ANNEX AQ MICRO-SCALE VALIDATION REPORT TEMPLATE

Transcription

1 ANNEX AQ MICRO-SCALE VALIDATION REPORT TEMPLATE CONTENTS A. Brief Project Description B. Objective Observers opinion C. Details about the site-visit 1. Team on site 2. Period of site-visit 3. People interviewed 4. Means for interviews D. Stakeholder Consultation Process 1. Evaluation of the Local Stakeholder Consultation Process 2. Evaluation of the Stakeholder Feedback Round 3. Evaluation of the Continuous input / grievance mechanism implemented E. Evaluation of the risks potentially associated with the project activity 1. Do no harm assessment 2. Evaluation of the proposed mitigation measures F. Evaluation of sustainable development related issues potentially associated with the project activity 1. Environmental issues 2. Social and economic issues G. Sustainable Development Eligibility criteria for inclusion of a VPA to the PoA

2 SECTION A. BRIEF PROJECT DESCRIPTION Please indicate the scheme applicable to the micro-scale activity: 1. Project activity is applying under the micro-scale scheme 2. Project activity is applying under the micro-programme scheme X Title of the Activity or VPA: GS2489 Efficient cookstoves in Benin and Togo VPA2 EcoBenin Wanrou efficient cookstoves in Atacora/Donga region (GS6008) Title of the PoA: GS2489 Efficient cookstoves in Benin and Togo Discuss the current status of the project activity and what will happen as per the project scenario. Briefly discuss the technology employed by the project activity. The new project "Promotion of the Wanrou efficient cookstove in the region of Atacora/Donga (ProWAD) 1 is included as VPA-2 in the program of activities (PoA) GS2489 "Efficient cookstoves in Benin and Togo" and is implemented by EcoBenin. This project extends the distribution of the Wanrou efficient cookstove to 3,700 rural households (per household the impacts are: 60% saving wood energy, 3 tons of CO2 avoided per year, 2 tons of wood and 0.84 hectare of forests saved per year). The final number of households might slightly differ depending on the parameters, like usage rate. The Wanrou efficient coosktove is the same cookstove technology implemented by EcoBenin in VPA-01 of the GS2489 PoA. The boundary of the project are the municipalities of Toucountouna and Ouaké and will take into account several villages for the diffusion of Wanrou efficient cookstoves. Since the objective of ProWAD is to reduce deforestation and land degradation by improving energy efficiency in rural households in the face of climate change in the Atacora / Donga Departments, it therefore allows the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions. This project will increase the capacity to reduce CO2 emissions by rural households through the usage of the Wanrou efficient cookstove. The project area includes more than 10,000 households for a total population of 114,012 inhabitants (2013 Census) in the municipalities of Toucountouna and Ouaké. These are areas with a large rural population mainly using wood-energy with traditional three stones cookstoves. According to the National Human Development report of Benin both municipalities have a human development index 3 well below the national average: Toucountouna (0.380), Ouaké (0.398) and Benin (0.485). 1 ProWAD = Promotion du foyer Wanrou dans la region de l Atacora/Donga (or in english : Promotion of the Wanrou cookstove in the region of Atacora/Donga 2 Rapport national sur le développement humain 2015, UNDP, p The HDI is a composite statistic of life expectancy, education, and income indices used to rank countries or regions according human development.

3 The Wanrou efficient cookstove technology is the same technology as used in VPA-01 of PoA GS2489 Efficient cookstoves in Benin and Togo, where it didn t encountered any socio-cultural adoption barriers when implementing the technology in villages around the National Park Pendjari in the department of Atacora. About 300 rural women will be trained and equipped as instructors or Monitrice for the construction of the Wanrou efficient cookstove in their villages and surroundings. The Wanrou efficient cookstoves represent an accessible solution to improve the energy efficiency of cooking and limit the overconsumption of wood-energy, and will gradually replace the traditional three stones cookstoves. By reducing the consumption of nonrenewable biomass, the Wanrou efficient cookstoves will also contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions while preserving forests, ecosystems and biodiversity. The project will claim carbon credits from emission reductions resulting from the use of more efficient cookstoves technologies. It is expected to generate per micro-scale VPA an annual average of 10,000 tco 2 e and a total of 100,000 tco 2 e over the 10-years project period. These efficient cookstoves are a solution currently deployed in the region by Eco- Benin to combat energy poverty and use the potential for the generation of carbon credits. The use of the Wanrou efficient cookstoves with smoke exhaust chimneys also reduces the number of cases of respiratory diseases, reduces the time spent by women and children to collect firewood, and creates local jobs through the construction of the Wanrou efficient coosktoves. SECTION B. OBJECTIVE OBSERVERS OPINION Please provide an opinion as to whether the project activity is in line with The Gold Standard principles and should be validated. (To be filled only in the event of the use of an Objective Observer)

4 SECTION C. DETAILS ABOUT THE SITE-VISIT (To be filled only in the event of the use of an Objective Observer) i. Individual or team on site List Objective Observer(s) that went on site. Provide brief information about his/her (their) background and relevant skills. ii. Period of site-visit Time period during which Objective Observer(s) was (were) on-site.

5 iii. People interviewed Provide the list of the individuals interviewed during the site visit and include relevant information on the group or organisation they represent. iv. Means for interviews Describe the means used to interview individuals during site visit; e.g. one to one interactions, telephonic conversations, etc.

6 SECTION D. STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PROCESS (To be filled only in the event of the use of an Objective Observer) D. 1. Evaluation of the Local Stakeholder Consultation Process Please discuss whether attendance was representative enough (both qualitatively and quantitatively), whether the comments raised have been answered and addressed appropriately, and summarise what the main outcomes were. D. 2. Evaluation of the Stakeholder Feedback Round Please discuss the comments raised or assess if any open issues raised by the stakeholders during the LSC have been addressed. D. 3. Evaluation of the Continuous input / grievance mechanism implemented Please evaluate whether the approved/selected methods of Continuous Input/Grievance Mechanism from the LSC report / other consultations have been implemented on site. For retroactive projects check that appropriate means were used by the PP to reach out to relevant stakeholders and seek their feedback on the Continuous Input / Grievance

7 Expression methods as there was no LSC conducted for retroactive projects. SECTION E. EVALUATION OF THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT ACTIVITY i. Do no harm assessment [See GS Annex H for guidelines on safeguarding principles] Safeguarding principles associated with a medium to high risk Assessment of project risks breaching it (medium, high) Mitigation or compensation measure proposed by project proponents after discussion with Objective Observer(s) HUMAN RIGHTS Host country commitment to UN conventions on Human Rights: International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; New York, 16 December 1966 Benin Accession, 12 Mar International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; New York, 16 December 1966 Benin Accession, 12 Mar Respect of internationally proclaimed human rights including dignity, cultural property and uniqueness of indigenous people. The project is not complicit in Human Rights abuses. This VPA does not violate this principle, as the VPA does not force people to change cultural habits. In addition participation is completely voluntary and at the same time the parties will not exclude anyone

8 from Participation due to gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. 2. No involuntary resettlement. 3. No alteration, damage or removal of any critical cultural heritage. The VPA does not lead to resettlement. The efficient cook stoves will not critically alter cooking practices. So it has no impact on cultural heritage. LABOUR STANDARDS Host country commitment to international conventions on labor standards and child rights: Convention on the Rights of the Child, New York, 20 November Date of signature ; Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention, 1948 Benin Accession, 12 December ; Forced Labor Convention, Benin, 12 Dec 1960; Abolition of Forced Labor Convention, Benin, 22 May 1961; Night Work of Young Persons (Industry) Convention, Benin Accession, 12 Dec 1960; Minimum Age Convention, Benin Accession, 11 Jun 2001; Worst Forms of Child Labor Convention, Benin, 06 Nov 2001; Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Benin Accession, 12 Mar 1992;

9 Benin is member of the International Labor Organization Respect of employees freedom of association and their right to collective bargaining and no restrictions of these freedoms and rights. 5. No involvement and no complicity in any form of forced or compulsory labour 6. No employment and no complicity in any form of child labour. 7. No involvement and no complicity in any form of discrimination based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or any other basis. 8. Provision to the workers a safe and healthy work The project will not affect the employees freedom of Association. The Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize Convention signed by Benin on the 12 th of December 1960 aims to provide workers with important rights and benefits, such as protection against acts of anti-union discrimination in respect of their employment, effective protection against any act prejudicial to workers based on their status or activities as a workers' representative or on union membership or participation in union activities, ensure rural workers and public employees the principles of freedom of association. The project will not involve any form of forced or compulsory labour. The project will not involve any form of child labour. There are not any forms of discrimination involved in the project activity. 14

10 environment and no complicity in exposing workers to unsafe or unhealthy work environments. All workers involved in the VPA are appropriately trained to construct and maintain the efficient cook stove in healthy and safe working conditions. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Host country commitment to international conventions on climate change and desertification: UN Framework Convention on Climate Change New York, 9 May Benin Accession, 30 Jun 1994; UN Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Kyoto, 11 December Benin Accession, 25 Feb 2002; UN Convention to combat Desertification, June Benin Accession, 29 Aug Adoption of the precautionary principle in regard to environmental challenges and no complicity in practices contrary to the precautionary principle. 10. No involvement and no complicity in significant conversion or degradation of critical natural habitats, including those that are (a) legally protected, (b) officially proposed for protection, (c) identified by authoritative sources for their high conservation value or (d) recognized as protected by traditional local communities No harmful effects are stemming from the use of efficient cook stoves. Contrary, indoor air pollution will improve. The VPA alleviates environmental challenges. It reduces the unsustainable harvesting of wood from forests. ANTI-CORRUPTION Host country commitment to international conventions on anti -corruption: United Nations Convention against Corruption, New York, 31 October

11 Benin Accession, 14 Oct No involvement and no complicity in corruption. As corruption is a widespread phenomenon in West-Africa, it can occur as well in Benin. But the structure of the VPA is not sensitive to corruption. Indeed, the choice of the villages is realized consensually by the EcoBenin team, the mayor and beneficiaries according approved selection criteria (density of village and motivation of potential beneficiaries). The criteria of selecting the Beneficiaries or endogenous Monitors are known by all stakeholders. Also, there is no immediate concern that encourages corruption. ii. Evaluation of mitigation or compensation measures proposed by project proponents Mitigation measure Comments Not applicable SECTION F. EVALUATION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT RELATED ISSUES POTENTIALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT ACTIVITY [See GS Annex I] i. Environmental issues &chapter=18&lang=en

12 Does the implementation of the project activity contribute to any negative environmental impacts, (e.g. on air quality, water quality and/or quantity, soil condition, biodiversity or any other pollutant) compared with the baseline situation (i.e. current situation or most likely situation in the absence of the project activity)? Indicator Mitigation measure Relevance to achieving SDG Choosen parameter and explanation Preliminary score Air quality SDG 3: Good health Parameter: household surveys of user perceptions between baseline stove and new Wanrou efficient cookstove (perceived smoke levels, incidence of coughing, incidence of respiratory illness, Incidence of itchy eyes) + Air quality will be improved by the reduction of burned wood and complete combustion by the efficient cook stoves. This applies particularly to women and children who are most likely to be affected. Water quality and quantity SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation No parameter chosen. The Wanrou stoves disseminated under the VPA will lead to decreased deforestation, decreased soil erosion and decreased sedimentation in lakes and rivers, and imply an indirect positive impact. Finding an appropriate parameter is beyond the scope of the VPA. 0 Soil condition SDG 15: Life on land No parameter chosen. The Wanrou stoves disseminated under the VPA will lead to decreased deforestation and so decreased soil erosion, and imply an indirect positive impact. Finding an appropriate parameter is beyond the scope of VPA. 0 Other pollutants SDG 15: Life on land N/A 0

13 Biodiversity SDG 15: Life on land No parameter chosen. Unsustainable harvesting of fuel wood will lead to deforestation, which in turn threatens biodiversity. The reduction in wood consumption will reduce pressures on existing habitats, leading to increased biodiversity. However finding an appropriate parameter is beyond the scope of the VPA. 0 It can be concluded that the project doesn t have any negative environmental impacts compared to the baseline situation. ii. Social and economic issues Does the implementation of the project lead to any negative social and economic impacts e.g. was there any deterioration of livelihoods, or reduction in the quality and quantity of employment, compared with the baseline situation (i.e. current situation or most likely situation in the absence of the project activity)? Indicator Mitigation measure Relevance to achieving SDG Chosen parameter and explanation Preliminary scope Social development Quality of employment SDG 1: no poverty SDG 8: Good jobs and economic growth No parameter chosen. The indicator will not be significantly impacted by the VPA. 0 Livelihood of the poor SDG 1: no poverty Parameter: Reduced time spent on fuel collection/reduced money spent on wood fuel purchase measured through household surveys + Efficient cook stoves will reduce traditional fuel consumption and thus resources will be spent in acquiring fuel. For families that purchase fuelwood, the Wanrou efficient cookstoves will likely reduce fuel expenditures, resulting in more disposable income. For families and institutions that gather biomass, the Wanrou efficient

14 cookstoves will reduce the time spent collecting fuel. Access to affordable and clean energy services SDG 1: no poverty Parameter: Number of disseminated Wanrou efficient cookstoves Affordable and efficient cook stoves will provide cleaner energy to households. + Human and institutional capacity SDG 4: quality education Parameter: Number of demonstration workshops for women carried out + Demonstration workshops for women on the construction, maintenance and use of the efficient cook stoves have a training character and raise awareness about the environmental and health problems due to traditional cook stoves. Economic and technological development Quantitative employment and Income generation SDG 1: no poverty SDG 8: Good jobs and economic growth Parameter: Income generation for woman groups through the construction grates for Wanrou efficient cookstoves It is foreseen that more than 6,000 grates are foreseen. Women groups have been trained to produce grates and will generate some income through this activity. + Access to investment SDG 1: no poverty SDG 17: partnerships for the goals No parameter chosen. The indicator will not be significantly impacted by the VPA. 0 Technology transfer and technological self-reliance SDG 1: no poverty SDG 17: partnerships for the goals No parameter chosen. The indicator will not be significantly impacted by the VPA. 0 iii. Sustainability Monitoring Plan [See Toolkit section and Annex I]

15 (Copy Table for each indicator being monitored) No 01 Indicator Mitigation measure Chosen parameter Air Quality Positive impact Measurement through household surveys of user perceptions between baseline stove and new Wanrou efficient cookstove: perceived smoke levels, incidence of coughing, incidence of respiratory illness, Incidence of itchy eyes Current situation of parameter Estimation of baseline situation of parameter Future target for parameter Most households with baseline stoves report high smoke levels, incidence of coughing, incidence of respiratory illness, and incidence of itchy eyes. Current situation will persist Households will report reduced smoke levels, reduced incidence of coughing, reduced incidence of respiratory illness, reduced incidence of itchy eyes. Increase in percentage of households locating their stoves outdoors. Way of monitoring How Baseline household surveys and household monitoring surveys regarding sustainability issues will be conducted. When By who Each year EcoBenin No 02 Indicator Mitigation measure Chosen parameter Current situation of parameter Livelihood of the poor Positive impact Reduced time spent on fuel collection/reduced money spent on wood fuel purchase measured through household surveys Families purchasing fuelwood report a significant percentage of monthly income going toward fuel. Families that gather fuelwood spend a significant amount of time per month gathering wood and have to travel considerable distances to obtain it.

16 Estimation of baseline situation of parameter Future target for parameter Based on field study realized before the start of the project, women collect 2 to 3 times a week wood fuel 19. Women that purchase wood spend on average on a monthly basis is 6,000 FCFA 20. The baseline figures of these parameters will be surveyed during the monitoring survey. For families that purchase fuelwood, the Wanrou efficient cookstoves will likely reduce fuel expenditures, resulting in more disposable income. For families and institutions that gather biomass, the Wanrou efficient cookstoves will reduce the time spent collecting fuel. Way of monitoring How Baseline household surveys and household monitoring surveys regarding sustainability issues will be conducted. When By who Yearly EcoBenin No 03 Indicator Mitigation measure Chosen parameter Access to affordable and clean energy services Positive impact Number of Wanrou efficient cookstoves disseminated Number of Smart Solar Nano Grids installed Number of TEGs (Thermo Electric Generators) integrated within Wanrou efficient cookstoves Current situation of parameter Estimation of baseline situation of parameter Most households in the villages of the project boundary are using a traditional cookstove. 0 Wanrou stoves 0 Smart Solar Kiosks installed 0 TEGs integrated within Wanrou efficient cookstoves Future target for parameter 7400 Wanrou stoves 19 ECOBENIN, 2016, Etude de base sur la consommation du bois énergie et les impacts dans les ménages ruraux des communes de Ouaké et de Toucountouna : p. 24 : The report mentions that women collect 2 to 3 times a week woodfuel 20 ECOBENIN, 2016, Etude de base sur la consommation du bois énergie et les impacts dans les ménages ruraux des communes de Ouaké et de Toucountouna : p. 25 : The report mentions that a bundle of wood costs on average 600 FCFA in the municipality of Ouaké and 500 FCFA in the municipality of Toucountouna. Knowing that women need to acquire 2 to 3 times a week woodfuel, we can assume the monthly expenditure to be 6,000 FCFA.

17 8 Smart Solar Kiosks installed 100 TEGs integrated within Wanrou efficient cookstoves Way of monitoring How Distribution records (Database) that include all necessary information of disseminated efficient cook stoves Data records about production and sold energy from each solar kiosk List of installed TEG s and data records on electricity output When By who Each year EcoBenin No 04 Indicator Mitigation measure Chosen parameter Current situation of parameter Estimation of baseline situation of parameter Future target for parameter Human and institutional capacity Positive impact Number of demonstration workshops for women carried out Number of demonstration workshops for women carried out 0 Demonstration workshops will be held in more than 47 villages within the project boundary. Way of monitoring How List of demonstration workshops When By who Yearly EcoBenin No 05 Indicator Mitigation measure Chosen parameter Current situation of parameter Quantitative employment and income generation Positive impact Income generation for woman groups through the construction grids for Wanrou efficient cookstoves 0 FCFA

18 Estimation of baseline situation of parameter Future target for parameter It is foreseen that more than 7,400 grids are needed for the dissemination of the Wanrou efficient cookstoves +/- 2,500,000 FCFA per 3 years Way of monitoring How Registry of incomes managed by women groups When By who Yearly EcoBenin SECTION G. Sustainable Development eligibility criteria for inclusion of a VPA to the PoA (This section is applicable for micro-programme scheme only) Please discuss the compliance of the SD eligibility criteria for inclusion of the VPA as per the registered micro-programme. The Letter of exemption for the environmental impact assessment of the Wanrou efficient cookstove has been provided by the Beninese Agency for Environment. More than 3 indicators have been identified which have a positive impact on Sustainable Development.

19 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION (To be filled only in the event of the use of an Objective Observer) I, [insert full name], aged [insert age] years, residing at [insert full home address], and working for [insert company name], which is located at [insert company headquarters address], having been selected to serve as an Objective Observer on behalf of The Gold Standard Foundation, hereby certify and declare as follows: Neither I nor anyone else having influence over me has an interest with any person or in any firm, corporation or other business entity that is involved in the assessed project activity GS nor have I participated, directly or indirectly, by committee or as a consultant, advisor, employee, officer, director, agent, trustee, or otherwise, in the development, implementation, or administration of GS. I further certify and declare that in no way do I have a bias in favor or against any person, firm, corporation or business entity involved with GS, and I understand that such bias would disqualify me as an Objective Observer. If at any time during the evaluation process I should become aware of any interest or bias, I will report it immediately to The Gold Standard Foundation. For purposes of this declaration, I understand interest to include any consideration or other thing of economic value, including future consideration. Name: Signed this day of Year