INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATA SHEET CONCEPT STAGE

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1 Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Date ISDS Prepared/Updated: 02-Nov-2011 I. BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data INTEGRATED SAFEGUARDS DATA SHEET CONCEPT STAGE Country: Nicaragua Project ID: P Project Name: Task Team Leader: Adaptation of Nicaraguas Water Supplies to Climate Change (P127088) Irina I. Klytchnikova Estimated Appraisal Date: 08-Mar-2012 Estimated Board Date: 04-Sep-2012 Report No.: ISDSC156 Managing Unit: LCSEN Lending Instrument: Technical Assistance Loan Focal Area: Climate change Sector: General water, sanitation and flood protection sector (100%) Theme: Climate change (100%) Financing (In USD Million) Financing Source Amount BORROWER/RECIPIENT 0.00 Global Environment Facility (GEF) 0.00 Special Climate Change Fund 6.00 Total 6.00 Environmental Category: Is this a Repeater project? B - Partial Assessment No B. Global Environmental Objective(s) 10. The PDO is to enhance Nicaragua's adaptive capacity to the impacts of climate change in the water supply sector through strengthening water resources management, which ultimately would contribute to guarantee a sustainable water supply for the population of Nicaragua. C. Project Description The proposed project will be designed and implemented in close coordination with the World Bank#s investments in Nicaragua#s water supply sector: PRASNICA. Close coordination will also be ensured with the recently approved #Environmental Program for Disaster and Climate Change Risk Management# supported by the IADB (US$ 10 mln), the Nordic Development Fund (US$3 mln) and the GoN (US$ 0.5 mln). The proposed operation will finance five components: (i) institutional strengthening for integration of climate impacts in water resources management, (ii) protection of micro-watersheds and water supply sources from climate-induced vulnerabilities (droughts and floods), (iii) investment in supply- and demand-side measures to increase drinking water availability in vulnerable areas through supply-augmenting and efficiency measures, (iv) coastal wetland protection and reduction of vulnerability in Corn Island to sea level rise in order to reduce climate-induced impacts on drinking water supplies in vulnerable areas, and (v) project management and monitoring. All of the activities proposed will be additional to the ongoing and planned investments by the GoN and by the World Bank ($60 mln from PRASNICA and PRASMA projects) and will finance actions that will contribute to the strengthening of the resilience of Nicaragua#s critical water supplies to climate change. The Project will be implemented by the Emergency Social Investment Fund (FISE) and the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARENA) in coordination with other relevant government agencies and stakeholders. The proposed SCCF-GEF Project will support the following specific components: Component 1. Institutional strengthening for integration of climate impacts in water resources management (Cost: SCCF-GEF US$1.0 million). This component will support the institutional strengthening to facilitate the mainstreaming of climate change in Nicaragua's water supply sector. Given the uncertainty and evolving nature of climate impacts there is a need to promote flexible and adaptive management and planning regimes. For this to occur, the project will support (i) implementation of a climate change education and training program for municipal and national level technical experts and decision makers, (ii) systems to strengthen and regularize the monitoring of climatic changes, of water quality, disaster and early warning systems and other critical parameters, and (iii) the strengthening of the institutional capacity of FISE and MARENA for addressing climate change impacts on water resources. Component 2. Protection of water sources and the use of economic instruments to strengthen water supplies# resilience to climate change (Cost: SCCF-GEF US$2 million). This component will help strengthen the implementation of watershed and water source protection measures through enhancing the resilience of water sources to climate change. This will include the implementation of pilot programs to protect micro-watersheds using a combination of institutional and economic incentives to convert to sustainable land uses. The specific criteria for the selection of the pilot sites and the pilot areas will be defined during project preparation. The proposed actions to protect micro-watersheds and wetlands under this component and Component 4 will not involve the restriction of access of local communities to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas. Component 3. Demand and supply side measures to protect water sources and improve the efficiency of water use (Cost: SCCF-GEF US$1.6 million). This component will support: (i) water harvesting, water storage, rehabilitation and construction of additional wells and development of

2 alternative water sources in drought prone areas, and (ii) introduction of approaches to strengthen the efficiency of water use and reduce climate vulnerability of drinking water supplies (e.g., introduction of water saving technologies and metering). This component will also enhance life quality of women and children, who regularly spend several hours a day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources. As in Component 2, the specific criteria for the selection of the pilot sites will also be defined during project preparation. Component 4. Coastal wetland protection and reduction of vulnerability to sea level rise to reduce climate-induced impacts on drinking water supplies (Corn Islands) (Cost: SCCF-GEF US$1.0 million). This component will support: (i) implementation of a wetland protection and restoration program to reduce vulnerability to sea level rise, (ii) implementation of a groundwater management program, (iii) institutional strengthening of the water utility and the municipality of Corn Islands to address the effects of climate change on water availability, (iv) establishment of a groundwater monitoring system. Component 5. Project Management and Monitoring (Cost: SCCF-GEF US$0.4 million). This component will provide support for project implementation management, monitoring and evaluation and coordination. D. Project location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis (if known) The activities of the project (Component 1) will be implemented nationwide. The location of the activities of Components 2 and 3 have not been defined. Activities of Component 4 will focus in Corn Island located in the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua within the #Regi Automa del Atltico Sur# (RAAS). The general location of activities supported by Components 2 and 3 (pilot programs to protect micro-watersheds and investment in climate adaptation by improving water demand and supply conditions) will be defined during project preparation, without specifying specific locations in order to allow flexibility in the project#s implementation. E. Borrowers Institutional Capacity for Safeguard Policies The project will have two implementing agencies: FISE and MARENA. Both agencies have adequate capacity to comply with the World Bank#s safeguard policies. FISE has a core group of experts in Managua which coordinates with at least 20 technical specialists (architects and engineers) in FISE#s 17 regional offices throughout Nicaragua. FISE has developed best practice environmental procedures. MARENA also has sufficient capacity to comply with World Bank Safeguard Policies. MARENA is the National Environmental Authority of Nicaragua, which formulates, proposes, manages, and supervises compliance of national environmental policies, such as environmental quality norms and management and sustainable use of natural resources. MARENA also manages the national Environmental Impact Assessment System and facilitates the incorporation of environmental analyses in the plans and programs of municipal and sector development, such as the activities specified by the National Development Plan. This SCCF project complements the PRASNICA project for which FISE is the implementing agency. An Environmental Performance review will be carried out in the process of SCCF project preparation to identify current environmental management procedures, monitoring, and stakeholder participation and grievance mechanisms in place. This information will be used to define the appropriate environmental safeguards instruments (Environmental Management Framework or an Environmental Impact Assessment with and Environmental Management Plan) for the SCCF project. F. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists on the Team Ximena B. Traa-Valarezo (LCSHS) Ruth Tiffer-Sotomayor (LCSEN) II. SAFEGUARD POLICIES THAT MIGHT APPLY

3 Safeguard Policies Triggered Yes No TBD Explanation Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 A team consisting of the environmental specialist, specialists from FISE and consultants will carry out an environmental review of the performance of FISE safeguards instruments under the PRASNICA project. The review will show whether safeguards procedures of theprasnica project are adequate for the activities proposed by the SCCF project, what adjustments are needed, and will draw lessons learned that can improve the overall implementation of the safeguards policies by the proposed project. The results of the environmental review will define the scope of the EA required for the project#s activities (EIA, EMP or EMF). The environmental safeguards instruments prepared will apply to all of the project#s activities including those to be implemented by FISE and by MARENA. The Environmental Management Framework (EMF) will define the principles and criteria for carrying out a screening of subprojects and if needed, an environmental assessment and mitigation plans as needed. Specifically, the EMF will incorporate the screening, implementing and monitoring procedures agreed with FISE and MARENA and based on the results of the environmental review. Overall, the project is expected to have positive environmental impact as its objective is to strengthen the resilience of water resources to climate change, population and pollution pressures. However, some of the project#s activities may have unintended adverse impacts which are expected to be localized and of low impact. The positive environmental impacts may include the following: (i) collaborating with PRASNICA in bringing water to poor local communities, (ii) preparation of studies that will provide state of the art information on vulnerability of water resources to climate change and adaptation in the selected sites (including determination of water balances, water quality, groundwater aquifer surveys and modeling), (iii) implementation of restoration actions to prevent deterioration of critical coastal water supplies, (iv) implementation of a PES program to enhance conservation of water resources in critical areas, (v) improvement in the management of water resources in critical areas which will potentially be affected by climate change, (vi) enhancing the participatory process in the selection of appropriate climate change measures in selected communities, and the definition of environmental educational programs. The potential adverse environmental impacts of the project activities may include: (i) capture of springs and other surface water for drinking water supplies systems which might affect aquatic ecosystems,(ii) capture of groundwater drinking water supplies which might affect local aquifers, (iii) typical effects of construction of water systems related to noise, dust, clearing of some vegetation, cement and solid wastes, (iv) potential accidents during excavations of wells (e.g. hand excavated wells). Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 Some project activities may include management and conservation activities in coastal wetlands and inland forested ecosystems. A biodiversity and water resources assessment will be performed in the areas prior to the implementation of any of the project#s restoration activities. This assessment will create the baseline data on the conditions of the selected sites in terms of water quality and quantity, presence of endangered species and the overall environmental conditions of the area, as well as its current vulnerability to climate change. The type of management and restoration activities supported by the project to be agreed upon with the GoN may include: (i) environmental regulatory coastal plans, (ii) restoration of riparian corridors, (iii) community monitoring plans, (iv) and any other measure defined in the EMP or EMF. Forests OP/BP 4.36 Component 4. Coastal ecosystems: The project may implement riparian restoration activities of costal ecosystems. These activities, to be defined in a participatory process during project preparation and implementation, may support the restoration of degraded and vulnerable coastal habitats using

4 Safeguard Policies Triggered Yes No TBD Explanation native costal species such as of mangroves, among others. The expected benefits of these activities include contributing to the restoration of ecosystems functions and services especially in critical areas currently used as water sources for drinking water systems. Component 2. Inland ecosystems: Though the implementation of a PES program, the project will seek to conserve forest land and other sustainable land uses, ultimately conserving water resources (by enhancing infiltration, reducing sediment runoff) in critical micro-watershed of selected sites. Reforestation programs might be supported in these sites and native species will be recommended to plant, but due to high poverty in some of these areas and their productive potential, fruit trees and other type of species could also be used. Pest Management OP 4.09 Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11 The EMF/EMP will contain measures and guidelines in the case of any chance finds of archeological materials. The EMF/EMP will include an archeological diagnostic of the project sites. The EMF will incorporate procedures for screening out potential project sites with known examples of archaeological, paleontological, historical, or other culturally significant remains. Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 Consistent with the OP/BP 4.10 on Indigenous Peoples, the borrower will carry out consultations in a purposeful sample of communities (indigenous and non-indigenous) in representative areas likely to be affected/benefit from each project component, and specifically in Corn Island under component 4. The social assessment will build on the experience of the Bank-financed rural water and sanitation project PRASNICA presently being implemented by the Social Investment Fund (FISE). As the precise areas of intervention are not known during preparation, an Indigenous Peoples Planning Framework (IPPF) will be formulated and approved by the borrower (MARENA and FISE) and the Indigenous organizations involved, to ensure (a) Indigenous and Afro-Nicaraguan peoples in the Caribbean Coast as well as the Pacific region are not affected negatively by the project, and in the event of any negative impact, mitigation measures are taken in consultation with the affected communities; (b) Wide support by the Indigenous and Afro-Caribbean peoples of the project; (c) Access and participation of indigenous peoples in the project design, implementation and ex-post sustainability phases; and (d) culturallyadequate planning and delivery of project results. The IPPF will ensure a process of permanent consultations throughout the life of the project and the installation of a local/regional/national grievance redress mechanism. The framework will include the procedure to prepare and submit an Indigenous Peoples Plan (IPP) agreed on by the borrower with those affected/benefitted, for each case where the policy is triggered. Each IPP will need to be approved by the Bank prior to subproject implementation. Prior to project appraisal, the IPPF will be submitted by the GON to the Bank for approval. It will also need to be published in the Infoshop of the Bank, and on the web pages of MARENA, FISE and other institutions involved, prior to project appraisal. Finally, the IPPF will be included in the Operational Manual of the project. Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12 None of the proposed actions under the project, such as activities to protect micro-watersheds in Component 2 and wetlands in Component 4 will involve the restriction of access of local communities to natural resources in legally designated parks and protected areas. Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 Projects on International Waterways OP/BP 7.50 Some of the proposed project activities might be located in the Greater San Juan River basin, which is a transboundary basin shared with Costa Rica. During preparation, the possible impacts of project activities on the San Juan River will be assessed with the GoN, the Bank Lawyer and other specialists. Given the nature of the proposed activities, the team expects the impacts to be negligible, so exception to notifying Costa Rica will be sought. Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP 7.60 At present, some transboundary areas around the River San Juan are subject to disputes between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The

5 project will not support any activities in disputed areas or in areas with direct discharge into San Juan River. III. SAFEGUARD PREPARATION PLAN A. Tentative target date for preparing the PAD Stage ISDS: 15-Dec-2011 B. Time frame for launching and completing the safeguard-related studies that may be needed. The specific studies and their timing 1 should be specified in the PAD-stage ISDS: The studies are expected to be completed by February 1, 2012, before the Decision Meeting on the Project. IV. APPROVALS Signed and submitted by: Task Team Leader: Name: Enos E. Esikuri Date: 18-Oct-2011 Approved By: Regional Safeguards Coordinator: Name: Francis V. Fragano (RSA) Date: 20-Oct-2011 Comments: Sector Manager: Name: Karin Erika Kemper (SM) Date: 09-Nov-2011 Comments: