1. Introduction to the Project

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2 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction to the Project Project justication Project location Project description Planning approval process Public participation process (PPP) Key environmental issues Key social issues Resettlement and livelihoods Terms of reference Conclusion

3 1. Introduction to the Project The Administração Regional de Águas do Sul (ARA-Sul) proposes to implement the Building Climate Resilience in the Limpopo Basin in Mozambique project, which will be funded by the African Development Bank. This Project aims to improve climate change resilience of communities, infrastructure and livelihoods in the lower Limpopo River basin by better management of water resources during flood and dry conditions. The Project combines flood mitigation, irrigation development and power production, which address important local, regional and national objectives in reducing flood risks, contributing to food security and increasing energy availability within the country. A major Project component is to develop a dam and reservoir on the Limpopo River. A number of engineering feasibility and alternative site selection studies were undertaken and a proposed dam site near Mapai was identified as the best option based on engineering, cost, environmental and social aspects. ARA-Sul has now commissioned an independent consultant to undertake detailed environmental and social studies, and to prepare an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report and associated management plans. As part of the approval process a Estudo de Pré-viabilidade Ambiental e Definição de Âmbito (EPDA), or scoping report must be prepared and made available for public consultation. The purpose of the Scoping report is to identify any potential fatal flaws, possible positive and negative impacts, and project alternatives, and to determine the terms of reference for specialist studies to be conducted. The scoping report identifies a range of issues that will need to be investigated including the main potential adverse and beneficial impacts, mitigation measures and opportunities for positive enhancements. The full Scoping report is available at the Mapai and Chicualacuala District Administrative centres or on 2. Project justication The Resilience Project will provide an adaptive response to hydrological variability, thereby allowing improved access to water during dry periods and more effective management of flood flows. In addition the Project will supply up to 52 MW to the national grid and allow significant expansion of irrigated cropland. The Limpopo climate resilience Project is consistent with Mozambique s national policies and strategic frameworks, and has the potential to be a major asset for adaptation to the increasing hydrological extremes and enhancing climate change resilience. It will have important socioeconomic effects in Mozambique, especially in the Gaza Province, through the mitigation of extreme floods and drought impacts, provision of water for hydropower, irrigation, and other multi-purpose benefits including mechanisms for local benefit sharing and improved social equity. It will also ensure environmental flows are managed and maintained. 3. Project location The proposed Mapai dam and reservoir are located on the Limpopo River near Mapai, approximately 85 kilometres (km) from the Pafuri border with Zimbabwe. The Limpopo National Park is located on the western site of the reservoir and the main national road and railway linking Mozambique to Zimbawbe are located to the east (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). The study area falls within the districts of Chicualacuala and Mapai in the province of Gaza. There are 11 villages in Chicualacuala and 10 villages in Mapai that may be directly affected by the Proposal. 3

4 Figure 1 Site location 4

5 Figure 2 Site details 5

6 4. Project description Important Project parameters are: The proposed reservoir will be approximately 60 km long, with an average width of approximately 5 km. The reservoir will have a storage capacity of 68,370 megalitres (ML) and a surface area of 350 square kilometres (km 2 ). A compacted earth fill dam wall with concrete spillway will be 3.17 km long and 52.0 meters (m) high. A saddle dam will be located on the right bank, with a crest length of 155 m. Approximately 15 million cubic metres of quarried material will be required to construct the dam wall. A power plant will be located at the toe of the dam with a maximum output of 52 megawatts (MW). Other infrastructure includes construction camp, workshops and offices. The dam spillway has been designed to accommodate a 1 in 2,000 year flood event, however the auxillary spillway will safeguard the dam up to a 1 in 5,000 year flood event. Construction is expected to take approximately four years and require up to 500 workers. During this time affected people will be resettled to new areas and the reservoir area prepared for filling, which will take approximately two years after construction is completed. Construction areas will be rehabilitated and a 350 meter buffer zone established around the perimeter of the reservoir. The dam will be operated to provide for irrigation, power production and to ensure maintenance of downstream flows. 6

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8 5. Planning approval process Planning and development of the Project will be in accordance with Mozambique regulatory requirements, policies and international agreements, as well as Afrcian Development Bank and relevant international guidelines. The Resilience Project is categorised as Category A and a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) must be prepared by independent consultants for consideration and authorisation by the Ministry of Land, Environment and Rural Development (MITADER). The overall aim of the ESIA is to identify and assess potential environmental and social impacts associated with the life of the Project, in order to support a decision by MITADER. The ESIA process is divided into four distinct stages, namely: 1. Screening: EIA Pre-assessment Application All major developments must be screened in order to determine the process for environmental impact assessment. The screening process involves the submission of a Screening Report (Instrução do Processo) together with an Environmental Application Form (Ficha de Informação Ambiental Preliminar) to MITADER, specifically to the Provincial Directorate of Land, Environment and Rural Development (Direcção Provincial da Terra, Ambiente e Desenvolvimento Rural DPTADER) and National Directorate of Environment - DINAB). The screening report for the Project was submitted on 31 st March Scoping: Environmental Pre-Feasibility and Scoping An Environmental Pre-feasibility and Scoping Study (Estudo de Pré-Viabilidade Ambiental e Definição de Âmbito EPDA) has been prepared (this report) with the main aim of: Determining any fatal flaws and the most significant potential environmental and social impacts associated with the development of the proposed Project; Developing the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the ESIA, with input from study team specialists; and Consultation with stakeholders, so as to ensure that the ESIA process is focused on key issues. The draft EPDA report and non-technical summary will be made available for stakeholder comment at a number of locations such as district authority offices (Mapai and Chicualacuala) and DPTADER based in Xai Xai, as well as other physical locations to be confirmed. Direct s will be largely used to forward the documents to stakeholders The non-technical summary will be distributed with formal letters of invitation to stakeholders and will contain a summary of the proposed project, and the ESIA and associated public participation process. It will be compiled in Portuguese and distributed to Stakeholders prior to the Scoping Phase public meetings and will include a comment sheet allowing stakeholders to provide initial comment and formally register as a stakeholder. Following consultation the EPDA report will be submitted to MITADER for approval. 3. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) The ESIA stage comprises a number of steps that collectively assess the manner in which the proposed project will interact with elements of the physical, biological, and socio-economic environments. The ESIA will evaluate what mitigation measures are required so as to avoid or reduce impacts. Based on a balanced view of the advantages and disadvantages of the Project, the ESIA will make a recommendation as to whether the Project should be authorised. 8

9 Issues identified during the Scoping Phase will be assessed in the ESIA report, so as to understand what receptors and resources will be significantly affected by the Project. It will also describe baseline conditions that will influence the assessment of both social and environmental impacts. Specialist studies will: Identify the key conditions and sensitivities in areas potentially affected by the proposed Project; Provide a basis for extrapolation of the current situation, and development of future scenarios without the proposed Project; Provide information to aid the prediction and evaluation of possible impacts of the proposed Project; Understand stakeholder concerns, perceptions and expectations regarding the proposed Project; Facilitate the development of appropriate mitigation measures; and Provide a benchmark against which future changes and the effectiveness of mitigation measures can be assessed. 4. Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) ESMPs will be developed for the construction, operation and decommissioning phases of the project, so as to effectively implement the recommended mitigation measures identified during the ESIA. ESMPs will generally include the following: An environmental vision and associated strategies; High level measures and actions to be adopted to ensure that strategies are met; Procedures for specific action programmes and plans; Monitoring procedures, including environmental auditing; Risk and emergency response plan; An environmental awareness and education programme; A compensation and offset programme to address irreversible impacts; and A demobilisation and rehabilitation plan. 6. Public participation process (PPP) The PPP is a regulatory requirement and is designed to ensure that the views of stakeholders are taken into account in determining the terms of reference of the EIA and are reported throughout the ESIA process. The objective of public participation is to ensure the assessment is robust, transparent and has considered the full range of issues. Detailed stakeholder engagement usually starts during the present scoping phase and will continue throughout the assessment, ensuring that legislative requirements and Project standards are met, that stakeholder concerns are addressed in the assessment and that sources of existing information and expertise are identified. Specific objectives of the PPP are to: Provide sufficient, accessible and transparent information in a timely manner to enable stakeholders to understand the project and its potential impacts; Identify issues of concern and suggestions for enhanced benefits, and to obtain contributions of local knowledge and experience; 9

10 Consider comments and suggestions to be evaluated in the Terms of Reference (ToRs) for the ESIA; Support an open and inclusive social dialogue, and identify stakeholder s perceptions and expectations; Engage vulnerable groups; Inform the establishment of a grievance and redress mechanism as part of the complaints procedure; and Ensure compliance with national regulations. Consultation activities: Meetings will be conducted in Portuguese and Changane as required. When deemed appropriate, women in the project team will conduct the meetings in Changane to welcome the engagement of other women and facilitate this process. The communication materials available at the meetings will be selected according to the type of meeting and the target audience to ensure that messages are clearly understood by all. Meetings will be supported by relevant posters and illustrations. Comments and responses: Each public participation event will be designed to be inclusive and record attendee s details. Relevant Project team members will be involved in the meetings to ensure that particular focus is given to the vulnerable groups and women s engagement in the process. All comments will be captured, recorded and analysed. An Issues and Response Report (IRR), and Public Participation Report (PPR) will be produced to accompany the main ESIA report. 7. Key environmental issues Preliminary studies have identified a number of potential Project impacts and risks related to the Biophysical and social environments. These can be broardly summarised as follows: Air quality, noise, water quality and waste Construction and materials transport will generate potentially significant impacts that may affect the environment and people. These will be carefully assessed and mitigation measures recommended to ensure impacts are within accepted regulatory and guideline requirements. Water resources - Flow releases will need to be managed to protect river flow patterns, which are important for maintaining downstream ecological resources and current water uses. Many of the potential water impacts are likely to be beneficial, as the river flow will be regulated so that it can be used more effectively and benefit a larger number of people. Climate Change vulnerability - Mozambique is extremely vulnerable to climate variability and change. Drought, severe flooding, and coastal storms have damaging impacts and are expected to increase in severity and frequency. It is likely that climate and weather variability will increase and coupled with developments in the upstream portions of the international catchment this may further increase the variability of surface water flows. The project s resilience will be appraised against current and projected climate risks, and capacity to realise potential opportunities. Recommendations for improving climate resilience over the Project s operational lifetime will be provided. Flood and Drought Risk Management - The lower reaches of the Limpopo river basin in Mozambique are prone to devastating floods that damage infrastructure and undermine people s livelihoods. The assessment will consider how flood management can be best achieved, and will plan project activities with mitigation measures to minimise the risks. The study will review the implications of the project for disaster risk reduction and management by assessing the vulnerability of the lower reaches of Limpopo to disasters related to natural 10

11 hydrological variations increased by climate change effects and the areas stricken by frequent flooding causing major damages. Biodiversity There are a number of regional conservation areas, however intial studies indicate that the Project area does not form an important wildlife link between these areas (Figure 4). The Project area has been extensively cleared and there are limited areas of natural vegetation and fauna habitat. No rare or endangered species have been recorded. The river is habitat to a small number of fish species, however fish numbers have have been depleted by overfishing and increased drought periods (Figure 5). The Project is likely to improve biodiversity due to the creation of a significant water body attracting local species and improved catchment management activities, includinjg rehabilitation of forest areas around the reservoir perimeter. Regulating downstream flows will also improve biodiversity during drought conditions and major flood conditions. 11

12 Figure 4 Protected areas 12

13 Figure 5 Habitat distribution 13

14 8. Key social issues The study area falls within the districts of Chicualacuala and Mapai in the province of Gaza, which are among the least developed districts in Mozambique. Important activities include small scale agriculture, raising of cattle and other small animals, and exploitation of forest and wildlife resources. There are 21 villages within the Project affected area and approximately 10,000 people will be affectd by the Project (Figure 6 and Figure 7). Economic Important economic activities relate to natural resources (land for agriculture, water and forests), physical resources (roads, railway), financial resources (sale of livestock, cash crops and forestry products), human resources (skills in agro-livestock techniques, health personnel and veterinarians) and social resources (churches, NGOs, savings groups, traditional resource management systems and women's income generating groups). Major issues relate to: Lack of irrigation systems, financial resources for support and agro-processing units; Inadequate public infrastructure including poor access roads, unreliable communication services, limited power connections; and Cyclical droughts and floods are significant constraints to agriculture. There will be potentially significant beneficial impacts as a result of the project, including improved access to irrigation, regulation of flood waters and economic stimulus due to employment opportunities and improved business opportunities. Crop and livestock production - Subsistence rain-fed agriculture is carried out with each family requiring an average of 1 to 1.5 hectares (ha) of land per agricultural season. Livestock commonly includes cattle, goats and pigs and small animals such as chickens. The reliance on agriculture will be determined during the detailed population survey and included in the assessment of compensation and resettlement. Local Amenities and Services in Chicualacuala and Mapai districts Schools: There are 49 schools, ranging from primary to secondary, as well as 29 voluntary operated literacy centres that cater for literacy and adult education. Health services: Services are scarce and include 1 Hospital, 2 Health centres, 1 First aid station and 15 Community Offices that provide first-aid. In some villages in the project area, formal infrastructure and health services are practically non-existent. This situation is filled at the local level by the recurrence of traditional medicine services. Water, sanitation and waste: Water for domestic and stock is sourced from hand pump wells, surface storages (holes) and dykes. Many of the wells are faultly and domestic water is prone to contamination from unregulated waste disposal. Most people lack access to basic sanitation facilities. Solid waste is done at the individual level and is typically burned, buried near the household or accumulated in identified places. Electricity: Both districts are connected to the national grid, however less than 1% of the population has access to electricity. The main sources of energy are paraffin and kerosene, followed by candlestick and firewood. Transport: A main national road (N221) and railway are located east of the Project site. Unsealed local and regional roads service villages and larger town centres. Approximately 52 km of Road N222 is affected by the proposed Project and will need to be realigned. Other roads may be used for access for plant and material access during construction. The ESIA will assess the loss of public infrastructure and recommendations made for replacement and/or improvements. 14

15 Figure 6 Administrative centres and villages 15

16 Figure 7 Infrastructure 16

17 Health and safety: Health and Safety (H&S) issues will be significant on a project of this scale, with potential for accidents and spread of infectious diseases. Health impacts may occur not only on the reservoir site but also upstream, downstream, and at national or even regional levels. The detailed socio-economic survey will identify the baseline conditions including the health facilities available in areas around the Project area. Initial review indicates a scarcity of health facilities with limited capacity for maternal and child care, and HIV and AIDS services. Impact assessment will therefore need to identify any additional requirements for health care infrastructure and education programs needed to inform the public about health and safety risks. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology: Cultural sites identified include 13 common graves, a number of historical sites and archaelological sites. The ESIA will consider how the Project will potentially impact on cultural heritage and archaeology with a focus on tangible sites. A cultural heritage and archaeology plan will be prepared to outline key responsibilities and measures to comply with Mozambican legislation and international industry good practice and requirements applicable to the protection and preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. 9. Resettlement and livelihoods Twenty one (21) villages and approximately 10,000 Project Affected People (PAP) may be directly affected by the Project. The project will therefore lead to involuntary resettlement of people and livelihoods, and a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) will need to be developed in compliance with national legislation as well as Africa Development Bank requirements. Detailed Socio-economic and asset surveys will be undertaken to confirm the number of PAP and document affected livelihoods and assets. Livelihood restoration measures will take into account the current livelihood practices of the affected households and also existing livelihood-improvement government programs both in the areas of impact and proposed relocation. A Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP) will be included with the resettlement Action Plan (RAP) to be implemented in future studies. i. Impact on public infrastructure The Proposal will have direct impacts on public infrastructure such as water sources, schools, health centres, etc. Replacement of these infrastructure in an appropriate timeframe is necessary to ensure continuance of these services. ii. Livelihood restoration Initial studies indicate that farming is the major source of livelihood for people in the project area. Farming is mostly practiced along the river banks, which are characterised by fertile soils and a reliable water supply from the river. The proposed reservoir will lead to loss of fertile farmland for people in 21 villages. In addition, there will be loss of livelihoods in terms of fishing through loss of access to the river during the construction period. A Livelihood Restoration Plan will fully document these potential losses and propose a range of mitigation measures to ensure People s livelihoods are maintained, and if possible enhanced as a result of the Project. iii. Identification of resettlement land It will be important to identify suitable resettlement land for affected communities. This process will be spearheaded by ARA-Sul, who will coordinate with the authorities at the different government levels to identify suitable land for resettlement. The negotiations between the host communities will also be undertaken by government authorities. Also important is the reinstatement of public infrastructure such as water sources, schools, health facilities etc. in the resettlement areas. 17

18 iv. Impact on the use of natural resources Communities currently rely on the surrounding shrubs, reeds and wild trees for firewood, construction materials, wild fruits and local medicine. They also depend on the uninhabited land for grazing their animals. In addition, many of them depend on the river for water supply and fishing activities. The proposal will negatively impact on these resources and alternative resources will need to be canvassed. v. Public disclosure of resettlement information It is important to inform the affected communities about the possibility of resettlement at an early stage of the Project. However, experience shows that there is often a long period between public disclosure of information related to resettlement and actual implementation of the project and the resettlement. This makes it difficult to define the actual cut-off date, whereby no additional people moving into the affected area or property/asset improvements will be compensated. Furthermore, it becomes difficult for the communities to continue living a normal life before actual displacement. vi. Resettlement committees The Mozambican legislation as well as the AfDB safeguard policies provide for resettlement committees. The composition of the committees and their functions are well defined in the Regulations for the Resettlement Process Resulting from Economic Activities Decree 31/2012 of 8 August. Some members of the committees will be involved in the preparation of the RAP. The committees will also be instrumental in the identification of resettlement land and negotiations with host communities. Building their capacity will be of great importance to successful implementation of the RAP. 10. Terms of reference The EPDA report also provides a Terms of Reference (ToR) for progressing with environmental and social studies and preparation of an ESIA report and associated management plans. The purpose of the ToR is to set out the technical approach and methodology for addressing environmental and social aspects relating to the Mapai dam Project. Specialist impact assessment studies will address baseline conditions, Project impact assessment, recommended mitigation measures and residual risk assessment. Speciis areas of study include the following: Air Quality Noise Water Resources (surface and groundwater water) Environmental Flow Management Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Flood and Drought Risk Management Flora and Fauna Socio-economic Environment Resettlement and Livelihoods Occupational Health and Safety Cultural Heritage and Archaeology Geology and Soils Land Quality and Waste Management Landscape, Visual Amenity and Lighting Transport, Traffic and Access 11. Conclusion The proposed Mapai dam Project will generate significant benefits to the local and regional communities, as well as to the economic prosperity of Mozambique. The Project aims will improve climate change resilience of communities, infrastructure and livelihoods in the lower Limpopo River 18

19 basin by better management of water resources during flood and dry conditions. There will also be tangible benefits related to improved irrigation and food security opportunities, as well as providing energy to the national power grid. Preliminary studies have been undertaken and a number of important Project uissues identified, including: There are 21 villages within the Project footprint and a current estimate of 10,000 people may be directly affected by the Project. This will require detailed socio-economic and asset surveys, identification of relocation areas and preparation of a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP). Project integration with other projects, including the Limpopo National Park (PNL) resettlement project. Initial review indicates that PNL has undertaken planning activities to relocate people within a small part of the proposed reservoir. The proposed reservoir and infrastructure will encroach on a designated conservation area The Limpopo National Park The Park is managed by the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), who will be responsible for issuance of a special licence. Relocation of public infrastructure including an important regional road that currently runs through the proposed reservoir area. Regional wildlife corridors between important conservation areas. Construction issues associated with air quality, noise, water management, water quality and social distruption. Operational issues associated with maintenance of environmental flows, catachment management and flood control. In accordance with Mozambique planning regulatory requirements a Estudo de Pré-viabilidade Ambiental e Definição de Âmbito (EPDA), or scoping report has been prepared, which is now available for public comment. This report identifies: Any potential fatal flaws, possible positive and negative impacts, and project alternatives, and planning approval requirements. A range of issues that will need to be investigated including the main potential adverse and beneficial impacts, mitigation measures and opportunities for positive enhancements. The report also presents the Terms of Reference for preparing the ESIA report. A copy of the scoping report can be viewed online at????, or at the following locations: 19