the changes. Per ADS 204, it is the responsibility of the USAID A/COR to keep the MEO/REA and BEO informed of any new information or changes in the activity that might require revision of this environmental analysis and environmental determination.

ATTACHMENTS :

Annex 1: Climate Risk Management Summary Table for Activity: Power Africa Data and Technical Support Program (note: preparers have the option to use the Climate Risk Screening and Management Tool for Projects/Activity Design if they choose). Annex 2: Power Africa Environmental & social review methodology (PESRM) Checklist (“PESRM checklist”)

AFRICA/POWER AFRICA/POWER AFRICA DATA AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

IEE TEMPLATE VERSION 3.1

31

Page 32: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

ANNEX 1. ACTIVITY CLIMATE RISK MANAGEMENT SUMMARY TABLE Tasks/Defined or Illustrative Interventions

Climate Risks6 Risk Rating7 How Risks are Addressed8 Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience9

Power Africa Technical Support and Advice

Extreme weather events may pose a threat to employee safety and disrupt travel.

Low Monitoring weather forecasts to ensure that employees do not travel when extreme weather is forecast predicts weather that may pose danger to employee safety.

Communications such as telephone calls or video conferencing to be used more often than physical meetings for technical support and advice services.

Power Africa Relationship Management

Extreme weather events may pose a threat to employee safety.

Low Monitoring weather forecasts to ensure that employees do not travel when extreme weather is forecast predicts weather that may pose danger to employee safety.

Relationship managers to work remotely where possible.

Power Africa Data Management and Reporting

Severe weather may result in delayed services provided as a result of network breakdowns.

Low N/A Schedule work in annual work plans and procure services in advance to avoid delays that may be caused by severe weather.

Software Engineering Solutions

Severe weather events may result in damage of communication networks.

Low N/A More climate resilient software solutions to be used.Evaluating and identifying physical assets or communication infrastructure most at risk and prioritize how best to implement adaptation, maintenance, construction and disaster recovery measures.

Power Africa Transactions Advisory Support to the AfDB.

Extreme weather events may pose a threat to employee safety.

Low Monitoring weather forecasts to ensure that employees do not travel when extreme weather is forecast predicts weather that may

Transaction advisors to work remotely where possible.

6 List key risks related to the defined/illustrative interventions identified in the screening and additional assessment.7 Low/Moderate/ High8 Describe how risks have been addressed in activity design and/or additional steps that will be taken in implementation. If you chose to accept the risk, briefly explain why.9 Describe opportunities to achieve multiple development objectives by integrating climate resilience or mitigation measuresPESRM Checklist # - Project Name 1

Page 33: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Tasks/Defined or Illustrative Interventions

Climate Risks Risk Rating How Risks are Addressed Opportunities to Strengthen Climate Resilience

pose danger to employee safety.Energy Sector Technical Assistance Support

Extreme weather may pose a threat to employee safety.

Severe weather may result in delayed services provided as a result of network breakdowns.

Low

Moderate

Monitoring weather forecasts to ensure that employees do not travel when extreme weather is forecast predicts weather that may pose danger to employee safety.

Accepted. Work to be planned and executed in advance to avoid delays where possible.

Transaction advisors to work remotely where possible.

Identify physical assets or networks most at risk and prioritize how best to implement adaptation.

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 2

Page 34: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Annex 2

APPROVAL FACESHEET

POWER AFRICA ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL REVIEW METHODOLOGY (PESRM)

CHECKLIST (“PESRM CHECKLIST”)

PROJECT NAME

CHECKLIST INFORMATION

Checklist and Supplemental Hydropower Checklist, if applicable, prepared by:Current date:Date of last PESRM checklist for this transaction, if applicable:

TRANSACTION INFORMATION

Transaction/file name:(Transaction Ref: TR-XX-00)

Country/region:Location (coordinates)Transaction parties:Transaction Stage:Is this a hydropower transaction?If yes, has the transaction been screened via the Checklist and Supplemental Hydropower Checklist?Is this screening based on an ESIA10 report Insert full report reference if applicable: Author

10 ESIA = environmental and social impact assessment

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 3

Page 35: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

for the transaction (Year) Title (as per title page). Client, city. Month, year of issue.

Transaction Description:USG Involvement:Changes since last PESRM checklist:Future changes expectedN.B.: If the transaction is in Stage 1 and/or information is insufficient to complete the PESRM Checklist, please complete the PESRM Checklist to the best of your ability and note on this facesheet that the transaction will be rescreened when it progresses to a later stage and following any significant change, for example, in site or scope.

SUMMARY OF KEY ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES IDENTIFIED:

[Provide a summary of the significant environmental and/or social issues identified in the most recent PESRM Checklist, paying particular attention to the following: sensitive habitat, physical-cultural resources, land tenure systems, involuntary resettlement, indigenous populations, conflict dynamics, and gender and social inclusion. Note if the transaction is associated with one or more parties that have no environmental and social soundness policies and procedures.]

Conclusion statement relating to key environmental and social issues:

▢  [no significant environmental or social issues associated with the project]

▢  [moderate to significant environmental or social issues that are expected to be fully mitigated as part of project development and implementation]

▢  [significant risk(s) that may or may not be addressed during project development and/or implementation]

▢  [significant risk(s) that are not expected to be addressed during project development and/or implementation]

REQUIRED INTERVENTIONS:

[Based on the PESRM Checklist and the summary information noted above, describe the interventions that Power Africa will need to undertake, with proposed timeframes, and as appropriate, suggest who – e.g., the Transactions Team, Deputy Coordinators of Power Africa, Coordinator of Power Africa, and/or USAID Africa Bureau Environmental Officer – undertake the interventions.]

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 4

Page 36: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Conclusion statement relating to required interventions by Power Africa:

▢  [no further inquiry or deliberation is required by Power Africa; however, monitoring shall continue as the project is developed and implemented]

▢  [inquiry and deliberation is required by Power Africa which is expected to ensure environmental and social issues are fully addressed; monitoring shall continue as the project is developed and implemented]

▢  [inquiry and deliberation and monitoring is required by Power Africa; however, even with these interventions it is unsure if the environmental and social issues will be fully addressed.]  

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 5

Page 37: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

RECOMMENDATION FOR POWER AFRICA SUPPORT:

Based on the findings of the PESRM Checklist and the summary information presented in this facesheet, the following is recommended:

▢  [that Power Africa support (or continue to support) this transaction]

▢  [that Power Africa not support (or continue to support) this transaction]

▢  [that sufficient information is not available to make a recommendation and that the information be obtained promptly and the Checklist and Facesheet be updated with an appropriate recommendation]

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 6

Page 38: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

APPROVAL/CLEARANCES FOR POWER AFRICA TRANSACTION AND REFORM PROGRAM (PATRP) PATRP ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL REVIEW METHODOLOGY (PESRM) CHECKLIST

PROJECT NAME

Clearance:

Chief of Party

____________________________________      Date:  _________________Name:

USAID/Power Africa Clearance:

Power Africa Coordinator or his/her Designee

____________________________________      Date:  _________________Name:

COR

____________________________________      Date:  _________________Name:

Power Africa Environmental Officer/Advisor

____________________________________      Date:  _________________Name:

USAID/Regional Environmental Advisor Clearance:

Regional Environmental Officer/Advisor

____________________________________      Date:  _________________Name:

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 7

Page 39: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

ATTACHMENTS

✓ PESRM Checklist ✓ Supplemental hydropower checklist

Figure 1: Locality map [Source: XXX, YEAR ]

Figure 2: Project site layout plan [Source: YYYY, YEAR] (where available)File name/location: ________________________________

ATTACHMENT 1 – PESRM CHECKLIST

PROJECT NAME

Purpose:

This PERSM Checklist is being prepared in accordance with the Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) issued in March 2015 for the Power Africa Transaction and Reform Program (PATRP)11. The IEE requires that for USG-Supported Transactions for which no USG agency, IFI or MDB is conducting such screening, Power Africa, through the Environmental and Social Adviser(s) to PATRP, will conduct the environmental/social impact screening by completing the “Power Africa Environmental and Social Review Methodology” (PESRM) Checklist (screening tool) and accompanying Approval Facesheet.

Checklist Tables:

There are two tables that follow. The first is the PERSM Checklist. The second table is the Supplemental Hydropower Checklist. This latter table is required by the IEE12 which states that PATRP shall perform environmental and social impact screening, via the PESRM Supplement, on all hydropower USG-Supported Transactions that are not otherwise screened by a Power Africa USG Agency. Qualitative risk rating: In the tables that follow, the qualitative risk rating applies to the risk to Power Africa, after environmental and social impacts and management plans – as represented in the project ESIA - have been taken into consideration.

Risk Rating (RR) Scheme: The Risk Rating (RR) Scheme appearing in the tables is as follows:

Very High (VH) = Irreversible; residual impact after mitigation High (H) = Amenable to mitigation and offset options, which are likely to be feasible

11 March 2015 Initial Environmental Examination for Power Africa Transaction and Reform Program (PATRP), p. 2312 Ibid. Section 4.5 Condition 9, p. 29-30

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 8

Page 40: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

Moderate (M)Low (L)+ = Positive (risk mitigating, e.g., strong regulatory framework and enforcement) N/A = Not applicableINA = Information not available

Guidelines and instructions in RED in the checklist are to be deleted when preparing the project checklist.

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 9

Page 41: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

No. Category/ Criterion Analysis Risk Rating

Proposed Follow-up Actions by

PATRP/ Power Africa

1 Developer/ Partner Credentials1.1 Name/s of all major partners in the

transactionN/A

1.2 Is the developer an official Partner of Power Africa? Has it been subjected to the PA partner due diligence process?

1.3 Does the developing entity contain at least one well-established (>5 years), large, reputable company?

1.4 Is there documented evidence of commitment to sustainable practices?

1.5 Is it a signatory to any industry or international commitments to human rights, land rights or declarations on environmental sustainability, etc.?

1.6 Does the developer/partner have policies to promote gender equality in the workplace?

1.7 Does the developer/partner have women on their board and/or in their executive/senior management?

1.8 Has the transaction partner(s) been associated with any illegal practices/ violations of human rights and/ or corruption?

1.9 Is the developer compliant with USAID’s Child Safeguarding Policy (https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1864/200mbt.pdf )?

2. Nature of the Project [NO RISK RATING – DESCRIPTIVE ONLY]2.1 Technology type and scale (MW); location

(coordinates, if available)N/A

Page 42: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

2.2 Listing of components to be included in “the transaction” [include transmission line details if applicable]

[For hydropower projects, insert only basic information throughout this section and put detail into the Supplemental Hydropower Checklist]

●●

N/A

2.3 Approximate land and water area required for development, and area of land concessioned to developer, if applicable

[e.g., for wind farms and geothermal power plants, large concession areas may be granted that are far larger than the initial project footprint]

N/A

3 Governance Framework3.1 Does the country have an environmental

authorization/ approval (EA) process?3.2 Does the EA process apply to this project?

3.3 What is the status of the permitting process, [in progress/ approved]?

If Approved, given year of approval and attach permit/ certificate if available. If ‘in progress’, give scheduled month for completion and approval, if possible

3.4 Does the country have regulated emissions and/ or environmental quality limits/ standards for water, air, noise? ●

3.5 Have international best practice procedures (Equator Principles and/ or IFC Performance Standards (PSs)) been applied?

3.6 Are guidelines for international best practice in environmental aspects related to this technology type available?

3.7 What would the project most likely be classified as, in terms of IFC or Equator Principles Categories A, B or C?

.

3.8 Have specific lenders to the project been identified? [Entity names]

3.9 Do they have specific E&S requirements other than the Equator Principles/ IFC PSs? [List]

●4 Land4.1 Does national law accurately recognise and

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 2

Page 43: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

effectively protect legitimate land rights, including customary rights and informal tenure, of individuals and groups? Is the law effectively applied?

4.2 What records exist that document land rights in the project area (e.g. is there an up to date registry that covers most of the land)? Do they document customary and secondary rights? What rights are undocumented?

4.3 Is there a legally defined process for acquiring land/ right to use land, and a land registration system in place? Is the process the same for women and men?

4.4 Is there an active land market in the project area/country that can be used to estimate fair land prices? If not, what process would be used to estimate land prices?

4.5 Is there a regulatory authority controlling land acquisition/ use?

4.6 Are the land tenure laws non-discriminatory and provide specific protection and equal rights for all groups including women, pastoral groups, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable groups?

4.7 What is the land tenure system(s) on the designated land (including the possibility of multiple tenure systems)?

4.8 Is the project likely to result in the alienation or restriction of access to land legitimately held or used by local people, either through individual ownership or under communal ownership structures?

4.9 Is there a recent history (past 50 years) of involuntary resettlement and successive loss of communal land in the project area?

4.10 Could the project worsen existing land tenure conflicts or violence in the area?

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 3

Page 44: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

4.11 Where a project is anticipated to alter land access/ownership, have all alternatives to involuntary resettlement been considered?

4.12 Does the project use the minimum land resources needed in order to avoid or at least limit the physical and/or economic displacement of local people?

4.13 What ways is the project exploring to involve local people in the project design such that they actively support the project, including benefit-sharing arrangements such as leasing land from local people, profit-sharing, etc.?

5 Environmental5.1 Is the site in or adjacent to a legally

protected area (WHS/ national park/ nature reserve)?

5.2 Will any sensitive habitats (outside of protected area) be affected by the project? E.g. coastal rocky shore, coral reef, wetland, riparian area, river, tropical/ rain forest

5.3 Is the site in a known biodiversity hotspot/ species-rich region/ area, i.e. is important biodiversity likely to be affected by the project? Will known habitats of IUCN Red-listed/ rare and endangered species be affected by the project?

5.4 If biodiversity will be affected, are suitable options for biodiversity offsets available?

5.5 If not, is the goal of “no net loss to biodiversity” achievable?

5.6 Will the project generate water, air and/or soil pollution?

5.7 Will project emissions reach and affect any sensitive receiving environments?

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 4

Page 45: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

5.8 Will the project affect downstream reaches beyond 1 km of a river?

5.9 Will the project generate greenhouse gases? Are GHG emissions likely to exceed 25000 t CO2e/year?

5.10 Could project GHG reduction strategies be eligible for carbon credits?

5.11 Will the project have trans-boundary effects?

5.12 Are there cumulative impact issues associated with the project?

5.13 Have management plans been formulated:● to manage the impacts of

construction;● to mitigate the impacts on

biodiversity and ecosystems,● to control emissions and effluents;● to manage wastes?

6 Social/ Cultural/ Political/ Economic6.1 Will any sites of heritage value be affected?

6.2 Will any sites of contemporary cultural significance be affected?

6.3 Are any dispersed rural households located on the site or adjacent to it (within 1 km radius)?

6.4 Will any villages or towns be directly affected by the project? Are any such settlements located within a 5 km radius of the project site/sites?

6.5 Will pastoralists or other local people be affected, for example, by the project making them no longer using their land in traditional, customary ways? Will their land or natural resource rights (including customary or temporary tenure systems) be infringed upon in any way? If so, are impacts

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 5

Page 46: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

on women distinguishable from those of men?

6.6 Are any homesteads/ dwellings/ community infrastructure likely to require (involuntary) resettlement?

6.7 Are any land users likely to suffer economic displacement? If so, are the impacts between men and women engaged in economic activities distinguishable?

6.8 Are project emissions / impacts likely to pose a significant risk to human health?

6.9 Will the project affect any ‘indigenous’ groups (as per IFC PS7 definition)? If so, are impacts on indigenous women distinguishable from those of men?

6.10Have any affected parties/ local communities been consulted/ informed about the project?

6.11 Are any advocacy NGOs and/ or international environmental NGOs known to be active in the project area?

6.12 Are there action/ management plans in place to mitigate the social impacts of construction and operation, including the influx of migrant labor?

6.13 If applicable, has a full resettlement action plan been developed?

7 Vulnerable Groups7.1 Does the country have a national gender

policy or framework?

7.2 Do the country’s land tenure laws provide specific protection and equal rights for women?

7.3 Were vulnerable groups particularly women included as a separate group in project consultations, and were their issues

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 6

Page 47: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

reported?7.4 Are women, youth or other vulnerable

groups likely to be affected? Have project impacts been analyzed in such a way as to identify impacts to vulnerable groups specifically?

7.5 Are plans in place to minimize risks of the project directly or indirectly contributing to the use of child labor?

7.6 Are plans in place to mitigate and manage impacts on vulnerable groups?

8 Country Risk [NO RISK RATING – INFORMATION FOR QUALIFICATION ONLY]8.1 Does the country have a stable government?

Does it have a universal franchise system?N/A

8.2 Does the country have a recent history of violent conflict, social conflict and/or of violations of human rights? If yes, is a recent conflict assessment available to inform the design of conflict-sensitive/Do No Harm approaches and provide contextual information on the dynamics of conflict and peace?

N/A

8.3 What is the country’s ranking on international corruption indices?

N/A

8.4 Is the country home to a large number of ethnic groups and/ or religions?

N/A

8.5 Does the country have specific laws and policies protecting the rights of women?

N/A

8.6 What is the prevalence (nationally and in project areas) of child labor, and particularly the worst forms of child labor, as defined by ILO?

8.7 Are labor practices in the country consistent with human rights standards?

N/A

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 7

Page 48: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

8.8 Does the country have a vigorous civic sector?

N/A

8.9 Has there been a history of conflict between communities/ ethnic groups and central government? Is this known to have occurred in the region where the project is to be located?

N/A

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 8

Page 49: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

ATTACHMENT 2 - PESRM SUPPLEMENTAL HYDROPOWER CHECKLIST

HYDROPOWER – [Project Name]

No Category/ Criterion Analysis Risk Rating

Proposed Follow-up Actions by

PATRP/ Power Africa

H1 Nature and Scale of the Project [NO RISK RATING – DESCRIPTIVE ONLY]H1.1 Define the size of the project:

● < 10 MW● > 10 < 50 MW● > 50 MW

< MW N/A

H1.2 Is it described as a run-of-river project? N/A

H1.3 If yes, does it involve an impoundment, and what height of wall will be built?

N/A

H1.4 How many days’ of water storage (i.e., how many days of turbine throughput) are to be impounded?

N/A

H1.5 How high a wall and how large an impoundment is required (height of the wall; approx. surface area of the dam)? [Approximate total land and water area required for development.]

N/A

H1.6 If the project involves diverting water flow from out of the normal river channel, provide the length of river reach affected by diversion.

N/A

H1.7Will this result in complete cessation of flow over the affected river reach? If not, what percentage flow will be diverted?

N/A

H1.8 What infrastructure will be constructed outside of the river channel? How much land surface area is required?

N/A

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 9

Page 50: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

H1.9 What will be constructed underground? N/A

H1.10 If it’s a large dam13 hydropower project, are downstream run-of-river projects and other water resource projects planned that are dependent on the dam? Is there a potential for multi-purpose use, e.g., water release for downstream irrigation to replace floodplain recession agriculture?

N/A

H1.11 Are there other existing or planned water resource development projects in the river basin independent of THIS project?

N/A

H2 Environmental: River Flow Regime and BiotaH2.1 What percentage of the river basin’s mean

annual runoff (MAR) will be stored in the impoundment?

H2.2 What % of the river’s dry season base flow will be diverted (run-of-river projects)?

H2.3 Will the project significantly affect seasonal flow patterns beyond 1 km in the river downstream of the project infrastructure?

H2.4 Will the volume of flow reporting downstream from the tailrace result in hugely increased flows downstream, with consequent potential for high rates of erosion?

.

H2.5 Is there a high sediment load in existing river flows, and could this compromise the functionality and longevity of the scheme?

H2.6 Is the site in or adjacent to a legally protected area (WHS/ national park/ nature reserve), or an important tourism or scenic area, or is there such an area downstream of the project that would be adversely affected by it?

.

13 The World Bank defines a “large dam” as anything with a wall height of over 15 m, but here it is storage capacity that is being referred to. While there is no universal definition of a “large dam,” it can be taken to mean any structure capable of storing the maximum annual flood, that is, it will eliminate all normal flood flows from downstream reaches and interfere with the annual flow regime of the river downstream.PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 10

Page 51: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

H2.7 Will the project severely adversely affect any rare or unique ecosystem or endemic plant and/or animal species (e.g., ‘cloud’ forest dependent on waterfall mist; mist frogs; moist-cliff-dwelling species)

H2.8 Will the project interfere with or disrupt migration of important fish species upriver?

H2.9 Will the project cause a reduction or cessation of flooding to important floodplains or wetlands downstream?

H2.10 Is the project likely to cause a reduction in wetland area or habitat for important biodiversity?

H2.11 Will the project have biophysical trans-boundary effects?

H2.12 Is there a potential for significant biophysical cumulative effects?

H2.13 Is there an important coastal fishery dependent on the river delta that would be adversely affected by river basin developments?

H2.14 Will the project open up a previously inaccessible region, making it vulnerable to induced impacts from in-migration such as exploitation of natural resources?

H3 Social/ Cultural/ Political/ EconomicH3.1 Has the local community been involved in

impact assessment or mitigation planning? If so, have women, children, indigenous people, and other vulnerable populations specifically been included in this process?

H3.2 Will any villages or towns be flooded and require relocation? Will the project put any villages or towns at greater risk of being flooded during wet seasons?

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 11

Page 52: Project/Activity Data · Web viewBiodiversity hotspots : The Guinean Forests are recognized by Conservation International as one of 35 global “hotspots”. Exceptionally high diversity

H3.3 Will the construction of land-based infrastructure require relocation of villages/ homesteads, or compromise the structural integrity of buildings (due to blasting)?

H3.4 Is an estimate available of the number of homesteads/ population that will have to be relocated?

H3.5 Will inundation of the dam basin result in loss of significant natural resources that are critical to a subsistence economic system/ livelihood strategies?

H3.6 Is alternative land available to compensate for such losses?

H3.7 Has special attention been paid to ensure women receive equal compensation and access to developmental resources?

H3.8 Will the project impact any existing land rights or water rights, either in the dam basin or downstream??

[eg loss of floodplain recession agriculture; Loss or diminution of fish resources; deterioration of important tourism areas.]

H3.9 Is there a potential for cumulative effects on the land rights and access to natural resources of local communities?

PESRM Checklist # - Project Name 12